Potty about pins

In which G.M. Norton reveals his extensive pin badge collection.

My name is Norty and I have an addiction. I can't stop acquiring pin badges which adorn the lapels on my jacket.

This is how my collection of lapel pins currently stands. I tried counting them, but I lost count so I gave up, poured myself a generous gin and just admired them instead.

Sun’s out, mag’s out

In which G.M. Norton celebrates issue 11 of the best magazine in existence.

Rejoice, chumrades, for the new summer issue of the most noble of publications, In Retrospect magazine, is now out and available to squander your spending money on.

We’re now on issue 11, which is packed to the rafters with tip-top articles from chalk hill figures, vintage motorbikes, classic toys and Viva Las Vegas.

New summer hat!

In which G.M. Norton has no excuse to get heat stroke

Panama hats are exceptionally magnificent. But a Panama hat that can be rolled up, perfect for one’s travels, achieves messiah status.

I now own such a messiah item of headwear, after the lovely chums at Peter Christian Gentleman’s Outfitters very kindly dispatched one to me. It also arrived with an all-important travelling tube to store the summer hat in, and other goodies including a spotty cravat, neckerchief, socks adorned with hares (which my beloved has claimed) and pin badge. I’m a very lucky chap indeed.

Right honourable gentlemen?

In which G.M. Norton feels nauseous. 

One of the big headlines in Britain over the last couple of days has been the decision that male MPs no longer have to wear ties in the House of Commons.

The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, made the unexpected announcement after being questioned on the matter by a wag who had spotted a Liberal Democrats MP sans tie.

So naturally, I thought I’d give my two penneth on the matter.

The running men

In which G.M. Norton hears a penny drop.

As regular readers of this periodical will know, I do enjoy sitting down to watch a film or three.

Last week, I found myself in the rare circumstance where I was home alone for a couple of hours. Naturally I didn't waste this opportunity and settled down with early 90s thriller, The Fugitive.

I'm yet to watch a film starring Harrison Ford that I've not enjoyed. For me, his name is a quality mark.

Style icon: Howard Stark

In which G.M. Norton gets clothes envy. 

I’ve been enjoying a few Marvel television shows recently, my favourite being Agent Carter which is set in 1946 America, following the Allies victory against fascism in the Second World War. Full of enthralling action, daredevil adventure and truly glorious period costumes, I quickly consumed the two mini-series that were made (sadly the series was subsequently cancelled - boo and indeed, hiss).

Hayely Atwell’s title character, Agent Peggy Carter, is a clever, resourceful and not to mention beautiful agent struggling in a chauvinistic 1940s world. Her entire wardrobe is absolutely first rate but as a menswear enthusiast, my eyes were of course drawn to Peggy's chum, Howard Stark (played by Dominic Cooper), who like real-life inspiration Howard Hughes, is an inventor, film director and international playboy. 

The pied piper of peace

In which G.M. Norton finds the perfect excuse to publish lots of pictures of pipes.

For the last few weeks here in Blighty, you haven’t been able to escape from a constant shower of political views as we edged towards a general election, held last Thursday.

Although I have strong political views, this periodical is not the place to delve into such matters. I like to keep things more light-hearted. So here’s lots of pictorials of one of Britain’s finest ever politicians, Mr Tony Benn. Why? Well, he just exudes style. And to be completely honest, after only two hours sleep on election night, I'm running on empty and an afternoon nap sounds like absolute heaven.  

Roger Moore's best Bond moments

In which G.M. Norton looks back at Moore's finest James Bond moments.

It would be bad form not to mark the passing of Sir Roger Moore so I thought it would be fun to recall my top five moments from his tenure as 007.

Righty-o, here goes.

Stark contrast

In which G.M. Norton is happy just to get through the week.

In my first ever periodical post back on 8^th September 2012, I described my little slice of the interweb as “a safe refuge, an air raid shelter or bunker if you will”, a little escapism away from what’s happening in the world.

Well, it’s been difficult to escape the horror of Monday night’s terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. For those that don’t know, I reside in Manchester. I was born here and I’m proud to still call it home.

Manchester responded in typical defiant fashion, so I’m going to follow suit and carry on regardless. Which means waffling on about the weather and clothes.

Review: James McCabe Watches

In which G.M. Norton adds a real beauty to his growing collection of watches.

Until very recently, my watch collection consisted of diver, field and chronograph watches but for somebody that tries to put an effort into what I wear, I was bereft of a dress watch. Thankfully, James McCabe Watches came to my rescue, who sent me a watch from their Heritage line.

What I particularly like about James McCabe Watches are that they're assembled in the UK. Given that a made in Britain watch would today cost thousands and thousands of pounds, a watch assembled here in Blightly is the next best thing.

Given the choice of any watch from their site, after a good day or so umming and ahhing, I settled on this beauty.