Tag Archives: Blazer

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Blue Velvet

So I came across a not so bad photograph of me at London Fashion Week Menswear Day finally. A lot of the photographs I have seen were horrendous, why street style bloggers decide to take a photograph of me mid sentence on the phone, or in the midsts of sipping a latte is beyond me! I am not very photogenic at the best of times – one day I vow to learn how to pose until then I just become rigid whenever a camera is present, or be caught in some natural odd unattractive pose.

I also really need to learn not to stay up late, and drink the night before Menswear Day – I keep thinking I will have an early alcohol free night, but each time I fall helpless to resist the allure of the bright lights, and sparkling bubbles. So pardon the bags below my eyes!

Me Kurt Geiger Velvet loafers

Photo credit: http://shapebox.blogspot.co.uk/

Blazer: Paul Smith London
Shirt: Ted Baker
Bow tie: Alexander McQueen
Jeans: Nudie Slim Jim
Shoes: Kurt Geiger London
Pins: Mulberry
Bag: Mulberry Elkington
Watch: D&G Medicine Man

A Weekend In The City

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This afternoon whilst having a nostalgic listen through my iTunes I was reminded of one of my favourite albums; Bloc Party’s A Weekend In The City (ah 2007 how I miss you!). I decided to take the album name in a more literal sense, and decided to do an edit showing various looks I would wear for ‘a weekend in the city’. The ‘city’ to me is London of course, and Bloc Party being a British band it only makes sense.

A weekend in the city, look one, Reiss tshirt, 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans, Burberry Brit leather jacket, Paul Smith striped trainers, Gucci scarf

one: Reiss Bless-Basic crew neck tshirt – £20 at Reiss
two: 7 For All Mankind Slimmy jeans – £179 at Harrods
three: Burberry Brit leather jacket – £695 at My Wardrobe
four: Paul Smith striped cotton trainers – £100 at Matches
five: Gucci tassi scarf – £175 at Matches

A weekend in the city, look two, Ami polo top, Gucci jeans, Balenciaga leather messenger bag, Yves Saint Laurent trainers, Prada Aviator sunglasses

one: Ami knitted polo top – £180 at Matches
two: Gucci slim fitting jeans – £360 at Mr Porter
three: Balenciaga leather messenger bag – £585 at Mr Porter
four: Yves Saint Laurent leather tennis trainers – £300 at Matches
five: Prada Aviator sunglasses – £235 at Harrods

A weekend in the city, look three, Burberry Brit blazer, Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt, Nudie jeans, Alexander McQueen loafers, Reiss twin zip briefcase

one: Burberry Brit contrast check lining blazer – £295 at Matches
two: Maison Martin Margiela slim fit shirt – £199 at Harrods
three: Nudie coated Thin Finn jeans – £90 at Liberty London
four: Alexander McQueen leather loafers – £375 at Matches
five: Reiss twin zip briefcase – £195 at Reiss

So I leave you with a song off Bloc Party’s “A Weekend In The City”; Song For Clay (Disappear Here), which is inspired by the character Clay in Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero. Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favourite authors, and Less Than Zero is one of my favourite novellas:

A Midnight Affair

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Months ago I fell in love with an opulent blazer in Harvey Nichols. I have tried it on quite a few times, and nearly bought it on a few different occasions. Finally I plucked up the courage to splurge when I attended the Harvey Nichols Birmingham Christmas shopping party – I am sure the multiple cocktails (and drinks before hand) helped ease my purse strings. As always is the case; it was the last one left, and IN my size. Destiny right? It would have been rude to not have bought it really, or at least that is how I am going to justify the expenditure.

Velvet is a top Autumn Winter 2011 trend for menswear. It’s all about luxe finishes, and I am particularly loving midnight blue right now. This blazer is a statement piece, and a real investment buy as it is something you could wear season after season. There is something almost ‘sexual’ about velvet to the touch.

Paul Smith London velvet midnight blue blazer

Paul Smith London blazer lining

Worn with a Ted Baker shirt, Mulberry frog pin, and Nudie jeans. My blazer is from Paul Smith’s London range (made in Italy), it is called the ‘The Byrant’. With a retail price of £465 it is not a cheap option; but as ever with fashion quality over quantity. I always think it is worth spending more on one spectacular piece than less on multiple mediocre purchases.

Paul Smith London Byard blazer

The blazers cut is slim and flattering. It has three front pockets, and internal ones also. The cuff has ‘nonfunctioning’ buttons for show. When I put it on I feel as if I should be sipping cocktails along the South Bank, or perhaps slouching about in a Opium den – it is a very dapper jacket.

Tateossian and Links of London bracelets

Naturally I wore some blue wrist candy to compliment my new blazer; bracelets from Tateossian London, and Links of London (it’s all about London clearly ha!).

The blazer also perfectly matches my Kurt Geiger Palladian midnight blue velvet loafers… Now I just need an evening occasion to wear them, someone invite me somewhere? Until then I am off to bed ‘partying’ till 6 am when I have work the next day makes for a very tired Lorien this evening.

What do you think? Will you be rocking velvet this season?

Another Zara Blazer

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So the other day I lied to you, well no I didn’t lie to you, but I withheld information – which naturally I feel epically guilty about (okay I don’t). So I guess I am going to have to come clean (read: I just want to show you!!!). When I picked up my bargain of a red blazer from Zara, I may have also picked up something else in Zara… err, another blazer – this time in a delicious shade blue.

Zara Man Basic blazer, worn with Reiss Ash long sleeved top

Not looking my best admittedly this evening, however, as you can see it is a very rich sensational shade of cerulean. As you gathered from my entry http://lorien.me/2011/feeling-blue/, I am very much into blue right now. Until recently I have strayed away from vibrant hues, now I seem to be drawn to bright choices, and loving it.

Blue mens Zara blazer

Despite looking very similar to my red Zara blazer this blazer has a slight different fit, and is from Zara Man Basic line, where as the red one from the Zara Man Sport Moda collection. This one is Zara new season, it was not in the sale like the red one – but it was a very reasonable price. Despite being 100% polyester it is not a bad blazer at all, and they come in quite a variety of colours.

Right I am off to wash my hair, yes that’s as exciting as my Thursday night gets this week, however I am off to London on Saturday so it’s not all bad.

The entry on my red Zara blazer can be found here: http://lorien.me/2011/zara-red-blazer/.

Zara red blazer

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I picked up a darling red blazer from Zara when I was shopping on Saturday, and best of all it was in the sale at the bargainous price of £19.99 – what a steal! At that price it’s almost disposable.

Worn with Reiss Ashford knit jumper, Marks & Spencers belt, and Nudie jeans

It is your classic simple red blazer. I love red blazers they have an almost military vibe to them. Zara Man has some interesting pieces, it is always worth a look. For a high street brand a lot of their clothes are very fashion forward, and have a unique ness to them which you do not find on the rest of the high street. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt the prices are great too.

Finds like this make it worth trawling through stores sometimes. I actually had a really super weekend, caught up with quite a few friends. Managed to fit in some bubbles in Selfridges, a lunch at Bank, and cocktails at Malmaison – so all in all my kind of Saturday .

What do you think? Like it? Own a red blazer yourself? Let me know how you wear it!

Lust List

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I thought I would share with you my lust list, a list of items I desire. Very few of these items will I actually buy for reasons of cost, or practicality – but half the fun is in the lusting right?

Hardy Amies fur collar peacoat – £1,300 at Matches

I know I throw the word ‘investment’ around far too generously (it is a great justification word after all) but this dazzling peacoat by Hardy Amies really is an investment piece.

It has black rabbit fur (controversial eek) trim which only adds to the coat giving it a luxurious winter wonderland edge, and a completely different dimension. For a simpler less heavy more Autumn look remove the trim (it’s detachable), and you still have an engagingly classic wool double breasted peacoat with exquisite tailoring.

Marni loose weave mohair-blend sweater – £320 at Mr Porter

Being an absolute knitwear fiend I am always looking for something a bit different, as it’s easy to fall into the trap or buying similar knits season after season. Despite being a little tired of the whole colour blocking trend by now I love this Marni jumper.

I really like the texture of this loose knit, it looks as it would hang well too. It is a great choice for colder weather, I imagine it would look great paired with my Nudie black jeans. I really like how it gets darker, starting with the caramel, the teal, and then to black. The jumper is made of mohair – which means it should be durable, and have some resistance to creasing which is always a plus.

Burberry Prorsum velvet blazer – £795 Mr Porter

As featured in one of my previous blog entries. I am absolutely in lust with this velvet blazer. I really really love Burberry Prorsum as a line, it’s Burberry’s most fashion forward range, when it produces pieces like this, how could I not?

This Burberry Prorsum blazer has the perfect to die for sleek trimmed silhouette with peaked lapels that only add to the shape as a whole. The luxe velvet in a mouth watering midnight blue makes me want pull out my debit card in a heart beat. It is an excellent blazer which would make an exemplary piece of evening wear. In lust? Scratch that, I’m in love!

Christian Louboutin leopard print tassel loafers – £565 at Matches

When it comes to Christian Louboutin men’s shoes people either love them, or hate them. Personally I love his statement edgy shoes. They are your classic shoes, and styles with intense electric twists. There are quite a few pairs of his shoes I am in love with…

This particular pair of loafers very much stand out, and make an impressive statement pair. I love the leopard print on an other wise ordinary loafer. I can see how they are not everyone’s taste, but I am definitely fond of them. The fabulous flash of red on the soles only adds to my infatuation with this pair. I long to frolic along with redsoled shoes (one day!).

Mulberry Elkington brief case – £595 at Mulberry

This classic bag is part of the inspiration that fuelled the iconic Mulberry Alexa. It’s your classic satchel crossed with a brief case. Everyone who reads this blog knows I am a Mulberry boy most definitely, and this bag is probably one of the few items on my ‘lust list’ that I will probably get. We’ll see .

I love Mulberry’s oak natural leather finishing (photo shows it in chocolate as finding a decent picture was nightmare), and this bag really just does it for me. It’s a classic bag that will serve you for years to come. The buckle, and handle give this serious bag a playful twist. It comes with a detachable strap should you choose to wear it across your body, or on your shoulder. I have been eyeing up this bag for a very long time, must try it on in Harvey Nichols, and see if it’s meant to be.

Burberry Brit leather contrast sleeve biker jacket – £595 at my-wardrobe.com

Leather jackets are instantly associated with sex appeal. There is something about them that just screams, ‘I’m bad ass baby’, and gets away with that ridiculous statement in ALL the right ways.

I have been eyeing up this Burberry jacket for quite a while now. The contrast fabric sleeves, and back only add to this jacket. Everyone needs a leather jacket with attitude in their wardrobe – whether you mix it up and wear it with a shirt underneath for contrast, or throw it on with an old tshirt, and your favourite pair of jeans, it’s definitely a piece worth looking into.

Paul Smith burgundy leopard jacquard scarf – £69 at my-wardrobe.com

When it comes to scarves I really really (got to emphasise those really’s now) cannot help myself. I have lots, and lots of them. I really appreciate a good scarf, they are one of my weaknesses – I have plenty, however there is always room for one more I suppose…

I simply adore this Paul Smith one. The burgundy against the against the black creates an opulent effect. I have a bit of a thing for jacquard, and the leopard oddly works well with this scarf, it doesn’t look too effeminate. I love the thin tassel fringing, and at the price this scarf is an absolute bargain. Who doesn’t need a merino wool, and cashmere treat in their wardrobe?

…hope you enjoyed it. What are you currently lusting after?

Feeling blue

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So I have been feeling really blue, and I’m not on about the mood. Long gone are the days of navy boredom, the colour blue is expanding, and having it’s long over due moment. From the chicest shades of cerulean blue, to azure, peacock, teal, and midnight blue in-between – it’s time to add a splash of blue to your wardrobe gentlemen.

Whether you be daring and attempt head to toe blue, or simply use a blue accessory to make your look pop you cannot deny blue is very of the moment. Wear the darkest shades of midnight blue in the richest of luxe materials for full effect glamour. The more velvet, and luxurious sheen the better! Or perhaps colour block with some matte eye catching teal, or cerulean – whatever you do give blue a chance, go on I dare you .

To save you the time I have picked out some of my favourites pieces in delicious shades of blue:

Burberry Prorsum blazer, Tateossian bracelet, and Kurt Geiger loafers

Blazer: Burberry Prorsum – £795
Bracelet: Tateossian Silver Cobra – £165
Shoes: Kurt Geiger Palladian Loafers – £190

Orlebar Brown poloshirt, Brooks Brothers jumper, and Burberry bag

Poloshirt: Orlebar Brown – £95
Jumper: Brooks Brothers – £79
Bag: Burberry – £695

Carrera sunglasses, Hardy Amies bow tie, Lanvin cufflinks

Sunglasses: Carrera – £105
Bow tie: Hardy Amies – £85
Cufflinks: Lanvin – £255

Scarf: Alexander McQueen – £165
Tie: Hermès – £130

Watch: ToyWatch Plasteramic Fluo – £125
Belt: Anderson’s – £75

…I definitely think those gorgeous Kurt Geiger loafers are finding their way on to my wish list, and hopefully into my wardrobe, and then on to my feet soon afterwards.

Hugo Boss summer blazer

Barbour Bargains

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Maybe it’s the fact I live in the countryside, or perhaps the fact I dress like an old man, either way there is no changing the fact that I love Barbour. So imagine my excitement when I received an email today that Barbour By Mail (Barbour’s official online retailer) is having an Easter sale!

So 30% off selected items whilst it lasts; sadly the fleece gilet I wanted didn’t go into sale (always the way eh?). So I don’t know about you I think I’d rather receive a little something from Barbour this Easter than any chocolate.

You’re probably thinking why would I buy a coat, jacket, or like wise in April, especially with the recent weather (my room has become a sauna, I’m sat at my desk all hot, and bothered as I type this). Well why not?

It’s the best time of year to get something like that, because it will most likely be cheaper, and it’s always good to think, and buy in advance where your wardrobe is concerned. Also with England’s temperamental weather, who knows how long before it’s cold, and wet with showers again? It’s always best to be prepared than to last minute panic buy, and possibly regret it.

Favoured by the discerning folk of country, and city since 1894, J. Barbour & Sons doesn’t have three Royal appointments for nothing! Recently there has been a surge in Barbour quilted jackets, particularly the Liddesdale, and Chelsea Sportsquilt (I just so happen to have both! ), however the classic (dare I say old school?) Barbour wax jackets are soaring in popularity again, although a plethora of celebrity, and Royal followers helps I am sure.

My Barbours are the most practical items of clothing I own. There is something about when style meets practicality that I love; it doesn’t happen all too often. I am not known for my practicality (just look at my footwear choice…). They are comfortable, and durable long lasting items well worth the investment. Especially the waxed jackets, if looked after correctly they could potentially last decades.

Here’s just an example of some of what is available in the sale:

Barbour Crested Wool Blazer Jacket – was £249.95, now £174.97

Barbour Waxed Commander Long Jacket – was £199.95, now £139.97

Barbour Matt Tyneley Quilted Jacket – was £119.95, now £83.87

Barbour Duracotton Fleece Jacket – was £99.95, now £69.97

So don’t miss out; to pick up a Barbour bargain this Easter head on over to http://www.barbourbymail.co.uk/.

Lorien.Me

My affaire de cœur with life, fashion, and anything that may fascinate, or astound me.