Newark consultant favors classic styles with edgy twist
WHO: Greg Shelton, 47, of Historic Poplar Hall in Newark, marketing and educational technology innovation consultant.
WHY: He was nominated by April Lindsey, who says: “If a mad scientist could mash up the designs of Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen, and the personal styles of the Davids Beckham and Bowie, the result would be a basic foundation of Greg’s masculine, contemporary style.”
HIS STYLE: Traditional and classic meets edgy and modern, with a strong focus on quality versus quantity. “I am a real stickler for clothes that are handmade and I love the English country look.”
WEARING at Poplar Hall:
FIRST OUTFIT – Black leather heeled brogue boots by Alexander McQueen; mid-length Heritage belted trench coat and plaid wool scarf by Banana Republic; white, thin cut, tonal herringbone dress shirt by English Laundry; slim-cut black watch plaid trousers by J.Crew; deep green English country style wool vest discovered at a vintage clothing store; black leather wool-lined gloves by Ralph Lauren; black framed glasses by Joseph Abboud; classic black thin silk tie by Calvin Klein.
SECOND OUTFIT – with retired racehorse Ash: Black high-cut rubber country field boots by Hunter; diamond-quilted olive field jacket by Belstaff; wool plaid olive and red Irish hunting cap by Scala; slim cut corduroy pants by Banana Republic; deerskin leather field gloves handmade by Churchill.
THIRD OUTFIT – Black lamb skin café-style leather jacket with diamond-quilted shoulder and elbow panels by Belstaff; royal blue neck scarf by RRL; vintage leather field cut military boots; hand-waxed cotton slim-cut denim pants by Banana Republic; Maverick Classic, short-wristed deer-skin handmade leather gloves by Churchill.
WHERE HE SHOPS: He is partial to Belstaff, an English clothier that operates a store in New York City. “They are one of the oldest makers of motorcycle clothing, especially waxed cotton.” Also Joules Limited, Nordstrom, J.Crew and Banana Republic.
HOW HE SHOPS: “I am a technical guy. I take this stuff seriously and truly think about it. If I see something in a magazine I will seek it out through any channel I can find to locate it.”
FASHION ICON: David Bowie. “Well-tailored, crisp suit, then veer off to something really crazy and glam.”
FAVORITE DESIGNERS: Alexander McQueen, “very driven and shocking.” He also admires Martin Cooper, “an American who worked for Burberry in England, then went to Belstaff and is now tasked with rebuilding Land’s End. A super cool guy.”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: “A pair Magnanni dress shoes with monk straps, a saddle kind of color, from Nordstrom.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HIS CLOSET: An early 1950s Belstaff waxed cotton motorcycle jacket. “I bought it from a guy who bought a motorcycle in his teens and the jacket came with the bike. It stayed in his mother’s house and was in amazing condition.”
GROOMING TIPS: “The only special grooming thing I do is moisturize my face, which I do for my wife. We have a friend who makes great lavender products.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I have a lot of shoes. I am a big fan of researching what footwear is supposed to do for you. Muck boots for working with the horses, Alexander McQueen boots, sort of rock and roll, plus wingtips. I also have several pairs of Chelsea boots. I have vintage heavy black leather boots, thick cowhide, for motorcycle riding.”
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FAVORITE COLORS: Blue and black. “I also like oxblood for some reason.”
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: “I don’t wear cologne. I don’t need a scent to announce me before I enter a room.”
WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Something that is handmade by someone that reflects your style, who you want to be. I really like Churchill’s handmade leather motorcycle gloves. It’s all I ever wear.”
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: Jewelry, except for his wedding ring. “I have nice watches that I hardly ever wear.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: “I rarely run out and buy anything. I plan things out and research the clothes I buy. If I don’t like it, I return it.”
GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: Slim black jeans—“not skinny jeans. I’m too old for that”—with leather Chelsea boots, a Roadmaster jacket and a textured scarf.
FAVORITE FASHION BLOG: Mr Porter. “My dad was English and my mom is Ukrainian so I love that European vibe.”
MAINTENANCE TIPS: “I keep my motorcycle gear out of the sun and maintain all the leather that I have with Carr & Day & Martin, a neat-foot product that is used on saddles that I get at Dover Saddlery.”
FASHION EVOLUTION: “I am a twin and my mom was all about making sure that we could express our own personalities. I always cared about how I was perceived and worked hard to be different. I played basketball in high school and our coach made us wear coats and ties when we traveled. Playing rock and roll connected me with edgier clothing. Living in a historic property brought me in touch with heritage brands.”
FASHION NO-NO: “Wearing logos. I have no interest in promoting someone else’s brand.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: A scarf. “I can’t stand my neck being cold.”
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ACE ACCESSORY: A vintage Coach black leather briefcase. “I have had it repaired several times and I can’t imagine ever getting rid of it.”
BOW TIE OR STRAIGHT TIE? Straight tie. “I like a bow tie but not for me.”
BELT OR SUSPENDERS? Belt.
DENIM, LEATHER OR TWEED? “English tweed—and leather.”
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “Clothing is a norm, something we wear every day. I embrace that. Fashion serves a purpose and delivers who you are without having to say it.”
Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature—your coworker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself—please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com