Wear Pink in Winter

Winter and its pale snow and sharp skies is an excellent time for whites, blacks and all shades of grey to fit in the urban environment. Pale blues also function excellent, matching the skies and the cool atmosphere.

Now, thawing has - albeit unconvincingly - kicked in here in West-Holland, and though there is plenty of snow still to be seen, the days are getting noticeably warmer. A welcome change indeed.
To bring a bit of that warmth to a day's outfit, I'd like to suggest a less common contender: pink. Another one of the "soft" colours, pink works excellent in winter's pale, high-contrast surroundings. But, coming from red (instead of the more common blue), pink offers a good bit of subtle warmth to an appearance, without sticking out like a sore thumb.

I'm not quite sure if I'd consider the colour under-used or over-used, but it definitely is an option under-appreciated. Executed in as pale a hue as possible, pink is a great alternative to blue or white, and has (formal) roots going back to post-war London. (When men were inclined to stick to wearing either their club- or military regiment- tie, and used pinks, blues and stripes to dress up their outfits instead.)

Pink looks splendid with blue and grey. It suits most skin- and hair-complexions, and in a pale wash, is far from effeminate.

To warm up your winters, consider pink.

Last of the Mohicans: Shoes at Cleverly's

Bespoke shoemakers George Cleverly, maintaining an age-old tradition, and building relationships lasting longer than marriages.

Not sure if the latter is desirable, but I'd be more than happy to give it a try when the time comes..

"I suppose what I am saying is that, worn well, pocket squares look fantastic; worn poorly, they look awful – far worse than not wearing one at all."

Matt Clark (in Men's Flair)

The Difference a Crease makes

Today will be a relatively casual day here in wintery Delft, and a good opportunity to share a lesson I learned when I first started to wear army-issue trousers a few years back.
These trousers, made out of heavy material and with thigh pockets, were to me a very practical and rugged alternative to the tidal waves of jeans that seemed to be all but drowning my peer-group.

via Loro Piana

Wanting to look far from an urban militant (or straight-out douche), I always took great care in maintaining their carefully pressed crease. This ensured an air of civilisation -almost classiness even- about them, and before I knew it, I was being complimented on my oh so decent appearance. It also helped that I only wear solids, and don't pair them with black oversized hoodies..

Soon after, I started experimenting with my other more casual leg-wear. For some it worked, for some it didn't, and before I knew it, I was wearing over half of my trousers creased.

Once applied through a good wet-ironing, a crease is easily maintained by folding the trousers correctly, and hanging them to dry by the legs using four pegs to let the creases sink back in. Personally, I prefer to have the crease come up all the way the leg and fade out on the front and posterior. Some like them all the way to the top of the trousers. I haven't decisively come across proper etiquette for this, so as far as I'm concerned, it's a matter of personal taste.

In a nutshell: creased trousers can take a casual outfit from sloppy to refined, and aren't nearly as hard to maintain as it might sounds.
Consider creasing your trousers.

Santa Baby: I like it Horny

Dear Santa,

Thank you in advance for all the wonderful gifts. I can only hope to be as good as to deserve them. As I realise you and your helpers have many presents to get, for many children - big and small - I just wanted you to know I'd be happy with a small present too:

A set of horn buttons.

Mummy taught me sometimes the small things make a big difference. I was thinking I could maybe replace the standard plastic buttons on my jacket with some nice ones in horn. They look so much warmer, and add a bit of interest with their colouring. Plus, it's so much easier to look like a million quid when you get the details right!

I know they're sometimes hard to find, especially in some countries; people in the UK seem to be a bit blessed that way, as well as those who live in places with more of a living artisan culture. But you know: I'm not very picky! They can be matching in dark browns that look almost black for my formal suits, or lighter, brighter colours to spice up the casual ones and odd jackets. I can put them on my coats, my cardigans or jackets.

I guess what I'm trying to say, dear Santa, is that I'd be happy with any nice horn buttons to make my stuff look nice. I'll sow them on myself (or let Mummy do so if I can't), and I don't mind if they come from an old piece you thrifted somewhere. You see Santa, it doesn't always have to be expensive, and a few pounds often do the trick.

It just takes time and effort, and that shows you care..
(Don't worry, I know you do!)

Hunting Season

This week, the hunting season has been opened.
After several very interesting experiences with The Boston Trader, I must conclude it is a brand managed with a great deal of passion and dedication. Unfortunately, I must also conclude passion and management don't always match too harmoniously, and currently I shan't be finding myself on their payroll. Business simply wasn't "up" enough..
A shame indeed, as it would be a marvellous experience indeed. The team seems fun, knowledgeable and pleasant. The store a good place to learn.

While in The Hague, I discovered Inditex -the Spanish global textile company behind Zara and Bershka among other- is opening a new Massimo Dutti there. The up-brand version of Zara as it has been described to me on occasions, Massimo Dutti was founded as an independent company in 1985, and later became part of the Inditex universe. This soon to be branch was still heavily under construction last week.

Focussing on classy wear for the up-market segment, Massimo Dutti is certainly a lot more than simply a more expensive Zara. The products seem to be a bit more "down to earth", lacking the frivolities that sometimes quite aptly ruin Zara's designs, and feature far more attention to detail and fabric. The brand also provides sports-wear inspired apparel, based on mainly equestrianism and sailing/golf, albeit in a far more subtle way than, say, Ralph Lauran and its distinct prep-flavour.

After taking my knowledge of Inditex and Massimo out of the kiddy-pool and into the 2-feet deep last week, I went to the site to see if I might find a person of responsibility, and to my surprise, the shop had opened! Staff managed to inform me it had done so Friday last, which in itself has been an impressive feat.

Inside, I had a peak about and a chat with the (predominantly Spanish speaking) staff. The store looked good, with warm lighting and an intimate atmosphere. I had come here to find Paula Meesterburrie of Inditex NL (to whom applications should be directed according to the leaflet on the door last week), but she unfortunately wasn't there.

A few phone-calls later, I had discovered she also wasn't at the main office in Amsterdam, and generally a hard to track down woman if I might believe both the office and the staff in The Hague. I did manage to get hold of her mobile phone number, and had a chance to discover what her voice-mail sounds like.

Now, attentive readers might think: "why all this trouble? Doesn't she have an e-mail address?"

Well, naturally, she does. Moreover, a post and e-mail address were the only pieces of information initially provided. However, in this modern day and age, we seem to have made digital connections and the Social Media an almost absolute substitute for personal impressions. I am a great fan and value them greatly (which is why I feel at liberty to say this), but especially when looking for a job, I believe it to be key to actually see the person you're dealing with. That goes for both the potential employer, as the employee.

Sure, it's an extra effort. Sure some people might be put off by it even. But this is something that I want. It looks like a great company to work with, and I am willing to do what lies in my power to get a shot at doing so. I hope mevr. Meesterburrie will appreciate the effort, and I hope she'll be willing to give me 15 minutes of her time to make my case. And I trust someone in such a function will have the open mind to do just that.

So, today I will be venturing to try and "catch" Paula Meesterburrie of Inditex Nederland, and hopefully land me a job at Massimo Dutti. Should I fail to reach her, perhaps I will just send her my Curriculum and motivation (it's already waiting for the "send"-click), or leave a message on her voice-mail. I don't know what will happen, but can only hope for the best.

The Hunting Season is open.

“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.”

  –Oscar Wilde

Santa Baby: Buttons and Shawls

Today has been another chilly day, but an informal one. And what better way to enjoy the comforts of winter warmth than with a good ol' knitted cardigan?

The one in the picture above is of a style I've had my eye on for quite some time now. Executed with buttons and a shawl-collar, this warm cardigan is both classy and comfortable.

The buttons allow for a wide variety of fastenings. Ranging from being buttoned up all the way (leave the lowest button undone, for easier movement and a more elegant drape), to having as deep an opening as one wants. Leaving it open all the way is of course an option too. As an added bonus, the buttons don't create the same awkward bellowing as a zip tends to do, and provide the opportunity of adding some additional colour to the item.

The shawl-collar looks more refined than a simple collarless neck, and when popped up, helps keep the neck warm. Executed in a heavier knit, this cardigan looks well in place over long-sleeves, T-shirts and Polo's, but equally good when paired with a (dress-)shirt of some sorts. A tie adds a great bit of elegance, and can be kept neatly in place by buttoning the cardigan. Choose a fuller, warmer hue, regardless of wearing silk or wool. Alternatively, add a bow-tie for some playful class.

Wearable as an outer layer in fall or spring, and adding that extra bit of warmth in winter, a heavy knit cardigan with buttons and a shawl-collar is bound to be a welcome item in ones wardrobe. Santa, pay heed.

Santa Baby

Over the last few weeks and especially days, I've heard (and been involved in) more and more conversations concerning the Winter Season, unprepared/outdated wardrobes, and holiday gift-shopping.

As such, I have decided to combine the subjects into a series of posts directed at good old Santa Claus. Included will be both items from my personal wish-list and (gift-)advise for anyone interested. Ranging from essentials to the slightly more exotic, I hope to spark some inspiration for all you holiday shoppers out there.  And of course deliver my own contribution to boasting the economy. Sort of.

Winter's come early

Green Tweed, paired with Silk, via Permanent Style

Winter's come to town early this year, and as I sit yet with only the light of a desk lamp and two candles, the white roofs outside remind me that it's time to reorganise the wardrobe. As with food, music and moods, closets also change with the seasons.

With the temperature dropping, naturally comes the need for warmer clothing. Fabrics get thicker, and layers more plentiful. Winter's the time for creativity with accessories, especially for men, who are usually rather restricted in this field. Silks make up for the roughness of flannel and tweed. Neckerchiefs and Ascots add a subtle bit of classiness and warmth to outfits not sporting a neck-tie, and can even go far in adding some class to an otherwise very urban or casual outfit. The occasional cardigan, waistcoat, even hoodie or whatnot, gives opportunity for an added pop of colour.

On the outer layers, cashmere, silk and merino-wool keep the neck and chest warm in forms of scarves, draped in many styles and ways. They close the gaps on tweed jackets and warm overcoats. Sometimes leather jackets if the temperatures don't drop too low.

Layering for winter, via Loro Piana

With winter also come the vast differences between inside and outside temperatures, making layering a must. Of course the outer layer comes off when entering an indoor premises, but even then having options is usually more than welcome (especially considering the differences between indoors-environments). Now is the time for jerseys, cardigans, matching or odd waistcoats, multiple layers of shirtings, and more. Creativity is the key-word, as the options are almost limitless, as long as one keeps in might the setting one might be in. For the most formal occasions, keep in mind not all layers need to be visible of course.

As winter rears its frosty head, fabrics, habits and colours in wardrobes change. Like it or not, the seasons are a fact, and I'd rather work with what I can't fight. Tomorrow I'll be looking to purchase a good new pair of shoes for the season.

Not just true for (semi-)Formal

Ensuring a properly fitting neck on your jackets helps to give not only an air of elegance, but also the impression the wearer actually owns the suit. Unfortunately, this is of course largely an issue of make and fit.

Showing shirt collar - preferably an inch or more - gives a clean, finished touch to an ensemble and helps to flatteringly elongate the neckline. Done by simply holding on to the shirt-collar with one hand, and gently tugging the bottom of the jacket after putting it on with the other, this simple detail gives the impression the wearer knows what he's doing, and feels comfortable in a suit.
Done properly, few will realise why, but most will recognise one is dressed well.

Next time, show some collar.

Crisp White Linen: of Complement and Contrast:

Recess is over, and today I'd like to share my thoughts on one of the basics of dressing well.

To me, one of the fundamentals of looking good -not just in dress, but in aesthetics in general, for that matter-  is the play between complement and contrast. Simply put, the eye wants something that is both interesting and pleasant. As such, one has to find a balance between using elements that are harmonious, and those that spark each other off. Like a good relationship, basically.

Seen on both Kanye West above, and the Italian gentleman to the right, the crisp white linen pocket square is often quoted as the fundamental square. Whether puffed or folded, and almost regardless of which colours combined with, a clean linen pocket square in white looks good, and appropriate in almost any worsted suit's breast-pocket. And there's a reason for that.

The basics of working with contrast and complement are colour and texture, and white linen works with both: the crisp clean white contrasts with the inevitably darker background of the suit jacket. The stronger the difference in colour, the stronger the effect. This creates something playful and interesting for the eye to look at, and helps give a feeling of completion to an outfit. On the other hand, the matte linen is in line with the relative "un-shininess" of the jacket (most commonly made out of wool). This helps to ease in the square, and creates a feeling of wholesomeness and belonging.

Were one to pick, say, a silk white square on the same suit, the contrast would have been much greater, and quite possibly have taken away from the overall charm. Of course it can be pulled off, and don't forget a pocket square and suit are only two elements making the sum of a gentleman's outfit. But then again, this is not a post advocating against wearing anything other than white linen, but simply to explain my views on why it works.

If there is one thing I might teach you in all these posts, let it be this - Complement and Contrast. Oh, and to buy your(-self/ man) a white linen square. It never hurts.

"She asked me why I’m so dressed up?… I told her, ‘cause I’m not headed to the gym right now."

- Kanye West

Colours, Stars and Stripes

A few days back I wrote a bit on colour, and dressing without looking artificial. One of the ways to do so, is by matching secondary colours. And one way of matching secondary colours, once perhaps not a wardrobe staple but far more common than it is today, is the multi-coloured striped suit.

Seen here worn by Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass, the suit in charcoal with a fine alternating orange and blue-purple stripe almost looks solid from afar, but helps to pull together the peach shirt, red-purple and orange pocket square and purple paisley tie (which also has traces of orange, peach and possibly even blue). But most impressively, it helps the slightly dandified boutonnière to blend in with the outfit and look acceptable for the circumstances.

Naturally, most of us won't frequently be donning a tie, pocket-square and boutonnière with our suits at the same time, but Mr. Bass provides us with a good example of the synergistic effects a multi-coloured stripe can have. Best when executed in colours that blend together from afar, a pattern like this can look conservative and creative, with space for subtle display of personality. After all, it's all in the details.


So, next time you're looking for a suit with a twist, consider the multi-coloured stripe.

Of Socks and Saints

 

A subtle bit of colour can go miles in keeping a sober outfit from being boring. Like everyone who went to a British boys-school knows, socks can be a great place to splash in an almost hidden bit of rainbow juice.

Here, bright red cotton socks worn with grey flannel trousers and black pecari-leather shoes to an afternoon rendezvous in the city, for a long informal lunch and coffee.

The rest of the outfit consisted out of a slightly darker grey polo neck and a black corduroy cotton jacket, accessorised with a cotton dove grey pocket square and a light red viscose scarf. Admittedly, the socks are a bit brighter a red than I would normally choose, but I was in the mood for a bit more wham, and they matched the scarf so well.

And admittedly, it was the "Intocht van Sinterklaas" (the start of the Dutch winter Holiday season), and this was pretty close to Sinterklaas-red..

Dress like a compliment

Use of colour is one of the great pleasures of dressing. However, when selecting the day's outfit, one has to be careful not to look like the result of "creativity hour" in kindergarten, as dressing too loudly can look obtrusive and distract the attention from the wearer. To help the gentlemen of society avoid such fiascos, is one of the reasons style guides advise matching your belt and shoes exactly, and retailers sell pocket-square and tie combos made out of the exact same fabric. It is also the reason men limit themselves to dressing in two colours, with tie either copying suit or shirt, and when donning a square, having it similar to tie or shirt again.

There is only one problem with these scientifically equated solutions to dressing well: it has an air of stiff, boring and most of all, gives the impression that one tried too hard.

As with a compliment, one's attire should look personal, sincere and not too well thought through to be appreciated. An air of spontaneity always helps.
 
And like a compliment can sometimes be too much and rather awkward, and the same compliment be regarded as pleasant and forgotten moments later in a different setting, so should one's dress always be befitting of the circumstances.
Sure, some of us may be more flamboyant, and some prefer subtle minimalism, but there are limits either way. These are not called rules, but the boundaries of good taste.

So, dress like a compliment, and let your dress complement you.

Expect more posts detailing this subject in the future.

Watch this: The Night of the Navy Blue Blazer

Great video, filled with energy, playfulness and personalisation.
(Though obviously not to be taken literally)



May it inspire us all to take a fresh new look at our old clothes.

For your consideration: the Denim Suit

I've always been a big fan of classic gentlemen's clothing. Certain styles of dress are - I believe - simply routed in the belief that a gentleman's attire should work to make his figure look the best way possible and show his respect for those around him, and (what would now be described as) the classical men's suit, does just this.

That given, the definition of this men's suit can be seen in a very broad way, with nearly limitless options for personalisations in terms of fabric, details, etc..

Personally, I'm inclined to suits, and jackets, and clothing inspired by tradition, but one of the reasons I like them is their function, and functionality. However, I am not always in the office, out for dinner in fancy restaurants, or chairing a General Assembly, and young bird as I may be, I like to be able to live my clothes hard every now and then without loosing the sense of style and personality I enjoy in my clothing.

via The Sartorialist

Therefore, I would like to suggest the Denim suit, in a classy dark blue. Sturdy and practical, yet flattering of the masculine shape and a wink to tradition. When paired with a smooth shirt and perhaps a knit tie or elegant pocket square, one looks urban, yet classy. Sporty, but elegant. And of course, the pieces could also be worn separately perfectly fine. (Who would object to a well-made pair of denims?)

Where Tweed might sometimes be too warm or (surprisingly) too flashy, the Denim suit can make for the perfect casual stylish suit in the city whenever a bit more ruggedness is needed or wanted (at least in appearance). It also serves as a transitional piece from jeans to more formal wear.

Really, it's all in the make. Therefore, for your consideration: the Denim Suit.

“I think it’s a real shame that we’ve got to the point where people who want to dress nicely feel embarrassed to do so. That they feel they can’t wear both a tie and a pocket handkerchief because of how it will be perceived. It’s depressing to me.”

- Patrick Grant (Norton & Sons)

The difference a button makes

Wear odd buttons on your odd jackets and casual suits.

Except for those working in a suit 5 days a week, I'd argue that the majority of jacket-wearers wear them without matching trousers. Depressingly though, one far to often sees people dressed in odd jackets looking ass if they simply "forgot the pants".

One way this can be prevented, and helps add an additional air of freedom, nonchalance and visual interest, is by choosing complementary coloured buttons to your suitings, as opposed to strictly matching them completely. Oh, and choose horn buttons over plastic if you can.

Whether this is done to give a casual suit a lighter air, or to make a jacket look like it's exactly that: "just a jacket", odd buttons do wonders for a less formal look.

Wear odd buttons on your odd jackets.

The Boston Trader

The Boston Trader is a mid-class clothing retailer in The Hague, and one of my top picks as potential employers. Having opened its first store in 1985, TBT now has three stores and stock a label - R.B. Boston - which I am fairly certain is their own. They cater to both men and women, although the only establishment I am familiar with is the men's store, and judging from their elaborate website and newspaper(!), the men's department seems to be the main business.

Offering brands such as Armani and Paul Smith, there is a clear focus on the upper mid-segment of retail clothing, although The Boston Trader seems to offer both casual and more formal wear.

Having browsed the men's store and the website several times now, one of the things appealing to me is the mix of Anglo-Saxon heritage and Italian sprezzura. The collections seem to attempt a style with a potentially broad audience, and although often-times pieces are better an indication of what is attempted than actual execution, the idea seems to be there: slightly dandy and slightly brash clothing, with a wink to formal rules but enough playfulness to keep things personal and lively.

The house is also small enough (with three establishments and the house line) to be influenced by anyone on staff. It seemed as though every member of staff present had a personal connection, understanding and feeling with the items on offer, and all have probably contributed in one way or another to shaping the store they work in. This, of course, is exactly what every employee and employer should be looking for: a sense of ownership for everyone.

In times like this, however, I believe that the average is the bottom. Cheap survives because it is, well, cheap. But quality has a tendency to wither the tougher times too, as there are always people who want that little extra. And a little piece of (semi)perfection makes us all feel better and happy, especially in grimmer times.

The Boston Trader is above average, granted, but perhaps a little (extra) touch of special, quality and detail could make all the difference. Price-wise they could afford it, as branding adds a lot to price as well with their current stock.

So, perhaps stubborn little me might be able to contribute a bit. And if not, I feel there is plenty there to learn for me as well. Staff seems experienced and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere appeals to me. Who knows, I might even be able to learn a thing or two about women's clothing.

Tomorrow I'll apply, with my curriculum vitae and a cover-letter in the men's wear store, Plaats 3, The Hague. From then on it is in the hands of the high lords of Human Resources and lady Fortuna. I am exited, and anxious - let's see how far no formal experience can take me..

First, dinner plans tonight though. May Fortuna grant me her favour here too, as I am cooking out.

Green, wear it (with blue)

via The Sartorialist

I am a big fan of the colour green. Although never a standard choice in men's attire, we seem to have all but lost green, and especially olive-drab like variants, to military clothing and items seeking to resemble that. This is a shame.

Dark green has much potential, especially in terms of suitings (or other big contributors to ones attire). Because of its rich, full and mature hue, it doesn't attract too much attention, but still manages to be subtly different and expressive. I do not advocate the colour in the more formal settings, but generally, the colour can find its place in City, Sub-Urb and Countryside alike.
 
Paired with a lighter blue, green looks especially great, giving a very normal yet uncommon impression. Looking good, without demanding attention.
 
 Green can be for your major items, what purple is for the details: an acquired skill, with great potential for subtle personification. Just be careful with the reds. (Although, Christmas is coming..)

Exploring the Field -part 2

In the world of clothing there are many places to go that are eager to facilitate in the shopper's needs. Today I'd like to share my findings from the world of "retail houses".

As someone who does not regularly shop in the Netherlands for the more refined pieces - England, Italy and thrifting seem to far better cater to my needs (be it fit, quality, or price-quality comparison) - I must admit I felt a bit in unfamiliar waters when shopping around for places to apply.

Oger is a well-known house, considered by many to be the crème-de-la-crème of gentlemen's fine clothing in the country, but my occasional visit to the various premisses of Oger (pronounced Ogér, as in French) yielded me the impression that there was nothing to shop for.
Be it the staff's attire: consistently wearing their trousers at a length suggesting they stole them from the children's department to adequately show off their eternally mismatched shoes in preferably overly light cognac, to match the tasteless splash (or should I say torrent) of contrast-coloured stitching wherever possible, all suggesting a sort of peer-pressure invoked need to dress as foolish and loud as possible to "demonstrate" a sense of style and fashion. Not to mention their attitude towards customers being equally clownish and snobbish. No the "gentlemen" of Oger still have much to learn concerning manners, be it in dress or behaviour.
Granted, their knowledge of sartorial affairs is well above that of the average punter, and the collections contain many a desirable piece (frankly excluding most of Oger's own line), but it still is nothing compared to the better houses in Great Britain and Italy, and the premium paid on the prices makes it almost worthwhile to shop abroad for that reason too.

However, I digress. There were several maisons I'd be happy to apply to, though non where I found a vacancy. A trip down memory lane (and my closet) brought a very specific shop to my attention: The Boston Trader. Although I must admit that over a third of their stock is a bit to scruffy of flashy for my personal taste and the name's appalling, I have bought two of my first suits here - a dark-grey herringbone and a beige and grey glen-check with a mid-blue over-check - and I usually am pleased by the displays in their windows.
I also see potential at The Boston Trader, both for me, and the store. So much so, I've decided to move it to my top-pick for now, and will write on it more elaborately in a separate post.

My last two picks are Eduard Pelger, a 150 year old Dutch establishment selling brands such as Church shoes, and Borelli ties and shirts, that I was previously unacquainted with, and Maison de Bonneterie, which does have several openings for sales staff.

After the weekend I shall start the open applications and applying to the aforementioned vacancies. I'm curious (and sceptical) to see how things will turn out.

Meanwhile, I've started sketching, and (re)discoverd I have no drawing-skills whatsoever..

Exploring the Field -part 1

Yesterday I've been scouting for potential employers. As my knowledge of the the sartorial world is mainly limited to my personal experiences, I would hope to find somewhere to work in the field and learn a bit more - about sizing, preferences and perhaps salesmanship - before embarking on the adventure of trying to set up my own lines. Perhaps this will also provide a source of inspiration, and help me decide on details concerning the target-group.

Looking for a job in a clothing-shop is not as easy as it might sound. First of all, there is the type of establishment to consider: are we thinking H&M and Zara, or more Maison de Bonneterie (the Dutch parody of Harrods), Society Shop and Oger? Secondly, I need to ask myself what kind of job I am looking for.

I do not envy doing naught but selling things I feel no connection to, so that quickly excludes salesman in a large retail-chain. But obviously there are other things to be done in such shops too, and quickly reminding myself of my position and scratching out all the manager-positions, I came across the interestingly worded position of "Visual Merchandiser" at Hennes & Maurits in Amsterdam. Although I'm no lover of H&M, I do consider it a coal-mine with many diamonds, and displaying the wares might just be what I'm looking for. Zara is also looking for a "Shop Assistant" (which seems to be a sort of Assistant Management function) in Utrecht, and has many interesting aspects to it too.

Both positions also require the applicant to be adapt in training other members of staff and leading smaller teams for certain projects - something that is a bit more in my "familiar-zone".

Fascinatingly enough, H&M says to be unimpressed by diploma's, and ZARA doesn't require anything but a full-time commitment and fluent English and Dutch (though 2 years of experience in dealing with teams is appreciated).

Two international chains with seemingly accessible criteria - worth the consideration at least. Next post on the other side of the spectrum, before too big a decision is made.

The Age of Humbleness is Upon Us

Goodmorning,

My name is Roshan de Jong, and I will be the author of this blog.

Sitting in the warm light of my home in Holland in the metropolis of Delft, I feel a sense of anxiety befalling me. Not before have I publicly shared my thoughts and travels like I aim to do now, and the lack of privacy (or obscurity even) would almost make me tremble.

Telling my life's history is not the aim of this collection of articles, so suffices to say I've had many an adventure in many a European nation. As a member of the European Youth Parliament I've worked with and lead Multicultural teams in almost a dozen countries, and it has been a major provider in my lust for travel. I've also worked as a professional Chef (Mediterranean), a blue moon in Sales & Marketing, and thought I wanted to be a Human Resource Strategy Consultant since 2010. When things were getting good, I discovered: I was wrong.
Diversity is one of my passions, and fortes. With a bold streak and many qualities have I been blessed, but humbleness was never one of them.

Late October 2010 I got a taste of this new flavour, and I changed my life path. There were many circumstances (and certain individuals) to thank, but I realised I was not following my passion or my competencies well enough.

This blog is to tale my journey of setting up a sartorial brand, and learning of humbleness and being a better person along the way.

The journey starts, by looking for a new job.