Summer Blazin

I recently had the privilege of running across a very lightweight indigo blazer from Gap on sale for 29.00 bucks. Unfortunately the only size available was a large, however Mr. Don George (my tailor) cleaned it up nicely for me. Gents don't be afraid to pull the trigger on a nice piece just because it's a little large or small. A great tailor can fit a piece to your body making it ultimately better than it could have been originally. This is a flexible piece that can be worn with just about anything. Think McQueen fellas.

5 foot walls / surfing the GTX

Point break is one of the sickets films ever made IMHO. I grew up watching Swayze and Keanu look surf, act surf and talk surf. I never fully embraced it because well I live in Houston and if anyone has been to Galveston beach it leaves much to be desired. Bill has always had a fascination with surfing equipment and gear and his appreciation for the aesthetic led to our own surfing adventure this past weekend right off the Texas coast. The weather was perfect and although the waves weren't huge they were certainly big enough to catch a ride. 5 foot walls were crashing all around us. Myself, Bill and Justin all caught a wave to a legitamate extent, but the gold medal goes to Bill for riding one for a good 5 seconds.
Several things were learned on this adventure and as this was each of our 1st time to surf you can imagine the learning process along the way. 1. The board will eat up your chest and rub it raw - who would have thought it. 2. You've got to stay low, standing up will eat your lunch! 3. The undertoe is strong enough to suprise you and you have better be prepared to get sucked back under. 4. The margaritas make the whole experience mo betta!!! Great times with great friends. I'm thankful directly to God for allowing us to have the creative sense He does in that we are created in His image. I'm thankful for His wonderful creation in the form of the ocean / beach / waves.
Of particular interest to the locals was the fact that we surfed in our denim. The salt soaked option was a no brainer and the baldwins have gotten even more beautiful since their sun kissed bath. Enjoy these photos gents

This had McQueen all over it
5 foot walls boys!!!

A less expensive option

I'm a cigar fan. I enjoy getting lost in a cloud of smoke. I find it relaxing and a chance to engage the mind. I particularly enjoy Smokes from the Ashton line, but let's face it, they are EXPENSIVE. At 8.30 a stick the Maduro #20 can eat up the weekly paycheck.
For the past two months I've been smoking all kinds of 5.00 sticks with hopes that I could find something to satisfy my palate. Well the search is over. The Arturo Fuente Curly head is a $3.25 stick full of flavor and I just love it. The taste is great and you'd never think it was under 5.00. The value exists because the stick is rolled from the Hemingway 2nds, so if you've tasted the Hemingway this will give you an idea. It's spongy and flakey, hence the name, but the flavor is good. I enjoy the Maduro and it reminds me a lot if the Ashton Maduro #20. It's sweet on the tongue and follows the flavor profile of the traditional Fuente line. Don't cut it too aggressively as the tobacco is loose. I welcome your thoughts.

Stay classy Gentlemen

A gentlemen cares

There are a ton of hair products out there to choose from. Advertisements would lead us to believe that everything is the best. Let me assure you, not all of them deliver. I'm willing to bet you're not going to meet a guy pickier than me when it comes to his hair. The right product is a must. Shine, sheen, wash out, these are all things one must consider. DO NOT BUY YOUR STUFF FROM WALMART BOYS, the old adage is true, you get what you pay for. There are however exceptions to the rule. My recommendation - the classic brylcreem. It adds shine and makes your hair very soft and manageable. This is very light so it's going to wash out well however the hold isn't as strong as say a high life. I was attracted to it due to its classic popularity and longevity. 7.00 a tube, Because its hard to locate i hit amazon, however i hear Walgreens has it.Give it a try,
Your grandpa will be proud!

Brylcreem - "a little dab will do ya"

J crew short sleeve shirting

Short sleeve button up shirting is all about fit. J.Crew does well with their current line. They don't have very many selections but the fit is great. Here's one that I had the pleasure of trying over the weekend and it's on point. The price is 65 a little high in my opinion but shirts like these rarely go on sale. May I recommend you head to crew and try one out for your self

The Varsity Letterman Jacket

I know, I know, you're thinking "what is this high school?".  Haa, I have always liked the look of the varsity letter jacket. It's just stylish and preppy, and it works with pretty much anything. Show me a classic ivy league flick and tell me the jackets weren't cool.  Most guys will acquiesce if you didn't have one, you wanted one.   You really don't see many of them around these days. I didn't letter in high school so I never got the luxury of wearing one.  I think what's missing is the style of the jacket itself without all the mess.   I'm now 31 so i'm not feeling the "accolades" section, but the overall construction and aesthetic of the jacket is noteworthy.  The boys over at The Brooklyn Circus have made an impression with the jacket and your going to start seeing them pop up on the street and in blogs where style is appreciated.  In addition, if you haven't visited the circus before you are in for a real treat.  Check it out here

http://thebkcircus.com/

http://www.thestyleblogger.com/6370/1-piece5-ways-brooklyn-circus-varsity-jacket/

As you can see these look great with a pair of boots and jeans and they're warm as well. They are expensive at the circus (but worth it). I searched and searched the internet and finally stumbled across a wholesaler who would sell individuals.  The jacket is Holloway http://www.hollowayusa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplayView?langId=-1&storeId=52552&catalogId=11052&categoryId=18726&page=1   so the construction is stout.  The price = $140.00, believe me this is a good deal. Wool body and leather arms.  Here's a shot of the one that I've got coming in the mail.

I'm not sure what kind of branding / patches i'm going to go with (if any) but the cool thing is I've got the freedom and flexibility to design it to my exact specifications.  My primary concern, the white sleeves.  I hope to keep em clean, but you know how that goes. I was suprised to learn the difference between embroidery and patches.  The tailor just sews the patches on, however the emroiderer actually interweaves into the fabric.  Pretty neat.  If anybody has a good recommendation on where to find some patches please share.  I'll shoot some pic's as soon as i get the jacket in.

Key notes if you want to add this to your regular rotation:

1. Stick with a neutral color for the body : navy, black, or dark grey
2. If any branding or patches, keep it to a minimum, 1 or two letters tops.
3. Keep it clean, these jackets are meant to be worn and to stand out.



here's the link to where you can scoop yours

http://soccer.epicsports.com/prod/8003/holloway-wool-leather-sleeve-varsity-jackets.html

KYT - Know Your Terms: The Chesterfield

I realize the chesterfield is of little interest to many, including myself (well, to some degree I actually get geek-ed up about learning how certain things came about).  All of the information below was taken directly from The Gilt Manual.  What interested me the most about this post was the tagline "formality, for all it's rules and regulations, is relative".  I couldn't agree more!  I've always found it interesting that the way a man should dress be based on traditional formalities. I have always thought that a white oxford, black tie and a dark pair of blue jeans looked quite a bit more flattering than the "proper" accompanied slacks.  In my opinion jeans with an oxford and a tie is the best a man can look, not in a suit. (certainly this is subjective) So traditional formalities carry weight.  Isn't that interesting?  I would venture to say it's the same with facial hair.  Why is it inappropriate for a man to wear facial hair as an attorney, business man, or the President? A BEARD LOOKS WAY BETTER!  I had a buddy tell me recently that back in the day a man was deemed "not trustworthy" for wearing a beard. What variations play into the subjectivity behind clothing formalities and variations?   The Chesterfield below is a perfect example. Perhaps some post's on this very subject will come later, I may be on to something here.......:)      

Dress well gentlemen.

Formality, for all its rules and regulations, is relative. Case in point: The Chesterfield, the British overcoat introduced around 1840 and subsequently named for the sixth Earl of Chesterfield. Though it’s currently one of the most formal overcoats a guy can wear, it actually rose to prominence as a casual alternative to the Victorian frock coat, replacing the former’s heavily suppressed waist seam with simple vertical darts for shape, and favoring a straighter, streamlined silhouette.

But aside from the reworked lines of the thing, the Chesterfield isn’t all that different from its ancestor. Like the frock coat, it’s a full-length overcoat cut from dark, heavy wool and worn over a sport coat or suit jacket. Single-breasted versions are marked by a fly front, in which a cloth placket covers the buttons so they can’t be seen when the coat is closed. Double-breasted versions also exist, but feature exposed buttons. In either case, pockets are flapped and hit at the hip, and a single vent at the back gives your legs some room to move. And though it’s not technically a requirement for a coat to qualify as a Chesterfield, most versions feature a velvet collar. Originally worn by the wealthy as a sympathetic nod to the beheaded, aristocratic brethren who fell during the French Revolution—think about where a guillotine hits your neck—it also served a far more practical purpose: The velvet section could easily be removed and replaced after it became soiled. Longer hair was the style at the time, and as bathing was a once-in-a-while kind of affair, the oils that built up in a guy’s locks tended to transfer to the collar in short order. Seems that hygiene, like formality, is a relative thing as well.

For The Boy : The Tie

 I have always been and will always be a tie fan.  I think a Tie can take you from formal to casual in a matter of seconds. In my opinion it's one of the most versatile pieces a man can own. So obviously this begs the questions "How do I tie one?" & "What do I wear one with?"  This post will tackle that very subject as well as others. There are several ways to tie a tie and several ways to wear one.  With the chambray shirt becoming ever so popular take a minute and camp here, you won't regret it.
      As the young professional becomes more and more looked to, business casual demands respect.  A tartan with the right tie can work wonders for any situation.  It says silently "i care how I look and keep that up".  I'm telling ya, the mindset on ties is innacurate and many young men can utilize a nice tie in order to stand out and make a statement.

I enjoy a tie with just about anything, particularly mixing and matching. As referenced above the chambray shirt is a perfect go to for any color of tie, blue, black, red etc.... The university stripe tie is an awesome statement for a lunch with a client or for a drink and a smoke with the guys.  I scooped one from Tommy Hilfiger (vintage slim) for about $35.00.  The Hillside is a nice place to start for tie research.

Some tie recommendations from Rob:

Keep it simple, like shirting, blue, grey, black are your best bet.
When going university stripe utilize these key points as well.
Keep your tie thin, (emulating deon sanders and shannon sharpe is not recommended). The thinner the better, it will keep you looking lean and trim.
Don't be afraid to be square, square ties are back.
Invest in a sterling silver tie bar (clip). This particularly looks sharp with a matching plaque belt. See Jcrew for a nice one.
Wear it big, wear it proud. Own it. Confidence is key here.

Here are some links to help you catch up.

http://www.tie-a-tie.net/
http://www.absoluteties.com/sccosistti.html
http://thehill-side.com/

Persol Esque

reposted from alex grant

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012

Sunpocket Foldable Sunglasses

Sunpocket SPKT2

If you want that Steve McQueen look at a fraction of the cost, Sunpocket is definitely the way to go. These sunglasses are foldable, durable, and now on sale for under $50 (with free shipping).

Cool doesn't go out of style - Chad Mcqueen

Chad Mcqueen recently sat down with Barbour to discuss the Barbour Steve Mcqueen collection, his dad and other things.  He was asked "Why do you think your father's dress style is still relevant?" His response is classic "because cool doesn't go out of style".  Here's a link to the article.

cool doesn't go out of style

For The Boy : I'm new to wine, how do I start?

It's inevitable, your at the point where you feel like she might be the one.  Both of you are young and excited to venture into this wonderful God instituted thing called marriage.  You know you need to take Her to an elegant restaurant, and yes more than likely you will be asked to see the wine list.  This is no place for beer gents. (I've had to learn that the hard way).  What will you do? Do you know wine? Does she? This is an area that needs polishing gents, observe.

The only way to really begin to appreciate and learn wine is to drink it.  Find a good patient wine dealer who can make recommendations and who doesn't make you feel like a wank for already not knowing this key piece of info. It also helps to have some good buddies who know good wine like I do.  Don't get too alarmed about money just yet, there are good bottles of wine for under $20.00.  Your trusted dealer should be able to point you in the right direction.  Store your wine in a good, dark place with a moderate constant temperature like the bottom of your closet. (multiple bottles)

Generally its said that those who appreciate wine more begin with the whites and move to the reds.  Being a craft beer connoisseur  I had already adjusted my palate and was able to jump right into the reds.  I have crossed paths with those who are seasoned and do appreciate a good white wine as well, so there certainly are exceptions to the rule.  Here are some basics to get you started.

Here is a great link which outlines some of the major types and gives a breakdown of each.
Cheers!

http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/major-types-of-red-and-white-wine/c27438.aspx

KYT - Know Your Terms : Cramerton Army Cloth

Know Your Terms: Cramerton Army Cloth

by Jonathan Evans

MacArthur in Cramerton.

Remember those chinos you should have in your wardrobe by now? Well it turns out they may well have been relegated to the sidelines of sartorial history if it weren’t for Stuart Cramer, early 20^th Century textile baron and owner of Cramerton Mills of North Carolina. In 1929, spurred partly by his son’s ongoing service in the military, Cramer took on a contract to produce 40,000 yards of 8.2 oz cotton twill for the Quartermaster Depot in Philadelphia. It was the first in a run of Type 1 Army Cloth, a khaki-colored, tough-as-nails answer to the olive drab “doughboy” uniforms of WWI—garments that, aside from fading and degrading over time, proved so unpopular after the war that whole stockpiles had to be junked by the military.
Not so for Cramerton’s Army Cloth: It saw service as the standard basic uniform cloth in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and then made the leap to industrial uniforms, surplus shops, and college campuses nationwide (on the legs of returning GIs). And though initially produced exclusively in its hometown, Cramer quickly shared production methods with his textile-manufacturing compatriots, greatly expanding the fabric’s availability. As the popularity of chinos waned in the wake of balloon-like fits and casual Friday misfires, so did that of Cramerton Army Cloth, but since their resurgence you can find a slew of pants—ranging from utilitarian to downright dressed-up—cut from the stuff. Chalk up another one for the military’s continued role in modern menswear.

Information pulled from the gilt manual 

A Tuxedo

I don't personally own a tuxedo YET, however I found this article to be both informative and motivating.
from the gilt manual





Unless you savor the idea of looking like an overgrown relic of your senior prom at every formal event of your adult life, you should own a tux. Think about it: Each time you rent, you’re slapping down a hundred bucks for the privilege of wearing a poorly cut sack on an evening when you should, ostensibly, look your very best. Multiply that by a few friends’ weddings, a couple New Year’s Eve bashes, and a corporate event or two, and you’ve more than paid for a great tuxedo to call your own. One that will actually make you—wait for it—look your very best. So, yes: You should buy. Now you just need to decide on the specifics.

And although the tuxedo does adhere to a relatively rigid formula, there are definitely choices to be made. Mostly, it’s a matter of preference. Peak lapel, notch, or shawl? Peak was featured on the original tux back in 1886, making it the most traditional choice. Shawl is less so, but only marginally—plus it’s got a bit of a rakish, Rat Pack vibe. Notch is generally regarded as less formal, but it’s a thoroughly modern option for those that want one. Put simply: There’s no wrong answer. The same is true for the question of black vs. midnight blue, satin vs. grosgrain lapel facings, jetted pockets vs. flaps, and side vents vs. no vents. And though a one-button closure is the clear classic choice, double-breasted versions abound, and two-button iterations have also crept into the mix. Meaning that whatever you’re into—within reason and excepting baby blue—there’s a perfectly acceptable option to match. Buy the style that matches your own, get it tailored to perfection, and soon you’ll be looking for excuses to wear it. Seeing as it’s not going out of style, well, ever, you’ll have ample opportunity.