Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault...

J Press Shaggy Dog Sweater

2010-11-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

While many of you are taking advantage of J. Press’ recent 25% off sale, I was lucky enough to visit their Sample Sale in NYC two weeks ago. Now, the interwebs have been all a-buzz about the Shaggy Dog Sweater. To be quite honest, I wasn’t even going to go to the sale – that was until I saw a review of the sale showcasing their brushed Shetland crewneck sweater.

Now I do have to say there are a couple fit issues. While most people have stated the wears from J Press are oversized and box-like, I have to say that this fits pretty snug through the chest and shoulders. Even the sleeves come up a bit short. After trying on a medium, it was so tight through the chest and the sleeves so short, I ultimately decided upon a Large. The large is a little baggy at the waist, but I’m glad the sleeves actually come to my wrist. Looking back, a Medium might have been a better option since it’s probably due to stretch, but paying $35 for a sweater that retails for 160? I’m quite happy with my sweater.

The fabric itself is quite soft and light, but incredibly warm. Unlike some other lambswool sweaters, which I find to be incredibly scratchy, this has an amazing soft quality. Check out some photos for action shots (cropped to protect the innocent).

Natural Belt - 1 Month

2010-11-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

After the wedding, the wife and I spent some quality time in Italy bouncing from Florence, to Rome, and ending in Sorrento. Due to my new sartorial obsession, and to my wife’s chagrin, I spent a lot of time window shopping. Although many shops carried goods I could only hope to afford (Kiton, Cucinelli, Canali, etc.), we would occasionally stumble upon small shops with modestly priced handmade goods. In Rome, we happened upon a fantastic leather goods shop. Most items were made for women, but there was one wall filled with men’s belts.

Being the Styeforum and Superfuture addicted lurker that I am – I have become well acquainted with the growing interest in natural leather goods. Consider natural leather the equivalent of raw denim. The leather is untreated by any stain or oil, other than the very initial treatment to finish the outer surface. These goods are meant to age and develop character that will look its best a few years down the road. With such quality makers as Tanner or Corter, natural leather can be quite the pricey endeavor. Yet to my surprise, the belts in this shop cost a fraction of these upper tier items. For approximately $40 American, I was able to pick up this beauty.

Over time, with occasional treatings of Obenauf and perhaps a tanning in the sun, I hope that this will darken and gain a nice patina to create another well aged piece to add to my growing wardrobe.

Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the shop, but if you ever happen to find yourself near the Pantheon in Rome, wander down a few side-streets and keep an eye out for local clothiers.

You can even start to see some slight aging of the leather near the buckle. Since the leather has been untreated, it will begin to absorb the oils from my hand. As it is used more frequently, it will start to take on a rich golden color and darken. Before the winter creeps in, I should treat it in order to guard against any water stains.

Notice the thickness of the leather. This will thin out over time, but it's an easy indication of quality leather. Also note the buckle, nice and simple, just how I like it.

The belt was initially too large for my waste, but the shop owner/worker was nice enough to match it to the belt I was wearing and cut it down to size. Truly a fantastic shop. If you're ever in the area, seek it out as they have some very nice women's bags as well.

Levis 501 STF Update

2010-11-14T18:18:00.001-08:00

Told you I would update eventually. To start off, I thought it would be good to revisit one my original product reviews, the Levis 501 Shrink to Fit.

This pair has been worn off and on, mostly as beater jeans, and been washed in cold water and received a hot dry. The first thing you might notice is that the denim has lost that raw sheen. It has also shrunk slightly and developed some slight fades. There are a couple whiskers in the lap area and a more drastic fade in the wallet area.

To be honest, I think the jeans are a great bargain at $35, but I find the fit unflattering, especially in the thighs and seat. The color also leaves a bit to be desired. I would darker navy tone rather than the bright blue this pair will eventually develop.

All in all, the 501 STF were a fun experiment, but I’m looking forward to some new raws this Christmas.

I'm Back...

2010-11-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sooo, I’m back. And it only took me, what? A couple months?

For the curious minds, and I doubt that’s many, the wedding was amazing. All the hard work and planning (mostly by my wife) came to fruition and a good time was had by all. I’ll post a couple wedding pics when I get around to it. The honeymoon was awesome. We went to Italy with stops at Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. More pictures of that as we go along. To be honest, I think the next batch of posts will pretty much revolve around the wedding, honeymoon, and the various things that involves. I have a few tips I’ve learned along the way and I’d like to share them with everyone. Don’t worry, most of them will be sartorially related.

In non-wedding news, I have acquired some new pieces of clothing that I’m willing to review and lend an opinion, not that you needed one. I have also started another blog, a Tumblr account. I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but with the frequency that I would post images on this blog, I figured why not break up the pics and the text. For all those curious enough to venture over, check out Bad Scene (I know, real original). Hopefully I can return to a more regular stream of commentary posts, but we’ll see. Work is still crazy at the new job, but at least it’s crazy in a good way. I’m not going to promise any kind of posting schedule, but I will try to keep it a little more frequent

Either way, it’s glad to be back and I’ll be keeping in touch.

And by the way, this is my 100th post, bitches! There's probably little reason to celebrate my nerdiness and obsessions, but fuck it...

Broken Promises

2010-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry guys, anyone who actually reads or checks this blog. I thought that I would be able to keep up with the weekly pics, but this new job is entirely too busy to allow me all the free time to surf the blogosphere and the interwebs to even come up with those awesome photos. Typically, I might be able to do this at home, but as of today, my wedding is one month away! The deadline is looming closer and I'm feeling the heat. And after the wedding is a two week vacation through Italy, from Florence to Rome to Sorrento. Hopefully I'll have some awesome pics of my own to show you and I won't have to steal as many from other sites. But until then, Bad Scene will have to be on hiatus indefinitely.

I will be back, trust me on this. I just need some time to adjust, some time to plan, and some time to relax. Once I return, I will be a new man. A married man... Wow, still a little scary. But until then feel free to check out the site, it won't have updates, but there are still a few gems hidden in these posts.

Weekly Pics

2010-08-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

Short entry this week, but I start the new job on Monday! Lots of loose ends to tie up.

Weekly Pics

2010-08-13T12:26:00.001-07:00

Ok, ok... So I didn't post about the new LL Bean Signature, and I'm missing out on a lot of other cool clothing news, but I do have big news. I have a new job! I probably shouldn't say too much about where and what, but it's a bit of a new field with a lot more responsibility. Pay isn't a huge increase, but this is something that I hope will grow over time. Text filled entries may be on hiatus for a while, but I will definitely continue my weekly photos. It's extremely lazy, I know, but with the wedding and everything, I don't know that I can keep this up and retain my sanity. So until next time, I hope you keep checking back for more pictorial updates.

Weekly Pics

2010-08-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Busy

2010-08-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a quick apology to anyone who regularly checks this blog. Recently, life has gotten a little hectic and I haven't been able to update as regularly as I would like. Work has gotten a little more busy and the wedding is only two months away. There may also be some news regarding employment, but I'm still waiting on news. I will still maintain the weekly photos, but I'm going to try and crank out a couple more text items. Keep your eyes out for a new item on LL Bean Signature...

Weekly Pics

2010-07-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Weekly Pics

2010-07-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Even more than last week!

Love Affair: National Bohemian

2010-07-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Those who know me best can attest to the fact that I am a connoisseur of many things most people would consider lowbrow. Not to say that I don’t enjoy the occasional symphony, classic book, or legitimate theatre (thee-ay-terr), but I seem to be drawn toward things most people grow out or move past. Usually, this obsession of mine is easy to hide from others—my comic books are neatly organized and stowed away in boxes, I listen to punk and hardcore music at a reasonable volume on the subway, and I watch MST3K reruns hidden away in my apartment, far after my fiancée goes to sleep. I say the obsession is usually hidden because there is one aspect that can be hard to hide during social events, and that is my love… of shitty beer.

I love shitty beer. It’s cheap. It does the job. And on occasion, when you find a shitty beer that actually tastes good, you strike gold my friend. Hold on to that beer and don’t let go. I should probably clarify that I’m not talking about Natural Light, Busch, or any of the other frat-beers, although they have their time and place. I’m talking about smaller, regionally restricted beers. Pabst is probably the most notable, but there are others, such as Narragansett, Lone Star, Iron City, Leinenkugel, Stroh’s, and the list is endless. Most of these “regional” beers have been picked up by larger breweries, but the fun lies in their exclusivity. You actually need to travel to each beer’s home to enjoy the carbonated goodness.

Speaking of home, let me tell you of my personal favorite shitty beer, National Bohemian, or Natty Boh as those in-the-know call it. Natty Boh is the hometown pride of Baltimore, although it can be found ranging between Virginia and Pennsylvania. I believe it is now brewed by Pabst, but all native Baltimorons know and love the sight of the winking mustachioed logo. It’s a true source of Baltimore pride. I’m not sure if it still costs $5 for a twelve pack, but every time I’m back home I order up a bottle in a bar, or stock up for the trip back home. If properly chilled, the beer is a perfect accent to a hot day. Some people may say that the beer tastes like swill, but I abjectly disagree. Personally, I find the taste light with a sweet after-taste. It may depend on the eye of the beholder, but if I could find a direct source in NY, we might perpetually have a Natty Boh keg on tap in my future home.

For further reading, check out this article...

Summer Reading: Light in August

2010-07-16T08:13:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'll admit that I chose this book at the library because it had the word August in the title. Still, I was a huge fan of The Sound and the Fury and I was curious about reading another work by Faulkner. I really enjoyed the use of multiple perspectives and chronology in S&F and Light in August did not disappoint. Faulkner's take on the individual's search for meaning and identity while also trying to negotiate their own personal histories is particularly striking. In a way, I found many similarities to Ralph Ellison's fantastic book, Invisible Man. Not only because racism was used as a major theme, but how each author used racism in a way to help describe man's constant pursuit for discovering their own identity and how society can blind and constrain this search. Everything about this book was done incredibly well. I look forward to reading this again a few years down the road.

While many other men's lifestyle bloggers tend to be inspired by the works of Hemingway, I find Faulkner much more interesting in both them and style.

Weekly Pics

2010-07-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

Apparently there was a lot of cool stuff this week.

WTF, Engineered Garments F/W 2010

2010-07-15T07:51:00.001-07:00

Words can not accurately describe how confused I am by the following photos.

Is this what people wore camping in the 1930's? Were they also ninjas? What the hell would you even put in that backpack?

I never really understood the popularity of Engineered Garments. Quality and construction are one thing, but most of their clothing just looks ill-fitting or just plain weird.

RIP Harvey Pekar

2010-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

For all the other comic book nerds out there, and for all the graphic novel nerds in denial... We lost an icon today. Harvey Pekar was made famous for turning the mundane into something noteworthy. His comics were something anyone could read and immediately identify. His comics did not present a hero in the sense of Batman, Superman, or any of the other 'mans, but an archetypal everyday-joe. Publishing his life in autobiographical comic format, he allowed his readers to find beauty and meaning in their dull and seemingly meaningless existence. Pekar was important figure as comics diverged from their traditional format and veered toward much more serious and adult material. For that, I thank him. Harvey Pekar will be missed.

Weekly Pics

2010-07-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Weekly Pics

2010-07-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Late again... I'll try not to make this a habit.

Subcultural Foundations: The Skinheads

2010-06-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

While a previous entry has touted the style and smart sensibilities of the mods, this is about their progression into another culture altogether, the skinhead. The skinhead borrows many features of the mod. The basic style and musical taste remain similar, if a bit skewed toward the ska and reggae brought to London by West Indian immigrants. Early skins also wore slim fitted 3-button suits, but this morphed into a more casual look with polo shirts, short sleeve button downs, and denim. One of the key differences in both cultures centers on the subject of class. The mods were very much interested in higher culture; fashion, philosophy, art, and literature. They could be viewed as upwardly mobile. The skins, on the other hand, had a greater focus on working roots. This emphasis created a much more masculine image that was rougher around the edges.

Breaking away from the mods stylistically in the late 60s, the skins cropped their hair short, thus appropriating the moniker. A key feature of the skins outfit was their combat boots, often gleaming from constantly being polished. Brogues and loafers were also worn by skins, especially in the early years. Levis Sta-Prest trousers were worn short, with no visible break. Jeans were also worn short, but rolled, as to accentuate the boots. Popular brands for shirts were Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Brutus, and others with a high button down collar. These were chosen to mimic the Brooks Brothers polo shirts popular in America. Braces, or suspenders, completed the look, but remained slim (approx. ½ inch in width). Over top, a skin might wear a harrington jacket, crombie coat, or towards the early 80s, a A-1 bomber jacket.

As the culture grew, the rowdy youth attracted the attention of The National Front and other racist organizations who wished to exploit their numbers. The stereotypical image of racist skinheads was touted by the British media, unfairly stigmatizing the entire movement. This drew a great division among skinheads, those who espoused ignorant racist ideals, and those who understood the roots of their culture and embraced all walks of life. Skinheads today can fall into either camp, or even decide to remain completely unbiased, refraining to get involved in scene politics. Regardless of these issues which have confounded our understanding of this dynamic youth subculture, no one can deny their inherent style. Skins still exist, yet they are hard to find. I for one, would love to see more clothing influenced by this culture, for they truly had an understanding of how to flaunt their style and still retain their brutish demeanor.

Source: GetSmart from Styleforum.

Junya Watanabe SS 2011

2010-06-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

In a great piece written by one of my favorite style bloggers, Sartorially Inclined, a new argument is constructed in the on-going debate between style vs. fashion. Not to rehash that debate, nor to explain where I find myself in the Style<--->Fashion spectrum, I would just like to comment on the designer who sparked the conversation.

Seldom do I post on runway designers, but I feel that Junya Watanabe's Spring/Summer 2011 collection has produced some very wearable items which are stylistically progressive. We continue to see a shift away from super-skinny male tailoring, toward wider lapels and fuller pant legs. To be honest, I still enjoy slimmer clothing, but I find this to be refreshing. It's interesting as one extreme style morphs to another polemic extreme. There is a lot of middle ground which doesn't get as much attention, but fully deserves our interest. Skinny suits and jackets are not for everyone and I think Junya has hit a happy medium.

The majority of the photos I'm sharing are a variation of a similar outfit, but it is something that I feel hits the middle ground between style and fashion. Items which are ordinary enough that they can be worn by anyone, yet if one looks closer, there is a more radical element that can be used to create much more dynamic look. This collection is fantastic, and I think this is a good sign for the revitalization of men's fashion, style, clothing, or however you justify this hobby of ours.

Weekly Pics

2010-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

The weekly pics are a little late this week. Some new consultant work means I have to drag my flashdrive around more place and it got lost in the shuffle. It's back and here's what I saw last week.

USA! USA! USA!

2010-06-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Work has been crazy busy, but I was still able to catch the USA-Algeria match yesterday. It was amazing. That is all.

USA! USA! USA!

Weekly Pics

2010-06-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Current Covet: Vans Versa

2010-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying, "If it's not broke, don't fix it?" Well, that might not ring true in every instance. Let me present to you the Vans Versa. Vans has been making simple skate/surf shoes for close to 50 years. Some of their most popular models are at least 20 to 30 years old. Take a look in an old Thrasher magazine and you will undoubtedly find the kicks still popular today; Authentics, Old Skools, Cabs, Chukkas, etc. Vans has always created new styles, yet these often lacked the credibility of some of their classics. With their new model, the Versa, Vans has taken a classic style and given it a new spin. With a comparative style to much more expensive brands, like Common Projects, this model blows them out of the water at a ~$60 price point. Try as I must, I just can't get away from Vans footwear.

Check them out at Vans.com.

APC F/W 2010

2010-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

APC is well known for their minimalist design, with attention to detail and fit. It seems like their slim, streamlined look isn't going anywhere either. Below, find a few choice line-ups from their upcoming collection for next fall. It looks like work boots, cropped jackets, chukka boots, and the overall preppy aesthetic will be continuing into next year, and I couldn't be happier. I could definitely see picking up those slim chinos, white kicks, and wool overcoat.

Everything looks good, but I do have to question their model choices. One looks like he's twelve, the other looks like a pissed-off crossover between Michael Cera and Elijah Wood.

Weekly Pics

2010-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Subcultural Foundations: The Mods

2010-06-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

We all like to draw our style inspirations from numerous places—our childhood, people we see in the street, the internet, etc. I find myself strongly intrigued and inspired by youth subcultures, particularly those of British origin. Currently, my strongest style inspiration is the ever-youthful appearance of the Mods.

The origins of the mods are rather dubious and oft debated. However, we do know that the youth cult developed in London during the 1950s and were drawn to American jazz, R&B, and soul, fine Italian tailoring and motor scooters, amphetamines, and a hedonistic impulse to look damn good. What we find is a bricolage of styles and influences that culminate in something ultimately British in nature.

It’s difficult to deny the longevity of the mods’ style. From the culture’s hay-day in the early 60’s, to the revival in the mid 70s, and the current resurgence of interest in men’s style, the mods are a limitless source of inspiration. Key features of the mods’ style of dress are slim 3-button suits, M65 Army Parkas, Fred Perry polos, pegged slim jeans, Chelsea boots, desert boots, and an all around smart clothing style.

Source Note: The photos included in this entry have been borrowed from a series of blogs, forum posts, and a variety of other sources. Most notable of which are It Owes Me a Living (blog) and Get Smart (StyleForum member).

Summer Aspirations: Hot Day at the Office

2010-06-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a fit, but with temperatures reaching the 90s in NYC, I had been wishing I owned some of these great hot weather items.

Brooks Brothers Oxford Linen Sportcoat $298

Kent Wang Pocket Square $20

J Crew Thomas Mason Shirt $135

J Press Madras Tie $60

J Press Surcingle Belt $45

Uniqlo Chinos $35

Mark McNairy White Suede Longwings $350

Falke Invisible Socks $8

Apolis Actovism x Filson $396

D-Day June 6, 1944

2010-06-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

A day late, but I would still like to pay my respect to the brave men who fought their way on to the beaches of Normandy.

Weekly Pics

2010-06-04T06:26:00.001-07:00

Words of Inspiration: Charles Bukowski

2010-06-02T06:49:00.001-07:00

The Minute

"I'm always fighting for the next

minute," I tell my wife.

then she begins to tell me

how mistaken I am.

wives have a way of not

believing what thier husbands

tell them

the minute is a very sacred

thing.

I have fought for each one since my childhood.

I continue to fight for each one.

I have never been bored or at a loss what to do next.

even when I do nothing.

I am utilizing my time.

why people must go to

amusement parks or movies

or sit in front of tv sets

or work crossword puzzles

or go to picnics

or visit relatives

or travel

or do most of the things

they do

is beyond me.

they mutilate minutes,

hours,

days,

lifetimes.

they have no idea of how

precious is a

minute.

I fight to realize the essence

of my time.

this doesn't mean that

I can't relax

and take an hour off

but it must be my choosing.

to fight for each minute is to

fight for what is possible within

yourself,

so that your life and your death

will not be like

theirs.

be not like them

and you will

survive.

minute by

minute.

R.I.P. Dennis Hopper

2010-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend, a greatly influential actor passed away. While I was not a fan of all his work, I had a great respect for his talent. Dennis Hopper starred in some of the greatest films of all time. Do yourself a favor and make sure you watch one of his many films. Whether you are squinting through his cameos in Rebel Without a Cause or reeling from the horror of his character in Blue Velvet, take some time to observe a master at work.

Weekly Pics

2010-05-28T06:20:00.001-07:00

Busy with work + Existential crisis = No real blogs this week... But here are some pics.

2010-05-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Review: American Psycho

2010-05-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last book review. I've been reading in the mean time, but nothing I felt like blogging.

I have never been so thoroughly disturbed by a book. Coming from me, that's saying a lot. Still, the book was pretty good. The commentary on consumerist 80's culture was fantastic. A great satire on the vapid Wall Street culture. Also, I saw some parallels between this work and the existentialist work, The Stranger by Camus. If you only want to satisfy a need for gore and shock, that can be easily found. However, if you're willing to dig a little deeper, you may be surprised at what you find.

I had to take a step back and analyze parts of my own life while reading this book. Every item in this novel is listed by designer or brand. Patrick Bateman can not be wearing loafers, but A Testoni loafers. He does not place his cigar in an ashtray, but a crystal ashtray from Fortunoff. This had me reconsider how I view my own life and the objects that are important to me. I know my blog is very much clothing-based, and high-end clothing at that, but I would like to think that these items do not determine my identity. Clothing and style is important to a degree, but it's a look I would like to craft and a quality that I see in these items. Ironically, I don't own and wouldn't consider buying most of the items on this blog for the sheer fact that I have more important priorities. This is a hobby, not my life.

Either way, I'm considering taking a step back from the barrage of clothing related posts and perhaps mix-in a few more "lifestyle" pieces. Or, if it is a clothing post, it should be more than a listing of items, but more of an explanation as to why these things are important, in a way which I can use to better express myself.

Back to the book, I found it a very entertaining read. Two thumbs up.

Current Covet: Epaulet Japanese Madras Short Sleeve Shirt

2010-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Another great release from Epaulet are their Japanese Madras Short Sleeve Shirt. Made from a cotton/linen/Ramie blend, these shirts will be perfect for summer. Their site describes Ramie as, “an Eastern Asian flowering plant whose fibers are renown for their ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkling, and give off a subtle lustre. When combined with cotton and linen, the finished product is very crisp and breathable and has a hand that's soft like cotton madras but dry like linen.” As I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for plaid. Add a buttondown collar, a box-pleat, some darts and I’m sold.

At $110, pick these up at Epaulet before they’re gone.

Weekly Pics

2010-05-14T06:45:00.001-07:00

Gant-Rugger Fall/Winter 2010

2010-05-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Wow. So, work has been busy and I totally missed an opportunity to blog this while it was still breaking. Either way, here are some choice items from Gant-Rugger's Fall/Winter 2010 collection. It may seem that I tout these guys on the regular, but I really can't help it. Their pieces have been consistently good and they have an amazing grasp on preppy, yet rugged menswear.

I mean, look at this first fit. It's like someone mixed one of the more badass preppy characters from The Outsiders and a skinhead. It's fucking perfect.

And this jacket looks like something I would wear to Wes Anderson's house for dinner.

Current Covet: Wings + Horns Ventile Field Mac Khaki

2010-05-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

I think we all know how I feel about mackintosh raincoats, and Wings + Horns has produced one of the best I have seen in a long time. While this doesn't have the minimalist vintage feel of some of the previously posted items, it retains a rugged characteristic that's hard not to find enticing. To be honest, I haven't been the biggest fan of Wings + Horns, especially their Tiger Fleece Hoody. However, this jacket and some of their other spring items have been surprising me lately. Coming just under $500, you won't see me wearing this anytime soon, but it still looks fantastic.

Check it at Context.

Weekly Pics

2010-05-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jackets of Summer: Part II

2010-05-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Piggy-backing off of a recent post, it turns out JCrew is offering something of their own. Made out of lightweight cotton, their Gingham Ludlow Sportcoat is the perfect mix between the wild madras and the dull khaki jackets featured before. Fortunately, the gingham pattern is small enough that you won't feel like Dorothy trying to find her way home. Still, I would avoid bright red footwear. Although, on second thought...

JCrew Ludlow Sportcoat $168

Spring Aspirations: Saturday Morning Bike Ride

2010-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Since I acquired my bike, I've been all about weekend bike-rides. With it being Bike Month in NYC, I thought it would be good to put together a biking post. In my mind, this would add up to a perfect weekend.

Gant Baseball Jacket $195

Wings & Horns SS Oxford $150

Levi's 511 Twill $54

Vans Authentics $42

Surly Cross Check $1050

Also, make sure to check out this article on the top biking cities in the US.

Spring/Summer Jackets

2010-05-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Like many other style bloggers, late-Spring and Summer months isn't typically my time to shine aesthetically speaking. The cool, brisk weather of Fall and Winter allow us to layer different items, mix textures and colors, and gives us a bit more range with layering. As the temperatures rise, we shed these layers like some sort of fashionable snake (lib. arts education is paying off). It basically leaves us with the basics. Shorts and and shirt on the weekend. Chinos, shirt, and maybe a jacket during the week. Unfortunately, I have next to nothing by means of a warm weather jacket. Luckily, LL Bean's new-ish Signature Line has produced a couple new items for our benefit.

Check out the two options below:

The linen blazer would definitely be my first choice. Plain, basic, understated, and most importantly, breathable. It can go with just about anything and be worn just about anywhere. It's also a good step up from cotton in formality.

And while not my first choice, this madras jacket is certainly more bad-ass. I swear, I think my favorite color is plaid. The jacket looks sharp, and I think RL Rugby may have some madras blazer competition.

Either option looks like it has working button holes, which is a great detail. LL Bean is stepping up their game and while the initial line-up was a little lackluster, newer items like these is generating some great attention.

Treasures at Daffy's

2010-05-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the very unpleasant experience of ripping my pants. Luckily, it's just a small section at the top of my right pocket. The pants themselves are just some JCrew chino's I picked up a couple years ago during one of the store's many seasonal sales. Be that as it may, these are still the workhorse of my work wardrobe; slim and khaki colored, they can be worn with everything. I wear them at least once a week. The tear will be mended and I suppose they can still be worn to work, but perhaps relegated to casual Fridays.

The bright side of this small tragedy is that I now have an excuse to buy new chinos. I have been holding off new purchases to put money away for the wedding, but I do have a VISA gift card burning a hole in my wallet. While I could return to JCrew for some trusty chinos, I think I will opt to take my chances at the local Daffy's. For those who do not know, Daffy's is along the same lines of a Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Their slogan is, "Clothing Bargains for Millionaires," and while I'm not sure if the phrase is particularly apt for the entire store, they do offer some surprising deals.

The great thing about Daffy's is that they carry clearances and close-outs from some high end clothiers, Incotex and Mabitex in particular (Read up on Incotex here). Both brands make some of the best trousers on the market. Each has several different cuts ranging from a generous, classic fit to ball-crushingly tight. Personally, I like mine slim with some room for movement. At full retail these pants can run up to $300, way too rich for my blood. However, at Daffy's these can be found around $30 for chinos and $60 for wool slacks, an incredibly markdown! These can be difficult to track down because they only appear once or twice a season, often with their interior tags having been clipped. The first tell-tale sign of an Incotex or Mabitex is their split curtain waistband. Next, check to see the clipped labels. And finally, look at the seams for unbelievable construction. Honestly, $30 for a pair of chinos of this quality is practically unheard of. One of these days, I'm going to set aside a few hundred dollars and just completely stock my wardrobe.

Unfortunately, Daffy's only exist in the NYC and Philadelphia metro areas. If you live nearby, stop in and browse once or twice. You may, or may not find something worth your while. For those who aren't in need of new trousers, Daffy's does offer some other hard-to-find items, like PF Flyer and Tretorn kicks. Take a look and see what you find.

Weekly Pics

2010-04-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Busy work week = slow blog week.

Just Out of Curiosity...

2010-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was just wondering how many people are reading this blog. It was started last fall, but was only updated somewhat recently at the end of February. The content has changed somewhat, but I've tried to keep to an overall theme. Since then, I've started using a web-based stat-counter and it appears that people are visiting daily, but I have yet to receive any comments.

So, if you like what you see, or have any comments, I'm asking you a very small favor. I would really appreciate if you would either leave a comment or send me a quick email (rmccauley84@yahoo.com).

No pressure, just a bit of curiosity is all...

Current Covet: Mark McNairy White Suede Longwings

2010-04-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Damn near perfection.

While I'm not sure I could pull off white bucks, these I would rock in a second. Longwings, possibly my favorite shoe design, are very popular right now, as are white bucks. Who would have thought the marriage between these two designs could be so appealing. I seriously had to wipe the drool off my desk.

Find them at Epaulet.

EDIT: I know that these were just featured in the previous "Weekly Pics," but they were simply too good not to show some additional pictures and share a few words.

Weekly Pics

2010-04-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Warm Aspirations: Spring/Summer Wedding

2010-04-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend I find myself travelling back the MD to attend a friend's wedding. Spring and summer weddings are great because they allow everyone to get dressed up and still enjoy the nice weather. No more stifling wool, but breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are worn. Now I won't be wearing the following, but let's just say I would if I could.

Moscot Yukel Sunglasses $200

JCrew Italian Chino Adridge Suit Jacket $250

Wings & Horns OCBD $150

Howard Yount Silk and Cotton Tie $75

Kent Wang Pocket Square $25

Alden Calf Skin Belt $95

JCrew Italian Chino Adridge Suit Pants $120

Alden Crepe Plain Toe Blucher $425

Current Covet: Gant Rugger Baseball Jacket

2010-04-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know that I just wrote a post about the Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket, but come one! Do you see this thing? It's perfect. Just right for an updated Bluto Blutarsky look via a recent Sartorially Inclined entry. Pair the Gant Rugger Baseball Jacket with a madras shirt, some denim or chinos, your choice of canvas shoes, and you're set.

Current Covet: Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket

2010-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

With temperature still in the low-to-mid 60s during the day, and often the 40s-50s in the morning, we are caught in what I like to call in-between weather. Not quite summer and certainly not winter, in-between weather is that time when the sun is peaking through the clouds and gets things just warm enough to feel comfortable. But step into the shadows and it's another story completely.

This leads me to my current covet, the Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket. The fit is damn near perfect (at least on this model). Nice and slim, with high armholes, it would be impossible to find this during a thrifting venture. While I could never dream of spending the $400+, a guy can dream.

Augustus Pablo

2010-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I've found myself in a bit of a slump. Perhaps it's the lingering bits of winter, the busy season at work, or wedding planning hitting it's brutal mid-point. Either way, it's been difficult feeling motivated to read new things, or to find music for my commute and lunch breaks. That is until I remembered one of my favorite artists/albums... King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown by Augustus Pablo.

Augustus Pablo is one of my all-time favorite Reggae artists. Not in a mod-ish form of reggae or ska, but the beginnings of the Dub movement which would be critical to the evolution of Jamaican music in the 70s and 80s. Taking a children's toy, the Melodica, Pablo was able to revolutionize the sound of Dub and give the music a strange, exotic quality. It's a great album to listen while riding the train, to zone out, and to just relax and let your mind wander. Maybe this is the distraction I need to get things back on track. Do yourself a favor and check out this fantastic musician.

Weekly Pics

2010-04-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cycles for Summer: Part II

2010-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I finally bought a bike! Which one did I go with? I'll leave this as a hint:

Gap Chambray Shirt

2010-04-15T07:26:00.001-07:00

Now to be honest, I never really got into the whole chambray shirt-vibe. To me, it harkens back to the early 90s when people would wear jean shirts with embroidered Disney characters. When guys started wearing these shirts again, I could handle it, but never would I consider wearing such a thing. Even a lot of the denim on denim fits that I’ve seen, whether a Canadian or Texas tuxedo, I just could not leave the house like that.

Then enters the Gap’s colored chambray shirts… To be honest the red and the black have really been piquing my interest. Even with a denim on denim look, these shirts are different enough not to feel like I’m in some sort of jean jumpsuit. Chinos would also provide a decent alternative. Compared to some other retailers, their $50 price point is not bad at all.

Fred Perry World Cup Edition Polo

2010-04-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Being the Fred Perry-whore that I am, I couldn’t help but notice their new line of polos, just in time for the World Cup. Featured in a variety of colors depending on your team allegiance, there’s something here for everyone. The hardest part will be deciding who to root for. Pre-order them at End Clothing.

England

France

Italy

Brazil

Spain

Netherland

George Cox Longwing Bucks

2010-04-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

George Cox Longwing Bucks

Suede bucks have become a huge hit recently, as have longwings. One can make the argument that these have always been huge, irregardless of current trends. Either way, I doubt many foresaw the marriage between these two designs. I’ve seen brogued bucks before, but never quite like this. George Cox gives a modern twist on two old staples. Check them out here (if you can read Japanese).

Weekly Pics

2010-04-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Cycles for Summer

2010-04-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

With temperatures reaching 80 and the sun shining for the past three glorious days, I’ve decided to get a bicycle. Seeing as how most new models reach into the 400+ range, I’m searching for something used. The style of bike I’m looking for is still a little up in the air. I would like something that I can ride around town doing errands, but also something I can take for some exercise. Nothing strenuous, but a couple hours riding down the path leading to Jones Beach would be nice. For this reason, I’m stuck between a cruiser design, or something made specifically for roads and a bit more sporty. For reference, please see the two pictures below.

1978 Schwinn Cruiser

70s era Fuji Tourer

My fiancé thinks I’m crazy for looking into vintage bikes, but I figure it will be the biggest bang for my buck. Not only that, their style is undeniable. How else could I find something this cool? Worst comes to worst, I break a $100 bike. No harm, no foul. It will be easily replaced.

At the moment, I’m leaning more towards the cruiser, but I’m concerned about its weight and how easily it could be stored in the attic. The road bike would be nice because it would allow more sporty movement, and probably a bit lighter. I just don’t know how comfortable it would be on long rides. Sigh… I guess we’ll see. By next weekend, I plan on having a bicycle attached to the back of my truck. Expect an update on this situation.

Weekly Pics

2010-04-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

Harrington Season

2010-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

By now it’s probably clear that my favorite fall jacket is the harrington. As luck may have it, it seems to be a very popular jacket in general this season. Nearly every brand/designer is carrying their version of a Harrington, some more expensive than others. Listed below are just some of the options in varying prices.

Baracuta $140

Personally, my favorite will always be the original harrington by Baracuta.

Jump the Gun $70

However, if in a pinch, Jump the Gun's version will work just fine.

Gap $80

LL Bean Signature $110

Supreme $170

Fred Perry $175

Barbour $275

Wings and Horns $360

Steven Alan $370

Nigel Cabourn $475

Cheap Monday Clairvoyant Collection

2010-03-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

I’m not typically a fan of expensive sunglasses, although I was lucky enough to receive some New Wayfarers last year as a gift (tortoise, ftw). As nice as they are, the style doesn’t suit every situation. Lately, I’ve been mulling over a pair of aviators. At the RayBan price point, they’re simply out of the question. To me, sunglasses should be simple and disposable. It’s great to have a nice pair, but what do you wear when you go to the beach or camping?

For this reason, Cheap Monday’s Clairvoyant Collection seems perfect. At $35 a pop, feel free to wear them wherever and whenever. Also, it can allow you to try new styles without the fear of overspending. Personally, I’ve always wanted to try a pair of Clubmasters, but wasn’t willing to shell out for them. Now I can give them a shot, no problem. Check them out.

Michael Bastian and GANT Rugger: F/W 2010

2010-03-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

During this winter’s F/W 2010 Fashion Week, Michael Bastian was the center of some much deserved media buzz. Creating a line of lacrosse inspired clothes for the newly revamped Gant brand, Bastian has struck a chord with many of the modern prep enthusiasts, myself included.

During high school, I played lacrosse for four years. It’s an incredibly fun game; fast paced, aggressive, and with just a tinge of elitism. The best part of the game, at least in my eyes, is that it is practically non-existent outside of the Northeastern United States. Granted other areas, such as California and the Southeast U.S., have started playing, it will never rival its popularity in the Baltimore/Washington or NY areas. Perhaps this is why lacrosse players have a certain swagger which is often translated through their clothing style.

To be honest, I hated most of the stereotypical lax style. Chino shorts, polos, and boat shoes? Yeah right. This was during my more rigidly defined days of punk aesthetics. Fortunately, I have grown out of my iconoclastic ways an embraced a variety of other styles and attitudes (See Giussepe’s post on eclecticism). Where I would never have been caught dead in critter shorts, something about Bastian’s frayed corduroy edges and lax sticks has me reminiscing of the old days. Below is a sampling of pieces from Gant’s F/W 2010 lineup that just happened to catch my eye. While a part of me still cringes at the overly prep styling, any of these items could easily be mixed and matched in a way that could transcend this irritating quality to something much more appealing.

File Under Awesome

2010-03-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just found this keychain tool created by PocketToolX. Made from surgical stainless steel, the Brewzer will open bottles, pry nails, scrape, act as a flathead screw driver, and the coup de gras… the edged point on the end is designed to shotgun beers. Every man will need one of these.

Personally, I like to drink beer of the micro-brew variety. Not that I don’t enjoy cheap beer too, but if I’m only drinking a couple on an easy going night, I would like a decent beer. Now, most of these beers are bottled with non-twist off caps and unfortunately for me, I do not have the foresight to attach a bottle opener to my keychain. I am then left to track down the host of a given party and ask for their opener. Needless to say, this is irritating at best.

And thus enters the practicality of this featured tool. Not only would I be able to pop off the cap of any bottle of my choosing, but I could also easily puncture a shotgun when the need arises (This would come in handy when drinking the aforementioned cheap beer), or even perform various household tasks. The uses for this tool are seemingly limitless! I know what I’m asking for when my birthday rolls around.

Weekly Pics

2010-03-25T12:21:00.001-07:00

Stuff I saw this week.

Summer Inspiration

2010-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sartorially Inclined for a shout-out the other day. He also announced the debut of LIFE Magazine's unreleased Steve McQueen photographs. Now, it seems as if everyone and their mother is looking toward McQueen as the style godfather. Not to jump on the bandwagon, but I found the photo below to be absolutely fantastic in terms of attitude, style, and ease. Everything is perfect; the slim taper of his chinos, his beat up white sneakers, sturdy watch, and his overall calm demeanor.

I remember the first time I became aware of Steve McQueen. Both my father and I are big fans of The Great Escape, a WWII POW movie where McQueen plays a leading role. The movie itself is riveting. During a particularly action packed scene, my father remarked how popular McQueen was in the 60s. It was during his famous motorcycle chase and my father mentioned that chinos and grey sweaters became the fashion statement the year of the movie's release. (Imagine that!) This was of little interest to my 11-year-old mind, but its funny how people remember things like this. I was more interested in the fact that McQueen performed his own stunts for the movie, especially that motorcycle chase. It was some time later until I saw Magnificent Seven and I am now watching The Thomas Crowne Affair, both of which will soon be added to my long list of favorite movies. So in this time of rabid McQueen fervor, I'm afraid I must again concede and agree that he was quite possibly one of the most stylish man in history.

It's been said before, but McQueen's style and grace is simply unparalleled.

For the Walk to the Office

2010-03-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Piggy backing on yesterday’s post, the following are a selection of raincoats which would be perfect for a walk from the subway to the office. I prefer a mackintosh since it gives a slimmer look overall.

Jump the Gun 60’s Raincoat $190
Simply perfection. Jump the Gun is a British shop which specializes in mod-influenced menswear. They carry some of the best brands and their house brand is top of the line. Make sure to check out their house shirts and sta-press trousers.

YMC Waxed Mac $160
I’m not too familiar with this brand, but if they can produce an item of this quality for this price, I will need to get acquainted.

JCrew Sutherland $198
There’s not a whole lot to say about JCrew which hasn’t been said. It would just be a crime not to mention this item.

LL Bean Signature Trench $185
This jacket been mentioned in a previous post. Very nice, although at this price point any of these other options might be a better bet. On the other hand, I doubt they will go on sale as often or as deep as LL Bean.

Lands End Canvas Heritage Cotton Coat $80
Certainly not the most stylish, but hard to resist at this price-point.

Seiko Spirit

2010-03-23T12:42:00.001-07:00

There is just something about military styled watches. It could be the utilitarian ruggedness, or the simplicity of design, but I like to think it’s because you can drive a tank over them and they’ll keep ticking. Seiko just released a Made in Japan version of their Spirit model. It looks fantastic, especially when paired with one a colored band from JCrew or Dievas from Gnomon; perfect for Spring or Summer.

Howard Yount Spring 2010 Ties

2010-03-23T11:20:00.001-07:00

Howard Yount, the clothing line of a fellow poster from StyleForum has just released a new series of ties for spring. Featured in this line are ties made from many materials, from linen to silk to cotton, and in some interesting colors. The sherbet orange striped linen tie happens to be my favorite. Prices range from $75 to $85. Buy them here.

Caught in the Rain

2010-03-23T07:30:00.001-07:00

It’s been raining cats and dogs in the Northeast for the past few days, which gave me an idea for a blog post. After getting caught in a deluge last night, I was left pondering what sort of rain jacket I wish I would find in my closet. Ranging from the more affordable, to the way out-of-the-budget, here are some of the more stylish offerings of wet weather gear.

Fjallraven Nordli $190

APC x K-Way Packable Parka $195

Fred Perry x British Millerain $295

Barbour x Tokihito Yoshida $495

Woolrich Woolen Mills Carlsbad $525

Stone Island Four Pocket Hooded Jacket $655

Nigel Cabourne New Cameraman $975

…And sometimes you just need to grab something more affordable and easy to find, albeit something you might find on the Jersey Shore.

The North Face Prophecy $150

AGENT (Long Island Pop Punk)

2010-03-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just because I'm bored and wanted to post something tonight. I saw this band a while ago and was really impressed with the amount of energy in their performance. They can really get a crowd going. If only they played more shows.

AGENT Myspace

Supreme

2010-03-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I'm really just a converted skate rat at heart. This can probably best be observed in my love for slim beat-up denim and my ever present Vans. Occasionally I'll peruse the Supreme website for new styles, just to see what the cool kids are wearing. Supreme is the legendary NYC skate shop specializing in their own style of streetwear, which usually under produces items to create a general rarity of their product. This usually amounts to simple hoodies and t-shirts which cost three times than you might find anywhere else.

Now, I'm not usually the type to buy into an item just for a name, but let's face it... Supreme has an eye for minimalized style. Below is a sampling of items that caught my eye.

Perfect for rainy days in Spring, and a fraction of the cost for the Woolrich Woolen Mills version. Imagine that.

I've had a hankering for a slim black denim jacket. This twill version will do.

A solution to the perfect military-styled jacket.

I told you every label needs some sort of harrington.

Fred Perry has a similar version. I want both.

A solution to the perfect heather grey crew neck.

It might be worth a shot.

An essential.

And to end the selection, an homage to one of my favorite bands (note the blog title).

LL Bean Signature

2010-03-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how the new LL Bean X Rogue's Gallery Collaboration has gone live, I thought I would post a few items that caught my attention:

I've been looking for a trench for some time, and this 100% cotton version might be a perfect match.

This denim seems to have a slim, yet straight, fit with a lower rise. I'd make sure to try this on beforehand.

I'm a sucker for plaid.

Must every new collection have some sort of harrington in their line-up? Not bad at all.

And saving the best for last. It's like the illegitimate bastard child of Clark's and Bass.

Thrifting Finds: 3/9/10

2010-03-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

The life of a thrifter isn't always fun and exciting. For every Ralph Lauren Purple Label shirt you may find, there are thousands of polos from Aeropostale, shirts by Stafford, Sportcoats by Chaps, and the list could go on. After sifting through the dregs for approximately an hour per store, multiple stores per week, and coming with little if anything to take home, it can get down right depressing. This is the position I found myself last weekend.

After my last several thrifting ventures turned up next to nothing, I began questioning why I even participate in the activity. Maybe the musty thrift store smell had taken an effect on my mood, who knows. But it's times like these when we must lift our heads higher and press on. Would Giuseppe give up? No! And this is why I made my last ditch effort to peruse the outerwear rack before leaving my final thrift store last Sunday.

And what did I find? Why, the exact jacket I've been fawning over recently. A tan colored Harrington! This may not be a Baracuta, and it may not have a red tartan lining, but it's exactly what I need for these windy days on the Island. It's perfect!

I'm not usually the kind of guy who's into logos on the chest (I detest that little polo guy), but a truly vintage Lacoste gator is certainly tolerable. It adds to the 80's vibe of the jacket. And check out those colors in the lining. I promise they're more subdued in person, but they are perfect for Spring.

The back of the jacket is actually open in the back, not sewn shut. A nice detail that isn't found on some Baracuta imitations.

And apparently this is made buy Izod-Lacoste, not Lacoste proper. According to the Wikipedia entry, the owner of Izod bought the rights to market Lacoste in 1953. This move introduced Americans to the tiny little gator matched with brightly colored polo shirts. After the upswing and inevitable decline of preppy fashion in the 80s, the brands were split in the early 90s. Lacoste returned to making luxury items and Izod began making the low to mid-range clothing we know today.

If anyone knows the true vintage of this jacket, please let me know.

And thus, my faith in thrifting is renewed. It just goes to show, you can't let a few bad trips spoil your fun.

Spring Aspirations: A chance of rain...

2010-03-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

Moscot Zulu
A nice change from RayBan, Moscot offers a darker, more sleek, version of the aviator. Yeah, I know the title says a chance of rain, but how else are you going to nurse that hangover?

Fjallraven Nordli
Time to take a break from The North Face, Fjallraven is a Swedish outdoor clothier founded in the 1960's. This waterproof poly-cotton blend jacket will keep you nice and dry when the forecaster calls for a chance of rain.

Brooks Brothers Extra-Slim OCBD
I've touted the advantages of the extra-slim fit before, but you really can't beat the Brooks collar roll. Oh... and minus the tie.

Pure Blue Japan 005
A Japanese denim company, Pure Blue Japan produces some of the highest quality jeans in the world. This brand is also known for its slubby textured denim, where it can appear hairy and features intermittent bumps of cotton within its weave. The cut is slim in the top block, but straight legged to the bottom. The perfect fit for those seeking slim, but not skinny.

Adidas Samba
Perhaps not the best rainy weather shoe, but I think we can all agree some shoes look better a little sloppy. And besides, it's only a "chance of rain." I would hate to break out the duck boots for nothing.

I didn't realize until everything was thrown together how much this looked like classic football casual hooligan style. You might just have to throw down with Elijah Wood after the match. It's ok, I hear he's a dandy.

Spring Aspirations: It's getting warmer...

2010-03-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Another fit once the weather turns slightly warmer.

RayBan Aviators
[Insert Top Gun joke here.] All jokes aside, I love these shades. Back during my lifeguarding days, I used to rock these the entire summer.

Woolrich Woolen Mills Wedge Jacket
Waaaay out of the price range, but the vintage surfer appeal is hard not to covet.

JCrew Secret Wash Buttondown
Just a classic element. Every guy should own a casual white buttondown.

JPress Belt
Ok, so I'm a sucker for anchors and other nautical imagery.

JCrew Stanton Shorts
I really like JCrew's offering of shorts this year. I have yet to feel the material, but I hope it's a heavier-weight cotton.

Vans Authentics
These are probably my favorite shoes in rotation. Being the observant style-guy that I am, they have been stuck in the closet during the off-season. However, with great anticipation, I wait for the warmer days to break these out again.

Perfect for a day at the beach, just before the water is nice enough to have a good swim.

Spring Aspirations: Cool, windy days...

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Just something I would imagine putting together with unlimited funds.

RayBan Wayfarers in Tortoise

I'm sure the wayfarer is nearly ubiquitous by now, but I still feel you can't get more classic than a pair of these in tortoise. I was lucky enough to receive a pair of these as a graduation present last year. Check out some of the updated pairs that are slightly slimmer and more sleek.

Baracuta G9 Slim-fit Harrington

For the intent of this post, I would choose either the honey brown in the middle, or the navy to the right. Barracuda makes a fine jacket, the likes of which can be found on James Dean, Steve McQueen, or countless mods and skinheads circa mid-60s London. A pricey item listed ~$250, I was lucky enough to find a Lacoste rip-off at my local thrift store for $10!

Rugby OCBD

Rugby is yet another off-shoot company by Ralph Lauren. They feature updated preppy wear with slimmer cuts and edgy details.

Tanner Standard Belt in Natural

I hear the quality of these belts are second to none. In a natural finish, the leather is expected to gain a nice patina and turn to rich brown color with time.

Tellason Strummer

Tellason is a great new denim company that uses Cone Mills Selvage Denim made in North Carolina, the leather patch is made by Tanner Goods in Portland, and is assembled in San Francisco, CA. You can't get more American than that! Well, you probably can, but I digress. It has a slim, tapered cut with a low-rise. You can currently find these featured on the blog, The Denim Debate, being worn by Lawrence from Sartorially Inclined.

Clarks Desert Boot

Still debating whether I like the beeswax or a honey/brown suede better. Beeswax would age nicely, but it is certainly more casual. Suede would work better as a smart shoe for work and going out.

Just something good for the weekends, or hanging out with friends on a windy day in Spring.

WAYWT 3/8/10

2010-03-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Technically, this was taken Saturday, but....

RayBan Tortoise-shell Wayfarers
Beard
Lacoste Harrington (recently thrifted)
Bar Crawl T-Shirt
APC New Standard
Low-top Chucks

It was beautiful this weekend, which prompted the fiance and I venture out onto the beach. Let's hope this warm weather stays!

Take Ivy Reissued!

2010-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

That's right, the internets are abuzz with rumors about an August 31st reissue of the famous book, Take Ivy. For $25 you can pre-order a copy of the book which has spawned an on-line and fashion-world sensation. Word has it that there might also be an English translation from the original Japanese. Check out the preorder here.

Photo Credit: The Trad.