Q:Hi there, Truly an inspiring blog you have, thanks a lot! I have a question about my search for the perfect summer jacket; I'm searching for a jacket that is versatile - so I want to wear it with a denimshirt or simple t-shirt but also with an more dressed way (shirt + cardigan + tie). And because it's for the summer, I prefer it to be colorful (light red for example). Hopefully you can help me with some suggestions. Thanks again :) Kind regards, Andy
Hi Andy, thanks for the support!! =) The search for the perfect summer jacket may pose somewhat of a challenge, especially when you throw light red to the mix. For me, it should be unstructured, fully unlined or just sleeve lined and made from a lightweight fabric such as cotton or linen. Several brands offer these features although with different price tags, but since you didn’t mention a budget, I’ll leave with some alternatives to cover the whole spectrum:
- Boglioli
- Barena
- Beams + (the closest to light red)
- YMC
- Zara
Hope this has been of help!
Best,
Miguel Vieira
Springtime!
Acne Ben Worker (Over)Shirt - €200,00 @ Acne
J Crew Slim Fit Crewneck Tee - €29,03 @ Mr Porter
Incotex Slim-Fit Cotton Chinos - €229,80 @ Mr Porter
Paul Smith Ripley Shoes Maroon - €217,00 @ Por Vocação
Paul Smith Striped Canvas Belt - €84,66 @ Mr Porter
Hixsept Moucha Scarf - €79,00 @ Hixsept
Spring Trends: Go To Hell Bottoms
In whichever way it may come, color is mandatory when the sun begins to shine. This time around, it seems the infamous Go To Hell (to put it simple, unexpected eye-popping colored items) are back in full strength. From formal slacks to relaxed jeans or chinos, everyone’s dishing their own favourite versions to brighten up the urban landscape.
Bright yellow, green, red or coral are all part of the game, as are embroidered motifs. It appears nothing has been left out the equation for this season’s bottoms, especially if you add the assortment of washes, patched alternatives or even paint splattered versions. With so many offerings, the trick is deciding which ones are worth investing in: like a kid in a candy store, chances are you’ll want to grab one of each to keep your options open and cover the whole chromatic spectrum.
However, instead of ending up with a rainbow like wardrobe, go through your collection and narrow the choice to missing or complementing shades. Go ahead and do some styling of your own, set aside some pieces and try to picture what would look good with them. After all, there’s no use in buying items you’ll hardly sport as they don’t match your other garments. Also, bear in mind that bottoms deliver much more of a visual impact than say, for instance, a sweater or tee. When in doubt, go for safer options but don’t be afraid to experiment with the whole color palette prior to deciding.
Top to bottom: 1 - Acne; 2 - Zara; 3 - Park & Bond; 4 - Rugby Ralph Lauren; 5 - Paul Smith.
Cut me some slack…
The widespread concept that dressing up is uncomfortable couldn’t be further from the truth. However, it seems to have become the number one excuse for people to cruise around town in sweatpants and running shoes, especially during the weekend. Don’t get me wrong, but if most of us are “sartorially restrained” by a work imposed etiquette five days a week, one would expect that on the remaining two, people would want to look their best. Want sweatpants’ comfort? Stay in and enjoy your couch.
As I see it, looking good is essential to make you feel good and thus make the most of your free time! And that can be easily achieved with a V-neck sweater, crewneck tee, grey slacks and sneakers…What’s uncomfortable about that?
Fit details: cotton v-neck sweater by Purificacion Garcia, crewneck tee by Levi’s, wool slacks by Gentleman, Ibsen sneakers by Paul Smith, cashmere/wool cap by Ralph Lauren, Wayfarer sunglasses by Ray Ban, bracelet by street vendor and watch by Rolex GMT Master II
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Paul Smith Jeans SS12 @ Endclothing
The safe choice when going for colorful bottoms is to tone the top part down, making use of neutrals. However, going against this and pairing it with yet another strong shade like this wine v-neck can step the whole look up a notch. Love how the ever faithful navy peacoat initially just shows the bowtie and then opens up to reveal a burst of color…
Peacoat by Paul Smith, denim shirt by Our Legacy, v-neck sweater by DKNY, jeans by Zara, waxed derby shoes by Buttero, silk bowtie (vintage), braided leather belt (vintage), watch by Baume & Mercier and bracelet by street vendor.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
A classic trenchcoat is one of the most essential and timeless pieces you can add to your collection. Although it’s perfect to top a suit or more formal attires, incorporating it into more relaxed looks to achieve a thoughtful balance is also a great way to sport it. Besides that elegant/relaxed mix what I love about this is how so many different complementing colors blend in for a perfect outcome: the plaid on the shirt, denim on the jacket, brown scarf, charcoal jeans and tan topcoat.
Trench by Paul Smith, plaid linen shirt by Boglioli, denim jacket by Levi’s, jeans by H&M (drain), cap toe oxford shoes by Paul Smith, floral patterned scarf by Épice, leather gloves by Casa das Peles and patterned socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira Photography: Rita Lino
Fighting off cold with color: found this rich dark green toggle coat during a Summer sale and have been waiting to sport it ever since. Love everything about it: fit, deep pockets, plaid inner lining and that color… perfect match for most neutrals but off the chart when paired with brighter shades as orange.
Dark green hooded toggle coat by Gentleman, orange v-neck by Purificacion Garcia, white dress shirt by Paul Smith, jeans by H&M and boots by Buttero.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino










