Introducing Simon

"We always have rooms in our houses that no one would expect”, Simon jokes us as he shows us round, “like with black toilet paper in, just because we can”. The 49-year-old Brand Strategy Consultant splits his time between Bali and the US, where he lives with Kris, his wife of 23 years and their two children. Their home is an eclectic mix of styles, but always feels homely.

As we go into the living room, Simon turns the TV off where Friends had been playing in the background; “I’m obsessed with Friends. Funny before it’s time and timeless”, he tells us. His other interests include food – the only books on display are noticeably cook books - traveling, and health and fitness, and sometimes he’ll watch sport on TV. But mostly Friends.

Let’s start with having you explain your style to us, Simon...

Casual yet sharp. Well put-together without much effort. No deodorant stains on this shirt.I shop to fit my body type and am conscious of wearing clothing that suits me.

Would your friends describe your style any differently do you think?

Some would say I’m cheap, but I don’t believe in paying for the sake of paying. Premium is not a price point. People that call me that  spend way too much on clothes. I think most would say  I’m pretty reliable in how I dress/look. I’m not cutting edge, but my style evolves with the times (I didn’t stop shopping when I graduated from college like most males).

Thinking of your friends, what’s your ‘style/fashion role’ in the group?

I think people would say I am always well put-together and that is because my wife does it and I have 2  daughters who keep me real. I will more likely read a broad range of inspirations and ‘trends’ vs look at my friends. Most  of them are in the pure comfort zone. Some of them dress younger than they should. 

In the public eye, whose style do you admire and are influenced by?

I'm not really driven this way but Bruce Springsteen – simple, timeless. He stays in shape and wears clothes that make him comfortable.

Where are the other places you’re getting style/fashion influence from?

I think I mostly get this from looking at people I come across. Nothing better than people watching in a coffee shop/restaurant etc. I could do  that for hours.

Where are your three favorite stores to shop in for clothing/apparel?

I don’t shop online so these are physical.

• Diesel

• All Saints

• Marios (high end boutique in Oregon)

• Marine Layer

• Nordstrom

• Bonobos

What is it about these stores that make them your favorite/preferred place to shop?

You know you are not going to make a bad decision. There is some edge but it’s less ‘fashion’ and more style based.

Does the experience of those stores matter to you too?

You don’t want to feel like a d**khead. I love stores that show how a piece can be worn multiple ways so that you can decide how far to push your look/style. It helps if they are helpful with sizing and body type and when an associate takes an interest in you and can actually take you on a bit of a journey.

What other stores/spaces are you shopping in and why?

Honestly, I tend to shop when I need an overhaul – for example I will decide all my shorts need upgrading. I will decide what length, material and functionality range and will shop fixated on that. I don’t tend to say 'I fancy shopping today', I will say, 'I need new shirts' and then we have a one in, one out rule. My wife shops online and turns the dining room table into the dressing room and we blitz through and return 75%. I would never do this on my own, I’d just go out.

What are your top five favorite brands?

Diesel – I think they have re-invented themselves well. You know it’s good  quality and they have some quirky little things in their labels which make me laugh. It’s quite a lived-in look which you can crisp up if needed with other pieces.

Marine Layer – sustainable without blaring on about it. The pieces are really good basics that are style forward vs stuck in yesterday. Simple silhouettes and great sizing options – Marge/Smedium. Very clever. Their workout gear is awesome.

All Saints – I love their stores and the fact that they will push me to the edge of my comfort zone but always have options that are a bit less forward. They will be the most iconic piece that I would wear. With basics around it.

Bonobos – this was purely because I needed short sleeve shirts for when we travel to Bali. I’m a tough fit but their online/offline model is perfect. Find the fit that works and then select the prints in person. Walk out the door and it is shipped to you and you know the fit will be exactly what you need. Slick, even though they lost my information.

What are your top priorities when it comes to buying new items of clothing?

I must need the item.

It has to fit my body type.

It has to be good value for money.

It has to make me feel good. (that’s a combination of all the above right…)

It has to feel like a move forward.

And why do those things matter to you in the order they do? 

Coz we have too much stuff and the world needs to pull itself back. I would prefer to have a few great things that I really value than a bunch  of stuff for the sake of it. I will never buy the latest and greatest. I know who I am and will dress/buy that way.  I will never be uncomfortable wearing something and I do not want to dress like I dressed last year. Style evolves as we do so keep moving forward while being comfortable in your own skin.

How many pairs of shoes, any shoes, do you own?

30.

If you had to split them up into categories and write a percentage next to them [what, math!] what would that look like?

Flip flops/sandals – 25%

Workout shoes - 7%

Sneakers – 40%

Casual boots – 25%

Dress shoes 3%

What type of shoe would we typically find you in, if there is a ‘typical shoe’ for you?

A sneaker, such as Vans, on most days. If I’m feeling the need to dress up, I’ll wear a pair of distressed work boots.

What are the most important things for you when it comes to buying your favorite kind of shoe?

Understated. Comfortable. If you know, you know.

What about your favorite brands for shoes? Who do you always end up going to?

Flip Flops – EEGO

Sandals – Birkenstock

Workout shoes – Brooks, New Balance.

Sneakers – 36% Vans, the rest All Birds

Boots – Too Boot NY. All Saints. Can’t remember the rest.

Dress shoes – Cole Haan

Why are these your favorite brands, do you think?

Understated. Comfortable. Its more about the look than the brand.

What about your favorite shoe stores, again - on or offline? What makes them your favorite stores?

For sneakers, I like Tilly’s or the Vans store. I love looking at multibrand shoe stores when I’m looking for boots so will typically go to Nordstrom to get a sense of what is out there and then pick a lane and look around.

Is there anything you want to add?

The way your jeans fall over your shoes is key to looking put together or not.