Jackets of Summer: Part II

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/Summer Jackets

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.

Current Covet: Mark McNairy White Suede Longwings

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.

Warm Aspirations: Spring/Summer Wedding

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

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

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.

George Cox Longwing Bucks

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).

Harrington Season

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

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.

For the Walk to the Office

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

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

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.