Matthew Spade, aka Mat Buckets is a top influencer and blogger.  His Buckets & Spades blog has been featured in Style Feed: The World’s Top Fashion Blogs by fashion expert, Susie Lau.  His honest words on fashion, design and all the things he loves has won him a loyal following amongst the style-savvy, including us folks at Heath.  He also has a nice line in self-deprecating humour: ‘I’d like a concrete head of myself to use as a doorstep, so I can be helpful when I’m not at home,’ he says.  Check him out.

What was your lightbulb moment?

When I started turning down work, so I could work on my regular job.  I thought hang on, why don’t I just do the other?  The other quickly turned into my full-time job.

Who has been your greatest influence?

My late Grandad. His elegance, grace and gentle manner shaped the way I look at early days and how I try to go about life as an adult. I just wish I could have known him for longer.

Pearl of wisdom for the fledgling fashion blogger?

You do you.  Because staying true to yourself couldn’t be more important.

How do you describe your style?

Quite utilitarian and practical, with a strong like of colour, fabrics and relaxed fits.

Last inspirational menswear store visited?

I don’t buy much, but the one that stands out is Snow Peak in New York. Now they know how to do some mean VM.

Shoe of choice?

Converse 70s or Vans Authentic.

Are you an accessories man?

Very little in the way of accessories other than a watch every day, a cap and glasses.

Sartorial tip for flying in comfort?

Wear materials that look good creased.  Denim can be your best friend.

Grooming routine?

I’m a scrub and moisturiser man my myself.  I try to keep it simple and use as few steps as possible.

Clean shave hack?  

I go for a second round after the first shave and try to take my time.

Favourite Heath product?

Tough call, the daily moisturiser or the face wash: other than the product being really agreeable for my skin, how about that scent!

Barber of choice?

Myself!

Best source for interiors and last best buy?

Books, magazines, Instagram and Pinterest.  We just got two table lamps from Menu.

Doing up your 1930s house, what advice do you have for the would-be house renovator?

You’d be surprised how much you can do yourself with the help of Youtube and a handy father-in-law.

Who is your design inspiration?

Aaron Draplin of Draplin design agency. A living legend with enthusiasm for life, everyday design and the design community.

Many of us live in small spaces – what’s your tip for making a small space work?  

Know your limits, don’t buy stuff you don’t need. If you haven’t used it in six months maybe someone else could be getting more joy from it.

Last exhibition you visited?

The Salvador Dali museum in St Petersburg, Florida is incredible.  We visited back in July.

Best international city?

This year has been very good to me with travel opportunities. I would have to say, NYC blew me away this summer. We were only there for three days but I already want to get back there.

Last UK city visited?

Last city was Glasgow.  We stayed at the Grand Central just at the train station.  Glasgow is a city that has changed as quick as any other I’ve been in a long time. The food and drink scene are mega and constantly growing. Can’t wait to go back.

Tip for choosing a cool city hotel, without breaking the bank?

Booking.com is my best friend. There are amazing prices to be found at very, very good hotels. Take the Principal in Manchester, it’s one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at and you can bag a room for £100.  Also, budget design hotels like Kip work a treat.

Latest trip souvenir?

Way too many baseball shirts from the Majestic Athletic factory in Easton, Pennsylvania this summer. They remind me of probably the coolest project I’ve been involved in within my adult life.

How and where do you get your urban natural fix?

The park at the end of our street serves me well and often. Turns out it was voted Best Public Park of 2017, and I didn’t realise!  I run around it, go to the gym inside it and just chill out on a bench if I need to clear my head.

Best country hideaway?

Recently I was lucky enough to spend a day with the guys who run Haarkon, India and Magnus. We took an hour out to sit on one of the hillsides in Derbyshire – England rocks for stuff like this. Absolute silence.

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?  

Go with your gut instinct. There’s no shame with saying no to something that doesn’t feel 100% right.

Mat Buckets’ Green Book

Can’t-live-without app – My podcast radio app.

Must-have gadget – Hmmm, clearly my phone.

Latest read – Just got a year sub to Monocle mag, so I’m glued.

Dream car – An old Ford Mustang.

Heath favourite –  Moisturiser, I use it every day.

Best eatery – Alchemilla, Glasgow. Mind blowing.

Beverage of choice – A proper strong IPA: Stone Brewing, Vocation Brewery or Northern Monk.

Photography Matthew Spade aka Mat Buckets

Interview Emma Hill 

Buckets & Spades Blog:

bucketsandspadesblog.com

@matt_Buckets