MATTHEW PIKE: MORE THAN JUST BUCKETS AND SPADES

(Matthew Pike of Buckets and Spade)

Not many men have the flair, inventiveness and the ability to play around with the rules of menswear and still be a cut above the rest.

Last week, I got the chance to talk to Matthew Pike, a student support officer who also works for an online menswear shop and the man behind menswear and lifestyle blog, Buckets & Spades.

(Buckets and Spades in Style Feed – The World’s top Fashion Blogs)

Definitely not the dapper nor the classic type in two piece navy suit and primly folded pocket squares, but his way of peacocking in bold color choices and quirky taste in everything landed him on Style Feed – The World’s top Fashion Blogs.

Describe your personal style.

A nice blend of smart and casual, I lean towards a lot of classic American and British brands, work wear and patterns/colors.

When did fashion/a sense of personal style first become important to you?

Maybe when I hit my mid teens, around 15 when there was more pressure to be seen with the in labels. I didn't get why we had to have something that others did so I guess I just started exploring other options. Currently, if you go through my closet and bag, you will find 15 variations of smart and casual blue shirts - all part of my daily uniform.

Who inspires your personal style?

The every man on the street mostly and old movies where everyone was dressed for success. Music too.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be (and why)?

I'd instantly go for Orlando as I spend a lot of time there already but if it's somewhere I haven't been but would love to it would be Japan.

Your favorite item of clothing that best represents you?

I have a multicolored harlequin pattern scarf from an old Scottish brand, Jonhstons of Elgin.

Limited to just a weekender, which items from your wardrobe would you have to take with you? 

Blue oxford shirt,  Levi's jeans, Beige Converse, High button work jacket, Yellow socks, Lambswool jumper, White t-shirt.

What are your fashion do's and don'ts?

I don't really have any, you have to make mistakes to work out what works best for your own style. We need to make them.

If life was a movie, which film would you most like to live in? 

The Darjeeling Limited

What category of clothing are you most drawn to/are most likely to overspend on? 

Overspend on socks for sure, I buy too many. I'm mostly drawn to none trend pieces, styles you know will last.

To know more about Matt, follow Buckets and Spades on Twitter.

BUY CURIOUS

Photo credit:projectmanila.com

I really enjoy my shopping, so much that I was bleeding internally ( yes, I didn’t shop when I was in La Bella Zamboanga) during my two weeks vacation down south and therapy has been suggested by my mom on occasion. But even I have to step up and say something.

It’s January and summer has sprung? Look around – seersucker, Bermudas and bright “hello sunshine” clothes have already hit the stores. Hello! I just took our Christmas tree down today.

I’m used to summer clothes coming out late February, early March … but mid-January? It gets earlier and earlier every year. The heat hasn’t even made his prediction for summer yet, but that doesn’t stop the retail world. My head is spinning with the season’s trends coming and going faster than I can hide the new stuff. I’m getting tired of being rushed to buy something before I actually need it. When I buy clothes, I like to wear them right away. Besides, who knows if I’ll still like them in two months.
(I love my red socks)

Seersuckers and madras have been out for two weeks in some stores and it’s freezing ( what’s up with manilas weather?). I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to start thinking about showing off my hairy legs just yet.

Honestly, I think the retail world would make far more money if it sold the merchandise when it’s in demand. Nevertheless, I took the bait. I ventured into Rustans, to take a peak, do some research, not to buy anything. “I don’t need anything” (that’s the speech I usually give to myself). Of course, two pullovers and a pair of lace-ups later (all for less than php____), and score!

How can I feel guilty at these prices?

Every shop had ridiculous sales going on ( DotDotDot, Rustans, ZARA, Tyler, Etc.), making room for all the new merchandise. I couldn’t just walk by a 70% off sale.
Although it’s still a little early for me to think about wearing Bermudas and the beach, it turned out to be a super-retail bargain day.

STREET STYLE

I’m loving Estebans’ look – cropped trousers and bulky pullover from 3.1 Phillip Lim, stripped socks from Uniqlo and shoes from Martin Margiella.

l always get a weird look from my mum every time I leave my room dressed in something she seem to not understand (Cropped trousers, striped, floral and colored socks, huge man bag, etc). (still trying to figure out why. Fashion isn’t just about preppy collared shirts and nicely fit trousers..)Photo credit: Altamira NY

TRAVELING LIGHT AND MY BROWN LEATHER LUGGAGE

Off to La Bella after lunch to meet the parents. I still couldn’t believe I’m traveling light today!

I’ll be bringing this big brown leather bag I got two weeks ago from my Pupie ( yes, an early Christmas gift). It’s pretty sturdy, great construction with heavy duty wheels and pull-out drag handle.

Merry Christmas to all! Felices Pascuas y prospero año Nuevo!

I'll be on blog leave until the 4th of January.

WHAT TO GET MOM AND DAD FOR CHRISTMAS

Saturday shopping all over the metro from Bamboo to dimensione, Café enzo to Salcedo weekend market, Kish to Cubao Expo. What’s on my list? Resin lamp, oriental paintings,old warrior brass figures etc. Was I successful? NO!
Evangelista St., Makati
White Box Studio, Cubao Expo
KARMA, Cubao Expo

KARMA, Cubao Expo

KISH, Ito Kish

WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

What’s on my Christmas shopping list for next week?
• Yacht Mobile
• Vintage bike
• Red pullover
• More tailored shorts
• A couple of pique shirts from Fred Perry
• A new bag

BASIC MATTER 3 - DOWN WITH TAN AND KHAKI

That’s it! There is a special room for people who insist on wearing basic, blocked, preppy and going sockless at an event like a special level of hell for people who insist on using speakerphones in a shared work environment. Count me in!

What you see me wearing almost everyday

BUDDHAS DAILY STATS AS OF NOVEMBER 2008

Number of loafers and lace-ups I happily destroyed due to too much walking since 2006: 7(OK, I'm rewarding myself tomorrow with a new pair of Suede lace-ups)

Number of days that I have not gotten a shower: Zero! I'm pretty proud of this accomplishment. Although, it's sad that maintaining basic hygiene is now the way that I define "accomplishment."
Number of bags I now use: 4. I keep rotating between my Jack Spade canvas, that brown bag from Powerplant I got 2 years ago, a new tan bag Pupie got in the US last week and my favorite Margiela canvas man tote I got on E-bay (truly awesome!!!!).

Record Number of Royce chocolate squares in one day: 2 boxes.

Record Number of Tissue rolls used in one morning: 3, I seem to be wandering around at work, sick, drenched in my own myriad of fluids and I still have a presscon tomorrow!

PRE CHRISTMAS STRESS

My doctor says "reduce your stress,get rid of things that aren't necessary" Ok, so no Christmas gifts this year people instead, i'll be sending cards haha. Marked off my list.

Best way to detox next month - two weeks down south, sun,see and the farm!

To do list:

• play golf with dad
• visit the farm
• beach

BASIC MATTER – SUEDE DESERT BOOTS

(Suede Desert boots - Opening Ceremony)

After last years Oxford Wingtips and loafers, it’s about time I keep all of them in my closet for something more comfortable (I won’t be spending Christmas in the big city – hello provincial life!). I’ve been dying to get myself a pair of soft suede desert boots and yes, I’m finally getting one next weekend. It is ssomewhere between a boot and a dress shoe, soft suede in an unexpected teal color dresses up the simple style, making it the perfect thing to pair with tailored jeans, trousers, shorts and they pretty much signal a boo 70’s vibe. It’s the best way to beat the heat a month before Christmas in Manila.

What to pack for next month’s trip:
· Espadrilles
· Suede desert boots
· Tailored shorts
· A couple of pique shirts
· 3 dress shirts
· 2 pairs of dark blue jeans
· Flip flops

FEATURED SKETCH ON STYLESALVAGE

I came across ‘Style Salvage’ last October 14, a London based style blog conveyed by the idea to spread the madness brought about by many years of discussion (ie obsessive analysis) with regards to how men (should) dress, had this challenge that I thought might be cool to revive my old Moleskine. I was blog surfing earlier just right after work and boom, the sketch I submitted got published! Pretty cool huh. Visit stylesalvage at http://stylesalvage.blogspot.com

(My featured sketch at stylesalvage)

WEEKEND STRESS AND DOT ONE

I pulled out all the magazines underneath my bed and I’m still up. Three glasses of non-fat milk and my eyes are still owl-like.

I am still freaking out and it has been over two hours and thirty minutes. The long drive from Tagaytay over the weekend was stressful for a single serving of pineapple pie and brewed coffee. I know I didn't screw things up but the stress of it all is just driving me nuts and I hope it ends on a good note. I just have to get it out of my head – I can’t afford waking up drowsy the next day.

on Nagae : shirt & trousers.Gaspard Yurkievich/shoes.Swear

Anyway, Dotdotdot just turned One ! Last year’s launch was right on the same day as the Manila Pen siege leading the entire mall closing around three in the afternoon. Only a handful were left inside Pia Y Damaso ( meaning, Us! Haha) - (Photos from http://www.dotshop.blogspot.com/)

ME CLOSET KING

Staring into my closet, I gained sudden clarity and threw all my old clothes into my hamper - all of it and I was strangely elated. I could just give it all away to a greater good like ‘manang’ who keeps my room tidy once a month. Give away the pain of those days, and have it completely leave my house, and hopefully ebb from my memory. And, rather than think of it as giving away the joy of those days as well, I decided to think of it as sharing the joy of those days. I felt complete liberation as I closed the now half-empty closet.

Ding! I now have a greater reason to shop and update my closet for next year. Sharing photos from Numero’s editorial - photo mood board for a project am working on for next year.

Coco Rocha on Numero - Why couldn't all clowns be like this

WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? Definitely not the green boogie monster

Here I sit, slumped in bed. It's Noon and I haven’t done anything productive--5 hours since Mr. Sunshine forced me to wake up – stupid blinds! I just want to think. And, do the right thing. I hope I'm doing the right thing. I should really start fixing my pad – what’s under your bed?

Under my bed: ( Details, Flaunt, Wallpaper, GQ, Esquire, Cargo, Garage, Imagine, Preview, I.D., a box of Biofit tea, my bag, an electric sewing machine)

PLAID, PATTERNS AND BLUE JEANS

( Dean & Trent dress shirt, http://greigematter.blogspot.com/)

( Pure Blue Japan XX-007 jeans - Viktor jeans is also an option)

( Dean & Trent pale blue shirt, Photo from http://greigematter.blogspot.com/)

Plaids and patterned buttoned shirts loaded with subtle details are back but it should be upgraded every other season. The version of the moment – with a narrow torso, close cut sleeves, and hidden button ( for much dressier occasions) – looks just as good with a pair of dark jeans as it does with khakis.

SARTORIAL PRESIDENT - OH BAMA

Michelle Obama is the next best thing after Jackie Onassis Kennedy

The American people have once more surprised the entire world, this time by electing its first African-American as President. Barack Obama definitely gets my sartorial vote.

THOMAS WONG, FACIAL HAIR AND SOME DETAILS

All about Canadian fashion blogger Thomas Wong and facial hair. Men shouldn't underestimate how much facial hair can be an accessory ( photos from chictopia)

MY HAIR AND A SIMPLE THANK YOU

(Photo credit : Anson Yu)

For ten years, I haven't cared what my hair looks like. I usually wear a cap to cover it, towel it dry with no gum nor wax and it's just sort of, there. I didn't care about it until five years ago when suddenly, I cared. I cared very much and I wanted it cut and styled. I have nothing else to add. I am smiling right now, blessed. With work and life and what to do next, thank you.

SODA, HONEY AND SOME ISSUES

In the spirit of being as healthy as I can be with this whole “ I’ve got to lose weight because I am OBESE ( I MAY BE FAT BUT IM GOODLOOKING! ) thing, I've made a few dietary changes that I'm hoping to stick with. Here's a quick run-down of the main ones:

The Big Switch to Decaf: My daily mocha lattes for breakfast and after work have been an immense source of pleasure, they're such a nice jolt to my day. The nice thing, though, about getting decaf is that they're decaffeinated using the natural "Swiss water process" as opposed to chemical decaffeination, the way cheaper coffee companies do it. I really-really-really miss the nice latte wake-up. I've been trying to pretend that nothing's changed, but I catch myself regularly yawning around 10am and after lunch, and this never happened when I had my caffeine hit in the morning. And, though I'm enjoying the lattes, the missing payoff has me wondering whether they're still worth it. Without the caffeine, aren't they just additional calories that I really don't need?

The Big Switch to Natural Sweetener: For years, since my college days, I've been a fan of Equal. I'm a double-packet-in-my-coffee kind of guy, and sometimes use it on unsweetened cereals. I've never cooked with it, but otherwise, it (or its generic counterpart) has had a daily presence in my life. When I started investigating more natural/organic approaches to food, I briefly questioned Equal, but shied away from thinking too much about it. I figured I had made enough changes for awhile, and could circle back to analyze Equal again some other time. I tossed all the Equal in my cabinet into the trash. It was instinctual---suddenly that yummy sweet chemical felt as evil as the pro-natural publications claimed it was. Instead, I have made the switch to an all-natural sweetener called honey and is naturally non-caloric. It has no chemical compounds used to simulate the sweetness of sugar, and is proclaimed to be 40 times as sweet. It has become a part of my lattes along with the decaf, but it's taking some getting used to. Sadly, it tastes absolutely nothing like Equal, but I'm determined to get myself accustomed to it. It's also on the pricey side, and is only available in health food stores, but I really feel a bit more proactive having taken the honey plunge.

The Big Switch to Water: I've always been a pretty good water-drinker, but I'm also a Pepsi One drinker. It's the only diet soda that actually tastes GOOD to me, and it's become a rare day that I drink anything else when I'm in a soda mood.

I'm also trying to convince myself that water ( definitely without ice) with dinner at restaurants is perfectly okay. I mean, I know it goes well with the food and all, but I've been cuckoo about missing my red wines. I've been growling in remembrance of the that restaurant I went to in few months back on the last Saturday night before I the new year. I ordered pinot noir, but the server brought me pinot grigio. In the spirit of not being a jerky customer, I didn't send it back, but chugged it down like koolaid (which, honestly, all white wines taste like to me.) I grumble now because, if I'd known that night that that was to be my last glass of wine for 9 months, I sure as hell would have sent that tralala back. Being Obese has also really fueled my organic tendencies. I find that it's now a lot easier to punch it up and pay the extra cash for organic meats, which had previously been a hesitation point for me due to the steep cost. On the one hand, I'm dismayed that my own better health wasn't motivation enough to make some of these changes, but then I realize it doesn't matter that I hesitated before. I'm glad I've made the changes now, and though honey may be the weight that pushed these decisions to their full realization, I certainly got the train moving on my own and that's nothing to be ashamed of.

WEEKEND ATTENTION DISORDER ( ON BEING IDLE)

This photo just made my day ( photo: Altamira NYC)

I asked myself regarding my two weekends of pure boredom which I suspected might have some sketchy points. During those two weeks, I was trying so hard to stay connected in the moment, so that as much of the experience as possible would imprint on my mind for recall in the years ahead. My connection to details around me notably decreased, as I focused more and more inwardly, noting less and less of the activity and atmosphere around me.

In my mind I'm working on various postpartum ( I was never pregnant and will never be haha) posts, though none of them have hit the keyboard. My days alone for the past few weekends seem to unwind in light speed, eaten up by every-two-hours bathroom break sessions with my stock of style magazines ( yes I have a dresser full of GQ, Details, Cargo, Esquire, Nylon, Wallpaper, I.D etc), unending lack of activity due to multiple wardrobe changes throughout the day, and a compulsion to have my room as clean as possible at all times. At first, this compulsion was motivated by the constant and sometimes unexpected stream of inactivity in the past two weeks. But, now that I’m back on track, I still feel compelled to spend every moment endlessly tidying. This is not how I want to spend this priceless time alone which expires today.

This gives me a strange pleasure, and makes me feel more responsible somehow. I wake up each Saturday with a long list of cleaning and organizing projects, and develop an unkind headache if I try to ignore the next item on the list. I feel certain this attention to my microcosm is also propelled by the fact that I have been bored an unusually over productive. I have started to become a bit claustrophobic, and I'm pretty sure the constant housecleaning is some reaction to that. The longer I'm pinned in these walls, the more dust and general muck I see, and panic that the existence of such things will get me reported to the yaya patrols.

Schedule for the week of October 20 – 26

· I’ll be covering fashion week thanks to Lester
· My friends funeral on Thursday – I’ll miss you man!
· More new business for the agency
· Bag search – I’m in need of a new tote
· Recycle!
· Visit to Viktors – thank god they’re now in greenbelt 5!