I think the reason for this is that the designers at Wrangler took a bit more artistic licence with the classic designs and like hell bent loopy scientists went about cross breeding, stylising and bastardising the classic Aztec and Navajo patterns with graphics and colour schemes typical of the time. In doing so they produced some of thee most off-key shirts of the last fifty years. They didn’t always get them right, granted - they say there’s a thin line between madness and genius right, but when they did….oh my days,… Bingo!

Does anyone else wish balaclavas would come back in? I say back as I’ve been led to believe that there was a time in the seventies when they were worn as a practical solution to keeping your face bits warm in the coldest of weather and not only on the ski slopes but in the cities. Personally I can’t imagine people walking around looking like they’re just about to rob a bank and I guess you’d have to take it off when you walked in to buy a pint of milk or you’d have Mr cornershop reaching for his baseball bat pretty quick.

I’d love to say that we we're selling these Balaclavas at ets but were not. I might try and look into having some produced for next year but will people buy them, I’m not so sure.

We have however just got some really nice ski and bobble woollen hats and I’ve managed to get hold of a few nice ballies the kind that have open faces so you don’t end up looking like a woolly gimp. Perfect for those of you who are not put off riding your bikes during the cold weather.

I’ve read that it’s a backlash against the current economic crisis, with hardwearing, longer lasting clothes the choice of preference for the value seeking fashion conscious but I’m not really convinced, especially if you take a look the price of stuff in places like Albam and YMC, two champions of the trend.

The key to the look is to keep it simple with emphasis on the fabrics used to create the garment. Raw Denims, thick cottons, corduroy, chambray and chunky woolen knits are worn with work trousers, woolen Donkey Jackets, overcoats and parkas. Beanie hats up top and chunky Boots below that will keep you warm come rain come snow.

Extra points are given for quilted shirts, doubling up on plaid, dungarees, one piece overalls and elbow patches thathave been added at home (or by us)..

The trend from a vintage perspective is a dream come true as there is such an rich variety of utilitarian, military and work inspired vintage clothing for dealers to source from. (If they know where to look). Don’t worry if you haven’t picked up a chainsaw in your life, the point is to look like you’re going into the woods to chop down a tree even if you’re off to Starbucks to order a frappachino and take advantage of the free WIFI.

In faithful servitude to the good public Ease the squeeze have been stocking up all year with this in mind so expect to see double breasted work shirts in Chambray, Corduroy, gingham, raw denims and huge array of cotton hitting our rails in the next few weeks. With military Parkas, Re-made Dockers work trousers, and vintage donkey jackets also a big feature. Brands taking centre stage will be, LL Bean, Woolrich, Carhartt, Dockers, Eddie Bauer, Bugle boy, Big Mac, JC Penny, Levis, and Wrangler to name but a few.

We’re loving the get up on the series Boardwalk Empire staring the weasel faced steve Buschemi. The costume department have worked wonders to recreate the feel of the time in all it’s opulent glory. Set in New Jersey and chronicling the exploits of a powerful, charismatic crime boss with an eye for the dames, "Boardwalk Empire" takes place in Atlantic City in 1920 at the dawn of Prohibition and follows the adventures of corrupt county treasurer Enoch "Nucky" Thomson. From a time when Gangsters were gangsters and didn’t go around stealing from footlocker and setting fire to mattresses and borrowing many original pieces from museums across the United states, they have just pulled off what has to be one of the best dressed series made for TV.