Summer Aspirations: Hot Day at the Office

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

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

Cycles for Summer

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.

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.

Summer Inspiration

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.