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MATTEHATTER
Someone suggested that I should start a personal style blog. And I thought to myself, "Why not?" It could be really fun. Or not. Anyhoo, this is my little hole-in-the-wall of vintage finds, style obsessions and the sort. Let's not take things too seriously around here, shall we?


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Go Bolo Not Yolo
POSTED ON : Wednesday, 15 May 2013
So if you guys haven't already noticed, I love turning to accessories to jazz up an otherwise plain boring outfit (I'd like to think so). I believe more and more guys are doing just that nowadays but there are very limited options. On my quest to explore new accessories that we boys can play around with, I finally found one that's not too loud yet emanates its own flavor of uniqueness. Enter the bolo tie.









The bolo tie has origins in the American West - yea these folks are too darn rugged for neckties, bowties or cravats. I love how it has a certain rustic charm that's not too overpowering at the same time. It really is a simple accessory that brings the whole look together when worn right, don't you think?

One of the reasons why I am so intrigued by the bolo tie is the room for creativity they offer as an embellishment. Just look at the different variations of pulling it off.. Pair it with a suit for a classy look with an old Western twist or pull the clasp lower down the chest for a casual laid-back vibe. Just hanging it around your neck regardless of what you wear already makes it more town-appropriate. I kid. 

That said, these aren't very commonly seen around in Singapore yet. The only one I managed to find is this Texan bull's design that I'm wearing below. Reckon it will go well with denim. I know there isn't much to see from this picture but I promise you this ain't the last you see of me with a bolo tie. BOLO~





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Wardrobe Essentials: Denim Jacket
POSTED ON : Monday, 25 February 2013
The denim jacket has been a staple in my wardrobe since way back. Check out my young kiddo self sporting a denim jacket, feeling just comfortable in my own skin :)


Maybe I wasn't the sartorially suave guy I thought I was HAHA but I wore a denim jacket nonetheless. All my favorite stars back in those days wore them and I felt like a badass wearing one - you know one of those childhood idolization every guy used to have when they were young. Looking back, the denim jacket has transcended countless trends and time itself. Very few pieces in a men's wardrobe can be as comfortable as they are durable. And be adaptable to nearly any style and color, from preps to rebels and everyone in between.

Point is, the denim jacket will always be a timeless classic and investment-worthy piece of outerwear. Of course, this is nothing new to all you denim aficionados out there who have a tried and proven jacket that you so adore. But if you haven't own one yet, you might want to consider getting it. More and more variations of the denim jacket have been released in recent years and that means that there are a multitude of styles, cuts and wash for you to choose from. Here are some that I really like:

Levi's Many Variations of its Denim Jacket

For those who are new to this, you may want to opt for a crisp blue summer wash/indigo denim to start off that will contrast against your jeans color. From there, you could experiment what kind of style and wash suits you best. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you could even go for black/grey denim for a monochrome look. Or you could check out how I like to wear mine.









I got this Levi's bleached jacket second-hand from a vintage boutique in Taiwan and I haven't had one single bit of buyer's remorse. It's simply a tremendous find for the price that I have gotten it for. I like to fold the sleeves up for a more casual look; this could be a great alternative if the sleeves of your jacket are too long for you.

The weather has been really erratic recently and it's just so hard to do a proper outdoor shoot. I would like to give a quick shout out to Sufyan - thank you so much for the amazing pictures despite the rain. This is our first time collaborating and you can definitely expect more of his works in the posts to come!


On Me: Thrifted Levi's Bleached Jacket, Henley Tee by Fourskin, Chinos by Muji, Wallabees by Clarks

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Trends from 2012 that should take the bench in 2013
POSTED ON : Thursday, 17 January 2013
I believe everyone has had a smooth transition into the new year by now. The first month always provides us with a good opportunity to reflect on the past year and think about what we really want/don't want this year. So I thought it would be cool to evaluate which styles, brands and expressions have become ubiquitous in the local menswear scene last year (some in a not so good way). Since the following will be based on my own personal opinions and observations, let's all read on with an open heart and mind shall we?

1. The Skinny-Jeans-with-Boots Culture 

The Look:
Top - The only variable in this whole equation
Bottom - Your favourite pair/fit of April 77 or Nudie Jeans (self-inflicted wear and tear with fade is a must)
Shoes - Your favourite pair of either Dr Martens or Red Wing
Accessories - Small leather pouches and straps along with keys, hanging around the waist for God knows what reason


I assume that everyone should have at least a vague idea of what I'm referring to since they are so common on the streets nowadays. There's nothing wrong with this denim-leather culture. But what I don't get is how mostly everyone only gets April 77/Nudie for bottom, with Dr Marts/Red Wing to complete the look. And regardless of individual build and height, this look has somehow become the default look for many guys in Singapore - with 2012 seeing its immense rise in popularity.


Here's a reality check. We have to understand that not all of us can work the skinny jeans look - guys with bigger/muscular thighs, guys with a larger body frame or guys with a longer body to leg ratio. And it's not the end of the world. There are always other styles/jean fits that you could try and who knows, they may just complement your body perfectly.

2. Abercrombie & Fitch
2012 also saw the rise of this particular brand in Singapore - Abercrombie & Fitch. With its launch featuring a fierce parade of internationally handpicked man candy, A&F Singapore has never looked back since. Guys wearing the A&F T-shirts (ahem plain-looking T-shirts ahem) and living the so called "All-American" style just comes to show how it has officially become a glorified replacement of  New Urban Male in Singapore. It has probably got a lot to do with the direction of its marketing campaigns as well, so yea, I could be biased.

3. Snapback Caps
The snapbacks experienced a revitalization in 2012 and like most trends, they were welcomed with open arms - making them work with almost every form of outfit. However it was only a matter of time before anyone could be seen wearing one in Singapore. New Era caps were selling like hotcakes and the trend became more over-the-top as the caps grew louder by the moment. Add on the fact that every newly-enlisted recruit will wear them when they have to shave their heads; and you've got every reason to not wear them out as often.

That's not to say that snapbacks should disappear altogether. On the contrary, it would be nice to see it take the back seat for a while and come back every now and then, when it's been infused with some renewed sensibility.

4. Baggu Canvas Duck Bags
Here's a Baggu. There's a Baggu. Everywhere's a Baggu. 2012 definitely belonged to the year of the Baggu, especially the Canvas Duck Bag. And guess what? I have no idea what's with the hype. The most probable appeal would be the ever-changing assortment of colours and prints (and its price) that it comes in. Seems like the natural choice for a casual bag but definitely not anything stylish if you ask me. I have come across many guys who were dressed to the nines with the Baggu bag and it simply can't make the look work!

5. Jeans + Flip-Flops

You are not at the beach - put on some shoes. And I'm not even sure if the look is supposed to say "I don't give a damn". But I've seen guys wearing them with a carefully chosen ensemble and that clearly shows that they do give a damn. If you are spending so much effort (and money) on your clothes, why would you wear them with flip-flops? No reason can justify that. Not the unforgiving weather nor any form of social acceptance of man-pedicure. Not even Havianas (Slippers are slippers are slippers). So just put on some shoes and shed the flip-flops unless you are going somewhere nearby. If you wanted anything convenient, slip-ons are made for that exact purpose.


So what do you think? It would be unfair for me to wish any trend's non-existence. Who am I to say that? Some trends/brands may not be what I like but I firmly believe they have all contributed, in one way or another, to each's personal style.

Let me in on which trends you wish could take the bench in 2013 as well as the ones you are looking forward to in the comments section below. And if you wish to dispute - feel free to do so. The aim of this entry is to generate a healthy discussion on menswear anyway. Have a good weekend ahead y'all :)









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