Factory Tour of Southwick

 Southwick Factory Tour

I recently took a trip to Haverhill, Ma to visit the legendary Southwick suiting factory for s(ny)der. And since I only posted a few pictures on Todd Snyder's blog, here's the full tour in its entirety.

Inside Bobby from Boston

Bobby From Boston

When it comes to vintage menswear, nobody does it better than Bobby From Boston. Around every turn and under every nook, this place is such a treasure trove of Bass Weejuns, Pendleton shirts, and Harris Tweed jackets that it requires a few trips to fully absorb the greatness of this store.  Take a look inside and see for yourself.

Brick & Mortar: Ball and Buck

Ball and Buck

Ball and Buck is the equivalent of your favorite menswear blog coming to life.  A place where 100% of the products are made in America and a full service barber shop sits ready to make you handsome, this shop successfully combines everything that you love about the menswear scene in a comfortable stylish environment.  From Allen Edmonds, Danners, Red Wings, Schott, New Balance and of course their own brand, Ball and Buck is a breath of fresh air to the over saturated shopping scene on Newbury Street. Take a look inside and be sure stop by the next time you're in town.

Style Legacies: Chris Bray of Billykirk

Chris Bray of Billykirk

From those who came before us to the ones we leave behind, legacies are often the ties that bind all generations.  Not just limited to family members, Style Legacies are often built around objects or past events that permeate our present style choices today.  In this series, I will explore the style legacies of some of the most stylish people I know and explore their past influences as well as the style legacies they hope to leave behind. First up is Chris Bray of Billy Kirk

Merit Clothing Line: Good Brand, Good Cause

Merit

Recently, I was introduced to David Merritt who decided to start a line as a way to not only find the type of clothing he wanted to wear but give to a worthy cause that's very important to him: education. From Ebbett Field Flannel hats to denim and woven shirts, all of his items are made in America and 20% of everything (not just profits) goes towards college scholarships. Merit is still in its funding stages so be sure to head on over to the site and contribute.  Look good and do good, that's a win, win.

Danner Other American Made Goods

Along with their great America made boots, Danner is now selling other American made goods that are sure to be favorites around holiday season.

Archives: Navy-ism by Free & Easy

For Veteran's Day, I decided to celebrate classic Navy style with a back issue of Free & Easy. Michael Williams of ACL posted these images in a 5 part series back in 2008 and it still remain one of my all-time favorites.

Bills Khakis - Made in the USA

Bills Khakis

If you are looking for a one-stop shop where everything from outerwear, shirts, pants and accessories are made in America, look no further than Bills Khakis. Here are a few of my favorites from their fall 2012 collection.

Archives || Fall Outerwear Suggestions from The Goonies

The Goonies

Find lost treasure, have the adventure of a lifetime and save your town all while looking good with these fall outerwear suggestions from The Goonies.

Valet: Inspiration Series

Rudy

My first piece for Valet's Inspired series is now live. Head on over to Valet Magazine to discover why this beloved movie character not only inspires me physically and emotionally but sartorially as well.

The Politics of Monogramming

Billykirk Belt no. 233

Never being a stickler for rules, when a reader ask, "Which items should I monogram?" I quickly reply, "monogram whatever you want." But if you are looking for an "official" answer then look no further than The Official Preppy Handbook.

Dress Like a Literary Great: William Faulkner

William Faulkner

This fall I plan on drawing style inspiration from my favorite literary writers. Not in a full-on-costume type of way that you see on Tweed Runs but in the form of tweed jackets, rep ties, and white pocket squares. The first author in this series is William Faulkner, who dressed like your favorite English professor who just happened to write all your favorite books.

Mad Men Barbershop

Mad Men Barbershop

Thanks to my good friend Cory Knight from A&H Magazine, I had the opportunity to photograph a new barbershop that just opened up in New York that is unlike any place you've ever been. Located on Merrick Road in Wantagh, Mad Men Barbershop will quickly become your favorite place to not only get a shave and a haircut but bespoke suits, double monk straps, cigars and much more.   

Converse Moto Leather Hi-Tops

Converse Motorcycle Jacket Hi

Out of all the sneakers in my closet, I probably wore my black and white Converses the most this summer. As a big fan of the Converse silhouette, my interest immediately peaked when I stumbled upon a pair inspired by the classic leather jacket. From the white mid-soles and open zipper details to the leather patchwork and boot-like laces, these Wheat Motorcycle Jacket Hi-Tops are the perfect footwear transition into fall.  

Life Lessons from Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong 8/5/30-8/25/12

Lessons learned from astronaut, photographer and hero, Neil Armstrong:  Enjoy life, take risks, and always find time for a good cigar.

American Giant's Team USA Collection

USA Collection Snap Cardigan

American Giant has been on my radar for some time now but I really love the addition of the flag for their Team USA Collection. All products are made in America.

The Dream Team Documentary

The Dream Team

 Since this summer marks the 20th anniversary of The Dream Team, I wanted to share with you a great documentary recently created to celebrate the greatest team ever assembled. GQ recently published an article about the Oral History of the Dream Team but this documentary goes a little deeper into the selection process, their scrimmage against college players, and the magnitude of the entire experience. Enjoy.

GQ Behind the scenes: Aaron Levine

Aaron Levine of Club Monaco

Here are some behind the scenes shots from my GQ Fatherhood & Style series with Aaron Levine.

1965 Skate Style

Skateboard style

Revisiting skateboard style in 1965.

Roundup: Made in America Caps

Baldwin

With so many great options, there's no reason why your "Made in America" movement should end with your clothing. Here's a round up of some of the best caps that are made in the U.S.