My Left Back Pocket

Cub Scouts Neckerchief & Billykirk No. 155

I've been thinking about purchasing a handkerchief from Hickorees for some time now but then I decided to be true to myself and go with something that means a lot to me: scouting. 

First Look: Red Wing Shoes Summer 2011

Blue Suede Red Wings

My love affair with Red Wing continues...

Date Night on Rue La La

Date Night on Rue La La

A few weeks ago, Christine at N'East Style and I had the great fortune of doing a special Date Night for Rue La La. Rue La La is an invite only online retailer similar to Gilt. For this unique occasion, we both wanted to feature a film that is currently in the movie theaters, so we decided to go with the romantic comedy Killers starring Ashton Kuther and Katherine Heigl. This special edition of Date Night can only be read on Rue La La's blog. If you're already a member click here to take a peak.

However, if you're not a Rue La La member, click here to become one so you won't be placed on the wait list.

Inspiration: Converse Sneakers

 Secret Forts

As I said before, inspiration can come from anywhere. From blogs and magazines to strangers and acquaintances, I'm always on the look out for people or places that inspire me to put my own personal spin on common attire.

Today's inspiration comes from An Affordable Wardrobe and Secret Forts* who both take a cool approach to the understated Converses. Be inspired and be creative!

An Affordable Wardrobe

*Update from Secret Forts:  Those Jack Purcells are 15 years old and covered in as many years worth of paint.

Sketches to Stitches: Barbour

Sketches: Contemporary Standard

Welcome to the first post in the series, "Sketches to Stitches." Here I will try to find composites of some of my favorite pieces to see how it went from conception to production. I've always been fascinated with the process of how things are made and this series will try to provide a glimpse into the creative effort that goes into our favorite garments. This is a look at Beacon To Ki To Barbour's Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Saturday Morning Comics: Charles M. Schultz

 Charles M. Schultz

Charles Monroe Schulz (November 26, 1922 – February 12, 2000) was an American cartoonist, whose comic strip Peanuts is considered to be one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium.

First strip: Oct. 2, 1950

Date Night w/ N'East Style: Wedding Crashers

Wedding Crashers

Come crash the party at N'East Style to see our latest edition to the Date Night Series.

John Beckwith: Part 1
Claire Cleary: Part 2

Jack Spade X Seersucker

Long Handle Brief

As the temperature heats up, why not cool off with a little seersucker from Jack Spade. Switch your favorite leather good for one of Spade's seersucker pieces and it will politely tell your co-workers to speed things up because you have a ferry to catch at Woods Hole. 

LL Bean Limited Edition 1912 Selvedge Denim

LL Bean Selvedge Denim

Last week, Laurie dropped a gem of a tweet that  L.L. Bean will be entering the world of Selvedge Denim. Celebrating LL Bean's founding year, only 1912 pairs will be produced. Sizes will range from 30" to 44" with an inseam of 29" to 36"inches. They will be available this coming Monday (June 28)  in stores only for $79 so act fast.

Billykirk No. 155 Card Case

No. 155 Card Case

After going back and forth about which model of Billykirk's beautiful wallets to purchase for Father's Day, I settled on the No. 155 Card Case and let me just say, this piece surpassed all my expectations.

Marketing Campaign: 1960s Volkswagen Ads

Mad Men meets VW Bug

Remember that Mad Men episode where everyone is in a tizzy over the Volkswagen bug ad? Who can blame them; the ads were ahead of its time. From the witty word play to the exquisite iconography, Volkswagen ads in the 60s provided a perfect case study on how to re-brand a brand on the ropes because at that point,

the car was becoming outdated, but due to innovative advertising, and a growing reputation for reliability, the production figures surpass the levels of the previous record holder, the Ford Model T.

On February 17, 1972 the 15,007,034th Beetle was sold. Volkswagen could now claim the world production record for the most-produced, single make of car in history. By 1973, total production was over 16 million.  (wiki)

 It just goes to show that clever word play and great visuals can go along way in any industry.

Run Of The Mill: Pure Inspiration

Run of the Mill

I wanted to wait until the sea of acclamation calmed down before I wrote a post on the significant event that took place earlier this week.  With the opening of their shop, "Run Of The Mill," Lawrence, Jeremy and Jon single-handedly inspired all of us to seek after our dreams by executing the fulfillment of one of their own with an inaugural collection that hits the right note on every piece. From the classic Red University Striped Oxford to the conversation starter Camo Cargo pants, Run Of The Mill, is definitely a brand to keep your eye on. All items are made in the U.S. or England in conjunction with Mark McNairy.

Red University Striped Oxford

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

First Look: Nautica Fall 2010

Nautica Fall 2010

Although I still have one of their polo shirts from my past life, I usually don't think of Nautica when I think of style these days. In my eyes, the brand sort of fell by the wayside along with Tommy Hillfiger in the early part of 2000s. However, looking at their Fall 2010 collection, I may have to rethink my strategy of steering clear of their stores. The collection is nothing to get too excited about but it is solid enough to peak the interest of any man who is looking to add some staples to his wardrobe.

Credits: John Simon Daily

Barbour x Tokihito 2010 Collection

Barbour X Tokihito

Although I prefer the classic Bedale or Beaufort, I can definitely appreciate a great collaboration when I see one. Barbour's second collection with Tokihito looks like a win-win for both companies due to the fact that the outwear stays true to the classic silhouettes that never go out of style.  Currently available at End Clothing.

Red Wing Oxfords

Red Wing No. 8103

Currently only available in Europe, Red Wing's Work Oxfords combines everything that I love about their boots with the casual stitching of a moc.

Marketing Campaign: Lands' End Canvas

Lands' End Canvas Marketing Campaign

Want to build a brand within a brand? The video below is a very informative look at the inherent risk of  starting a new line within an already established brand (Lands' End), while providing a few anecdotes to other companies who wish to do the same.

First Look: Gap Fall 2010

All photo credits: The Fashionisto

Gap continues their hot streak with a solid Fall 2010 collection filled with the popular toggle sweater and duffel coats that will surely get you through the Fall/Winter for many years to come.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Happy Father's Day

Pop & Skip

Happy Father's Day from Alex Grant!

Alex

Date Night w/ N'East Style: Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting

This week's Date Night with N'East Style is Gus Van Sant's masterpiece "Good Will Hunting." How do you like them apples?

Will Hunting: Part 1

Skylar: Part 2

First Look: Lands' End Canvas Fall 2010

Photo credits: Lyra Mag

Trying to build on the momentum of their inaugural collection, Lands' End Canvas gives us a peak at what's in store for Fall 2010.

Footwear as Pop Art

LL Bean Bluchers

I wanted to pay homage to some of my favorite footwear. Here are the results:

The Artfully Distressed Look

Red Sox Cap

The Artfully Distressed Look brought to you by J.Crew. I added the Red Sox cap for effect.

Whaleboat Island

8th year Wedding Anniversary: Partners & Spade Style

How To Stay Out of the Doghouse

Today is my 8th year wedding anniversary and I thought I would celebrate it in true Partners & Spade style: with humor.

Putting It All Together III - Head to Toe

Head to Toe @ Ursinus College

Ralph Lauren Polo

Ralph Lauren Shorts

LL Bean Bluchers
Dark Pumpkin Watch Strap
Harvard Lacrosse Hat

Date Night w/ N'East Style: The Skulls

The Skulls

This week's Date Night pick is one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Skulls." Go see our selections at N'East Style and then click here to learn more about Yale's most famous secret society.

Lucas McNamara: Part 1
Chloe Whitfield: Part 2

Dressing Avery: Wrecked Stellar

Wrecked Stellar

Whenever I think of women's fashion, the first person that comes to mind is Melanie from Wrecked Stellar. In my humble opinion, she has an eye for style that is on par with SJP, so you can see why I was super excited to have her Dress Avery this week. Take a peak at what she picked out, leave a comment, and maybe Melanie will slip you an invitation to her next virtual slumber party. You might even see Alex & Avery there.

Princess Linens

This Princess Linens personalized garden dress from Saks Fifth Avenue is that clean, crisp, and classic look that will have all of the other little ladies eyeing Avery. The personalization of a monogram or name adds that special sense of individualism that is hard to come by in a standalone piece. The dress is in a lightweight cotton piqué with a charming rick rack trim, and with the accompaniment of a matching diaper cover, Avery will be sitting pretty and comfortably in this airy dress.  

The Varsity Jacket

Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket

Not too long ago, Gant Rugger rolled out a Varsity Jacket that set men's style blogs on fire and who can blame them. The Varsity Jacket is an American icon (as seen in Details). It's right up there with apple pie and motorcycles because it's more than a jacket, it's a status symbol.  For some of us, the Varsity Jacket represents a time when we roamed the halls as the big man on campus, proudly showing off our Letter as some sort of super emblem of our athletic abilities. While for others, the jacket brings a negative stigma of Jocks and Cheerleaders who ruled the school and acted as though no one else existed except their little cliques.  Either way, the power of the jacket cannot be denied and that is why I wanted to shed a little spotlight on it.

Senior Year

Slept On: The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions

Seu Jorge

Ever wondered how David Bowie songs would sound in Portuguese? Well, Wes Anderson did when he commissioned Seu Jorge to provide the soundtrack for his epic movie "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," and it turned out fantastic. Bowie songs are paired down to a lonely acoustic guitar and Jorge's raspy voice, that will whisk you away to a place surrounded with sand and water with every listen. Enjoy!

Standout Track: All of them.

Topman's Hoodies and Jackets

Topman's Duffle Hoody

I just discovered Topman today and I'm really excited about their selection and prices. Although they sell everything from suits to shoes, the standout of the online store lies in their duffle and jacket selections.

Toggle Hoodie ($60)

Partners & Spade's Burglary Kit

 Burglary Kit

After already poking fun at a theft that took place in their Jack Spade store (with a hilarious video and comic book), Partners and Spade turns it up a notch with this Burglary Kit by Matt Lenski.

Red Wing Boot Gang - The Making of a Legend

Red Wing

The making of a legend: Red Wing Boots.

Slept On: Finding Forever

Common's Finding Forever

Although "Be" was his masterpiece, Common's Finding Forever was a worthy follow up. The production is classic Kanye West, with the heavy sampled "soulful motif", while the rapping is as smooth and steady as its gets these days.

My daughter found Nemo, I found the new Premo

Ye you know how we do, we do it for the people

 -The People

Stand Out Tracks: All of them.

Alex's Pick: Chambray Anorak

Gap Kids

Great find by James at 10engines. Like father, like son.

Good Style Shouldn't End When Your Day Does

When we strive to look our best everyday, good style shouldn't end when it's time to hit the sack. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally aware of how convenient and comfortable it can be to hop into your favorite college sweatpants (or US Rowing in my case) before bed. But if you're going to upgrade your wardrobe, why not add some good sleepwear in the mix?

 Don Draper

Date Night w/ N'East Style: Cider House Rules

Cider House Rules

Row on over to N'East Style to see this week's Date Night pick: Cider House Rules.

Homer Wells: Part 1
Candy Kendall: Part 2

Dressing Avery: The Life of a Suburban Princess

The Life of a Suburban Princess

This week's Dressing Avery comes from The Life of a Suburban Princess.  As a Canadian blogger who shares my love for LL Bean's Norwegian Sweater as well as the idea that great style doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag,  SP has a lot of the elements that I look for when searching for a new blog to read. I'll definitely have Avery take a look at SP's advice to her 14 year old self when she gets older.  Enjoy.

I picked this outfit from Etsy as it is easy to find sellers who will ship worldwide! I have never shopped for a little girl before so this was a challenge!  There are so many choice of styles and colors...it was hard to choose just one!  Don't worry Skip, I am ready with more outfits anytime you need them! Since one of America's biggest holidays is coming up, I picked an outfit Avery's parents will always remember and will look great in photos!

4th of July Onesie 

 Since this is Avery's 1st Independence day she must have a cute outfit for barbeques, parties and fireworks displays!  This onesie paired with....