Some Looks for Spring

James had me in stitches for pretty much the entire shoot. This is, far and away, my favorite picture from the evening…

I recently had the chance to work James Rand on a photo shoot at his place in Brooklyn. Aside from being a great friend of mine, the man also happens to be a great photographer. Lucky for that.

It was a Sunday evening. I brought the clothing (and some beer), he brought the photo gear (and the talent), and we got to shooting some looks for spring with gear from my own collection.

The shots here are all from that evening.

(A note: the background was the only one available, and the photographer specifically requested I express his apologies for the…shall we say…boldness of the color.)

Look No. 1:

Jacket – Gant Rugger, Sweater – J. Crew, Shirt – Uniqlo, Jeans – APC, Belt – Brackney, Shoes – Bass

Look No. 2:

Jacket – Baron Wells, Shirt – Taylor Stitch, Tie – Jack Spade, Belt – Brackney, Chinos – Epaulet, Socks – Pantherella, Shoes – Alden

Look No. 3:

Jacket – Lewis Leathers for The Garbstore, Shirt – Taylor Stitch, Belt – Brackney, Jeans – Epaulet, Socks – Panterella, Shoes – Alden

Look No. 4:

Jacket – Baron Wells, Shirt – Taylor Stitch, Tie – Graham Withers, Jeans – Epaulet, Socks – Pantherella, Shoes – Alden

And that’s that.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of James S. Rand)

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Objects of Affection: Picks from the Need Supply Winter Sale

The post-holiday sale is still going strong over at Need Supply, and they just opened it up to bring in a whole slew of new items. It’s a really solid selection, especially considering the whole “sale” aspect of the affair. And while there’s a strong showing for the cold weather gear (no surprise), some of what they have on offer could stick with you through the warmer months as well. Also, given the fact that it’s not actually going to warm up for a good long while, there’s no harm in grabbing a few winter-friendly pieces now.

Since sales like this are pretty damn fine opportunities to stock up, I’ve gone ahead and perused the offerings with what I assure you is entirely selfless intent. (Read: “I’ve been fiending over pretty much every item shown below, but seeing as I can’t indulge that impulse for fear of putting myself in the poorhouse, I figured I’d put together a list of some of my favorites here.”) Here’s a few picks for things to get while the getting’s good.

1. Sebago Fairhaven Boots – $80 (down from $140)

2. Rachel Comey Uncle Dan Oxfords – $100 (down from $285)

3. Sperry Olive/Brick Chukkas – $90 (down from $120)

4. Wing + Horns Corded Cloth Pants – $180 (down from $228)

5. APC Short Duffle Coat – $430 (down from $560)

6. J.W. Hulme Co. Classic Oxford Field Briefcase – $200 (down from $285)

7. Wing + Horns Flecked Tweed Vest – $360 (down from $470)

Both heather gray and charcoal are available

8. Norse Projects Janus Shirt – $150 (down from $200)

9. Vanishing Elephant Downing Shirt – $70 (down from $125)

10. Norse Projects Kopingsvig Crewneck Sweater – $140 (down from $250)

Click on any of the headings above to jump over to the Need Supply site and pick something up. After all, you have to burn that holiday money now, before it goes bad.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Need Supply)

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Objects of Affection: APC Geelong Wool Crewneck Sweater

APC, true to its core mission of creating well executed basics, really nailed it with this sweater.

Made of 100% geelong wool (a particularly soft Australian variety), it’s the sort of piece that could easily become a three-season wardrobe staple. Hard to argue with a nice crewneck sweater. Hell, it’d probably work pretty well in a pinch on a colder summer evening, too.

But for me, right now, I’m thinking about the rapidly-approaching fall and feeling like this piece is especially well-suited to the season. Even though I really could see it working throughout the year, it is pretty damn autumnal overall.

It’s the combination of that cool blue/lavendar color and the leather elbow patches. That somewhat professorial vibe immediately calls to mind changing leaves and startlingly brisk evenings. Of course, that might just be me jonesing for fall.

But even if this sweater doesn’t get you on a bit of a melodramatic kick, you’ve got to admit it’s a pretty handsome piece for the colder months.

Available at Frances May, it’ll run you $225. A wee bit steep, but the thing is so damn wearable I wouldn’t worry about getting your money’s worth.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Frances May)

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Store Report: Stel’s

While visiting Boston for the weekend recently, I was lucky enough to get a chance to stop by Stel’s for a bit.

The folks there were very welcoming, the 50% off sale was going strong, and though I didn’t pick anyting up, it wasn’t for lack of options.

Though everything looked pretty damn good to me, I was warned that it (apparently) a bit of a mess due to the sale. If what I saw is Stel’s version of a mess, then you could probably eat off the damn floor when there isn’t a sale going. Nevertheless, if they felt the need to give me the heads up, it’s only right that I pass that info along here.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s get to some shots:

The view from the front to the back of the store…

From the middle of the store, looking at the front door…

And from the very back…

The front table was a stash of brand new arrivals from Quoddy, Grenson, and Gitman. The hatrack to the right is stocked with Billykirk…

Billykirk belts…

And bike bags. In navy…

And in natural…

Just in case you were curious about the pocket configuration: 1 side, 2 front, 1 main compartment with zippered inner pocket…

Shirts…

Grenson shoes…

Along with n.d.c. and Spring Court for good measure…

The Grenson Archie. If they’d had this in my size, I would have picked it up in a heartbeat…

The jeans table in the back of the shop. Lots of Nom de Guerre and Wing + Horns…

The APC stash…

Outerwear. Lots of Robert Geller and Wing + Horns…

I’m glad I got to see Stel’s in person. It’s a spot I definitely would not mind having in my own back yard. But alas…

Boston folk: take heed and hit it up. Visitors: likewise. Non-resident, non-visitors (myself included, now): head over to the online shop.

—Jonathan

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Objects of Affection: APC Petit Standard in Army Green

Not much to tell here. It’s APC’s insta-hit Petit Standard cut, which slims up the leg and drops the rise on the undisputed classic New Standard, and it’s done up in an army green cotton twill. Basic 5 pocket jean styling throughout, with the exception of the chino-inspired button at the waistband, which is a nice touch.

More shots:

Bonus points for being on sale, down from $200 to $161. Get ‘em at Blackbird.

For anyone who’s got APC jeans in their indigo denim, just remember that the twill doesn’t stretch as much. So size accordingly.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Blackbird)

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Objects of Affection: APC Derby in Black/Red Brick

So I know I’m very late to the whole “Red Brick Sole game,” but at least I’m finally on it. And I’ve got a pretty strong offering for your consideration today with the APC Derby in Black/Red Brick.  I’ve seen them before in burgundy, and I loved the shape and the sole, but the color just didn’t do it for me. When I found the black option, I was sold.

The details: leather upper, lightweight red brick sole, rounded toe, four metal eyelets, and a higher cut around the ankle for a less delicate look than your typical derby. It’s a nice variation on a classic shoe.

Some more shots:

All this can be yours for €313 (about $418 US), with a 20% discount if you don’t live in the EU. Comes out to a total of $334 if you’re in the States. Available at Tres Bien.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Tres Bien)

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