Archive for the ‘Dress’ Category
Mad About Plaid
Mad Men has set many style trends over the years; The slim charcoal suit, thick framed glasses, the side part, and now…plaid jackets. At least one has appeared in every episode so far this season, and they took it to a whole new level this past Sunday (see above).
Certainly plaid jackets could be found prior to Mad Men (as could a slim charcoal suit, thick framed glasses and side parts), however, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of these this spring and summer based solely on their new staring role.
Keep in mind that this is advanced style. If you plan on experimenting yourself, make sure it’s in a modern cut, and unless you work in a creative field…save it for the weekend.
The Suit
“Since the time it was introduced in the seventeenth century, the modern suit has been about two things: power and sex. If you doubt us, try this simple experiment. Some evening, go to a nice hotel bar where you don’t know anyone, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The jeans don’t even have to have holes in them, and the t-shirt can be clean. Now, return to the same bar the next evening wearing a nice suit. Take note of the difference in reaction from the bartender and of the other patrons in the bar. Remember them.” - Esquire Style Handbook
T Minus Ten | Mad Men Is Back
This highly anticipated fifth season of Mad Men is just ten days away. Enjoy the teaser below before Don and the gang return in full (and very dapper) force.
The Ludlow Shop | J.Crew
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again…Men’s fashion “trends” are moving into a more dressed up direction. No wardrobe is complete without a selection of well-tailored staples, and with the opening of J.Crew’s new Ludlow Shop in NYC, these items have never been easier to find. The Ludlow suit, J.Crew’s slimmer, more modern cut, takes center stage at their new shop on Hudson St. in Tribeca. While the entire store revolves around one suit model, there is sill plenty to choose from. The suit is currently offered in nineteen different versions and the store is well stocked with a carefully curated selection of complimentary items like Thomas Mason shirts, Crockett & Jones shoes and Drake’s pocket squares.
Ovadia & Sons
The dust has officially settled on New York Fashion Week, and Ovadia & Sons is the cleanest one of the bunch. Men’s fashion is heading in a more tailored, dressed-up direction, and Ovadia & Sons has nailed it with their most recent collection.
Check out their full F/W 12 collection here.
Rudy’s Barbershop | The Beginnings
Vintage style barbershops have been popping up at a rapid pace over the past few year. One of the originators of this trend was Rudy’s, which started in the early 1990s during the “grunge” days in Seattle.
Check out this video which documents the story of their humble beginnings.
3×1 | Bespoke Denim
I wouldn’t usually support the idea of spending an outrageous amount of money on blue jeans…but 3×1 is just too damn cool.
Denim industry maven, Scott Morrison, of Earnest Sewn and Paper Denim & Cloth fame opened up his Soho shop this past May. His new concept, 3×1 (the name is derived from denim’s standard weaving constriction, 3×1 Right Hand Twill, and references the designers third denim venture), is focused on the bespoke process.
While 3×1 has a selection of ready-to-wear denim (prices starting around $350), the real draw is the custom, with prices starting at (cough) $1200. During the process, you meet with Scott and his design team to pick out everything from fabric (with dozens of Japanese, European and American bolts to sort through) to hardware, to stitch color. From there, you will collaborate with the head pattern maker until the fit is just right. The ladies who work in their in-house facility will construct the finished product while you watch.
Sure, if you want to pay this month’s rent you can get a pair of A.P.C’s or Gap 1969′s, but the day might come when you want to drop $1200 on a pair of jeans, and when that day comes my friend, 3×1 is the only acceptable option.
Die, Workwear
Look, I got into the workwear trend just as much as the next guy. I own plenty of workshirts, flannels, and I’m one pair shy of a full weeks-worth of Red Wing boots. Heavy Field & Stream-like flannels and work boots will always be in style in the right setting, but the “trend” is dying off. If you’re a city dweller, you’re better off investing in some classic well-tailored clothing, like those documented on the blog, Die, Workwear.
While the rugged look certainly has a place and time, the classic look is timeless and always appropriate.
The Spread Collar
Spread collar shirts have been gaining popularity recently, and for good reason…when done right, they look damn good.
A spread collar is like a double-breasted suit, they’re not for every guy. But if you have a thin frame and a thin face, nothing looks better than a spread collar shirt. The horizontal line that the collar creates balances the natural vertical lines of a thin face and frame. Add some to your mix today, they’re available from high to low.
Image from GQ
Fair Game
Tough to find a cooler version than this one from J.Crew.
‘Tis the season…to wear a Fair Isle sweater. Fair Isle sweaters are named after the knitting technique that originated on an island off the coast of northern Scotland called, well, Fair Isle. They’re always popular and appropriate during the holiday season, but beware of those with gimmikcy patterns like snowflakes, reindeer and moose. Some can work, but you run the risk of looking like an overgrown child. Better to save those for the annual ugly sweater party and get yourself an updated and more versatile version this season.
If you’re looking for a bargain, this one from American Living is a good option.