Clunk Click Every Trip

So today I'm getting a train from King's Cross to Leeds to surprise my Mum for her birthday. It is a wonder of the 21st Century, not only that this sort of journey is possible and in fact exceptionally easy for 24 hours; but that the train is equipped with wireless internet. Seriously, the modern world is pretty amazing sometimes when you stop and think about it. Anyway, this technological marvel allows me to a little time to ruminate on this week's Staple; the belt. For men, this is an often overlooked area, most men wear a simple, classic brown or black belt with a gold or silver buckle respectively. I own these; they are not only practical, but also compliment the smart look - a formal or work outfit is incomplete wthout a belt to fill those loops. With casual clothes though, the choice is much more varied and interesting. Patent, pattern or a more unusual buckle perhaps? A belt is an oft-underused opportunity to add an accent colour or texture to an outfit. Further, this accent can completely alter an outfit and make it infinitely better, or worse. For awhile now, I have been playing with metallic accessories and in this (my second gold braid belt) I've found an item of clothing that brightens up a casual pair of jeans, but it subtle enough to suggest a trend-receptive outlook. Lazy fashion I suppose, but one can't walk around dressed like Eugene Hutz all day (much as I might like to). The texture of the woven leather is a pleasing breaker from cotton, and although the colour is a little obvious perhaps, but as with metallic shoes, it's rare to see another bloke wearing it. And it's both this belt and what it represents which is the Staple here; an idea of dressing for oneself (a break for individuality) as well as being a little more daring in what you wear - as I write this I'm sat amogst businessmen on the commute, wearing patent boots, maroon jeans, a silver belt, an off-white Liberty-print shirt and a salmon pink cardigan). What is there to lose? other Staples this week:
A metallic belt
Pizza from Icco's on Charlotte Street
Free wifi internet on the train
The Southwark Tavern in London Bridge
Jluian Schnabel's beautiful film 'The Diving Bell & The Butterfly'
Bank Holiday weekend
Neon Neon's album, 'Stainless Style'

If Gold was Good Enough for Jesus...

As the mythical 'Xmas party season' rolls into view, style sections seem to be full of partywear for both men and women. However, unless you work at some sort of UberTwat banking firm in the City, the suggested tuxedo and smart shoe look is a little OTT. Not that I dislike smart (quite the opposite in fact), it's just that I am rarely invited to an event which demands it, where other guests will appreciate the sublime cut of my jacket and the subtle choice of shirt and shoes that I would, in theory, make. In practice, I have been spreading a little Chistmas cheer in these beauties. I bought them in early spring - hence the slightly worn gold - after spraypainting both loafers and Converse for a few years before. They are some sort of Limited thing, only available from Foot Locker in Covent Garden, In gold leather, with diamante studded sides, and gilding on the rubber toecap as well. For me, not seeing anyone else wearing them has been a higlight, except for M.I.A. in a photoshoot. They are widely admired, and were well worth the premium over the more subtle gold Cons. Gold shoes are ideal Xmas party outfit finishers; they certainly solved my last-minute shoe crisis. And though they are everywhere in adverts; in reality, even in 'trendy east London', metallic shoes are rare. They are, however, best paired with an understated outfit. Give it a try this Xmas; after all, if gold was good enough for Jesus...Other Staples this week:
Gold leather, diamante-studded Converse hi-tops
Cantaloupe in East London
Daft Punk classic songs
Decorating the Xmas tree
The V&A's 'Out of the Ordinary' craft exhibition
Boycotting Tesco
A lovely evening in Camino, Kings's Cross