All the fun of the (vintage) fair

In which G.M. Norton shares his experience of being the Finder of the Fair.

On the second Sunday of every month, a rather splendid event takes place in Stockport, in the town’s lovely Victorian covered market hall – The Vintage Village.

The Vintage Village is a pop-up fair boasting stalls offering quality authentic vintage goodies all under one roof.   

Each month, they ask somebody to act as the guest curator and select their favourite treasures from those available for purchase from the mix of vintage vendors. Thanks to the power of Twitter where an appeal was issued for a chap to be February’s Finder, I was kindly nominated for the honour by Old Fashioned Susie and Gent Cyclist.

The rules of romance (Jane Austen-style)

In which G.M. Norton explores the romantic rules of two hundred years ago with a little help from a literary great.

I currently have my pomade-covered head submerged in a Jane Austen novel. Pride and Prejudice to be precise. It was first published in January 1813, making it an incredible two hundred years old.

I must confess to knowing very little about the story until recently – my only vague recollection being the iconic scene in the BBC dramatisation where Darcy, played by Colin Firth, emerges dripping wet from a lake. Upon spying the novel on the charity shop bookshelf, something urged me to pick it up and part with 99 pence. I’m awfully glad I did.

Pomade - a hair product for the discerning gentleman

In which G.M. Norton looks both ways, taps his nose and sagely informs his readership about the best hair dressing product for gentlemen. 

When it comes to a gentleman’s hair dressing, there is really only one option – pomade. If you’re not familiar with this particular hair product, please allow me to enlighten you.

Pomade makes hair look slick and debonair, giving it a sophisticated shine. As well as being used by luminaries such as this periodical’s favourite Cary Grant, it was also widely used by teddy boys to create sweeping, gravity defying pompadours.

In the 18^thcentury, it was a rather exclusive product, accessible only to the gentry which is fitting given the gentrified hairstyle it helps to create.

A brief history of the pocket square

In which G.M. Norton explores the history of the humble handkerchief.

Contrary to popular opinion, Mad Men’s Roger Sterling did not invent the pocket square. Although it is only fair to credit the inebriated advertising executive for helping men to rediscover the lost art of sporting an elegantly folded handkerchief.

Roger rocking the three point fold

Style icon: Cary Grant

In which G.M. Norton continues his style icon series with a tribute to the ultimate leading man.

To continue my style icon series following my earlier Sir Roger Moore effort, I would like to raise a glass to Mr. Archibald Alexander Leach. Or to give him the name that has made millions of ladies swoon and millions of men aspire to be him – Mr. Cary Grant.

Cutting a dash

iGentikit

In which G.M. Norton considers just what makes the perfect gentleman and has a little fun creating his own.

The lovely Prussia of In Loco Parentis recently took the time to leave a comment on my homage to Grace Kelly and she got me thinking. Especially now your favourite protagonist has made 2013 the Year of the Gentleman.

Here is the part that really fired up my little grey cells.

"So I am sure a chap likes to carry himself assuming the air of George Sanders or channelling the wit of Terry Thomas and thus makes the mundane feel so much better. A man may not look like Gregory Peck or have the charm of Cary Grant but he can certainly use these people as inspiration." 

Year of the Gentleman

In which G.M. Norton issues a rallying cry to the male of the species to find their inner gentleman.

Whatever happened to strolling in the moonlight, picking flowers for the woman of your dreams and generally being a chivalrous sort of chap?

In today’s society it seems that too many men are rude, badly-dressed and spend far too much time watching football and drinking beer, more often than not with their hands stuffed down their trousers.  

Review: Edwin Jagger Sandalwood Premium Shaving Cream

In which G.M. Norton offers his honest assessment of the newest addition to his shaving assortments.

As my illustrious readership will only be too aware, I shave using traditional methods with a safety razor, badger brush and shaving cream. So you can imagine I was pleased as punch when I received a new luxury shaving cream for Christmas. I can only assume that my beloved cast her eye over my Christmas gift guide (note to self - include an Aston Martin DB5 next time).

The maker of my new shaving cream is one Edwin Jagger, a family-run shaving emporium. Founded in 1988, they make all manner of shaving paraphernalia including razors, brushes and creams. I already use a shaving brush by them as featured in my recent shaving post.

 

'Twas two outfits before Christmas

In which G.M. Norton celebrates classic British menswear as he gets all wrapped up for Christmas.

In the days leading up to the pinnacle of one's festive frivolities, I find myself reaching for two kinds of outfits, each containing pieces of clothing made in Britain.

The first is the more casual of the two and consists of my trusty Barbour wax jacket, a Christmas knit, Levis 501 jeans and a pair of brown K Shoes.

Feeling festive

Chap on the cheap: the charity shop challenge

In which G.M. Norton goes pattern crazy as he unveils a gentlemanly outfit for less than £50.

Mancunian Vintage and myself recently took part in a challenge to acquire his 'n' hers Christmas outfits for under £50 each. Read about my experience over at Vintage Manchester.

I had tremendous fun visiting the local charity shops and managed to cobble together a rather dapper outfit for the grand total of £37.94. This consisted of sports jacket, shirt, tie, trousers, shoes and pocket square. 

Doing my best Pee-Wee Herman impression