LL Bean Camo Tote

LL Bean Hunter's Tote

Tired of carrying my camera supplies in my backpack and not happy with the monograming colors available for the Hunter Tote, I decided to contact Laurie at LL Bean with a special request and she fully delivered.

Bleecker St: Gant Rugger

Gant Rugger Bleecker Street

When most of us think of shopping in New York, flagships usually come to mind. But this holiday, I invite you to skip the megastore and head on down to Bleecker Street to see what your favorite big company can do in really small spaces. You might even see a celebrity popping in to avoid the flagship (read: tourist) crowds.

Styles of Winter featuring Penfield and Wolverine

Styles of Winter

For the winter installment of Styles of, I decided to shoot a few of my favorite women items from Penfield and Wolverine.

Winter Kit

Winter Kit

Here are a few of my favorite things this winter.

His & Hers: Wolverine Boots

His & Hers: Wolverine Boots

Looking for a great gift for your significant other? Why not give the gift of Wolverines.

Vintage Graflex Camera

When my wife's grandfather found out that I was interested in photography, he gave me his beloved Graflex camera that he used to shoot numerous family portaits as well as a picture that he sold to the Associated Press in the 50s.

To: Avery Elizabeth

Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess? Child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror.

Sara Crewe: I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us. Didn't your father ever tell you that? Didn't he?  - A Little Princess

Levitating in Tokyo

yowayowacamera

While doing some research this morning on my new camera, I stumbled upon a great Japenese site callled yowayowacamera, which depics self portriats of Natsumi Hayashi levitating around Tokyo. When asked about its orgins, Hayashi replied,

“I got [the] idea from an English idiom that says ‘to have one’s feet firmly planted on the ground’ applies to a practical type of person. In Japan, we have the exact same idiom. But I am not a practical person at all. Therefore, I try not to have my feet on the ground in my self-portrait photos to show my true self.”

Along with her great sense of style, Hayashi's pictures captures the imagination of the reader by briefly suspending our belief in gravity and the mundane. Here are a few of my favorites shots.

New Balances 574

In celebration of running into Andy Spade this weekend, I decided to revisit the shoes that he inspired 2 years ago. 

Pop Up Flea IV

Pop Up Flea IV

The first day of the Pop Up Flea was a huge success thanks to the graciousness of hosts Michael Williams & Randy Goldberg and the well selected menswear brands that filled up 159 Bleecker Street. 

Foul Weather Gear

Foul Weather Gear

Try to keep it simple on rainy days: boots, tweed, and a wool caps are always a good choice.

Color Combination

I always loved the combination of red laces on brown shoes.

Shoes as Investments Pieces?

I must admit that whenever I hear about a 20 year-old spending $300 on a pair of shoes, I'm often filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I want to commend them for not wasting their money on the latest video game console but on the the other hand, (in today's economic climate) it hard to justify spending that much on a pair of shoes when you can get a pretty decent pair for half the price. But after closer inspection and introspection of my own youth, I realize that I did the exact same thing when I was their age.

Coat Week: Barbours, Pea Coats, and Toggles

With the weather getting a little colder and this being "Coat Week," I thought I would revisit the idea of the "Go-To-Coat." Here's a look again at the coats of your favorite bloggers in hope that it will give you some inspiration and guidance for the colder months ahead.

What Does Your Wallet Say About You?

My Wallet Evolution

As my wardrobe and shoe collection matured over the years so did my wallet. More than just a piece of leather to keep my license and money safe in my back pocket, (consciously or unconsciously) my wallet speaks volumes about who I am and what I wanted to convey to the world. As I recall my thought process behind buying these wallets, I invite you to think about your own personal journey told through your purchases over the years.

The Handlebar Guide to Neckties

My Prep School Tie

From young labels to watch to tie widths, the guys at Handlebar Magazine made a comprehensive guide to neckties that is a must read. They even has a section titled, "Tastemakers Most Treatured Ties" featuring a few of your favorite bloggers. I wrote about my prep school tie seen above.

Archives: DSLR 101

Ready to trade up to a DSLR camera? Take a crash course with this Esquire X Popular Mechanics tutorial.

Trench Coat Roundup

Trench Roundup

I had this J.Crew trench coat for about 5 years now and it served me well. Dressed up with a suit or worn causally with denim, this is one of the most versatile pieces of outerwear that I own. Here's a round up of some great options that are currently on the market.

Date Night w/ N'East Style: Big

From age 13 to 30, these classic pieces will always keep you in style.  Date Night w/ N'East Style presents: Big

Video: Made Right Here

Made Right Here

My goodfriend Joe Gannon and his buddy Max (All Plaidout) made a trailer for their TV show Made Right Here. Joe hinted about it over breakfast a few months ago but words can not describe how great this idea is.
Check out the video for yourself.

Toggle Outerwear

 Schott

For me, fall is equated with toggles. Here's a round up of some great options that are currently on the market.

Office Aesthetics: Back To The Future Hot Wheels

BTTF Delorean

For the second edition of Office Aesthetics, I decided to highlight the newly released BTFF Delorean by Hot Wheels. I purchased one for Alex and one for my desk.

Patagonia Reversible Flannel Jacket Fall '11

Patagonia Reversible Flannel Jacket

I sang the praises of Patagonia's Reversible Flannel last fall but I really like the classic navy version that they released this season.

Archives || The Keatons

Baseball Jacket

If you follow me on twitter, then you are well aware that I like to unwind at the end of the day with Family Ties. I know Alex P. Keaton was the break out star of the show, but I would like to direct your attention to the classic style of his father: Steven Keaton. 30 years later and his wardrobe still holds up.

Fall Safari

Fall Safari

Here are a few things that I'm looking forward to wearing this fall.

Brown Chukka Roundup

Brown Chukka Roundup

Since Fall is upon us, it's time for me to trade in my white canvas sneakers for some brown chukkas. Here's a round up of my favorite options this season.

Found: An Affordable Military Inspired Watch

Seiko 5

I’ve been on the hunt for an affordable military inspired watch for some time now and finally found it in the Seiko 5. Did I mention that it has automatic movement and cost under $60.

The Art of Thrifting: Rule No. 2

The Art of Thrifting

Thrifting Rule No. 2: Size does not matter.

Not "size" in terms of fit but rather, "size" in terms of labeling at the store.

My Fall Fleet (Footwear)

My Fall Fleet

As summer begins to wind down, my thoughts quickly turn to my fall fleet. Although a work in progress, my fall footwear collection is shaping up quite nicely due to a few simple guideline that I picked up along the way.

B-Role: Penfield X Date Night F/W '11

 Penfield Fall/Winter '11

For Penfield's latest lookbook, I had the idea of turning our Date Night concept into a town and country shoot. Christine chose Rockport for the perfect country setting and the town totally embraced us with open arms. Fred took so many great pictures for the shoot that I decided to share some of the extras with you.

On Sale: Gap Selvage Denim

1969 Selvage Straight Fit

I missed the boat on Gap's Selvage Denim last season so I decided to pull the trigger early this time around.

True Wind Sailor Bag

True Wind Sailor Bag

From work to the wharf, I've been carrying my True Wind's Sailor Bag for a week now and I must say that I am really impressed. Durable, hand crafted in America and covered by a life-time warranty, this is definitely a bag that I will hand down to my son in the future.

Lost & Found: 20 Yr Old Boy Scouts Pocket Knife

Boy Scouts Pocket Knife

Today I found my Boy Scouts pocket knife that I haven't seen in over 20 years.

Peer Review: Pocket Squares

Brandon Capps of Drinkin' and Dronin'

While reviewing some of Jake Davis Test Shots, I noticed that many of my favorite subjects have a common denominator: pocket squares. I've been thinking about adding pocket squares to my wardrobe for some time now but wasn't really sure where to begin. So I decided to ask my peers for some advice on how to wear one.

Jack Spade Winter '11

Jack Spade Winter '11

Take a peak at what Jack Spade has in store for the winter months ahead. 

The Hill-Side AW 11- Fall Fabrics

The Hill-Side

Looking for a great tie to complement your fall fabrics? The Hill-Side's AW '11 collection has you covered.

Gant Rugger X Close Up and Private: Fall/Winter '11/12

 A-Collaboration Gant Rugger Fall/Winter 11/12 Collection

Sergei Sviatchenko from Close Up and Private collaborated with Gant Rugger for their Fall/Winter 2011/12 collection. Take a look.

The Art of Thrifting: Rule No. 1

The Art of Thrifting 

If you follow blogs such as An Affordable Wardrobe and Street Etiquette, then you are fully aware of the power of thrifting. The items that these guys often find (for pennies on the dollar), truly make scouring second hand stores for that stand out piece look like an art form.  So with that in mind, I decided to try my hand at thrifting and come up with some basic rules on how to thrift with the best of them.

Rule No. 1: There is no such thing as an off season.

Styles of Summer featuring LL Bean Signature

S.O.S. Featuring LL Bean Signature

For the second installment of our Styles of Summer series, Joe Gannon and I drove down to Bowers Beach  to showcase all the best summer staples: Polos, Boat shoes, Madras and Shorts. It doesn't get any better than this. SOS featuring  LL Bean Signature.

13 Months In: BillyKirk Card Case No.155

BillyKirk Card Case No. 155

Here is a great example of something that only gets better with age:  my BillyKirk Card Case No. 155 after 13 months.

Father & Son Beach Trip

Father & Son Beach Trip 

Location: Bowers Beach, DE

Up Close: McNairy X Keds Booster

McNairy X Keds Booster

When McNairy and Keds team up, nothing but good things happen.  So when their latest collaboration became available, I had to try them out for myself. And I must admit that they are better than expected. 

Sneak Peak: Sperry Top-Sider X Penfield

Sperry Top-Siders X Penfield

I just got word that two of my favorite brands, Sperry Top-Siders and Penfield,  have teamed up to make 4 different styles of shoes this fall. A great alternative to the classic brown top-siders that you should already have in your closet. Stay tuned.

Modern Vintage Illustrations by Dalyn Montgomery

Mister Mort at J.Press

My good friend Dalyn at Brohammas just launched a new site showcasing his collection of modern vintage illustrations. Dalyn Art will be updated weekly so check it out and come back often.  And be sure to check out his interviews and sketches of some of your favorite bloggers.

DIY: LL Bean Moc Boots Tongue Fold

LL Bean Mocs

Back in '09 I figured out how to fold the tongue on my LL Bean Rubber Mocs as seen in the The Official Preppy Handbook. However, I noticed a few months ago that the tongue was beginning to unfold.  And since I wear my mocs all year around (rain or shine), I decided to refold the tongue and document the process (DIY style).

New J.Crew X Timex Watch

J.Crex X Timex Andros Watch

Looks like J.Crew teamed up with Timex again and developed this great timepiece: The Andros Watch.

Visiting Partners & Spade

Partners & Spade

A few shots from my recent trip to Partners & Spade

Wolverine SS12 Preview

 Wolverine Spring/Summer 2012 Preview

Take a look at what Wolverine has to offer in Spring/Summer of 2012.

Crepe Sole Moc Roundup

LL Bean Signature Crepe Sole Mocs

I had the privilege of spending a few days testing some crepe sole shoes and I can't say enough good things about how comfortable they are. Here's a round up of a few options that are currently on the market.

Date Night w/ N'East Style: The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Date Night w/ N'East Style presents: The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Handlebar Magazine Interviews Matt Singer

Red & Blue Striped Oxford Shirt and Canvas Tote, both by Matt Singer.

Yang-Yi Goh, editor of the new online magazine Handlebar, sent me this great interview they did with one of my favorite brand/designer's Matt Singer. Here are a few excerpts.