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)

Read Full Post »

Objects of Affection: Brackney Belts

There’s really no shortage of decent belt options out there, but I figure an inexpensive offering that’s hand-made in the USA is worth some attention nonetheless.

Brackney belts are made in Pennsylvania (the state where I grew up) from leather that’s both cut and vegetable-dyed by hand. Featuring a sturdy, removable brass buckle and a substantial 1.5″ width, they’re a great option to pair with denim or casual bottoms in general. And with a pricetag of only $35, they’re a genuine steal.

Now I’m not saying you’re getting something that’s directly comparable to higher ticket items when it comes to the actual raw materials. The feel of leather itself is nowhere near that of the bridle leathers you’ll find on something from Billykirk or Tanner or anyone of that ilk. It’s definitely thick (6mm on my own black version), and it’s very durable, but it isn’t all buttery soft and beautifully oiled.

That said: it still has a pretty pleasant feel, and it’s worlds above the stiff, plastic-y crap you’d get from a lot of the shops at any given mall. Plus the buckle, construction, and finishing are all pretty bang on.

Oh, and remember: freaking $35!

Brooklyn’s Alter stocks them, and their latest refresh a little while back brought in full size runs in brown, black, and green (for the more adventurous). Take note, “full size run” in this instance means 26-34, because they’re unisex. And though I’d think that the sheer heft of these belts would make ‘em a tough sell for the ladies, consistent sales would suggest I’m off the mark on that front. Either way, rest assured: they’re perfectly well suited to those of us of the XY persuasion.

Alter doesn’t have an online shop, but you can pick something up for yourself by emailing the shop at info[at]alterbrookyln[dot]com or calling 718-349-0203.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Alter)

Read Full Post »