Current Covet: Wings + Horns Ventile Field Mac Khaki

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

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 Aspirations: Saturday Morning Bike Ride

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

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

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

Busy work week = slow blog week.

Just Out of Curiosity...

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...