Tag Archives: Reiss

What I wore today, and what’s in my bag

I decided to show you what I wore to work today seeing as I have not done an outfit post in quite a while:

My faithful Gucci brown suede moccasins

Mulberry Elkington brief case

Shirt – Reiss
Knitwear – Topman
Belt – Mulberry
Jeans – Nudie (from Matches)
Watch – D&G
Bag – Mulberry
Shoes – Gucci

…and because I always find it interesting when others do the same I thought I would show you what I had in my Mulberry Elkington bag today:

What Mulberry bag isn’t complete without a few Mulberry items inside? I have my Mulberry wallet, Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch, Mulberry horseshoe coin pouch, Mulberry Dan pouch, and Mulberry iPad case (with my iPad inside naturally). I love how due to use, and age each piece is a slight different hue due to the natural patina, and wear.

Smythson pocket diary,notebook, and Cross pen

I always like to have my Smythson pocket diary on me so that I can scribble down important occasions, and pencil in lunches, dinner dates, and the like. I opted for orange as it stands out, and is always easy to find at the bottom of a bag. I also have my Smythson ‘Style Icon’ notebook in case I have to write anything down. Of course I also have my Cross pen because what’s the good in having a notebook, and a diary without a pen.

Jo Malone 154 cologne, Elemis hand cream, M&S gum, and breathspray, L'Occitane shea butter.

A few loose things which should probably be in my Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch… I love Jo Malone’s 154 cologne, and as this bottle is only 30ml it is great for just throwing in my bag. The miniature of Elemis Spa@Home Pro-Radiance hand and nail cream is because I have found my hands quite dry with the current schizophrenic weather here in England! I always throw L’Occitane’s miniature shea butter into my bag as it has so many uses from lip balm to an actual moisturiser. The M&S gum, and breath refresher spray ensure I always have fresh breath on the go.

Harrods umbrella, Amazon Kindel, Apple iPod Nano, Smythson iPhone case

With the current weather you would be mad not to have an umbrella, and I just use this simple black Harrods one. I love music, and I would be a little lost without my Apple iPod Nano – the size makes it ever so convenient. I also love reading, and my Kindle makes it easy to have a quick read when I get chance. Last but not least is my Smythson iPhone case which I actually adore – when it started raining earlier I just threw it in my bag (my BlackBerry, and iPhone tend to live in my pockets).

…what’s in your bag?

Keeping it short

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With summer fast approaching, and the hot weather lately (England please do keep it up!). I have been scouring high, and low for the perfect shorts. I have only recently started wearing shorts in England, I used to be rather self conscious about wearing shorts, and only used to wear them abroad, or only at home. I also used to agree with Tom Ford that shorts should not be allowed in the city, but now I completely back track on that – why limit yourself?! There are very few things that I do not agree with the genius on, but that is definitely now one of them.

My other Burberry Brit shorts
The back of my other Burberry Brit shorts

I bought myself two Burberry Brit pairs (apologies they are all creased in the picture – I had to pull them from my washing pile to photograph them!); one from Mr. Porter, and the other from Matches – both feature in the ‘Classic Collection‘ below. Oh, and I am loving the Matches box I got this time around:

I decided to do an edit of some of my favourites about right now, so behold thirty different pairs of shorts for you from tailored shorts classic to splashes of neon:

Classic Collection:

one: Burberry Brit – £95 at Mr. Porter
two: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
three: Reiss – £65 at Reiss
four: Lanvin – £240 at Matches
five: Burberry Brit – £110 at Matches

Colour Catch:

one: Rag & Bone – £135 at Matches
two: Givenchy – £240 at Mr. Porter
three: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £37 at Coggles
five: Marc by Marc Jacobs – £195 at Matches

Pastel Panache:

one: Piombo – £178 at Matches
two: Reiss – £69 at Reiss
three: Jack Wills – £49 at Jack Wills
four: Levis – £125 at Matches
five: Norse Projects – £90 at Coggles

Denim Delight:

one: A.P.C. – £115 at Matches
two: Balmain – £369 at Far Fetch
three: PRPS – £145 at Coggles
four: PRPS – £129 at Harrods
five: Paul Smith – £145 at Far Fetch

Pattern Perfection:

one: Polo Ralph Lauren – £115 at Harrods
two: YMC – £115 at Coggles
three: Golden Goose – £197 at Far Fetch
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £79.99 at Mr. Porter
five: Valentino – £395 at Matches

Sweat Set:

one: Armani Jeans – £89.96 at Harrods
two: Jack Wills – £44 at Jack Wills
three: Moncler – £125 at Matches
four: D&G – £169 at Harrods
five: Wings+Horns – £106 at Far Fetch

A Month in Snapshots

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The past month has been marvellous. I often enjoy having a look back at what I have done (reflection is such a great thing), and personally I find the best way to do that is through photographic snapshots. There is something about capturing a memory, or a moment that is almost magical. I thought I would share with you some photographs I have posted on Instagram in the past month (my username on there is kaleidoscopeboy should you wish to follow me!).

Some of the highlights include spending time with family, and my nephew, finally meeting my blogger friend Sarah in London for champagne at Sanderson Hotel’s Long Bar, and then going with her to meet designer Yan To to see the ‘dress’, London Fashion Week frolics, seeing Kate Moss, the Reiss SS12 LFW party, spending an afternoon at the V&A, and the National Gallery, Sunday pub lunches, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge Fifth Floor (enough said), breakfast in Sloane Square, shopping on the Kings Road, loving ‘life’ and ‘biscuits’ in Birmingham town, bubbles at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, drinks at Nobu, catching up with friends in Bodega Birmingham, dinner parties with friends, a particular lazy Sunday on the terrace watching the world go by, drinking cocktails, and devouring Dominos (ha!), delights from Selfridges’ Foodhall, general London adventures, and nights out in London town, evenings rolling in bed reading on my Kindle, deliveries from Matches Fashion, the signs of spring in my garden, and just generally enjoying life.

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:

Reiss Menswear Spring Summer 2012

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This Friday Reiss’ Spring Summer 2012 collections launch, I got the opportunity to preview the collection already, and I naturally could not resist sharing some of it with you. Anyone who actually reads my blog knows that I am a huge fan of Reiss, it is a great brand that is affordable without sacrificing style. It is one of my favourite British brands, and a quite a large portion of my wardrobe is Reiss. Whilst Reiss isn’t ‘daring’, it is classic with contemporary elements making it almost timeless.

One of the motifs in the Spring Summer Menswear 2012 collection which I particularly like is ‘The Hamptons’, however James Spreckley (Reiss’ Menswear Director) has expanded upon this, and we are left with an East coast verse West coast vibe. Think of the sartorial prep of the Upper East Side mixed with the almost casual coolness of California. It sounds as if it would never work, but it really does. The result is fresh, and fun with classic staples taking on new life, and the casual ideals of the West finishing off the looks with a complete manner of nonchalance that is somehow naturally ‘cool’. It is a great juxtapositional success!

…and I must say the above bag caught my eye. I am really loving the dark mustard green canvas against the black leather – great contrasting combination, and it seems to follow Reiss’ East coast verse West concept. You have essentially a structured leather satchel bred with a cotton messenger, and the result is beautiful.

Another one of the motifs is ‘Notes from Havana’ inspired by exotic locations, and the pinnacle point of summer. This comes across in vivacious prints, and bold splashes of colour (really loving that red jumper!). Reiss have expanded on their jolly colours by stretching the textural norm. Long gone are the days of linen shorts, it is all about linen ties, and other delightful arrays of unusual textural pleasure. It is playful, and fun whilst remaining classic, and wearable – think Great Gatsby with a splash of colour.

The Reiss Sale

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So I have taken full advantage of the Reiss sale as I always do every time it comes around. It is one of those sales which it would be rude to not indulge in – some great bargains are to be found. I love Reiss for my wardrobe basics, and every day work pieces. It is my go to brand for inexpensive quality clothes with an edge of flair not found on the rest of the high street. As I always say; if it’s good enough for HRH Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge – it’s certainly good enough for me!

I do not quite know what is going on with my ability to pose in front of a camera this evening – clearly I am not having a very photogenic evening ha. However this is one of my Reiss sale purchases I thought I would share with you. It is called ‘Maitland’, and I managed to snag it up for less than half price. I really do not own enough casual clothing so this is a much welcome addition to my wardrobe. Not to mention it is ridiculously comfy, and with the sudden bout of bad weather besieging England right now it is just what I need (as I type this entry I am currently wearing it, perfect).

I have prepared a “mini” edit of a dozen items in the Reiss sale which I particularly like (two of them I already own..):

one – Keaton was £85 now £43
two – Renford was £39 now £29
three – Loxhill was £95 now £38
four – Alfred was £89 now £41
five – Bless was £20 now £10
six – Dazzer was £89 now £36

one – Bone was £195 now £59
two – Ash was £49 now £15
three – Millford was £75 now £30
four – Marlin T was £110 now £55
five – Joseph was £89 now £59
six – Closer was £79 now £55

If you liked any of the above I included in this blog entry; to make things easier I have included the garment’s ‘name’ so you can just type it into search on the Reiss website. Oh, and it’s free delivery, and returns at the moment – as if you needed an excuse right? . I am trying to resist buying even more myself (if you have not noticed I fail exercising control when it comes to my debit card, and buying pretty things oops).

Toiletry Bags

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I have another ‘preoccupation’ lately I have not yet shared with you until now, and that is my zeal for pouches, and wash bags. I am constantly throwing my toiletries into bags for weekends away, or a few essentials for when I go to work. I always use toiletry bags as I would not want a product leaking, and ruining my Mulberry bag, or something – plus nothing beats a spot of organisation. When I travel I like to travel in style down to the very last detail.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Camouflage cosmetics case

Marc by Marc Jacobs camo washbag

Marc by Marc Jacobs green camouflage pouch

I picked up this little Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘pouch’ from Selfridges Birmingham on the weekend (fully making use of the 20% discount they had with their Christmas Comes Early promotion). Marc by Marc Jacobs is perhaps one of my favourite ‘diffusion’ brands. It is an inexpensive modern stylish range from the American fashion designer we all love.

When I saw this little ‘cosmetics bag’ I thought it would make a pleasant change from the generally ‘classic’ look I tend to go for. I really like the plaque, and the quilted nylon is easy to wipe down if you get anything on it. It has just enough room to throw in a few basics such as my fragrance, lip balm, moisturiser, breath freshener, and whatever else my little heart desires. For weekends away I will still use my Paul Smith mini series wash bag; this just makes a more convenient every day smaller sized bag.

Here are some toiletry bags on the market right now that I am rather liking:

one: Gucci – £180 at http://www.mrporter.com/
two: Hugo Boss – £110 at http://www.harveynichols.com/
three: Dolce & Gabbana – £453.34 at http://www.luisaviaroma.com/
four: Mulberry – £180 at http://www.mulberry.com/
five: John Lewis – £12 at http://www.johnlewis.com/
six: Paul Smith – £95 at http://www.coggles.com/

seven: Reiss – £59 at http://www.reissonline.com/
eight: Calabrese – £55 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
nine: KG by Kurt Geiger – £40 at http://www.kurtgeiger.com/
ten: Otis Batterbee – £52 at http://www.harrods.com/

I am particularly loving number four the Mulberry one (go figure); there are so many times I have nearly bought that pouch – I am so sorely tempted still.

Cable Knits

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As I have mentioned before I am quite the knitwear fiend. My favourite part of the colder weather is actually getting around to wearing some of my knit jumpers. I am particularly fond of cable knits; there is something about the classic design that really does it for me. From classic crisp off white cable knits, to a splash of Autumn Winter 2011 colour, and a few twists in between there is a cable knit jumper for everyone.

I have chosen an edit of some different cable knits to show you what is currently on the market. Some inexpensive, and some err not so inexpensive. A cable knit jumper is a crucial part of my Autumn Winter 2011 wardrobe, providing they are looked after they are an investment piece that could last years (just watch out for those pesky moths!).

one – Levi’s Vintage Clothing £175 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/
two – Reiss £95 at http://www.reissonline.com/
three – John Varvatos £385 at http://www.mrporter.com/
four – Gucci £420 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

five – Ralph Lauren Purple Label £945 at http://www.mrporter.com/
six – Burberry Prorsum £495 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

seven – Reiss £110 at http://www.reissonline.com/
eight – Polo Ralph Lauren £155 at http://www.coggles.com/
nine – D&G £280 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/

ten – Topman £40 at http://www.topman.com/
eleven – Topman £42 at http://www.topman.com/
twelve – Polo Ralph Lauren £155 at http://www.harrods.com/

thirteen – Dolce & Gabbana £185 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
fourteen – Dolce & Gabbana £117 (reduced) at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
fifteen – McQ by Alexander McQueen £434 at http://www.farfetch.com/
sixteen – Suit £60 at http://www.farfetch.com/

I love number fourteen; the Dolce & Gabbana – if it was not sold out in my size I would snap it right up, and what a bargain of a price! I own number twelve; the Polo Ralph Lauren one – it is one of my favourite jumpers 100% lambs wool, and a great piece of cable knit!

Are you a fan of cable knits? What’s your favourite part of your Autumn Winter wardrobe?

Barbour Bedale Wax Jacket

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The Bedale is one of Barbour’s most popular wax jackets. It was introduced in 1980, and has become a popular choice for city dwellers, and country folk alike. It is essentially a shorter modern version of Barbour’s Beaufort wax jacket whilst retaining all Barbour’s signature attributes – it has barely changed since it’s launch over thirty years ago.

I have always wanted a Barbour wax jacket – I really do not know why I took so long to get one. I already have two Barbour quilted jackets (the Liddesdale, and the Chelsea sportsquilt), and a fleece gilet, but I have always held back on the wax jacket until now.

Barbour classic Bedale waxed jacket in olive

I finally caved in when I decided to try the Barbour Bedale wax jacket on in Selfridges on Saturday. I had to have it once I had tried it on, and I was surprised at how inexpensive it was considering it is a wax jacket, and because it is Barbour after all.

I love how this jacket works in both the city, and country – it’s warm, and inadvertently stylish (even Olivia Palmero has this jacket!). My only fear is I do not want to look too Sloane Ranger esque (as much as I love Sloane Square…). I opted for the olive colour, as it’s such a classic colour, and I rather like the classic Barbour tartan check you get with the olive.

Worn here with a Reiss jumper, Nudie jeans, Mulberry belt, and Hunter wellingtons (quelle horror have I become a proper country boy?!).

The Barbour Bedale wax jacket is waterproof, has useful large front bellow pocket, a large two way ring pull zip, hand warmer pockets, an internal breast pocket, and knitted wind cuffs at the wrist. It is in every respect a very practical robust outdoor jacket.

If looked after properly, and reproofed sporadically as required Barbour wax jackets have been known to last decades, and become sort of family heirlooms almost. They are designed to be able to withstand the severest of weather conditions (not that you would catch me in such conditions!); consequently Barbour wax jackets hard wearing, and long lasting. The collar is studded for an optional hood which you can buy, and there is also an optional zip lining you can buy for extra added warmth.

The Bedale also comes with a Barbour enamel pin/badge that you can put on the corduroy collar; however personally I will not bother as it already says Barbour on one of the front pockets – I think having that, and the pin would be a bit too much. From what I gather most Barbour wax jackets come with such a pin; I think however they look better sans pin.

What do you think, are you a fan of Barbour’s wax jackets – or do you think they are best left in the country?

Seeing Red

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Unless you are awfully unobservant I’m sure you will have noticed a delicious selection of red items out there right now. From vivacious shades of claret, the deepest burgundies to rich shades of wine – a hint of the right shade of red instantly updates an outfit. Whether you go for a cheeky hint to give an ordinary outfit a little edge, or go for full effect head to toe tonal red – just go for it!

Polo Ralph Lauren cardigan, E. Tautz corduroy trousers, and Paul Smith scarf

Cardigan: Polo Ralph Lauren – £300 at http://www.coggles.com/
Trousers: E. Tautz – £398 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
Scarf: Paul Smith – £69 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/

Comme de Garcons wallet, Jonathan saunders jumper, and Burberry bag

Wallet: Comme de Garcons – £85 at http://www.coggles.com/
Jumper: Jonathan Saunders – £350 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
Bag: Burberry – £695 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/

Dr Martens shoes, Acne jumper, and Moschino blazer

Shoes: Dr Martens – £130 at http://www.coggles.com/
Jumper: Acne – £140 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
Blazer: Moschino – £599 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/

Shirt: Reiss – £89 at http://www.reissonline.com/
Tie: Paul Smith – £75 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/
Top: John Varvatos * – £80 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Burberry London trench, Marc by Marc Jacobs polo and Tateossian bracelet

Coat: Burberry London – £895 at http://uk.burberry.com/
Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs – £65 at http://www.my-wardrobe.com/
Bracelet: Tateossian – £110 at http://www.tateossian.com/

…I may have (okay you know I have!) picked up an alluring red Polo Ralph Lauren jumper a month or so ago from Harvey Nichs – I will have to show you sometime .

Lorien.Me

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

Tag Archives: Reiss

What I wore today, and what’s in my bag

Keeping it short

A Month in Snapshots

A Weekend In The City

Reiss Menswear Spring Summer 2012

The Reiss Sale

Toiletry Bags

Cable Knits

Barbour Bedale Wax Jacket

Seeing Red