Yaseen Bey formerly known as Mos Def on a visit to Paris with Union L.A proprietor Chris Gibbs via WeAreBlind.TV on vimeo.
What a find: Vivian Maier
Amazing.
There was also an opportunity to contribute via Kickstarter to the production of the documentary on here life and work. I would have loved to have been a part of making this happen.
The Collections
I've always been a fan of designer Adam Kimmel and feel he is one of a handful of this generations truly gifted American menswear designers. I think his clothing is inventive, modern and firmly rooted in the American menswear tradition. In this great video he offers a retrospective of his past collections, collaborations and inspirations. I was impressed and couldn't believe it when I heard and read his SS/11 collection was inspired by Snoop Dogg!
Find
Stumbled across this cropped pea-style coat recently and have added it to my fall arsenal. I'm not sure how long ago Polo made it but since it was thrifted I'll bet it was awhile ago. It's very unique, versatile and I've received quite a few compliments while out and about.
WIWT
Well, yesterday actually. The day went by so fast I didn't get a chance to post. Comfort is the mode. The holiday events are underway and I've been doing a lot of running around so haven't had much use for outerwear just yet. Plus, it's still pretending to be early fall around here anyway. I did wear socks but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to choose the pair most appropriate. This might be the first Xmas I'll be welcoming socks as stocking stuffers.
Denim-501's
Sweater-Polo
Shoes-Paraboot
Shirt-Aquascutum
Frames-Tom Ford
Watch-Omega
Undun
I've been a Roots fan since Organix and have always thought they were one of music's most prolific bands. I haven't heard the album in its entirety but plan on streaming it on NPR before picking it up next week. I feel like they have attempted to make the "Concept" album on previous recordings but have never quite had the freedom they do now in the bands career. I'm so grateful that they have lasted through the ups and downs of the music industry and have continued to make amazing music.
House Shoes
Cabrales Slip On Shoe
Or "Slippers" as they are formerly known should be included on every gents list of essential items for the holiday season. This indispensable shoe in my eyes symbolizes domestic living like no other. Unfortunately, it's taken a back seat over the years to the other, less attractive cousin, the Flip Flop. Best for daily jaunts to the trash, mail box and retrieval of that miss-thrown newspaper in the bushes. These above are from the brand Industry of All Nations and are a sharp and sophisticated option for kicking around the house or on the porch with a hot cup and your favorite newspaper or magazine. Hope everyone has an opportunity to relax and enjoy family, friends and good food this Thanksgiving.
Outerwear
I've been on the hunt for a casual outerwear piece for a little while. I came across this coat/blazer/jacket while out thrifting and was instantly struck. I actually had to come back on another day to get it because I had to wrap my head around the multi-functionality of it. It zips and/or buttons, rugged yet fits like a slim-fitting sports coat, and keeps me warm without breaking a sweat in this often unpredictable west coast weather. It might be the perfect coat although I kinda wish it was in navy. It goes well with most of what I've been wearing this season though.
The other thing that surprised me was that it was made by a very popular high end designer which I think I'll just keep a secret because it wasn't what first caught my attention. I think there is something to that because I wish more brands got attention because of the design, quality, and function of their garments than just the name on the label.
I do need to find a scarf (not too thick) that might go with it so if anybody has a link or color suggestion hit me up.
Fall Shawl
I picked this one up towards the end of summer (I assume it was an SS11 piece) on sale with the full intention of adding it to my fall wardrobe. It has been in steady rotation since and very useful as the west coast chill has finally started to set in. Knitwear is something Mr. Lauren and crew seem to always do well and adding these brass clips is what makes them the best in the game.
If
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or, being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two imposters just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breath a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on"; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run - Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son! |
- Rudyard Kipling
Any Given Day
Well, mostly on casual days and weekends anyway. I've begun to narrow down my wardrobe to the essential pieces that define my style and approach to fashion. It's not much to look at but it's me and feel like understated and refined is really my aesthetic. I've definitely experimented with many a trend over the last year and a half(Workwear, Anglo-italian, fashion forward, japanese street-style) but think classic American with a lean towards prep is probably my preferred style. Actually the biggest thing I've embraced is fit and have even enjoyed a more slender, european approach to it.
The style could be described as euro-prep if there is such a thing. It probably is more of a french approach to prep than anything but I have not gone full strangle hold with it. Quality is also my new conviction as well. No more cheap clothes is my new mantra. I'm not saying buy expensive but if it's something I plan on wearing for the next 5 years it better be the best my money can buy and not just the most popular brands. Tried and tested brands with a good if not great manufacturing tradition is where my money is going from now on. I'm Just saying.
Disclaimer-I don't actually own those J.M Weston loafers. Yet.
One Year Older
That's right folks, the earth has spun around once again and I've been given the blessing of another year of living dangerously. To celebrate, I became the proud owner of this beauty and needless to say I'm in love. It's actually vintage if you can believe it and at the price I got it you would have thought I beat up some poor gent and took it from him. A steal is a very big understatement.
I'd like to give a special shout out to this dope photo app I recently downloaded on my android phone. Expect to be seeing pic's of this guy in future posts. Things enjoyed? Most definitely.
Shame
If you haven't seen director and artist Steve McQueen's other film Hunger I highly suggest it.
Weekend In The City
L.A
Chicago
N.Y
Great online feature over at Gilt.com's brother menswear site Park & Bond. I often imagine what I would be wearing if I ever got a chance to jet off to the different cities in America and abroad. It's a pretty label heavy set of looks but has good examples of the type of garments you would probably need while visiting these spots this season. Check out the other city looks here.
Inspiration
I pulled a couple of pages from an old Japanese mag that I thought had some great inspiration in it for fall. I think as complete looks they may be a little to formal for me but I like the layout and could easily choose individual items to add to an existing wardrobe.
Drive (The Soundtrack)
I like many have been eagerly awaiting the release of this movie which I believe will cement Mr. Gosling as a movie icon of this generation. As a film soundtrack junky I've been disappointed over the years with the lackluster effort of most film soundtracks. I miss the heyday of the movie soundtrack during the 80s when either the film score (Vangelis, Moroder) or compilation of popular songs carried the film as much as the story-line did.
I've spent some time streaming this online and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the score composed by Cliff Martinez (formerly of red hot chili peppers) and selection of stand alone tracks. I think this will only intensify the buzz surrounding the story, directing and I'm sure, great performances of this upcoming film.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
These are a pair of my vintage Rossi Australian work boots. They are synonymous with outdoor rugged goodness and the outback. Now, when most people think of boots from Australia they might be picturing some monstrosity such as these but I plead with you to consider these as more suitable option. Some more options below:
R.M Williams
Blundstone
Here is a bit of info about the boot:
-via wikipedia
An Australian work boot (or generically elastic-sided boot) is a style of work shoe, typically constructed with a leather upper bound together with elastic sides and pull tabs on the front and back of the boot. The shoe lacks a tongue, and laces, and often contains a steel toe cap for occupational health and safety reasons. When the shoe contains a steel cap they are often known as "safety boots" or "steel toe boots". The boots generally lack an inner lining. The sole is generally polyurethane and the leather uppers are treated to be resistant to hot water, fats and mild alkaline and acid solutions.....the shoes are typically worn as safety boots in occupationally hazardous environments, as ordinary work boots for people whose work is occasionally hazardous and who need to enter hazardous sites, as formal dress boots, as riding boots, or for particular aesthetic purposes.
Now I'm gonna go out on a pretty big limb here and predict the Aussie boot to be the next it boot for fall. I say this because I've already seen it sneaked into a couple of F/W menswear collections and I really think we will see it in more as an alternative to rugged staple, the Red Wing. Anybody want to call B.S on that? Thoughts?
Ami
Ami F/W 2011
I'm always excited when I hear about new brands coming out of France. With all the attention currently on Italian or Anglo-italian menswear its good to see that the French still have it. I was first alerted to parisian brand Ami through menswear site dieworkwear and was instantly taken by the look and styling of the brand. As a fan of A.p.c and Kitsune I think Ami continues what the french do best which is chic, sophisticated, causal wear but with a bit of luxury.
Long Hot Summer
Great song and video with some great style elements. Paul Weller rolling around on that blanket is not one of them.
(capsule)
Well,I'll spare you the gratuitous photo's of clothes and their stylish designers and just get to the point. I had a pretty good time checking out all that the new breed(and old) of menswear, footwear and accessory brands will have to offer us in the coming seasons. I met some pretty cool and some cranky people who did their best to highlight the finer points of their wares in the splendor of casino lights and Nevada heat (114F). Why they have it in Vegas out of all the places in the western part of the U.S I'll never know. I did get a chance to partake in some Vegas fun though and even caught up on some R&R. Now back to work.
Style & Error
Mr.Thom Whiddett
Mr. Luke Sweeney
Mr. Nick Sullivan
Mr. Jake Walters
Mats Klingberg
Mr. Kalaho Mayombo
As somewhat of an anglophile I do like to keep abreast on things british, style-wise, with Lineage of Influence being one of my favorite online stops. I'm not sure what it is but they always seem to keep it fresh while staying true to their menswear tradition. I do want to take the opportunity to wish the people of London well and a speedy recovery.
I'm not sure why I hadn't heard of U.K blog Style & Error or Tom Stubbs earlier as he seems to be a leading figure in menswear over there but I'm glad I did. His blog, especially these Stance video's are pretty cool. It's great to see people in the street rockin' there looks and showcasing their individual style. Someone in the U.S needs to do a version of this (GiltMANual?) You may not be familiar with all these guys but one thing they have in common, Mr. Stubbs included is great style. The watch game of these gents is also very on point. Enjoy!
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