Great, but niche track. Yes, yes I know they didn't write it but still.

Got some new desert boots made by Hudson, via the unofficial Our Favourite Shop of this blog: Atom Retro.

They are probably [big claim] the best desert boots I have actually owned.

Apart from the colour (tan) which pretty much goes with everything, the look of the boot is much more swept forward and angular.

This is unusual - most of the ones I’ve seen online are rounded, with a kind of flat “side elevation” if that makes sense. Which is annoying – it just looks rubbish frankly. As if you’re wearing clogs or something - they even have a heavy, clumping feel to them (even if they aren’t heavy).

By comparison, the Hudsons are light, look sharper (literally - almost to a blunt point) and even the crepe sole is more substantial than the usual. Which might explain why it feels so good to wear them – because it makes me feel taller!

So in summary, a pretty decent score for the record, certainly a rival to the Huttons or the Clarks that everyone raves about.

Might lose a few of you here, but I'm a big fan of this one - came out recently.

Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.

The album has a strong futuristic 60s/70s vibe to its imagery and its sounds. I think those fans of old blues or rock 'n' roll among you might be disappointed - there is barely a note without a synth in it, but still, there are some uplifting and groovy tunes. This is what I'd say is the best one.

There are certain things you see in pictures and photos that take a while to register.

Years ago I saw either The Who or The Creation (I know it was one of them as it fits with their colourful, pop-arty vibe) and one of them had these striped trousers – navy and white.

Didn’t know what they were called, didn’t know where to get them – frankly wasn’t bothered too much at the time. I think I was more interested in getting a shirt like Keith Moon’s – i.e a button-down with epaulets on the shoulders.

But it’s funny how as soon as the sun comes along you immediately start thinking of more summery outfits.

For ages it was white trousers - a la The Style Council.

But then you get tired of that and move on to something else.

It’s like you go through your very own fashion trends, moving through different looks – influenced by life around you (i.e not Mod) and yet still relating it back to the sixties version of a look (i.e Mod).

As an aside - for whatever reason, since I got into the sixties Mod look, I’ve had nearly no desire to leave it. I stretch it - it just covers all bases – formal, informal, subtle, loud, arty and farty. But it doesn’t just do that – it just does it better somehow. The style is just much more keen on the eye than nowadays-style. So for me I get inspired by some really good thing I’ve seen someone wearing on TV or something – but then I adapt it into a Mod look.

I’m not sure why - I feel like there is something masculine and upstanding about the Mod style. You have to be proud to wear it. Some kids these days (men mostly) actually look like they’ve literally been wearing the same stuff for weeks. Which seriously sends a signal about everything else, right? And there is an overwhelming sense that making an effort is somehow not cool when it comes to your look.

That’s a bit of whinging / clothing pop psychology there for you – take it or leave it.

So anyway I saw some kid wearing a blazer in the same style as that Who/Creation photo, so I’ve come almost full circle back to that picture in my mind. What he was wearing with the blazer I can’t remember, it was probably some inane band t-shirt, work boots and a red trilby hat or something but that is all irrelevant. The point is, there was an ingredient there that I am going to steal back for my own look.

It's generally called seersucker but I believe that might just refer to the fabric - but that pattern with the white and navy stripes is culturally synonymous with seersucker. I was going to finally get those trousers.

Then I saw the price tag.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Clark-Fit-Seersucker-Pants/MR00378,en_GB,pd.html

Never mind.

Presenting my new specialist area - Shop Mod Classics both here:
https://www.areyoumod.co.uk/shop-mod-classics.html

and also up on the main site menu - where to go to get those essentials for the Mod wardrobe this summer. The extra bonus is that when you buy from there you'll be supporting this blog (to no extra cost by the way!)

So thanks a lot!

This is a great pic – strong representation of the Mod look all over this image.

First point - classic button-down collar shirts (with the buttons done up all the way to the top - which is unusual for the look nowadays) in pastel colours.

Not sure if they’re Ben Sherman but they’re up there, even way back when.
 
Second point - blunt-fringed mop haircuts all round. Weller copied it for a while and it’s the original Mod look.

Almost fanatically smart. Obviously, Steve has the Marriott fringe (which again Weller adopted on during the Jam years) which has its own merits.

I vaguely remember some interview with Steve was saying about this and how this was "long hair".

Different times.
 
Third point - Kenney Jones’ peacoat. Looks like it’s in navy, a mainstream look but goes well with the Mod outfit because it’s snappy.
 
Fourth point - hardly seen - this is the pic where Ronnie Lane is wearing the check trousers - a very sixties look that is rarely worn nowadays.

Retro look.

Going through a bit of a phase at the moment in the build up to May 11th (more on this later). So this is the LG man being a crooner.

Decent tune.

Quick update: on some screens this post is displaying a bit weirdly, so here's the video link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDrPghDvYA4

So it turns out the premier for John Simon's Modernist production was a few days ago and these couple of bozos were present all along...

And in an additional update that was pointed out to me - where is John Simons'  shop?

Well, if you're feeling boojie - pay a visit to the Marylebone / Baker Street area in London and check this place out - 46 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7QR.

And if you're feeling even more pleased with yourself, pay a visit to Il Baretto at the end of the road - delicious stylish Italian food to go with your new look!