I've enjoyed trainers for as long as I can remember. I can remember as a kid being loving the designs of trainers I had. Back then they where usually black leather and I'd give them a good clean after every wear, then sit there admiring the craftsmanship and design. They where usually Gola with the yellow/neon stripes, Patrick all blacks or Adidas Kicks.
Another passion of mine is the internet and blogging, but more about that further down.
01. Adidas Vintage Trainers, circa late 80's
From left, ZX220, Gazelle(Red), ZX500, Montreal
Probably the best examples I have of adidas' late 80's output. My favourite Adidas era. Nothing much else needs saying, just look at the photo.
02. Adidas New Originals Models
My favourite of the new models Adidas are producing for the Originals range. Sort of updating vintage styles, something I wholeheartedly agree with!
Ciero - Campus style, updated with a Fixed-gear twist
Greeley Mid - Using the Montreal midsole with a chukka style upper. Nearly a shoe, but still 'trainer' enough for me to feel comfortable in.
We can thank Adidas designer Chris a.k.a.C-Law, for these two models. He's someone with an understanding and passion for the type of trainer I like.
03. Essentials - what I won't leave home without.
Never leave the house without:
- my trusted army issue (cheers Bro!) CWC wrist watch, currently with black woven strap: I'd feel lost and naked without my watch. I love it because it's so simple, basic yet very stylish and reliable.
- army issue (cheers again Bro!) MOD note pad and wallet. I have a terrible memory, so I need to write things down wherever I may be.
- my Space Pen. What can I say, I can even write when upside down or in zero gravity. Ok, neither circumstance arises that often for me, but if it did, I'm prepared and ready to write my lists!!
- Ray-Ban vintage Bohemia Turtle-shell. Yes even in winter, I need them to drive if sun is bright.....honest! I've had them since the early 90's. They're starting to show their age, but I love the shape and colour and they fit me perfectly and are so comfortable. Ray-Ban no longer produce this model, so until I come across a pair that tick all the boxes (or these fall apart), these are staying.
04. A photo of me and my bro, Christmas day, sometime ago, back in the 70's.
I love this photo of me and my brother. Means so much to me for so many reasons.
Each Christmas we'd open our presents to see a standard red footie top, with white ribbing, mine with a Liverpool badge and my brother's with a Man U *spits* badge lovingly sewn on by our mother. They weren't even the proper F.C badges! This particular Christmas was different. You can imagine how buzzing we where when we saw the kits. Top, shorts and socks, all proper and official kit by Admiral!
05. Hen Wlad fy Mamau tee with Jaime Reid design. A band tee I will never part with.
The Band Hen Wlad Fy Mamau (Land of My Mothers) in 1995 released a self titled album with artwork by the artist Jaimie Reid, who's best know for his work on the Sex Pistols album covers.
The design consist of a central image of the Brythonic/Celtic sign for life "Ova", surrounded or suppressed by four Welsh Nots
I'm no nationalist, I don't care what nationality somebody is (well unless it's a Wales international footie match, of course), but my language, my first language means so much to me.
06. My favourite cardigan
Bought in a TK Maxx about 7 or 8 years ago for next to nothing. The quality is superb, the shape, the fit is perfect for me. It's extremely warm and still looks as new as it did when I bought it. I sometimes think it's indestructible.... not that I'm going to put it to the test!
07. John Smedley knits
For me their the perfect knitwear. The quality, the fit and the colorways on offer appeal to me and always have.
I remember Weller talking about Smedley knits many years ago, but never actually came any (pre internet days). Then about 10 years ago I started picking them up in TK Maxx. the only problem with the Maxx is it's pot-luck on colours and sizes, so I now tend to buy from stores on-line.
Bought in a TK Maxx about 7 or 8 years ago for next to nothing. The quality is superb, the shape, the fit is perfect for me. It's extremely warm and still looks as new as it did when I bought it. I sometimes think it's indestructible.... not that I'm going to put it to the test!
07. John Smedley knits
For me their the perfect knitwear. The quality, the fit and the colorways on offer appeal to me and always have.
I remember Weller talking about Smedley knits many years ago, but never actually came any (pre internet days). Then about 10 years ago I started picking them up in TK Maxx. the only problem with the Maxx is it's pot-luck on colours and sizes, so I now tend to buy from stores on-line.
08. Shirts. Oh I do love a good shirt.
A shirt has to be well made, quality materials and with a comfortable shape (not too tight)
My current favourites and probably most worn:
Our Legacy; Mandarina Duck, Ayrtex
Gitman Bros Vintage; Garbstore; J.Crew
Polo by Ralph Lauren
09. My Blogs: I've four blogs I currently update and they tend to cover various interests I have.
Llywarch.blogspot.com : This is an image only blog, a bit like a scrap book. It's updated weekly with images I come across during my travels on the w.w.w.
apLlywarch.blogspot.com : My music blog. Usually albums that I'm listen too. I'll post a link to the artists Myspace page and a link too purchase the album too. I'll also try and post links to mixes that you can download or stream on-line.
My music taste is varied as you'll see when you visit it, but my posts all have one thing in common; I like them.
Llywarch.wordpress.com : My film tiles blog. I love the opening credits/titles sequences to movies(and programs) and this blog list, including links to my favourite titles.
Llywarch.tumblr.com : Not sure what to call it really, a sort of What I'm wearing today blog. More of a bit of fun than anything else.
10. Crooked Tongues - Show Love and Drop Knowledge
Stumbled across this Crooked Tongues, a trainer forum and store, sometime back in 2003. I moved in within a week and have been there ever since (well, that's what her indoors says!) I'm even a moderator, of sorts, on there now.
Like minded trainer appreciators from across the globe gather to talk, talk bullshit mostly, but also 'drop' a plethora of valuable knowledge. I've become a lot more open minded in my tastes in trainers and I've gained invaluable knowledge on clothing, including selvedge denim and coats. Actually it's the sort of forum that you can pose a question or problem and I can guarantee that at least one forum members will know the answer or be able to point you in the right direction.
A global family with a love of trainers.
