ICONIC MONDAY - PHARRELL WILLIAMS

Ok, so not exactly a ground breaking announcement that Pharrell Williams, Esquire's Best Dressed Men of 2005, is a style icon but it is my wish, no my duty, to cover a broad range of celebrities and styles. After covering rocker Pelle Almqvist last week, it only seems fair to cover someone from the hip hop/rap industry.

Self confessed nerd and avid follower of Star Trek, he is not what you might call a typically "cool" person, but I think we have all come to the conclusion that trying to be "cool" is most certainly the complete opposite.

What impresses me with this 'ere man, is his versatility because I for one never stick to the same style eg. indie, preppy etc... I usually change it on a daily basis. I'm not saying that's right, I'm just saying that is what Pharrell and I share in common, sadly this is where the similarites end.

Promise next week will not be a musician.

Let's begin with the money maker... le face.

He is one half of producers The Neptunes. Lead singer and drummer for N*E*R*D. Co-founder of Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Clothing.

He also looks quite good in a black and white portrait shot.

I spoke about the various styles of clothes he wears so just to prove I'm not fibbing, check out the snaps........

GEEK

He owns a fixie. Nuff said.

Although "retro" is on the wain, I still feel there is room for a nice old school grey jumper, especially when it dons the logo of your own multi-million dollar clothing line.

URBAN

These collegiate jackets have experienced somewhat of a rise in popularity over the last cuppla' years and can be found in vintage shops and markets all over London, although you may end up paying over the odds because they seem to be hard to get hold of/they're taking the biscuit.

Hel looks natural, fun loving and cool in this outfit. Bright bold colours look best on top of dark skin tones, if you're a sunburnt red head returning from Kavos don't attempt to wear this tone of red, ever.

CLASSICAL FORMAL

Whether it is the hours of tailoring he can afford or the fact that his athletic physique fits a suit perfectly he most certainly looks suitably stylish and handsome in this 'ere snap.

While it is unlikely you are going to have the kind of moolar Mr. Williams has to shell out on a suit, you can take notes. Get the fit right, get the colour right, get the finish right. Spend that bit more and sent it into to be adjusted, it will be worth it. At the moment I would suggest a nice shiny dark grey suit in a tight quirky fit.

He once more shows his versatility as he look sultry and desirable in these fine garments courtesy of Louis Vuitton, posing alongside supermodel Natasha Poly for Russian Vogue.

To avoid banging on about all his different looks I am going to plonk a load more images on 'ere and you can make your own decision, perhaps not the point of a blog but I for one believe in democracy, not a dictatorship.

Couldn't help myself. Had to write summit.

This is more of a middle of the road outfit. Smart Casual. Blending a New-Era cap and a granddad's cardigan in a way only he can do.

I like the red checked shirt, with the navy over coat and brown suede hat. It is a classic look, but with a modern twist.

Shiny trousers. Beautiful jacket. Silly pose. Doesn't matter.

This might be my favourite shot because the outfit is very "current" with the military type grey blazer, cut in a relaxed yet classic style.

Using the same colour, grey in this case, in such a delicate and canny way can create an more interesting ensemble than mixing prints and colours.

I reckon.

Once again, he uses a pale and natural palette for this outfit, and the grey belt screams European tailoring over the decades.

That broad behind seems to approve of the outfit anyway.......

So yeah, have fun, wear what you want, whenever you want (within reason).

"Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolised" - Albert Einstein.

BEST DRESSED IN BURY ST EDMUNDS

Long time no see,

Been slackin' on getting the posts up of late, no excuses, just content.

It must have been Wednesday last week when I headed into town and tried to find some well dressed people, to great success, the only spanner in the works was my unbelievable lack of camera tecckers.

Having received persistent nagging to get the images up I have bowed to the pressure and am gonna sling 'em on this 'ere website o' mine.

Without further adieu....

Friendly Fella, 21

Check out the boat shoes which look just worn enough to give a nice lived in feel, for it is my own personal view that clothes look best if you can tell people enjoy wearing them hence the marks and scuffs, hence why I'm baffled by people who have wall to wall dolls in original packaging, just get 'em out and let your toddler rip her head off....enough of that.

The panama is also a must have item at the moment, and it is just the right pale straw colour to compliment the mustard yellow shirt. I really like the fit of the jeans as they are loose fitting but straight leg creating a complimentary silhouette but giving enough interesting creases and slouches while the way the meet the boat shoes is simply breathtaking.

"I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday"

Chelsea, 17, and Katie, 19, both students

These girls tick most boxes. Chelsea (left) uses a bright floral skirt in contrast to a plain top which culminates in making a very interesting outfit, while the buttons down the front and high waist fit help to differentiate her look from the other girls in floral at this time of year.

Take something popular, make it your own.

Katie opts for a more nomadic looking outfit and the high waisted chino shorts in olive, mixed with the native indian printed shirt is "how" it should be done. Combined with her dark hair and skin tone she completely owns the look while slipping in the ever trendygladiator shoes.

Both these girls have found looks that suit them, and have been able to team a variety of garments together in a way which gets me all hot under the collar.

Will Wright, 16, Student

Bill caught my eye, in the straightest way possible, in the Abbey Gardens largely due to the fact he was at least a foot taller than me at the tender age of 16. Megan Fox has recently said she is into "nerdy" guys and while I am not accusing Will of this, I think it is fair to say he has added an element of "geek-chique" to his outfit. Achieved by "over" tight jean shorts which show a hint of thigh, and desert boots with socks. Will suits this look and I am fairly certain if Miss Fox is reading this blog, unlikely, he can expect a call anytime soon.

Simon, 19, Student

He was kind enough to help me throughout the day, and I pitied him enough to take this photo. This is a very simple outfit, which often reaps the greatest rewards, as it doesn't feel too contrived or hard work. He has rolled up his chinos, a nice move, and added two different shades of blue with the dark shoes contrasting with the trousers while the light pastel shirt compliments. He manages to pull off the hat, due to the simplicity of the outfit and the soft colour palette. I think it was Mr. Miyagi who once said "You cannot force a hat, a hat must force you", well bare that in mind, if your outfit is calling out for something, add a hat, if not, don't.

Keiran and Khai,18, Students

Saw these chaps chatting outside The Nutshell, the UK's smallest pub, and rudely interrupted their conversation. Those brief moments of social shame were arguably worth it when looking at this photo. I have a particular penchant for Khai's understated classical look, because everything is done correctly. It is all slightly tight fitting, giving that formal feel combined with the top button done up. Pay close attention to the loafers, a tell tale sign that this young man know's what he is doing.

To Conclude,

I think it was fairly successful trip to Bury St Edmunds, and goes some way to prove that Suffolk can do sexy. I must apologise to any one I took a photo of that was not put on the site, there was nothing wrong with the clothes, just I couldn't do them justice with my substandard skills behind the lens.

I like the eclectic and varied fashion senses that I was able to extract from a fairly small and polarised town.

"To be irreplaceable one must always be different" - Coco Chanel.

ICONIC MONDAY

Evenin'

Thanks to everyone who has been kind enough to say nice things about the blog thus far, I hope it has shoved a proverbial rocket up your backside and launched you into the fashion fray.

I thought I would try and add a bit of structure to the blog, cos I'm sure Freud would agree that we can all benefit from a bit of structure. So every Monday I will put photos up and generally blow the trumpet of someone I basically wish I was.

This week I have chosen PELLE ALMQVIST, who is the lead singer of the Hives.

I can only speak for myself here when I saying I was crazy, madly, deeply in love with the Hives during my middle school days. Anyway, this sexy Swedish man founded the Hives with his brother in 1993 and have since released 4 studio albums, but more importantly he wears nice clothes.

Basically, check him out.....

I have banged on about trends and what to wear, but I would like to point out that is far more important to find an individual style you feel comfortable with and can call your own, and then simply borrow pieces from the seasonal trends. I reckon that you can use clothes to give people an idea of who you are as individual and use them as your first and most powerful medium of self expression. Furthermore, you can make people want to get in bed with you, and avoid strolling the streets naked, unless that is your thing in which case...don't be offended if I duly cross the road.

Here are more pictures of him looking the bee's knees....

It just shouldn't work but it most certainly does.

Have a look for unusual, borderline "bad" suits. This year's look is all about reinterpreting and redefining clothing, in particular classic tailoring and cuts.

Try and find your dad's old school blazer, and wear it with pride. There is nothing cooler than wearing history.

“Fame is a vapour, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.”

Horace Greeley

Autumn/Winter Predictions

Busy night for little ol' me then I guess. I thought I would take a few more photos and drop some knowledge on all you beautiful people.

So these cold months will see people wearin'.....military (dum-dum-duuuuuum)

I know, I know, Military has been lurking around in the background like a clumsy stage hand but according to many people it is about to grab the mic and blow Andrew Lloyd Webber's socks off.

Dries Van Noten - Fall 2010 - Menswear

Notice the army green oversized coat. This is what you need.

Includes the ever popular denim shirt, which offers a useful piece of advice. When throwin' on something new, team it with your "go-to" item of clothing.

People can be scared of change. So break them in and avoid being chased out with pitchforks.

Dries Van Noten - Fall 2010 - Menswear

The military look is set to be top dog but also playing a major part is suits and tailored looks. This outfit shows the subtle combination. The dark grey and "navy" blue show how the look can be interpreted and work just as well.

Don't be afraid to fall out of line, soldier.

Paul Smith - Fall 2010 - Menswear

Here is Mr.Smith showing how a tailored look can, and should, be done. With unusual cuts, quality material, and natural tones you cannot fail to be impressed by this "quirky" ensemble.

The granddad top has been creeping around in recent years, and perhaps it might be time to have a go before granddad hops it, so to speak.

Dries Van Noten - Fall 2010 - Menswear

Another interesting take on the suit, be playful and bold when wearing suits.

Here's one I made earlier......

I tried to merge tailoring and military styles in this outfit, using an old tweed style blazer. Underneath there's a baggy and heavy grey cotton shirt. The jeans are semi-shiny which when rolled up continue the grey theme. Coming into winter I don't think you can have a cooler pair of shoes than big, black Dr.Martens. They have been cropping up all over London and hold a high kudos due to their heritage and military style.

Slightly different aesthetic on the outfit. The grey blazer teamed with the grey shirt give the outfit a subtle and refined feel, while the tailoring and collar help you look all grown up.

Grey.

Dr Martens. Nuff said.

Ok, So here is what you need to do....

Hunt high and low and find a nice, thick military style jacket. Be selective, don't bitch out and settle for less than perfect, this will be the most important purchase of the winter.

Browse for some military style boots, I would personally buy second-hand as they have been worn in, add character.....CHEAPER. But some people have a bit of a "thing" with second hand shoes.

Some tidy tailored trousers, the three t's as I like to say, will help to tie the look together.

"There was never a good war, or a bad peace" - Benjamin Franklin

Summer to Autumn

Ok, so sadly the British "summer" is starting to come to a close....particularly in terms of fashion, and sorting out how to impress your nearest and dearest with your up to the date and trend setting outfit coming into the new season.

So, I've put together a kind of transition outfit....

2010 has been all about refinement and the return of the modern gent, with tailored looks and collars being ever present. These warm months have seen the naval colours such as beige and blue donned by fellas up and down the country and you can continue to integrate them in outfits that are a little more appropriate for these predictably chilly conditions.

This outfit still wreaks of summer and combines smart and casual in a way that can be appreciated by all.

If the sun is shining you look summery, if the weather is grey you look prepared. Win win.

The palette of the outfit is a tried and tested formula:

deep blue + beige + brown = sex on a stick.

The bag continues the theme of blue and brown. And gives the impression that you have given a great deal of thought when putting it all together.

But it looks simple and natural so hopefully looks like you haven't spent TOO long getting ready.

Pointless artistic shot, quite chuffed in all honesty.

Shoes are handmade in Newmarket.

Stunning.

Had a bit of an episode with my legs dissolving, might have to see the doc. Still the shoes look good, everything else pails in insignificance really.

Double Denim Continued

Last night I unveiled an example of double denim I have be donnin' of late, but I felt I owed it to you all to offer my hop tips when combining denim.

Firstly, here's what not to do....

So my advice would be to choose denim that contrasts with one another aka dark top, light trousers or visa versa. As you're using the denim twice, you have to mix it up, choose an interesting piece, be bold and reap the benefits. Here are examples of some sexy people looking good in double denim.....

This is an example of what to do, ok so she's a girl but let's not discriminate, lets celebrate. She has mixed up the fits, with straight leg boyfriend jeans sporting an eye catching indigo wash while her top is baggy and light in colour. While it is a tough outfit to pull off there are definitely useful lessons to be learnt from it.

Kanye West managed to bring a sense of fashionability with him to the rap game. He has declared "'I'm like really into clothes". Here he is creating an effortless and casual double denim outfit, owing an awful lot to the wash of the jeans. He has also managed to slip some classic sneaks into the look, creating a timeless look.

Remember I was saying you need to mix the denim, here is why. Designer Marios Schwab looks distinctly cool and understated in his double denim. The ease at which he pulls off the look means you almost forget that he's wearing the dreaded double denim.

And of course, if you want to wear double denim and not look like you are....try this. Be warned, this could go very very wrong.

Ok, So I guess I better put in some work....

Take a light washed Levis denim jacket.

You can pick these up all over the place.

If they want more than £20, respectfully tell 'em to jog on!

Chuck a black denim shirt underneath.

The black colour will contrast with the jacket and help to disguise the fact that they are the made from the same stuff.

Top it off with some beige chinos.

These are a staple in every man's wardrobe, chino's are the perfect blend of smart casual. They contrast well with the black shirt while complimenting the blue jacket.

There you go. Let me leave with these words of wisdom.....

"Life is like a box of chocolates. So wear double denim."

Double Denim

Ok, so here it is...

"Once more unto the breach dear friends" to quote Shakespeare. No excuses for the lack of activity just a pledge to be as active as I can be.

Here is a quick image of something which has long been considered both a social and moral taboo...DOUBLE DENIM.

Ok, ok, I know Justin and Britney got it wrong it the 90's but denim is one of the most versatile and used materials out there, and I think combining the right types can create an interesting outfit full of contrast and wonderment........

The Formula:

Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt - Camden Market - paid £18.

Wranglers Jeans - Local Car Boot Sale - £1

Brown Loafers - Cancer Research Charity Shop - £6

Brown Bag - Hand me down from Mum - FREE

Sunglasses - St. Nicholas Hospice Shop - £1 each pair

Watches - Local Car Boot - 75p each

Total Cost = £26.75

To Conclude, you can join the double denim movement, impress your friends with your ability to pull off such a risque fashion statement, all for the cost of a driving lesson.

P.S. I am not advocating looking good as a substitute for the learning to drive.