A New Record

Due a record player for Xmas from the old dear, so I've started picking up the odd vinyl. Just so happens Durham market has just got a new record stall in the form of the excellent Record Shed, so searching that and the other long established stall has proved quite fruitful. Here's some recent picks ups pop pickers...

Mad Shirt

Everyone has a mad shirt in their wardrobe be it floral design, a loud madras or luminous pink. Or in my case all three. However this Aertex effort takes them to the next level, teaming up with the nutty boys to create this piece of merchandise for their 2010 tour. I was first aware of the shirt a few years ago when blogging about music / designer collabs but only sourced it of late after stumbling across one on the bay of despair.

Aertex has a rich heritage spanning all the way back to 1888, and historical highlights included kitting out the Desert Rats during the war and creating England's 1970 World Cup kit. And ten years into their third century it was working with Madness to create an instant cult classic - a trim fitting, button down gingham complete with Mad M. Mad not Mad.

Warp Films x Pete McKee

This time last year Warp Films turned ten years old. As part of the anniversary celebrations they commissioned Pete McKee to redesign their back catalogue film posters in his own unique style. With great results too it should be noted.

Donkey Jacket

'69 Skinhead and 70s bootboy staple the Donkey jacket.

Unbranded. Unfashionable. Uncool.

Unexpected then that I want one.

#ThatsNotCasual

One Step Beyond

Madness' debut album One Step Beyond was arguably their best, and definitely their most iconic. It was released 35 years ago next month and still has that heavy heavy monster sound throughout. Hey you! Don't watch that, watch this...

Gingham Shirt Factory

A little venture by gents shirting staple Ben Sherman in early 2012, they looked to make the gingham check their own by creating the 'Gingham Shirt Factory'. It seems quite logical as Ben Sherman have been churning out gingham design for some time, so they gave themselves the brief  ''to design a range of Gingham shirts, whereby we would deconstruct, reform and ultimately redefine the Gingham shirt.  The final outcome is a collection of truly innovative and contemporary shirts that celebrate our heritage and a relationship close to our hearts''.

I certainly don't disagree as I became the proud owner of a white and pink effort over Christmas. Quality shines through with just a slight edge to make an ordinary shirt stand out - in this the shade of pink on the collar is a touch darker than on the rest of the shirt. Just enough to add a certain I don't know what.

Recent Purchases

Few bits and pieces amassed during last couple of months -

Aquascutum scarf. Had one of these for yonks but outed it on eBay and regretted it. I know the house check is a oft maligned thing these days, but 'Water shield' scarf is a classic. Picked up this lana wool one from TKM.

Getting back into me skinhead gear - got a crombie jacket recently but couldn't get a decent photo of it - and this vintage houndstooth shirt fits the bill perfectly. It's by Ralph Lauren which obviously isn't traditional skinhead gear but it's got no branding and the staple button down collar. A winner for a bin lid off eBay.

From the sublime to the faintly ridiculous. Another Ralph shirt (I do wear other brands I promise) with no branding but with a whacky design that could only be Lauren. Patchwork quilt 'Bob Camp' short sleeved button down, again for next to nowt offa fleabay.

Chatham have been providing top notch quality boating gear for over two decades now. Based in Kent they've become a staple label for British designed and made technical clothing for offshore activities. Smart pair of brown deck shoes from TKM for £15.

Break from the norm with these. Certainly never have been or never will be a plimsol wearer, and have previously scoffed at guys on forums claiming Supergra kicks are good. Still not a hundred percent on them, but they're comfy and will be decent for kicking around in. And couldn't resist from same TKM for £7. Daft money.

Balls to all that half and half scarf nonsense. But don't mind flashing a bit of club and country. Got this Pools/England badge for the San Marino game back in October as I tried to get excited about national games again. Didn't work. And a steward mistook it for a Burnley badge.

Issue two of Stand AMF. Issue No 1 sold out with a fortnight so was pleased got the second issue of the best magazine around at the moment. Worried I might of missed out as it went AWOL in the post but those #AMF lads sent out another one no questions asked.

Slightly disappointing artwork and album title, but being a Madness die hard the incredibly positively named Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da has been added to the stack of CDs. The nutty boys tenth studio album is a bit less exciting as some efforts, but still a couple of cracking tunes on it. The main single they're pushing 'My Girl 2' is a splendid blend of ska mixed with Northern Soul. Beautiful.

Factory Records Graphic Album book. Wanted this for ages and the wife duly delivered with this on my birthday. Expect a post on this very very soon...

Chas Smash

The iconic 7th member of Madness, responsible for funky footwork and shouty secondary vocals, has his own website (currently under construction) giving you the insight in what it's like being Chas Smash. Be it performing on top of Buckingham Palace roof or the in Olympic stadia to ordinary life with family and friends, the website will offer you a backstage pass to the original, and slightly less drugged up, Bez...

www.chas-smash.com

Skinhead Moodboard