Its the first birthday of kolonelmustard.com!!

So ive put together a little thank you and collage of looks that have appeared over the course of this year.

So I’ve been writing this blog for just over a year now, it doesn’t feel that long…it only feels like the other day my brother pat and I were out taking photos under the local tram underpass (which I still use as a location from time to time). Many bloggers I’ve since talked to have said they originally started their blogs as something fun to do..which is true for me really. It originally started on lookbook.nu as just some random posts of my suits, then I moved to tumblr and finally to here and the site is still growing with more posts by the week.

So where is this blog going from here? Well the honest answer to that question is..I don’t know i think ill just keep going with what i enjoy which is sharing my outfit posts with you all…and if i get time ill write the odd article here and there

I would like to take a moment to thank my older brother Patrick…who takes every single photo that goes on this site, because without him the blog wouldn’t exist my mate Zach who helps me with the music on the videos and also the companies who have supported me or collaborated with me over the course of this year especially Jack London and Tailors of Distinction….But! most of all I would also like to thank all of you who read this on a regular basis

A few people have been sending me emails asking what to wear for our up and coming spring racing scene…the truth is any nice suit will do, but I have put together a few looks from  items around the globe that are a mix of affordable and high quality..which at the end of the day sums up the way I dress (cheap items mixed in with some slightly better ones) These are all items I really enjoy so I hope you will too

Number 1.

1: Valentine MOD Suit – Jack London
2: J-crew white button up shirt and Burberry slim tie – Mr Porter (Shirt) (Tie)
3: Grenson Stanley brogues – Asos.com
4: Plain watch – Asos.com
5: Light grey short socks – Mr Porter

Number 2.

1: Notre Dame MOD Suit in Rust colour - Jack London
2: Burberry slim button up shirt – Mr Porter
3: Florsheim Longwing brogues - Asos.com
4: Rayban Keyhole sunglasses- Asos.com
5: Mid blue Waffle socks - Asos.com
6: Suede belt – Selected - Asos.com 

Number 3.

1: Skinny Navy suit - Asos.com
2: Burberry slim button up shirt - Mr Porter
3: Brown brogues with navy insert - Asos.com
4: Plain watch - Asos.com
5: Weaved belt - Asos.com
6: Knitted wool tie – Beams Plus - Mr. Porter 
7: Arrow Tie Bar - Merrin & Gussy

Number 4.

1: Skinny Sea Green suit - Asos.com
2: Slim button up shirt - Asos.com
3: Dark Red boots - Asos.com
4: Mens leather bracelets - Merrin & Gussy
5: Weaved belt - Asos.com
6: Slevedge Tie – The hillside

Just remember not to look like this or this and you’ll do fine!

It was the final event for the AFF and boy did they go out with a bang. Requisitioning half of the Adelaide train station’s main hall (one of Adelaide CBD’s nicest buildings) for the SA Emerging designers awards. It was great to see so many people out to support our local design industry. On show at the event was some of the most beautiful work, and congratulations go to all the designers that were involved.

I think ill just let the photos speak for themselves….

I snapped some shots of Jenelle outside of the festival centre

I would just like to take the time to thank Cassie Young for organising all my passes to these events, I had a blast and will definitely be looking forward to next year!

As part of the Adelaide Fashion festivals event line up, there was a rather special event this year…the 21st Birthday of the Myer centre…now many people would have NO idea what the hell that is, and that’s okay since you don’t need to know to enjoy the lovely pictures

As part of the event they had put together a bunch of outfits from the early to late 90′s and blended them into the runway show. From denim on denim and leather on leather..to some amazingly hilarious influences (scroll down to see what I mean)  it was amazing to see how a lot of this stuff still lingers around in modern style

I actually opted for a very familiar suit choice for this event…yes..its this same navy suit you’ve seen countless times on here. (and it will be around for many more posts I’m sure)

Here I wore:
Navy trace elements SKA Suit – Jack London – Size 44 (jacket) 28 (pants) 44 (waistcoat)
Black dotted Tie – Made it myself
White button down shirt – Jack London – (Similar)
Grenson Sid long wing brogues – Asos.com – Size 8
Silver Collar Tips – Jack London
White pocket square – free

They also had on show some outfits from Bossini menswear and T.M. Lewin. Whilst I can appreciate the more classic fit and style of the suits, shirts and ties. Some of the jackets and pants didn’t fit the models at all….as well as some questionable tie and shoe choices…There was however a really nice wine coloured cord jacket. Despite some short comings the relaxed light hearted nature of the event It actually helped to blend in well with what else was on show.

Ill just leave this here

I decided to start the odd post about fashionable gents I know. Luke is a mate of mine, we often hang out late at night on steam fighting Russians in Dota 2 or trolling various game servers by putting on stupid accents. He like me…enjoys exploring his own personal style, and although we both like suits, he has a different take on how and what to wear them with. He knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like and is not afraid to wear things that a slightly different than most other guys.

“This black suit is fantastic, I got it on a sale from Asos.com About $70 for coat and pants, and it fits really well”

 Here Luke is wearing:
Asos.com Suit – Asos.com
White  Button up Shirt
Black Slim leather Belt - Asos.com
Black Cuban heel boots – Asos.com

“This green suit fits well, is comfortable, and isn’t a really versatile shade of forest green”

Here Luke is wearing:
Green Canterbury suit – Jack London
White  Button up Shirt
Black Slim leather Belt - Asos.com
Black Cuban heel boots – Asos.com
Second hand western tie
Collar Tips – Jack London

“I bought this coat on sale, I find the colour goes with whatever you have on underneath, and the details and fabric as well as the fit are spot on”

Here Luke is wearing:
Green Canterbury suit pants – Jack London
Diamond Sea Floral Print Button up Shirt – Jack London
Nelson Moleskin navy wool coat – Jack London
Black Slim leather Belt - Asos.com
Black Cuban heel boots – Asos.com
Second hand western tie
Collar Tips – Jack London

“I don’t normally wear three piece suits, but when it fits that well and its a little different, there’s no reason not to”

Here Luke is wearing:
Campbell Grey pince of whales suit- Jack London
White Button up Shirt – Jack London
Black Slim leather Belt - Asos.com
Black Cuban heel boots – Asos.com
Second hand tie

The Milton Suit – Jack London ♦

Part two of this article kicks off with the last few things Ill probably end up buying (if my bank account doesn’t divorce me before I spend all its money) I recently was offered a small teaching position at the TAFE where I studied, while I was planning out the classes it occurred me I need some sort of professors suit to go with it. I figured this would be a pretty awesome choice. But honestly this is an amazing suit for that winter/spring transition period…the deep khaki green colour will work really well paired with some more muted spring colour pallets.

Seven.

The Campbell Suit – Jack London ♦

And yes….its another suit! I pretty much this is THE perfect classic winter suit. A gentleman really cant go wrong with a classic prince of whales check in a slightly heaver wool.  You could easily break up the suit and wear the parts individually.

Eight.

The Diamond Sea Shirt – Jack London ♦

There has been so many different patterns on offer for men these last year or so. The amount of floral patterns that guys wouldn’t have normally considered that are being sold and bought these days is actually amazing. This is one of the more adventurous of the offerings that are available.

Nine.

Camo Print Bowtie – Beams Plus ♦

Almost to the end of this winter article. And this one might be slightly too late to the party. The party being the well documented “camo” party. This bow tie by beams plus (the well known Japanese heritage brand)

Ten.

Mens Warren Boot – Caterpillar Shoes ♦

The Last item in Part two and the final item for this winter article special. And…its not winter without some amazing boots. These are similar in style to the Caterpillar ABE boots I wear all the time (you can see them here) These are in a washed black colour and would go very well with a pair of dark wash jeans or even a more rugged suit.

And that is all folks….The last part in my choices for this years winter offerings from my favourite shopping places. Its a shame that winter is almost over….but hopefully summer wont be too hot.

(Zach Hauling ass…)

So we jumped on what we assumed was the correct tram…not really having any idea where we were going (thank god for mobile phones and google maps) we ended up on what looked like a dead end street with a HUGE factory…we walked up and down thinking where the hell this fashion house could be. After a while of looking we saw the name factory X on the building we had been standing in front or that whole time. We confidently walked up to the reception counter and said “we are here to see Karl?”…now…normally I’m not in the habit of visiting fashion brands in their head offices, so id be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t slightly nervous.  The guy puts the phone down and promptly says “Rad snakes…go on up” we head on up the few flights or stairs.

We were met at the door by Reese the second person in the Jack London team. Headed by Creator and head designer Karl Bartl we hung out with them for the evening chatting about the brand and having a few beers. I would personally like to thank them for having Zach and myself to visit it was a super sweet experience and an awesome way to finish up the trip.

Below are some images from their office.

Zach and Reese

And thus concludes part 2 and the final part of my brief write up of my trip to melbs…cheers to my mate Zach for basically booking a flight 3 days before we left.

I recently took a trip to Melbourne for a nice relaxing holiday. It was a rushed affair… I booked my flights and hotel about 2 days before I left. I love Melbourne…dont get me wrong..I love living in Adelaide, But Melbourne has some of the most interestingly artistic places to visit that someone who loves that kind of thing..just cant resist. So naturally I figured I would share some of the places I ALWAYS visit whenever I go. This post wont be super detailed nor do I claim to be an expert on Melbourne…but I thought some of you might be interested in where I go.

I also dragged my mate Zach up with me so he’ll appear in a photo or two.

On our first day we took the 112 tram out to Brunswick St. There is so many amazing shopping strips in Melbourne…Brunswick St. is by far my favourite to wander down. The Street is home to clearit which is a factory outlet for various brands such as Jack London, Dangerfield etc. and you are able to get some INSANE savings.

After buying my weight in clothing we went for a wander down Brunswick St…its home to TONS of amazing little coffee shops and stores. (so its well worth a look)

Later in the arvo we grabbed the tram back into the city to have a relaxing walk around Melbourne’s main shopping distric. Another place I always visit is retrostar clothing which is basically the coolest and most well stocked vintage/second hand store I’ve ever set foot in. The funny thing is that I’ve NEVER bought anything from there since nothing ever fits me….but its always cool to have a look around

(Photo of me…Taken by Zach)

End Of Part 1 (Part 2 coming soon)

The Baskerville Suit – Jack London ♦

Ive decided ill start posting a few more articles…since Im sure you must get sick of me posting outfits…all..the…time. The simple idea behind this is that every season I tend to choose a bunch of around 10 items that Im probably going to be buying.

Since this was a 3 piece suit i counted it as such

Winter in my opinion is the time for 3 piece suits, especially in a herringbone or heavier wool fabric. I personally LOVE the slightly old fashioned classic feel it gives off. This suit in particular has a bit more of a late to early 70′s vibe…which is not normally what I go fore…but for some reason i cant quite articulate here…I really like it!.

Four.

The Sandhurst Trenchcoat – Jack London ♦

Yes yes…I know what you are planning to say…”but Ben…you already have this coat” Exactly! I loved it so much I HAD to buy it right away.  Ive been on the lookout for a really nice camel overcoat for about 5-6 winters now..I honestly never could find one. But this season’s offering at Jack London turned my head.

Five.

Number 5: Brown Tweed Blazer – Asos.com ♦

The Last item in Part one…Is this tweed hunting blazer (well…fake-tweed) Ive wanted to get something like this since last winter…ive had a few brown wool blazers over the years…but none of them really fit that well. So Ive been eying a few by asos.com and topman.com for a couple of years but this winter ive resolved to actually buy one!