Ex-Commuter | J SHOES x Sanders

 Charlie Brogues by J SHOES x Sanders

 ASOS Overcoat | Vest c/o Lavenham | NN07 Jumper | Asket Shirt | Dickies Chinos | Shoes c/o J SHOES x Sanders | Farer Watch | Corgie Socks | Vintage Army Beanie

Did you know that Captain America - The First Avenger was filmed in Manchester's Northern Quarter? Marvel director Joe Johnston chose the location for its ability to be adapted to create a vibe of post-WWII New York City. It seems like an unlikely neighbourhood to choose - known for its independent clothing stores, record shops, coffee hangs and decent beer - but if you look closer, and start to look up at the architecture it all starts to make sense.

British footwear brand J SHOES recently contacted us with a project that instantly caught our attention. To celebrate the their 20th anniversary J.Shoes has created a limited edition collection with Northampton-based Sanders. We set ourselves the task to create a photo-story which represented the link between heritage + modern values.

The unisex collection features the Charlie brogue in two colourways. We decided the full-grain Chestnut, for its district use of tonal coloured grain leathers and green welting.

Photography by Jake Millers

If we rewind the clock a few years you would have found me making a daily commute to Manchester city centre. My e-commerce role led me to taking short-cuts through many dark alleys, wet industrial side streets + Victorian-designed squares – shaving minutes off my dash to make that 4pm cut-off time at the Post Office. Now, I find myself in those same side streets and dark avenues, taking advantage of the city's Northern character.

Staying true to my own personal style, I wore the beauties – which have been entirely made in England, using Sanders' trademark crepe sole – on the smart casual side of things, sticking to navys, greys + browns. Layering was essential for a bitterly cold + wet day; wearing the Laverham vest over my beige jumper by NN07 and classic oxford shirt by Asket, and tying in that American connection with slim fit strides by Dickies.

In around five month's time myself + Hollie will be heading over to Las Vegas to get married. It seems fitting that the J SHOES x Sanders collection has come along when it has - the perfect wedding shoes?

Let me know your thoughts on the shoes + if you think the setting was a good choice!

This post is in partnership with J Shoes. Thank you for taking the time to support the brands + businesses that make this blog happen.

More Buckets - Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin' | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter