Dressed like its 1994 for the start of 2014

Jacket/Jeans | Topman, Sweater | Primark, Footwear | Puma, Sunglasses | Ray-Ban

It was a rare January sunny morning in the North East, so it was great opportunity to go for a stroll in the park. I'm still feeling a bit of a festive hangover, the burgundy sweater (another bargain from Primark) I'm wearing here is the one piece of clothing I wore almost everyday throughout the holidays! Today I wore it with an old denim jacket for that authentic 90's look!

I also had my first chance to try out a new bottle of Bumble and bumble surf spray last week. As you can see from the pics above, it gave a lot of texture and a scrunched look (it was very windy today so that could have aided the wind-swept look!) . I'll be doing a full review and write up of the Surf Spray this week. I really have been impressed with Bumble and bumble, I have also written a review on the Sumo Wax which you can find here.

I can't believe we're a week into 2014 already, and 2013 went by quicker than I could say 'Happy 2013'! I'm not really into the whole New Years resolution thing, but if I was to have one for 2014, it would simply be to actually enjoy the year and take in as much of it as possible before the Christmas songs come on in the shops again! What are your New Years resolutions for 2014?

Check that Tartan

Jacket/Shirt/Jeans | Topman, Footwear | Puma, Sunglasses | Ray-Ban

I'm still trying to find a couple of good and reliable locations for my photos, and I think I may just have found one good spot in Yorkshire. Its a nice and quiet walk flanked by cottages and as you see above, a nice white painted wall as a bonus!

If you read my last post then you may remember me mentioning a check lumberjack coat I've had for 3 years, well here it is! I actually bought it in the Topman January sales, back when sales didn't run all year round! Its served me well, and it definitely did its job of keeping me warm on this sunny but chilly afternoon in North Yorkshire!

I was a bit apprehensive about wearing the coat with this tartan shirt, but in the end it all worked out giving a nice clash-on-clash contrast with the black sleeves and jeans. The footwear were my trusty Puma TX-3 trainers (today I learnt they were first introduced in 1987) which gives the outfit a much needed urban flavour in contrast to the lumberjack jacket.

River Island Navy Duffle Jacket

The cold weather has arrived and I thought I'd equip myself with a new winter jacket, the last winter jacket I bought was a Burberry-esque lumberjack coat nearly 3 years ago! I don't usually shop in River Island but I actually saw this duffle coat on ASOS. Initially I was looking for something a bit more casual like a Parka, but this navy duffle was just too nice to overlook.

The shape of the coat is quite boxy, combine that with the classic duffle look and neutral colour it'll probably stand the test of time well (it'll hopefully serve as my winter coat for another 3 years!). The length of the jacket is a bit longer than I would like but this shouldn't be an issue for most people. There are some nice details, such as the rustic heavy duty toggles, which are in contrast to the subtle quilted stitching found inside the hood. All in all, it strikes a nice balance between casual and formal. As you can see it can be worn quite casually with a simple knitted jumper and jeans for that rustic heritage look, or it can easily be worn with trousers and a smart shirt for a more formal occasion.

Jacket | River Island, Jumper & Hat | Primark, Jeans | Topman, Footwear | Puma

Ben Sherman Umbrella Shirt

When it comes to a shirt for the coming British autumn and winter months, none are as fitting as this Ben Sherman Umbrella Print Twill shirt. It features an umbrella print that symbolises the British winter perfectly. It also fits perfectly, being from the Plectrum line of Ben Sherman clothing, combining classic styles and colours with contemporary fits and details. The attention to detail is what distinguishes it from shirts found on the high street. Details such as the arrow placket, fabric buttons and rounded front really make you feel you're wearing something different. The hidden print of a man holding one of the umbrellas was a nice little surprise I found long after I bought the shirt, along with the metal plectrum on the side seam.

The shirt can be worn casually, as I have done here with black skinny jeans and a pair of punchy Puma TX-3 trainers along with my trusty Wayfarers, or with a nice floral tie or bow tie for a more quirky and smarter look for a formal suit and tie event. I've always been more of a high street shopper, but since I bought my first Ben Sherman shirt a few years ago, I've been converted, their shirts are high in style and quality, plus it feels awesome to be supporting a British label.