MATTEHATTER ❝ blog · fashion · lifestyle ❞  | ·   home  ·   follow  ·   about  ·   contact   ·

SEARCH


FOLLOW ME

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?


INSTAGRAM
Follow my instagram @ mattehatter

ARCHIVES




Floral Pastels
POSTED ON : Sunday, 16 June 2013
There's usually this stigma of being effeminate or ladylike when it comes to wearing floral prints (for guys of course). Well, I'm gonna make a little confession here. I'm OBSESSED with floral prints. And it's not even like a mild obsession, I would grab anything I see that's floral and nice. Does that make me any less manly than I already am? I don't think so. Get over your manhood issues and start rocking them, will ya? HAHAHA all right I kid. I, for one, used to be really shy with floral as well. So much for playing the nonchalant guy.

I guess once you have succumbed to what they call "flower power", it's hard to look back. These days, there is a multitude of designs, styles, colours etc. Gone are the days where we only have run-off-the-mill Hawaiian vacation shirts. It really comes down to your personal taste as to which sort of floral print appeals to you the most. They are not always about bold patterns and loud colours y'know. So if you're new to this and do not wish to overdo the bloom, I say go for more subtle prints and neutral tones. They attract less attention and are much easier to go with your wardrobe staples, don't you think?








I love this shirt that I got from United Colors of Benetton (or you can get it here as well). Shades of grey with well appointed floral accents that are not screaming out. I decided to keep it clean with a simple pair of chinos, I like how it adds a pastel touch to the entire ensemble. Overall, one of my personal favorite looks. What do you think?

On Me: Floral Print Shirt by United Colors of Benetton, Washed Red Chinos by Dockers, Shades by Komono, Watch by Triwa, Chukkas by Timberland, Briefcase by Bally (Thrifted) 

 Photography: Amanda Wong
When she's not going awww over cats (Bengal cats in particular) or busy editing tons of photos, she's flaunting her "muscles" and trying to upkeep her "manly" image which I would consider a flop HAHA (a good thing really, she's an amazing girl through and through). I'm lucky enough to have her input and photography expertise on this entry despite her busy schedule. With possibly more collaborations to come, I would like to offer my sincere thanks in the form of drinks. Or kittens. Jokes on the latter :)

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

  0 comments (+)
Ikat Prints
POSTED ON : Thursday, 4 April 2013
They say real men wear prints. Well I, for one, am all for loud pieces as my choice of excuse for a lack of layering. All over prints shirts are, by all means, the most convenient way to do so (it's just a button on, not too hard yea?) and I find myself falling in love with the exotic Ikat patterns as of late.

Photo Credits: Valet Mag

Photo Credits: Burberry Prorsum

Yea you can scoff and say, "Ain't that Aztec?" But they are most definitely not. If you look closer, these Ikat prints exude an oriental vibe that's kinda unique to Asian heritage, more batik-inspired (rightfully so, since it originated from Indonesia) while Aztec has more of this tribal Western influence going on. No worries if you still can't really tell the difference, I was once just as confused as you are. Or maybe I still am.

I'm gonna just take on the "spare me the technicalities of the design" mindset and move on. The patterns and hues are just so refreshing and laid back. The fabric choices instantly create a yearning for a long tropical getaway. Especially the indigo Ikat shirt from J.Crew, which also happens to cost a bomb.

At a much cheaper price (and I mean MUCH CHEAPER), I managed to get an equally nice Ikat print shirt from H&M's latest line - the H&MConscious collection. The material is so sheer; it's perfect for the sweltering heat. This is my new favorite shirt. For the time being.







Oh and please don't mind the beaded necklace (again?!). I couldn't help it with all the talk on Asian vibes HAHAHA.

On Me: Ikat Print Shirt by H&M, Beaded Necklace (Customized)
Photography: Benendict 

 Also featured here on styleXstyle!

Labels: , , , , ,

  1 comments (+)
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 :)









Labels: , , , , ,

  0 comments (+)
Throwback Thursday: Grandpa Shirt
POSTED ON : Thursday, 10 January 2013





I love shirts like this. Obnoxious yet so nostalgic. Should you want to go for this look, steal one from your grandpa that he wore back in those days. Funny as it may sound, this shirt probably came from some old geezer as well - and most likely stood the test of time, even before you were born.

Isn't that what retro revival is supposed to be? Relieving the styles of the past with some modern edginess to it. One of the many facets (ok, maybe not many) of my personal style is the 70's - 80's era, so I like to show off this side of me every now and then. 

 On Me: Shirt (Thrifted), Bally Briefcase Bag, Watch from Triwa, Wallabees from Clarks Originals

 Photography by: Joyce Roxanne

Labels: , , , , , ,

  0 comments (+)
Vintage or Thrifted?
POSTED ON : Monday, 7 January 2013
Everyone has their own travel routine. The average chump likes to hang out at touristy locations. The dude next to you likes to visit the local strip bar. The girl across the road likes to go gaga over the most insignificant souvenirs at the various night markets.

You get the drift... 

Well each time I travel, I make it a point to visit the local vintage/thrift store as well as its microbreweries. Please don't mind me, but clothes and beer are simply two great loves of mine. 

So recently I have had the chance to visit Taipei, Taiwan. Needless to say, I scoured the most authentic vintage/thrift stores that Taipei has to offer. And these were what I found: 


70s Vintage
















I had a chance to chat with Andrew, the owner of 70's Vintage (above) and he filled me in on what exactly makes his store so unique: 

 "We don't carry your everyday, run-of-the-mill apparel. The awesome thing about resale stores like ours is that every item is one of a kind. You could walk out donning something you bought here and not worry that you might bump into someone wearing the same thing.

 Plus, we like to add small little details here and there to differentiate what we are selling from other similar concept stores. For example, we bleached our latest intake of denim wear and it's the kind of bleaching where you can't just do it yourself; we have factory partners helping us with that." I was sold and bought a Levi's bleached denim jacket amongst other stuff. 

Andrew is also an avid photographer. You can check out his photo shoots here.
Flea Market







I like how these two are greatly contrasted. One is a higher end vintage boutique that procures second-hand clothes and trinkets from places like Japan and America, adding its own touch to make them feel and look special. 

The other is a true-blue thrift store which doesn't give two hoots about its interior decor nor its overall image, passing on value to its customers in this manner. Die-hard thrift fans will love this place. Oh, and if you were wondering what those car fitted doors were - they are actually fitting rooms. I am totally digging that.

 Both were packed with an armful of goods worthy of questioning if you could ship them back. I just bought them all (no I'm just kidding) and left both places a very happy man. 

As I left Flea Market, I overheard one dude in the store saying: 

"You gotta search through a lot of shit in this place and they are all second-hand. But every now and then you can find a $100+ Wrangler shirt for $50, that's where you know you've got it."

Amen, my friend.

Labels: , , , , , ,

  0 comments (+)

← Newer Post
Older Post →