Wearing Nostalgia On Your Wrist

Ingersoll 30s Collection Mickey Mouse Watch

One of the things that I've learned since starting this blog is that nobody does nostalgia like the Japanese. From buying up classic American brands like Brooks Brothers in search of authentic Ivy Style to securing old selvedge denim looms from American mills, it just seems as though the Japanese culture has a great sense of holding on to things that matter. Another thing that I love about the Japanese culture is their love for cartoons (as a father, I can totally relate to this). I can't remember if I read this or saw it in a movie, but I recall hearing that it would be common place to see a Japanese man reading a comic book on the train to work instead of the morning paper. I say all of this to highlight the fact that nostalgia is not a bad thing when made in small increments. Case in point: a classic character watch.

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.

Pop Up Flea V

  Pop Up Flea V

If you missed the Pop Up Flea this year, you definitely missed something special.  Take a look at some of my favorite shots from inside and then head on over to Four Pins to see some of my street style pics. 

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.

Jack Spade Fall '12

Jack Spade's Fall 12 collection just arrived and it's preppy, quirky, and classic as ever. Here are a few of my favorites.

Editorial: Michael Bastian for Randolph Engineering

Michael Bastian for Randolph

American optical maker, Randolph Engineering, teamed up with American designer, Michael Bastian, to design some of the coolest clip-ons shades around. God bless America

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.

Review: Danner Mt. Light Elkins from The Breakroom

Danner Mt. Light Elkins

My Breakroom purchase of Danner's Mt. Light Elkins arrived at my doorstep a few days ago and haven't left my feet since. Here's why.

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.

Sale: Danner Boots 50% off

Danner Boots

The Break Room is one of the best kept secrets around. As a place where the folks at Danner routinely put some of their boots on sale, The Break Room often carry some of my favorite styles for as low as 70% off the retail price.  I've been waiting for The Stomptown Collection to make an appearance and they finally arrived this afternoon for around $130-150 a pair. Only 3 days left so act fast. 

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.

Round Up: Navy Boots w/ Brick Red Soles

Viberg Horween Navy Latigo with Brick Dainite Sole

There's just something about Navy shoes with Brick Red soles that always catches my eye. Here's a round up of my current favorites in boot form.

Finding Style From Within...

My grandfather William H. Jones in 1950

As many of you already know, I'm an big advocate of finding style inspirations and suggestions from all sorts of places. I usually find my style icons from movies, photographs, and even literary greats but recently I found one from within my own family. My grandfather, William H. Jones, who passed away last month, served as not only an inspiration for being one of five African Americans to integrate Salesianum School (Pre-Brown vs. Board) in 1950 but for his style during his prep school years. From his tweed coat (which my grandmother recalls was the nicest coat she has ever seen) with the popped collar, to the break in his pants and driving gloves, this recent discovered photo just reminds me of how much inspiration we can gain from learning about our past.

Ball and Buck x New Balance 574

Ball and Buck x New Balance 574

As a big fan of my New Balances 574s and Camo these days, I really like the subtle combination of the two in Ball and Bucks collaboration with New Balance. Made in America like all things carried by Ball and Buck, these sneakers sport the signature Ball and Buck Camo in 10oz Duck Cloth on the footbed and sides as well as blaze orange accents on the heal. Only 176 are being made so be ready to grab a pair when they become available on 9/28/12.

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: Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams

Continuing the series of drawing style inspiration from my favorite literary writers, Tennessee Williams is next up on my list. As the man who wrote two of my favorite plays of all time, Williams' style comes across as timeless as the words from his characters in A Street Car Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie.

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.

Close Up and Private A/W '12

Close Up and Private A/W '12

Sergei Sviatchenko of Close Up and Private had a very busy and productive few months. Along with a few exhibitions, Sergei also has a book on the way that's sure to be a favorite in the preppy/trad corners of the world. Here's an exclusive look at his A/W '12 presentation for Close Up and Private for some style inspiration this fall. 

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.   

Lands' End Shorewood Fair Isle Sweater

Lands' End Fair Isle Shorewood Sweater

Although it's a little too hot to be thinking about sweaters, this is exactly the right time to be on the hunt. Lands' End is currently having a great sale on Fall items (like this down vest) but their Shorewood Fair Isle is by far my favorite.  Stock up now because I have a feeling these might go fast.

L.L. Bean 100th Anniversary EvoWood Swiss Army Knife

L.L. Bean 100th Anniv. EvoWood Knife

Continuing with their 100th Anniversary celebration, L.L. Bean teamed up with Wenger to make this handsome Swiss Army Knife that is sure to be a favorite among fans. Sporting a grip made from a Swiss Walnut Tree, this knife holds seven stainless-steel tools such as a flat screwdriver, large knife blade with 100th Anniversary logo, bottle opener, wire bender, nail file, nail cleaner, corkscrew, can opener, small cross head screwdriver, key ring and a reamer/awl which serves eleven functions in all. And as a guy who carries a regular L.L. Bean Swiss Army Knife at all times, I'm looking forward to upgrading to this model.

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.

Archives || The Classic Style of Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman

Although we are all aware of his style in "The Graduate," Dustin Hoffman has been sporting the classic look on and off the set for years.

Jack Spade x Barbour

Jack Spade x Barbour

Although Andy Spade is no longer at the helm of Jack Spade, I'm glad to see that his influnce still remains at the company. Andy was always a big fan of Barbour so my guess is the collaboration of these two brands was a long time coming. Take a look at Mr. Spade in his well worn Barbour below and read on to see the new Jack Spade x Barbour Collection. The secret to this collection lies in the details.

Andy Spade shot by Daniel Stephans in 2007.

Brooks Brothers Fall '12

 Princeton Tee Shirt

Inspired by the Ivy League, Brooks Brothers hit just the right combination of nostalgia and classic style with their latest collection, especially with the authorized reproduction of the Princeton Tee Shirt made famous by T. Hayashida's Take Ivy. Read on for my favorite picks from Fall 2012.

1950 Beach Style

  1950s beach style

While scanning Life Archives looking for classic beach style, I quickly noticed a common theme among the men: headgear. For these beach bums, hats provided not only protection from the blazing sun but also served as a statement. Take note.

#NASASocial 40 Years of Landsat

I'm a big fan of NASA as most of you know, so you can imagine my surprise when I was selected as one of twenty-five people to visit Goddard Space Flight Center as well as participate in a press conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Landsat satellite.

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.

Philly #Menswear Meetup

Philly #Menswear Meetup

This past Friday, Commonwealth Proper hosted the first of many Philly #menswear meetups, which brought out some of the best dressed guys in the area (including two finalist from Esquire '10 contest). From the bespoke jokes to the chocolate flavor moonshine, the meetup was a great deal of fun and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Designing 007 Exhibition

Designing 007 Exhibition

If you find yourself in London over the next few months, make sure you stop by the Barbican Centre, who is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise in grandiose style.  From props and costumes to wax figures and a martini bar, you can truly live the Bond experience with this unique exhibition. Open until Sept 5.

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.

Red White & Blue

Happy Fourth

Make it a good one.

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. 

New Project: Dilapidated Delaware

Dilapidated Delaware

Today I embarked on a new project with my friend Mat Dilts titled Dilapidated Delaware, where we strive to find beauty in the forgotten. 

The Nylite Project: Round Two

The Nylite Project

The Nylite Project: Round Two

GQ Behind the Scenes: Mark McNairy

Mark McNairy

 Here are some behind the scenes shots from my GQ Fatherhood & Style series with Mark McNairy and the email from Daisy McNairy about her father.

GQ Behind the Scenes: Todd Snyder

Todd Snyder

Since my feature on Fatherhood & Style for GQ is now live, I decided to give you some behind the scene footage of each father. First up: Todd Snyder.

Army Issued "Dad Bag"

The Dad Bag

Ruggedness, reliability and resilience are not only qualities that a Dad should possess but his bag as well. Now you could drop a pretty penny on a designer "Dad Bag" complete with a matching changing pad and a little piece of your manhood or you could head down to your local Army/Navy store and pick up a surplus bag.  I love taking items that have been tested and re-appropriating them into a different context and this is exactly what you can do in a store like this.

Guest Blogging: Alpha Industries Inc.

Unpublished Life photos of Apollo 11's astronauts being Fathers.

I'm guest blogging this month at Alpha Industries. My first post is on Fatherhood & Space, my two favorite subjects. 

The Anatomy of a Great Boot

Viberg Boot

 Take a look at the anatomy of a Viberg Boot.

The Hill-Side & Co.: Street Style

Hickorees

Street style shots from The Hill-Side Co. preview (which I shot for Complex) in Brooklyn NY.

Madras Shirt Roundup

 Relwen

When it comes to summer shirts, nothing beats Madras. The lightweight fabric combined with the colorful plaid pattern makes it the perfect alternative to the polo shirt that you're custom to wearing during the dog days ahead. Check out the shirts in the round up for a quick upgrade of your summer wardrobe.

Hands On || Wm. J. Mills F/W '12

Wm. J. Mills F/W '12

For the past few months, I've been carrying around a few items from Wm. J. Mills F/W '12 collection
and have been very impressed with their craftsmanship and durability.  Using the waxed cotton "Boston Bag" for my camera/tripod equipment and even taking the "Sag Harbor Duffel" on my first camping, I put these bags through the paces and got many compliments along the way.  I guess it is true that not all canvas bags are created equal.

Hands on || Mark McNairy x BBC

BBC's Bee Line

As a fan of the first two seasons of Billionaire Boys Club (BBC), I was excited to get a sneak peak of their collaboration with Mark McNairy, titled the "Bee Line." When I spoke with McNairy about my own BBC/Ice Cream collection from 5 years ago he asked me if I still wore any of it today. I replied that I only wear the understated pieces and he said that's exactly what he was going for in the upcoming Fall/Winter collection, a grown up version of the line. And with a collection filled with Crescent Down parkas, blazers, cardigans and plaid shirting, McNairy definitely succeeded.   

Inside Confirmed Stock

Confirmed Stock

Just a few blocks from John Hopkins University in a old church, Baltimore, Maryland hosted its first men's pop-up flea on Saturday, April 28, appropriately named Confirmed Stock. The weather held up nicely as people poured in to get a chance to test and purchase many of the products that they’ve only seen online. Brands such as Bull and Buck, Randolph Engineering, Cause and Effect, Two Inch Cuffs and Blue Claw Co. were represented which made for a good mix of leather goods, clothing, and footwear selections. And with the success of this latest pop up shop, plans for a Fall showing is already in the works.  

Confirmed Stock: Street Style

Head on over to Complex Magazine to check out my coverage of Confirmed Stock this past weekend. Read on to view some more details shots from the event.