Bonnie & Clyde

Early Summer Grey

2011-06-07T23:50:00.004-04:00

I only have just realized how nice a few grey pieces can... look. Today was my last day of work for till the end of the summer, so I grabbed these two before I left. The sweatshirt is thin enough that I can wear it on cooler nights. The polo is a nice lightweight pique. The collar is perfectly cut, it's no Kent Wang polo, but for the cost it's a really good alternative. I picked up the pair for $48 combined.

Small Town Hero

2011-06-05T22:22:00.004-04:00

Being an ex-blogger for Jeffrey Campbell is like being an ex-girlfriend to a really cool guy you dated in high school. As you creep his Facebook, I creep Jeffrey’s lookbooks. His lookbooks always seem follow one rule: to be as ridiculous as possible. As we await for his most recent lookbook to drop, The Girls We Hated in High School, we’ll settle cooing over some new pages in his Summer 2011 Hometown Hero book. He’s covering all the basics with oxfords and flats to more edgy flatforms and shoes with impossible sole-cutouts. Campbell’s heels are getting more outrageous by the season.

Corter Standard Slim Utility Belt

2011-06-05T09:17:00.003-04:00

This belt is serious... Corter says it is made out of 12-14 oz. leather, by his measurements thats 2-3 US quarters thick, by mine it's 4 quarters thick. The leather that Eric of Corter uses for his belts comes from hides specially made for him by the tannery he uses. The leather on these belts isn't the only good thing either. Every belt is cut in house specifically to your measurements with a width of 1". The leather keeper is hand sewn and the sturdy rolling buckle is held in place by to chicago screws. While the Corter shop is currently closed for maintenance and updates, be sure to visit it when it's back up. You can not get a custom sized belt of this quality for $46.75 anywhere else.

Behind The Scenes - Two Inch Cuffs Summer Lookbook 2011

2011-06-03T10:18:00.005-04:00

I had the opportunity to join the Two Inch Cuffs team... on the set of the Summer Lookbook for 2011. It was a really fun afternoon, and I'm sure you'll be seeing more involvement with them in the near future. Here's some shots I snapped while helping out.

The Fashion Attic

2011-05-30T22:47:00.005-04:00

Sophie Assa, once a Closet Visit feature, just launched her very own e-store... The Fashion Attic. The lookbook came with no surprises. As Sophie called herself in the Closet Visit interview a “fashion chameleon,” it can definitely be seen through her lookbook of versatile and soft dresses, lingerie inspired tops, thigh-highs. Despite how little is currently in stock, we have high expectations for this stylist, consultant, and blogger. After peeping the store, I kind of want to splurge on those Giambattista Valli shorts, pair them with my mom’s best Audrey-inspired bathing suit top and wooden peep-toe wedges.

Mother's Daughter

2011-05-24T23:26:00.004-04:00

Although Mother’s Daughter is an online-based vintage boutique... based out of San Francisco, it makes me want to jump on the next plane across the country to see what I’m missing. They seem to be getting better at picking and choosing. Their S/S’11 lookbook makes me so excited to lounge on the beach in a cropped shirt with my hair blowing in the wind and feet dug into the sand.

Or can how about just strutting around town in tapered and rolled acid wash jeans with a sheer top? Either way, I think I’ll be nabbing one of their 1980’s pleated maxi skirts.

feature: anna allen clothing

2011-05-23T21:57:00.006-04:00

An image from the s/s 2011 look book.

Lately I've developed an obsession with anna allen clothing... The owner of the brand handcrafts each piece, and many items are designed based on clothing patterns from the 19th century - reminiscent of her impressive work with Civil War costume designs. Here are a few of my favorites. I could post tons of these - each item has a unique character and simple beauty of its own.

the harvest calico blouse

the linen tucked dress shirt

This work smock is a personal favorite. It looks incredibly practical.

If I ever buy one of these pieces, you can be sure I'll post about it here. Speaking of which, I promise I'll try and post more from now own. Really. I'll try. I'm so excited that Nicole is now part of the blog as well!

- Julie Anne

Kent Wang White with Leaf

2011-05-23T14:47:00.004-04:00

I've been without a white linen pocket square for some reason... Being a pretty staple piece means i've been meaning to pick one up. I ended up grabbing this Kent Wang 100% cotton one. It fills in for a simple white linen square, but with a little bit of extra detail. You can buy it directly from Kent Wang right now for $20 with free shipping.

Mark McNairy for Inventory Items 003

2011-05-21T00:24:00.004-04:00

These are from 2009, they were a limited run Mark McNairy did for Inventory's Stockroom. Basically one of my favorite shoes ever and I'm very excited I was able to finally find a new pair so long after they were originally available. Here are a few shots, I did my best to get the colors right, but the blue is a very deep shade and was hard to get.

Corduroy Barracuda

2011-05-21T00:08:00.003-04:00

I think I've finally completed my spring outerwear line up. A military green parka shell, a blue linen sport coat, my Gant Rugger varsity for those chillier days, my Norse Projects rain jacket for the wet weather, and finally this. It's the only lighter colored item in my lineup which is nice to have. The fabric is a light twill and the corduroy collar is really soft. The jacket is pretty simple, but has some nice detailing. It's partially lined with bengal stripe oxford cloth, has buttons in the back at the waist to slightly adjust slimness of the body, and a tab at the collar to close it up on those windy days. Now on sale at Club Monaco for $80.

100% Hemp V-Neck

2011-05-20T23:56:00.005-04:00

Summer is almost here and layering becomes more difficult as the weather gets hotter. To help combat this more warm weather appropriate fabrics and weights are necessary. Linen is a go to for knits and wovens alike during the warmer months. There are others options though, one being hemp. This sweater has a very fine gauge, but is loosely woven given it a very nice texture as well as keeping things light and cool. The golden color goes really well with blue oxford cloth, which is a personal favorite. Avaible now at Club Monaco locations for $98.

Beads

2011-05-20T23:51:00.002-04:00

Everybody and their mom has these. But that's not a bad thing. I used to have a set a friend brought back from china but those are long gone somewhere in a box or under a couch. I picked up these off a street vendor while in Ny the other day. Both are wood, the lighter one being completely untreated.

ROTM Spread Collar Oxford

2011-05-04T13:44:00.002-04:00

Run of The Mill is a small online shop run by a few bloggers you've probably heard of. For spring they put out their first line of private label goods. I got the blue oxford. Made in the US with a hefty oxford cloth. The cut for me is a little wide, but that only means that it should fit most people perfectly. While it's too late to get them now, I'm sure we'll see more ROTM goods in the future, and they'll probably include some more spread collars. You know the deal, bloggers blogging about bloggers making clothing.

Club Monaco Fall 2011 Focused.

2011-05-03T17:16:00.010-04:00

If you follow my tumblr at all, you will know by now that I've recently been a huge fan of Club Monaco. This collection is no excpetion. The boldness in colors have been subdued a little, but the signature injects of colors still remain. This is part two to my SS11 post. Same concept here. All images originally from Club Monaco.

Spring Things

2011-03-24T22:57:00.006-04:00

Corter Leather / For Japan

Baron Wells Slim Chino / Burnt Orange

Warby Parker Begley / Whiskey Tortoise

Swag

Gant Rugger Homerun Jacket / FW10 (no longer available)

Baron Wells Cotton Gingham / The Hill-Side Floral Indigo Discharge Print

Pitti Remixed

2011-02-19T22:34:00.005-05:00

Two image's whose .jpg files I corrupted with lyrics from "Whip My Hair".

Acquired

2011-02-02T14:07:00.001-05:00

Club Monaco SS11 Focused

2011-01-25T03:18:00.005-05:00

With the spring collection hitting the internet there's some debate on whether or not Club Monaco was able to match their very impressive F/W 10-11 collection. After being hands on with some of the collection last week, and viewing the lookbook 'a little closer' I'm going to say that they've done a good job with spring, but maybe not as great as Fall was. They lookbook was a little goofy looking and at first sight kinda put me off. But after you get past the models you can get a better idea of the clothes themselves. I expertly cropped some of the looks for your viewing pleasure (this is why you should hire me for your lookbooks). Oh and I did I mention the McNairy for Club Monaco bucks?

APC Petite Standards

2011-01-22T13:49:00.002-05:00

One year. One wash. Two soaks.

Woolrich Woolen Mills Fall 2011 Preview

2011-01-17T11:44:00.005-05:00

Here we get the first look at the upcoming fall collection from WWM. This collection has already been heavily discussed in the blogosphere even before pictures surfaced. This is because Fall 2011 is the first year that menswear favorite Mark McNairy is designing, instead of Engineered Garments founder Daiki Suzuki. We're definitely seeing a lot more trend based pieces, but that doesn't need to be a bad thing.
Images via

Blues, part 1 - Alan Paine for the Crimson Shop sweater

2011-01-16T12:09:00.006-05:00

I've been really into the color blue lately; almost everything I've purchased for myself in the past few months has been some shade of blue or other. I figured I should do a series of some of the best blue things I've gotten recently. To start it off, here's something not quite new - it belonged to my dad, but he never wears it anymore, so now it's mine. It's an Alain Paine for the Crimson Shop navy blue Shetland sweater.

My dad doesn't remember when he bought this. The Crimson Shop no longer exists - it was once a store in Cambridge that catered to Harvard men. I think it closed in the mid eighties. The sweater had a somewhat large hole in the right elbow when my dad gave it to me, so I patched it with some very strangely-shaped elbow patches. They looked fine in the package, but they turned out to be square.

Not sure I'm a fan of the odd shape, but they look interesting enough. I wear this sweater almost constantly, as it's very warm and versatile. It's held up extremely well for its long years.

- J.A.

Obligatory Bean Boot Post, part 2

2011-01-15T15:26:00.005-05:00

I actually got these for my birthday back in November, but I've been too lazy/busy to post anything for awhile. I have the insulated eight inch ones.

They've really held up well, so far. I wear them everywhere: school, hikes, ski trips to New Hampshire, wherever. They're incredibly warm, comfortable, and dry.

- J.A.

More Pitti Favorites

2011-01-15T13:24:00.009-05:00

Images via GQ, STYLE, STREETFSN

Pitti Uomo Day 1 Picks: The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-01-12T20:01:00.013-05:00

These guys do this for a living, you think they would know better. When you try hard, you die hard.

Pitti Uomo Day 1 Picks: The Good

2011-01-12T19:27:00.007-05:00

So it's that time of year again. Pitti Uomo is on in Florence and the buyers are out in droves. Trying to one up each other style wise by piling on trend on top of trend. There is a lot of noise this year, but only a few gems to show for it. All pictures are by Tommy Ton.

Snow Fall

2011-01-12T19:06:00.002-05:00

So we got some snow today. My Bean Boots and parka held up nicely during my hours of shoveling.

Randoms

2011-01-12T14:47:00.014-05:00

APC Overshirt

2011-01-03T20:05:00.014-05:00

I picked this up at the APC store a few days ago when I was down in New York for NYE. It seemed too lightweight to be labeled as an overshirt and almost didn't buy it because of that. I decided to pull the trigger anyways and I'm very glad I did so. The shirt is super soft and surprisingly warm for its fabric weight. It also has a pretty interesting fit in that it can be worn over something thin like a button up, or something thicker like a crew neck sweatshirt and still fit properly. Definitely a new shirt I'm going to be wearing continuously over the next few months. Also the 50% off didn't hurt.

Mark McNairy Suede Chukka Boots

2011-01-03T19:59:00.008-05:00

These are probably the nicest shoe's I've ever boughten, or at least as far as retail price goes. As soon as I took them out of the box I could feel why they are priced so high. The materials and construction as of the utmost quality. Even the fit is perfect, the shoe fits perfectly around my foot and ankle.

Obligatory Bean Boot Post

2010-12-29T02:48:00.008-05:00

So if you read any menswear style blogs (which I'm going to assume you do) you already know the deal. Got these for christmas, they're awesome.

APC Parka

2010-12-23T21:39:00.004-05:00

So as it's been getting colder/has been cold up here in New England and I've been without a coat I really like. This APC lined parka showed up on sale and I decided to treat myself to an early christmas present. They ran out smalls before I had a chance to nab one, so I ended up going with a medium. It fits a little bigger than I would like, but it's definitely wearable and will fit comfortable with a lot of layers.

120610

2010-12-06T21:54:00.005-05:00

Sweater ;; J. Crew
Shirt ;; Rugby
Navy Knit Tie ;; Uniqlo
Watch ;; Seiko
Bandana ;; Beams+
Jeans ;; A.P.C.
Socks ;; Uniqlo
Shoes ;; Keds

Recent Purchases

2010-10-20T00:34:00.009-04:00

Some New Things

2010-09-28T21:55:00.005-04:00

Temple Of Jawnz 1.5 "Winter Varsity" (discontinued) in the Jason Bourne color way.

Vintage Seiko face with new NATO strap.

Old and new watch.

Things Done Wrong

2010-09-11T15:13:00.010-04:00

Uniqlo jacket, Brooks Brothers shirt, Vintage YSL tie, APC jeans, Happy Socks, Bed: Stu shoes

Jacket too small
Both buttons buttoned
Tie's smaller end longer than the larger end

Band of Outsiders X Sperry 2010 F/W

2010-08-12T11:40:00.004-04:00

Most of you are probably familiar with the season collaboration between the original boat shoe maker, Sperry Topsider, and the contemporary grail of menswear Band of Outsiders. Here is a preview of this seasons collection that is now available at Surrender. Sadly, in my opinion none of the collections since the very first have been as good, and have in fact gone down hill. For example below is my favorite BoO X Sperry shoe ever, and a sampling from this season.

Luckily there is at least one highlight this season, a grey wool penny loafer.

backpacks and ties

2010-07-03T23:57:00.005-04:00

Too tired to write much. This bag is really awesome, hand made by this guy. He is super cool and really accommodating. And if fits a shit load, I easily fit 8 button ups and 7 pairs of pants in it to test how much it could hold.

Every Day Carry

2010-06-26T09:23:00.005-04:00

Brooks Brothers Watch w/ Murray's Strap
Handmade Hook Bracelet
Ray Ban Wayfarers
Vintage Pocket Square
Corter Leather Cardholder
Uni Shift .5
Moleskine
Skoleskibet Danmark Zippo
Palm Pre Plus

APC 6 Month Update

2010-06-25T10:19:00.004-04:00

As days turn to weeks, and weeks to months, I try to give my APCs as much love as possible. Wearing them day in and day out in hopes of beautifully high contrasted fades. As the end of this month nears I am reaching my 6th month of wear. I plan on not washing them until 9 months in, and maybe even a year, we'll see.

Bass Dovers

2010-06-22T17:56:00.004-04:00

Recently my personal style has develop and grown. I used to want to mix classic prep with street wear twists, but finally I realized something. I have decided that classic, but slim/fit, menswear is where it's really at. These shoes are part of this progression into being well dressed and not goofy. These are considered the go to for penny loafers. They retail for $125 but I found them on eBay for $20.

Generic Surplus Durry

2010-06-03T22:06:00.010-04:00

I have been on the search for a pair of "dress shoes", and I use the term loosely, that I can easily wear casually for about 8 months. When pictures of Generic Surplus's new Durry shoe I was sold almost immediately. Now I can get my sartorial steeze on without being called a grandpa (oh they joy of high school). The one hold back I had at first was the laces, but after wearing them today for the first time they kinda grew on me.

Generic Surplus is the daughter brand of Generic Man, and has this to say about themselves:

Generic Surplus creates timeless silhouettes by uniting clean, refined lines with monochromatic colorways and durable, innovative materials. Our understated, elegant take on the American sneaker allows one’s own personal style to shine through. Generic Surplus: classic style and quality construction to wear the test of time

Here is what the leather soles look like after about a half day's use. I'm liking it so far.

Josephus Thimister: A Review

2010-05-24T22:34:00.006-04:00

I recently wrote a lengthy and pretentious review of Josephus Thimister's F/W 2010 haute couture collection for a new multicultural magazine my school is having. Some of it is like fashion for beginners since no one will have any idea what I'm talking about otherwise, but I'm such a huge fan of this collection that I have to post it. Here are some images from the collection. The review is below.

"All discussion of the legitimacy of fashion as a medium for political ideas aside, designer Josephus Thimister’s triumphant return to Paris fashion also marks the advent of a new ideology in haute couture. Not since John Galliano’s “1789” collection for Christian Dior Spring 2006 has haute couture looked to the people for inspiration. But whereas that collection was more a blood-spattered, self-indulgent romp than a genuine exploration of French citizens’ discontent (2005 marked a turbulent year in French politics), Thimister’s latest work represents an outsider’s stark and somber take on fashion’s place in a modern world marred by chaos and violence.

After winning the coveted first prize for design amongst his graduating class at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1987, Thimister soon took the helm at Balenciaga where he set a precedent for innovative modernism that continues to be carried out there by Nicolas Ghesquière. However, he was fired from the brand in 1999 after presenting a shocking collection inspired in part by Germany’s radical Baader-Meinhof terrorist group. Falling back on his eponymous label, THIMISTER, this enfant terrible continued to garner rave reviews and cultivate a following that appreciated thoughtful minimalism in the face of a fashion climate moving steadily away from grunge and towards superficial glamour and extravagance. Though he was named one of the top twenty-one designers of the moment by Vogue in 2001, Thimister was forced to close his label for financial reasons after presenting his Fall/Winter 2001 collection. He seemed to have disappeared completely from the Paris runways until this year, when the self-financed return of his label was bolstered by an invitation from the Federation Française de la Couture to be amongst the elite few to show at couture week in January (It is valuable to note that, out of all the couture collections, Thimister’s was the only one funded entirely by the designer’s own personal savings and loans from friends, rather than through an owning conglomerate such as LVMH or through capital from investors).

Befitting his outsider status, Thimister chose to present a fall collection during what is generally and perpetually regarded as a spring show season; he also showed menswear alongside womenswear, an unprecedented move for couture. Haute couture week is different from normal fashion week in that the clothes are made to measure, meaning that they must be fitted and purchased at an atelier and are never to be found on a store rack. This means that haute couture shows tend to be filled with excess and absurdity; they reflect the fantasy of many and the reality of few. Thimister’s collection, entitled “1915: Bloodshed and Opulence,” plays on this exclusivity by providing it with a dark historical context. The impetus for the collection ostensibly arose from photographs of Russia’s young Tsarevich Alexei in military uniform, and it developed into a politically charged examination of the First World War and the Russian Revolution as fundamental elements of the onset of a disillusioned modern era. “I'm not a political person,” says Thimister, who is part Russian, “But fashion has a voice and it is time to express my views.” The bloodshed in the collection was manifested by atypical (for couture week) fare such as staple-ridden tank tops, jodhpur-style pants splattered with bright red, and “survival blanket” trousers treated to look burnt. But the opulence, like that of the era’s dying aristocracy, also had a dark side, with ball gowns made from delicate grey tulle marred and distorted by the weight of beautiful silver ornamentation.

Despite the heavy concept, the collection is remarkably practical for couture. Structured military-style coats and jackets for men and women abound, some styled directly after WWI-era Russian army uniforms and others lined with red-tinged fur, an obvious reference to the astounding casualties faced by the Russian military in 1915. Yet, says Thimister, “You can find, even in the sort of ugly, rough, and tough pieces… a sort of poetry.” Indeed, limited to a palette of blood red, military green, white, and black, the collection has a quiet power to move and to disturb. How relevant, it forces us to ask, are yesterday’s social questions to the problems of today? Thimister seems to see parallels between the First World War’s disheartenment and disorder and today’s sense of helplessness in the face of overwhelming forces such as global warming and economic injustice. The finale of the show was not particularly hopeful. Before the lights went up, releasing viewers back into an increasingly tumultuous reality, Thimister sent out a line of identically dressed models in pilot’s jumpsuits, red bands slung diagonally across their chests, marching blank-faced into a bleak future."

Shopping for a girl

2010-05-23T22:04:00.004-04:00

Daily Uniform: Khaki and Floral

2010-05-23T21:54:00.006-04:00

Liberty of London for Target ~ Acne Chinos ~ Bostonians

Never been a fan of anything too "in your face" but this shirt is sort of an exception, and you can't beat the price. I got these pants at the OC sample sale for $25 (retail ~$300), but I still need to get them tailored. Right now they are really long, so I cuffed them on the inside of the leg to a silly Thom Browne length. Recently my father told me I could have these Bostonians, and his Allen Edmonds because he never wears either. Although the Allen Edmonds are the superior of the pair, I almost favor these more. For some reason (don't ask me why) he got rubber soles on the Allen Edmonds... why would you spend ~$400 on shoes and not get leather sole I will never know.

That New New: Save Khakis' chambray beach breaker

2010-05-22T17:09:00.003-04:00

Cult favorite Save Khaki just got a brand new line-up of "beach breakers" in stock. With summer creeping at the doorstep these are a great addition to your wardrobe. The creatively named beach breakers are a summer version of a spring essential. Whether your on an evening beach walk or a late afternoon sailing adventure, the air may cool down a bit and you'll need an extra layer, these are the article of choice. With Save Khaki's excellent fit and construction these are definitely worth the 180 dollars. I would certainly purchase one if I had the cash on hand. For a zip-up beach breaker your choices are blue or red, and if you want a button up, tan is your only option. Both models have a drawstring hood and bottom.

Daily Uniform: White pants and an appreciation of spandex.

2010-05-20T21:31:00.006-04:00

J.crew oxford - OC white pants - Uniqlo socks - UO boat shoes

I've been in need of a pair of white jeans or chinos for a while now, and my visit to the Opening Ceremony Sample Sale allowed me to purchase a pair at a price of my likings. I got a pair of opening ceremony brand white pants which retail for around $300 for $15 flat. Due to the price, and the nature of this type of event (crowded, disorganized, and limited sizing) I grabbed the first pair that I thought might remotely fit me, this turned out to be an XS. Now if you know anything about OC, you know that an XS is seriously extra small. Luckily these pants are 3% spandex, so I thought I might be able to stretch them out a little so they aren't "hipster skinny". They are bigger than they were when I first tried them on, but I'm hoping I can get them a little bigger. Oh, and to those who might find the socks goofy or out of place, what's the point in dressing if you can't have a little fun every once in a while.

The things I own

2010-05-13T19:58:00.009-04:00

Here we a brief interlude between more substantial posts. These are somethings I own, some have sentimental value, others aesthetic.

Denim Care: Soaking

2010-05-11T21:23:00.008-04:00

If you don't know, wearing raw denim requires a few things of the wearer. But first let's define raw denim. Raw denim are jeans that have never been washed, have not been artificially faded and such. Raw denim is usually a uniform color, and are stiff because they have not endured the normal washing processes that most jeans go through. Because of this stiffness they can be very uncomfortable the first times you wear them. So why choose raw of your run of the mill jeans? because with raw denim, they fade to your body specifically, with everything from the way you wear them, to what you carry with you in your pockets affecting the final outcome. To accomplish this desired fading however one must wear their jeans for as long as possible without washing them(usually 6-9 months). By not washing the jeans, creases in certain areas start to develop, and these creases knock the indigo of the jeans loose, thus creating areas were there is less indigo, otherwise known as fades. If you wash your jeans to early the creases and folds have not had enough time to completely fade, and since washing jeans rids the pants of such creases, and you have to start over again. This practice of not washing ones jeans for an extended amount of time does create two problems, the smell, and since you are not regularly washing your jeans, they don't have a chance to shrink back down from being stretched out do to wear. Good thing one simple solution can take care of both these problems, soaking. By soaking you jeans in a bath of hot water you can shrink your pants, rid them of possible odors and keep a lot of your well earned creases intact. My APC petite standards have been feeling a little baggy after the past 5 months of wear, so I decided it was time for their first soaking, a two hour hot bath. View the process below.

Pre Wash

Weighing down the jeans

Dirty water post soak from indigo and dirt

Drying

Pre and post soak fit

Daily Uniform: The Start

2010-05-09T21:01:00.010-04:00

Zara varsity - Gap gingham - APC Petite Standard - BedStu boat shoes

So as an exercise to help increase the frequency of posts here I have decided to post outfit pictures as often as i can. I also am doing this in hopes that I will be encouraged to not wear the same thing everyday, but we'll see how that really goes...

Kiwi leather laces - Hand made bracelet from the GF - Corter Leather bracelet - Rope from a high peaks trip

Bonus GIF

Vintage

2010-04-10T11:02:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite pastimes is doing searches on the Met's Costume Institute website. It's always amazing what you can find just by typing "shoes" or "coat". You can also search by designer name. Either way you're bound to unearth a myriad of brilliant pieces from prior epochs. Below are some of my favorite items, mixed and matched with some modern accoutrements.

Above: Wooden wedges, vintage, 1972; Evening jacket, vintage, 1923; Purple gloves, vintage Hermès, 1930s. Accessories (left to right): Pamela Love claw necklace; Unearthen crystal necklace.

Above (clockwise from bottom right): Charles Jourdan boots, 1973; Roger Vivier evening shoes, 1958; Andrea Pfister boots, 1990; Roger Vivier Evening shoes, 1960; Flower power heels, 1971.

Above: Cream-colored jacket, vintage, 1810; Black jacket, vintage, 1893. Accessories (from top): Alexis Mabille rose bow; Erin Wasson for RVCA ring; Elke Kramer ring; Pamela Love bear ring.

These are just a few of my favorites. Expect more; I have plenty of images stashed on my desktop and not enough time to compile them into an actual post.

Summer Aesthetics Vol. 2: "An afternoon on the Vineyard"

2010-04-06T20:38:00.006-04:00

Long sleeves incase you decide to go for a sail and it gets a bit windy.

Band Of Outsiders chambray tab collar shirt
Vineyard Vines link shorts in Mariner Red
Sperry Topsider brick sole navy boat shoes
Number Six Seil Marschal Day Pack
J. Crew leather anchor belt
Vintage Brooks Brothers wacth
Corter Leather wacth straps
Ray-Ban Clubmasters

Summer Aesthetics Vol. 1

2010-04-05T20:56:00.006-04:00

Band of Outsiders Oxford
J. Crew Broken-in chino in urban slim fit (roll 'em up!)
Tricker’s of England Kendal Super Shoe
Remade Vintage Military Helmet Bag
Allyn Scura Brown Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

In which we delve deep within the psyche of the notorious (Fake) Karl Lagerfeld

2010-03-06T16:10:00.009-05:00

Followed by everyone from magazine editors, to fellow bloggers, to the real Karl Lagerfeld himself (yes, the real Karl), Fake Karl Lagerfeld has managed to remain an enigma within an enigma, a mysterious individual who leaves everyone pondering as to the real identity behind his works of biting and hilarious satire. Though he has recently receded somewhat into hitherto unexplored regions of his atelier, making his posting rather infrequent, Fake Karl remains alive and well and has donned his guise once more in order to answer some probing questions for me.

J.A.: Let's start with childhood. What is your earliest memory?

F.K.: I recall coming out of my Mother's womb. I was so repulsed by the whole experience that I never wanted to go back into one of those again, as Mr. Fry says. I dislike the process of birthing. It's just very vulgar, no? I don't find it aesthetically pleasing at all. One wonders why women continue doing it. Children are generally unpleasant too, so nobody really gets anything good out of the whole thing. I myself was never a child.

J.A.: But aren't there any children you like??

F.K.: Tavi. But she is not really a child, hm? Real children have giant lollipops and dress in a French school uniform and sing cheery songs on their way to school, and sometimes they have zany adventures with the nuns who run their school. Often their name is "Madeline".

J.A.: Do you ever remember your dreams, and if so, what is the last dream you remember having?

F.K.: I do not sleep. But in my last non-dream, I was shopping with Tavi and I dressed as Sun Ra. I wore a large gold hat.

J.A.: What is the ideal body type for a man? for a woman?

F.K.: Bodies are so 20th century, hm? If I didn't have to sketch I'd become a gaseous mass and float around like one of those clouds in cartoons that rain down upon just one person. Apart from I would just look ominous, without doing anything. Kawakubo already is the expert at that. Sometimes I would turn into human form again, and become "Karl Lagerfeld" once more. Then step into a closet and vanish, turning into gas. The ultimate ghost, hm?

J.A.: What songs are currently playing on whichever of your thousands of ipods you are listening to right now?

F.K.: Cat Power- "I Found A Reason"

J.A.: Seeing as it's a known fact that you are immortal, how will you keep from becoming incredibly demode as the years pass by?

F.K.: Who on Earth do you think you are? That's implying that I could potentially become demode, and that's just impossible.

J.A.: Would you rather have to abandon someone or have them abandon you?

F.K.: "Abandon" implies attachment. I am not attached to anything.

J.A.: Not even your work? Not even Chanel?

F.K.: Do you see chains where I sit? Of course not, because I don't wear Chanel.

J.A.: If you could have any gift in the world, what would it be?

F.K.: Oh, this tie that I'm wearing.

J.A.: If you could have any special skill, what would it be?

Rei: MAYBE THAT IS SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE YOUNG LIKE TO TO WORK OUT.

J.A.: Oh, hi there Rei. So, Karl, if you somehow had offspring, what would you name them and why?

F.K.: I find the notion of offspring to be distasteful.

J.A.: What is your biggest fear?

F.K.: To stop working.

J.A.: One last question - you've recently written a piece for ELLE collections on your 10 commandments of Chanel, can you give us an inkling on that?

F.K.: They're actually the 10 commandments of style, rather than of Chanel. Chanel had no style in between Coco Chanel and myself, so they're not synonymous. And would God give out only one commandment and leave the rest? I think not. They are 10 commandments for a reason, and they'll be published on the intertubes in due time. I advise your readers, excepting of course the undesirable – well, they'll never have style, hm? – to read them and take note.

More Fake Karl linkage:
Word Up! Fake Karl Lagerfeld Discusses his Haute Couture Collection (PAPERmag)
Word Up! Fake Karl Returns (PAPERmag)
Word Up! Fake Karl Returns to Discuss His Fall 2009 Haute Couture Collection (PAPERmag)
POP Fall/Winter 09.10 Tavi Gevinson with Artwork by Damien Hirst (TFS)
The notoriously ubiquitous DEMODE shirt appears on the POP blog
OMG - ELLE Collections Sneak Preview! (ELLE magazine)
Featured on BunnyBISOUS (BunnyBISOUS)
Featured on Fashionologie (Fashionologie)
Fake Karl's très amusant Twitter (4,428 followers and counting...)

Mommy, I want a...

2010-03-05T18:10:00.006-05:00

As a teenager interested in fashion, it is hard to not have constant urges to buy pieces. With minimal income, it is even harder to buy these things, and that is why there are things I always want. Since there is so much out there, for this post I limited it to things i want from Opening Ceremony, I even was able to narrow it done to one outfit.

Stephan Schneider : shirt irony 00

Chloë Sevigny For Opening Ceremony : deconstructed soft blazer

Kolor : glen check pants

Opening Ceremony : m15 contrast sole oxford

Master-Piece for Opening Ceremony

And this last one obviously don't fit in with the whole outfit thing, but they are immensely awesome, and I would really enjoy a pair of my own

Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony : pms04 cuff short
bye, bye now

Damir Doma F/W 2010-2011

2010-03-04T19:00:00.004-05:00

This season is Damir Doma's first women's collection. Loving the shapes and all of the neutrals, greys, and blacks; this collection looks so easy and comfortable to wear, like protection from the outside world.

The round school-marm spectacles add the perfect touch of Edwardian eccentricity and complement the graceful covered-up feeling of the collection.

FYI

2010-03-04T13:31:00.005-05:00

Bernhard Willhelm will be streaming live tomorrow at 1 pm (Paris time I believe, so convert accordingly) from:

http://www.bernhard-willhelm.com/stream.php

Limi Feu F/W 2010-2011

2010-03-03T23:15:00.004-05:00

In case anyone doesn't know, Limi Feu is designed by Limi Yamamoto, daughter of Yohji. With this collection especially she seems to be coming from a perspective similar to her father's, though in my opinion she lacks a lot of his introspective sentiment and delicacy of craftsmanship. The shoes also felt somehow predictable and lackluster. But on the whole the predominantly black collection is interesting in its own right, with lots of structural layering (though no truly captivating textural juxtapositions), providing thoroughly wearable pieces that still exhibit lots of individualism and kick. Click through for larger images.

Unrelatedly, you should watch this. It's educating. Over and out.

HEY! HEY YOU!

2010-03-02T22:52:00.003-05:00

Yea, you! buy this now...

That is all, continue with your life.

Everybody knows that parties on Mars are superior

2010-03-02T18:34:00.003-05:00

(click through for large)
that is all, carry on...

The Perfect Pencil

2010-03-02T15:24:00.003-05:00

I've always had an odd fascination with writing utensils and stationary... and this is the epitome of it all.

The Rotring 600 series .5 mechanical pencil in lava finish
The body has a solid metal skeleton, with a "lava" stone casing. The pencil is heavy, and won't roll off a desk due to its hexagonal shape. The design is focused on mechanical utility, the pencil as a tool, but with beauty and clean lines.

In which a few of my favorite looks from fashion month so far decide to have a party in the New Mexico desert

2010-03-02T11:40:00.008-05:00

Click to enlarge.

As usual, can't wait to see the Paris shows. Almost all my favorites show in Paris. Expect a full-length Antonio Marras post later, I can't get enough of that collection.

Temple of Jawnz

2010-03-02T00:15:00.006-05:00

The Temple of Jawnz is an interesting label, it is almost completely based out of a forum thread. Despite the lack of an official site, branding, and general business structure, TOJ has developed quite a following. The brand focuses not on quantity of pieces, but on perfection of a few pieces. As well as a focus on the customer. When purchasing a TOJ piece, buyers usually will have any wishes on fabric, color, and hardware granted. Each piece is made to order with custom sizing and buyers personal requests.

Superfuture Thread - Unofficial Site - Gallery - Facebook

Cecilia Sörensen

2010-03-01T23:27:00.012-05:00

Now based in Barcelona, Sörensen studied tailoring in Helsinki before earning her fashion design degree in 2001.

Her designs and images are romantic and yet have a captivating simplicity. Above images are from her A/W 2009/2010 collection. She also custom-designs shirts from recycled menswear:

All images from http://www.ceciliasorensen.com/

Certified Preowned

2010-03-01T22:49:00.007-05:00

Sorel Boots

Vintage Ralph Lauren Luggage

Not much to say here besides that both of these items do their jobs very well, and have been for a while now.