That Dapper Chap

Sunday, 10 August 2014

Calm camo

If you've been following my blog or have taken a look at the 'popular posts' section you'll know that these trousers have caused a bit of controversy in the past! That was the first time I had worn them and they have been neatly folded away in a draw ever since that day and I decided that it was time that they saw the light of day again. To hell with the haters!

This time I teamed them up with a plain white shirt, some tan leather brogues and a wool waistcoat which all go to keep the look smart. To accessorise I added some bracelet and my trusty Timex with a camo strap. I also opted for camo socks, I'm still not sure if that was a mistake. I'm not too concerned that it was too much but I was running late and just couldn't choose a pair!

I'm pleased to day that I received no derogatory remarks as I did last time. No shouts from mindless bigoted yobs and no negativity in general. Maybe because people knew what a debacle it was last time and didn't want a repeat or to compound my tendency not to wear these trousers. Maybe they just slated me behind my back, who knows. Either way who cares! I like them.

Brogues: Burton Menswear

Socks: Foot Cardigan

Trousers: EBay online stor

Waistcoat: H&M

Shirt: H&M

Bag: RochaJohnRocha at Debenhams

Watch: Timex Weekender

Bracelets: bought and home made

THANKS FOR READING!

No collar required

When I saw this heritage style, collarless grandad shirt on the Next website I had to get it. As you no doubt know by now, I'm a big fan of vintage and heritage styles and this shirt is certainly evocative of a past era.

There was once a time when you didn't wash your shirt until you really needed to, but you could easily detach your collar and give it a good scrub and starch it stiff before reattaching it with little collar studs.

Okay, so this shirt doesn't have a detachable collar or even the tiny holes where you would attach one, but it's style is so reminiscent of that time that it doesn't matter. You get the look without the fuss.

The blue suit is also from Next. Since buying it I've lost a little weight so I'm going to have the trousers tailored as I love it so much that I don't want to move it on. The navy suede brogues go well with the look and I added a touch of fun with some mis-matched striped socks.

The pocket watch is true vintage, bought from eBay from a great guy on eBay who buys and refurbishes old watches. It's an army issue pocket watch from 1954. As such, I don't class it as mine as the guy who had it before me had it for way longer than I have so I'm just it's guardian until time moves on. Tick tock, tick tock.

Blue Suede Brogues: Saville Row Co

Socks: Baton Rougue by Oybo

Suit: Next

Shirt: Next

Pocket Watch: vintage army edition

Lapel Pin: Home made

Bracelets: Home made

THANKS FOR READING!

The July winners of the #ThatDapperChap contest

That dapper Chap introduces you to the winners of the July #thadapperchap Instagram contest

This month we teamed up with Leeds finest menswear specialist Frank Tailor, home of the £125 slim fit wool suit. They guys at Frank Tailor kindly agreed to give away some of their engraved tie clips and a polka dot tie to this months winners.

The Frank Tailor tie clip

The Frank Tailor prize tie

If you like the tie or tie clip yourself don't forget that you can get 10% off ANY purchase at franktailor.com just by using the 'thatdapperchap' discount code at checkout!

Your winner - Phil

We love Phil's individuality. Never one to shy away from an accessory or an unusual piece, Phil clearly knows his own style, it is unique, and celebrates his individualism. And that beard.........

Phil tells us "I've been obsessed with clothes since I was a child and I've always loved getting dressed up. I learnt to sew as a teen and after high school attended an academy for fashion design. I still sew (I've got something in the works as we speak) but mostly I just love clothes"

Where does Phil get his inspiration from? "I find my style inspiration in many places in life but I'm often most inspired when looking to the past. Life is all about the details and fashion is no exception. But most of all I dress to feel good, and that's something I'll never compromise on. Feeling good = looking good" We couldn't agree more!

Find Phil on Instagram as Phil_bones

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Your runner up - Ben

Ben is a young guy who clearly enjoys a more elegant style. Often in a bow tie, he certainly lives up to his Instagram name.

So who is Ben and what are his influences? "I am a Los Angeles native who is passionate about music, classical piano specifically, and fashion. I was introduced to finer, dapper fashion upon competing against a fellow pianist and friend. He served as my mentor and help in finding my identity and style"

How would Ben describe his style? "My personal style is based on being edgy and flashy, both in casual and dapper fashion; I however do have my calmer days

Find Ben on Instagram as DapperYoungGent

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Your runner up - Alex

We liked Alex's classic style. well curated and confident in his approach to dressing he looks great in well tailored suits and blazers.

We asked Alex to tell us about his style "It's been a transformation over the last 12 months. I wanted to really express myself and became quite bored with having the stock-standard two suits and many different ties. Opening up to the world of sartorialism and expression was fantastic"

"Today I enjoy making myself feel great. A gent should feel good about what he wears and it does wonders for confidence. I take pride in the fact that a lot of men (and women) notice what I wear because it stands out amongst the black-suit wearing droves of Sydney business life. I like to stamp my character and persona in what I wear; something that matches my personality" Well said Alex!

Find Alex on Instagram as Chapmanovic

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Thanks again to Frank Tailor for this months fantastic prizes.

Look out for next months #ThatDapperChap contest when we'll have more great prizes to give away!

THANKS FOR READING!

Feel the teal

Following yesterday's need for tweed and the ensuing warmth that left me panting like a dog after a run on the beach in the noon sun, I decided for a more appropriate outfit today.

In this weather you can't go wrong with natural cotton and both the shirt and chinos are made from said fabric.

Being a little tired after being up until the early hours working on a new and exciting project (watch this space) I needed a sugar hit today and opted for Spelly Jellyies! While incredibly tempting to spell out four letter expletives, I refrained and spelled 'watch' I did intend to spell 'Timex' but there was no 'X'! But I definitely saw 'F' 'C' 'U' and 'K' so if I was wearing French Connection UK we'd have been okay! 😉. I also noted a 'C' 'U'........okay I'm going to stop now! Such fun!

Shoes: Topman

Socks: Topman

Chinos: Next

Shirt: Topman

Navy knitted Tie: Next

Tie Clip: vintage via EBay

Cardigan: Primark

Watch: Timex with Nato band

Bracelets: various, some hand made

Briefcase: vacation purchase

Sunglasses: Frank Tailor

Spelly Jellies: Haribo😉

THANKS FOR READING!

Bring out the tweed

I know it's still pretty warm in the UK but after a bit of a chill in the air yesterday I decided to bring back the tweed as I've missed wearing waistcoats and a heavy fabric. I just wished that I had known it was going to be 26 degrees today before I put it on. Note to self: check forecast before donning tweed!

This is a three piece suit and I was tempted to wear all three pieces but I'm bloody glad that I didn't now as all I'd be doing would be carrying it around like an accessory! Speaking of accessories, today's included my favorite vintage watch and this amazing vintage briefcase that I picked up at a vintage fair last year.

The bow tie is also vintage and I think that all the accessories when added to this suit go to make a very heritage look, very British and very me.