socks style stuff london

More lost socks

2007-12-20T20:50:00.003Z

We're into our recycling, so how could we resist this idea on environmental site Treehugger?

At a Bernal Heights laundromat in San Francisco finding your lost sock is taken to its natural conclusion, photographed by Todd Lappin.

Socks & politics

2007-12-15T18:20:00.004Z

Gordon Brown was recently photographed wearing this woeful shoe & sock combination on The Guardian blog.

One(!) of the problem with Gordon's socks is he likes to wear 100% cotton. It doesn't stay up and definitely should be reserved for a more casual look. Business socks are usually a finer gauge cotton or merino wool and contain some nylon so they stay put and give a more polished look.

Crocs with socks? For once we're lost for words. This article from the Washington Post....

The Socktorialist

2007-12-15T18:08:00.002Z

It seems that we're not the only ones in the world concerned about sock wearing. I recently got an email from a blogger devoted to socks called The Socktorialist. Here's a picture from his blog that I thought looked quite cool and got me thinking about mismatched socks. The Socktorialist claims this was a dressing oversight but it's too good.

I started thinking about mismatched socks and soon discovered there's a whole world devoted to it. There are sites that sell mismatched socks - little miss matched, painted kiwi, united odd socks - discussion forums, gizmos that stop your socks getting lost when you do laundry from socks cop, it goes on and on!

Bewildering information overload on google.

A Sartorial point of view

2007-12-15T17:29:00.000Z

They say a true gentleman never allows the gap between his socks and trousers to show when he sits. It also seems that the colour of men's socks can be dictated by geography - here's an international view of men's sock style from a very well know fashion blog, the sartorialist. The Sartorialist is a must have bookmark if you're interested in fashion snaps from the streets of NY, Paris, Milan, London.

In our experience American men are the most bold in their choice of sock colours. Should socks match shoes or trousers, or not at all? Check his blog and let us know what you think!

Sex & The City's fashion lead

2007-12-15T16:51:00.000Z

Knee socks and over the knee socks in every variation have been touted as being 'in' this winter and leading the way in fine style is Sarah Jessica Parker wearing over the knee argyle socks as part of her new Sex & the City wardrobe.
Add to it the socks with sandals combo and you need a PhD in advanced sock styling - clearly not a look that can easily be carried off by mere mortals....
The official Sex & the City site even has a section devoted to all the fashion looks by character, by series!

BOOGALOO STU.......rocks!

2007-10-07T17:01:00.000Z

PERFORMER, DESIGNER & DJ BOOGALOO STU LONDON
"enough about you...let's talk about me"
You have to admit it takes a very confident person to pull off this look. I've never seen a man wear knee high socks with such style. Boogaloo Stu not only designs his own outfits (complete with socks & tie) but has also just released his second single "Just want you to know". What a night at his relaunch of 'Shinky Shonky' in Soho. What else can I say!

It IS all in the detail!

2007-10-07T16:52:00.000Z

It's amazing the kind of conversations you get into once people know you have a cool sock website. Granted it was at a pub at a friend's birthday party. Here's someone who had EXACTLY matching Calvin Klein underwear and Burlington argyle socks in the same shade of green. (Shame I didn't get a better picture as it was taken on my mobile.)

I have to admit I was very impressed.

How to wear them DILEMMA?

2007-10-07T16:17:00.000Z

So fine, socks are in the magazines but people ask - how do I wear them? (If you're one of those million girls who wore UGG boots don't even try and tell me socks aren't flattering.) As a starter if you're feeling a bit insecure buy a few magazines and see how they're styled up to get the general idea.

Here are TEN tips for the gals:
1. Over the knee socks look good but THINK twice before wearing with a miniskirt (slightly too school girl rah rah)
2. It's nice to CONTRAST a thicker ribbed sock with a floaty dress.
3. It's fine to see a bit of SKIN between your sock & dress otherwise you may as well wear tights.
4. Saying that, over the knee socks aren't as warm as wearing tights so you can keep it a SECRET if you're so inclined.
5. If you're going for a more 'fashion' look you can SCRUNCH down your knee socks to resemble a slouchy boot and wear with court shoes (pumps). If you keep the colours similar it will even look like you're wearing a boot.
6. If you're a sock NOVICE best to stay away from patterned socks as it's a much harder look to pull off (and not as flattering on the leg if you're concerned about that).
7. Short ankle socks can look really good with HEELS in the evening - it makes your outfit look less boring and also resembles those 'shoe boots' that are in fashion - again keep the same colour as your shoe unless you're more daring.
8. Socks are an easier look to pull off with CHUNKY heels than stilettos.
9. Think of socks as you would an ACCESSORY. It needs to match with everything else you have on.
10. Finally, if you're going to wear socks with SANDALS (yes, you heard right - girls only though!) make sure it's not going to rain that day.

Socks are IN!!

2007-09-10T15:36:00.000Z

If you haven't noticed the fashion mags recently socks are IN (and brightly coloured tights too) and everywhere! Not that they were ever OUT from our point of view but they have been 'blessed' with the fashion wand so if you were afraid to stick your leg out before, it's OK to wear them now.

Chunky socks with shoes & open sandals - you name it. And if you don't believe us socks even feature in ads from Miu Miu to Balenciaga (love those Balenciaga lego shoes).....

PAUL DAVIES........blog star DJ+

2007-09-08T17:34:00.000Z

CONSULTANT, DJ, JOURNALIST, LONDON
"it's all in the details"
PAUL'S STYLE
I have never seen someone match their socks so perfectly to their shoes. The emerald green panel that runs down the middle of the sock is the exact shade of the green band on his K-Swiss trainers. Paul hadn't worn these Commes des Garcons socks for ages because he didn't want to spoil them. Even he admits that's a bit sad. But it deserves another picture.

When Paul's not flying around interviewing someone 'big' (he'd just got back from Australia where he was talking to Marc Newson about the new 1st Class lounge designed for Qantas) he's spinning tunes in Ibiza or working with Dover Street Market and Purple PR.
DREAM SOCKS
“OK, this is highly unethical –but a pair of fine gauge socks made out of Shahtoosh would have to be the ne ultra plus for sock perverts." Anyway, it's officially declared illegal (Wiki it) so this is pure fantasy......Hmmm.

Trainer blight

2007-05-13T17:54:00.000Z

I know I went on before about the trench foot ballet slipper trend in London, but now that spring is almost here I have to ask:
Why do people wear trainers without socks?
a. your feet sweat,
b. your feet smell and
c. your shoes smell
not in any specific order.
Running shoes, trainers, sneakers, whatever you want to call them it's all the same.
Nuf said.

Ankle socks galore!

2007-05-13T17:36:00.000Z

A lot of girls are wearing ankle socks this summer, which is good news!
All it takes is a couple of good weather days in London for people to start coming out with their fashion looks. Snapped this girl on Portobello road wearing striped leggings with checked sneakers and black ankle socks. Simple but nice!

We'll be on the lookout for more nice sock pics once the weather gets better......

JASON PARLETT..............Aussie style!

2007-04-05T17:21:00.000Z

DIRECTOR, ELEPHANT PR, SYDNEY
"everyone can feel beautiful in socks"
JASON'S STYLE
Jason was caught out on a recent trip to London wearing white sport socks. Although he reassured me that this was due to his feet being so cold and he normally wears "much classier ones". Well, we believe him, as white sport socks aren't normally part of the look when you work in fashion PR. In fact, Jason's wardrobe for his European trip was all black, blue & grey. Now that's more like it! Even so, his white socks and Converse trainers work just fine.
DREAM SOCKS
"French navy with tiny silver constellation stars and a silver toe & heel...I'm obsessed with stars. I actually bought a pair of socks from H&M with black and cream stars and wore them in Paris to a cafe called 'Etoile'. Nobody noticed."

CHRISTIAN DIENG.............Euro style!

2007-03-30T17:23:00.000Z

INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR LAMBERT HOWARTH, LONDON
"knee socks are the best"
CHRISTIAN'S STYLE
Christian knows a thing or two about socks as he was very recently Commercial Director for Falke UK. Not surprisingly, his look is coordinated from head to toe with Falke burgundy cashmere socks matching the windowpane check in his grey Burberry jacket and setting off brand new red leather Adidas sneakers perfectly. Now with his new job, people will be checking out his shoes instead of his socks.
DREAM SOCKS
"My dream socks would be made from Vicuna. It would be the most expensive sock in the world. Technically the fibre is too short to make socks, but at $800 a pair they would be amazing."

LILIANA SANGUINO.........fashion style!

2007-03-30T11:20:00.000Z

FASHION FREELANCER, LONDON
"a pair of socks always changes an outfit"
LILIANA'S STYLE
What do you wear in that transition period between winter & spring? Liliana's got the look with cropped grey jeans, flat black patent pumps worn with semi-sheer silver and grey socks by Marjan Pejoski and short jacket by Eley Kishimoto.
DREAM SOCKS
"Very long socks. The other day I saw a pair in the window of a fetish shop - very black, tight & shiny in latex. Hmmm!"

sox-populi in HARPERS!

2007-03-30T10:44:00.000Z

"the only truly fashion led sock site on the web"
Not that we're ones to blow our own horn but Harpers UK did a review of the top 17 online fashion sites and sox-populi.com was listed Number 5. Don't mind following Mr Tom Ford at number 1!

BARRY KAMEN....sock it to me

2007-02-06T15:21:00.000Z

"Respect, just a little bit"
I'm running out to Waitrose to buy my groceries and I know the only people that are gonna see me are the girls at the till, that doesn't mean I'll chuck on any old crap. I don't possess any old crap anymore, I'll still have on a sharp pair of socks and shoes. If you get the socks and shoes right the rest of the outfit falls into place. if you don't, it falls apart.
Who cares? The girls at the till don't give a toss. I care. I know.
My default setting is basically a pair of jeans and a cashmere sweater. But the shoes and the socks are key. Black Loafers, orange sock. Brown brogues, pale blue sock. Black Patents and an off white silk sock and so on. It's quiet and its thorough.
Wearing a dirty or shitty pair of socks is like having a grimey little secret. Like hidden MSG in an expensive meal. "It doesn't matter cos' nobody's gonna see em" is not the fucking point. You know the only person you're kidding is yourself.

The blues accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins.....

2007-02-06T14:02:00.000Z

foot race is on
look-a yonder
what do I see?
whole lotta somethin'
comin' at me.

The Man gives great sock!!

Comme-unity

2007-02-06T14:00:00.000Z

I travel a lot and I clock people from all over the planet. There are always the one or two that give you a knowing nod, acknowledging a timeless, universal code. Not the 'up to the minute trendy middle class' but the ones that understand detail. Maybe an old Gaucho in Argentina or a suited and booted old black guy on the Holloway Road in London.

This guy owns a fabric stall in Nags head market, Holloway. I shot him in Comme des Garcons and his own clothes for a japanese magazine with photographer Sal Idriss.

Shoot from outside the box

2007-02-06T13:55:00.000Z

A pair of shorts is the perfect opportunity for us guys to work a sock and a fine shoe.

killer pose in the hose

2007-02-06T13:49:00.000Z

Adidas advertorial for HUgE magazine in Tokyo.

Dad Buffalo 1935 style....

2007-02-06T13:03:00.000Z

The world's a mess, we're racing headlong into a catastrophe that's been signposted for years. So how is wearing a fine merino or silk sock gonna help? It's not. But the mindset behind every action, every decision we make, may. It's all about our intention.
If we pay attention, listen, observe and respect ourselves and neighbours and consider the consequences of our actions than just maybe we can begin to force a change away from apathy. It's all all about the details. Each small detail mounts up and and soon begins to tip the balance. If we can take pride in ourselves, our habits, our behaviour, our appearance, our environment, not to impress others, not to be cred or cool, but just because its the best way to be, then we can begin to change.

Who says socks don't matter?

2007-01-31T18:36:00.000Z

It made it to the BBC news. Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, was found with holes in his socks during an official visit to a mosque in Turkey.
So next time someone tells you "socks don't matter", think again - you never know when or where you may have to remove your shoes!

Sneaker freak out...

2007-01-23T16:08:00.000Z

Following on from the K-Swiss story, here are some people who are really into trainers. You have got to look at Sneaker Freaker and marvel at the ingenuity. Anyone who remembers the 80's and the importance of lacing your trainers will appreciate this.
Amazing!

Nautical but nice...

2007-01-23T13:50:00.000Z

Facing another grey day in London let's think about Spring. Went to a great party to launch K-Swiss new Zedler 'nautical' range of sneakers with watertight seams and non-slip soles (K-Swiss sponsored the America's Cup '95 so they know a bit about all things nautical). Available in shop near you from February.
If you want complete the sailing vibe go for socks in royal blue, navy or red. Pair them with these Burlington argyle socks or Pantherella stripes for Spring, coming soon.
Nautical's all the rage for 2007!

NEIL & MICHAEL.........web boys extraordinaire

2006-12-30T20:47:00.000Z

FOUNDERS BABY-ELEPHANT.CO.UK, LONDON
"I didn't realise that socks could make you feel sexy"
BABY-ELEPHANT STYLE
Neil (left) blames me for encouraging an expensive sock habit he never had before. Michael, on the other hand, needs no help in the dapper dressing department. By his own admission he dresses like his dad. Despite their disparate dress codes they've worked together for 8 years building their design business with clients ranging from Calvin Klein to sox-populi.com and like all good web designers they're based in Hoxton and sport the casual 'we don't really try but everything's coordinated' look.
Neil is particularly proud of his Converse sneakers (picked up in Shanghai) that are the perfect colour to go with denim (catch the laces!) paired with Pantherella houndstooth black & white socks for a great contrast. Michael's blue & red Pringle socks pick up all the colours in his check trousers, shirt and sweater. Country brogues & argyle. Excellent!
DREAM SOCKS
Good quality socks in merino wool or cotton that don't make your feet sweat, especially with trainers. Socks that cause a stir when you cross your legs and flash a bit of colour. Love it!

Speaking of ARGYLE

2006-12-29T16:26:00.000Z

STYLE TIP
Did you know that Burlington socks only have their brass stamp on one sock? Wear it on the left foot to show. These Burlington socks are worn to pick up the colours in the check trousers. Burlington socks for girls are great with lace-up shoes to give that 'boyish' look in style this winter. It doesn't matter whether you're a girl or boy, there's nothing worse than a nicely coordinated outfit with dodgy socks that show when you sit down (especially so when you're wearing shorter length trousers).

CHECK please

2006-12-11T17:10:00.000Z

Once again, my camera shy friend is wearing great socks (he must plan his outfit around his socks when he's meeting me). This time a giant houndstooth check from Pantherella with his black leather Converse high-tops. It worked well as the socks were the most vibrant part of his outfit with the rest quite plain: jeans, turtleneck and a traditional Swedish wool jacket in an olivey grey. Clearly wearing a bright sock with a dark shoe can be a good look. We were on a British Rail train; you can spot the telltale upholstery pattern on the chair!

CHUNKY socks

2006-12-11T16:52:00.000Z

STYLE TIP
That photo of Georgia reminded me that you don't have to wear knee-high or over-the-knee socks pulled up tight. You can bag them down for a more casual look and especially if the socks are chunky, it can sometimes be more flattering on the leg as it makes the rest of your leg looks slimmer in comparison (just remember how everyone was wearing those Ugg boots!). If socks & shoes are in the same colour you'll definitely get the visual effect of a soft boot.
Chunky socks can be a nice contrast if you're wearing a flowy smock dress. Sort of bohemian meets milkmaid. These shoes are from London designers The Jacksons, socks from Jonathan Aston worn over black leggings and just shows you can pair things in an unexpected way.

GEORGIA VAUX.........lovely!

2006-12-11T11:56:00.000Z

CO-DIRECTOR LOVELY LOVELY, LONDON
"love chunky knee-high socks"
GEORGIA'S STYLE
Georgia's got the layered look spot on in tones of blue and grey. Nice touch with the caramel Marc Jacobs platform sandals. We've got a thing for patent shoes at the moment and they're a great contrast to chunky knit socks. A sock lover after our own heart, we like how she pulled the whole outfit together with the granddad cardigan and cap.
Given her style it's no surprise that Georgia & Louise Scott-Smith design fashion-led accessories for the home - plates, glasses and more in beautiful candy colours with a retro romantic Vegas feel. They're working on a capsule collection of womens accessories as well.
DREAM SOCKS
"Socks that fit your feet so you can wear them with high heels. Chunky but not overly chunky. Socks with heels are great."

TWINKLE twinkle

2006-12-10T18:15:00.000Z

STYLE TIP
Gold or silver sequin dresses are all over the mags this season (see Nov post 'sox-populi in Grazia') paired with black tights & shoes/boots for a kind of Barbarella meets Gigi vibe. If you want to wear sparkle this winter it's best to focus on one part of your body ie sequin dress, plain tights & shoes or sparkly shoes, plain black dress. Metallic socks with patent shoes (these, believe it or not are from Faith - I think they were a Balenciaga copy!) can be great with dark jeans too. The silver shoes are from TopShop and you could even pair them with silver socks if you want to really go for it. But beware: keep the rest super plain!

FRANCESCA WILLIAMS..........wonder full!

2006-12-10T17:54:00.000Z

ILLUSTRATOR WONDERLEAGUE, BRIGHTON
"check out my site"
Great look, great colours, great website! Francesca has taken the layered look to a new level with coloured footless socks over tights. Francesca is her own best advertisement and she carries off this look with aplomb. Below the sticker she gave me.

DARREN .........top hair dude!

2006-11-27T13:31:00.000Z

HAIRDRESSER 4th FLOOR, LONDON
"Thin or bobbly socks offend me"
DARREN'S STYLE
Darren says he wears socks to match his shoes, not his outfit and that's it's wrong to wear black shoes with a brown belt or vice versa. We like Darren's black Miu Mui lace-ups with plain black socks and turned up jeans. Darren can wear what he likes (he can even get away with his Ziggy Stardust hair colour which he's currently sporting) as he was quoted as being the best hairdresser in London by The Independent. Dude!
DREAM SOCKS
"Brand new socks and the silk socks I wear with my Dior boots. I didn't know you could get silk socks for men but they're great if you have tight fitting boots as your feet don't sweat. I even wore them in the Australian heat with my boots and my feet stayed cool. Silk socks are the GO!"

COOL town!

2006-11-26T13:11:00.000Z

Someone recently ordered socks from a town I had never heard of, Ketchikan, so I looked it up on Google. If you've ever been there, I'd like to see some more pics. Just so I don't get into trouble this picture is from alaska port reviews. Maybe it's a famous place. The Alaskan site said "many of the caribbean stores are found in the downtown area" with no further explanation. Hmmm....?
Have you ever gone on holiday thinking you've found a secret exotic hideaway only to find the hotel guest book full of people you know?

BJ CUNNINGHAM..........he's the man!

2006-11-22T21:36:00.000Z

CEO GEORGINA GOODMAN, LONDON
"I call these my 'pulling socks'"
BJ's STYLE
He's teamed these bold Pantherella socks with dark brown cowskin Zanotti desert boots. His yellow t-shirt picks up the colour in the socks nicely. If you want to wear bold socks take that style tip from BJ. Not surprising given his past - he started by importing Harley Davidson into the UK and infamously launched "Death" cigarettes which sent shivers through the industry (to say the least) - his maverick style extends to his dress sense as well. BJ now runs one of London's leading shoe labels with his wife Georgina Goodman. You're the man!
MY DREAM SOCKS
"A horizontal striped sock in Corgi quality cotton. I love the fact that I can now talk with confidence about sock brands which gives me another strange but valid cul-de-sac to go down in my conversations."

TRENCH FOOT trend

2006-11-22T20:26:00.000Z

If you live in London have you noticed that girls are still wearing ballerina slippers AND without socks. It's winter and it's damp and rainy. What about wearing a pair of socks or even tights? Changing your shoes? Put the ballet shoes AWAY!

sox-populi in GRAZIA

2006-11-22T19:44:00.000Z

Grazia used Falke socks in this shoot with tights and over leggings.
STYLE TIP
Great in a photo shoot but beware a knit dress without a lining, tights 'stick' and you'll get a bunched up behind. Besides how warm do you want to be? Have you tried wearing a sweater dress & tights indoors? Over-the-knee socks are a good option, avoids overheating and the 'clinging' effect.
For really cold weather socks with leggings (or tights with leg warmers) gives the layered look without the added bulk of socks over tights which make your shoes too tight and your feet too warm!

MELLOW yellow

2006-11-22T19:09:00.000Z

Having coffee at Ottolenghi in Notting Hill (not that they need any publicity!) with a camera shy friend of mine who always dresses impeccably. Seen here his ankle, with yellow socks. The rest of his outfit consisted of a black turtleneck and black leather jacket. Nice look.