frye-ly option.

Has the eight inch boot persuasion drawn you in? Are Red Wings all you see and hear? Frye's Rand Lace Boot in cognac provides wearer a rugged yet leather-soled option for those who enjoy straying from the norm or just enjoy a slight twist to a well-developed norm. USA made, you can feel enjoyment on various levels if and when you purchase these handsome boots. Fucking shoes.

saintly smells and suds.

The man takes class and the classic under a magnifying glass, magnifying only that which he deems choice and suitable for the Modern Man. Tom Ford is no doubt a religion : his exquisite hems signify purity and his cleansing bar exonerates us of our daily sins...dirt.

A fucking string clad cleansing bar. Straight genius.

spectacular.

It's almost too easy to indicate their being nothing faulty within this preview. So I wont. I spy only one barely poor-made decision. Lonely it stands, a nucleus within an impenetrable membrane of near perfection.

maddening props to you, hunter and gatti.

certainly quoddy.

Quoddy is one of those hand made, quality shoe companies that obviously invests a lot of care and effort into their production. I can only imagine that the price is well warranted, but for the past year or two, Quoddy has been flitting in and out of my forward gaze, tempting, but its peak has yet to traversed. These Black Ring Boots may just be the flag to pierce the pinnacle, staring down, crushin' con quoddy. Let's wait and manage a paycheck or two.

All American Boot. Division One.

Wolverine's 1000 Mile Boot is their homage to the back-days of the working man and prohibition. Wear with slacks and do not fret. Wear with denim....and haul some lumber through the street.

cateract-prevention. wise up.

The no-reward question of the day: Do the Ray-Ban 4141s come with green lenses? Paired with the Dark Havana frames, that'd be supreme. My eyes are bugging out for a pair.

honey.

With his ultra provocative ad campaign behind his line of fragrances, Tom Ford is and has been the 'in-guy,' the scruffy Midas of style, so no doubt his spot on tastes translate to his Private Collection. My best descriptive words for his Tobacco Vanille are both Striking and Honey. Its charm over me felt, honestly, private and my fascination with its deep smokey and honey tones were intense. Regarding the realm of sweets, I like anything and everything honey, it's the most agreeable sugar-rich food element out there as far as my tastes go. Smell is the supreme human sense, it evokes nostalgia/memories and forces your SCM immediately to involuntarily contract so as to check out a girl's ass who just passed you by. Tom Ford is obscene in the best way possible.

“A modern take on an old world men’s club. A smooth oriental, Tobacco Vanille opens immediately with opulent essences of Tobacco Leaf and aromatic spice notes. The heart unfolds with creamy Tonka Bean, Tobacco Flower, Vanilla and Cocoa, and finishes with a dry fruit accord, enriched with Sweet Wood Sap.” - Tom Ford (or his marketing goons)

Cool Camera.

Joint release from Leica and Hermés. This orange and silver camera is rather impressionable.

Timeful.

The Hermés Arceau Ebony Chronogaph. An elegant reminder of the brevity of our days, Arceau is a timepiece that patiently ticks through the seconds with a subtlety that shouts masculinity. The dark face flecked with the moving orange hands do not scream at the passing gaze but rather casually invites it in for a cup of tea, an alluring introduction, a lasting relationship. The listed hours are composed in the color cream, brilliantly italicized allowing the wearers good tastes to be reflected by the mere donning of the watch. I have come to appreciate my own appreciation of the classic watch, simply looking at its inner workings is a marvel. The craft being one that has existed for quite a few generations offers much to delve into and come to love and collect...when wealth knocks down my oaken door.

This may be my introduction : http://watch-happening.blogspot.com/

I can't tell you why.

It's honestly beyond me but I feel strongly drawn towards this particular accessory. There's nothing practical about it as far as my vida diaria goes. It's simply something that were I to have on my person in a pocket somewhere, that were it randomly pressed against my body, and I was reminded of its presence, I'd think the following: I am fucking cool.

Foot.

Since I've been enticed and obviously alerted to the fact that I need an Alden bone shoe horn from numerous bloggers (one normally only able to be acquired with shoe purchase, harumph), it'd also be a grand gesture if someone happened to feel an urge, a spontaneous inspired-gift-purchase for my belated half-year birfday and throw down some bills for the Alden leather travel boot kit. Brush, cloths and creams, simply to buff and bring my leather kicks to a state of appreciation for their owner. Mull on these careful words and sentiments. Try to make a proper decision for once in your life.

The Man Who Dressed Too Well

My first exposure to Cary Grant as a youth was with Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief ('55), a brilliant twist-filled, suspense-driven drama. A gem in the film industry, one that grabbed my 1990's attention, but frankly my heart was no doubt born somewhere in the mid-twentieth century - exact date unknown, my mother lost the birth certificate. Stare intensely at the screen shot above: the red-white polka dot scarf, the black and white striped sweater, wide-leg pants that fall perfectly on his shoe, and his SHOE....a rich caramel with dark trim and white-sole. Shit, John Robie with his distinct stance and crushin' wardrobe deserves Grace Kelly, bombshell.

Men ought to start wearing their pants (at least some of them for the sake of variety and style) above their waist. Fear not, gentleman-to-be.

Timeless.

Tom Ford Collection.

Natural Expedition in my "Timbo's"

Took my nuevo Abington Guide Boots - by Timberland - out for a light bi-ped gallop through the nearby Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. No doubt a solid shoe construction, rising up a good eight inches, these boots were meant for walking providing ankle/foot support while looking pretty hip. I went solo, so excuse the shot from above.

"Built for those who depended on theirs as much as their grit and determination to get the job done. That same working heritage is stitched into every boot in the Abington collection - using premium leathers for quality and durability."

fuck. fuck. tca.

hot damn. steve mcqueen, you mother fucker. These shades are simply crushin'.

edifice weatherman collection. simply a tip-of-the-tongue-taste.

Edifice x Lavenham, one can hope it comes to 'western' fruition. This tweed and nylon dynamic duo is so good looking it's annoying....to live in tokyo.

Stepping back in the ring. ding.

For a one David Chu, a life touring the world with a set of titanium-mercurial-osmium alloy clubs a swingin' throughout international golf courses was clearly not enough, so the man has re-entered the allegorical ring to throw a few new and obviously hip punches. The new line is Lincs. The Nautica hombre de couture has blended a super chic americana and classically rich fashion that includes eight inch boots paired with well cut trousers and beautiful (yet simple) combinations of awesome patterned blazers, among other prospect-filled ivy-league vibes. I'm looking forward to this new invention. Check the photo posted - the colors and just the whole vibe is spot on. This is what's in done exceptionally well.

That's no horse rug.

Lavenham. Taking a stab at capitalism, Lavenham entered the market with their horse rugs in 1969 but are now much more successfully recognized for their diamond quilted jackets. I'm awfully fond of the fit and overall look - especially the colors and trim - of the jacket. Referring to the preferred top photo and jacket, the contrast colors as well as complementary elastic cuff, the 2010 Spring and Summer collection is most definitely something for which I would painfully hold my breath. Moderately priced, as well, I can't say I'd be pained in any measure to host this jacket in my wardrobe, no diggity.

so shwood. so zebrawood. so exclamation.

Medical jargon would call this an Orbicular Fetish. Mind you this can be taken down a forked path of meanings, and I will undeniably submit to all routes your mind may take. As soon as I get internet access from rehab, I may decide on aggregating further words for this post. shit.

Big boy's don't cry.

I fucking know you shed tears when you check the forecast and your leather digs are rendered useless for a day - or extended period - when the rain drops are a fallin'. I get it. There's only so little water repellant sprays can do for a pair of leather soled shoes...what I mean specifically, the soles will undoubtedly get warped. Then we're talking about plantar-purgatory. Pecado capital. Umbrellas are, indeed, saintly but puddles are unavoidable. Therefore, what I suggest for your dry-seeking toes is an easy pair of Hunter Original Lace boots. My preference places laces down the front because...that's what I prefer. Throw some wool socks in the mix and I'd be damned if you can't feel your toes during our humbling winters. Look it up, check it out, yo.

perforated wings.

Ted Baker Perforated Wing Tip Dark Brown Leather Oxfords. A classy look, done simply and in a refined manner. With a pair of kicks like the ones above, I think I can make a dignified entrance into the autumn season. Dressed down with raw denim or paired with wool slacks, these wing tips will definitely have the lower extremeties looking snappy. And, of course, the stitching on the toe provides a cool and hip character. Overall, I dig.

fml.

This is simply too much to take in right now. A sweater like this is one that would accompany a person for years to come, cup of tea after cup of tea. 'Fuck money' me thinks.

Gordon Rush: An American in Milan

Practical. Elegant. Telluride Limited Edition Shearling Boot by Gordon Rush. In my recent efforts to find a boot that fulfilled the mandatory toasty-feet referendum passed recently for bitter Milwaukee winters...as well as look massively hip, I originally resigned to Red Wings for a more heavily practical and well made boot. That was until I found this fine specimen of refinement and warmth. With a shearling lining that makes me wish I were five inches tall so I could take a nap in them, on top of other distinguished features, including but not limited to nicely cylindrical leather laces, two tones of burnished italian calf leather, and a combination sole - of leather and rubber - ...gordon rush has cut a huge wedge of the cake that is my personal interest. Simply go through his collection and your thrill with his capped leather oxfords and pebbled desert boots will undoubtedly make you feel shame. Gordon Rush is an American in Milan, doing what the Italians do well, but with an American flair. Hats off to you, Gordon Rush.

Nothing less than deluxe.

Let's revel, again, with another pair of gafas de sol, this time from Benjamin Montoya's collection and one to my own XY tastes. The Nicole Deluxe is one nasty pair of acetate frames with a classically-unique-metal-aviatoresque attachment. Not modestly priced at five-hundred bones, these frames are quintessentially hip.

"A Most dynamic thing happens when a person put on a well-crafted pair of sunglasses, they can project a vision of who they want to be instantly." - Benjamin Montoya

Truth. That's exactly what I've been thinking but keep forgetting to say.

me and my wifey.

'After hearing the words 'I do,' he briskly lifted her veil - Oscar fucking de la Renta - and stared into the dark reflective lens, he knew at this moment, he felt with all his emotions, that the woman behind these glamour-soaked tortoise frames, this woman was truly his one and only....his lil' hood thang.'

An excerpt from the daily ramblings of saba noori sadeghi, not to be found in local bookstores as it has yet to be picked up by a publisher, but I hope you get the point I'm laying down. Leave it to Scott Schumann to find today's 'bell of the ball' wearing some utmost chiq, retro-classic, movie star frames that'd make me double take. This lady has got something going on. Snap.

post script - scott, don't press charges. (photo by scott schumann - the timeless Sartorialist)

Call him an angry dandy.

My generation has lost the art of presentation. A careless ensemble of degenerates view casual attire as a norm. Don't be bamboozled, however, by their definition of 'casual.' The wreck that follows two horses crashing into one another during a derby is representative of the absolute ineptitude these miscreants display every time they make the voyage into a so called wardrobe. They collide headfirst into studded cement wall. That which clings to the cement could very well be comparable to the clothes they had donned that very morning. From simply ill-fitting pants that belong in Andre the Giant's goodwill pile to an utterly mortifying semblance to a skank country bumkin...what a deep weed-infested ditch they have cast themselves into willingly. Can I bare more ennui or hold more vomit back as I witness this constant parade of shameful dress sunrise to sunset and beyond the protection of day? How is it that we have stumbled upon a time where white athletic socks are ever paired with velcro adidas sandals? How is it the same individuals continue to wear adidas sandals beyond the age of seven?

Some hate vanity and most consider being superficial a character flaw. 'The better you look the more you see,' repeats Glamorama's Victor Ward, more than likely unaware of the validity of his personal mantra. When will the masses sac up and start dressing their age as well as with a critical eye. Mirrors serve one crucial function and with the shear number of men and women falling into the trap of fashionable - literally - reality television, it would be as refreshing as arctic water to see media's effect being expressed on the streets. Remember : 'the better you look the more you see.'

Summer Kicks

Unless you've torn your achilles tendon and have an ankle the size of a watermelon, I'd say leave the sandals where they belong, at your college fraternity house.

As for the monstrosity known as crocks (i don't care if they're designated solely for walking your dog/mowing the lawn), you're better off wearing Birkenstocks. By wearing crocks, you willfully resign any smidgen of dignity you may have possessed.

For everyone else unsatisfied with wearing your favorite pair of shoes to the beach, I'd highly recommend Tom's. Initially hesitant due to their resemblance to slippers, I've come to appreciate their simplicity and comfort, not to mention, the company's great mission.

Stick with a basic solid and pair with shorts or swim trunks for the remaining summer days.

Celebrating: King Cool

It wasn't until I started my recent relationship that I began to truly appreciate Paul Newman. Thankfully, both men are now a part of my life and I'm the better for it. While you can't exactly date my gentleman, you sure as hell can watch the unnervingly handsome Newman, and I highly recommend that you do. Whether in a white undershirt or suit and tie, Paul Newman exudes a coolness so god-like that you'll wonder whether the man was ever really part of this world.

Just Dandy

Everybody looked overdressed, or badly dressed - some, indeed, looked positively dirty - beside him. His clothes seemed to melt into each other with the perfection of their cut and the quiet harmony of their colour. Without a single point of emphasis everything was distinguished...he was the personification of freshness and cleanliness and order...That 'certain exquisite propriety' stamped his whole being, and made him appear cool, refined and debonair among the gentlemen who talked only of sport. - Virginia Woolf on the most famous dandy in British history, George Beau Brummell.

Men's fashion may not be as ostentatious as it was back in George's day but I like to think dandyism lives on in more subtle ways.

vintage gold turtles suede jacket

ralph lauren white button up
j crew herringbone vest
vintage j crew tie

apc new cure denim

green cashmere socks

vintage ralph lauren moccasins (RIP)

LEGS LEGS LEGS

Guys, let's all make sure we're on the same page. We're nearing the summer months and we all know that equates to sweating through some amazing bike rides, serious barbecues, late night shenanigans down by the lake and tons of ice cold bottled beverages.

But before all that happens, I want to make it very clear, IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY FOR YOU TO WEAR SHORTS. In fact, it is highly suggested during the summer months. For the sake of warm weather, sunshine and the ladies, let those shanks see the light of day!

This obviously excludes anything large enough to fit two of you, definitely nothing with compartments for your tools and please no more pockets than necessary.

But those old Levi's with the paint splatters? Cut them. The fancy plaid shorts suitable for golf with dad? Wear them. Great fitting cotton shorts? DO IT.


Take a cue from Justin Kay. No doubt were I a man, I'd be hijacking his style. You should do the same:

Shorts by Hyden Yoo
Shirt by J. Crew
Shades by Marc Jacobs
Shoes by L.L. Bean

For the curious, a brief history of men's shorts.

re: Layers

Wish my camera hadn't died as this kit was rather impressive. Top half gives you an idea; its all about the layers.

Top:
Tortoise shell sunglasses by Persol 649
Light blue striped button up shirt by Etienne Aigner (vintage)
Navy vest by Guess Jeans
Grey cardigan by Ralph Lauren
White wind breaker by Ralph Lauren

Bottom:
Navy pants by Modern Amusement
Grey Howard shoes by French Connection (currently on sale for $50)

Not Rocket Science

It's not rocket science but it seems like most men have no idea...
How To Take Care of Your Kicks

The article highlights three important points but leaves out the one thing I find most people do, leave their damp leathers near the furnace (or worse yet, on the furnace!). Unless you want dry, cracked shoes with a very short lifespan, avoid that at all costs.

Chapter I

It's not that I am opposed to all and every excess. I don't believe that flamboyance - what some would call vulgarity - is always unmanly. The opposite of cool is not vulgar; it is bland. Bland is the enemy of style. The ocasional bit of vulgarity can be charming.

No, the enemy is the blight of athletic wear for comfort in mall parking lots and in restaurants; it is bright blue fleece jogging jackets and kayaking sandals, pleated khaki shorts and T-shirts with faded concert advertisements on them...

If you must feel altruistic about everything you do, think of your appearance as a gift to others. A pleasant aspect shows respect for people around you. You are not a superficial man: you are making the world a more beautiful place. It will be, like art, at once pleasurable and intellectual. It will be like Shostakovich.

- Russell Smith, Men's Style

In Those Jeans

While it may be true that shoes are the first thing most notice and the roots to which an outfit stems, pants not chosen well can easily diminish any and all value of a great pair of shoes.

The moral: the pants should always fit well.


A.P.C. New Cure Jeans

Shades of Greige Red Checkered Button-up

Vintage Knit Cable Cardigan

This Charming Man

Saba may be a young college student but you'll never find him in sweatpants. Men of all ages take note, dressing well can be as simple as a well fitting undershirt, your favorite old sweater, your grandfather's slacks and a great pair of worn in oxfords.

The goods:

Vintage cashmere cardigan by the Scotch House

White V-neck undershirt

High waisted pleated and slightly tapered pants by Ralph Lauren

Brown braided leather belt

Cole Haan Derringer Oxfords

Shit watch by Calypso

Accessories - Japanese Shinto temple beads