Journal

The third installment of our Art Of Dressing Series. Lord Trousers' Sartorial Advisor tells us how to tame a Cravat (or Ascot Tie if you're over the pond!) and the history behind them.

There has recently been a resurgence amongst some of my circle in workwear; the hardwearing utility garments sported by generations of French roadsweepers and Ealing comedy warehousemen. While utility wear is not exactly my style, there is a good reason that these garments endure and stand the test of time.

Corduroys appeal to the casual dresser, and have earned their place in our wardrobes. They add versatility with the cord, or ‘wale’, thickness coming in varying sizes. From the crisp, cool and lightweight thinner jean cut cords suited for autumn and summer to the warm and softer chunky trouser cut cords taking the limelight in the winter months.

Henry Blofeld OBE: recently retired sports journalist, broadcaster and Peter Christian fan is lending his unmistakable voice and uncompromising style to our new series of sartorial advice films “Ask Blowers”. In-between takes we took the opportunity to ask Henry a few questions.

To dress appropriately in the peak of summer a combination of comfort and style is key. The components you need to take into account are colour, material and fit. Light colours reflect heat and darks absorb, so think bright and light if you want to stay cool.

In the first of our series of “Lord Trousers meets” we chat with James Young, scion of the Young’s brewing family and now its senior member, about beer, boots and alpacas. Living deep in rural West Sussex, James is often found in a waxed jacket and corduroys, but do not jump to the conclusion that Mr Young is a tweedy countryman; a glance at his footwear reveals a lover of Americana.

How should you wear a Prince of Wales Suit, I hear you cry? Lord Trousers' Sartorial Advisor tells us the history and how to wear the most regal of casual weaves - the Prince of Wales Check.

Scrolling through some marvellous old footage of VE day recently, I was struck how, in the early years of the last century, everyone wore a hat. Everyone. Silent crowd scenes were punctuated by the air filling with flying boaters, bowlers or flat caps, enthusiastically launched by their wearers.

How should you wear a waistcoat, I hear you cry? Let Peter Christian’s Sartorial Advisor show you how in our first Art of Dressing episode, just keep him away from the snuff. Lord Trousers.

This weekend, I charged my man Harry the Hat with the task of putting all my Peter Christian summer lightweights back into mothballs. However, I can never contain a slight frisson of excitement as I bring out my autumn wardrobe.

I have been dabbling with Instagram of late and have to say I think it's great. It is full of interesting gents wearing great clothes, so I have created a list of some of my favourite well dressed men on Instagram who are really worth a follow.

Denim. Those of us of a certain age will remember the iconic aftershave advert of 1979, wherein a bloke becomes irresistible after a splash of the eponymous pong. Now I remember the scent being something close to a sweetish mosquito repellent, but nevertheless the appeal of the denim shirt lives on.

The Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2016 are upon us or, for my non Portuguese speaking friends, The Rio 16 Olympics. Scanning the sports pages on Sunday, a few alarm bells began to ring about how our national team might represent themselves sartorially.

Patchy Summer weather and a wobbly post-Brexit Euro has made many of us hum and hah over travel arrangements and making plans. Being a last-minute sort of fellow, I took advantage of a few air miles and a favourable exchange rate on the Morroccan dib-dob to take a few days in Marrakech.

What’s in a name? – A gnashing of Keef. While researching the last journal entry, regarding my favourite, stylish hellraisers, I couldn’t help but notice how many roués and rogues have rejoiced in the name Keith.

A while ago I posted the anniversary of Peter Christian hero, Oliver Reed’s birthday on our social media pages, want as I am to remember his like. The positive response from friends of Peter Christian was unsurpassed.

People look to me for advice on matters sartorial and, given the enthusiastic response to my recent thoughts on winterwear clangers, I thought I'd give you the benefit of some more bons mots re. faux pas...

While I bang on a lot about the dreadful gear that seems to appear in the warmer months with the feeble defence of ‘keeping cool’ (socks with sandals, bumbags and cargo shorts, vests worn as outerwear…argh!), little attention is paid to some of the beastly wardrobe malfunctions that blight the winter months.

Dubbed the ‘King of Cool’ for good reason, Steve McQueen embodied a calmness and unhurried nature that defined being 30 plus post war. He exuded a poise and toughness that was backed up in his choice of clothing both off and on set. Steve, we salute you!

Ahh! That time of year again, the leaves turn to tan as yours starts to fade. But this isn’t a time to be locked away, it is the season of family and fine eating; a time for long walks, log fires and layering.