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: J. Crew Aberdeen Fair Isle Sweater

For those of us with an affection for fair isle knits in general, but a basic aversion to the more intense varieties thereof, J. Crew‘s Aberdeen Fair Isle sweater is a welcome addition to the brand’s fall lineup.

Done up in lambswool in a 7-guage knit, the heather gray base is a nicely subdued backdrop to the many blues, purples, and reds that feature in the pattern itself.

This sweater is definitely a piece that I could see becoming a personal wardrobe staple. Bold enough to actually own up to the long-standing fair isle heritage, but not so loud that it would be difficult to work into a given outfit.

Granted, I’d probably want to play it pretty subtle on the other pieces. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, though…well, why the hell not?

The price hits at a pretty friendly $98, and it’s available online. Time to get clicking.

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of J. Crew)

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Eye Candy: Rules for My Unborn Son Signing and Cocktails at J. Crew Men’s Shop

Nicely laid out clothing and wares. That’s Walker in the suit in the background…

Just a few snapshots from the book signing and cocktail party for Walker Lamond’s book Rules for My Unborn Son. As the blurb explains, it’s:

One man’s instructions for raising a thoughtful, adventurous, honest, hardworking, self-reliant, well-dressed, well-read, well-mannered young gentleman.

Not a bad idea at all. Roll on over to the Tumblr that inspired the hardcover release to get a flavor for things. Then pick up a copy for yourself, because there’s no really no argument about the fact that it’s always nicer to have the actual, physical product.

But before you do that, take a look at a few more shots from the event. It took place at the J. Crew Men’s Shop at 484 Broadway here in NYC. Walker was an incredibly nice guy, dark and stormys were served, attractive clothing and people abounded, and I got to have a nice chat about Philly soft pretzels with some of Walker’s friends. A fine way to spend an evening.

The gathering, from the front of the store…

Refreshing adult beverages…

I couldn’t help taking a shot of the SeaVees Pantone series offerings. I love these…

That’s all for now, kids.

—Jonathan

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Eye Candy: J. Crew Men’s Fall 2010 Presentation

I have never been much for the summer months. I can’t wear my jackets, I can’t (comfortably) wear my jeans, and NY gets that hot garbage smell that just sears the inside of your nostrils. So even though it’s Spring and I’m happy about it, I’m already looking forward to Fall.

These pictures from The Pursuit Aesthetic of the J. Crew Men’s Fall 2010 Presentation are just making me all the more excited for autumn. I’m guessing they’ll do the same to you.

Tweeds, knits, wool, waxed cotton, and one ridiculously nice leather duffle.

Bring on late October! I’m fucking ready.

—Jonathan

(All images courtesy of The Pursuit Aesthetic)

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Objects of Affection: Red Chambray Shirts

I’ve been thinking a lot about shirts recently. Mostly because I could use a new one. I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull it off, as I tend to slink fearfully away from bold colors when outfitting myself, but I love the idea of a red chambray shirt.  I’m probably going to try though, and I know there are some readers out there who don’t share my anxieties and can immediately pull the trigger on this sort of purchase. With all of us in mind, then, I present three solid options:

1) Epaulet EP’s Red Chambray Shirt. It’s not even on the shelves yet (expect it in 4-5 weeks), but these preview shots sold me. Not sure on the price, either, but based on Epaulet’s other shirting options, something around $130 is probably a good bet.

The flapped chest pockets, pearlized buttons, and hickory stripe detailing on the collar and cuffs are all spot on.  It’s also the boldest of the bunch, as the red isn’t washed out at all:

2. J. Crew Sun-Faded Selvage Utility Shirt. Distressingly sold out online, I’m hoping I might be lucky enough to score one of these guys from a brick & mortar location. The cheapest of this batch at $98. According to J. Crew, it’s a mix of “Japanses selvedge cotton…and supersoft fine linen.” To be honest, I’m not sure I believe them (how can you mix a selvage cotton with a non-selvage linen? Selvage is not a type of cotton, it refers to the whole piece of fabric and the weaving technique!).

Possible dishonesty about the material aside: The thing looks very nice, isn’t prohibitively expensive, and has some nice detailing like a neck tab and camp pockets (if flaps aren’t your jam). The color is great, too. Washed out, but not too much.

3) Sunny Sports Chambray Work Shirt. The most expensive of the bunch at $255, but with unique detailing that sets it apart from the crowd. Asymmetrically sized chest pockets, hidden button down collar, and selvage on the underside of the collar and the side gussets all come together to make a very unique piece. Same faded red as the J. Crew shirt. Made in Japan.

Whether or not the detailing and the Japanese provenance justify the price tag, I’ll leave up to you. But if it’s up your alley, it’s available at C.H.C.M (the original link takes you there).

There you have it! Red chambray for all!

—Jonathan

(Images courtesy of Epaulet, J. Crew, and CHCM. Many thanks to Junctioned for getting this stuck in my brain with a post from 3/19)

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Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag

The title of this post is a lie. That’s right. A downright, dirty untruth.

But I want one. Shocking? Hell no. I’m always in the market. My current day-to-day is a J. Crew Bowery Drafting Tote:

The genuine article, as of today

It’s horrendously named. I mean, Bowery Tote? Is there anything less related to the grit of NY’s Bowery district than a tote bag? Oh, well. Despite that issue, it’s definitely serviceable, and overall I like the look of it. But one thing drives me up the wall:

That freaking bright orange contrast lining! At first I was totally fine with it, but as the bag stretched out and I started packing more and more weight into it, this has become something I’m having trouble getting past at this point. Why? I’m not really sure. It’s probably because I see it as desperate, blatant attempt to steal styling cues from Jack Spade, and that’s just tacky. I also think it looks a bit strange paired with a black leather jacket, black jeans, and boots (which is a combo that happens not-infrequently). Just too preppy to fit in…

I know, I know. I might be overreacting here. But nonetheless, I’ve got the Godfather of Soul playing in repeat in my brain, because I want a brand new bag (yes, I’ve changed the lyrics to suit my purposes). I’m thinking this one might be a suitable choice: The Alex Trip bag by Property Of…

I’ve actually purchased and subsequently returned a Property Of… bag before because it was difficult to manage on the subway (it was a more traditional messenger style, and the leather-enforced bottom stuck out awkwardly from my back). I will say, though, that the return had ZERO to do with the quality. The thing was top-notch in terms of construction, materials, and all that jazz.  And I think that this one might be easier to deal with, despite the similarly enforced bottom, because it’s essentially a tote and will hang lower. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but that’s OK on a sunny Friday.

A couple more looks at my maybe, sorta, possible future bag:

Need Supply has it in stock. They also take some damn fine photos of their offerings (thanks, guys!).

It’ll run you $325. Not cheap, but I can personally attest to the quality of this line, so probably a reasonable price for what you’re getting.

—Jonathan

(All photos courtesy of Need Supply. But you already knew that…)

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