The Nautical Star

The five-pointed Nautical Star of mariner’s charts is found on the compass rose, straight up, at the North position. Somewhere back in the salty mists of time it represented the North Star, also known as Polaris, which was so crucial to navigation. Today it is a tattoo symbol that harkens back to finding one’s way home and the luck that it sometimes takes to get there. The Nautical Star tattoo can be big, small, two colors, one color–pretty versatile really.
Who gets it? This is a tattoo symbol that is absolutely raging in popularity right now, especially among young hipsters who dig the nautical/retro feel. Who has it? Mark McGrath (lead singer of Sugar Ray) has a blue one on his left elbow. Where should you get it? The elbow is a classic placement of the Nautical Star, like Mark McGrath, but they also tend to occur in pairs, on either side of the chest or the insides of the forearms. Because it’s a essentially a bunch of straight lines though, it lies and looks best on relatively flat areas. Why should you get it? You’ll never have to pull over and ask for directions again.
Although you might not have found your perfect tattoo in the list above, you are no doubt starting to visualize one. As you continue on your journey to that final result, make your own top ten list of the greatest tattoos and keep revising it. In time, you may find that you’ll have a tattoo, one that’s just right for you, instead of just thinking about it for another decade.

The Nautical Star

The five-pointed Nautical Star of mariner’s charts is found on the compass rose, straight up, at the North position. Somewhere back in the salty mists of time it represented the North Star, also known as Polaris, which was so crucial to navigation. Today it is a tattoo symbol that harkens back to finding one’s way home and the luck that it sometimes takes to get there. The Nautical Star tattoo can be big, small, two colors, one color–pretty versatile really.
Who gets it? This is a tattoo symbol that is absolutely raging in popularity right now, especially among young hipsters who dig the nautical/retro feel. Who has it? Mark McGrath (lead singer of Sugar Ray) has a blue one on his left elbow. Where should you get it? The elbow is a classic placement of the Nautical Star, like Mark McGrath, but they also tend to occur in pairs, on either side of the chest or the insides of the forearms. Because it’s a essentially a bunch of straight lines though, it lies and looks best on relatively flat areas. Why should you get it? You’ll never have to pull over and ask for directions again.
Although you might not have found your perfect tattoo in the list above, you are no doubt starting to visualize one. As you continue on your journey to that final result, make your own top ten list of the greatest tattoos and keep revising it. In time, you may find that you’ll have a tattoo, one that’s just right for you, instead of just thinking about it for another decade.

Yes ... If The Queen ... wears it ....

My own Barbour ... is 20 Years old ... and fully "patched"in the sleeves ...

I Am Back ... with Barbour (3)

Since 2004, Lord James Percy, younger brother of the Duke of Northumberland, has been involved in the design and marketing of the company's flagship shooting clothing.
Bellow, Lord James Percy illustrates the incredible resistance of this ultimate country garment...

I am back ... with Barbour (2)

The first Barbour Heritage store opened its doors in September 2009.
Located in 29 Fouberts Place, just off Carnaby Street in the Newburgh Quarter, London W1, the store is set over two floors, featuring men’s and ladies clothing from Barbour’s unique Heritage collection. Inspired by the rich archive of clothing and catalogues going back to 1908, the collection features garments influenced by Barbour’s long design history. Point of sale and memorabilia in the store will carry images from Barbour’s archive and a visit is a must for any fashion connoisseur.
Ian Beattie, UK Sales and Marketing Director, Barbour said “As an authentic heritage brand, we wanted to take the opportunity to showcase a focused collection to a fashion savvy consumer who is interested in wearing contemporary garments that have been developed from the brand’s history and heritage. Barbour has been producing quality clothing, fit for purpose, since 1894 and customers recognise that our craftsmanship and tradition make a Barbour jacket unique.”
An essential element of the store is Barbour’s long association with motorcycling. From 1936 to 1977, the Barbour name was synonymous with trials biking and Barbour biker suits were worn by virtually every British International motorcycle team during that period. In the 1954 International Six Days Trial (ISDT), nearly three-quarters of all competitors wore them. As a member of the elite US team, actor and racer Steve McQueen wore a Barbour International suit in the 1964 East German ISDT. They were used in other areas of motorcycle sport too, by army motorcycle display teams and by the patrolmen of 14 different police forces.
The Heritage collection is inspired by this history and at the heart of it is the iconic wax cotton International Jacket which is based on these authentic motorcycle designs. The range also features knitwear, trousers, shirts and accessories that complement the outerwear to make a capsule wardrobe collection steeped in history.
29 Fouberts Place
off Carnaby Street
London
Central London
W1F 7QF

I am back ... with Barbour (1)

J. Barbour & Sons Ltd is a British clothing manufacturer and importer, founded in South Shields, best known for making waterproof and outdoor clothing, often associated with the sport of hunting. The company was founded in 1894 by John Barbour, from Galloway, Scotland, who began selling oilskins in the port of South Shields. The firm prides itself on its reputation for high quality, hard-wearing clothing, and holds royal warrants to supply "waterproof and protective clothing" to HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and HRH The Prince of Wales.

Barbour clothing is noted for rugged construction and appearance. In addition to its waxed and quilted jackets, the company produces sweaters, moleskin clothing, corduroy clothing, and tattersall shirts. It has also entered the "waterproof-breathable" market with own type waterproof liners, cordura external fabric and polar fleece sweaters.

It is not uncommon for customers to keep Barbour waxed jackets for many years, sometimes decades. Among such people, the wear-and-tear on the garment can be addressed by Barbour’s repair service, which patches and reinforces jackets that are sometimes in excess of fifty years old. Owners of such items find their age and age-associated repairs to be part of the garment's charm.

In recent years, however, the company has tried to modernize its range towards a younger and stylish image, while maintaining the countryside range for which it is renowned, and keeping the attention to details and features which cannot always be found on other brands such as snug-fitting collars, "storm cuffs", waterproof pockets with drainage holes and wide "game" pockets.

The mainstay wax-cotton jackets continue to be proudly made in Britain. Most of the other lines are now imported.

Since 2004, Lord James Percy, younger brother of the Duke of Northumberland, has been involved in the design and marketing of the company's flagship shooting clothing.