Several years ago, I worked for a global investment bank in Singapore. On one particular day the CFO called a meeting, ‘bank costs were on the rise and profitability declining’, he announced. What could be done to enhance revenues whilst battling the ever-increasing cost base? One such initiative to reduce costs was to reduce duplication of effort. The bank in question had offices in most major cities, where vast numbers of staff worked to keep the well-oiled investment bank running. It was recognised that often analysts in Singapore were working to produce a similar piece of work to analysts in Australia. Management felt that initiatives across the global offices could be leveraged rather than reinventing the wheel and so the term ‘Stealing with Pride’ was born. To this day I’ve often recalled this thought process and have quite fittingly applied it to my approach to style.

Introducing ‘Stealing with Pride’ to my style

My general perspective on style is that the most important thing is how I look and feel rather than perhaps advertising brands and simply wearing something because it is expensive or is made of a rare fabric. To this end the look is critical and so I am of the conclusion that it doesn’t really matter how I’ve managed to get a particular look, rather that I’ve achieved my end goal of ‘Sprezzatura’ and feel great because of it.

In my younger days I used to be as my wife puts it ‘an Advertisers dream’, always taken in by great advertising campaigns rather than perhaps the quality of the product. However, over time I have noticed curtesy of my wife that there are a whole host of products and accessories sitting right in her wardrobe and our bathroom that I can borrow in order to enhance my appearance. Hence,‘Stealing with Pride’ has made its way from an investment bank to the Stanton household. I might add that I am not a ‘cross dresser’, but I have simply recognized that my wife’s wardrobe and beauty routine is a fabulous source of ideas. I dare say that sharing these tips may lead to more than one raised eyebrow, however to me the look is important and how I achieve it – well, who cares!

What am I stealing from my wife’s wardrobe?

I’m a huge supporter of scarves, a fabulous shawl scarf can transform a look. Its rare that I’m seen in the winter without an oversized shawl scarf. My wife and I share a collection of amazing scarves from Spain made by Lovat and Green. They are so luxurious and rock with old trainer’s and trackies, tweed sports jackets and overcoats. Because we share the scarves they have developed such a divine fragrance which has built up over time curtesy of our respective fragrances, oud and leather in my case and sandalwood. cedar, iris and amber in my wife’s case. I’m also not shy to borrow the odd piece of jewelry and rock her Hermes leather bracelet with a vintage ‘T’ and of course a shawl scarf.   

What products am I using from her beauty routine?

Her beauty routine has presented numerous opportunities to try out new products. I think that the most important tip I could provide to any young man or woman is to moisturize both inside and out. This means drinking an adequate quantity of water daily and applying a moisturizer in the evening supported by a good SPF moisturiuser in the daytime.

In terms of a moisturizer, right now I just love my wife’s most fabulous face oil from Clarins – Blue Orchid, the fragrance is mind blowing and it leaves your skin looking so fresh and healthy. I’m also a fan of her Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum, too good not to try and provides a super realistic tan without the harmful effects of the sun.  

Don’t be shy, as it’s the look that counts, not how you got there!

If you can’t do it in style, then don’t do it.

• Clarins Face Oil – Blue Orchid Clarins
• Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum Coola
• Kieh’ls mens face moisturizer (SPF19) kiehl’s
• Lovat and Green Scarves lovatandgreen
• Hermes leather Bracelet Hermes

As I write this from my office desk on a hot summer’s afternoon with the oak trees at Hagley gently swaying in that Canterbury Norwest breeze – my mind wonders to the coming months events and my wardrobe. I always find the post-Christmas period to be a little like no-mans land in the fashion world. Should I be buying a new look for the coming Polo in March or should I be planning my winter look as summer will soon be over?

My tendency is to opt for the coming winter and hit the Northern Hemisphere sales like a school boy in a sweetshop. For the savvy online shopper there are always some great bargains to be had that will put you ahead of the pack in the fashion stakes during the colder months.

Introducing the Submariner

My key purchase last year was the fabulous roll-neck Submariner jumper that proved to be a staple throughout winter. The Submariner is 100% wool and the Ecru colour gives it a very ‘Scott of the Antarctic look’, which I loved.  I wore the Submariner religiously throughout the winter in a range of ways, including under tweed suits, with coloured corduroy and of course with my favourite red trackies. I’m still in love with my Submariner, not to be mistaken for the Rolex of a similar name.

So, as we sit in no-mans land, I’ve started thinking about how to wear my Submariner this year. I’m big on making a statement and a huge supporter of colour, although when I say that my underlying premise is fit and silhouette, which is most important if you are going to make a statement.

Introducing Corduroy

I’ve always been a huge supporter of Corduroy and it has remained a key feature of my autumn/winter wardrobe season after season. I’ve decided that this year I’m going to push the corduroy boat out further. Over the years I’ve accumulated a diverse palette of coloured Corduroy trousers (‘Cords’). From purple, to orange, to red and green. I’ve paired the Cords, typically with a range of jackets, from tweed to linen, always well fitted and generally being passive against the loud coloured Cords to keep a sense of togetherness rather than madness.

When it comes to Cords, my preference is the fatter cord known as whale cord, it’s less formal and it has that antique look about it, which I am very fond of. Right-now the wider leg is back on trend with the days of the skinny leg left to aging skateboarders. I always opt for turn-ups (about 1.5 inches), this enables you to get away with Cords in a more formal environment and still look very stylish. With respect to shoes, I believe that Cords and suede were made for each. I typically opt for brown suede, in a variety of styles from tasseled loafers to derby lace-ups.

 The weather outlook appears sweltering for a few months yet, however all good things come to those who wait. My tailor has just received my order for a sky-blue double-breasted whale cord suit, how fabulous, I’ll be rocking the suit with my Submariner and snuff suede loafers come May.  By that time, I’ll be planning my races outfit. How fab.

 If you can’t do it in style – don’t do it!

North Sea Clothing

Cordings (Due to current Covid-19 laws in the UK, shipping is not available at this time)