The Strap Ankle Boot
There’s an underlying elegance in leather strap footwear: monks for instance, be they single or double convey a characteristic poise enhanced by the belt-like fastening and metal buckles. As in so many other pieces, those small details make a whole lot of difference…
While looking for a more classic boot, reminiscent of the Chelsea and versatile enough to sport with jeans, chinos or slacks, I came across this version from Carlos Santos. Perfect height sitting at the ankle, beautiful shade of brown leather, Goodyear welted soles and featuring a strap fastening that instantly caught my eye. The sleek silhouette is balanced by the metal buckles and leather straps making them appropriate for dressing up or down according to your mood or preference. The perfect allrounder that was missing from my footwear collection, these will be on heavy rotation to achieve that perfect worn in effect.
Details: herringbone cotton jacket by Boglioli, MTO Thomas Mason Bespoke shirt, white jeans by Massimo Dutti, ankle boots by Carlos Santos, vintage silk pocket square and braided leather belt and watch by Daniel Wellington.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
The Belted Cardigan
A variation on the classic cardigan which follows a similar path to that of Macs and Trenches, the belted cardigan has been turning heads ever since its debut. Originally associated with heavy knit versions for the colder months, it has now evolved into lighter alternatives easily sported during Summertime. The simple introduction of the belt grants the cardigan a whole new feeling and fashionable aura, while portraying a slimmer silhouette capable of persuading the remaining few who still view it as something for their grandads.
This kimono inspired version from CAMO was probably my first purchase from the Italian brand and is also one of my favourites. Although one’s individual taste is bound to change and adapt, I think I’ve reached a point when I’m perfectly capable of defining the core elements of my individual style and its eclectic boundaries. When I first saw this cardigan I fell in love immediately, knowing however it would be closer to those boundaries…it proved me wrong. The elegant fit, superb weaving details and clean trimmings make it perfect to dress up or down, working as well over a tee as with a shirt and tie combo.
Details: navy/camel circus cardigan by CAMO, washed denim shirt by Hentsch Man, oxford cotton pants by Massimo Dutti, striped ring belt by Purificacion Garcia and crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Denim Bowtie
My love for accessories has led me to a point where I almost feel naked without neckwear, and although ties are my go to choice, bows are a great way to give your outfit a different twist. I recently came across Federico Bateli’s bowties while searching for a different take on this quintessential piece of gentlemanly attire, and I must say his interpretations are quite unique and the perfect way to pack a punch. As I’ve mentioned before I like to break them down, so when I saw this faded denim version by Untitled it immediately caught my eye: light washed denim with an uneven distressed effect at the ends, superb. This time around, I decided to carry on the washed effect theme and simply pair it with stonewashed jeans, an oxford button down and blazer. By the way, a nice tip for when you grow tired of dark jeans: have them stonewashed, but be sure to specify the end result you’re looking for…this pair was falling into oblivion and has now become one of my favourites.
Details: cotton patch pocket blazer by Massimo Dutti, cotton cardigan by H&M, oxford button down by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Our Legacy (stonewashed), suede boat shoes by Buttero, denim bowtie by Untitled, MTO tartan pocket square, vintage braided leather belt, watch by Gucci, bracelets by Viola Milano and polka dot socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Olive and Brown
Judging by the gloomy last couple of weeks, it seems Spring is postponing its arrival. Apart from rain, I must say I’m not as fed up with the weather as most of my fellow countrymen who by now, can only picture themselves lying in the sun. I see it as a few more opportunities to play around with garments, layering and mixing them to create unique looks; let’s face it: cold weather attires allow for much more intricate and appealing combinations, in a way, than summery ones.
Although I like to bend the rules of “what to wear when”, especially when it comes to the color palette, sometimes it’s nice to go with the flow and address seasonal shades. These twill CAMO trousers in a beautiful olive shade were one of the most surprising items of the season: high waisted, long crotch, slim fitting and featuring and array of details such as inner buttons for suspenders and button patch pockets, they provide an extremely flattering silhouette. The waxed denim trucker was one of those unexpected finds at Zara, a unique piece that fits perfectly as a layering element under a blazer. A classic white oxford button down to brighten the mood, houndstooth tie picking up on the brown and olive shades and waxed suede derby shoes embodying that usual Buttero roughness.
Details: herringbone wool blazer by Gentleman, waxed denim trucker jacket by Zara, oxford button down by Our Legacy, twill pants by CAMO, waxed wool lined suede shoes by Buttero, cashmere houndstooth tie by Massimo Dutti, houndstooth pocket square by Tie Rack, vintage braided leather belt and wool socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Want - Massimo Dutti Piquet Cotton Blazer
The Over-Polo Shirt
I’ve always seen polo shirts as the perfect tee alternative come Summer time, when you want to look a bit more put together but still exuding a casual and relaxed mood. The long sleeve polo just didn’t do it for me; I couldn’t quite figure why wear them instead of an outstanding pullover or knit. Well, as life often proves us wrong, here’s yet another example of a garment I couldn’t picture myself wearing and has now become one of my favourites…
This “Over-Polo” is not your average long sleeve polo shirt with a 3 button closure: Massimo Dutti clearly took these up a notch adding a zip closure perfect to show just the right amount of your shirt and tie combo, as well as a tab button closure should the wind catch you off-guard. Coming in a beautiful hunter green shade with contrasting brown suede detailing on the zip and tab, it’s just a matter of choosing the right complements to pull it off…
Details: safari jacket by Purificacion Garcia, long sleeve polo shirt by Massimo Dutti, snow wash oxford button down by Our Legacy, MTM 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman Tailors, camo boat shoes by Asos, MTO tartan tie, braided leather bracelet by Add On and watch by Rolex.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Sunny Holidays
So it’s true that Portugal’s been going through some rough times with the crisis and all, but I believe that one of the things that keeps people going is our climate. Even if you’re broke, being able to take a walk down the seaside during a beautiful sunny day right before Christmas, is something that gets your spirits up. It definitely felt nice to strip a few layers down and roll the sleeves up while making use of seasonal fabrics. This vintage flannel button down was an instant grab due to the soft touch and bright color, a perfect winter alternative that can be worn by itself or as an overshirt. I have a thing for mixing garments with different levels of formality, taking them out of context either by breaking them down or dressing them up. The casual flannel shirt was a blank canvas for a put together look featuring a fitted denim gilet, cashmere tie, classic pocket square and dub monks…
Details: denim gilet by CAMO, vintage flannel button down, jeans and cashmere tie by Massimo Dutti, grained leather double monks by Meermin, black tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, MTO pocket square, vintage braided leather belt and watch by Daniel Wellington.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
