It's easy to think that everyone knows the story of Permanent Style by now. How a struggling young boxer worked for a pittance in order to get his shot at the big time, and was finally given his chance when...Oh no wait, that's Rocky.
How a guy on a trade magazine wrote a blog for a long time and eventually people noticed. Then some more people noticed. And weirdly there wasn't that much better out there.
That story. Well, given half of the visitors to PermanentStyle.com every year are first-timers, chances are a lot of people don't know it. And in this nice interview with Son of a Stag we talk about that, as well as a lot of other things like:
- whether trends exist any more
- what I look for in a suit
- why most inspiration doesn't come from social media
Actually it was a nice freewheeling chat, with some good meaty subjects. Have a watch, it's only 15 minutes and I'm sure there'll be something in there for you.
Clothes shown:
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label suede blouson
- Anthology knitted T-shirt
- Old Levi's Vintage Clothing jeans
- Alden full-strap loafers in Color 8 cordovan
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This is an interesting chat which I greatly enjoyed.
One thing though Simon. I can’t get past your socks with this outfit. They make everything look very muddy. Surely a pop of colour here would be good?
Also, and I’m guessing you’re in your mid/late 40’s, are ripped jeans age appropriate?
Thanks
A pop of colour would certainly look nice, but it’s not really my style. I’d go for a white sports sock at the most!
On ripped jeans, of they’re yours and they’re genuine, and they look that way, I think it’s fine. Sometimes it looks like there’s no way someone wore those jeans to the point of ripping, but I don’t think that’s the case here myself
I do enjoy the monochrome look. Kinda Armani in it‘s way. What does make it interesting is the different textures. Suede, Jeans, knitted shirt instead of a plain jersey one and of course shiny cordovan. Simple but effective at a second glancen
No need for more distracting colours!
Exactly
Style police are the most annoying people out there. Let people wear whatever they want!
I enjoy that particular shade of blue against the color of the loafer. You are entitled to your opinion, but your incredulous take on a tonal combination in 2025 is rather unique.
mid to late 40 hurt me 🤣
Very enjoyable short Simon, thanks for sharing. My own journey started as American Ivy (university days) and has evolved as I have learned more from gentlemen such as yourself, Bruce Boyer, and others. I will say in a world of spam, I do look forward to the emails from Permanent Style on a new article. Keep it up.
Lovely to hear Bob, cheers. It’s comments like that which make sure I do!
Hi Simon,
Enjoyable and informative interview. I think you could make a living out of this!
I really like your outfit, never really considered blue suede before, the whole thing really worked for me and I like the idea of the tonal socks as they shouldn’t be the focus of the outfit. Your outfit also illustrated the points you were making about context. I did smile about trying to make something work, that doesn’t. As my wife has said regards her clothing choices: “I like it, but I don’t think it likes me”.
Son of a Stag on You Tube was a really interesting find. I have purchased from the shop but didn’t know about the channel. Just watched the one on N1 deck jackets excellent. An item I really like.
Thanks again to you both
Pleasure Stephen, and nice to share the connections.
Love that line from your wife!
Great discussion. You should do more of these with fellow flaneurs !
That said, Simon – the jeans. What on earth possessed you ?
See comment above David
Loved the atmosphere here. Obligatory fun article idea stemming from the interview : whole team goes to a selected partnered shop and somehow either everyone on his own or as a team you have to build (and explain – thus, the article) good fits following twisted and challenging instructions e.g. “Denim for Dinner” “Tweedy, yet streetwear”
Wishing everyone a very nice week-end
Ha! Love it, thanks Tristan
An important distinction needs to be made here Simon. You’re a blogger with a background in financial journalism, you’re not an author.
Hello Ernest, lovely to hear from you.
I do have a few books published with reputable publishers. Does this not make me an author?
As someone who started reading this blog just about two years ago this month, I can say I’ve learned loads from it. I had just started my new job in the “post-pandemic return to office” world, and had lost a sense of personal styling. I remember just trying to find what “business casual” really meant, and down the rabbit hole I went. Here I am now at 25 checking this site every M/W/F like clockwork. I can also ramble for uncomfortably long about denim, collar styles, and the why my $900 Alden loafers ARE a justified purchase because they’ll “outlive me”. Jokes aside, I’ve found a genuine interest and passion in clothing (as strange as that may sound to the layman). I’m able to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and culture the same I can for watches, guitars, and cars. Thanks for influencing me to spend more damn money on an expensive hobby (joke) and for adding richness and depth to something as seemingly trivial as clothing (serious).
Cheers
You’re very welcome Zawaad, it’s lovely to hear
I wear mostly navy and blue all of the time and appreciate what you have on Simon. I’m a big fan of uniform dressing and I love the depth and texture it creates . High contrast is not always necessary
This is great – I think sometimes you get much more from a video than you do from a more traditional ‘blog’ article. For example, when describing the fit or finishing on a newly commissioned jacket, it would be wonderful if we could actually see the jacket being worn whilst you describe what we (the readers) would normally only be able to read about.
I seem to remember a few occasions where you have mentioned that the still photographs don’t really convey the full picture (so to speak!).
You’re right, they often don’t Darren, that can be a problem. Text generally is better for searchability and reference though.
We do videos on Instagram now quite often, and are doing more, but it’s a good point about a new commission. Perhaps we can do one of those videos every time there is a new review, to accompany it?
Has Pilates changed your shoulder shape enough to interfere with your older jackets’ fit? I’ve started working on my posture at Pilates and suddenly started worrying about the cost of correcting it (in wardrobe terms).
I wouldn’t say so, no. Weight gain and loss, and especially muscle gain and loss, makes a much bigger difference
I’ve been a long time reader, and although I knew the story of Permanent Style, I loved hearing this in your own voice. A really nice, relaxed interview with some typically insightful observations.
Thanks Nick, lovely to hear
thanks for this a lot really helpful
I’m not sure about the ripped jeans. would be interesting to hear your take, open to be influenced
See comment above Fernando.
I would add that I don’t wear them most of the time, but there is something pleasing about denim that you have worn in to that point. And if you find it bothers you after a while – makes you look like you’re trying to look too young perhaps – you can just patch them or repair them from the inside and they can live on
Eye of the tiger!
Hi Simon. When you discussed the magazine you said there would be articles much longer than on the website. Will you eventually re-publish them here please?
Thanks
We’re not quite sure yet. It is nice if some things are just in the magazine
I really enjoyed the interview.
Grazie,
Massimo
Lovely to hear Massimo, thanks
I love the suede bomber you’re wearing. I’ve recently commissioned a bespoke nubuck bomber and can’t wait to wear it. Quick question — with the kind of British weather we’re having these days, would it be okay to wear something like a nubuck or suede blouson?
Are you concerned about being too warm, or about the rain?
Both!