Basic Structure

People are always saying it's the simple things that count. So that means it's a good idea to talk about the basics, right?
Know this: people can be wrong. I mean I'd definitely categorize the short-sleeved shirt as a basic yet I've never really been a huge fan - they're all a bit too 'I'm a hardware engineer' or something. But then you have this moment when you see one and it's completely different. A wave of confusion washes over you so you're all '"whatever, it's just basic, it's nothing". WRONG! It's Marni, a fact which inherently means it's going to be very, very cool.

As a result I now find myself reconsidering things in a massive way. Should I commit to the chop or should I hold firm in my pre-conceived and usually unwavering thoughts regarding the short sleeve (ie: don't do it)? Does it actually look good or am I just trying really hard to be into it? And also, why am I trying to be into it? I don't know. But what I do know is it's November, so I should probably revisit this conversation in May. 

- This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. Alexander Atkins, photographed by Ai-Li Chiong Martinson in Half Moon Bay, wearing Marni and Acne.

Essentials: The Basics of Style

Sometimes it's good to take a moment and reflect on the details - our everyday items that we just can't live without.

I mean there are staples, and then there are staples (I'm referencing the latter). It's like when you leave your house without your keys or iPhone - you'll feel weird, potentially naked (not to mention all those missed selfie taking opportunities). Needless to say I used to think 'essentials' equated to many things. 'I totally need that aubergine pom-pom beanie, right?' One lost suitcase and much distress later taught me otherwise (and for that arduous lesson I'm grateful KLM - really). 

I suppose the point is there are three important things to do right. Wear great shades, always curate your wrist with something beautiful and wear sick kicks (for many the last is the most important). Sure, the three are completely interchangeable in that one day you'll want to wear a Rolex, and the next a Cartier Love Bracelet. And that's OK (it's actually really OK), however not the point. What I'm getting at is that every outfit has the potential to look polished (read put-together) when this 'trinity' is observed. 

And because I know you, dear reader, you might ask, 'perhaps there are rules and exceptions?'. Well, yes. Namely, piling on wrist 'gear' is never OK past the age of twenty-one whereas wearing apple-shaped red 'joke' shades are actually quite charming. Think of it as English grammar. There are rules and exceptions that you'll either get - just because - or you won't. And on that note, Happy Friday!

Alexander Atkins, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana bracelet, a Dries Van Noten sweatshirt, classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Prada shoes, photographed by Aleksander Tyszka in San Francisco.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop 'the trinity'.

The Giveaway: Ray-Ban Aviators

I'd bet a lot on the fact that everyone loves free stuff. I mean, I sure do. But that's not the point. The point is you can win.
So get involved, dear reader. Chances are you'll be wearing these Ray-Ban aviators before you know it (just FYI, aviators look great on everyone). But that's not nearly all. The generous people over at Old Spice are doing more than just ensuring the entire population smells great, they're kindly giving you the chance to be decked-out in lot's of free swag. That's right, we're winning.

Up for grabs:
A summer holiday themed giveaway including Ray-Ban Lite Force Aviators (pictured above), a red passport holder (for when you go places, you know?), custom dopp kit, towelette and a selection of Old Spice's new bar soaps - which I reviewed here. 

How to Win:
It's easy, just 'like' Mr Essentialist's page on Facebook and tweet by clicking this button:  Tweet

Alternatively you can enter by liking Mr Essentialist's Facebook page and commenting below with your favorite holiday destination - ie 'Fiji'. Extra entries will be thrown in for anyone who follows on Bloglovin' and subscribes via email also. The winner will be announced this Friday, 28th of June on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Good luck kids!

Alexander Atkins, in an Adolfo Dominguez shirt, photographed by Victoria Esnault-Pelterie in Palma de Mallorca.

This post is sponsored by Old Spice.

Sightings: Ray-Ban Clubmaster

I've always loved a good Ray-Ban. So it's not surprising that I'm very into these new polarized, lightly tinted Clubmasters.
If you've been reading you'll know I've chatted about some great shades before, and it's definitely no secret that I'm partial to my camouflage Wayfarers. But there's something fantastically Dickie Greenleaf-esque about these frames (needless to say anything Amalfi Coast-related is superb in my book). Also summer is fast approaching which generally means it's time to make some changes. Clothes, skincare routines, optics - it's all good. And who doesn't love change, right? - Don't answer that.

The point is Ray-Ban has released a new Clubmaster. The 3016 is exceptionally retro; the classic brow-line frame looks just as good today as it did in the 1980s (dare I whisper the word timeless?). Now I know I've addressed the what's-my-face-shape thing - and yes, that is important (I mean I wrote a whole thing, you guys). But I've been forcing a plethora of round, square and oval faces to try these bad boys on... to resounding success! Everyone looked fly. Besides, the fact that they're polarized means your eyes will really love you - so that's definitely a thing. Also I might mention that someone actually pulled-up to me at a traffic light in Los Angeles, complimenting the Clubmasters. If you need more validation than that, well, I really can't help you.

Alexander Atkins, wearing the new Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmasters, photographed by Cara Beth Rogers in San Francisco.

*Discover more about to Clubmaster by clicking here.