Street Wise, Laid back.

June 18, 2013, 5:33 am

≫ Next: Books on Style

≪ Previous: The Instagram Takeover

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A lot of us now days want to leave home looking the millions; got my suit on, got my oxford's on - but it's a look that's perhaps a bit over the top for taking the dog to the park, right? This is where common sense and basic styling comes into play. 

You should still aim to look the millions in a casual way, a desert boot or sneaker, some nicely tailored jeans or chinos, shirt or tee under a cardi or jumper (here's your layering skill in use) and maybe a harrington jacket or parka, depending on the weather of course and remember, if you're playing with the dog, don't wear anything that reads 'Dry clean only' 

Style isn't all or nothing - It's always good to have a collection of smart casuals in your wardrobe. After all, you don't want to have to choose between track pants or a tuxedo for a trip to the 7-11.

Harrington Jacket by Fred Perry Laurel
Madras Check Shirt by Fred Perry
Cardigan by Lands End
Tap Ted Jeans by Nudie Jeans
1300 Trainers by New Balance

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Books on Style

June 21, 2013, 3:58 am

≫ Next: High & Waisted

≪ Previous: Street Wise, Laid back.

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Details: Men’s Style Manual by Daniel Peres

For someone who just wants to smarten up and understand how different garments can be worn on different levels. Details covers shirts to sports blazers to shoes. This book is a favourite of mine.

Gentleman: A timeless guide to fashion by Bernhard Roetzel

This book is actually given to employees of some gentleman’s stores; it really has a great amount of history mixed with garment details. It touches base with British and Italian style and even a little Americana. Great for someone who wants to know what quality actually is.

ABC of Men’s Fashion by Hardy Aimes

This is exactly what the title says - the ABC’s. This is the dictionary for the style savvy who want to understand terms relating to materials, styles and finished product. Not only will you find the true meanings of words like Bespoke, Dinner Jacket, Grooming and Pants but you’ll also learn words like Bouclé, Astrakhan and an Ulster. It definitely helped me. 

Fuck Yeah, Menswear by Kevin Burrows & Lawrence Schllosman

This is just one of those books you might buy because of the title. But when you get past the cover, it actually has a good amount of info on subjects such as denim, essentials and bespoke tailoring. One thing I will point out is that if you’re put off by the title, then you may not like the attitude in the writing either. I on the other hand, found its tone quite entertaining!

High & Waisted

June 23, 2013, 4:28 am

≫ Next: Self Made

≪ Previous: Books on Style

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Harry high pants, hand me downs - just a couple of terms I heard when I was younger when people discussed high waisted pants. Funny how no-one ever said anything about comfort, practicality, or that they can bring visual height to people of a short stature.

Throughout this blog or in interviews, I've always spoken about my love for classic tailoring and wearing high waisted trousers is one of those practical elements. Not everyone will like the look, but if you choose to get high, make sure they are nicely tailored to your body shape and yes, you may need braces to keep them in place as your waist is a high movement point on your body.

Wool Sports Jacket by Joe Black
Checked Shirt & High Waisted Flannel Pant by Oscar Hunt
Pocket Square by Paolo Albizzati
Braces by Albert Thurston
Vintage Brogue by Trickers

Self Made

June 25, 2013, 4:56 am

≫ Next: Quality Control

≪ Previous: High & Waisted

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If you follow Australia's premier men's style blog Men In This Town you may have noticed a cheeky caricature of me (thanks to artist Oslo Davis) published this week.

I'm excited and humbled that Giuseppe has invited me to contribute a regular column called A Man Outside The Box & my first piece titled Self Made is now online. 

Quality Control

June 28, 2013, 5:17 am

≫ Next: Clean, Cut & Classic

≪ Previous: Self Made

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Even though I endeavour to stick to my budget so as not to have to take out a loan to buy clothes, I don't like to skip out on quality. But just to make things that little bit more difficult, it actually can be hard nowadays to really just rely on the old saying "you pay for what you get!". In many cases, even if you purchase the  $200 jumper over the $60 version, it doesn't always mean the higher price is of better quality. It comes down to knowing materials and basic construction, but if we all get smarter about our options and demand quality and value for money, then in the end, companies will have to oblige. 

On a personal note, you can be assured that everything featured on this blog reflects the true me. If it's not something I would wear, then you won't find it here and I will never accept pieces just because they're free, or to further blog content. 

Overcoat, Blazer & Shirt by Oscar Hunt
Chinos by Joe Black
Belt by Tailfeather
Tie by Paolo Albizzati
Pocket square by Florence Style
Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson
Scarf by Alpaca Australia
Oxford Shoes by Grenson

Clean, Cut & Classic

July 1, 2013, 5:05 am

≫ Next: Stop, Flannel Time

≪ Previous: Quality Control

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1. Imperial Classic Pomade: I've tried a lot of different hair products - some were heavy and hard, whilst other didn't have a great hold. This pomade is amazing, light to use, easy and holds up all day!

2. Boar Bristle Brush: This is for the beard, heavy duty bristles that don't fall out and cut through tough coarse hair.

3. Cold Label Bully Beard Oil: Growing a beard makes the skin on your face dry and irritated. This oil will nourish the hair and moisturise your skin. Bully gives you a softer, more pleasant beard plus it's all natural.

4. Kent Comb: Great sized and well made just for your pocket. Maintenance calls for facial hair during the day mainly after lunch, were you may having left a little food etc behind plus it helps controlling the growth.

5. Imperial Fibre Pomade: This is a new product from Imperial I'm using at the moment, it's more on the grease side of pomades but it's light and holds well with a little hairspray to finish off!

You might have noticed I don't have any Shampoo's or Conditioners. Coming from a family of hair dressers and barbers I get given a lot of different ones here and there. I must admit I've not found anything that really stands out. As long as they clean my hair and don't dry it or my scalp I don't mind. If anyone has a favourite or wants to suggest any products, please do!

Stop, Flannel Time

July 4, 2013, 5:19 am

≫ Next: June Instagram

≪ Previous: Clean, Cut & Classic

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If you regularly read this blog, it's possible you'll recognise these flannel pants and blazer from other shoots. This is the versatility of a three piece suit in action. Flannel - this not so thick, yet soft & fibrous material is quite light but oh so warm. Melbourne can get cold but it'll never be as cold as a European or North American winter, where suits in heavy wools or tweeds can be a necessity. With this three piece, I also opted for a half lined blazer so I can comfortably wear the whole suit indoors or during warmer months. Did I mention how soft the material is? You want to feel warm yet comfortable in winter, not sweating underneath heavy layers.

3 Piece Flannel Suit by Oscar Hunt
Check Shirt by Oscar Hunt
Wool Tie by Paolo Albizzati
Pocket Square by Asos
Black Knightsbridge Oxfords by Loake

June Instagram

July 7, 2013, 2:50 am

≫ Next: Technicolor Tweed

≪ Previous: Stop, Flannel Time

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Having a blog and being thrown into the world of social media in recent months has given me the opportunity to share a little bit of my life via Instagram, so here's a montage of a few of my favourites from June. 

You can find A Poor Man's Millions on Instagram HERE.

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Technicolor Tweed

July 10, 2013, 5:19 am

≫ Next: Tyranny Of Style

≪ Previous: June Instagram

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It's winter, but dull, cold days doesn't automatically equate to dressing in black. Classic British tweeds offer up a landscape of colours in their checks and patterns, giving you a great base for a little colour pop. If you're unsure of wear, look to brands like Hackett, Harris Tweed or even ASOS and Topman for a contemporary take on the classics.

Tweed Blazer by Joseph's

Merino Jumper by Country Road

Shirt by Oscar Hunt

Tweed Pants by ASOS

Tie by Paolo Albizzati

Scarf by Alpaca Australia

Brogue Oxfords by Church's Footwear

Tyranny Of Style

July 12, 2013, 5:07 am

≫ Next: Dirt City Rules

≪ Previous: Technicolor Tweed

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This week I was interviewed on American style blog tyrannyofstyle.com - a site which curates advancements in style, fashion technology, costume design, and history of dress. Thanks to Joe for sending through some interesting questions. 

You can read the full interview here on Tyranny Of Style

Dirt City Rules

July 14, 2013, 4:44 am

≫ Next: Why is Bill-Board?

≪ Previous: Tyranny Of Style

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True style doesn't have rules. Once you learn the essence of dress, you should feel free to bend the rules, albeit intelligently. 

So, where did the rule "no brown in town" come from? Historically, brown was the colour that a British businessman working in the city wore when he returned home for the weekend. During the week he would wear black, blue or grey. Brown was the colour of the country; of tweed, felt hats and manor appropriate footwear.

Brown became a colour synonymous with being off-duty, hence "no brown in town". This rule may no longer be relevant but it does remind us that when dressing for business, we should dress with dignity. Luckily though, we no longer have to dress like conservative clones. 

Suit by Suit Your Style

Shirt by Henry Bucks

Tie by Hackett

Pocket Square by Paolo Albizzati

Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson

Oxford Shoes by Grenson

Why is Bill-Board?

July 17, 2013, 3:33 am

≫ Next: Monthly Side B

≪ Previous: Dirt City Rules

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People that know me will tell you I'm prone to making short jokes about myself. I guess dreams do come true, because at least for a few weeks, I'll be looming larger than life over Chapel street. Thanks to the boys at Oscar Hunt for choosing one of the early photos from 'A Poor Man's Millions' for their digital Billboard in Prahran.

Monthly Side B

July 21, 2013, 4:53 am

≫ Next: "The more you overthink, the less you'll understand"

≪ Previous: Why is Bill-Board?

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Not every shot can make the cut just like not every song can make an album and just like all bands with an abundance of material, they create a "Side B". So here is the Winter addition shots that didn't make the first cut...





"The more you overthink, the less you'll understand"

July 23, 2013, 6:01 am

≫ Next: Culture Starved

≪ Previous: Monthly Side B

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I can be quite lazy when it comes to the mornings. A new navy blazer - might wear that today. It's cold with a chance of rain, so I layer up.

A check shirt and a pair of chinos on the clothes rack. Done. Grab a pair of shoes, slam in a pocket square for a little flare, grab the umbrella on the way out. Putting clothes on shouldn't be painful, so don't overthink it. Now get your ass to work!

Blazer by Hallenstein Brothers
Zip Knit by Sportscraft
Shirt by Oscar Hunt
Chinos by ASOS
Derby Shoes by Andrew McDonald
Pocket Square by Florence Style
Umbrella by Fulton

Culture Starved

July 26, 2013, 6:17 am

≫ Next: Pink Belly, Pink Belly..

≪ Previous: "The more you overthink, the less you'll understand"

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US online magazine Culture Starved recently chose A Poor Man's Millions as one of their international feature bloggers for their "Top Bloggers and Summer Cities" special. You can read the full story here:

Culture Starved Interview

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Pink Belly, Pink Belly..

July 28, 2013, 5:49 am

≫ Next: Australian Tailors

≪ Previous: Culture Starved

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Working in menswear I come across a lot of customers with a fear of stepping outside of their usual sartorial comfort zone. One major fashion fear a lot of guys have is colour, which recently got me thinking about the colours I tend to avoid. 

Some international cuisines can look a little intimidating, even off-putting at first, but life would be so boring if we just stuck with meat & two veg. That's exactly, I realised, how I felt about wearing pink. 

Italian menswear masters Nicola Ricci and Andrea Luparelli both share similar natural tones to me and I admire their style, so it's to them I looked to, to see what shade of pink might work best for me. The answer - soft pink, almost light musk. 

As an entree, I tried a simple shirt and and got a taste for the tone. Slowly but surely it's now safe to say I'm no longer scared to wear pink and mix it into my everyday wardrobe. Don't be a yellow belly, step outside your comfort zone and add some spice to your wardrobe.

Blazer by Hugo Boss
Knit Jumper by Zara
Shirt by Oscar Hunt
Chinos by Jack London
Tie by Fiorio
Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson
Double Monks by Loake

Australian Tailors

July 30, 2013, 4:48 am

≫ Next: July Instagram

≪ Previous: Pink Belly, Pink Belly..

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A friend pointed out an article they had come across today on the website Australian Tailors - a blog that aims to highlight Australian tailoring and men's street style. We're really flattered to have been featured by a site that has such similar values to mine. 

You can read the full story HERE

July Instagram

August 3, 2013, 10:04 pm

≫ Next: Next step, Spring

≪ Previous: Australian Tailors

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It's been a hectic July, so here's a quick catch up on my favourite selfies, the highpoints and biggest hits from Instagram over the past month. You can view the APMMillions Instagram HERE.

Next step, Spring

August 6, 2013, 4:27 am

≫ Next: Careless Couture

≪ Previous: July Instagram

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We've rugged up and worn enough layers to nearly suffocate ourselves just to kill the winter chill, but quite frankly I'm over it. Bring on Spring!

New stock has just begun to hit stores, so it's time to start thinking forward to the new season (and the same goes for you guys on the other side of the world). 

I don't know about you, but my body is vitamin D deficient and lusts for the warm tingle of the sun. But I'm willing to push my luck - if the seasonal cycle won't run on my time then I'll just start without it. I've pulled out the suede loafers and washed linen jacket ahead of time, so now all I have to do is cross my fingers and chase the sun!

Jacket by Honor Among Thieves
Shirt by Oscar Hunt
Chinos by Joe Black
Tie by Atkinson's for Henry Bucks
Pocket Square by Tombolini
Loafers by Kimber Footwear
Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson

Careless Couture

August 11, 2013, 4:16 am

≫ Next: Glam Australia

≪ Previous: Next step, Spring

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The whole is greater than the sum of its parts - Aristotle

If your life is anything like mine, the weekend doesn't necessarily mean there's much time to relax. In the spare hours I have, I like to be relaxed in my thoughts and style, so I tend to stick to mixing contrasting smart casual pieces that when put together, form a look that's greater than the sum of its parts. 

There are a lot of publications, blogs & so called style experts out there willing to offer up their advise on how guys should dress. I'm certainly not one of them, because I don't think there are any hard & fast sartorial rules, but I always enjoy hearing from you with any questions or feedback. 

Jacket by Scotch & Soda
Jumper and Pocket Square by Fred Perry
Shirt by Thailand Tailor
Jeans by Dejour
Flat Cap by Brixton
Belt by Hackett
Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson
Shoes by Church's Footwear