Double Monk Delight

Burton Menswear get it right.

 

A couple of weeks ago I told you about a bit of a debacle that I suffered while purchasing a suit from Burton Menswear. I wont go in to the details again but the article is here if you'd like to read it.

Basically the shoes I wanted I couldn't have, I was a little unimpressed with the service and mentioned it on the blog. Burton could have simply left it like that and left me disillusioned and shoeless, but no! Soon after the article went live I received a lovely email, they apologised for the situation and said that they'd like to send me a voucher so that I could buy any shoes I wanted from their website. Of course I accepted their offer and immediately went online and ordered these black leather double monks.

So often you receive poor service from a company and you are ignored or they react like it doesn't matter, that you are insignificant and that there are a thousand other customers out there. I'm so pleased to tell you that Burton aren't like that. They recognised the situation and took steps to make it right. This action has totally restored my faith in them as a company and I know that I can shop in the knowledge that if something does go wrong (and we are all only human) that they will sort it out quickly and efficiently. 

Thank you Burton.

See the full range of Burton shoes at burton.co.uk

THANKS FOR READING!

Blue and green should never be...WHAT?!?!

After a few glasses of wine last night while watching a creepy movie and listening to a storm thrash and crash it's way across my town, I thought I'd awake today bleary eyed and groggy, but I woke bright eyed and bushy tailed. Weird! Creepy movies, storms and wine are clearly a recipe for a good nights sleep. Note to self: must get more of all of the aforementioned items!

Today's look started with this blue and green club style tie which was sent to me by Southern Gents. There were a few awesome goodies in the box that plopped itself on my doorstep late last week and I'll be showing you all of them in my daily outfits as well as conducting a full product review for them on the blog soon, so watch this space! 

Keep this to yourselves but the guys at Southern Gents have also put up some great prizes for the next #ThatDapperChap Instagram contest, but that's just between you and me right. Shhhhhhh🙊

So armed with the tie (which just happens to be in my favorite colour way) I dragged out this green and blue gingham shirt and green cordoury waistcoat. The weather has broken thanks to the storm so it was a little cooler today, allowing me to layer a little.

To keep the look light I chose this unlined summer cotton blazer and a pair of chinos. With a blue flower lapel pin and a camoflage pocket round, also from Southern Gents. I grabbed my sandwiches, stuffed them in my bag with an apple and my notebook and off I went.

It was a good Monday, as Mondays go, and I managed to get a lot off my To Do list, so all in all a good day. I hope yours was too.

Brown leather brogues: John Rocha

Cashmere striped socks: Moss

Chinos: Next

Blue and green gingham shirt: GAP

Green cordoury waistcoat: Topman

Summer cotton blazer: Jasper Conran

Club tie: Southern Gents

Camo Pocket round: Southern Gents

Lapel flower: Bespoke Unit

Briefcase: John Rocha

Watch: Vintage gold Longines

THANKS FOR READING!

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

-o-

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

-o-

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

-o-

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!