Barbour, Bikes and Boys

As I was walking up Madison Avenue the other day enjoying the sunshine, I noticed something interesting in the window of Barbour.  They had signs up announcing their new Barbour Steve McQueen collection.  Long time readers know I love myself some Steve McQueen so this seemed like an excellent excuse to post some more pics.  I also do actually have some straight male readers who I think might find the clothing and coats appealing. I especially love the cool jackets like the one below.  Motorcycle and daredevil attitude sold separately of course.  

"I live for myself and I answer to nobody." - Steve McQueen

Barbour Herringbone International Jacket

"Racing burns like a fever inside me." - Steve McQueen

"I did grow up next door to Steve McQueen, who was a very famous movie star at the time, but as a kid it didn't impress me. We always had great fun with him. He would take us out on Sundays on his motorcycles, riding around in the desert; he was like a second father." - Herb Ritts

"He was a beautiful, beautiful man." Jaqueline Bisset

"I'm not sure whether I'm an actor who races or a racer who acts." - Steve McQueen

"He's a misunderstood bad boy you're sure you can cure with a little warmth and some home cooking." - Faye Dunaway

"I don't believe in that phony hero stuff." - Steve McQueen

"I remember seeing him across the swimming pool and my knees were knocking. He radiated such macho energy. Men wanted to be like him. Uptight society ladies and biker molls wanted to be with him." - Ali MacGraw

"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen

"I'm out of the Midwest. It was a good place to come from. It gives you a sense of right or wrong and fairness, which is lacking in our society." - Steve McQueen

Your Name is Mud

The phrase "your name is mud" means you are unpopular but it's clear from these photos that mudrooms are very popular.  They are also very necessary at this rainy time of year. Some of them aren't rooms as much as a space under a table or just inside the door to store your Barbour jackets, Wellies and riding boots.  And apparently guns.  I think those are found in the homes of our British friends across the pond. Just hope they take the bullets out before the prop them up against the wall! Keep dry and carry on!

Chic in Barbour

Barbour didn't invent oilcloth or waxed cotton coats but they sure did make them chic. What other company could lay claim to outfitting Steve McQueen and Queen Elizabeth?  I personally love the quilted versions and own the Ladies Flyweight Utility Jacket in dark stone.  The oil cloth coats tend to look a little boxy and unflattering on women unless you buy a belted option or add your own like Olivia Palermo. It really is the boys who look best in Barbour.  They are all over the Upper East Side this time of year and are my kryptonite but even the downtown boys look pretty cool in them too.  If you own one and live in New York, you might want to pull out because I hear it's going to rain the next few days.  Happy almost Spring!

I don't think all these styles are Barbour but they're close enough.

Photos from Barbour.  Other photos that were taken by a certain fashion blogger were taken down after his office told me that I violated his copyright on them.