SINGLETONMEETSHORSLEY

The 25th of December. Noel. Crimbo. Baby Jesus’s Birthday. Call it what you want, its only round the corner, no more than 10 days in fact, so have you done your Christmas shopping? Have you been a good boy this year? Lets hope that when the day finally arrives, you unwrap some of these beuts and not another pair of Homer Simpson socks from Mum (thanks).

And if these are not on your wish list, then certainly spend some of that cash Boxing Day on some. Edwin Jeans is a Denim manufacturer you may have or more likely not heard of, (thats not a bad thing to say mind) but as far as jeans go, are one of the best “Premium”examples on offer. A friend recently introduced me to his newly acquired Edwin’s ED-88’S and I was immensely impressed.

The brand itself has a respectful history, dating from the 40’s when Mr. Tsunemi of Japan began importing denim from the States, due to the difficulty of producing the cotton at the time in Japan. It then wasn’t until the 60’s that the Japanese entrepreneur made his first pair of jeans. To this day Mr. Tsunemi philosophy stays true to its roots, showing the upmost craftsmanship and superior quality to its competitors. They also claim, to be the first producer in the 80’s and 90’s to pioneer “Stone Washes” and ‘Vintage” archive designs that all denim producers use these days.

Edwin ED-88 “Riser Fader”

Perhaps the main style and fit I’d pick is indeed the ED-88. These are Slim-Skinny fit, the only way to have you jeans (and if you believe otherwise, please remove yourself from the site). Theres again a whole host of washes and in particular these three shown, stand out for us.

Edwin ED-88 “Abyss Worn”

So if your denims looking a little past its best and your fed up with the depreciation you get with your high street jeans then look no further. And finally, Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.

It’s probably safe to agree if your into Fashion, or even parts of it then your into grooming, grooming yourself that is. Times have long changed and more and more modern day men, as me and Jack like to say, spend time taking care of their appearance, hours in fact and I wouldn’t be far wrong even to suggest some of you gents spend more time in front of the mirror than women! Am I right? Of course I bloody well am this is the 21^st century, back in the day it was more rather well off gentleman to be seen having the traditional wet shave and although there were other treatments it was nothing compared what’s on offer for us fella’s today.

When I look back at photos of traditional barbers where customers would have received exceptional haircuts and wet shaves I cant help but look at the utensils, furniture and accessories, all of which, in my eyes, look so dam cool! With items more often and not taking inspiration from the Edwardian period, which brings me onto these guys…Czech & Speake.

Founded in the 70’s, the brand stands for heritage English lifestyle values delivered with luxury. Once you see the products you’ll realise their pretty bang on!

Just take a look at this all-in-one kit for all your wet shaving needs, can you honestly get a more stylish, traditional yet cool, cool yet classic…shaving set. I think not!

We may be in that month and you may think you’re in luck but I’m sorry but Christmas cracker nail clippers just wont cut it, literally. Your nails should never be overlooked, you can tell a lot about a men with well kept nails and how better to do it than with this manicure set. Its features anything and everything for every little corner of your finger tips. Steep price retailing at a not so light £336 but am worthwhile lifelong investment at that.

A quality mirror speaks for itself.

So this china toothbrush stand kind of finishes my article, I’ll leave you with this, just remember small subtle finishes around your home are what ultimately make for stylish living.

Czech & Speake people!

Gitman Vintage Slim Fit Printed Shirt £175

I can guarantee you’ve been there. You’ve gone to look in your wardrobe in preparation for Friday night and you gaze upon your shirt selection. You’ve been here before. That checked shirt has seen a lot of action. Christ, that denim shirts been on many times at Tiger Tiger. This feels oh so very similar. So what to do now then?

Gitman Vintage Jacquard Shirt £175

Well, the call has been answered. Before you is some examples from US shirt makers Gitman and their Vintage range in particular is well worth considering. Having been producing garments since the 40’s , these guys have a tremendous amount of experience in making shirts and have reissued archived designs harnessing styles from the past 70 years.

Gitman Vintage Vertical Alpine Pattern Shirt £165

I must admit, £165 is hard to justify for “just” a shirt but, will you see another soul in a 50 mile radius with the same piece? Its not to say that only that matters but, its certainly nice to get a comment on a shirt absolutely no-ones seen before when your out with your buddies. I doubt a single soul has heard of the brand let alone the wicked prints they bring out.

Gitman Vintage Tiger Camo Corduroy Shirt £165

And considering only “premium” menswear stockists will hold them and not your local Topman its something certainly worth looking into. Each piece in itself is unique, exceptionally well made and can easily stand the test of time without the risk of being overlooked in a months time when it comes to your next outing.

Gitman Vintage Drug Rug Shirt £165

Pics courtesy of Endclothing & Mr. Porter

Something that I have been pondering with for a while now…Pyjamas, and why on earth I stopped wearing them. Ok so you received a pair of new pyjamas every Christmas up until the age of 11, right? You would honestly surprise me if you were to say you didn’t, we were all there once upon a time and my god didn’t we just hate it. Then came the teens, years where you only thought it was cool to wear boxers to bed, well at least I did, yet here I am in my early twenties wondering why I put myself through freezing cold bedtime conditions. Ok so if your having company you may want to reconsider dressing up for bed and go down that, I’m not wearing anything tonight route, and if she still isn’t playing ball just face that your in for a rather cold evening. But for them nights where its you and the bed, a time to stretch out, starfish if you will, then there’s always Derek Rose…making luxury pyjamas since the 1920’s and doing a bloody good job old chap.

Check out this dapper combo above, striped cotton-twill, how could you possibly go wrong and how could you even say no! Being located on Savile Row speaks for itself, Derek Rose sticks with some of the best fabrics this day and age has to offer, that’s what they are indeed known for and that’s what they do best and hence why their classic pyjama is still considered as some of the best luxury sleepwear In the world.

A Singletonmeetshorsley favourite, the opulent pattern, a comfortable and stylish choice made perfect for reading the sunday papers. All example seen here range from £130 upwards. But as we’ve always said, you cant out a price on panache….

A holdall, typically seen as a gym bag and often used to carry sports equipment in the past has now; slowly but surely, made it’s way into fashion, onto our catwalks and not to mention lay grace in our favorite high street stores. Often associated with the modern day man image, a holdall can compliment a good overcoat/suit, make for an understated overnight bag or even replace a suitcase altogether on that 3-night city break.

Since buying my first holdall back last year it’s seen more than one or two trips through Gatwick airport and my god has it done me well. Granted customs, stopped me once, for the officer to then tell me I look like I’m smuggling something but really…who isn’t smuggling something these days! Picking your holdall can become difficult, full leather, half leather, paisley, and all big factors in what suits you and what is indeed cool. Bottom line is it’s all cool, sling it over your shoulder and you’re away.

 In this article I wanted to demonstrate two very different ends of the spectrum, at the very top you have a bag priced at a small fortune, not appealing to myself nor many but for the more well off bunch it’s within reach and why not, just take a look at the pictures, the quality is indescribable. Above you have a similar example from RiverIsland, a more than affordable high street brand pricing this bag at £40. See you don’t have finance revolutions just to make a statement carrying your dirty washing to the launderettes in Shore Ditch.