Shirt Tucked In is on vacation

I'm off for a well needed holiday to sunny Malaysia (Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur) tomorrow, so there'll be no more posts on Shirt Tucked In until early in 2011.

Until then, have a very dapper Christmas and a well-groomed New Year!

Loake Bedale Boots

I saw these Loake boots at The Three Threads in Shoreditch recently, and thought they looked like a lot of boot for the money. Great leather uppers and a very chunky looking Goodyear welted sole. All for £185.

Everest Expedition 1924

Mallory and Irvine at left, back row.

North Col camp, elevation 23,000 feet. The only thing between the teams and the biting winds were thin layers of silk, cotton and wool, topped off with gabardine.

The Tudor Date-Day. A Rolex President at a budget price.

This is one of my favourite watches, a vintage Tudor, with an automatic movement and day-date function. Which makes it the Tudor equivalent of the famously expensive Rolex President. I picked this up on eBay a few years ago at a bargain price, partly because the dial isn't in perfect condition, with a few small spots of discolouration. As a timekeeper it works perfectly, losing only one or two minutes each week. It's beautifully made too, the case is slim and elegant, and I particularly like the way the day and date flip over to change exactly at the stroke of midnight.

70 today

Bruce Lee would have been 70 today. Born on 27th November 1940, he died aged just 32 in 1973. As well as being the all time king of the martial arts movie, he was quite a snappy dresser, especially back in the 60s. As a birthday tribute, here are some pictures from the days when he wore thin lapels and skinny ties.

Fuji FinePix X100. Digital goes retro

Ever fancied having a camera which looked like one of those classic old 60s rangefinders, but was completely digital? Well here's the Fuji FinePix X100, a large sensor compact camera with a fixed 23mm lens. I don't know whether it's going to be available with an old style leather case and strap, but that's exactly what it needs to set it off nicely. All going well, the X100 should be available early in the New Year.

Pictures courtesy of dpreview.com

The Woman of the Dunes

Watched the Japanese cinema classic, The Woman of the Dunes, last night. Beautifully directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara, it's the haunting tale of a teacher who encounters some strange villagers while scouring the sand dunes for a rare insect. If you're into arty black and white images, then you're in for a real treat - every frame of this 1964 masterpiece is like a carefully lit and composed still life. Added to that, the protagonist wears some very cool stuff (check out the chinos with the poacher-style pockets, the white button down collar shirt and canvas backpack).

The latest at Liberty

The incredibly expensive but beautifully made Polo Ralph Lauren Hunting Jacket.

Doesn't hide the fact it's made in China, rather than the U.S.

A view of the Edwin concession.

Some more views of the workwear/casual section of the menswear department...

... showing clothes by Levis Vintage, Heritage Research and Studio d'Artisan.

Margaret Howell's MHL Faded black twill jacket. Nice detailing on the tops of the pockets.
YMC's Poacher's Jacket.
Rag & Bone's waxed Skeet Jacket.

The Polo Ralph Lauren Country Fishing Messenger Bag, a nice partner to the hunting jacket.

Popped into the brilliant menswear department at Liberty's to treat myself to a new hat the other day, a black wool newsboy. It was only £35, made by the New York hat company, and just the thing for the icy winds that have been blowing through Soho.

But while I was there, I had a good look at some of their latest stock, an eclectic mix which includes brands like Heritage Research, Polo Ralph Lauren, Acne and Band of Outsiders.

The first thing that caught my eye was the eye wateringly expensive Polo Ralph Lauren Hunting Jacket. Yes, I know it's a nice jacket and all, but is it really worth £832 of anyone's money? If it cost a third of that I'd still say it was a little pricey. Having said that the detailing was first class, everything from the specially aged and distressed khaki fabric to the little button down pockets on the sleeves. Next, the really nice waxed Skeet jacket by U.S. based Rag & Bone at a much more reasonable £335. Margaret Howell had some neat twill jackets in her MHL line in faded black fabric at £275, and lastly YMC had a great Poacher's Jacket for just £215. I've always loved walking around Liberty, their stock changes frequently and they're always willing to show the latest designers from the U.S. and Japan, as well as the home-grown variety. The clothes and accessories are all put together and displayed with a great sense of style too.

The Filson Tin Cruiser

The Filson Tin Cruiser I ordered from the U.S. finally turned up yesterday. It's a tough looking jacket, steeped in paraffin wax, similar to a Barbour in thickness and finish, but obviously cut to a very different design. I love the front and side handwarmer pockets, as well as the large rear pocket that runs the full width of the jacket.

First impressions? Well, the fabric is as stiff as a board and slightly oily to the touch, and there are nice details on the sleeve and interior. As for the fit, it's intentionally quite snug on the chest (I bought a 38, though I'm usually a 40), it's perfect on the arms and just right lengthwise.

With all the press studs done up, the Tin Cruiser feels almost armour plated, like it can handle anything the weather will throw at it. Well, it was originally designed to keep loggers in the Pacific Northwest warm and dry. With winter on its way and a million chores to do in my back garden, I'm sure this jacket's going to be earning its keep.

Newsboys

Engineered Garments do a great one. Stetson do some excellent tweed ones. Yes, it's the hat of the season, the Newsboy cap. Here are some of the best ones:

From top:

Kangol Charcoal wool Galaxy cap

Engineered Garments suede and herringbone tweed caps

Borsalino tweed casquettes

Stetson Hatteras tweed cap

Stussy Herringbone newsboy cap

New York Hat Co. wool cap

Work boots

Saw this combination of work boots (top) with tapered jeans and suit jacket on the excellent site Secret Forts a while back. The outfit belongs to none other than Frank Muytjens, Menswear Designer at J Crew. If you're looking for similar looking footwear, go for a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, or the slightly cheaper option, Red Wing Heritage 9161s (bottom).

Old Town

Based in the North Norfolk town of Holt, Old Town seem to pride themselves on being a fashionably old-fashioned sort of outfitters. To take a tour of their quaint website is to take a step back in time, to the era of demob clothing, Powell and Pressburger, and post war rationing. Their menswear collection of workwear jackets, coats and trousers are solidly British in both cut and fabric, and customers can choose from a range of styles in UK-made flannels, tweeds and drills. All callers are directed to the charmingly named Miss Willey, who according to the website,"is able to advise on style, fit and to discuss the merits of the various fabrics." If you fancy looking like an extra from 'Brief Encounter' or 'I'm All Right Jack' go for the full outfit. If you'd just prefer a touch of the Old Town look, you could always team a tweed waistcoat up with your slim-cut Levis and Grensons.