Rome: day 2 - A brother’s tribute
After greeting us with a sunny first day, the city suddenly became filled with a grayish tone and the cold and rain made an appearance. Time to throw on the only piece of outerwear I had packed, a camel wool peacoat I had been trying to snatch from my brother’s closet ever since he got it: thankfully a few weeks earlier we reached an agreement… When it comes to outerwear, few other pieces carry the undeniable classiness of a peak lapel double breasted camel peacoat. It was only after a couple of hours that I realized my attire was comprised of several items my brother handed over to me: peacoat, jeans and cotton shopper, so I guess in a way, this is a tribute to him. Love how the camel, denim and dark green shades on the bag, socks and recently purchased watch strap all come perfectly together…
Details: peak lapel double breasted camel wool peacoat by Our Legacy, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim - tailored), distressed brown penny loafers by Lottusse, aviators by Ray-Ban, paisley burgundy scarf by Zara, watch by Gucci (NATO strap by Smart Turnout), cotton shopper by Driftwood Collective and polka dot socks by Zara.
Shot @ Piazza Farnese, Rome
Rome: 1st day
Deciding on what to pack for a week long getaway while fulfilling Ryanair’s cabin luggage requirements can prove to be a real pain in the ass. Faced with a miniature trolley and a 10kg weight limit, you better plan ahead: my selection was comprised of a knit cardigan, a couple of v-neck sweaters, oxford shirts, jeans and cargo pants, a camel peacoat, ties, sneakers, boat shoes and loafers. Carefully packed, I managed to get several different looks and still save some space for some “unexpected” shopping. The first day was also the hottest, so a simple combination of Levi’s with an oxford button down and sneakers did the trick. The military tucked regimental tie works perfectly with rolled up sleeves and the cotton shopper, besides light, was enough to carry around my belongings.
Details: pink candy striped oxford button down by Our Legacy, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim - tailored), dark green leather sneakers by Buttero, aviators by Ray-Ban, regimental silk tie by Ralph Lauren, cotton shopper by Driftwood Collective, vintage braided leather belt, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Gucci.
Shot @ Piazza del Popolo, Rome
Spring Showers
There’s a reason why every “Spring Essentials List” has a lightweight technical or waxed parka in it. Despite the outstanding last couple of days, the season has a special way of catching you off guard as we’re still in for several rainy days, the so called spring showers. Although waterproof technical fabrics are a great alternative, I can’t help to be drawn by the look and feel of waxed garments and mind you, Barbour is not the only way to go. This olive waxed cotton parka by Our Legacy is a favourite, lightweight and unlined, it’s perfect to throw over a shirt and cardigan when low temperatures are not an issue. Besides the parka which is a statement piece by itself, l love how all the little details come together: the shirt and cardigan shades complement the paisley on the tie and the boots and belt match the adjustable leather drawstrings on the parka.
Details: waxed cotton parka by Our Legacy, contrast club collar shirt (custom made) by Gentleman, cashmere houndstooth elbow patched cardigan by Annapurna 5+1, Levi’s 511 slim (tailored), waxed leather portuguese boots, black tortoise aviators by Linda Farrow Luxe, paisley cotton tie by Tie Rack and braided leather belt by Acne.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
Déjà Vu?
Finding that perfect piece you’ve been longing for is becoming an ever increasing task and might pose more of a challenge than it seems. Be it fit, cut, fabric or color, there are a number of variables which may be off putting and dictate whether or not you’ll end up purchasing a garment. Sometimes the thrill of the chase makes it all the more special once you find it, whereas other times it might prove to be exasperating.
As such, one of the things I tend to do besides carefully selecting my purchases, is to stock up once I come across special pieces I really love. Instead of settling for “so so” items, I’d rather save and invest in two or three versions of an item I know I’ll be sporting often. Found a perfect fitting shirt or sweater? Get it in two colorways or even the same if it’s an everyday essential, or play around with sizing, going for a fitted version and a looser one for layering purposes.
Although this may not apply to every type of garment, be it due to monetary reasons or simply because it doesn’t make sense to have more than one of certain items, you’ll be surprised by how well it works in comprising a suitable wardrobe. I, for one, have done this for sweaters, jeans, shirts and even shoes that match my styling philosophy. As I see it, it’s better to ease up on variety and stock up on heavy rotation items. Plus, the feeling of wearing something you love added to different shades or sizes, fools not only other people’s perception but your own as well, so you won’t feel as if wearing the same outfit over and over…
Top to bottom (clockwise):
- Levi’s 511 slim, Rugby wadham club collar shirt (blue and pink), Buttero for Por Vocação derby shoes (taupe and waxed brown), Buttero crepe soled boat shoes (black and brown), Paul Smith Ibsen trainer (off white leather and brown suede), Our Legacy Great Sweat (garden green, washed red and indigo blue), Lyle and Scott deep v-neck sweater (blue and black), H&M cotton cardigan (ecru and orange) and Our Legacy oxford candystripe button down shirt (blue and pink).
Keeping it simple
As much as I love dressing up and stepping it up a notch, there are days when going for some time tested simplicity just does it for me. The classic sweatshirt is experiencing a strong comeback in menswear, from massive retailers to exclusive designers and it’s just one of those essentials one should stock on. As you might’ve noticed by now, I have a soft spot for Our Legacy and their Great Sweat is one of my favourite versions to date, providing outstanding combinations of fabric, fit, colors and price tag. This one, in washed red, is made from a silk/cotton blend and features a vintage feel that goes perfectly with khakis or dark denim. Pair it with an untucked oxford for a relaxed vibe balance it with brown tasseled loafers and the result is a polished relaxed look.
Details: washed red great sweat by Our Legacy, white button down oxford shirt by Ralph Lauren, dark denim by H&M (drain), brown tasseled loafers by Lottusse and watch by Baume & Mercier (Classima Executive).
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
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
Mr. Porter 1st Birthday Limited Edition Pocket Squares
Top to bottom: YMC, Our Legacy, Richard James, Band of Outsiders and Alexander Olch
