Country folk

Do you wear a Barbour, green wellies and grow your own veggies, or do you run high-heeled for the bus, whilst simultaneously stuffing a croissant in your mouth?






What is the whole City yuppie vs. country Sloane Ranger thing about? Surely now’s the time for country bumpkins in isolated damp cottages and hard-pressed-to-fund-the-mortgage urban commuterites to club together for mutual help and support during these economically challenging times? Perhaps we could start by learning a few things from each other...


My impression of country folk is that they know a fair bit about keeping warm and surviving all sorts of harsh conditions during the Winter. Now that town and country dwellers alike are trying to save money and conserve fuel, how about these for some ideas:


1) Turn off your lights and use candles instead. You could even buy these country-style vintage carved wooden candlesticks from ShopCurious.







2) Turn down your heating and wear something warm. Lots of layers work well – check out these folksy country combos, combining stylish French chic with Winter- warming wearability.







3) We all know that most heat is lost from the head, so why not wear a scarf. These rural nature inspired vintage silk scarves should fit the bill as an affordable luxury.








4) Give up over-priced modern branded designer fashion and opt for unique accessories to add a quirky luxe look to any outfit. Vintage jewellery that’s both individual and collectable will do the trick, like these curiously original brooches from ShopCurious.




Of course, you could always read the Department of Health’s Winter guide - Keep Warm Keep Well (its political correctness certainly made me chuckle, which I suppose is one way of keeping warm) … or you could simply don a tracksuit and trainers and turn that run to the tube, or across those muddy fields, into to a healthy sprint.

Will you?

Hunters and gatherers

As we know, men are natural hunters - and if economic circumstances worsen any further, they may even find themselves out foraging for food. Of course, men also have something of a herd instinct, tending to follow each other in terms of many things - including their dress. Continuing with our vintage theme, let’s take a look at some slightly more original clothing for the man who likes to stand out from the rest of the pack, but retain his classic country style:


If you’re a man, I presume it’s quite easy to choose what to wear every day. After all, there are only a few items you need to pick out: a pair of trousers, a shirt, perhaps a jacket, maybe a tie – it can all be very simple, as men tend not to like unnecessary bother.





But style doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Even when out and about practising the curious country pursuits that some enjoy, men can still jazz up traditional country cords and tweeds by adding quirky and individual touches. I’ve noticed fellow men complimenting associates on their fashion sense and, at some predominantly male sporting events such as clay pigeon shoots, they often have prizes for the best dressed man (or ‘gun’, as these are dangerously called).

So why not add a bit of personality to your weekend attire with an unusual pair of vintage cufflinks, or a stylish recycled vintage silk cravat from ShopCurious?


Of course, hunters have to be ready for all eventualities and all weathers. And, when left to their own devices, they love nothing more than to behave like a bunch of overgrown kids -



tinkering around, messing about with their toys, having a bit of horseplay and stopping off every now and then for a bite to eat … and occasionally for a drop to drink. Best of all: to tinker, play, scoff and quaff all at the same time.




I'm not a pheasant plucking sort myself, but us girls can lark about too and dress up in eclectic style for a bit of outdoor fun, as I did when fly-fishing in Scotland - though I doubt many men would be so bold as to team up purple hair with oiled dungarees, a Barbour and waders. Let us know the most original thing you've worn for a sporting occasion...

Will you?