Winter Mod

So it's that time of year again. It's getting dark earlier and since its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, I thought I'd do a little winter feature. Because let's face it, you can look immaculate but what use is that when you're dead from hypothermia.

So lets go with the obvious choice, Parkas. Of course these are the number one choice when it comes to a warm Mod, but don't just go for any old rag. There has been a huge influx of parkas on the high street recently and whilst I would love to say its because of the new Mod revolution, it's not. Everywhere from Primark to Topshop has been selling these, so my advice is if you are gonna buy one make it authentic. A good Parka can cost up to 200 quid, which may sound steep but you're investing in a quality garment that will last you a lifetime (can you tell I work as a sales assistant?).
The go to place for quality parkas is Fishtail Parkas. They stock the classic US army models and only use traditional materials when it comes to making, so you can't really get any more authentic. And at £187 for such a classic look you can't go wrong.



Fishtail do ladies sizes (hooray!!) but I personally prefer the Alpha Industries Parkas, available at Atom Retro. They come in 2 colours, navy and yellow and are more of a modern take on the parka, which after is what Mods are all about. I prefer these because they appear slimmer and more fitted for us ladies, keeping us warmer as well. I'd say that £195 is a reasonable price, and you will definitely stand out from the crowd of Primark knock-offs in this little number.

Pea coats are also fantastic, both for men and women. Teamed with a mini skirt, this one from New Look screams Twiggy.

Now for blokes it's easy you just throw a jumper on and bam, you're warm and stylish. Girls it's a bit harder. I find that polo necks with a mini skirt is simple yet effective. As for jumpers, any retro knit will do really, and you can't go wrong with a V neck cardi. I especially like these Supertone ones available at Atom Retro.

Onto shoes. I bought some amazing loafers recently, which look fantastic but are about as much use as a chocolate ashtray when it comes to keeping warm. I would recommend that every person has a a decent pair of Chelsea boots in their wardrobe. These are a classic look, they go with absolutely everything and if you get a proper pair they'll last for ages. Which is great news for me, seeing as I practically live in them. You can get a nice pair on the high street, and whilst I don't usually recommend Topshop (if I'm going to spend that much dosh on clothes, I want to stand out from the crowd) I did get my boots there for £60.
But when you want something a bit different, desert boots are the place to go. DesertBoots.com have a huge variety for both guys and girls at really good prices too. You'll look fantastic and keep your toes toasty.

And finally, scarves. Supernova Scarves do a great wool mix scarves, which will keep you that little bit warmer and still look fantastic. It comes in burgundy with a simple paisley print.

So there you have it, the winter Mod. If you have any other tips for keeping warm and looking stylish let me know, I may do another feature soon.


Keep The Faith

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My Style

As a girl of the 21st generation of Mods, my style hasn't always been approved of. I have been laughed at in the street, but that's usually by some greasy looking guy in a track suit or an orange girl with hair extensions, so it doesn't get to me that much. It's also probably because apart from my hair and make up (love the whole smokey eye look Mod girls had going) I would say my style is a lot more influenced by the Male Mod fashion.

Now hear me out. It doesn't mean I go for the flat out bloke look, I still try to keep it feminine. I just think that a lot of the boys stuff looks smarter. My favourite thing to wear on a normal day is a button down shirt. I will usually be found in men's section of the local charity shops searching for these things. There's just something about them that looks instantly smart, even on a 17 year old girl.

Ok crap shots I know, but you try taking a pic of your collar without wrinkling it.

My other favourite thing is a Harrington. I personally think that whilst Parkas scream MOD, Harringtons are a bit more subtle. Like a suave gentleman in a dimly lit bar whispering Mod into your ear. They are also comfortable as heck, and keep you warm. You can get a nice Harrington for about 30 quid, but I was lucky enough to win mine from the famous Merc Clothing brand, whose Harrington's cost around £85. There's a limited range of colours for us women, but if you're a bloke then the world is your oyster!!

http://www.merc.com/?gclid=CKjmyKuy57ICFQ_MtAodAlMARg

I rarely wear tousers, and never wear jeans because they don't invole a lot of thought. Anyone can throw on a pair and go out but the Mod way of life is not to be anyone, but to be someone. And as we all know,

"If you cant be someone, you might as well jump in the ocean and drown." - Jimmy, Quadrophenia.

Even on days where I'm just popping out to the shops, I'll still find a skirt. Mini skirts are essential and I prefer to keep mine to black and grey, so that my shirt/Jacket/shoes really stand out.

I love the belt in this pic too. I tell everyone it an official Lambretta belt, but it was a quid from Primark.

Lets talk about shoes. My favourite pair of shoes that I wear everyday without fail are my Chelsea Boots. A tough, hard wearing, and just damn good looking pair of shoes. They're also fantastic for guys, but I personally prefer desert boots for male Mods. I also love Doc Martins, if you're looking to mix a bit of the skin head look in (I find that the lines between Mod and Skinhead have blurred just slightly nowadays).

So a lovely button down tucked into a skirt, finished off with Chelsea boots and a Harrington, looks pretty damn smart in my books.

Are there any other Modern Modettes out there? How do you dress? What style influences yours the most?

Keep The Faith

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Mod Icon: Bradley Wiggins

Since this is a blog for the modern day Mod, I think it's only proper we start with a modern day Mod icon. Ok so maybe Wiggins isn't an icon yet, but he will be. I just didn't wanna start this banging on about Weller or Daltrey becuase we all know they're brilliant, but this the new generation.
So Wiggo rose to fame after he won the Tour de France and Olympic gold this year, but what I'm interested in is the mans style. I mean, look at him.

Wiggins at the GQ awards.

That's just pure class. If more sports stars dressed like him, I think I'd like them a bit more (I'm talking to you footballers). I love how he's gone for the double breasted plaid suit, which is just so eye catching from your normal black tie ensemble. Looking stylish and standing out is what being a Mod is all about.

Another thing I love about Wiggins is his hair. He's chosen a classic Mod style that you don't see enough of nowadays, but speaks volumes about his personality and fashion sense, even when he's in all his cycling clobber.

Moment of appreciation for this mans hair please.

I've always thought that hair says a lot about someone, because even when you have to wear a uniform and look like everybody else, your hair is still yours. Wiggins 'do is the perfect example, it still says Mod even when he's cycling. It's also probably a lot easier to fit helmets on.

So in conclusion, I love this man. His style is fantastic, he seems pretty down to earth, and is a god damn national treasure.

Wiggins proves that it's not just a style, or a fashion. It's a way of life.

Keep The Faith

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