Archives: The Vitals Guide to Buying a Rolex

Vitals Magazine 2005

Whenever I find myself in the market for a classic item (watches, trench coats, shoes, etc.), I usually pull out one of my old Vitals Magazines for guidance. The now defunct magazine was truly something special when it comes to buying guides and their Rolex feature was no exception. So if you are thinking about buying a Rolex now or sometime in the future, be sure to study this guide in order to make an informed decision.

B-Role: Behind the Scenes of Todd Snyder's FW'13

 B-role: Behind the scenes shots of Todd Snyder FW'13

Since I have a lot of left over footage from s(ny)der's coverage of Todd Snyder's FW'13 collection, I decided to make a B-role post of behind the scenes shots of the fitting and the actual show.

Snyder NY - Introducing Todd Snyder's new blog

Todd Snyder's Blog

Along with writing copy for Todd Snyder, my main contribution is serving as the editor for his new blog, Snyder NY, which launched today.  Check out Valet Magazine's interview with Todd and myself about the purpose and importance of social media in the fashion industry. 

Interviewed by Great Lakes Prep

Great Lakes Prep

Special thank you to Nick of Great Lakes Prep for including me in his You Ought To Be Reading series.  Read the interview here and be sure to check out his blog.

Harris Tweed Headphones

Harris Tweed Earphones by Urbanears

Always on the look out to enhance my listening experience, I recently acquired a pair of headphones from Urbanears. Known for their array of colors and fabrics, the Harris Tweed edition is by far the best (especially during the cold month where they can double as ear muffs). The one-touch remote with microphone, non-tangle cords, and extra jack (for sharing music) only adds to the total package of these headphones.  And although I wouldn't put the sound up there with Bose or Beats by Dre, you can't beat having authentic Harris Tweed wrapped around your ears.  Purchase them here.

Dream Job, Dream Year

Day 1 at Todd Snyder

It's interesting how something can start out as an outlet and become a passion. I began writing this blog in 2009 as a way to catalog my favorite things (but more importantly, as an creative outlet from my legal job) with no real goal in mind. I've always been creative in one sense of the word but I never thought of it as a career choice. I still remember reading an article about Andy Spade in '03 and thinking how being a creative director/copywriter would be the coolest thing ever but I had no idea what to do or where to start. 

Well, fast forward to this week and I found myself in NYC starting my dream job as a copywriter/editor for Todd Snyder. I'll be writing copy for their products, developing promotions/campaigns, and running their blog (which are all skills that I cultivated here at Alex Grant over the years).  And although it has not been an easy road, the journey has been very rewarding and I am eternally grateful for all of the opportunities that lead up to this moment. 

I just want to personally thank each and every one of you for stopping by and supporting me over the years. Hopefully, this blog encouraged you to not only dress better but to follow your dreams.

Make every year a #dreamyear,

Skip

Spring '13 at Gant Rugger Bleecker Street

Gant Rugger on Bleecker Street

Although the weather is still a little nippy, Spring has definitely arrived at Gant Rugger on Bleecker Street with its pastels shirts and sweaters. Take a look inside one of my favorite shops in New York and get ready to dream about the warmer months on the horizon.

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

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.