September 29, 2010

IT IS ALWAYS THE BASICS THAT KEEP ME SATISFIED

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(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.

September 27, 2010

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.


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(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.
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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.

September 23, 2010

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

September 10, 2010

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