GREEN WITH IVY

What better thing to do on a lazy holiday afternoon down south than looking at photos of well dressed students in plaid, loafers, and all things prep.

THE SHOP: CENTRE COMMERCIAL

Sheltered by a glass roof in a neighborhood that favors slow-shopping a few steps away from the Saint Martin Canal is Centre Commercial, a collective space uniting local, social and environmental initiatives.



Centre commercial offers second-hand bicycles, vintage furniture, art works and labels made in France, Great Britain and Denmark.



“Centre Commercial wants to slow down the rhyme of our fast-paced society. Reminiscent in the ways of our grandparents, we favor know-how and continuity. Rather than offering mere products, we try to curate genuine projects,” said Sebastien Kopp & Ghislain Morillion, both founders of Veja.


CENTRE COMMERCIAL
Rue de Marseille
Paris, France

PLAIN + SIMPLE

I got a sneak peek into plain + simple’s first collection by Manila-based design duo Bobby Sangalang and girlfriend AC Irasusta.



Think oxford shirts, tailored shorts, chinos, and not much else.




A lot of Plain + Simple’s core collection is grounded in neutrals, but it was the crisp white cotton dress shirt paired with shorts and loafers from Opening Ceremony that stole the show for me.

Plain + simple pays homage to the essentials that have made every man look good decade after decade and I love that you can go from the office to a night on the town and still look devilishly handsome.

I'm totally digging it! I may not wear each look exactly as they present them buy hey, they are definitely healthy separates that can be paired with more traditional styled pieces.

THREE YEAR OLD SUEDES AND MR BRûLé

Many men are afraid to buy suede shoes for fear of ruining them. Just like any other pair, if you treat them well, it will last you a lifetime. I’ve had my pair of suede Opening Ceremony for three years now and yes, they still look as if they have never been worn.

Suede always gives an intellectual appeal to any outfit.


(2 of the 25 issues of Monocle I have at home, My Sartorialist book when bored and my 3 year old suedes from Opening Ceremony)

On a lighter note, I think my addiction to Monocle is getting a bit out of hand. You have got to agree with me, Monocle lives up to the hype and is arguably a different breed of magazine. I definitely don’t mind paying a little extra for an inch thick worth of style and surprises.

SLEEK PEEK

Uniform Wares' third collection of timepieces, the 300 Series Chronograph Calendar Wristwatch.

THRIFT FIND : WAXED CANVAS TOTE

Olmayeyo? Tossan kot sun opsumnigga?

When you combine canvas with wax, you get perfection and this midnight blue waxed canvas tote I got at the Korean thrift shop over the weekend is just that. Choosing canvas over plastic, this tote is large enough to fit a great deal of gear for my everyday supplies like my laptop, moleskine, magazines and my camera.



For only $3.00 and without batting an eyelash, this ultimately is the perfect lazy weekend tote.

WEARING INDIGENOS

Uncluttered, subtle and organic. Like the Indigenous, they stand strong.





VEJA INDIGENOS FALL WINTER 10

Veja — LOOKBOOK INDIGENOS from Veja on Vimeo.

BASIC MATTER 23: THE PALE BLUE SHIRT

(Photos by we can make it good)

Mindless packing is fine if you are a normie heading to some cheap vacation spot for summer but if you are anyone else, throwing clothes in a bag 5 minutes before you are out of the door results bringing half your closet (I remember packing my entire closet to Bali a few years back).

Like white shirts, having multiple versions of the go-to blue shirt is sartorially smart. Just note the subtleties in hue, texture and cut that differentiate one shirt from another. Always stay within the boundaries of robin’s-egg and cerulean and please, always avoid anything with undertones. Instead of wearing one with khakis and looking like a high school student from the Ateneo, take advantage of its versatility.

I now have learned how to embrace the wrinkle despite me being totally obsessive compulsive. Wash and wear shirts are a stylish traveller’s best friend. They are designed to look great tucked or untucked with a couple of buttons undone. My favourite are my shirts from Brooks Brothers, Steven Alan and Frank Cicco and Son. They are all genuinely comfortable and yes, puckered perfection.

BASIC MATTER 22: WEEKEND DRESSING

I am flying down south in a couple of days to take advantage of my first vacation leave in three years and I have been dying to host an afternoon barbeque at our front lawn.

There is something so laidback about the south that I am excited to pack only my basics and hey, we have no excuse not to dress well. Nada!

Shirt | Hamilton Blue Contrast Utility
Trousers | D.S. Dundee Hamilton Trousers Sandwood
Bag |'Birch' Tan Leather Mens Weekend Bag from Equip
Brogues | G.H Bass Barret Suede Wingtip

Chambray, chinos and that classic white shirt looks good if not better on us men when worn wrinkled - such pretty simplicity.

What to steal from dads closet when I fly home - his Panama Hat!

And, I am definitely spending the whole afternoon at our farm with a cold glass of fresh coconut juice – It is too peaceful not to.

THE VITALS

THE COLOR PURPLE

The unexpected combinations of color like my purple moccasins make for a bold new look that breaks all the rules.

WELCOME

The name says it..



(Photos from Très bien)

WELCOME
Sibyllegatan 9
Stockholm, Sweeden

KICKIN' IT LIKE IT'S 1950

I know, my mobile phone calendar says October and I am having a moment like it’s 1950 sporting sockless loafers, oxford shirts, tapered khakis and rep ties.

The Windmill Club AW 2010 from Buffalo Picture House on Vimeo.

(Photos from The Windmill Club's Autumn / Winter 2010)

I am already itching to wear my dad’s old red rep tie from high school. Fly south, they may look like souvenirs from a vintage thrift shop, but in fact, rep and bow ties have received some lavish attention of late thanks to The Windmill Club.

IT IS ALWAYS THE BASICS THAT KEEP ME SATISFIED

(Photos by Jak & Jil)

Just in case you were wondering what to get me for Christmas: a couple of plaid shirts in red. I live in plaids and madras and they have always been filed under “must have”. Apparently, I need a dozen.

BLACK IVY

“People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.” - Ralph Lauren

The Black Ivy from Street Etiquette on Vimeo.

(Photos from unabashedly prep and street etiquette)

GOING BESPOKE: BROGUES OR WEEJUNS?

I have been wanting to update my footwear for the holidays and I haven’t found the right pair of conservative brogues that I'll be wearing on my feet the next couple of month.

Church's - English made shoes from Très Bien Shop on Vimeo.

The process of having a pair of shoes made hasn't changed in decades so I thought of having a pair or two made from the cobbler my friend introduced me to over the weekend. Brogues are my favorite and I have two pairs in brown and boring black from way back.

I may have had a couple of shirts and trousers made by side street tailors but having a pair of shoes made is an entirely different thing. I am excited and scared at the same time. Maybe I should just try it out and yes, I’m definitely pairing them with red socks.

BASIC MATTER 21: THE PERFECT BAG

I feel naked if I leave the house without a bag. I am always on the move and it is important that I have my bag with me to hold my gear – a bag huge enough to fit anything and everything like my laptop, camera, moleskine, magazines, books and even a spare shirt in case I accidentally stain myself with coffee again.

Fossil 'Wagner Duffle Brown' Men's Holdall Bag and J-Fold 'Cargo' Brown Mens Messenger Bag

'Voyager' Brown Leather Mens Holdall Bag and Diesel 'Stronger' Men's Weekend Bag (all bags from Equip)

Bags are always a fantastic addition to any man’s closet. Being in a creative environment, I am lucky to have more leeway with regards to the originality of my bag (no boring suitcases for me, thank you). I have tons and I’m starting to get really bored. I like my bags unfussy as possible. No obvious logos or funky monograms, just something that is refined enough to wear to work or out of town.

Growing up, mum would always tell me that I should have at least a canvas tote for weekend errands, a good looking carryall for work and a sturdy weekender for traveling.

BASIC MATTER 20: BROWN BROGUES AND VEJA

I’m flying over down south next month to attend a conference which happens to be my dad’s hometown and I cannot wait to rummage his shoe closet for vintage brogues and moccasins. Like me, he has never been a fan of anything too tacky which has developed into my personal style. He is the type who wouldn’t spend more than $100 on a pair of brogues on me but will be more than willing to spend more than $500 on a pair of lace-ups on himself. I remember dad would always tell me that shoes are always a part of evolution into being well dressed.

(Photo taken from Mister Mort)

To add flare with the brown brogues, match it with the perfect organic leather bag dyed in acacia extract from the North-East of Brazil. For five years now, the bags from Veja has worked in Brazil on an innovative and progressive project creating new agricultural channels and raising crafting standards whilst respecting both the environment and human rights. Not bad huh! Even the lining and canvas are made from organic cotton grown by a co-operative of producers also from the same province.


Like a crisp white shirt paired with raw blue jeans and the perfect bag, the classics is where it's really at.

100 DAYS

In case you've been hibernating for the past months, the weather has continually been dropping in my neck of the woods as if you've just stepped out of your refrigerator that just got defrosted. That may simply mean scattered afternoon showers, damp sidewalks and layers of billowing outerwear in black and grey.






(Here are a few pieces from Kitsune to add to your “Ber” necessities.)

Though I have become accustomed to prepster-essentials like cardigans, blazers and grown-up schoolboy Americana, the options for this season are endless, and utility chic continues to be a strong, wearable trend that's easily paired with closet staples like my plaids, ginghams and basic crisp white shirts.

My typical menswear silhouette is characterized by voluminous coats (yup, I’m reviving my parka) and narrow trousers paired with chunky brogues – yes, I never stray too far from my roots.

UNIFORM DRESSING : PLAIDS

Like oxfords and seersuckers, plaids always appealed to me.

I am actually wearing one now. All shirts from Gitman Vintage / Gitman Brothers

THE SEBAGO NEXUS PROJECT: TOUCHING AMERICANA & HIP-HOP

Ronnie Fieg Presents: The Sebago Nexus Project - Trailer by Jake Davis from Jake Davis on Vimeo.

BASIC MATTER 19 : THE CARDIGAN

I have been wearing my cardigans unbuttoned and would usually pair them with dark jeans or tailored shorts so they don’t have the old-man stigma.


(Photo from The Sartorialist)

Yesterday, out of extreme boredom, me and my sister Anika decided to hit Forever 21 – a wasteland of disposable fashion were quantity reigns high over quality.

I finally found a cardigan that fit me perfectly (No, it isn’t a lightweight merino from Barneys) – though am not really a big fan of the brand, I bought it anyway. It’s a simple cardigan with oval suede-like elbow patches from Heritage 1981 – Forever 21’s menswear line.

For only $20.90, I mean, I shouldn’t really be complaining. I have yet to wear it!

THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR DAD’S SUIT

“I wanted to take a small detail and make people really think about it. It was something people hadn’t seen before. I wanted to encourage younger customers to look at a suit and think, “Well, maybe I really could wear that.” – Thom Browne

WHAT'S YOUR UNIFORM?

I totally feel naked without a watch on. In fact, I have a couple of nice watches bought from trips abroad and presents from mum and dad. I was never a fan of Tag Heuer but nothing beats Rolex and Breitling.

Check in, check out and more than 10 years after, I have realized I’m still using my black-strapped vintage Bill Blass watch dad got me in Toronto.



Yes, I have been trying to convince myself and guess what, the updated 100 Series Wristwatch version 200 from Uniform Wares are just the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

Designed as a continuation to the 100 Series, the version 200 is a unisex timepiece referencing the archetypal engineering of machine gauges and industrial equipment used in the leather working process.



It also features an aircraft grade stainless steel case in either PVD coated, brushed or polished finish, Italian calf leather strap and Swiss made 7 jewel, ETA calender movement.

Now, where the hell is my credit card?

SEEING DOUBLE. WELL, ALMOST!

I have been a prescribed bespectacled person since high school until I convinced myself that wearing one just made me look like a dork and decided to go semi blind ‘til last week.

Paying the price for vanity and occasional annoying headaches - I am now in need of a new pair. Believe me, I have been trying on pair after pair at the local optical shop – almost frustrated until I came across Warby Parker online.

Warby Parker offers vintage-inspired designs for only $95 bucks (around Php4,500) including your prescription – not bad!

The only down side for me being in the Philippines is that they don't yet ship to my side of the Pacific.

BASIC MATTER 18: THE PERFECT BUSINESS CARD HOLDER

I have finally given my business cards a stylish storage thanks to P who got me a new one for my birthday from Tsubota Pearl, one of Japan’s luxury goods company known for their finely crafted silver cases and lighters.


(Hand-stitched green leather card case from Japan)

Business card holders from Tsubota are a chic way of organizing your cards instead of keeping them inside your already bulky wallet. A potent marketing tool that has gained more popularity through the years – they should be stored properly! Business cards are no longer a piece of paper that contain one's name and contact details, they now have become stylish introductions.

JUST BECAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I CAN....

Wrap myself in fabric at the fabric shop, have an afternoon tea party with tables filled with cupcakes...




...repaint my apartment, pop balloons, shop for more loafers and dress shirts to fill my closet, shop online for more plaid shirts at Steven Alan, A tote from L.L Bean and thank everyone for the overwhelming birthday wishes.

What better way to start a new day than a video from the Windmill Club’s S/S ’10

The Windmill Club SS 2010 from Buffalo Picture House on Vimeo.

WEEKEND MOOD BOARD AND AN ART FAIR

My sister Anika and I spent the weekend at Manila Art and at the local furniture and D.I.Y shops sourcing for the right home accessory so we could start putting our humble apartment into place. Totally different from our big house in the province, we’re both quiet excited on how it’ll look especially after a coat of eggshell white paint from the supply store nearby.


Creating your own mood board is a good way to get inspired, keep track of ideas, and visualize how your room will look

We are hoping we can at least spruce up the whole space a bit in the next 4 weeks so we can get some huge framed paintings installed.

Now, where to buy a new carpet for the living room?

KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL

Growing up in the 80’s, mum taught me to wear traditional canvas and leather sneaks aside from the usual weejuns and tasseled loafers to parties and out of town trips - It was a preppy requisite in my neck of the woods.

Today, it’s all about thoughtfully acquiring items that can subtly spruce up a basic wardrobe and still look fresh a year later.

Being the hoarder that I am, I have five pairs of sneakers ranging from preppy staples like Fred Perry and Tretorn to unbranded $15 canvas lace-ups that I regularly wear to the weekend village market or around the neighborhood.

Mum would always tell me that what you wear south of your ankles always deserve a seasonal update and nothing says you’re ready for boiling equatorial temperatures and bespoke cotton shorts like a pair of refined classis sneaks from Veja.

(I’m in love with These pair of Taua’s and vegetable-tanned suede Indegenos)

Made out of chrome-free leather tanned with organic compounds and are cut, sewn and assembled in Southern Brazil, Veja shoes are the next best thing unlike the clunky mass produced ones available all over favoured by almost everyone. Veja shoes are streamlined and subtle and oh, they look great with seersuckers, khakis and even denim trousers.

And hold on, they have also launched “project numero deux” , its first line of ethical bags. I’m drooling now!

QUARTER LIFE, MI GORENG AND BLOWING CANDLES ON THE 4TH

When I was in grade school I would get so excited about my birthday and I would have these great ideas of what I would do for my birthday like a grand party at home with balloons, a piñata and games or what mum and dad would do for me but when they did not happen I would be disappointed and not eat for days. I was not spoiled with my parents and I believe I do not set my expectations as high as I did 18 years ago - I just try to enjoy the day and do a few things that make me happy.

I have enjoyed receiving wishes from my friends, colleagues (YES, the simple things) but I am seriously not excited about my birthday. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with how things are going with myself and my life.

I still have not thought of anything to get myself on my birthday.I don’t need a new phone nor a new pocket camera. I have more than enough bags and I am starting to run out of storage for all. Probably all I need is to update my wardrobe with more basics and a new pair of brown brogues.




(All photos from Jak & Jil)
I will be turning 28 in two weeks and I know anything can change at any moment. What is wrong?

Thank god for Mi Goreng spicy chicken noodles.