Woolrich: Decades of American

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I thought I would share these two videos with you in lieu of my previous posting about American wear. I stumbled across them on my daily internet browsing, its a good way to avoid studying for this accounting exam I have in 3 hrs. Oh well enjoy.

Ballin' in Style

A couple of weeks ago BC hosted its annual ALC Ball, where people always show up clearly dressed to impress. So I thought I'd highlight some elegant evening wear, which is rarely a point of focus. Feel free to steal some ideas for your next formal event. Enjoy!

DC Chilling

This past week my brother Aaron and I found ourselves in the capitol for our cousin's book signing (Root And Branch: Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, And The Struggle To End Segregation). The signing was at this laid back and chill spot on U street called Busboys and Poets. The crowd was diverse, the conversation was thought provoking, and the burger wasn't half bad either. The book is about the friendship and relationship between the two great lawyers. It looks at the legal strategy they implemented in order to fight segregation. You guys need to check the book out! Before we left we got some time in hanging out with some DC friends, shopping in Georgetown and GW before we left. Straight DC chillin!

Button Up: Oxford Shirt

Oxford shirts are a staple in every man’s closet. They are the perfect laid back commentary that says I really belong. They are a very comfortable way to make a statement and create a clean look. There is nothing crisper than a well-tailored oxford shirt. I was first introduced to the oxford shirt at an early age by my dad and later perfected wearing them casually through long days of prep school and wild times in the summer heat. You can wear them with a nice repp tie and colorful pants to create that classic go-to-hell look rampant on the campus of New England prep schools or create a more rebellious look through adding a leather jacket, fitted, jeans and some fresh kicks. Either way I know I don’t go anywhere without one.

History:

The oxford cloth button-down shirt, named for the esteemed university, originated as a sport shirt. At the turn of the last century, polo players in England would wear formal, long-sleeved shirts made of oxford cotton—a breathable and sturdy basket-weave cloth. The collars were made with buttons to prevent them from flapping during matches, starting a trend soon adapted for tennis shirts as well. The oxford first appeared in the United States at the turn of the century, and its popularity took off in the 1950s, by which time the look had become associated with classic Ivy League style.

Links:http://style.ralphlauren.com/askralph/styleguide.asp?section=6&ab=int_111009_menleftnav_QA

http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/3173807642_bab6e0b5cc_o.jpg

R.I.P Biggie Smalls

Today is the 13th anniversary of the death of one and only Notorious B.I.G, so it is only appropriate to pay tribute to this legend. Here's the classic Juicy video that I'm sure all true fans have memorized all the words to. "It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine...."

Workwear: Like a warm piece of Americana

As people have often heard me repeat time and time again, style is the reflection of your story and who you are. As a people living in this nation we truly have to live in our clothes, work in our clothes, and be American in our clothes. It is no wonder that one of the classic styles that continue to be rejuvenated and developed is workwear. What other form of clothing is so versatile yet so functional and classic. If you haven’t noticed workwear is dominating fashion and being incorporated into almost every aspect whether it be mixing a chambray or tan shirt with suits or wearing those redwing boots and thermal Woolrich pants with a nice knitted sweater. Style has become reminiscent of the early 30s and they tell a tale of old pulling ourselves out of the Great Depressions, banding together, and more than anything living up to our heritage and developing legacy. In any case its about time that we see Americana come back and you know I have a feeling it wont be going out of style anytime soon because at the end of the day what are clothes for if you can’t live in them.

Style Tips:

1. Wear workwear with more formal garments such as a tie.
2. Keep it simple do not wear too much plaid or a complete outfit made of khaki
3. Khakis look nice especially against a chambray shirt
4. Dickies are never the thing to do unless you really are working
5. Fit is important just because workwear doesn’t give you an excuse to have ten sizes to big or you stomach busting out the seams
6. Wear boots with more formal wear. My personal favorite are the bean boots and Clarks dessert boots with nice wool pants a repp tie and sweater, classic.
7. Look in your parents closet workwear only gets better with time
8. Enjoy this! Mixture of comfort, American praticality, and style who can ask for more

Link: english.mashkulture.net/ tag/orisue/

Link: www.Jcrew.com

Link: http://www.asylum.com/2009/12/29/how-to-wear-workwear-without-looking-like-a-lumberjack/

Link: http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/03/style-design-2009-6-workwear-brands-to-watch/

Links: http://www.newsweek.com/id/182573

Links: http://streetetiquette.com

Band of Outsiders 2010 Spring Lookbook

Band of Outsiders is at it again producing their Spring 2010 lookbook shot in Shot in Marina Del Ray, CA. It features Donald Glover (very funny guy), Dave Franco, and Leslie Mann. In any case as usual their stuff is fresh and has a very nautical preppy feel well retaining that California chillness. Definitely not trying to hard but retaining class. In any case check it out and I know i will definitely be stealing outfit ideas.

Link:http://band.bandofoutsiders.com/

Repp Yourself: The Repp Tie Examined

This week I decided to impart some knowledge on an accessory that I think is crucial for every man to have in their wardrobe, the repp tie aka the prep school tie. It is simply the diagonal striped ties that sport different colors and patterns. I have always had a love for these ties ever since my prep school days, my life. Repp ties tell a story. They tell what school you go to, what team you may be on, or whom your family is. They truly reflect on the person wearing them. They can be either dressed up with a nice pocket square and suit or dressed down with a nice button down and jeans. Simply put they always make a statement and are so very versatile.

History:

The repp tie is named after the weave of silk traditionally used in its making – traces a dual heritage, to both playing fields and battlefields. In the 1880s, British schools adopted official colors, which made their way onto not only ties (hence, “old school ties”) but caps and blazers as well.

By the early 1920s, drinking societies, athletic teams, and private clubs own striped tie. The amazing thing about repp ties is they tell the story of the owner. Sometimes the story behind the tie is as interesting as the tie itself. The orange-black-blue-and-yellow tie worn by the old boys of Wellington College takes its hues from the ribbon of the Crimean War medal.

The popularity of the repp tie in America began in the 1920s, when it started to appear in Ivy League wardrobes. The Prince of Wales, who wore the maroon-and-blue tie of the Foot Guards, undoubtedly inspired many imitators, as he so often did. In 1920, Brooks Brothers ran the diagonal stripes down from right to left, the opposite direction from regimental and traditional club ties. This created outrage in Britian where they wore it the opposite way and did not wear the tie of a group outside of where they belonged.

Once, one could tell an American tie from its British counterpart because the stripes of the British version descended from the left; nowadays the diagonal direction is merely an aesthetic choice to be made by the designer. But the ties associated with stories and history still hold an aura and specialness that cannot be replicated. They tell the story. I love my Belmont Hill tie because every time I put it on I am back in the 8th grade sledding down headmaster hill. Awww the good old days.

How to wear it:

They can be dressed up with a suit and nice pocket square or be loosened up and complement a nice sweater and jeans. Make sure that the stripes complement the rest of outfit.

Links: http://socyberty.com/history/the-rep-tie-and-its-colorful-history/

Links: http://www.esquire.com/style/how-to-wear-ties-0209