I think most will agree that I have a bit of a thing for bargains, although there is considerable dispute about what a bargain actually is. For instance, there are those who consider a pair of bespoke shoes from Cleverley to be stupendously expensive, and those who consider them ‘excellent value.’ Worth is generally subjective, and there are many items of clothing that – at both ends of the price spectrum – can represent either a … [Read more...]

“Look at that” I exclaimed “what beautiful luggage!” I was walking with a friend past Claridge’s hotel, where a few smart black cars had just regurgitated, with the help of liveried doormen, a mountain of bags, suitcases and suit carriers onto the pavement at the entrance. The luggage was a mixture of mid-blue, red, khaki and army green with brown and tan leather straps, covered in peeling stickers and travel labels, and there it was; … [Read more...]

My umbrella has been used more in the last two weeks than in the previous three months. Waking up in London these days is like waking up on the set of The Day After Tomorrow. In my room, a row of shoes with the Evening Standard stuffed into them, are drying out after being soaked by the sodden streets; my khaki raincoat is hanging on the back of my bathroom door, having spent the night dripping onto the tiles and my umbrella, trusty friend, is … [Read more...]

Everyone that knows me – or my methods – knows that the high street is my primary hunting ground. Though I love and appreciate tailoring and a number of high-end products, the fact of the matter is I am a lover of variety and novelty. Fully converting to bespoke clothing is a fantasy for someone in my position, unless I am to severely limit the range and choice of clothing that I so enjoy. As a keen high street shopper, I am always on the … [Read more...]

Call me a London snob, but I am rarely optimistic about shopping in the shires. It’s not that the shopping establishments outside the capital are poor, it’s just that I never seem to find anything. Shopping in large county towns is bad enough, but when it comes to country villages and tiny market towns, I lose any hope of seeing something worth my while. Though shopping is never the reason for my visits to these places, I feel slightly … [Read more...]