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
Play on Shades
Ecru and off-white are not the easiest alternatives to pull off within the color spectrum, especially if you have a lighter skin tone such as myself. However, with Summer on its way and a couple of sunny days to get your tan going, these are two of the season’s must haves. As neutrals, you can pair them with virtually anything as long as you avoid washed out looks: the key is to achieve a chromatic balance by opposing different shades and creating an interesting outcome. Play around with hues while favouring subtleness over obvious combinations such as opposing colors.
Details: herringbone linen blazer by Gentleman (tailored), ecru cardigan by H&M, light blue dress shirt by DKNY, slate grey trousers by Boglioli, taupe suede derby shoes by Buttero x Porvocação, silk paisley scarf by Zara, braided leather belt by Acne and socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino
Source: beyondfabric
WIWT - Layering up: wool herringbone blazer by Gentleman, Eskdale vest by Barbour, snow wash denim shirt by Our Legacy, crewneck tee by Levi’s, slim fitting cargo pants by Uniqlo, argyle socks by Calzedonia and brogues by Henry James Shoes.
Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photos: Rita Lino
Update a classic: Grey slacks
We often see the term “classic” widely used when describing an array of garments. Usually, it seems to translate an idea of timeless pieces, staples of menswear, who have been and will be around for ages. Several items come to mind, but few bear this stamp in such a deserving way as any suit related garment.
Although the suit is king when it comes to classics, grey slacks follow closely. This is the go to piece when men want to look put together without sporting a full suit, or just want to try out different ensembles with their suit jackets. What makes them so amazing, is the fact they perfectly combine elegance and versatility: you can dress them up or down and its neutral color makes them easy to pair with all sort of tones: navy, black, brown, pink, green, grey…
The first picture that comes to most people’s minds when talking about grey slacks is probably of loose pleated flannel pants. In fact, if you take a look at vintage pics or pay close attention to older men on the street, you might find that image is not far from the truth. However, the ever evolving nature of fashion has redefined this item: nowadays you’ll find several slim fitting alternatives, with flat front instead of pleats, giving them an updated feel.
No matter where you get yours from, be sure to have them tailored to ensure little to no break, as it will make you look taller and draw attention on your shoes (just be sure to have them perfectly buffed). I’ve got a couple myself, which I had made at Gentleman according to my liking:
- 100% wool
- Slim leg
- 19 cm ankle opening
- 3,5 cm cuff
- little to no break
I had mine cuffed as I prefer the way they drape along the leg and the overall aesthetic.
This is something I wore the other day, really like how all the different shades and textures of grey come together to create a polished look. The cap was more of a necessity as it was freezing, but it added a nice relaxed and urban feel to the look.
Grey herringbone 2 button blazer by Gentleman Tailors, grey wool v-neck pullover by Paul Smith, blue micro plaid shirt by Gap, charcoal wool slacks by Gentleman Tailors, brown tasseled loafers by Lottusse, cap by H&M, vintage bowtie, paisley pocket square by Tie Rack, socks by Ralph Lauren and watch by Rolex.
