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.