That Dapper Chap

Thursday, 28 May 2015

What I Wore Today - A Touch Of Pink

That Dapper Chap shares his daily look and today chooses to wear a hint of pink on this bright spring day

Do I take off my jacket? Do I keep it on?

Well, it was a beautiful spring day but as I type the British weather has predictably flipped from promises of warm summer sun to Autumnal style showers. Someone get me on a plane to somewhere with weather that I can rely on! Not only is it irritating for the "shall I take an umbrella?" moments but it can be so difficult to prepare what to wear in advance. I wanted to wear my new loafers the other day with a rolled up chino and no socks. On the morning it was clear that the wet weather and chilly winds had other ideas for me!

Anyway, my typically British weather rant over I'll move on and tell you about this outfit. I've been wearing a lot of navy lately so I wanted to switch out and go for something a little more colourful. So, with spring flowers in mind I chose a look with pink accents.

The outfit layout, all ready to go

Today's wrist wear keeping it tonal

This pale pink shirt has a subtle pin stripe in it which add interest to an otherwise plain shirt. For some contrast and texture I added a knitted dark pink tie, again with a similar stripe which would run in the opposite direction. With a bolder stripe on the shirt this may not have worked but as it is a less obvious pattern I think I managed to pull it off.

A fully look at he entire outfit

The camel chinos add some neutrality, keeping it more conservative for the office but I had to have a pop of colour from the socks, again in a dark pink to compliment the tie and help bring the look together.

A close up of todays footwear

Ready for what the day holds

The blazer is a dark burgundy colour, fully lined with patch pockets. I know that a lot of guys aren't a fan of patch pockets but I don't find them offensive and this isn't an overly formal look so I think it works here.

Accessories consisted of my usual bead bracelets and a pink lace wrist band along with a vintage tie clip, to stop my tie doing things that I didn't want it to. I also wore my beaded trouser chain which I'm becoming more and more a fan of. In addition I wore a pink flower lapel pin giving another nod to spring and a pink linen pocket square I was ready for the day.

The pink flower lapel pin and a close up of the tie

Deep in thought pondering tomorrows look

The vintage tie pin stops the tie flying away

Heading in the right direction (for once)

A closer look at the beaded trouser chain

I was one told "always walk like you have somewhere to go"

Burgundy tassel loafers stay with the colour accents

A look at today's watch and pocket square

WHERE IT'S ALL FROM

Burgundy high shine loafers - Next

Burgundy Ribbed Socks - Uniqlo

Camel Coloured Chinos - Next

Pink Striped Shirt - Primark

Burgundy Striped Knitted Tie - Racing Green

Tie Clip - Vintage from Ebay

Burgundy Blazer - Racing Green

Pink Linen Pocket Square - Squared Pocket UK

Pink Flower Lapel Pin - Home Made

Beaded Trouser Chain - The Modern Gentleman

Brown Leather Briefcase - Rocha JohnRocha at Debenhams

Tan Leather Belt - Primark

Watch - Daniel Wellington

Burgundy Leather Watch Strap - Bespoke by BWeiss Leather

THANKS FOR READING!

Vintage Style Man Bags

That Dapper Chap answers a question about man bags, sent by a blog reader, and features some of his favorites available right now.

A couple of days ago I received an email from a blog reader asking me if I had done any product reviews on man bags, I won't go into detail about he asked, I'll let you read his email below:

Yours truly, never without a man bag

Hi Craig,

Greetings from across the pond. I love your style, enjoy reading your blog and your reviews. I recently returned from a trip to Europe and noticed everyone (ok well mostly everyone) had a manbag. I love man bags, have you reviewed any or are there any that fit in with your vintage style? I love that in your reviews you mention you are on a budget, as I've read several fashion blogs and always felt I needed to spend top dollar on everything (and they never mention themselves on a budget) and I have to live on one! . Keep up the great work and looking forward to reading more of your reviews!

Cheers,

Chris

Hi Chris, thank you for your email, while I haven't yet carried out any product reviews on any man bags, I am a fan. As our lives get busier and technology dictates our need to be available and interacting socially every minute of the day, we all need somewhere to keep our phones, laptop, iPad, MP3 player and our lunch (we still eat right? They haven't replaced food with technology I hope!)

My trusty John Rocha leather satchel

Yes, I am on a budget, just like the other 99% of 'real' blokes out there. I don't have illusions of grandeur and don't pretend to have a spare thousand pounds to throw at the latest louis Vuitton messenger bag. If I have a thousand pounds, trust me, it's going on a holiday. A holiday where I shall pack my stuff in a functional and sensibly priced bag that does what it needs to do but still looks the part!

You don't have to spend a huge amount of money to look good. This is something I've always been passionate about and something I hope I prove every day via my Instagram account.

If you're looking for a bag with a vintage or heritage look a satchel is great. Used by school children the world over you'll see images of children being evacuated during the war with their satchel in tow.

A great vintage look, maybe loose the wellington boots if you want to recreate this
look for yourself!

Originating in Roman times the Satchel has made a welcome return and I now own a few, one being an original old school satchel which I bought via Ebay complete with the owners name and childish scribbled on the inside.

My battered vintage school satchel

The bag needs to not only look good but it must be functional and offer some versatility. Choosing one with a shoulder strap and a grab handle means that you can wear it across your body for extra safety or when you're carrying other things, and the grab handle allows you to do just that and 'grab' the thing when you need to dash off the tube after almost missing your stop (yes, I have done that)

You'll need pockets too to keep things organised, so bare all this in mind when you're choosing. It has to work for you.

So, all that said I have picked out a few of my favourite satchels and man bags that are currently available and keeping that budget in mind I've kept them all around or under £200.

Me with my black leather satchel

The ASOS Black Faux Leather Satchel

Starting at the very lowest price range I think this contrast satchel in black & brown faux leather looks the part.

Also available in brown, it's a bargain at just £25.00. Buy yours HERE

Leather-look fabric

Distressed finish

Two tone design

Fold over front

Pin buckle strap

Removable, adjustable strap

Grab handle

Zipped inner pocket

70% Polyurethane, 30% Polyvinylchloride

H: 25.5cm/10" W: 37cm/15" D: 13cm/5"

The Next Brown Satchel

Next up and a little further up the budget price range we have another faux leather example from Next. It's very traditional in design and will fit a vintage style perfectly. It even has a small panel to write your name if you get lost! At just £40 you can buy yours HERE

Buckle fastening

Removable strap

Front pocket

Inside zip pocket for small items

100% polyurethane.

Lining 100% polyester.

25 x 39.5 x 14 cm.

The Next Leather Briefcase

So, moving slightly up the scale we now have a genuine leather example. Again from Next, it's from their Signature range. This tan leather briefcase is good value at £125 and can be found HERE

Adjustable and removable shoulder strap

Designed with two main compartments

Stationary section

Front pocket.

Tan Leather

36 x 46 x 8 cm approx.

The Ted Baker KANTOO Bag

This is the most expensive bag I've featured but I love it so much I would consider paying the £215 price tag.

From its tonal leather down to its buckle detailing, this smart satchel with a coloured tag and geometric print lining is a style to hold in high regard this season. Get yours HERE

Two-tone leather

Top handle

Shoulder strap

Buckle detailing

Printed lining

Internal and external zip pockets

Contrast luggage tag

Ted Baker branded

Shell: 100% Bovine Leather

Lining: 100% Polyester

H29.2cm x W38.1cm x D9cm

The River Island Blue Satchel

Back down the price scale I really like this blue faux leather bag from River Island. A steal at £35.00, it's a really styling addition to your armoury. Available HERE it looks like it cost ten times more than it does.

Leather-look outer

Matte, textured finish

Flap top with pin buckle straps

Front pouch pocket

Grab handle

Adjustable cross body strap

Internal zip pocket

100% Polyurethane

H: 28cm/11" W: 35cm/14"

The River Island Brown Satchel

Next up we have the River Island brown satchel, again, not leather but it has a great heritage feel. get yours HERE for a snip at £35.00

Textured, leather-look outer

Flap top opening

Twin pin buckle straps

Front pouch pocket

Adjustable shoulder strap

Internal zip pocket

Do not wash

100% Polyurethane

The Hammond & Co Briefcase

Last but not least, I am in love with this Hammond & Co satchel by Patrick Grant. This designer brown leather clasp briefcase is available at Debenhams for £155 HERE

One internal popper pocket

Three internal pouches

One internal zip pocket

Grab handle

Clasp fastening

Outer: 100% leather

Lining: 100% polyester

HWD: 28 x 38 x 7cm

So, Chris, thanks once again for your question. I hope I've inspired you to go and buy that man bag. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase one, drop me a line and let me know. Also don't be shy, post a picture to Instagram and #thatdapperchap and @that_dapper_chap so I can see it!

THANKS FOR READING!

The New Montague Burton Range from Burton Menswear

That Dapper Chap introduces the latest 'Montague Burton' range from high street giant Burton menswear

Burton menswear gives a nod to their humble beginnings and introduces their new Montague Burton range for the coming season.

Casually pulling off smart. The Montague Burton ethos is one of looking good every day. Don't compromise on your style, dress the part for every occasion. This collection offers the very best of Burton in terms of both quality and aesthetic. It's not packed full of trends and fads, these are the pieces to build a solid foundation for your wardrobe from. Helping you perfect the art of relaxed formal.

With some great suits, shirts and shoes available you'll be spoiled for choice with what to take on that much needed holiday. take a look at what's on offer and if you fancy anything just click one of the links at the bottom of the post to go to the Montague Burton's page on the Burtons Menswear site. Enjoy!

- Coat £70 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Shoes £45 -

- Shirt £22 -

- Tie £6 -

- Trousers £25 -

- Shoes £38 -

- Shirts £20 -

- Shorts £20 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shoes £30 -

- Jacket £68 -

- Shirt £18 -

- Shoes £85 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Tie £12 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Jacket £89 -

- trousers £40 -

- Waistcoat £35 -

- Tie £16 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Jacket £70 -

-Shirt £10 -

- Trousers £25 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Polo Shirt £28 -

- Shorts £25 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- jacket £89 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Waistcoat £35 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Tie £10 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Jacket £89 -

- Shirt £35 -

- Trousers £40 -

- Tie £14 -

- Blazer £70 -

- Sunglasses £12 -

- Shirt £10 -

-Jacket £40 -

-Sunglasses £12 -

The Links

Get Suits HERE

Find shirts HERE

Buy trousers HERE

Get Shoes HERE

Buy ties HERE

Get shorts HERE

Find tops HERE

Find sunglasses HERE

What I Wore Today - The Hammond & Co Three Piece Suit

That Dapper Chap shares his daily look, this time he wears a navy three piece suit from Hammond & Co

The three piece 'Chiltern' suit by Hammond & Co at Debenhams

A few posts ago(HERE)I showed you a jacket and waistcoat from the Hammond & Co range from Debenhams by designer and business man Patrick Grant. After some deliberation (all of five seconds worth) I decided to go ahead and buy the matching trousers so that I had the entire three piece suit.

My suit grid flat lay as seen on my Instagram page

As my office was doing a 'wear it blue' charity day and my home down football team were competing in a local derby I decided to go all out blue. Pale blue shirt and bow tie, blue suede brogues and even an entirely blue watch.

The look without the suit jacket

The suit is a great fit and I haven't had to get any aspect of it adjusted. Hammond & Co are good in that they not only produce great quality clothing for us regular sized blokes but they also do the same range in a 'big & tall' option so the more heighty among us can look just as dapper! A little bit of me is jealous that they get to be tall and smart looking I have to say, it doesn't seem fair! But there it is!

A closer look at the floral bow tie

As it was 'Bow Tie Tuesday' I wore this beauty, a little gift from an Instagram friend from overseas. he clearly knows my style well as it was the perfect gift! He also send me a beautiful tie pin which I'll show off in a future post.