The Gift of a New Outfit in Time for Valentine’s Day

#contains gifted items

Today’s post is a little different to our usual ones. I was approached by Samuel Windsor Clothing, who specialise in traditional and formal menswear, asking if I’d like to choose an outfit for a special man in my life, in readiness for Valentine’s Day. Most people would immediately think of their partner – maybe even their dad – but not me. Instead, I instinctively wanted to treat my 11-year-old son, Toby. He’s a pretty special young man – who loves his clothes – and this is a great way for me to let him know how proud we are of him.

There’s something about Toby …

Every mother says the same about their own children, but Toby is unique. He’s a total gent, who carries his pocket money around in his wallet always wanting to treat his mum to a coffee (he does like a trip to a café!) He’s obsessed with military history – WWI in particular – and his knowledge of historic weapons both impresses and scares me in equal measure. Show him any bullet and he’ll list the guns that could have shot it. His current wish is to ride in a tank. But he doesn’t want to be a soldier. I can see him working as an engineer, architect or game designer … or he’ll become a chef, which he’s wanted to be since he was in nursery school!

He’s a quiet boy, more often than not happy to sit back and let his big sister take control. They are such different characters, in so many ways. Academically, Toby’s been playing catch up for a few years; partly due to him having had hearing problems since he was young.

Hear Hear …

As with many children, Toby suffered from glue ear from a young age and he needed grommets. His first pair were fitted when he was 6. As he grew, they fell out (as they should do), but the holes left behind in his eardrums never healed. Instead retraction pockets formed, filling up with cells that could ultimately damage the tiny bones in his ears, and spread to the membrane between the ear and the brain. He had an operation two years ago where one eardrum was replaced entirely. His surgeon couldn’t repair it, so took a slice of cartilage from his earlobe and made him a new one. He also had another grommet fitted into the other ear. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out well, as Toby goes back into theatre in February to have two new eardrums this time – and we’re hoping all will be well from then onwards.

Through all this, Toby has made the best of it all. At school he’s on target to exceed expectations this year. His confidence and belief in himself are slowly starting to grow. He’s learned that good friends are important, and those that call him names aren’t friends at all. He is one very talented gamer – particularly for games that he shouldn’t really be playing, like Call of Duty. He’s definitely a bit nerdy, a bit geeky (these things are all cool!) He  obsessively watches YouTube videos …Gordon Ramsey’s cooking programmes are his choice of the moment.

His new outfit

Toby loves clothes. He loves the ‘Peaky Blinder’ look of shirt, waistcoats and flat caps, teamed with jeans, but I wanted to get him something a little different. He likes to mix traditional with modern, so after a lot of consideration, I chose these items:

From the Samuel Windsor sale I chose a black pull over tank top (50% wool, 50% cotton). Under this I picked the lovely long-sleeved Gosforth country shirt made of 100% brushed cotton. To hold his black jeans up I chose him a smart black leather belt. Finally, to finish the new outfit I picked these amazing black Prestige suede Chelsea boots (I can’t believe he’s a size 8 shoe!) – shiny leather soles too.

I can’t believe that this bundle came to under £75! Everything except the belt was in their Sale – there were some massive savings on top quality items (so much so I’m thinking of buying a few items to put up for him).

When he tried everything on, he looked amazing. He loves all the items, and was happy to pose for some photos. So, without further ado, can I introduce you to my brave, gentle, kind and lovely son, Toby …

Disclaimer

Samuel Windsor kindly sent me a voucher in order to treat a ‘man in my life’ to a new outfit. These are all my own words, and I’ve not been influenced in any way.