DOCKERS clothing comes to London

Dockers is a massive iconic brand in America introduced by the legendary Levi Strauss company. Over in the UK they aren’t so well known, but lucky for us this revolutionary brand are about to change that.

The company grew famous because of their khaki trousers but now have a whole range including check shirts, ties, boat shoes, and genius reversible shorts. The collection has a country feel and is quite rustic looking. With an obvious lack of denim, I was immediately reminded of Marlon Brando in ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ when I had my first glimpse of Dockers.

The overall idea seems to be to give men an option aside from jeans, smart trousers, or chino's... khaki trousers are a good in between offering, that you can wear at work and socially. Dockers have a few different types of Khaki trousers including the very popular purple and orange variety as well as some really unique and flattering pastel shades, then of course there are the more classic colours and fits.

A few days ago I was invited to visit the new Dockers Showroom in the heart of Shoreditch on Charlotte Street, a non-selling store that showcases the latest ranges. Dockers already have concessions in Harvey Nichols, and online on ASOS, but they now have their very own store opening in September and a brand new showroom so eager customers can try on their favourite garments before committing to buy online. Unfortunately I was unable to attend, but I sent someone to check out this hip American brand and try out the Khaki trousers for himself.

Apparently the showroom was very cool, a small space that has a beach hut feel, and a striking bright orange bicycle inside. He left with a pair of the Dockers 'Alpha Khaki' which is defined by the slogan – ‘where jeans end and khakis begin’. Well fitting, comfortable and achingly cool these trousers seem to be just the thing that the London man’s wardrobe needs.

And although Dockers is currently only menswear, the whole idea is for girls to wear the smaller sizes with the ‘I stole my boyfriend’s clothes’ look in mind.

Watch this space, UK store and website are coming very soon. Buy here on ASOS.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 29 - The Boys are Back in Town

Courtesy of a very special boy, this week I will be taking on a male Hot on the Highstreet. It’s been a long time coming and at last there is a subject(s) worthy of this post. So, I introduce to you: two innovative men’s (sort of) highstreet shops: Pretty Green, and Sandro – Paris, both new to the London scene.

Pretty Green is Liam Gallagher's clothes shop on Carnaby Street. All the pieces are designed by Liam himself and have a real sense of his character about them. There are two distinct collections making up the brand. The Green Label is a casual range for everyday wear – signature pieces, well put together. The Black Label features classic British tailoring, with real attention to detail, using only the finest fabrics. I particularly love the khaki cotton parka, £245 (shown above) which has a vintage feel but with real quality, and has logo patches sewn on and engraved buttons. Pretty Green is doing so well they are all set to open branches in Manchester and Glasgow any day now. I’d like to say well done Liam, we always hear about female celebs creating fashion labels but for a male celeb it’s rather more impressive; who said fashion was just for girls?

On 25th November Sandro – Paris launched their first menswear store in the UK, on Westbourne Grove. On offer is classic Paris elegance with an injection of fun... check out the website here. I have always admired this designer and am currently lusting over their black playsuit, £160, that Alexa Chung wore to the store’s launch party, paired with a casual white tee – she looked painfully cool. Their men's clothes are just as unique as the ladies'. Smart slimline trousers and beautiful patterned silk scarves can be found on the boys' clothes rails. The pieces aren’t cheap but for such stunning staples they are worth every penny.

Watch out ladies, the boys are back in town, and they’re looking seriously stylish.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 19

The weather is hideous... the last chances of an Indian summer are well and truly gone and it’s time to consider an alternative to the ballet shoes and floral dress combo I have been clutching onto for as long as is possible. Although perhaps not... big knitwear is in and perfect for throwing over a summer outfit to warm you up on the increasingly chilly autumn days.

Woollen jumpers look great on boys and girls, and are better bought from the men's department, to ensure maximum snuggle factor. You can find them all over the highstreet at the moment, but I have chosen a specimen from GAP.

GAP is one of my favourite highstreet shops, selling easy to wear, simple and stylish clothes, but often overlooked by those who believe they are above and beyond its classic looks. I particularly rate their knitwear, I live in the merino wool women's cardigans, as they are perfect for work and play.

Above is a picture of my current favourite from GAP: Cable Knit Lambswool Sweater Hoodie. That’s right, it has the added bonus of a hood. This jumper comes in at £69.50 because it is made from 100% lambswool, which is soft as well as warm, but there are cheaper versions available in store too. It comes in Charcoal and Olive Heather, sizes XS to XL, and so is suitable for all sizes, men and women. Slightly more refined looking than your average knitted garment thanks to the cable knit.

My fashion 'man in the know' suggests the French Connection men’s range – so if the GAP ones don’t tickle your fancy, try FC as they have some good options too, including a dashing ‘Reverse Sasquatch Jumper’ in grey and white. It is quite festive, and surprisingly cheap for this shop at only £60.

Keep warm and look cool this autumn, buy yourself a knitted jumper.