Denim | Levi's Vintage

The title of this blog probably makes most people surprised or disappointed when they see it not littered with jeans.

The title is taken from a joke that only me and about one other person understand or find in the least bit funny.

In fact, it's probably only me that does. Fashion humour is pretty far down the scale.

There's no aversion to denim here, there's just not that much knowledge, understanding, or deep burning passion. For that, check guys like Son of a Stag out.

There's an appreciation of denim, though. Brands like Huit, Edwin, and Tellason have really stood out for me in the past year, offering a product that they clearly care about.

Let's not turn noses up at the High Street though. The best tip for jeans I've ever had is from Mat of Buckets and Spades - what's on offer at Uniqlo is ludicrously good quality for the price: under £50.

Levi's shouldn't be overlooked either. Their standard ranges are solid and for someone who doesn't have large sums to spend on clothes, they're a good option.

If you do want to splash out though, Levi's have their vintage range.

Here, they've trawled back through the 501 archives and reproduced iconic and important (design wise) jeans from years-gone-by.

Mine are a 1954 pair (well, even I splash out occasionally). The first, apparently, to feature a zip-fly, they're a fairly weighty pair of jeans that came in handy for a couple of trips to Scotland last year.

All of their jeans are available online, but the best way to find the right pair is head to the Levi's Vintage store, just off Carnaby Street, and try a few pairs on.

If you're feeling brave go for an unwashed pair and shrink them to fit. If you're not at all brave (like me), save a little money, reduce the risk and buy a pre-worn pair. Either way, once you find a pair you like, you won't regret it.

Pictures: Levi's website and my Instagram.

Want more denim? Check out Edwin Denim or Gaolhouse Denim (on Buckets and Spades).

Shoreditch Stores | Club Monaco + Number Six

A quick post on a couple of stores in Shoreditch.

First up, Club Monaco - a US brand that offers a level of style I can only dream to aspire to. Loafers, chinos, and slim-fit shirts, sit alongside more rugged sweaters and parkas. The store itself is like a miniature gentleman's club, with chairs and hatstands nestled between the well presented clothes, many a nod to it's heritage as a former gunsmiths, and even a small bourbon counter.

Second, Number Six. Perhaps not technically in Shoreditch, it's close enough and definitely decent enough to warrant the short walk along Brick Lane. Sat alongside the Truman Brewery, Number Six is in great company, with Son of a Stag almost next door and Albam only a stone's throw away.

While Club Monaco is a narrow and cosy store, Number Six is a wide-open, ceilinged room, where all of the colour and vibrancy of the clothes is immediately on show from the door. Just check those socks!

Last time I visited Number Six, I noticed some good-looking coats from Penfield and Patagonia, gloves from Barbour, and bags from Herschel.

Both stores are well worth a visit. Although, if you can't get there, both Number Six and Club Monaco can be browsed online - just don't expect that glass of bourbon.

Pictures: Club Monaco, Number Six Instagram, and my Instagram.