The Bengal Stripe

WAYWT: Pop Up Flea Weekend

2011-12-05T21:50:00.001-05:00

So the annual Pop Up Flea was this past weekend, and it was undeniably the best yet. A ton of great brands showed their wares, new and old, and as always I got to hang out with friends and fellow bloggers I don't see too often. After a great night out with friends on Saturday night, I ended up crashing on my friend's couch, so to repay him for his hospitality, I modeled some Engineered Garments jackets he's selling (along with his internet famous bracelets) on his web shop. While we were shooting I figured it was an opportune moment to show you all what I wore this weekend, breakdown is below:

Engineered Garments Wool Stripe Irving Jacket

Engineered Garments Pea Jacket

My weekend kit; Arc'teryx Veilance Field Jacket, Run of the Mill Cutaway Oxford, Rugby Vintage Chino University Pant, J.Press Fair Isle Socks, Alden Single Monk Strap

Del Toro Velvet Slippers

2011-11-21T22:16:00.001-05:00

Del Toro is a Miami-based brand that makes high quality casual footwear at one of the finest shoemakers in Italy. As with nearly all of my favorite brands, their aim is to offer the best goods possible while maintaining an attainable price point. This brand has been on my radar for several years because they've been so good at embedding themselves in the online community and reaching out to the right people. From their blog to their product selection, it's apparent the brand knows the market and knows who their target audience is.

For my review, I asked the brand to send me their black velvet slippers, one of the more somber and established pieces from their collection. This doesn't mean they're any less contemporary than their other options, I'm just the type of guy who takes very few risks with his wardrobe. Velvet slippers are part of a very small selection that makes for a perfectly elegant casual shoe, but these can pair just as well with a sport shirt and chinos as they will with a pair of silk pajamas. These slippers feature a leather insole as opposed to the common quilted lining, which means there's more of a variety of ways they can be worn. The black grosgrain trim on the inside of the heel ensures that you can wears these with or without socks without worrying about your feet slipping out.

The red grosgrain trim on the back is Del Toro's way of encouraging you to break the mold and wear these however you desire. While my pair looks pretty sleek as they are now, I'm looking forward to customizing them somehow and wearing the hell out of them. I haven't decided yet, but some vintage World War II patches could be cool; Michael Bastian did something similarly inspired rather well with a pair of Stubbs & Wooten:

And I haven't even gotten to the best part, which is the price: $275. If this is your first foray into fine footwear, that may sound like a lot to you, but if you're used to paying upwards of $500 for dress shoes, you can probably understand how much of a deal this is. I don't really understand how they're able to do it, but for such well crafted Italian shoes, this is a steal. This price point is also what makes them such a viable option to gift your significant other for the holidays as well (they make incredibly chic footwear for women as well). If you have any reservations left, just look at how good they look on your favorite blogger:

Yes, I was lucky to get these for free, but that shouldn't discount the fact that they're beautiful shoes for a great price. If I'm not still wearing these a year from now you can call me out on it.

Web Presence

2011-11-20T17:52:00.001-05:00

In case you've been wondering why I've been posting a little less lately, it's because I started my first full-time job this month and I've become increasingly busy. There's this quote by hip-hop artist Drake that rings true to me and might also help explain why myself and a lot of my friends have lessened the frequency of the time we spend online:

"I'm really scared for my generation, you know. The thing that scares me most is Tumblr. I hate what Tumblr has become. Because it like, it reminds me of those clique-y girls in high school that used to make fun of everyone and define what was cool, but in five years, when you all graduate, that shit doesn't matter. No one gives a fuck about that shit. Instead of kids going out and making their own moments, they're just taking these images and living vicariously through other people's moments. It just kills me. Then you'll meet them and they're just the biggest turkey in the world. They don't actually embody any of those things. They just emulate. It's scary man, simulation life that we're living. It scares me."

Tumblr is just one of many blogging platforms this applies to. I've read a lot of blogs, and I'm glad that so many people are immersing themselves in their interests and creating thriving online communities based on them. It's important for me to touch base and be in the know about the things I love, I enjoy that. But I'm finding that too many people in similar positions get caught up in their dreaming and forget to experience life offline.

That being said, if you're trying to create a name for yourself online or something ridiculous like that, I may have a few tips for you. I can tell you what works for myself is not being an asshole and not being a try-hard. Whatever blogs you read now, don't try to emulate them. Know yourself, know what you like, and build an online identity based off of that. Keep away from fads and anything that doesn't fit with who you are, and create some real content; don't just post pictures that you think are cool. Be weary of collaborations, advertising and free products (nothing is ever truly free), but unless they don't fit with your identity, don't entirely dismiss them. If you can, go out and meet other bloggers and talk with them, not only will you learn a lot but you may even get a good friend out of it. Lastly, there will be a dry patch at first unless you've had a running start, just stick with it and if it's something you truly enjoy, eventually other people who enjoy it will find it too. None of your favorite blogs started out with thousands of readers, they got to where they are by being real and by being smart.

This is may be my last post for a short while with the holidays approaching, but if you are craving more and haven't already seen, here are some other projects I feel extremely privileged to have been a part of:

The Daily Details: Eight Things I'll Be Wearing This Fall

The Daily Details: Caring for Footwear in a Recession

The Daily Details: Eight Fall Trends I Can Get Behind

Details Magazine: The New Voices of Menswear (Also in print in the November issue!)

Gant Rugger × NOVH Holiday 2011

Also, I know I haven't posted about womenswear in quite a while, but I wanted to share that one of my favorite brands, G1 Goods (whom I've written about in the past), recently launched one of my favorite collections of the season, check it out if you feel so inclined.

Chester Mox for The Bengal Stripe

2011-11-17T22:35:00.001-05:00

Chester Mox is a Los Angeles-based leather goods manufacturer that has, in their mere five years of existence, established a name for themselves within the online menswear community. Having been featured on several popular websites including Hypebeast, Selectism, and StyleForum as well as our friends Put This On and Red Clay Soul, I was no stranger to the brand by the time we started talking about putting together something special for the blog.

We decided on their dual side wallet in tobacco shell cordovan leather; slim and understated by appearance, but with enough space to carry all your essentials. Shell cordovan leather is my favorite, especially in this color. Chester Mox uses some of the finest leathers available and this shell cordovan is one of several excellent leathers they've sourced from Chicago's Horween leather tannery. Inspired by an older J.Press luggage tag that has long since sold out, I had the wallet engraved with the phrase "Not Yours". Which is another thing Chester Mox does great; instead of embossing text, they actually cut it into the leather which results in a much cleaner look.

Center pocket

Fused edges, a mark of good craftsmanship

The end result is this beautiful wallet that I'm going to have a hard time letting go of. But I really wanted to share the wealth with this one. When I first started blogging, I never really expected much to come of it. As I started to pay more attention to how I dressed and how I spent my money, there were times that I was actually ridiculed for it. I think there's a lot of people out there who still have a disposition to dislike people who focus so much attention on what they wear. But as you are probably aware, we're part of a growing community and a movement focused on better spending habits and more respectable forms of dress. Blogging has always been something I do because I enjoy it, and I'm very grateful that there are so many people who can understand that and identify with my passion for great products and design. So as a small token of my gratitude, I figured I would hold a contest to give away this wallet.

The contest ended today, November 19th. Eddie E. Aranda, please send an email to The Bengal Stripe with proof of identification and your address, you are the winner. Here is Eddie's response:

The most unusual item in my wallet does not even belong to me, it belongs to someone who tested HIV positive. The story goes like this:In my tween years of promiscuity, before I started to call myself a gentleman or man and referred to myself as a "chill dude" I was very sexually active and it never occurred to me that I should get tested until I saw that the LGBTQ center at my campus offered anonymous and FREE STD/HIV testing so I gave it a go. It was nerve wrecking simply because I was afraid to find something I could not deal with. While waiting for my results, I decided to get a smoke outside and saw this young man walking out and crying. He attempted to throw this piece of paper in the trash but missed, I picked it up a few minutes later being curious and found that that he had tested HIV positive. I was taken aback and could not wait to get my results, when I finally got them, they were negative; meaning I was completely healthy. I don't know what happened to this man, or where he is, or what he even looked like but I remember him crying in the cold. I keep his test results slip in my wallet as a reminder that life can change any moment and that I need to be responsible about my choices, and whenever I feel like my life is a big mess and it will never get better, it helps to see that I am alive and as long as I am alive, there is a reason to live. No one really knows I have this because no one ever goes through my wallet but I would not be ashamed to explain it to them. That my friends, is the most unusual item in my wallet.

Behind the Scenes with Unis F/W 2011

2011-11-05T21:19:00.002-04:00

This past week we got a chance to shoot behind the scenes at the Unis Fall/Winter 2011 lookbook. Our series of outtakes represent the narrative of events during the photoshoot and try to encapsulate, in 35mm, the energy radiating off the photographer, the designer of Unis; Eunice Lee, and the charismatic model used for the lookbook images. This was pretty much a no frills photoshoot, which exemplifies the ethos of Unis. This is the type of clothing which truly is both refined and wearable for people from all walks of life.

Photographer: Justin Chung

Styling/Art Direction: Chris Black and Jake Davis

Assistants: Zeph Colombatto & Winslow Laroche

Model: Woodrow Morton

Michael Bastian × Randolph Engineering Signature Series

2011-10-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

This fall marks the second season of the high-performance eyewear collaboration between Michael Bastian and Randolph Engineering. Founded in 1972 by engineers Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski, Randolph Engineering (RE) specializes in high quality military-grade eyewear. With their knowledge of advanced engineering principles and mechanics, Jan and Stanley grew their company into a full-service commercial business that has since become the prime contractor of aviation flight glasses for the U.S. Department of Defense, all while remaining at their headquarters in Randolph, Massachusetts. Their story, much like Michael Bastian's, truly embodies the American dream.

MB in the Randolph Engineering Aviator II

Bastian, having championed RE eyewear in all of his runway shows since 2006 and worn them himself since his college years, proudly teamed up with them last year for a signature series combining their military ethos and heritage with his playful take on popular American themes. The first collection was released this past spring and boasted marquis frame designs and a dazzling array of colors which as of yet had been unprecedented in RE's product line.

This fall I picked up the Signature Sportsman in gold; one of the more understated pieces of the collection, sporting a more drastic teardrop shape than their original Sportsman, AGX (gray/green) lenses, and cable temples that wrap around the ear for a secure fit. The style reminds me most of General MacArthur in his prime, and of mid-century hunters on the African savannah, though I am apt to romanticize these sorts of things. The sunglasses come with a reinforced soft leather case with a hidden velcro pocket in the interior back, and inside that pocket the wearer is provided with an equipment maintenance kit containing replacement nose pads and screws as well as an optical screwdriver keychain. Altogether the Signature series frames tend to cost about 40% more than the standard Sunglass series, but what you get is a pair of unique limited edition sunglasses with all the accoutrements.

As featured in Michael Bastian's Spring/Summer 2012 runway show, the next series is entirely inspired by James Dean, in particular a pair of iconic brown tortoise shell frames he wore back in the 1950's, provided on loan courtesy of Old Focals of Pasadena, CA. The new Signature Series will consist of 4 new frame styles and clip-on lenses to be available in Spring 2012.

For price and purchase info, and to view all the current styles, visit the official website.

Rugby Ralph Lauren New Arrivals

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Rugby has long been a favorite of mine for affordable takes on traditional American designs. As I've grown older, I've found their vision isn't always aligned with what I would consider good taste. But they get things right most of the time, and that's more than I can say for a lot of brands in the same tier. They know their audience well enough that it shows when Dipset rappers Cam'ron, Juelz Santana and Vado proudly flaunt their wares. I think the only reason more kids aren't as decked out in Rugby as with the A&F/Hollister scene is the fact that they don't have many stores in shopping malls. So without a car or their parents' credit cards, kids are out of luck. Regardless, the brand is doing their part to help young adults dress better.

Along with the reintroduction of some of their signature pieces, this season sees Rugby rehashing their take on Americana; a blend of the understated prep and rugged outdoorsman. The brand certainly has their fair share of colorful pieces while the strongest pieces they offer can appear rather bland by comparison. Nevertheless, their most basic items are the building blocks of a solid wardrobe, and their Corduroy University Pant is one of my favorite pieces I'll be wearing through winter. More of my picks below.

Lambswool Fingerless Glove in Black

Black Tartan Wadham Shirt

Ragg Shawl Pullover

Red Striped Surcingle Belt

Canvas & Italian Leather Bag

Striped Cashmere Scarf

Yukon Expedition Shirt

Leather Stripe Bowling Bag

Navy Down Ski Cap

Shaggy Shetland Pullover in Red

Purple Stripe College Scarf

Hooded Snorkel Jacket

Blanc & Noir Fall/Winter 2011 In Stock

2011-10-19T01:23:00.000-04:00

Blanc & Noir is one of my favorite brands for higher end casual wear because they're sort of a dark horse of the industry. Hailing from Vancouver, the brand has created a unique image for themselves without referencing heritage or obscure avant garde design. You can't really pin any one buzzword to their collections, nor dismiss them as part of any particular trend. Exclusivity is another appealing component of the brand's image, as you can just about count their North American retailers on two hands. With two years of strong and subtle collections behind them, it goes without saying that the brand knows what they're doing.

This season sees the return of some brand staples which have become some of my favorites for their unforgettable designs, including military-inspired coats and flannel overshirts, moleskin cargo pants, and clean, Italian-made sneakers. My picks below.

Wool overcoat with horn buttons and bemberg lining, Made in Canada

Grey Japanese flannel Engineer BD overshirt with corozo nut buttons, Made in Canada

Natural wool Trapper gloves

Clay Japanese moleskin Survival pant with double-needle felled seams and horn buttons, Made in Canada

White leather/suede hi-top sneaker with waxed laces, Made in Italy

Berg & Berg Fall / Winter 2011 Collection

2011-09-28T11:33:00.000-04:00

Dotted wool/silk scarves

I've been pushing Berg & Berg's collections for a few seasons now, and not without good reason. The Norwegian brand never fails to impress with their refined line of accessories, improving with each passing collection. This season, Mathias (who owns and operates the brand with his wife, Karin) hit me up with his favorite picks of the season, which are below, but what I really want to highlight is their new selection of large wool double scarves. The new large double scarves are actually two 20" (50cm) scarves artfully sewn together, which can be folded onto each other to create a sort of double-sided scarf, or twisted, or left as is for a number of different looks. At 71" (180cm) long, they are also slightly longer than most scarves on the market today. €110 (VAT-exclusive) for that much fine Italian wool, which is more luxurious than most lower-grade cashmeres, is a great price for what is also essentially two scarves in one. Throughout the next month, pocket squares, unlined/untipped ties, double sided printed wool/scarves, chunky cashmere hats, and Shetland sweaters and scarves will gradually make their way into the web store. A leather collection is apparently also in the works, though it's further down the pipeline. As long as Berg & Berg continue to make unique, high quality accessories like these, at reasonable prices, I will continue to be a loyal customer. For more consistent updates on the brand, check out their blog.

Herringbone cashmere knit tie

Shetland wool knit tie

Printed wool tie

Nordic patterned socks

Gingham scarf

Mainstream - Downstream

2011-09-24T21:45:00.000-04:00

The concept behind Carol Christian Poell's spring/summer 2004 runway show is simple enough to be understood from the title alone. But could you imagine being a guest searching for the actual runway, or a spectator walking along the banks of the Naviglio Grande, to have this suddenly floating by? I'm sure it made as great an impression on them then as the video does for me today.

Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

2011-09-14T01:27:00.000-04:00

This post is actually more or less just to get some high resolution images floating around so I can reblog them on Tumblr, but Michael Bastian's return after a season-long hiatus* has been the first menswear collection to make an impact on me during New York Fashion Week.

As was immediately apparent by the logo emblazoned likeness appearing on the backdrop and the red windbreaker on the first model, the inspiration for this collection was James Dean. Though his status as a style icon has never faded, Bastian dug deeper, beyond the brooding attitude and unkempt hair, and into the life cut short. What if Dean had lived a long and fulfilling life? Would he have sustained the passions of his youth? How would his sense of style have developed? These questions were an obvious influence on the designer who interpreted it, along with staples of his past collections into clothing that could be worn by anyone, even girls.

Bastian also took the universality of Dean, a man whose image as an icon in America has been widespread, and applied that to his selection of models, few of whom came close to actually resembling the man. The message being that anyone can be their own James Dean, and ostensibly anyone can look as good in Michael Bastian.

*Bastian took a break during the Fall/Winter 2012 season to cut ties with old business partners in order to cut down the overall cost of his clothing as well as to obtain full ownership of his namesake brand.

— Images via GQ

White Mountaineering Spring 2012: Runway Details

2011-09-07T22:46:00.000-04:00

Since the disaster in Japan earlier this year, illustrious White Mountaineering designer Yosuke Aizawa has become more thoughtful and focused on the presence and value clothing has in our lives. His new direction has brought to fruition some of the most resplendent garments ever seen from the label. Fusing native and tribal influences with high technology, White Mountaineering oft resembles a more muted and technically intricate version of Junya Watanabe's work, a man whom Aizawa has worked for in the past. This season, White Mountaineering sees a heavy influence of the American Old West in the use of nature and Native American-influenced patterns, dusty hues, rope trim, leather accents, and a generous amount of denim. This inspiration interpreted into high-quality utilitarian garments is what Aizawa does best, and it's great to see him at the top of his game.

— Images via Fashionsnap.com

Mr. David for Gentleman Wardrobe

2011-09-07T02:22:00.001-04:00

The Beams MAN Autumn/Winter 2011 Style Guidebook features this beautifully executed editorial that serves as a primer on how to dress like a gentleman this season. I thought it only fair that I share these high quality scans with you, enjoy:

Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam Webshop Launch

2011-09-06T18:57:00.001-04:00

For over a year now, I've watched Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam grow into one of the best shops in Europe for high quality workwear. Along with a large selection of Red Wing shoes, the shop stocks offerings from the likes of Nigel Cabourn, Duluth Pack, Woolrich, and Tanner Goods, curated by Tenue de Nîmes. They offer free shipping to any country on shoes and orders over €200. Finding good looking and hard wearing products online can be a bit of a scavenger hunt when you're looking for the right item, so I'm glad there's another online shop to supply both essential and niche workwear products to the world.

Stone Island Shadow Project Autumn/Winter 2011-2012: An Introduction by Designer Errolson Hugh

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

The video below is somewhat lengthy as designer Errolson Hugh delves into an in-depth review of the current Stone Island Shadow Project collection. It's admittedly pretty nerdy, but I'm always fascinated by the technological advancements made in the field of fashion. With so much of menswear focusing on heritage and rehashing traditional ideas, it is refreshing to see some practical and tasteful innovation.

A Pre-fall Outfit

2011-08-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

Finamore Napoli blue casual shirt
Panta "Chocolate Thunder" shantung silk necktie
Classic Specs Beaumont sunglasses in brandy tortoise
Drakes red madder paisley hank
Ian Velardi double breasted sportcoat
Ettinger Wimbledon briefcase
Incotex slim fit wool flannel trousers
Ovadia & Sons snuff suede Milford double monk shoe
Howard Yount green chestnut umbrella

Red Wing Shoe Company Promotional Videos

2011-08-22T18:32:00.002-04:00

As these recent videos show, Red Wing is truly one of those brands that's passionate about what they do. They understand and respect their heritage while continually pursuing the perfection of their craft, giving their employees, their town, and their customers a product and a service they can have faith and take pride in.

Bargain Belts

2011-08-17T03:14:00.001-04:00

For a long time I've enjoyed the streamlined appearance of an engine-turned buckle belt, but most options are fairly expensive with limited customizability and an extra fee for monogramming. Well, just over a week ago, my attention was brought to a post on the tumblelog This Fits revisiting an older post and the comments section from A Trip Down South. Following the post's advice, I ordered a monogrammed 1" Trafalgar belt buckle in 22K gold plate over brass from Dann Clothing for $55 (+18.39 for shipping) and a hole-less 1" cordovan colored crocodile print italian leather belt strap from Beltmaster for $18 (+$6 for shipping). Both arrived in under a week, and while the belt buckle is a steal for the price, the belt does leave a bit to be desired. The leather is thick and supple, and photographs well enough but it's not genuine crocodile leather. And though the snaps are of high quality metal, their facing is covered in black plastic (which isn't actually visible when worn). For $24, it's still an amazing belt strap, but another lesson for me that I'd be more satisfied saving up for the real thing. Better straps can be had for at least twice the price from the likes of Dann Clothing, Paul Stuart, or Sid Mashburn, but I'm not quite willing to invest that much in a belt yet (I have since traded in the strap for a plain leather one). Altogether, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better belt (buckle and strap) in this price range.

Behind the Scenes with McNairy S/S 2012

2011-08-10T14:20:00.001-04:00

I was one of the assistant photographers to Justin Chung on the Mark McNairy "New Amsterdam" Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook shoot recently and it was an honor to work with some of the up and coming pros of the industry. As a result, I was able to document the shoot with some "b-roll" photography for a bit of a behind the scenes look, as a companion to James' and Niclas' videos.

What struck me, through the process of building the lookbook, was the relaxed air in the shoot: Laughs between models and crew, commercial hip hop on the speakers, an enthusiastic photographer at the helm shooting on the concrete floors and rolled white backdrop at bpmw, and warm natural light which seeped through from the surrounding windows.

In retrospect, this casual environment lent itself to the success of the shoot, as it was a lot like the director of the shoot, McNairy himself (a man known for carrying his shoe collection in plastic garbage bags). Lawrence's sleek, cultivated styling complimented the brand's preppy disposition and it is always a pleasure to see him work; diligent to the last detail, yet every look appeared careless.

McNairy, with manners others often presume as standoffish, was nothing but a talented and modest creative individual who just happened to produce one of the most striking and relevant collections of the year. I am particular fond of the accessories which make for refreshing, magnetic staples. From the daisy print bags down to the "Fuck You" ring, McNairy's latest collection makes for a dynamic and acutely personal wardrobe.

New Panta Ties for August

2011-08-08T18:38:00.000-04:00

Panta is a NYC-based tailor shop that's been revered for their craft over at StyleForum for the better part of my membership to the forum. While their website is currently under maintenance, they seasonally offer up new products at an exclusive discount for StyleForum members. It could just be the improved photography, but this season's tie collection is my favorite yet. With a small variety of some of the best seasonal fabrics for fall/winter, summer and year round, the ties are now 3 ¼-3 3/8 inches wide and 57-58 inches long (with a few exceptions noted at 54 inches long) and manufactured in NYC using 6-fold construction. Grab yours while they last for $99 each shipped worldwide (StyleForum membership is required to order).

English 36 oz. prints

Dark green neat, pattern colors red, blue, white. Self-tipped, lined.

Raw silks

Sahara raw silk, unlined

Wovens and grenadines

Classic Specs

2011-08-05T07:33:00.001-04:00

I somehow stumbled onto Classic Specs' website while browsing Svpply last week, and their header immediately caught my eye:

Custom Rx specs for $89 flat? I couldn't believe it. I'm used to paying 4 times that much just for sunglasses, and it just so happens I was in the market for a new pair. So I placed an order, and a week later these arrived on my doorstep courtesy of UPS:

Look familiar? It's their Amherst model, which looks an awful lot like Moscot's Lemtosh frame. But for a fraction of the price, I'm not complaining. How are they able to sell them for so cheap? Everything is done in-house, "cutting out the middle man". The frames are made in China so that probably also contributes to the low price, though they use premium Italian acetate and reinforced hinges. From time to time they'll feature other brands in addition to their own. Right now, they're also offering frames from Shuron USA (with lenses, still only $89). Along with the frames come a great variety of lenses from polycarbonate to anti-reflective/anti-scratch coatings. For my Havana Tortoise Amherst frames I chose the Evergreen sunglass lenses which use the latest polarizing technology in a shatter/scratch resistant polycarbonate. As soon as I put them on for the first time, I nearly forgot I was wearing them.

Though I couldn't be more pleased with the end result of my purchase, the icing on this proverbial cake is that 6% of every purchase is donated to New Eyes For The Needy who help supply eyewear to those who can't afford it.

If you're at all hesitant about diving in and investing $89 on glasses you can't try on first, most of their models are available to try on for free and they'll cover all the shipping charges. Returns are also shipped free, and alterations are free as well, as long as you ship your frames back to them within 30 days. For anything I haven't covered, there's information on nearly everything else you could care to know in their About pages.

Ter et Bantine Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Video

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about womenswear, but having spent my fair share of time gazing at women both on the street and on street style blogs, I'm captivated by what Ter et Bantine have presented in their Fall/Winter 2011 collection. Ter et Bantine is an Italian fashion label that has been headed by Bologna-born Manuela Arcari for nearly 20 years with a focus on casual refinement. The look for the most part is minimal and conservative, but what I love most about their latest Fall/Winter collection is that there are so many original designs mostly experimenting with shapes, cuts, and silhouettes while most labels have been focusing primarily on color, texture, and proportion this season. Ter et Bantine is doing their own thing exclusive of many of the current trends in womenswear, and are making a statement in doing so. And that's what makes this collection one of my favorites for the upcoming season. I can only hope that some pieces will make their way onto the streets of New York this fall.

Fact From Fiction

2011-08-02T02:21:00.024-04:00

To decipher one starry-eyed child with a dream wrapped around a digital SLR from another presents a difficult task of differentiating fact from fiction: Does one trail blaze through fancy-named blogs and pick out a single white dwarf being worshipped amongst the black hole sea of pseudo-style aficionados or do you bank on finding true bursts of creativity hidden in the bottom of that very sea, sleeping in an oyster? Possessing a keen eye for woven, creative fashion photography is being buried by bombastic players flattening the genre. There are flashes of hope though; comets modestly passing by in the sky, to give a glimpse of vitality, freshness. A distinct, unmistakable look unlike previous shots: high flash and shallow depth of field or bokeh on high with the subject, 6 feet away from the camera, shoulder width apart (or crossed-legged, "it's innovative"). Several photographers, not only fashion, but excellent lifestyle photographers are pressing on, devout with honesty who produce lasting impressions on an ever-changing art landscape, blogosphere, cultural scene, you name it. Here are the first four photographers that immediately come to mind with an influence in style:

Bob Myaing
Works in Philly, Runs Cork Grips.
Website, Blog

Neil Bedford
British photographer who has shot for Inventory Magazine and The Green Soccer Journal.
Website, Blog

Tim Barber
New Englander turned New Yorker, studied in Vancouver & runs Tiny Vices.
Website

Sidney Lo
Based in Brooklyn, New York, writer for Hypebeast and runs Another Asian with a Camera.
Website, Blog

Stay tuned for more photography posts.

Acne Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

2011-08-02T02:07:00.001-04:00

With market week and pretty much all of the S/S '12 collection previews behind us, I've had some time to let it all soak in and reflect on what everyone brought to the table. Acne's latest collection stuck with me in particular as a nuanced revision of contemporary and mid-century trends. Their most distinct design, which is also my favorite, is an unstructured hybrid of the traditional point and club collars. As with the splaying of the wide spread Neapolitan collar, the long and definitive shape of Acne's shirt collars renders rigidity unnecessary and even a bit unsavory. Their soft rounded points are only accentuated by the soft structure of the collar, somewhat oddly reminiscent of a hound dog's ears. The soft pastel color palette Acne implements accentuates the soft tailoring throughout the collection, though bursts of bold color, shape and pattern add some variety without compromising the unity of the collection. The variations of floral camouflage present in the collection also represent the combined culmination of the two most popular patterns in menswear as of late. While the overall collection by no means hits it out of the park, it does have it's share of gems to warrant it a spot among my favorites for Spring/Summer 2012.

— Images via GQ

Outfits from Diamonds Are Forever

2011-07-23T22:52:00.002-04:00

The seventh installment of the 007 series certainly has it's style pitfalls including short ties, western suits, windsor knots, and a notch lapel tuxedo on James Bond at one point. Regardless, there are still some great outfits that have served as a source of inspiration for me recently.

A patterned short-sleeve camp shirt. I've seen some similar offerings by Woolrich Woolen Mills and Engineered Garments in the past couple of years that are rather attractive.

A black shirt under charcoal suiting, really one of the only ways to tastefully wear a black shirt.

A 50's style lounge shirt worn under a belted safari jacket by a minor character. Something I would only try on outdoor ventures in warm climates, but I like the Hemingway vibe it gives.

The cream odd dinner jacket, possibly with hacking pockets (which I would opt against). Bond wears it with a pleated white tuxedo shirt, while I would rather just wear a simple white dress shirt underneath.

True "effortless style". Yes, there are divots in the shoulders of his jacket but I would attribute that to his posture in this capture rather than the fit of the suit. In warm weather, I would rather not wear a tie unless the occasion calls for it.

Professor Bond. It's usually difficult to pull off a turtleneck sweater, but I think Bond's choice of a subdued color that matches his jacket works well.

An excellent. conservative three-piece suit in navy worn with a blue dress shirt and navy necktie. Spread collar, french cuffs.

If, like me, you enjoy dissecting the outfits of James Bond in the 007 films and novels, check out the blog dedicated to the subject, The Suits of James Bond for a more thorough analysis of his clothing.

Ovadia & Sons Spring/Summer 2012 at (capsule)

2011-07-20T02:38:00.001-04:00

I've been pretty out of the loop as far as the blogosphere goes because I've been preparing for, setting up, and working at the (capsule) trade show for the past few days as part of my internship at BPMW. I didn't have too much free time but when I did, I spent most of it chatting up with the brothers at Ovadia & Sons. Not only are they great people, but their knowledge of of clothing and attention to detail was apparent as soon as I stepped into their booth. Spring/Summer 2012 is only their third collection, and surely set to be their most successful yet. Overall, they've pretty much perfected the "noveau prep" aesthetic and distilled it into a small selection of bold and distinctive garments. The best coverage I was able to do was grabbing some quick snaps on my phone before we started packing up for the end of the show, so without further ado, enjoy:

Some of the most beautiful shangtung ties I have ever laid eyes/hands on.

The classiest chambray work shirt: button-down collar and double pockets, one of which will have a pen slot.

One sportcoat to rule them all.

A herringbone sportcoat with country tendencies.

Self-fabric elbow patches are relatively understated, and more appealing to me for that reason.

Distressed ecru OCBD with white paint splatters. They also had seersucker cut-offs with multi-color paint splatters.

Silk knit ties embroidered with sailboats.

Flight jacket in black goatskin or pigskin, either way it's the real deal.

Chocolate DB, wear it with white pants next summer.

Their original snuff suede double monks, soon to be stocked by C'H'C'M.

Shimon was telling me about how he only recently found the peacock ornaments at a flea market for next to nothing. They ended up fitting the booth perfectly.

Sail & Safari; summer adventures seemed to be the main theme of their collection.

Brogued & kiltied captoes.

Levi's 511 Commuter

2011-07-13T18:26:00.001-04:00

Levi's 511 trousers have remained one of the most popular styles for those who want a flattering cut that isn't too straight or too skinny. They're the denim I wore through high school, and while they're a bit too slim for my taste, the latest addition to the line is still worth sharing.

Commuter by Levi's is their upcoming line of apparel aimed at the cycling community. Details are aimed at improving comfort, function, and durability, and the 511 Commuter denim is incredibly attractive to boot. At $78, it features "a utility waist band for u-lock storage, higher back rise, NanoSphere coating for water and stain resistance, 3M Scotchlite reflective details, and a Clariant-developed technology that gives the jeans a "Sanitized" hygiene feature for odor-protection". It should be available in stores soon and at Levis.com later this week.

— Information via Acquire

Olivier Borde Spring/Summer 2012

2011-06-30T02:15:00.005-04:00

Not since CREEP by Hiroshi Awai have I seen a brand so tactfully play the line between simple, functional tailored goods and street style flavor with a high fashion appeal. Due out next summer, Olivier Borde provides looks that highlight an air of readiness and a definitive sense of the style that is sure to estabish the brand as a comfortably creative take on high quality traditional garments.

Loake Shoemakers

2011-06-28T15:13:00.000-04:00

This isn't the first time I've posted a video on the shoe-making process, but I enjoyed this video because it gives some introspection on the pride that the factory workers at Loake take in their work. It's always satisfying to know that the people you do business with have the right priorities and will refuse to cut any corners at your expense.

"Our premium Goodyear Welted shoes continue to be made in England and take eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and approximately 200 different operations are involved. Only the very highest quality materials are used. This film gives you a unique insight into Loake and an intricate construction with origins that can be traced back over 300 years."
- Loake Shoemakers

Videos for a Sunday Evening

2011-06-26T18:47:00.004-04:00

LA Originals: Chris Gibbs of UNION LA
LA Originals, a new series co-produced by Green Paper Boys and Helemaalloos gives the viewers the opportunity to tune into the lives of Los Angeles' most dynamic characters. The first episode takes a look at the inner workings of Union of LA from the bright-eyed, earnest and always stylish Chris Gibbs. You can learn a thing or two about comfortable, approachable style from this man.

Blue Women Art
Blue Women Art is short clip on the artwork of French painter, Yves Klein. In this particular piece, a group of naked women were completely doused in blue paint to be used by other naked women (also covered in blue paint) as living paint brushes. At the same time, a live orchestra would play a symphony comprised of a single 20-minute sustained chord followed by a 20-minute silence, written by Klein himself in 1949. How could you forget about International Klein Blue?

Jamais Je Ne T'Ai Dit Que Je T'Aimerai Toujours
Anna Karina sweetly sings in the iconic Godard film, Pierrot le fou (1965). Godard and his colorful, vivid characters carry an almost unnerving concentration of French New Wave style.

Alder & Co. Shop

2011-06-26T00:28:00.000-04:00

Stumbled onto the web store for this neat little shop in Portland, OR. They only sell about 12 things online, but they have an interesting selection ranging from moroccan leather shoes (for women apparently) to linen goods, as well as French and Japanese bags. Worth checking out.

Moroccan ballet flat, $68

Napsac 60/40 by BAG 'n' NOUN, $165

Striped linen bath towel, $55

French cotton weekender, $175

Summer Footwear 2011

2011-06-25T00:33:00.003-04:00

To build on my Fall footwear post, here's what I'll be wearing through summer (for the most part); when I inevitably head to a beach someplace, it will probably be barefoot, in my trusty old Reef sandals, or in some espadrilles should I decide to pick a pair up from my new job at Save Khaki.

The double monks are a pair of vintage John Lobb William's I won on eBay this month. There's a few nicks and gouges on them, but after a good polish with wax, they're appropriate enough for wearing casually.

The tennis shoes are the classic Tretorn Nylite from my internship at BPMW. I'll be doing another post on them in the near future, but they've become my staple shoes this summer.

With these two pairs in rotation, there isn't much else I need to wear. I have other shoes for their respective occasions, and may occasionally wear my suede shoes I've been wearing through spring; blue suede Alden for Anatomica leisure handsewn moccasin and Peal & Co. snuff suede bluchers with Dainite soles.

Videos for a Sunday Afternoon

2011-06-12T13:47:00.001-04:00

The Story of Eames Furniture
An interview with Marilyn and John Neuhart, both of whom worked with the Eames Office in various capacities since the 1950s, in close proximity to Charles and Ray Eames. (via Bastion & Lark)

EDWIN Factory Video
A look at the production process at the Japanese brand's denim factory. (via Hypebeast)

Hanni El Khatib — Dead Wrong
Mid-century footage set to some more contemporary tunes. (via hearty magazine)

Dior Homme Autumn/Winter 2005
Arguably the best collection to come from the highly influential designer, Hedi Slimane. Worth watching if you've never seen it before. (via KEEPS)

Jake Davis Test Shots: Mariana Dantec
Another excellent addition to Jake's series. It has me looking forward to heading to the beach this summer. Also, be sure to watch his test shot of friend and fellow blogger Brandon Capps of Drinkin' and Dronin' in his awesome warm weather kit. I love his Billy Reid sportcoat, though I wish it came in sizes smaller than 38. (via Jake Davis)

You should probably also check out the Menswear (Reality) TV post on Die, Workwear! if you haven't already.

TRUCK Furniture

2011-06-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately this is one of those posts about awesome things from Japan that aren't easily attainable in the US. Still, the original furniture from TRUCK maintains the virtues of minimalism while appearing more raw and real than anything you might find at your local IKEA. Without hands on experience, it's difficult to measure the caliber of their wares, but the pictures still serve as great inspiration for a warm and inviting vintage aesthetic that can be achieved on nearly any budget.

Charlie Rose's Hour with Ralph Lauren

2011-06-02T18:52:00.002-04:00

Those who know me well know that Ralph Lauren is one of my favorite designers and a sort of idol of mine. Growing up, nearly everyone I knew, from every age group and demographic, had at least one article of clothing from one of his lines. My first blue blazer and my first suit were Polo Ralph Lauren. Today, I still have and wear a few odd pieces from my youth and admire even the most basic staples of his collections.

The video interview below, conducted in 1993, essentially reinforces the idea that Ralph Lauren has achieved the American dream (however that is defined these days). In relation to style, Ralph Lauren has been successful for having a consistent, clear vision and sticking with it. He also understands the influencers of personal style in America and how those have shaped the American aesthetic. As I go through life and develop my own style, I find Ralph's ideas of authenticity and historical influence as well as his overall outlook on life to be a great inspiration.

— Video via Men of Habit on Tumblr

From Descartes to Your Shopping Cart

2011-05-25T21:57:00.003-04:00

Hey point-dexter… Yeah, I'm looking at you four-eyes.

Don't worry, I'm not interested in your lunch money or that sartorially suited Filson messenger bag. It's your aesthetically pleasing spectacles, neatly reclining on the bridge of your nose. Yes, your glasses.

Let's face it, whether you'd like to admit it or not, glasses, in recent years, have emerged from the doldrums of hipsterdom and have transformed into a staple of any aesthete's wardrobe. I know, you're clumsy… right? You always lose your glasses, so you opt to purchase a pair of cheap ones from your local supermarket -it's in aisle 6, if you're wondering - right next to the "As Seen on TV display." But I, as a preacher of aesthetics, consider it my obligation to free you from the shackles of optical monotony, and usher you into the light of a beautiful world populated by eye wear donning menswear mavens, where one of the ten commandments is: It's the little details that are most scrutinized.

While your parents might have told you you were unique as a child, one thing remains true: the shape of your face is unique: uniquely important in assessing the proper frame-shape for your glasses. Generally the shape of one's face falls into one of the following categories: Square, Oval, Round, Diamond, Rectangle, Triangle, or an Inverted triangle. I won't bore you with the specifics of each shape, but knowing the shape of your face is essential in creating a good foundation to start your search for some stylish 'specs - crowd favorites, like Moscot, actually allow you to take a photo of yourself and try on a virtual pair of glasses.

Some Examples from Moscot's wonderful visual guide.

Now that you've embraced the disintegration of your uniqueness to 2-dimensional geometric shape, it's time to find a color that suits you best. This, of course, varies from person to person and preference will come into play here, but there are some general guidelines that I have found myself following time and time again. If you have brightly colored irises (i.e. blue and/or green) you want your frame to be a color that will complement and bring out the color of your eyes - so it's often best to avoid a black frame, or, if you do decide to indulge in gray-scale monotony, make sure that the frames are not thick. Otherwise people will begin to mistake you for Buddy Holly, and not the musician, the buddy holly who works at your local municipality, wears ill-fitting clothing, and has his dress shirt buttoned all the way up - sans tie. Yeah, you know exactly who I am talking about. And while many people will argue that a darker frame adds a sharp contrast to your obscenely luminescent irises, pursuing a dark frame can be a dangerous task - even for the most sensible menswear aficionado.

Anglo-American Optical's Model 259

Moscot's Yukel

For lighter shades you can go the conservative route and decide on a lighter tortoise colored frame or a semitransparent frame.

Paul Smith's Safari Crystal Frame

Moscot's Miltzen

So my congregation of optical orphans, begin your pilgrimage to clarity (because, odds are you don't have 20/20 vision) and start scouring the web for some great glasses. I've shared some of my favorite pieces already, but here are a few more to satiate your ocular appetites.

Erik Schedin AO Glasses

Oliver Peoples Vintage Collection

A few things to keep in mind: Shop around. While I always encourage people to buy local, often times you can find the same frames online for over 100 dollars less than the list price in a store and it's worth saving your money on the frames so that you can invest in good glass for your prescription - think anti-glare, anti-scratch. But try your best to have your prescription filled in person at an optician's store - they'll offer you some excellent advice when it comes to more technical details about your prescription (gradient, bifocals, etc) and nurturing a solid relationship with the eye glass maker will ensure that your prescription will be filled correctly and, if not, corrected free of charge.

Howard Yount Summer Jackets

2011-05-23T17:58:00.001-04:00

"Soft and lightly constructed. Half-canvas. Considerable hand stitching, including collar. Two button. Three open patch pockets. Side vents. Lined only in sleeves and shoulder. Unfinished sleeves."

While older HY sportcoats were cropped, these have been updated to a more traditional length, making them nearly perfect in every way. At $549, there's no wondering why they're already selling out in most sizes after one day. Check out the full Spring 2011 collection here.

A Spring/Summer Editorial

2011-05-19T17:44:00.000-04:00

When we started this blog it was primarily about our personal daily style, but over time I realized Photobooth pics and my shoddy photography wasn't cutting it. Our friend Justin Chung just moved to New York and is already an up and comer in the fashion photography world. We grabbed him for an afternoon last week and had him take a couple of shots of us as an homage to our blogging roots. I think our personal style still comes through our regular posts, but if there's ever another opportunity to get some more pictures of us on the blog, we'll take advantage of it.

Winslow in Rugby chinos, Vans Sk8-Hi, vintage Stonecutter chore coat, vintage shirt, Wm. J. Mills laptop carryall

Myself in Left Field twill trousers, Alden × Anatomica suede LHS, Ben Sherman Modern Classics polo, Wm. J. Mills parachute bag

Ben Sherman Modern Classics Mountain Parka in British Beige , now being sold at Epaulet (in North Sea Blue)

Beauty Through Bamboo

2011-05-18T18:59:00.000-04:00

John Cho is an industrial designer by trade, but recently he's started a made to order service for handmade bamboo and canvas bags. They look great on the surface, but it's the unique bamboo frame and attention to detail that polish it all off. Bags can be ordered by contacting John through his site.

The New Haven Math Club

2011-05-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Since I previewed some of the first images from Gant Rugger pre-fall 2011 back in October, my anticipation for the collection has been slowly growing. Yesterday, the pre-fall collection movie was premiered over at Tenue de Nîmes. It's been getting buzz all over the blogosphere, and pretty much everyone's telling you what the video is about and how no math clubs actually dress like this. I'm just going to tell you if you like prep clothing, unkempt hair and mid-century nostalgia, you will probably enjoy it.

BADOU•R45 Summer 2011 Lookbook

2011-05-15T20:56:00.000-04:00

Very similar stuff to their last lookbook, with some more of their trademark indigo-dyed products. Check out the full lookbook on the rby45rpm site.

A Shoe Collection of Epic Proportions

2011-05-15T03:38:00.000-04:00

Saw this Japanese guy's shoe collection in the "Shoes that look better with age..." thread on superfuture a while ago, and stumbled upon it again recently. People were speculating that he probably works for a shoe store, so I decided to be totally creepy and Google his Flickr username to find any other hits and ended up with his Twitter profile, Youtube account, and his Yahoo! blog, none of which are really about shoes as far as I can tell.

Click through for the Flickr photoset

Plein Soleil

2011-05-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

A tip of the hat to Sweetu of C'H'C'M' for tipping me off to this 1960 French film based on the novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia High Smith. As you'd expect, the storyline is very similar to the American version of The Talented Mr. Ripley with Matt Damon and Jude Law that came out almost 40 years later. The story is about Americans in Italy, and both films heavily feature Prep/Ivy/Trad/Americana style in the main characters' costumes. But with France being geographically closer to Italy, the earlier film is bursting with sprezzatura.

Plein Soleil was Alain Delon's first major motion picture and certainly one of his best (though I can't say it tops Le Samouraï). While the more recent The Talented Mr. Ripley was a bigger hit and probably a better picture, this is still a film that should not be overlooked; whether it's for the clothing or the storyline.

The first shot of Tom Ripley

Blue OCBD, jean cut chinos

Loafers and rolled cuffs

Cuffed chinos, horsebit loafers

What's this? more loafers, a wooden wardrobe closet, and lots of luggage

Unstructured blazer with side vents, repp ties behind Mr. Ripley

Pretty boy swag

Bare feet onboard, always, cuffed chinos and a loose-fitting pink shirt

Chambray and navy chinos on the character Philippe Greenleaf

An ornate pocketwatch

Aloha

Spread collar, no placket, no pocket

A summer suit

Paisley silk robe

The uniform

Unlined sportcoat in hand

Back flap pockets

Pink satin lining

Black Prince Alberts

Terrycloth blazer

Custom Hermès Vans

2011-05-13T19:38:00.000-04:00

Apparently, celebrity stylist Robert Verdi had Vans custom make these from his vintage Hermès scarves last year. The perfect combination of high and low, though I would have liked them more as house slippers. Check out the Flickr photoset for more.

Thoroughstitch NYC

2011-05-13T15:10:00.001-04:00

“Ease and naturalness, no exaggeration, distinction without drabness, and comfort through the use of lighter-weight fabrics." — 1950 Esquire article explaining America's new "American informal" look.

Thoroughstitch is a new clothing line that embodies the Made Local, Buy Local mantra. Fabrics are sourced from the US, England, and Japan; while designs are sourced from vintage military and workwear styles. The chino cloth is particularly special, being the original Cramerton Cloth that was used to make military chinos through the 1930's and 1940's. They have a limited run of just a handful of products right now, and the website is still under construction, but I'm looking forward to seeing what becomes of the brand. Definitely something to keep your eye on.

White Mountaineering Autumn/Winter 2011

2011-05-10T23:28:00.001-04:00

Having cancelled their runway exhibition due to the disaster in Japan, White Mountaineering put together their own video presentation to preview their upcoming collection. The brand has a firm grip on the future of fashion, having become an amalgamation of the best elements of menswear. Fusing the technical engineering of high performance fabrics and patterns with heritage inspiration, they also manage to play with functionality and modern proportions in their garments. The latest collection appears to be the type of stuff futuristic Bond villains and their henchmen would wear if they assumed a more devil may care attitude.

My favorite look from the collection, view them all at james mcnally

Kent Wang Spread Collar Polo Shirt

2011-05-07T20:25:00.001-04:00

Quickly becoming one of the menswear blogger's shirts of choice this season after making the rounds on Tumblr and a few reputable blogs, I decided I had to grab one myself. Kent Wang's polo design is revered for it's reinforced spread collar, which means it won't lay flat at the base of your neck as most polo shirts currently do; Rather, it rolls as a fine shirt should, making it ideal for wearing under a jacket. Though there are a handful of other polos that do this such as Guy Rover (reviewed on Die Workwear), Kent Wang's polo is the most affordable and probably the best buy, retailing at a sweet $65 with free ground shipping.

It was upon seeing that Chris Benjamin and Edwin Hu had both grabbed the "robin's egg" blue polo, that I chose to tread on more delicate ground with the pink polo. Being a popular shirt color for men in trad history thanks in part to Brooks Brothers, as well as for rappers (and the wannabe thugs in my school) in the late 90's and early 00's, I figured it was due for a revival, if only in my wardrobe. I sized up, and after a warm wash and dry the fabric is still extremely soft and the fit is slim but not too form-fitting. The printed information on the inside of the shirt has deteriorated from the warm wash as you can see in the photos, but that isn't such a big deal. Overall, I'd say the shirt is a steal and is sure to be one of my warm weather staples this season.

The tail is only slightly longer, it should still stay tucked in for everyday wear but I don't really feel polo shirts need to be tucked in anyway.

Beautiful, albeit thin, Mother of Pearl buttons, and a shapely spread collar.

The collar is reinforced by stitching an extra piece of fabric around the neck.

And here you can see how well it stands under a jacket.

Mark McNairy Work Blazer

2011-05-04T11:30:00.002-04:00

This unconstructed blazer from Mark McNairy is another perfect spring/summer piece for a casual look. Bordering on workwear with it's triple needle stitching, patch pockets and simplified design, it's a good pick for everyday wear with chinos or denim outside the office. Though dark navy may not be your first choice on the sunniest of days, the breathable, relatively loosely woven cotton keeps this jacket light and airy. Available now for £249 at End Clothing.

Sofia Coppola's Essentials

2011-05-04T10:30:00.000-04:00

Last month, film director Sofia Coppola shared some of her favorite items for a segment called The Essentials over at Self Service Magazine. Though it's womenswear, many of the items cross over, and I was inspired by her efficiency in producing such a concise list:

1. Acne jeans
Hex black.
2. My SC bag by Louis Vuitton
Navy, small size, I love it for everyday.
3. Prada silk pajamas
4. Charvet shirts
I love ordering shirts there with Anne-Marie Colban. She has great taste and is a perfectionist. I like to have a bunch when I’m shooting so I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing.
5. Louis Vuitton cashmere legging pants
Super indulgent, great for the airplane or whenever you don’t want to get dressed.
6. Brora cashmere socks
7. Alaïa ballet flats
8. Céline classic navy coat
9. Marc Jacobs men’s cashmere sweaters
Crew-neck in navy or light gray.
10. Alexander Wang t -shirt dresses
I like basic ones: white, black or I have a gray with navy stripes.
11. Smythson fuschia Soho diary
I’ve been using these for years; always happy when I get a new one to start the year. I like that you can see the week and have a page for notes next to it.
12. Contax T3 camera
I always try other cameras and come back to this one. I know I should use a digital one, but these pictures always turn out the best.
13. Araks underwear
We used these for the title shot in Lost in Translation, and I’ve been ordering them ever since.

Cashmere socks, Brora

Cashmere legging pants, Louis Vuitton

Shirt, Charvet

SC bag, Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Transitional Blazers

2011-05-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

Some MTM sportcoats I picked up on Style Forum back in the fall. As distasteful as some of the Thick as Thieves designs may be, these two have pretty solid proportions and are well constructed. Finally got them altered to fit me this spring.

Alden ✕ Leffot Indy Boots

2011-04-30T15:19:00.000-04:00

Leffot just received a delivery of two exclusive Indy boots, one of which being this tan suede pair on the Trubalance last. With it's laces of a lighter tan, and super lightweight and flexible red micro soles, it's one of the best boots I've found for spring. This cross between the classic Indy boot and timeless dirty buck is about as fashionable as you can get in terms of heritage inspiration. They remind me of the roughout boots worn by the U.S. military in World War II, and you could waterproof them with Sno-Seal just the same. Lack of speed laces means you might spend a little more time lacing them up in the morning, but your laces will last a whole lot longer.

$475 at Leffot

Porter "RIM" Spring/Summer 2011

2011-04-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

Porter's latest collection of "RIM" cases is a bit more luxe than you'd expect from the brand. While past collections have utilized ballistic nylon and more technical fabrics, this new collection returns to natural fabrics. The cases are very well constructed; mostly comprised of cotton canvas treated to be both oil and water-resistant, and Nume leather from Japan which is naturally treated at Belgian tannery Masure. Porter, having worked on all types of luggage for years, have perfected the design of their latest cases in my opinion. Whatever your carry needs are, there's a very good chance at least one of these cases can accomodate your needs without adding any unnecessary bulk. The collection includes a card case, key & card case, short wallet, and long wallet in four colors (natural, black, navy, and wine) which are all currently available at Beams online shop.

RIM card case, ¥10,500

The card case features two card slots to fit credit or business cards, and a metal frame for a reinforced closure

RIM key and card case, ¥8,400

A single key ring keeps things simple

RIM short wallet, ¥24,150

The short wallet contains multiple card slots, two billfold slots, and an accordion snap coin case

RIM long wallet, ¥25,200

The long wallet has 12 card slots, an accordion slot for bills, and a zippered coin slot

1935 New York Black Yankees Caps at Starling

2011-04-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

Cooperstown Ball Cap Co. has been making replicas of historic baseball caps for twenty-three years, and only recently went under due to "commercial, financial and legal difficulties; and the complexity of sewing one-of-a-kind caps in the U.S." They've still filled spring orders though, and the online store Starling in Japan has three models of the 1935 New York Black Yankees model.

From 1933 through 1948, a time when there was still racial segregation, the New York Black Yankees were a professional baseball team founded in Harlem and based in New York City, Paterson, NJ, and Rochester, NY. In their heyday, they played in the Negro National League, and on July 13, 1935, Elmer McDuffy pitched an 8-0 no-hitter at Hinchliffe Stadium against the Israelite House of David team. According to the Paterson Evening News, it was “the first time such a feat had ever been turned in by the Negro club in this territory.”

Ball caps aren't for everyone, and shouldn't ever be worn indoors (unless you're at an indoor batting cage or stadium). But these fitted caps in melton wool are a great casual way to stave off the sun, keep your mop top from blowing around in the wind, or if you lack hair, to keep your head warm in cooler months. If you need a proxy, contact Sharp Service.

Legendary pitcher, Satchel Paige

"The best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced" - Joe DiMaggio

The 1942 New York Black Yankees

Edwardian Era Street Style

2011-04-27T19:59:00.002-04:00

I found this footage that provides a rather vivid, ethereal view of the streets of England and Ireland during a time when, for the most part, standards of dress were still upheld. I love the bold wing and turnover collar shapes, high lapels, bow ties worn non-ironically, and three piece suits. The most common suit for informal and semi-formal occassions was the Sacque; which, much like the contemporary sack suit, was single-breasted, relatively unstructured and loose-fitting. However coats and waistcoats typically had a higher fastening, and trousers had no break with turn-up cuffs. Soft homburgs and stiff bowlers were the hats preferred for most occassions, though flat straw boaters were also seen in warmer months. Top hats were expected to be worn by the upper class. Virtually everyone wore ankle boots, with white spats for formal occasions.

Sack suits in a 1906 Sears catalog, the man on the right is probably the most stylish

Morning dress options

Man in a semi-formal stroller coat with the more formal ascot worn under a turnover collar

Patterned suits were also in fashion and most suitable for informal and semi-formal occasions

The post-modern Teddy Boys drew their inspiration from the dandies of this era, but their take on the style was much more dramatized with drainpipe trousers, brothel creepers, duck's arses, and the occasional velvet collar.

Inventory, Issue 04: Deluxe

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

The fourth installment of Inventory Magazine showed up on my doorstep yesterday morning, and after giving it a proper read through, it's my favorite issue yet.

Late last year, I found out photographer and fellow blogger Vincent Tsang would be doing some commissioned work while in Japan, and it's been great to read updates on his travels and see some finished work come to fruition.

For this issue, he and writer Owen Parrott stopped by Deluxe Clothing for an intimate conversation with Hideki "Hue" Kimura. While the article itself is a great introspection on the cultural influences and inspiration behind the brand, I most enjoyed finally seeing Vincent's work in print. So much so, I'm tempted to pick up a print from his online shop.

For more photos and the full article, pick up a copy of Issue 04 at the Stockroom or your local stockist.

Billy Reid for J.Crew

2011-04-21T16:39:00.001-04:00

As a result of winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award back in the fall, Billy Reid designed a collaboration with J.Crew, sponsor of the fund. Overall I wouldn't call it an impacting collaboration but there's still a few pieces I'd wear, namely the Beaudreaux sport shirt.

On the shirt, Billy Reid had to say, "We combined the ideas of the great outdoors and classic Americana with the comfort of washed linen to build an interesting but timeless shirt that wears without fuss."

Baird McNutt linen shirts are always one of J.Crew's best seasonal offerings, and with Reid's unique design, this looks like a solid casual shirt for summer.

Beaudreaux sport shirt in light blue, $118

Timo Weiland Dusty Blue Denim

2011-04-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

So far this is shaping up to be the season of faded denim. There's more than a few good options out there, but this slim cut pair from Timo Weiland struck me. The fit and simple details call to mind similar denim from Patrik Ervell, APC, or even Uniqlo, but I like this a little more for its brilliant hue. The tonal (as opposed to contrast) stitching, felled seams, and gunmetal buttons and rivets give the denim a cleaner look. The cut itself isn't as constricting as APC's Petit Standard, but it's still a modern slim fit with the thigh width measuring about 9.5" across and the leg opening measuring 7" across. At $129, they're worth giving a shot. Available now at Forward.

Robert Capa

2011-04-20T14:35:00.001-04:00

Robert Capa, "the shark," refused to be silenced, which brilliantly shined through in his artwork. While covering five different wars (the Spanish Civil War, the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II across Europe, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and the First Indochina War), and co-founding Magnum Photos, Capa remains as a staple in the history of a visual art that continues to make a distinct impact in our preconceived notations of photography as a whole.

As a teenager, Capa was drawn to the Munkakör (Work Circle), a group of socialist and avant-garde artists, photographers, and intellectuals centered around Budapest and he was a regular participant in the demonstrations against the repressive regime of Miklós Horthy. In 1931, just before his first photo would be published, Capa was arrested by the Hungarian secret police, beaten, and jailed for his radical political activity; a police official’s wife—who happened to know his family—won Capa’s release on the condition that he leave Hungary immediately.

Developing a love for Capa's keen eye, his clear, concise ideals towards art and the human condition will surprise you in its deep-rooted influence and exact beauty. "The war correspondent has his stake — his life — in his own hands, and he can put it on this horse or that horse, or he can put it back in his pocket at the very last minute ... I am a gambler. I decided to go in with Company E in the first wave." - Robert Capa

More Supreme Spring/Summer 2011

2011-04-20T09:30:00.004-04:00

Supreme continues to saturate the blogosphere with its trademark ready-to-wear spring/summer '11 collection. They've landed several recent features: First, GRIND Magazine with Leo Fitzpatrick adorned with a cigarette and dynamic outerwear; then a collaboration with The North Face on a must-have Dolomite Sleeping Bag for the ambitious traveller's summer campouts and road trips; and an austere, pensive editorial from Inventory Magazine, displaying the brand's high versatility. Label haters aside, Supreme is relentless when it comes to creating iconic seasonal staples, even if it does take a bit of creative edge to incorporate their items into a daily wardrobe.

Life's a Beach: The Winter Sun

2011-04-19T09:30:00.001-04:00

This is a bit of a late pass, a few months late in fact. By now you've probably seen photos from this shoot floating around. This video comes from the Autumn/Winter 2010 issue of Man About Town. The styling is pretty good, but it's just great to see a well-groomed gent on a skateboard and I love the mid-century aesthetic.

Universal Works at Hickoree's

2011-04-18T18:09:00.000-04:00

New to the line-up at Hickoree's is the British-based menswear brand, Universal Works. Universal Works bases their designs around traditional British workwear, and their clothing is a good casual option for those looking to step up their wardrobe this season without suiting up. Their Baker jacket is one of my favorite pieces at Hickoree's this season, but as a sucker for all things heritage and heritage-inspired, the whole collection is a knock out. Available now at Hickoree's Hard Goods.

Baker's jacket in khaki twill, $214

Baker's jacket in bright red waxed cotton, $340

Classic shirt in blue patchwork check, $158

Chambray work shirt in faded wash, $168

Margaret Howell Summer 2011

2011-04-18T08:30:00.004-04:00

If you don't already know, here are some of my favorite things: blue tones, Breton stripes, cool breezes on warm days, crisp cotton, minimalism, sandy beaches, soft tailoring, and Margaret Howell designs. These looks I found over at Inventory yesterday radiate with perfect summer style.

Superga 2750 Cotu Classic

2011-04-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

These are my go-to canvas shoes for summer. I bought them last year, and as you can see, they only get better with age. Super tough Italian canvas shoes in a low profile silhouette not far removed from Common Projects' Achilles low. Ecru is my preferred color. Buy them direct from Superga for $65.

Blanc & Noir Online Shop

2011-04-17T18:49:00.002-04:00

Blanc & Noir is a fairly new brand that shares it's stomping grounds of Gastown in Vancouver, BC with the likes of Inventory Stockroom. While they offer some basic staples, Blanc & Noir specialize in very minimal military inspired pieces, and like most of my favorite brands, use the highest quality materials and pay the utmost attention to detail. Though they have plenty of retailers in the Pacific Northwest, the recent launch of their online shop has made the line more accessible throughout the world. As a young brand, the current collection is relatively small but still very well designed and crafted with a sense of unity and utility.

Flight jacket in black, $425 CAD

Gauze shirt in blue check, $198 CAD

Cargo pants in clay, $208 CAD

Another Look for Early Spring

2011-04-16T17:47:00.007-04:00

This spring I've found myself getting into more earthy tones and that lemon sort of yellow. It seems appropriate for the season, so I whipped up a look using some of the season's best offerings in the color palette:

— Chauncey Breton stripe cardigan, $239 at C'H'C'M
It seems the Breton stripe's time has lingered for about as long as the whole nautical trend. It's still certainly a flattering look on most people and I will always love it. I chose this piece from Chauncey for the features that set it apart from the pack. This particular cardigan is woven in a thick and very substantial cotton. Unlike the typical white/navy Breton stripe we're all used to, Chauncey use ecru and charcoal to subdue the contrast and provide a more pleasing appearance. Elbow darts, patch pockets and brown buttons (corozo nut I'm presuming) finish off the best cardigan I've seen anywhere.

— Norse Projects Elka solid raincoat, $190 at Norse Projects
You know that perfect yellow raincoat you've been searching for ever since you saw that photo of the kids in Take Ivy? This is it. The PVC fabric is actually lightweight and not as stuffy as you'd think. Packable and very well-constructed, this is a jacket I would permanently store in my bag just to keep prepared.

— Visvim Lamina 20L Kudu backpack, available at NOTE
Visvim is one of those brands you either love or hate. They definitely tend to overdesign certain pieces, especially footwear. Their 20L backpacks have a very well-balanced designed though, and the brand often uses the highest quality materials available. This particular model is made using kudu leather and cordura nylon.

— Blanc & Noir brushed twill cargo pant, $207 at Four Horsemen Shop
Slim-fitting cargo pants are hard to come by, and may not be something everyone is willing to attempt. Blanc & Noir's take features a single cargo pocket and a hefty brushed twill fabric. The bellows pockets allow the wearer to fit whatever they may need to carry without sacrificing the slim silhouette. The price is also a bit more attainable than similar past offerings from Michael Bastian and Brunello Cucinelli.

— The Hill-Side selvedge chambray tie, $83 at C'H'C'M
By now everyone knows The Hill-Side's selvedge chambray products, thanks mostly to J.Crew. I really like this "turmeric" color, it's unique but will still pair well with a large variety of colors and fabrics.

— Patrik Ervell standard buttondown, $220 at Patrik Ervell
My favorite club collar shirt in a classic color not oft seen anymore. If off-white shirting was good enough for Bond, it's good enough for me.

— Sanders suede chukka boot, £165 at Sanders
The British shoemaker responsible for Mark McNairy's namesake footwear line has some excellent offerings themselves. This piece, with its thick crepe sole and rich chocolate color is the type of shoe I associate with contemporary Neopolitan style and British and American style icons of yore. It stands out in such a subtle way, it's sort of like a dressier desert boot.

Our Legacy Anthracite Suede Saddle Loafer

2011-04-14T21:14:00.001-04:00

The folks at Our Legacy just put up one of my favorite Spring / Summer footwear pieces I've seen yet. On their site, they state the shoe is made in the UK using saddle construction; I'm not entirely sure what that means, but you can't stick a penny in 'em. Regardless, the leather sole is goodyear welted, the color (somewhere between "charcoal" and "slate") is gorgeous and unique, and they look damn good; which is what really counts. At first glance they reminded me of my navy suede Alden LHS, but perhaps to some purists' dismay, I actually prefer Our Legacy's take. The clean, uniform stitching throughout and balanced strap proportions form a simple silhouette that really can't be beat. I probably wouldn't wear these with a wool suit, at least not a grey one, but with a well-worn pair of denim or colored chinos, these could really shine.

€280 at Our Legacy

A Dance for One

2011-04-13T09:30:00.002-04:00

Lover, an Australian line of casual womenswear, celebrates their new collection with a dream-like film; capturing the essence of the collection and offering a glimpse into the life of Amber Scott, Senior Artist with The Australian Ballet. You can find the collection in their web shop which, for now, only ships within Australia.

Gant by Michael Bastian Spring Sportcoats

2011-04-13T07:45:00.002-04:00

A few slim unstructured cotton sportcoat options have made their way onto Gant's United Kingdom webshop this week. All are side vented and hand-canvassed with contrast lining, 4-button surgeon's cuffs and grey chambray oval elbow patches. Prices range from £300 to £425.

Epaulet also has a great seersucker piece with the same specs, easily wearable through summer and priced at $595. Be sure to check out the rest of their selection while you're there.

Agyness Deyn by Tim Walker for Vogue UK, May 2011

2011-04-12T23:45:00.000-04:00

— Via Touchpuppet

Radiant Orange

2011-04-12T23:06:00.000-04:00

L.L.Bean Signature Bean's Warden's Jacket in Radiant Orange, $195

Swag, I guess.

Spring Staples

2011-04-11T17:14:00.002-04:00

Mixed with some more daring pieces, because sometimes you just have to live a little.

JFK.

2011-04-03T19:14:00.001-04:00

Download (1440 x 900)

— Original image via A Conversation On Cool

Robert Geller Spring 2011 at alwaysnever

2011-04-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

Some new items from Robert Geller's spring collection have made their way into the shop of the label's design assistant, Peter Nguyen. Peter's great eye gives him a knack for picking out collection highlights season after season. This year, those highlights include flight pants and shorts with matching jackets, washed denim, classic sunglasses, Geller's staple dip-dye sweater, a crushed linen dock hat, and sneakers based on the classic German army trainer among a few other gems. If you've got a tax return or a little money saved up for spring, these are definitely items worth paying retail for. All of the new arrivals are currently available in Peter's webstore, alwaysnever.

T Magazine Profile In Style: Margaret Howell

2011-04-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Some beautiful photos of Margaret Howell's country retreat came out in T Magazine this weekend; perfect inspiration for an early spring Sunday afternoon. It goes to show how a minimalist lifestyle isn't always as barren and sterile as you'd think. As the profile states, Howell's relationship with heritage and nature shows how she's living out the aesthetic she puts forth as a fashion designer.

— Via Cork Grips & Inventory Updates

Barena at Très Bien Shop

2011-03-30T21:11:00.001-04:00

Been a lot of talk around the internet lately about unlined soft-shouldered jackets; personally I favor the Venetian brand Barena. Previously mentioned on Sartorially Inclined (so I'll spare the brand introduction, which can also be found on their official site), the brand has a longstanding history steeped in tradition, and it shows in their tailoring. Earlier this month, Très Bien Shop received a shipment of slim-fitting cotton jackets in a small assortment of styles and fabric varieties. As far as tailored jackets go, these are pretty affordable for the caliber of craftsmanship, and their quality and timeless style should provide years worth of wear.

The Brida jacket comes in soft pepita check (gingham) cotton with blonde horn buttons and features a two-button closure, single vent back, and flap patch pockets.

The next cotton jacket is actually blended with 10% cupro to give it a smoother, more substantial hand. The tailoring is essentially the same as the Brida jacket, albeit in a solid beige.

The chambray jacket is probably the most casual and contemporary fabric of the two-button jackets. Same tailoring as the Brida jacket, but with darker horn buttons and blue cotton chambray.

The piquet jackets are apparently inspired by classic hunting jackets with their shoulder patches and flap chest pockets. They also feature a three-button closure, flap bellow pockets, single vent back and darker horn buttons.The soft piquet cotton is the same fabric most polo shirts are made of; a perfect, substantial yet breathable fabric for the warmer months swiftly approaching. The juxtaposition of contrasting fabric and style make this the most contemporary jacket style available.

The Toppa Billo jacket comes in your traditional navy, but the cotton is blended with 3% XLA a stretchable synthetic fabric. The dressiest of the jacket styles, it's still casual enough for weekend wear due to the fabric content, patch pockets, and single vent back. As with the pique jackets, it also sports a three-button closure of darker horn buttons.

The jacket prices range from $380 to $425, keep in mind when browsing that all orders outside of the E.U. receive 20% off.

G1 Goods

2011-03-30T15:00:00.002-04:00

It's truly my pleasure to introduce you all to G1 Goods, a brand I feel has been slept on for too long. G1 Goods pride themselves on their impeccable American menswear staples made, not for men, but for women. It's a generally accepted fact by men that women look great in our clothing. What I love about G1 Goods is that they've taken these menswear staples into the realm of womenswear by preserving their essence, but reducing them into cleaner designs and sharply tailored fits. Even their military-inspired garments have a relaxed but slender appearance. By trimming down the silhouettes, they make the clothing even more flattering and comfortable for women.

Their Spring/Summer 2011 collection is currently being added to their recently launched web store and includes shirting, jackets, and pants all in trim fits and very comfortable cotton fabrics.

For Fall/Winter 2011, they've lined up what's set to be their best collection yet which, to date, features a cleaner toggle coat, a slim field jacket, an academic-inspired blazer with military pockets, an oxford shirt with contrast pockets, and tailored shorts with military pockets.

If you're as interested as I am in receiving updates, you can subscribe via RSS to G1 Goods' blog, or just follow them on Facebook / Tumblr / Twitter.

Margaret Howell × Porter Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

2011-03-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

When it comes to luggage, as with most things, I prefer overly simplified yet highly functional designs. As a style blogger, I also tend to favor a little exclusivity. Margaret Howell, a British clothing designer with minimalist tendencies has come together with Porter Luggage by Yoshida & Co., a longstanding champion of simple, durable, and functional Japanese luggage, to unite the best of both worlds. In their spring/summer 2011 collection, they offer everything from boston bags down to wallets in a fairly varied price range. The full line is now available at the Beams online shop. Be advised that most items are already sold out but there is an option to be notified by email when they are restocked. If you need a proxy service, Sharp Service has the best reputation I have come across, and I personally highly recommend them.

Alex Grant: Go-To-Coat

2011-03-27T01:08:00.000-04:00

Skip was kind enough to invite me to be a part of the latest post on Alex Grant. I wrote about my 2G ECWCS parka, if you're considering one or just in the market for a jacket, it's probably an article worth checking out.

Left Field Tweed One Wash Jeans

2011-03-23T02:32:00.001-04:00

Left Field Tweed One Wash Jeans, $210

Left Field unveiled their latest style of jeans yesterday, made from Cone Mills White Oak Plant white-line selvedge denim tweed. These are one-of-a-kind jeans made from an experimental, single run of cloth in very limited numbers. The "tweed" characteristic refers to the flecking of the denim which gives it it's unique hand and uneven appearance. "One wash," in case you don't know, means the denim has been washed once to ensure minimal dye bleeding and shrinkage during wear. According to the measurements the cut of the denim appears to be your typical middle of the line medium rise straight leg, which is usually a flattering fit on most body types. If you're looking for a new pair of denim with lots of inherent character this spring, you really can't do much better than these.

J.A. CHRISTENSEN, Maker

2011-03-18T21:58:00.000-04:00

A new tie maker's in town with a small batch of ties that look unassuming enough at first glance. Reading Christensen's blog gives some insight on the streamlined construction and vintage fabric that gives these ties their character. To construct these ties, selvedge denim from the 30's and 40's is cut with the weft (across the fabric's width) as opposed to being cut on the bias. Ties are then folded with a length of 55" and front width of 3" and sewn together on single-needle machines with the selvedge exposed on the back tie end. The resulting tie looks a lot like a minimal, pointed version of the Hill-Side ties. For now there are five colors available; charcoal, red, striped, light blue, and chartreuse. The ties cost $90 each plus $8 for shipping, and only 5 are available in each color. For more details or to purchase, contact youroldpaljim@gmail.com.

— Information via Reference Library

St. Patrick's Day Sale at Hickoree's

2011-03-17T00:33:00.000-04:00

15% off site-wide now through Thursday with the discount code "LIMERICK". Definitely a good opportunity to stock up on your spring essentials. They wrote a pretty witty poem about it in the e-mail too.

Japan Relief

2011-03-14T22:22:00.000-04:00

A lot of cool ways to donate have made their way around the blogosphere today. These are my favorites because all of the proceeds for each go directly to non-profit organizations. Click through each for more information:

Help Japan poster, $25 - $50

Engineered Garments Relief Effort sample sale

Corter "For Japan" leather bracelet, $20

Two Inch Cuffs Spring Relaunch

2011-03-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

A pretty good primer on American menswear and local New York culture just went live. Good to see some of my favorite brands on the site; including Wm. J. Mills, Lotuff & Clegg, and Wolverine. My favorite part by far is the cute girl in menswear though. Check it out now.

Unis Spring / Summer 2011 Bottoms

2011-03-13T17:24:00.001-04:00

Unis has unveiled two new pant styles this season to follow their highly successful Gio chinos. For a long time the Gio has been touted by many as the perfect chino; crafted from a comfortable mid-weight cotton in a slim cut with a unique button fly enclosure. I tried the Gio out myself a couple of times but the cut was a little too slim for my taste. It was a great disappointment given that the pants were more comfortable than any pajama bottom I've ever owned, but I wasn't going to walk around in pants that didn't fit right.

Logan in chestnut, $198

The first of the new pant styles is the Logan. The closest of the three style to military chino specs, it sports your standard button fly, slash front pockets, and button through flap back pockets. The top block (hip and thigh region) is cut fuller while the leg opening remains slim. This style is probably best suited for larger men; the type with thighs bigger than your head.

Ford in marine, $228

The second style is the Ford. Essentially the dress chino of the lot due to its streamlined silhouette and hidden slide-clasp closure, this is probably my favorite style. Overall its cut fuller than the Gio, so of all the styles it would seem to suit me best. I also prefer its medium rise (measured from the crotch seam to the top of the pant) for it makes for a more comfortable seat and will keep shirts tucked in better.

Gio in khaki, $159.60

If the Gio still sounds like the cut for you, Unis still has a lot of sizes and colors on sale. And if you're unsure of your size, you can always email customerservice@unisnewyork.com or try some on in their shop at 226 Elizabeth Street.

MSGM Men Fall / Winter 2011-12 Lookbook

2011-03-10T18:38:00.001-05:00

MSGM is an Italian fashion brand founded in 2008 with both men's and women's lines. From their latest lookbook, it seems to me to be a better fitting and possibly higher quality collection of a style akin to Opening Ceremony's in-house line. The brand seems to be faring well in its home country, placing in Vogue Italia's "Who's On Next" contest last year and generating moderate international attention. The head designer, Massimo Giorgetti cites that his fashion inspirations come from Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel and Walter Albini. Adding to that, he is apparently a big fan of indie bands the Strokes, MGMT and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. I don't want to get off-topic, but I'll say neither of those lists hurt the brand reputation in my eyes. The brand has a handful of U.S. stockists but it's unclear whether those are for both lines or just the women's line, I'm guessing the latter. A selection of the lookbook is below, the full thing is viewable on the official site.

— Information via Whiskey Soaked