One careful owner

In which G.M. Norton feels like a millionaire.

As a regular purchaser of second-hand clothing, whether from a beneficiary boutique or Messrs E&Bay, I often imagine who the former owners were. On occasion, I’ve been known to make up whole new identities in my head, giving them names and different personality traits. 

Occasionally, you will find something in a pocket which provides a little clue to the identity of the former wearer. One jacket had a receipt for some sugar and a pint of milk, dated 1980. Naturally, I pictured them as having an addiction to sugary milk-based drinks. I called him Stanley.

Earlier this week, I took my youngest out for a trip to Alderley Edge in Cheshire. Home to rich footballers, I thought I would find it all terribly pretentious but actually, it was quite quaint. My plan was to explore the four charity shops that are all on the same main high street. It was during this outing that I picked up a blue chalkstripe double-breasted suit.

On film: The Thin Man

In which G.M. Norton considers becoming a drinking detective.

I recently had the pleasure of watching a 1934 comic murder mystery by the name of The Thin Man.

Based on a book of the same name by Dashiell Hammett, who also penned The Maltese Falcon, it is a well mixed cocktail of screwball comedy and murder.

The two main protagonists are Martini tossing married couple, Nick and Nora Charles, played with aplomb by William Powell and Myrna Loy.

 

A beginner's guide to vintage-style dressing for men

In which G.M. Norton helps men to dress vintage.

In a rush to pursue my quest to lead a gentlemanly existence, it has only just occurred to me that there are men out there that need a little help and guidance with the classic men’s style of dress.

So this week, I’m going to go back to basics a little. Do forgive if you feel you already know these things, or perhaps chirp up with your own opinions in the comments.

Exquisite items from Old Town, Cravat Club and Rampley & Co

Men may have decided for themselves that they are ready to ditch the t-shirt and jeans combination and start dressing like a grown-up. Or their significant other may be busily encouraging them to smarten up their appearance. 

This beginners guide is my way of offering assistance.

Like any good guide, let’s start start at the beginning.

The gentleman's new clothes

In which G.M. Norton wears one of his favourite summer outfits.

We're now in June, it would seem. Crikey, where has this year gone?

Dressing well during the scorching heat can be a tricky task. This is one outfit I recently cobbled together, which I thought I would share with you. Now, here's the thing so prepare yourself - not a single item was obtained second-hand, which is quite a rarity for me. I can sense your disappointment.