Keep out the winter with Huxley

With the temperature dropping and with the goose pimples slowly crawling up ones arm Huxley Sweaters are just the thing to keep you warm and inject some colour into your wardrobe. Made from the finest Scottish Merino by old boy wool specialists who have been weaving Scottish knitwear since 1874, these guys clearly know a thing or two about producing quality garments.

Bright and bold, Huxley are just waiting to be added to many a gents staple wardrobe, and who could argue? as merino wool is soft , thin and warm. Perfect for days when one needs to look sharp, take a stroll down the pub or as an all important goal post when having a kick about down the park.

Huxley are 100% British and are without a doubt kicking the sand in the faces of all those Ralph Lauren cable knit wearing wise-guys. There is a British dandy in all of us, so grow a beard, embrace the colour and and throw a Huxley jumper over your shoulders.































































Huxley jumpers can be picked up at a whole host of independent stores and can be bought at their own shop www.huxleyclothing.co.uk

Clae Footwear Leads the Way

To all you followers of Skirt versus Shirt, I must apologise for the lack of activity over the summer. it was indeed a very busy period for the Old Shirt and I feel very sorry of the missed opportunity to discuss such pressing issues such as whether socks should ever be worn with shorts, man sandals and the terrifying male 3/4 length trousers. However the autumn in now amongst us and winter is just around the corner bringing us to the subject of practical yet stylish winter footwear.

The summer months, especially in the surroundings of London rely heavily on a smartly coloured pair of vans. Perhaps one of the best shoe designs of the last 50 years, however we have the spring and summer months to revel in the simple wonder of the Vans so for now I want to share my delight in Clae footwear, especially the Romare shoe.

Super sharp and undeniably sleek Clae has become a favourite leader for any self respecting contemporary gent interested in trainer culture. Traditionally crafted tan, sits comfortably against white sole, with elegant stitching, all in all piecing together a fine ensemble which compliments all straight legged denim, courduroy or chino. My Clae Romare's have without a doubt given me a skip to my stride and a jaunt to my jump, keeping my feet warm, my ankles dry and my bottom third looking the business.

Go check out Clae right now.

My Feet Look Gorgeous.. (& yours can too!)

I recently decided to give my poor bank account a little break and save some of my pennies for a rainy day..because of this I haven’t had anything shiny and new to write about! So I thought I would make the most of what I have and be thankful!

My shoe collection is huge and does I admit, continue to grow..for someone who grew up wearing skate trainers and flip flops I have rather a large amount of killer heels in my closet. Some of these I have had for years and worn only once and today when I looked at them I realised I should give them all another go and reignite my love. So with a little sprucing, reinventing and glittery sock wearing I have deemed them worthy to be worn yet again by my trusty feet.

Luckily with the awesome weather we have been getting lately I will be able to wear them out and not just around my flat (I fear wearing heels in the rain for I am a clumsy and that is a bad combination)

So in conclusion, to all of you out there who are trying to reign in the purse strings because your saving for a holiday, wedding or maybe just have no money! I recommend you dive to the deepest depths of your wardrobe and make some of your sad shoes happy again with a little polish and a couple of kisses.

Miss Skirt x

The need for Tweed

Many have often argued that the modern man these days is not only far too casual but also incredibly un refined in their choice of dress. As a fan of contemporary casual items such as the humble t-shirt and being an earnest promoter on the elegant practicality of denim. I do, rather strangely at times, wish for a past when men would cut a sharp, clean tailored figure on any landscape that they so desired to be involved in. Although I wouldn’t want to spend all of my days wearing a suit and hard shoe, quite frankly any unnecessary heavy clothed attire in the middle of summer worn on the tube is a good reason in itself not to endorse suits. However despite this, I do find myself longing for the occasional vintage accessories that gentlemen of old would carry, such as a Hip Flask, pocket square (to brighten up ones blazer) or even a fine patterned handkerchief; an article which could save many a tree if brought back into fashion.

The Tweed Run is the perfect example of such an occasion when all modern dandy’s, urban squires and anarchic gentleman can come together, polish of their steel frame (mine is an early 80’s Viscount) and travel through London at a leisurely pace in their finest tweed. Many cut a dash in their high argyle socks, plus four trousers, tweed Jackets and brylcreemed hair. The contents of many hip flasks were shared and conversation was held at a jaunty canter over cucumber sandwiches and a cup of tea.

First produced during the 1800’s in Scotland. Tweed cloth was produced initially for gamekeepers but lately has slowly crept into contemporary fashions. I can’t quite explain how good wearing tweed made me feel, I felt noble, honourable and jolly spiffing, so spiffing that I’ve decided to save my hard worked pennies and invest in some tailored tweed in the not too distant future...

Here are some more pictures from the Tweed Run revolution.






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Skinny Vs Baggy

I don't often write about male fashion, girls fashion is so much more exciting & we have so many more ways of adorning ourselves. However, this is one subject which I felt I just had to comment on. Skinny jeans on men, forget boyfriend jeans, it seems to all be about girlfriend jeans, the skinnier the better...or not!

Now, there is probably a handful of men that can pull this look off (The Horrors in my housemates opinion look sexy in them..!) and it is a handful..but there are a whole damn lot of guys out there who can't.




Bless him, little does he know..

Seriously boys take a look in the mirror before you leave the house, there are a few things you should take into account when dressing up in skin tight leg apparel. Does my bum look big in this? Is my sperm count at risk? Am I revealing a little bit to much of my manhood? Are my pins skinnier than my girlfriends? In my opinion all very important factors!

Stemming from Cornwall I grew up in the presence of skater and surfers boys (yay!) so I may be a little bias, but for me baggy jeans are far more appealing! I'm not talking so low that the bum is completely exposed and the underpants are on view to all, but baggy enough to leave a little to the imagination if you know what I mean?!

Here is my approved guide for all you misguided men out there..

Too Skinny..





Perfection!




Too Baggy!!



It might be pink, but do I really need to see that much of your underwear just yet?!



Unfortunately not everyone shares my love for the baggy bottoms..but sooner or later they'll be fighting back with a vengeance!

My rides here..



gotta go, sk8erzz!

Miss Skirt x

Anyone fancy a tee?

Sometimes, when times are down and you have a huge pile of work to get through, or a small dilemma to sort, a fresh tee can help re-energise and lift ones spirit. Like most men, I have a healthy fascination with the T-shirt, one that has lasted all through my reasonably shortish life. I can remember saving my pennies as a young lad in order to buy some bright tee, a loud colour often complete with a garish logo across the chest. During my late teens and early twenties I even aspired to owning a tee in every possible colour.

Now that I’m slightly older, my tastes have changed, gone are the huge logo’s (I’ll leave those for the younger chaps) and I’m now on the lookout for something that is still desired by other t-shirt fiends, but also subtle with a slight hint of rebellion. This quest for the right Tee has though, in recent times, lead me down a blind path, as I previously stated, large logo’s are for the oh so young, I’ve never quite been in to band tees and t –shirts of the humorous variety have never quite sat well with me.

Many recent Unfruitful T-shirt trips has resulted in myself amassing a large collection of polo’s which has heavily tipped my wardrobe ratio for light upper wear strongly in the favour of Ralph Lauren and the fierce green crocodile. Last summer had left me so dissatisfied wit the lack of t-shirt options that I only wore plain white.

So far 2010 (and admittedly the back end of 2009) has been incredibly kind, delivering several fine specimens from unlikely sources. These few welcome additions are now getting the wear they deserve for not only the upcoming warmer months, but for many years after that.

1991 Granada Wheel Appeal,discovered at a charity shop at the grand cost of £1.99, if
anyone attended the 1991 Granada Wheel Appeal , please let me know.



This Yankees tee purchased by a much younger Shirt whilst visiting NYC nearly 10 years ago for a pricely $4 as the Yankees had taken the World Series the night before: long forgotten about, but now much loved.



This beauty was again bought in New York whilst visiting at the same time of the NY marathon in October 2009.



This was actually a gift from our very own Miss Skirt and incredibly the result of a consumption of several Monster Munch packets, waving the proverbial skirt versus shirt fist at the anorexic obsessed fashion world.

Wellington Chic

I’ve just returned from a lovely Easter break in my homeland of Cornwall. It was hard leaving this time, something about taking the girl out of Cornwall but you can’t take the Cornwall out of the girl! I think it’s a combo of the sea, the countryside and all those friendly old faces that trigger a need in me to give up on the big bad city and shack up with lots of animals, grow my own veg and trade my heels in for a lovely pair of wellies!

Anyway it got me to thinking that for many of us it’s getting to that exciting time of year when we can frequent all the wonderful and interesting festivals that this country has to offer. Glasto, Latitude, The Big Chill there are tonnes to choose from! Gone are the days that festivals were just about good music and interesting people, we now have a lot more to take into consideration like it if is muddy what will I wear on my feet?! Wellies have come along way over the last few years..no longer just for farmers & people who like hanging around in mud, they are an eccentric fashion statement.

There are some obvious industry leaders out there, Hunter being the primary manufacturer of “posh” wellies! All the festival going celebs are wearing them, and it’s a race to see who can adorn their feet with the newest most glamorous Hunter wellies. For those of us who can’t afford to spend £60 on glam wellies then there are to my delight much cheaper options out there.

My advice would be to get yourself down to the local farm shop and purchase some traditional green ones for next to nothing.

Oooo Arrr!!

Miss Skirt x

Long live the Levi 501

Being brought up on a diet of baggy jeans carefully placed on the crest of my backside (the last place the jeans can actually hang from) It’s taken me quite a while to adapt to this narrow jeans culture. I’ve always believed that denim should be worn loose and hung low, leaving plenty of space to fill your pockets with practically anything (I once could walk through a crowded bar with a pint in each pocket during my heavy beer drinking days), however fashion does indeed change and walking around in recent times with my baggy denim spilling over my shoes had left me feeling rather old and certainly not very sharp. Very few men of my very early vintage could ever endorse a skinny leg. They look uncomfortable and I for one have a strong pair of power house thighs that would possibly cause strain to Hulkish effects.

The levis 501 has quite frankly been the answer. It’s no wonder that for many decades they’ve been levi’s first choice cut. A straight leg which gives enough space for ones thighs and legs, leaving further space for a mobile and a wallet. I somewhat heartily believe that the 501 will be the staple choice for all those ex layabouts who still long to feel a little loose in these figure hugging times. In fact a clean 32 x 32 button fly wipes the floor with any waist 40 ensemble and actually make a point of showing wider society your often well chosen choice of footwear. This cut has stood the test of time provided astonishing advertising campaigns and should be worn by every gracefully aspiring young man whose middle age is slowly approaching.

10 things I LOVE..

about Spring..

1. SHORTS

As you probably know by now I am a big fan of getting the legs out. Maybe that’s because my legs are great?! (You know admitting you love something about your appearance is a great confidence booster, it’s not big headed!) So now that spring is in the midst I am short shopping, I’ve got my eye on these bad boys from ASOS.

2. PASTELS

Pastel shades are in right now! I have always worn bright colours more than pastels so at the moment I am experimenting with pastel nail varnish and lipstick...eating fruit pastels unfortunately doesn't count..



3. DRINKS IN THE SUNSHINE

I’ll have a bottle of Brothers strawberry cider please..YAY!

4. SHADES

Make the most of your sunglasses, on days that I haven’t really made an effort, and my clothes may be slightly dull I like to wear my craziest, brightest shades, because then nothing else matters, no one is looking at my outfit they are looking at my face!




5. PRETTY DRESSES

Combine all the trends this season, pastels, florals, prints, playsuit or dress the shorter the better!

6. LITTLE LAMBS

Yes I am a gurl, yes I am a cliche but they are cute!!

7. FLORALS

Flowers always make me feel better..they are bright, cheerful, smell great and have the ability to cheer up the dullest of rooms. So why not wear them?! You may not smell any different..but I’m sure you’ll feel great.

A Flower Dress!!

8. BIKINI SHOPPING

Spots, Stripes, Halter, Bandeau, Hot pants, Thong!, Black, Purple, See through, a multitude of options! (FYI - I have not and will not ever wear a see through thong bikini, but some might!)

9. EASTER EGGS

Chocolate!! Don’t feel guilty, just indulge!

10. LIGHTER EVENINGS

Its 5 o clock and I don’t need my torch!

Right all I can think about now is Joseph Gordon Levitt in 10 things I hate about you, luckily I do believe its in my DVD collection.. J.G.L = HOT!!

Miss Skirt x

Coming Full Circle With Clarks

For people of a certain vintage their earliest shopping memories as a toddler would be visiting the local branch of Clarks. Placing ones foot on the wooden sizing chart, the shop assistant poking the end of ones shoe to feel whether you would have room to grow, even the sweet smell of fresh leather that lingered on your fingers for what seemed like an eternity. However, during my adolescent years I actually abandoned this fantastic staple, an exile that lasted nearly 15 years!. As a pre pubescent, like many young scallywags, I wanted trainers not shoes and Clarks at the time got you absolutely no respect in the playground. They had no ERS system or torsion bar, let alone an air bag. It appeared that I had left Clarks behind.

However entering the workplace eventually changes the most diehard of rebels and for the last five years or so I have found great pleasure in the Clarks Originals range. Despite admiring both the iconic desert boot (worn by the Smiths and many a trendy upstart today) and the Wallabee (for all those floppy haired mancs) my chosen Clarks style has always been the Desert Trek, unlike the desert boot it has no heel and feels right at the end of my jeans, or when necessary smart trousers. I will always live in trainers, but a pair of Desert Treks will gain you just the right level of respect from all peers and still look sharp.

A recent trip to my local Clarks shop though has introduced me to a new player. Flat soled, rich dark leather and delicate stitching. This new design (model name unknown) has eased into ones life and given me a strong gentlemanly swagger. The attention to detail is impeccable and will no doubt suit many a lo-fi dandy.

To look at more of Clarks Originals visit their website now

Safari at the Seaside

Leopard Print not just for Bette Lynch!

As I drew the curtains this morning I was delighted to see that it was a beautiful sunny, spring like day and I thought what better way to spend this day than on Brighton beach with my wild friends! There must have been something in the air as we all turned up in our finest leopard print attire...which gave me a perfect opportunity to snap some oddly posed, cheese worthy shots of our animal print wardrobes!



It got me to thinking how far the leopard print fashion statement has come in the last few decades. I remember as a young girl being horrified to find out my mum had just bought a tight leopard print skirt, and consequently swearing that I would never, not ever where anything remotely leopard or any other animal for that matter! However the days of lovable characters such as Coronation Streets Bette Lynch and Eastenders Pat Butcher are over and nowadays leopard print can look pretty hot! From scarves to underwear, fur coats to Uggs, leopard print is everywhere, and it is very acceptable!



It is true some celebrities are still giving it a bad name, Miss Price or should I say Mrs Reid has been known to step out in a shocking outfit or two, but fear not there are those who rock it, my favourite Fearne owns some rather amazing Office Leopard Print Minky Linky boots! I am not ashamed to admit that I have over the last few years accumulated quite a few key leopard items, and I hope to do so until I get too old for it and my unborn children look on at me in utter disgrace!



Long Live Leopard Print!

Miss Skirt x

The best skin is Sheepskin

Can you believe it’s still cold? Usually by now I’m jauntily placing a light Jacket over my shoulder in a leisurely yet elegant fashion so I think this has been my coldest winter I’ve ever experienced. Quite a feat considering I’ve lived through 29 of them. This also may explain why I only seem to be writing about coats at the moment, a topic I’m starting to feel quite knowledgeable in. However, a long winter means that there is a need to keep space on the hallway pegs as It’s essential for any self respecting young man to keep not only a variety of warm winter offerings, but also a fresh range of outer wear. A sheep skin coat is therefore not a bad way to go and is something that I have recently added to my collection, well that’s a slight lie as I did have one until it was mauled by clothes moths last summer(always invest in some Moth assassinating material). I actually picked up this beauty from a charity shop for the grand sum of £7.99! it keeps me warm ,makes me feel like the legend himself; John Motson and also has a genuine feel of Del Boy sophistication. Who said elegance needs to be expensive, though you may find yourself frequenting the dogs on a Saturday night.
The Warm Shirt x

Say YES to Thigh highs!

Shake it, stride it, and stir it up in sexy Thigh high socks!

Girls it’s time to dust of those pins, they’ve been in hibernation way too long and with the days finally getting longer and the weather attempting to get warmer there are no excuses, get those legs out! Like most of us the thought of getting the legs out after a few months of winter isn’t the most exciting prospect! I’d like to say I keep them in top condition all year round but alas I do not. So after a couple of hours pampering my legs are smooth and soft again and ready to be dressed up in the finest thigh high attire!

My thigh journey hasn’t been smooth sailing, at first I felt like a weird school kid/hooker but after some tactful pondering I turned those feelings around, now I feel sexy, youthful and confident! My eyes have been opened, there is no going back, thigh highs are the future! They make me feel taller, slimmer and more attractive to all I meet! My advice to all those out there who are thigh high virgins get stuck in, maybe start with something a bit subtle maybe some knee highs, building up to all out bright colours, crazy patterns, suspender belts and if you’re feeling fruity some fishnets!

Here are the links to a few of my favourites, my current wish list will defo include some from the Susie Bick and Bella Freud collection, soon to be available on net-a-porter.com.

mytights.com

americanapparel.co.uk

Wear them with pride!!

Miss Skirt