Daily Outfit: T.M. Lewin shirts

I couldn’t tell you just how old this T.M. Lewin shirt that I am wearing in today’s outfit is, but I can say that it is honestly one of the hardest working garments in my wardrobe.

I bought it from a second-hand store here in Canberra, and the owner said she’d sold it twice before I bought it, so I know I am at least the fourth owner. Three other men have had the shirt in circulation in their wardrobes, and to date the only visible damage is slight wear where the French cuffs fold back. Amazing. Even the wear that it has doesn’t look bad, at least not in my opinion. I'm amazed at how well the shirt is holding up frankly.

Daily Outfit: The Shirt Off His Back

Today’s outfit is just a little bit devious. You see, recently my Boyfriend went on a trip for work, one of the stops of which was London. Of course, his luggage went missing, and he needed to buy new clothes for a conference he was attending. I had asked him to stop by the T.M. Lewin store in London to pick me up a set of collar stays, so naturally, he decided to kill two birds with one stone and grab some work shirts and ties there. The shirt I am wearing today is one of those.

I have been lusting after this shirt from the moment I unpacked his luggage. We’re fairly lucky in that while I am taller and his shoulders are a little broader – the Boyfriend and I can essentially share the majority of our clothing. And while we have very different tastes when it comes to clothes; this classic navy and white striped Shirt is something that I think most men could agree is very desirable.

Today’s criminally sourced outfit was:

Navy and white striped business shirt – T.M. Lewin, London Store
Orange wool vest – XXXX, Etsy
Navy silk necktie with white pindots – John & Lois, thrifted
Gold-tone tie clip and cufflinks - gifted
Brown leather belt – Country Road
Lightly distressed bootcut jeans – Armani Exchange A|X, thrifted
Brown leather laser-etched shoes – Raphael Steffens

The criminal element of this outfit is in the fact that I don’t really intend to give the shirt back. Ever. I’m basically planning on washing it and then stashing it safely in my half of the wardrobe. There is a pink and white shirt I could offer him in exchange, which would suit him much more than it suits me... But where is the fun in that?

Daily Outfit: Bow-Tied Up in Knots

I am mortified to admit that I do not know how to tie a Bow-Tie, and that all the Bow-Ties that I own are the cheat sort where they are already tied and all you have to do is hook them together. It's sartorially equivalent to admitting you walk around with a sock in your Y-fronts or tissues in your bra. I think that especially given my age (twenty-seven come December 30) - I should own and be able to tie a Bow-Tie by now.