Warm Weather Casual.
So it’s like 55 degrees outside in JANUARY. I don’t really know what I’m supposed to wear in this so I went with my most basic look. Also, tweed sneakers, because if I’m not wearing Chuck Taylors I’m wearing exact knockoffs in marginally better materials.
——————————————————
Thrifted:
Jacket: B Republic $7
Sweater: Vtg. LLBean $5
Jeans: Levis (511) $5
Sneakers: PF Flyers $15
Fresh Night Look.
We went out to get food/drinks last night. I try to keep my night looks monochromatic and dark. This is because it’s night, so it’s dark out and color doesn’t read as well (this isn’t rocket surgery guys). Because of this I like to try and do something with pattern or texture (or both). But as I’ve said before, putting on a gray suit and navy tie in this town is too much most of the time.
I like this blazer for cool but not cold nights for that exact reason. It’s still a sport coat, but the closed quarters, bellows pockets and longer length make it appropriate as ad-hoc outerwear. (It also puts it completely off trend, which with my typically contrarian worldview is always a nice little addition).
Most importantly, it’s nice without being excessively “dressed up” or “formal”. I also try to keep my accessories less formal and make my “statement” with those. Knit/wool ties (something without a lot of sheen), and a matching pocket square/reversible scarf add some personality without stepping out of the box I’ve given myself for the look.
Things like this are worth thinking about because they give you context for your look. It’s easy to quickly become “that guy in the suit” when nobody else is wearing one. It’s much harder to really confront your personal style and understand why you do the things you do. And as mentioned elsewhere today, “I saw it on the internet” really isn’t the best rationale for wearing things.
—————————————————————————-
Thrifted:
Sport Coat: Vtg. Stanley Blacker $4
Shirt: Vtg. Jordan Marsh $2.50
Tie: No Brand (Made in Italy) $2
Jeans: Penguin (Munsingwear) $5
Chelsea Boots: LLBean $7
Pocket Square: Uena (maybe, I can’t actually read it) $6ish
Hat: Mexicali Blues $2
Gloves: No Brand (Cashmere lined) $9.60
Scarf: No Brand $2
10/11/12
Still working on research theory. Last draft.
————————————————
Thrifted:
Jacket - B Republic $7
Sweater - Vtg. LLBean $5
Jeans - LLBean (Clearance) $10
Boots - LLBean Signature $20
(apparently I’m a wicked Mainer [Mainah?]) Today.
Sleek & Urbane (…for Maine)
Went out Friday night, what do you wear when it’s pouring rain and 33 degrees?
Can’t wear any of my normal winter wear as I don’t feel like covering myself with wool in a rainstorm. Can’t wear a sport coat since this raincoat couldn’t over it. This LLBean Sig sweater is too warm/burly to wear as an under layer (and it barely fits under this raincoat. Flip side? If it’s 30 degrees and you have a raincoat that won’t cover a sport coat, well you’ll stay perfectly warm.
Also, I know the tie gets a little lost what with the kelley green rubber coat, but damn… ever tie a tie so well you impress yourself? This is one of those times.
————————————————-
Thrifted:
Forecaster of Boston Raincoat - $10 (?)
LLBean OCBD - $5
Penguin Selvage Denim - $5
LLBean Sig Waxed Canvas Bean Boots - $8
Norma Jean Original Atomic Flecked Tie - $2
A Fistful of Style: Just a rogue blogger with nothing to lose.
More 70’s cop looks.
I can’t help it! I just love giant fur collars too much!
—————————————————————————-
Thrifted:
Zero King Khaki Pea Coat - $5
LLBean Ragg Wool Sweater - $5
LLBean OCBD - $5
B. Republic Olive Pants - $9
Bass Chocolate Bucks - $8
Scarf - Gift to Ashley (I’m borrowing it)
Hat - Gift
Buy the pound.
Hit up the new goodwill “Buy the Pound” on its grand opening since it’s my furlough day from work. Dug around for a couple hours in giant bins sorted in 4 categories, shoes, clothes, housewears and sports equipment (not sportswear).
It’s like an all you can eat buffet, every 15 minutes or so a giant troth of clothes gets taken out an another gets wheeled in to replace it.
I found a gray sweatshirt, so the day wasn’t a total bust. Also found an aquarium (we’re taking the leap, and getting fish [maybe]), a hula hoop (for a project Ashley’s working on) and some painting frames (EVERYONE NEEDS MORE FRAMES!!) A bunch of us went, got lunch, it was fun.
But when you think about the crazy shit I’ve thrifted, just remember; digging through giant unsorted (probably unspeakably filthy) bins is what I do for fun.
————————————————————————
Thrifted:
Stanley Blacker Navy Blazer - $4
PRL University Stripe OCBD - $2
Levi’s 505’s - $2.50
Giorgio Brutini Tassel loafers - $7
LLBean Sig. Lobster Scarf - Free (thrift gift, $2 orig.)
Pocket Square - Uh… let’s say… $4? or so?
Lobster Tie Tack (as lapel pin) - Gift (from Ashley)
Sweater Weather.
No fucking around today.
LLBean Sweater almost too warm to wear indoors? Check.
Gray Flannels? Check.
Long Johns (unseen)? Check.
Giant Fur collar at maximum poppage? Check.
Cashmere/Lambswool Scarf? Check
Cashmere Lined Gloves? Check.
Enormous Winter Beard? Check and Check.
I think I’m ready to brave the single digit temperatures.
—————————————————————————————
Thrifted:
Blue Custom Made (?) OCBD - $5
Gray Corbin Flannels by David Wood - $5
Bass Bucks - $8
“Zero King” Khaki Pea Coat - $5
Cashmere Lined Gloves - $9.60
Yesterday Day.
Got the sweater and trousers from LLBean Signature with my $200 in return credit.
I really like the cut of the signature trousers (which I had no experience with previously). The leg is narrow without being particularly tapered, and the rise sits comfortably above my hips without actually being at my natural waist (which is typically something I have to deal with as most of my vintage flannel trousers have very high rises.
The sweater is beautiful and burly as fuck. Plus it’s got some great details like a 2 button throat latch and actual braided strips of leather for buttons. The only downside? It’s too heavy to be worn indoors for lengthy periods. I had to take it off 2 or 3 times at work yesterday. But as a casual winter piece I see myself wearing this a lot.
———————————————————————————
Thrifted:
H&M Topcoat - $5
No Brand Black Leather Cashmere Lined Gloves - $11
Black Church’s “Diplomat” Captoes - $16
Let’s pretend you’re me…
Go have 5 or 6 drinks and put on an orange sweater and electric blue tie with some red wingtips, go ahead, I’ll wait.
Done?
Alright.
Now let’s say you have $200 (firm number, not around $200) to spend at LL Bean. What might you spend it on?
I have this, these, these, a couple of these and a vintage version of this already.
I like these, but $175 seems like a bit much for pants.
There’s also a super boss red cable knit shawl collar fisherman’s sweater that doesn’t appear to be on the website that’s like ~$150.
If I had 2x as much I’d get this.
But what would you guys do?
I got street spotted!
Seriously though, I think this is actually a great outfit for a Portland street style shot. Usually the stuff I wear, though definitely me, and definitely awesome (come on guys, positive reinforcement!) Might be a bit too… outre? for the typical Portland male.
But this outfit could be worn by anyone. It’s all major brands (LL Bean ranger mocs, Sandy Levi’s 505’s, Old Navy rugby shirt, and Converse for Target cotton bomber jacket. Even brand spanking new this outfit is probably only slightly over $100 of stuff. All pieces that are easy to mix and match. Casual, but well fitting and with a little color (from the rugby) and a slight twist (khaki denim instead of khakis or indigo denim) and kicks that aren’t too upscale, but aren’t sneakers.
So the next time you’re in Old Navy or Target, eyeing up the hoodies and graphic t’s, think again. Why not a cotton bomber jacket? It’s still cheap, still comfortable, still “easy” to wear. Why not a rugby? It’s a jersey, it’s comfy, you can pull it on, nobody will give you a hard time for being “dressed up” (which is definitely something I catch flack for sometimes). And both will look better than a slouchy hoodie with a giant brand logo.
Next time you’re buying jeans, try some 505’s or 514’s instead of the 569’s. Try something “slim” or “straight” instead of “loose” or “relaxed”. They will be just as comfortable, I promise.
Upgrading your style can still be done on the cheap, without a thrift store (though I did thrift the jeans, and mocs) and you can start to look better without needing to immediately become comfortable with tailored clothes and ties.
Food for thought.
Thanks to Fore Front Fashion.
I spent most of Monday wandering around our beloved city and ran into Alex and Ashley. You first met Alex when we snooped through his closet. They were on a walk, trying to avoid some sheet rocking in their apartment and apologized for being spotted not looking “too dressed up.” I thought they looked great, as usual, in casual and comfortable Monday afternoon attire.
Check out Alex’s style blog here. It’s full of outfit shots, pocket squares and thrifting tips.
![Orange tie, red shoes.
Purple gingham shirt, purple argyle socks.
Selvage denim, soaked in March, might could wash ‘em soon.
Oh, and school starts today. So I figured I’d dress extra loud (because if I went to my grad school classes in just a tie, or just in wingtips, or just in not a [hoodie/fleece vest/sweat pants/flip-flops] I might not stand out so much.
Never not standing out like a sore thumb (or a brightly colored asshole, take your pick).](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqqubwgkHO1qhf6kko1_1280.jpg)
Orange tie, red shoes.
Purple gingham shirt, purple argyle socks.
Selvage denim, soaked in March, might could wash ‘em soon.
Oh, and school starts today. So I figured I’d dress extra loud (because if I went to my grad school classes in just a tie, or just in wingtips, or just in not a [hoodie/fleece vest/sweat pants/flip-flops] I might not stand out so much.
Never not standing out like a sore thumb (or a brightly colored asshole, take your pick).
Can someone explain why I’m wearing flannel and cashmere with a topcoat in JUNE. This weather is fucking with me.
On a sidenote, Ashley is home! Hurrah! (You should care because I have a photographer again.)
Cashmere cable knit (clearance); selvage denim (clearance) and ranger mocs (thrifted) by LL Bean
80/20 cotton wool flannel shirt (thrifted) by Orvis
Khaki Topcoat by H&M (thrifted)
Ruski’s Roast Beef Club in styrofoam container (delicious)
If I was wearing this in October it’d be one thing, but this is June. Come on now New England, this is poor form even for you.
Dreary June Days in Maine.
Linen Jacket/Black Watch Shirt/Wool Argyle Socks/Watch/Belt by Goodwill/Salvation Army
Pocket Square by Ashley’s Sewing Skills
Selvage Denim by LL Bean Clearance Rack
Wolverines by My Dad’s days banging nails
Saddleback Satchel by Christmas (best gift ever)
It’s a Wonderful Life by Sparklehorse
Dancing til the music stops by Haruki Murakami
Same outfit with the jacket switched by Laundry day
My friend John. Wearing thrift store and LL Bean and looking just about as on point as you can this season (floral tie and everything). Plus I’ve always enjoyed his penchant for straw hats.
+ Mutton Chops FTW!
#mustacheblogger
This week I’m trapped inside doing finals. Also it’s raining so I’m experimenting with dressing simply (i.e. neutral colors instead of my usual “a toddler ran in here with a box of crayola’s motif). Thoughts? And yes, I know my pants need to be ironed.
Monday - LL Bean Chinos, Bean Blucher Mocs, J Crew Cotton/Cashmere Sweater, Covington Shirt
