Must ‘fess up. I’m not the naturally-handy-about-the-home type, nor do I brighten with excitement at the thought of physical labour, but fruit-picking in the sun is a welcome exception (yet more welcome when it’s apple-picking…pluck one and they all – in pure lemming fashion – plunge to the ground). This, in combination with all the wall-painting and furniture-restoring I’ve been occupied with lately, not only grants me this confidence that assures I could take on any handyman’s job (v. dangerrrous, since I’m lucky if I can hammer a nail straight) but also has me pondering suitable attire for such tasks.
Basically, I’ve got utilitarian-wear on the brain today, which is – you must appreciate – entirely alien to my wardrobe’s default inclination. Being the younger of two sons and closer in age to sisters than the bruv, I spent my time chiefly learning the ropes in the kitchen rather than the workshed and never really felt anything remotely resembling appreciation for the workwear which constituted the majority of my father’s wardrobe.
^ GAP FW09 – No, I’m not that convinced of this whole mode of dress that I’d sport the entirety of either of these looks, but the roll-down, slouchy boots combined with the thick socks are surprisingly appealing. Thanks to 00o00 for the first look.
^ Timberland FW09 Counterpane Captoe Chukka – Almost a year ago, now, I embarked on a mission to secure a pair of dashing chelsea boots. It was an epic fail. These more than ease the disappointment, though.
^ Miharayasuhiro FW09 – The slouchiest of silhouettes offset with the strength of a decidedly sober colourway and boots…again. Yes.
^ Bottega Veneta FW08 – Fashion purists avert your gaze, this looks is a whole year old after all! *gasp* Regardless, it’s still plenty relevant. BV boiler-suits (with boots) will always be relevant. But don’t blame me if you’re boss isn’t keen on officewear inspired by the above.
Now, however, what with all the highly desirable interpretations of workwear available I’m slowly warming to the concept. Last season’s lumberjack-love (check shirts surely never saturated the market to such an extent?) I just didn’t buy, but with re-workings of labour-staples: denim shirts, work-boots, distressed-finishes and boiler-suits, I’m thinking channelling DIY-demigod is the order for AW. Easy on the plaid, mind.
Images from Raymond Chiu, Men’s Style and 00o00
I don't think I can cope with another lumberjack season! Ha. The collection is quite strong from past years don't you think? The GAP have never really been on my list of 'high' high street winners but this has made me look at them a little closer.
Hi – just to say love the blog. Good post – am seriously hankering after some nice chunky boots and who'd have thought of something that interesting from Timberland?Not sure about plaid or tartan yet again (although it is likely to be ubiquitous). More likely to Aran and fair-isle knits for me.
welcome to mechanic meets cowboy. Don't fret about this change. the fun starts when you start to break and re-interpret the stereotypes!
I think the only way I'd rock this look is if it was along the lines of Miharayasuhiro but paired down.