The Military Popover
It’s funny how fashion’s cyclic ways unexpectedly allow the revival of long unworn garments. This military popover is a perfect example: after purchasing it back in 2007 while living in Brazil, it slowly fell into oblivion as my own sense of style evolved throughout the years. Although I wore it seldomly, it was one of those items that survived the many wardrobe purges that followed. The truth is, I found myself sporting it several times this year, be it for its military or popover perks, which make it extremely versatile to dress up or down. Here I went for a more relaxed approach pairing with a tee and white jeans, while adding a bit of panache with the floral bandana and grained leather double monks.
Details: military popover shirt by Osklen, crewneck tee by Levi’s, jeans by Massimo Dutti, grained leather double monks by Meermin, tortoise aviators by Linda Farrow Luxe, floral bandana by Asos and watch by Bell & Ross.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Rome: last day
The sunny last day provided me the chance to sport the newly purchased Borsalino I had been wanting to get my hands on for ages. Deciding on the color definitely posed a challenge due to the amount of different hues of grey, green and blue available, just mind blowing…Ultimately, and as it was my very first fedora I ended up going with the good old navy version. Its darker shade provided the right amount of contrast when paired with the camel peacoat, pink candy stripe oxford and summery white jeans.
Most of the times I dress by heart, instead of overly thinking about mixing and matching I throw on pieces that go well together, and that was just the case here - the fun part about this look is the number of distinct patterns working in harmony: vertical stripes on the shirt, horizontal stripes on the belt, polka dots on the tie and paisley on the scarf. However, due the different shades and scales (most of them are on accessories), none is overpowering when you look at the whole picture.
Details: camel peacoat by Our Legacy, pink candy stripe oxford button down shirt by Our Legacy, white slim fit jeans by Massimo Dutti, navy fedora by Borsalino, aviators by Ray-Ban, navy polka dot silk knit tie by Carolina Herrera, burgundy paisley scarf by Zara and striped ribbon belt by Purificacion Garcia.
Shot @ Piazza di Spagna, Rome
Rome: day 3 - Vintage finds
After checking all the high end labels located in Via Condotti and Veneto, we indulged on one of my favourite hobbies: vintage shop browsing. I can get lost for hours in these places and Rome was a pleasant surprise, offering a great selection of pieces at affordable prices and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met (more on that later). I’ve been looking for a suede bomber for a while and this one immediately caught my eye hanging amidst waxed Barbour jackets and Burberry trenches: mint condition, snug fit, outstanding camel shade and a €65,00 price tag, perfect. Paired with white jeans it’s a tough one to beat…green sweatshirt for that contrast shade and an unexpected twist with the burgundy scarf creating an extra layer at the waist. Not to be worn everyday, but it’s nice to experiment and think out the box for a change…
Details: vintage camel suede bomber jacket, garden green great sweat by Our Legacy, grey crewneck tee by Levi’s, white slim fit jeans by Massimo Dutti, aviators by Ray Ban, watch by Gucci, bracelets by street vendor and burgundy paisley scarf by Zara.
Shot @ Tiber River, Trastevere, Rome
Ethnic Pattern Mix
If you’re acquainted with Our Legacy’s latest creations you’ve certainly recognized this Ethnic Arrow Shirt from their AW11 collection. Although it’s most definitely one of their strongest pieces to date, it’s also a challenge to mix and match, due to the tablecloth fabric and iconic print. Here I used it as an overshirt and inverted the usual layering order, throwing a solid v-neck cashmere sweater underneath it. Keeping up the patterned theme, the fair isle socks add an amazing twist to the whole look, imbuing the slate grey creased trousers with a new found life.
Details: ethnic arrow shirt by Our Legacy, cashmere v-neck sweater by Massimo Dutti, crewneck tee by Levi’s, creased trousers by Boglioli, fair isle wool socks by H&M, two-toned suede boat shoes by Buttero, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Gucci.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
Farewell sunny days
While Winter has finally caught up with us, the atypical seasonal weather still allowed me to sport one of my favourite looks. As I mentioned earlier, wearing a blazer in hot weather calls for the right choice of fabric. This herringbone linen blazer from Gentleman Tailors in a brownish shade with slight hints of blue is definitely one of this year’s winners: lightweight, breathable and perfectly tailored to my liking, it’s full of small outstanding details such as two toned functional cuff buttons, patch pockets and paisley inner lining for added flare. It’s a perfect match for the navy/wine check short sleeve button down, which adds depth and pattern to the look. White jeans balance the whole outfit out and look great with the greyish suede espadrilles. Accessories add the final touch through the silk pocket square capturing the shirt’s essence, braided leather belt and timeless watch.
Combining some of my best last season purchases, it exudes a sophisticated nonchalance, perfectly in tune with that relaxed summery vibe.
Herringbone linen blazer by Gentleman, checked shirt by Our Legacy, jeans by Massimo Dutti, suede espadrilles by n.d.c., sunglasses by Rayban (aviators), silver string by Goti, pocket square (vintage), belt (vintage), bracelet (street vendor) and watch by Baume and Mercier (Classima Executive)
Pea(k)cocking
There’s no denying that our mood is strongly influenced by the weather, be it in a positive or negative manner. Usually, when waking up to a sun-shiny day, you brighten up, put a smile on your face and feel an urge to dress accordingly: no wonder color makes an appearance this time of the year…
This look is all about celebrating those days through color and bold pieces. The thing I love the most about it, besides the color scheme and refined, yet relaxed feel, is the fact that it blends several statement items in a balanced, sophisticated outcome. When going for louder items such as this multicolored stripe shirt, I usually advise caution and toning the rest of the outfit down a notch; however, if you’re willing to risk it, adding yet another strong piece to the mix may elevate a look to the next level.
Although the idea of mixing stripes and polka dots may seem daunting at first, the matching tones and differentiated scale of the patterns work perfectly together. To smooth things down, a two button navy unstructured sportscoat with a twist: the peak lapel, adding an Italian vibe. Light, fitted and presenting brilliant details such as the satin applications on the flap pockets, this has definitely become one of my favourites. Rolled up white jeans and suede espadrilles further emphasize the summery, relaxed feel.
Two button unstructured navy cotton/silk peak lapel sportscoat by Adam Kimmel (S - tailored), multicolored dress shirt by Paul Smith (M), white slim fit jeans by Massimo Dutti (31x32), suede espadrilles by n.d.c., polka dot silk tie by Vicri, glasses by Prada.
Rain attire: the lightweight parka
Although Spring is officially upon us, we’re still a few months aways from continuous sunny days. Even with the temperatures rising, Spring showers are well reported phenomena which call for specific garments.
Apart from the ever reliable umbrella, this time of the year is perfect for lightweight parkas or cotton trenches, whose purpose is more focused on keeping you dry rather than warm. One of the best things about these items is how easily they adapt to your outfit: as the final layers, you can effortlessly pair them with just a shirt and tie, a full suit, a blazer or a heavy knit cardigan. Given how light and thin they tend to be, they make for a great layering alternative to top your usual attire. Just bear in mind at the time of purchase, that the size and fit should reflect your needs, that is, if you’re planning to wear a blazer underneath, you might want to size up.
When it comes to this type of outerwear, I tend to favour pieces on the longer side, sitting at the hips, due to the slim silhouette and extra rain protection (for added emphasis on the silhouette, look for belted options). On this note, this waxed olive cotton parka makes for the ultimate rain attire for those pesky rainy days…Love how the shades of tan on the drawstrings, scarf and boots perfectly complement each other.
PS: I’ve been wanting to include my dog in a post for some time now, and the chance presented when she gladly entered the picture as we were shooting.
Olive waxed cotton parka by Our Legacy (M), brown v-neck cashmere/silk sweater by Massimo Dutti (M), checked shirt by Boglioli (hidden-40), jeans by Levi’s 511 slim (32 tailored), waxed leather Portuguese boots (44), vintage braided belt, camel scarf by Burberry and glasses by Prada.
The low V-neck sweater
One of the most important aspects when it comes to knitwear, besides fabric and cut, is the shape of the collar. Among all the available options, the v-neck sweater is probably the most elegant and versatile of the bunch, being easily dressed up or down as you pair it with a tee or a shirt and tie. Make no mistake, not all V-necks are created equal, and within the spectrum you’re offered several variations: higher, lower, wider…
A higher stance V is the most common type, but I’d like to express my love for the low V-neck sweater. In colder months when layering is a necessity, and walking out the door with nothing but a shirt under your jacket will most likely turn you into a popsicle, this is one of my favourite pieces. Its lower and wider stance allows you to portray the shirt+jacket ensemble (while keeping warm) as it’s easily concealed by your outerwear. Plus, if you’re a fan of neckwear, few other pieces allow you to show just the right amount of shirt and tie, while keeping them perfectly framed.
When looking for this type of sweater I believe it’s best to go with thicker fabrics, with some shape to them, as very lightweight, thin fabrics may end up looking loose and baggy, depriving them of the elegance and framing assets. Scottish brand Lyle & Scott offers some great options in outstanding quality wools which are definitely worth checking. Here, I paired mine with a navy peacoat and a shirt+tie combination, stressing the aforementioned framing effect and drawing attention towards the tie. Also, this is the kind of Winter day when you should throw on your white jeans: sunny and freezing cold.
Navy melange peacoat by Paul Smith, greyish blue low v-neck sweater by Lyle & Scott, striped dress shirt by Carolina Herrera, white slim fitting jeans by Massimo Dutti, brown brogues by Henry James Shoes, sunglasses by Ray Ban (aviators), vintage tie, argyle socks by Calzedonia.
