Had to share these recent acquisitions, which exemplify the preppy/punky look I’ve been going for lately. Both items are from U.K. labels, so alas, I won’t be going back for seconds anytime soon. Probably better for my pocketbook anyway.

First, the preppy: I found these military button shorts by Jane Norman at a store in Germany that carries British brands. They fit like a charm and are tight in all the right places without revealing booty. They’re a bit expensive for shorts, but the H&M version (which I also have) is the same price and these are much better quality.

Second, the punk: Superdry’s “Rocker Pirates” t-shirt has displaced Hellz Bellz as my favorite casual top of the moment. The cracked screenprint gives it a vintagey look and the cut is super flattering. I’ve encountered Superdry at boutiques before but hadn’t gone to one of the stores until I was in Cambridge/London last month. I always thought they were Japanese, but they’re actually a British company inspired by Asian design. The brand strikes me as kind of Abercrombie-esque but without the beachy feel. Brits, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

Obviously, these two items combine well, but the rest of my closet is still rather mismatched. Do you guys have to negotiate between competing facets of your personal style?