Norse Projects A/W 2011: Everywhere

Norse Projects - great stuff, seems to be stocked everywhere. Which is OK if you're the sort of person who thinks Superdry is exclusive, but I can't help thinking that they would have done themselves a lot more favours by limiting their distribution.

That said, this is a fine collectionfrom the Nordic brand - on point and well made.

Find it, well, everywhere.

Ally Capellino x Norse Projects backpack: in the bag

Backpacks have come a long way over the years. What once began life as a simple canvas sack with a couple of straps sewn on is now all ballistic fabrics and lumbar support, with fully adjustable straps.

The evolution of the backpack might well be a good thing to your average adventurer but what the backpack has gained in features it has lost in character. The very soul of the sack itself has been lost in development.

The Ally Capellino x Norse Project backpack takes its design cues from the earlier versions of the backpack, with its waxed cotton canvas, heavy duty strapping and leather base. On first glance there isn't much in the way of modern features here, but then you will notice the back padding and the laptop sleeve, and you will realise this is an old timer in appearance only.

Grey: Let's be safe out there

I have to say, I'm a quite partial to a bit of grey in my wardrobe. It is the number one worry-not colour. It is pre-pigmented for the modern world.

What's more, it's the most inoffensive colour you can imagine. It has no pretentions, like black, not angry like red, or frustrated like purple. Or even mental like orange. No, grey is just there to get along with everyone and everything. I can't think of a single colour grey won't look good with.

That said, it's the shade of grey that counts. Never too light, you'll look like someone who had a washing machine disaster. Too dark and it looks like faded black.

Kind of mid range is just right. Grey marl t-shirts just scrape in, on account that they're t-shirts. But generally you want that shade of grey to be something between primer and elephant. In my opinion.

Like this Acronym SSJ 11 and Norse Projects scarf. These shades look all right.

I reckon two grey items at any one time is going to be your limit. In terms of a suit that's your two items right away. In this case - grey scarf and jacket - I'd liven it up a bit somehow. Battered jeans, bright trainers. That'd do it. Don't want to end up looking like a lamppost.