Pullover & trackpant – Charlie May. Watch – Shinola ‘Runwell’.
I feel like this is one topic that has been discussed numerous times before in passing, but I still wonder whether I am perhaps… a dude? Evidence suggests that I, in fact, may be a 13-year old boy, what with the lack of chesticulars and fondness to playing with matches. But on some days I find myself slouched in the pink couch guzzling down some beer or strawberry cider or another, plotting the car I should decorate my mid-life crisis with and ask myself what AM I? A pastel-purple Jaguar (they’re going to have to mix a heck load of white, red and blue at the garage) is the answer so far, although the thought of a velvet-wrapped Porsche is also pretty enticing – solely for the reason of baffling/pissing off society. Sure, this probably is an age-old depiction of ‘man’, and my feminist assistant Simon, will weep silently in a corner in the office once he reads this (#genderequality, you guys) but hey – you tell me if these evidences say ‘lady’ anywhere.
I’m getting to a point, I promise.
Now, I had not known of Shinola (pronounced ‘shy-no-la’, originating from ‘shoe-shine’) until a few months back, during a routine stalking of fine gentlemen on the intranets (you know, Monday morning thing) I came across the brand’s website. A cursory session of digging of the wonder-emporium of leather goods later, decided it was ALL made for me: The leather footballs, stationery, watches with graphically sound (and when I say sound I mean HANDSOME) faces, and MY GOODNESS the bicycles, expertly assembled and shipped from Detroit, which is where the brand originates from. They boast a strong American heritage, in value and history, and all designs are inspired by the city’s industrial past.
iPad cover, notebook, watch – Shinola.
Bicycle – Shinola ‘Bixby’
LEFT: Top – Muji. Trousers – ASOS. RIGHT: Turtleneck – Lands’End. Trousers – ASOS. Watch – Shinola ‘Runwell’.
I wanted to be that silently brilliant man that took pride in his profession, who treated his possessions with firm-yet-unobsessive care, and owned a fine watch because his time was currency itself. I wanted to set the boob jokes/box of matches aside, change out of that beer-stained shirt and write stories in beautifully bound stationery; roll my sleeves up and take the bicycle to a neighbourhood uncharted before – Detroit, perhaps.
So, this is what a brand with solid value system does to a consumer: it makes a man out of a boy. Add a dose of expert craftsmanship and healthy influence to a socio-economically struggling city… how many times do I have to say, great stories are infectious?
Here is a digitorial, in efforts to emulate the Shinola ‘man’, a rite of sorts, I suppose.
Really Love Shinola Watch and Awesome work. :)
http://www.kangkanrabha.com
Absolutely love the feminine and masculine mix! I think I’ll need a carpet backdrop too it looks so nice.
I adore these photos! They’re so inspirational, and the photos are wonderful.
Amber | y a c h t s m a a n
Adorable pics! Love the pullover & trackpant!
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Kisses from http://www.withorwithoutshoes.com 
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Classically artful filled with so much creativity. Simply fabulous . . . As always! :)
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
You look cool and comfy, I love it Shini !
Love the edit! Such beautiful photos :)
http://carlotarules.wordpress.com
I LOVE SHINOLA! So I studied economics in my undergraduate and had to do a report on a brand that is thriving during the economic decline in America circa 2009. I wrote about Shinola, though they were fairly new at this point. And the story made me fall in love with them… also the branding was incredible for an American brand. Great collaboration and lovely photos! I’ve also re-confirmed that I’m a total nerd.
Ermahgerd, that Charlie May pullover-sweatpant combo looks like a HUG PERSONIFIED. So much comfy. x
Jasiminne: Posh, Broke, & Bored
Love these photos. Your features are always so perfectly put together. Love it
Mel x
http://mediamarmalade.com/
Love these photos, how cosy does the outfit look in image one. Love it.
Lou
http://www.LoveHappinessYoga.com
Love your the laid-back masculinity of the looks and photographs. And those the bike is seriously gorgeous.
http://www.thestylesynapse.com
I love what you did for Shinola Shini! Gorgeous work!
http://www.theavantguardian.com
Oh I’m so in love with this blogpost! Keep up the amazing work xx
Absolutely love your tomboy side!
good pictures and story as always!
brunettebraid.com
Gorgeous photos
http://www.myhappynook.com
The pringles are out of its fashion can once again (or was that a dress from another brand…I think that was a dress before….hmmm)! I think you may be more of a man than I am…pass me some of them man-making stuff…
Love the feminine & masculine contrast and harmony~ Jolly good show~
Always so refreshing going through your pictures!
Agnes x
http://www.blvckbee.com
Tomboy is the best combo ever! ;P
Look amazing!!!
Vinhomes Cầu Diễn Gardenia
I feel ya: when it comes to preferences I’m a dude without a penis ;-)
Being perfectly happy to be a gal, I do think boys’ toys are so much more fun! Masculine design tends to be cleaner – functional and aesthetically more pleasing (to my eyes anyways). I’ve never been a fan of girly stuff, even as a little girl. Much to the hubby’s delight, ’cause he never has to sit through endless Rom-Coms!
Once again fantastic photos, Shini. That bike has me drooling over my keyboard, especially since my own bike gave up on me the other day.
XO,
Izzy
http://www.nearnoise.com
wow! in love with your work!
http://thedaydreamings.blogspot.de/
gosh ! Korean Soap princess seaking love kind of feel ! I love it !
http://www.bloggersboyfriend.com/perfect_biker_jeans/
where can i get a nice bike like this?? i dont know how to ride a bike but that is my resolution this year to learn how to?? that way i can have easier transportation to school and elsewhere!! it would be greatly appreciated if you’d tel me where can i get a good affordable bike like this
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