#1 is a sublime Roland Mouret belted coat. It may be last season but we just had to share it. Crafted from 100% wool and in a deep khaki colour, this double breasted masterpiece eases nicely into a country/heritage theme, as well as holding onto a feel of formality. A back split panel detail and the optional belt buckle fastening is wonderfully practical. The tailored silhouette - seen in many of Mouret's womenswear designs - oozes such effortless elegance that it makes us weak at the knees. We really should calm down as it is just a coat, but we'll leave it on this note: if perfection made a khaki wool coat, this would be it.
#2 is a pair of handsome soft leather gloves, courtesy of Drake's. These handsewn beauties are in the 'English tan' colour variation, also available in a chocolate brown which is equally as delightful, and have a taut and enduring feel which all good leather gloves should possess. Fancy a pair? Follow this link.
An affordable simple beige check shirt is hard to find! We had to look far and wide to track down #3, and this one is from River Island for £32. This quirky piece appears to be a standard button through shirt - but with the right-hand pocket sewn on upside down it has a slightly bizarre design. For a simple piece like this, the oddball pocket placement isn't necessary. However, the contrasting buttons and soft cotton are aspects that we like about this garment. Great pricepoint, impractical design standpoint.
We have Maison Martin Margiela to thank for #4. The combination of sumptuous waxed suede and smooth vegetable-tanned leather make this pair an impulsive must have - but at an eye-watering £580, it would most definitely have to be an impulse purchase. The design of these shoes have the semblance of a modestly-clad Victorian pauper, yet small details like the signature Margiela stitch on the heel and the soft leather laces are sure signs of skilled Italian craftmanship. The shoes are in the pre-collection for Maison Martin Margiela's S/S '12 collection and are available online and in-store now.
#5 is the 'Donkey Heritage Blazer' from Topman. Retailing at £80, the piece is an obvious choice for a country gentleman look on a budget - but with the same use of wool as nylon, it's nowhere near a Harris Tweed standard. Block contrast patches on shoulders and elbows give the otherwise traditional tweed blazer a modern twist. This blazer would also work well with a pair of dark ink jeans and a neat white collared shirt. Find it here on Topman's site.
Last but not least #6 is a Barbour wool 'Crieff' Flat Cap. We suggest wearing this if you are a true country gent and genuinely do live in a quaint village - too many times have we seen misguided gentleman wearing them in the city. This cap is wool lined and we love the red and orange check on the classic herringbone fabric. At £32.95 it's reasonably priced and would complete a heritage look.
I'm sure you're as excited as we are for the release of War Horse and we hope this themed style storyboard has been worth reading. Cheerio!