Taking a Break

So, after only a few months of running Heavy Denim, I've decided to take a break.

What in God's name will I read now?! I hear all three of you cry - well, you'll be pleased to know I'll still be writing solidly on fashion and lifestyle, over on Buckets and Spades, as well as continuing my food writing on Foodepedia and

The truth is, for a blog to be half-decent, you need to commit to it. With my current writing, work, new projects, and general laziness, it's going to be hard to keep the content flowing.

Thanks to everyone who has had a read; thanks too to all those brands that supported us along the way. We'll be back soon - hopefully - but regardless, see you over on Buckets and Spades!

Competition | Mainline Weekend Break x Lyle & Scott

I’ve got massive love for golf. It reminds me of being a kid - a much simpler time. I’d watch Sunday Grandstand religiously, with my Granddad. We’d rattle through the sports like we had somewhere to be. Football, gymnastics, snooker, rugby (boring, should have been replaced with pro wrestling if you ask me), F1 and golf. The latter sparked a different feeling, I found it so relaxing to watch; it was a slow pace but high impact. The commentary was on another level too.

Chasing that white ball in the deep, thick cloud was another story though. Why did’t they use orange balls?!

Years later and I still haven’t been to any major tournaments, but I’d love to. My Granddad is sadly long gone, but I know it would bring back those found memories.

The guys at Mainline Clothing are running a rather special competition with Lyle & Scott at the moment - the first prize is two tickets to the British Open, up in Scotland, plus swanky accommodation for the weekend!



If you’re not the lucky number one (and believe me, I’m hoping it’s me) then there’s a couple of runner up prizes - second prize is £500 to spend on Lyle & Scott drapes, and third is £300 for a little bit less swag.

Actually, why I am writing this? I want to win, but let’s strike a deal, if you win then I can be your +1 right? Guys…?

Just to remind you of those prizes:

1. Two tickets to the British Open, plus accommodation
2. £500 to spend at Lyle and Scott
3. £300 to spend at Lyle and Scott

What are you waiting for?! Enter now!

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Capsule Collection OLOW x Jean Jullien

The creative + arts industry is full of collaborations. In fact, we’re surely over the tipping point right now (anyone interesting in trends, saturation and consumerism should read Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point)? They have become standard practice, especially in the fashion industry, so what on earth do they mean anymore?

Stick two brands together to slightly tweak a product - adding a new colour eyelet hole, or literally just a brand name makes things “exclusive” and only made in “limited numbers” these days. I’m not knocking it, heck I buy into these things like a lot of people.

Hype is a tricky subject though, if we write about something on Buckets and Spades, or share something on socials are we adding to consumer hype, sharing what we think is cool or subconsciously doing the a marketing company’s job for free?

One collab I was keen on was the recently Sperry x Gray Malin Photography collection - using Malin’s colourful images on Sperry’s classic boat and slip ons. For me it worked, it made sense, they did a cool job of it and it looked pretty sweet. Thoughtful I reckon, and that’s what I want.

Another collab that caught my eye was the new range by OLOW, in partnership with French illustrator Jean Jullien. His playful and somewhat childlike doodle + childlike style lends itself really nicely to a small range of tees, shirts and caps.

Check out this short video interview with Jean Jullien, which outlines the project, and gives you a better insight into why the collaboration works.



- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Design | Luke Turner Bottle Openers

Beer seems to be at in the top five priorities when me + Nik meet up. The running order goes something like this; coffee, actual work duties + Buckets meeting (coffee before work, yes), checking it with PRs, visiting new stores, and beer.

While you can’t open a PR with a bottle opener, you can open another on the list. A terrible segue way, but we got there!

I spotted these rather cool looking customised bottle openers on Instagram, created by a chap called Luke Turner. He’s only selling them via Instagram right now, which I actually thought was a pretty sweet idea - people turning their social media into a quick turn over-type of side project. Just flogging them out there, no website, just Paypal. I dunno, I just liked the convenience of it all. Especially seeing as you can use the Paypal app on your phone these days.

Anyway, these bottle openers have all been collected over a few years, from various places like second hand shops, car boots, vintage sales…and have been spruced and cleaned up. They’ve been finished off with a little bit of natty paracord, which can be attached to your wallet, keychain or even wrist if you really must.

Find them at @helloluketurner for £8.50 each.

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Boris Becker + PUMA Court Star Emboss Pack

I love Boris Becker, me. He’s a cool guy - cooler than me, cooler than you, and cooler than the sport he found fame in.

Well that’s my opinion anyway.

I’m not a huge lover of tennis, I don’t mind it, but I just don’t love it. “Der Boom”, as his friends call him made my first tennis experience ten times better, so if The B Man is going to endorse a brand then the chances are I’ll stand up and listen.

Becker was often seen gracing the green square in a pair of Puma sneakers  - the clean stripe down the side, perforated details and subtle grid detail on the new updated PUMA Court Star Emboss Pack might not be a direct replica of what we would have worn back in the 80s, but they look pretty fresh for 2015.

I’d wear them, and I’d like to think B Dawg would do to. Remember, he’s a very cool man indeed, so he’s probably even too cool for tennis these days. As I type this he’s probably sipping super-strength Columbian espresso from a porcelain cup, while being dapped down by a host of beauties in the sun some place, planning his next cool-guy adventure.

Meanwhile, I’m in Lancashire, drinking Robinsons Peach Cordial, wearing four layers and a wool hat, planning for what time I’m going to make it down to the Tesco’s clearance aisle to bag some out-of-date carrots.

What’s the connection? Well, me and B Bizzle could both be wearing a pair of PUMA Court Star, looking as cool as a pair of overly chilled cucumbers. He doesn’t even know how important that clearance aisle is…and he’s probably not bothered.

Be as cool as the Beckmeister. The PUMA Court Star Emboss Pack is available in three colours, black, navy and white at Size?, Hanon, and 5 Pointz this April.

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest
(or down the clearance aisle in Tesco)

Eco Swimming | Riz Boardshorts

Just having a look at my shopping list for the day ahead; chopped tomatoes, eggs, beer, shaving cream, swimming shorts made out of recycled plastic, bananas…hmmm something isn’t right here…Onion! Phew, I knew I was missing something.

Hang on a tick, swimming shorts made out of recycled plastic, how did that get on the list? Nik!

Well now we’re on the subject, the fine fellows at Riz are trying to achieve just that. A board short which is made from 100% recycled plastic, from our over-polluted seas. It’s a very noble cause, and one which when you research into and watch documentaries on the subject is pretty horrendous. It is our fault after all. Polar bears weren’t cracking open cans of pop before humans came about.

Anyway, Riz are currently crowdsourcing this project, and it’s well worth considering if you’re in the market for a pair of trunks. Anything that helps us clean up those oceans can only be a good thing.

Plus they’re mad floral too, Noel Edmonds is going to be all over them.

p.s. These guys are still raising funds. Check their campaign out on KriticalMass.

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Ben's Cookies | That perfect post-lunch boost

Okay, it's an odd one for a blog with this title, but sometimes you have to shout about those things that fall outside of the editorial remit (what editorial remit?).

Ben's Cookies was always a post lunch option I was dragged to (willingly) by a former colleague. A massive dose of sugar and calories that felt oh so wrong, but oh so right.

Blogging is hard work, so after a sandwich and in-between meetings I decided to introduce Mat to these delights. He liked them so much, he stuck a picture up on Instagram almost immediately.

So many likes - clearly they're doing something right!

If you're ever walking past or if you work close-by, grab one (or two) on Oxford Street. My tip? The dark chocolate and ginger can't be beat.

Image: Mat_Buckets.

Interested in food? Check out Conrad's Beer - my food blog.

Win a Year's Supply of adidas Originals

Mat Pike of Buckets and Spades introduces a competition you can't say no to...

Would you like to win a year’s supply of adidas Originals trainers? That’s a rhetorical question, as we all know the answer.

As a kid you’d hear, “win a year’s supply of cereal…win a year’s supply of cat food” - but what does that really mean?

Well, our friends at Mainline Clothing are offering one lucky so-and-so the chance to win a fresh pair of adidas Originals trainers every month for 12 months. So that’s a box-fresh pair of classic streetwear every four weeks - your mates will be thinking you've starting working for good old Adi Dassler or something!

From training to street, beach to festival, adidas has become synonymous with today’s fast-paced modern culture, and the person who is lucky enough to win this competition will find themselves right at the top of their game.

Superstar, Stan Smith, Gazzelle, Topanga, Spezial, Beckenbauer, Hamburg, ZX Flux, Adilette….count this as your brand new starting line-up for your already packed out trainer cupboard. Room for 12 more?

To be in with a chance of winning a year’s supply of adidas Original trainers head over to Mainline Menswear.

- Mat (@mat_buckets)

Images: Taken from our Pinterest Sneakers & Shoes wall.

Blinded by the Light | Le Coq Sportif Eclats

Just when you thought you had anything you needed, a brand comes along and designs more stuff for you to sink your wages into.

Glow-in-the-dark trainers…I know, they wouldn’t look out of place in a primary school playground.

Well I never did get those flashing lights LA Gear trainers, and there’s no doubt I’d look a 100% wally stomping around in those on the mean streets of Lancashire - so maybe these Glow in the Dark trainers by Le Coq Sportif would be a good compromise.

With the Eclat being one of the French brand’s signature and most recognisable models, it seems only a matter of time before they started a “pimp-my-trainer” scheme by sticking all the bells and whistles on them.

Or in this case giving them to Ghostbusters treatment.

I’ve only just bought myself a pair of Le Coq Sportfit Eclat trainers in the Xmas sales (after seeing one of the Harry Stedman team in them and having visited their fine looking store in Seven Dials, Covent Garden), so I may hold off just a while to see if I really want them.

Or maybe I’ll be swayed while on one of my midnight bike rides by an unsuspecting streetwear ninja.

Le Coq Sportfit Glow In The Dark Eclat available at size? very soon.

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Images: Le Coq Sportif.

Store Visit | Percival, London

Any time I visit London, my “downtime" blurs into my “uptime” (is that a word?). It seems like it’s a done-deal now that Nik and I will no doubt end up searching for new, interesting, and curious shops to visit, no matter what area of London we find ourselves in.

It never feels like work though - yes it’s all research, but most of the time you end up seeing new things you like and get to chat to new people about their businesses (or rather just hearing where you're likely find them on a Friday night: #menswearchat).

Percival is one of those brands we came across on our latest walk around Soho.

Seriously, how confusing is that place? It’s like a maze.

The upside of this is you stumble across stuff you had no intention of finding. I’m no stranger to Percival as a brand - featuring them on Buckets and Spades a few times previously - but for those who are new, they’re a menswear brand from London.

The cool thing about Percival's flagship Soho store on Bewick Street is that they design all of their collections from the basement below their retail space.

Cool right?

The guys behind the brand are passionate about keeping production as close to home as possible, using tried-and-tested factories, all a stone’s throw away from Central London. You can really see the passion coming through into their designs too - spend a few minutes in their store all you'll quickly see that their quality and designs are second-to-none.

It’s not just the gear that’s good looking though. One look at the well-designed print on their brown paper bags or the intricate laser-cut concrete flooring, and you know Percival mean business.

Check out this short video on the brand to hear more about their design process.



You can find Percival at 43 Bewick Street, Soho, London WF1 8SB.

- Mat. Editor of Buckets and Spades.

You can find Mat on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Images: Mat Pike.

Barbour x Deus-Ex Machina | Menswear meets motocycles

2014 was a year of collaborations for Barbour - they turned the level up to the max, picking to work with some straight-up menswear brands as well as more unconventional ones too.

Land Rover, Pantone, Norton & Sons, and adidas all made for suitable pairings. Did anyone get their hands on the adidas collab by the way? That stuff will surely be worth a packet by 2020.

As 2014 came to a close, Barbour hooked up with Australian motorcycle lifestyle brand Deus-Ex Machina (which literally means “God from the machine”), to create a range of t-shirts, knitwear, bags and, of course, biking-suitable outerwear.

My favourite piece is the Barbour International x Deus -Ex Machina Horace Jacket, which takes inspiration from their iconic jackets which were popularised by the motorcycling crowd and 50s/60s Hollywood film stars alike. Featuring a short body, reinforced elbows, slanted map pocket, throat fastening and iconic black and gold Barbour International logo.

I guess this is what happens when the cold North East of England meets the dry flat streets of Oz? Makes perfect sense, Steve McQueen would have no doubt given this the nod.

- Mat

Pictures: Barbour and Deus Ex Machina Instagram. Words: Mat, Editor of Buckets and Spades.

Like Barbour? You might also like the Harris Tweed + asos collaboration and UK made Chapman bags.

Sources of Inspiration | BBC News Magazine

While writing a piece for Buckets and Spades on the fabulous Shinola watches, I started thinking of all of the places I take inspiration from - the magazines I read, the websites I visit, that sort of thing.

I don't keep a list, more a general eye across the various people I follow on Twitter.

It's helpful knowing Mat, as he frequently points me in the direction of decent looking websites: It's Nice That, for instance.

Other bloggers will also throw a few pieces of interest my way. Yasumi of WorshipBlues is very good at doing that, as well as producing incredible content herself.

One source that I'd say is generally overlooked is BBC News Magazine. Their pieces occasionally appear on the BBC News website's 'Most Popular' column, but I doubt many people take the time to scour the magazine section fully and discover the gems hidden within it.

They produce incredibly insightful and often moving writing. Take the piece on Captain Mbaye Diagne, working in Rwanda in the 1990s, for example; or the terrifying story from Alex Owumi, 'I played basketball for Gaddafi' - a great, but disturbing read.

They also produce pieces that are 'lighter'. A series of videos that I've shared around a bit on Twitter feature a man who makes £100,000 watches, one who paints fairground signs, and another who whittles spoons.

These strangely absorbing videos deliver a fascinating view of someone else's work, craft, and life, reminding me (and hopefully others) that living isn't just about chasing money and sitting in-front of an illuminated screen each and every day.

It's the inspiration to try something new, try something different, and to keep on looking for new sources of direction and inspiration.