midweSTYLE: Double down

Let's dish out another take on wearing a double-breasted jacket today, yeah? Cam brought his game with a Barena find last week, and I'm continuing with an Aspesi gem.

This is my first double-breasted jacket, let alone my first year-round + Italian designer jacket. I added in plaid shirt, thrifty slim carpenter pants, leopard-print hat and Nike Safari sneakers. So many red flags, styles clashing and seasons colliding in one outfit. But I was comfortable and in a hurry to meet up with Yewon Kim to snap some photos. Be warned when you meet up with Yewon: She's in a league of her own.

Ladies, take note of Yewon's outfits. Guys, take note of Yewon's outfits. Everyone, follow the Yewon.

Story time on the wine-stained trousers: These Levi's slim carpenter pants are favorites because of the lore behind them. A halloween-plus-birthday party was thrown at my house in Logan Square last year.  I remember neither my costume nor the song, but I swatted a wine glass out of the hands of some white girl with bangs (or rather her flailing arms swatted me.) The wine glass splattered and shattered on my computer and all over my pants. The white girl with bangs didn't skip a beat and kept on dancing. The computer spluttered out, however, and a part of me died that night. The following day, I took it to the Apple Store, where they took a look and said, "Well, we tried to turn it on, but it smelled like wine and beer. It's toast, bro." 

Let's review: My computer smells not just like "alcohol,"  but specifically, "wine and beer." Noted, Genius Bar guy. My computer smelled like booze, I GET IT.

A day later, I emptied my bank account to get a new laptop. 'Cuz Internet. A week later, I finally washed my wine-splattered carpenter pants. But the stains remain...and somewhere I think I still have that wine-logged laptop, too. 

 Photography by Yewon Kim

On Jeff: Double-breasted cotton blazer by Aspesi from Mr. Porter; checkered button-down by A.P.C.; carpenter pants by Levi's; Air Safari sneakers by Nike from St. Alfreds in Chicago; five-panel cap by Reed Space + Publish from St. Alfreds in Chicago; frames by Warby Parker.

TREND: Camo Jacket

Hop on the train of mixing prints, patterns, textures, colors and leathers. It'll probably stop soon, so let's make this trip quick, yeah?

If you've been to any vintage, thrift or resale shops lately, you can tell that camo and military jacket sare making their rounds. This was my favorite summer wear to toss over a tank or light tee. It also enabled me to haul keys, cards, cellphones, wallets, swag and the like around without cramping my shorty shorts.

Now with fall upon us, it's still a great layering piece. Think about subbing this guy in for a cardigan, or pile a down vest on over it. Comb through a thrift store to find one on the cheap, or dole out a few extra bucks at a curated resale shop to save you some time. 

• Pro Tip: If it's short or boxy or baggy, just roll the sleeves to make a hybrid, kimono-like sleeve of sorts and pretend you're chill about it because you're confident. That's what I do with most of my clothes. 'Cuz lanky arms.

On Jeff: Unstructured camo jacket ($3, thrift store) by Ranger; embroidered" University" chinos by Rugby; thrifted duo-tone "Nashua" loafers by Allen Edmonds; long-sleeve tee from Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen; railroad spike cuff by Giles & Brother; thrifted Navajo silver bracelet; "Weekender" watch by Timex; "Preston" glasses in Gimlet Tortoise by Warby Parker.

Photos by Rob Culpepper.

MIDWESTYLE: Young Folks

This summer, an itinerant photographer from Birmingham, AL, found himself in Chicago. His name was Rob Culpepper, and like good photographers do, he started documenting whatever struck his curiosity in the cityscape. His talent and and thoughtful eye were immediately apparent, and we quickly folded him into our ragtag band of Logan Square rabble-rousers. It goes without saying that we were sad to see him head South at summer's end like a migrating bird. But before he left, he set up a series of  meaningful portrait sessions with those of us who stayed behind.

For now, we'll let these pictures speak for themselves. But Seth will chime in with more on Rob and his story next week.

One of my finds over in Europe this past year was this "Little People" shirt by Folk at their Brick Lane store in London. You know the drill: When you travel and love the city, the people and the beat of the drum, you want to bring back something that reminds you of your time in that place. (Cue collective "awww.") I really dig Folk's aesthetic in that they make simple clothing with playfully quirky details, like two little tribal people holding hands in random placement.

On Jeff: "Little People" overshirt by Folk; short-sleeve chambray button-down chambray by Apolis; cargo trousers by Levi's; watch by Timex; chunky wingtips by Walk-Over Shoes.

Photography by Rob Culpepper.

midweSTYLE: Stripes, chambray, cobalt.

I was never one to gravitate toward hoodies growing up, mainly because they were never long, trim or interesting enough. 

I liked the idea of having a track jacket but never could commit to it because my ideas of track jackets were attached to the ones everyone wore in high school with logos plastered on them. I've been down that road before and had vowed to not retrace my steps. 

Photography by John Stoffer

However, A.P.C., the notorious cult label of simple Parisian basics, caught my eye this past winter. 

Part track jacket, part hoodie: all cool and minimal. Perfect for that finishing touch year-round, really.

E-props to David Lynch for paving the way for this nearly Victorian-era hairstyle. Thanks, bro.

Tortoise shell frames from Warby Parker, my new jam.

The idea of the uniform has been on our minds (Seth's work from home, mine from late winter, early spring), and you can easily turn this into a summer version with stripes, chambray and bright colors.

• If you have to wear pants (boo), hate your legs for whatever reason, are that guy who doesn't wear shorts in the summer time (seriously, bro?), need a great knock-around summer chino or JUST NEED A PAIR OF CHAMBRAY PANTS, I highly recommend the "Jorn" trouser by Club Monaco.
• If you need a pair of sneaks that 1) pack a little punch, 2) are actually comfortable, and  3) don't want to spend over $100 that you're gonna stink up this summer, Tretorn Nylites might be up your alley as well.
• If you desire a little change up from your pocket tee, aren't sure what to wear instead of a polo shirt but want to look pulled together, or think you already have enough striped tees (never true), reach for some stripes.

On Jeff: Hooded zip-up jacket by A.P.C.; striped tee by Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen (here's a similar one); straight-leg chambray "Jorn" trouser by Club Monaco; red Nylite sneakers by Tretorn; gimlet tortoise "Preston" eyeglasses by Warby Parker.

Photography by John Stoffer

You're the boss, applesauce.

UNIFORM: Denim, stripes. Repeat.

Last fall, I talked a bit about the "uniform": your go-to outfit staple. 

You know, when you're in a rush and not sure what to wear before you head out the door for another mundane Monday. Your weekends should have uniforms too, so you can pack in five minutes, throw your toothbrush in your back pocket and skip town for a few days. The spring and summer seasons call for those spur-of-the-moment getaways to the cabin, countryside or lakeside. Be prepared.

My spring uniform consists of a denim shirt, a light-weight sweater and not-so-blue-jeans.

Layer and unlayer as needed until the temp hits that point-of-no-return muggy Midwest swelter we all know and love/hate.

On Jeff: waxed Bedale jacket by Barbour; denim shirt from Urban Outfitters; lightweight wool Breton-stripe sweater by A.P.C.;  "Max" slim-fit denim by Acne; heavy-duty wingtips by Walk Over (similar); dirty knapsack.

Photos by Cameron Neiderhauser.

midweSTYLE: Put a bird on it

Go ahead and get your comments out of the way with "Put a bird on it!"

Bring it on.

When I walked into the London store, I saw one of the sales associates wearing this shirt and asked if they had my size is stock.  Bummed that they didn't have my size to try, the guy took the shirt off his back and let me give it a go.

Talk about customer service, people.

The shirt has an interesting story behind it as well:

The Jackdaw print was created by Edwyn Collins, best known for his hit ‘A Girl Like You.' A former member of the band Orange Juice, Collins suffered from a double brain hemorrhage in 2005. As part of his rehabilitation, Collins created these individual illustrations. Having heard his story, Liberty immortalized his illustrations for SS12.

It's rad when brands develop product with a story behind it.

 On Jeff: "Jackdaw" shirt by Barbour, available at Need Supply; green cotton military blazer from Urban Outfitters; scarf from Italy; dirty grey beanie from Target; slim dark navy "Thunder" wash in "Max" fit by Acne, available at Opening Ceremony; beloved Plainsman's tan "Zachary" boots by Walkover Shoes; skinny railroad spike cuff by Giles & Brother; "Weekender" watch by Timex.

Photography by Yewon Kim

Backpacks, y'all

Here's an all-points bulletin. You don't have to be among the freshly admitted undergrad masses roaming college campuses with North Face backpacks. (Can I get a witness on them Jansport 'packs, too?) It may also be time to retire the ratty patches and band pins from your more angst-filled youth.

We sent help. If a tote or a messenger bag isn't your jam and you like to be hands free, throw one of these backpacks over your shoulders for your daily commute. 

But before you scroll, can we talk about one-shoulder backpacks? 

They just don't make sense. It's like wearing a jacket with one sleeve.

I already have a minor case of scoliosis; do I really need to further that curvature? Hell no.

I digress.

Here are our picks for this spring. They're across a variety of price points, and they're organized in no particular hierarchy. I should add the disclaimer that some of these should be filed under "pure fantasy" (cc: the Billykirk rucksack at the smooth total of $440)—at least until we all get jobs managing hedge funds.

Top row:

• Convertible backpack ($240) by Beams Plus x Kelty, available at Mr. Porter
• "Kanken" 15-inch laptop bag ($110) by Fjall Raven, available at Need Svpply
• "Little America" 20-oz backpack ($140) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Need Svpply
• Rucksack ($440) by Opening Ceremony x Billykirk, available at Opening Ceremony

Bottom row:

• "Pathfinder Wanderer" ($175) by Duluth Pack , available at Duluth Pack
• Digital camo backpack ($60) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Urban Outfitters
• "Scoutmaster" laptop pack ($175) by Duluth Pack, available at Duluth Pack
• Canvas rucksack ($260) by Filson, available at Park & Bond

I've toyed with each of these and haven't made my decision on what I'm gonna sling over my shoulders once warmer weather makes afternoon sessions at the beach regular occurrences. I'm sporting this rucksack right now and it's on its last leg.

So, interwebz: What kind of bag do you carry?

midweSTYLE: Camo, cuffed.

Spring is, well, nearly here. 

Time to ditch your socks, throw a cuff in your pants and get ready for the flood.

And those ankles? They'll always look pasty white unless you let 'em breathe.

The super helpful folks over at Levi's were kind enough to track down these pants for me. I called my local Wicker Park store, and they handed over the style number so I could call a random West Coast store to see if they had these camo-lined trousers in my size. Low and behold, they did and shipped 'em my way. 

Spring also calls for some light layering. I snagged this lightweight Barbour Liddesdale jacket while I was in London on vacation. A little haggling and £40 later, I was glad to take this jacket off the vintage seller's hands in Brick Lane.

On Jeff: Blue Liddesdale jacket by Barbour; purple pullover by J.Crew; blue button-down shirt by Gant Rugger; camo-lined cuffed trousers (sold out) by Levi's; Italian penny loafers thrifted in Andersonville, Chicago; blue "KC" hat by Baldwin Denim.

Photography by Carolina Rodriguez

True/False: Street Style (Part 1)

We're not exactly a street style website. But there are some times, like on a visit to a small mid-Missouri town, that you just have to stop and take note. And there were plenty of things that made me stop and look time at Columbia's True/False Film Festival. Most of these images aren't your typical "Midwestyle," or #menswear images, but I found them noteworthy none the less. 

In the next post, Seth will have your fix of blazers, cuffed denim and layers on layers on layers. Sit tight, menswearers.

Here's a way to get noticed: Carry a thousand things in your hand, belt your blanket and stud your sweater.

Grandma varsity cardigan swag with houndstooth scarf. Rad.

Lace always get me. And those natural curls don't hurt either.

Your grandparents probably have a blanket like this sitting on the couch at their original home. Well, Liz has got that blanket coat, fringe included.

 In this case, it's her Pendleton-esque blanket coat I'm drawn to. Hey guy: Maybe think about undoing that bottom button!

 Missoni for Target for Menswear by Marc Jacobs for Rodarte by Opening Ceremony, right?

Well, it was bound to happen, folks. Being in mid-Missouri, you're going to see camo worn in a non-ironic way. But next to a lady in fur? They must be friends.

Vintage Cambridge satchel from London.

I'll never turn down an opportunity for floral.

midweSTYLE: Oh, Pioneer!

UPDATE (3/5/12): This comment from Some Assembly Required was on point:

"Thumbs up on hats, love them, wear them all the time. For cooler weather, I have wool flat caps in tweed patterns; a couple of Stormy Kromers (made in Michigan) for when it's colder; a "crushable" fedora-style hat like the one above that I got at Orvis (also made in USA); a couple of Panamas for summer to protect my head from the sun; and yes, a couple of ball caps, which I'm most likely to wear while walking the dog. 

One thing though: NEVER WEAR A HAT INDOORS. When you go into a restaurant, your workplace, a movie theater, etc., you need to remove your hat. Not doing so makes you look like what my grandparents used to refer to as a "greenhorn" (a person with no class or manners). A lot of guys, especially younger ones, don't seem to be aware of this, probably because no one ever told them (and because hats, while on the upswing, haven't been as popular as they were in the past). 

So I mention this not to put anyone down, but because I want guys to look dignified and dashing, not clueless and ignorant."

Well said, sir.

We're on a need-to-know basis, and I need to know: What are your thoughts on hats?

I bought this hat over the summer and couldn't figure out a way on how to wear it. Its particular style is unique—probably something a hipster lead singer in a folk band would wear. Guilty.

It's a hybrid between a safari, panama, fedora and a trilby. You tell me, menswear geeks. The tag says Banana Republic Outdoor Safari Collection, so we'll run with that and call it a safari hat. I snagged it for a dollar up in Andersonville one summer's eve. Brown Elephant, y'all. They've got some great digs from time to time.

I decided to play with some different ways you could wear it. All seemed appropriate considering the brim was a bit wider and rather flexible. Perhaps it's a homburg style, as this Art of Manliness article on hat etiquette suggests. Either way, I dig it and have worn it on occasion.  I paired it back to some other textures and styling to give it a folky, pioneer kind of vibe. I mean, you totally love Mumford & Sons. So shut up.

First, are hats actually on the rise? Do you wear one?

• Ballcaps on the weekend?
• Fedoras to brunch?
• Chef hat in the kitchen?
• Newsboy around the office, you writer, you.

Also, can we pause for a minute and vow to not give the guy a hard time if he's wearing a fedora. Fedoras are good in my book. And no, you don't have to mention Jason Mraz* and say I look like him because I'm wearing a fedora every time I'm wearing one, okay? Jerk.

On Jeff: two-button "Harris Tweed" blazer (from Barney's) by A.P.C.; evergreen cross-weave wool pullover sweater (from Nordstrom) by A.P.C.; chambray shirt (from Saks) by rag & bone; slim-leg "Johnny" corduroy pant in Sante Fe courtesy of J Brand; blue suede bucks (from Nordstrom) by 1901; thrifted brown homburg hat (from Brown Elephant) by Banana Republic; "Weekender" watch (with colored band from J.Crew) by Timex; black eyeglasses by Gant Rugger.

Photography by Amy Creyer

Thanks for snapping some quick snaps on a lunch break, Amy!


*(Seth's note: If you are wearing a fedora, you look like Jason Mraz.)

Woodland: Barbour & burrs

I love outwear pieces. They are some of my favorite to own, collect and swap. It's what you're throwing on over your cardigan, bundling up in when winter hits and anxiously waiting to wrap around your shoulders before you dash into the freshly fallen snow. It's also what most people see in when you bump into one another on the street all decked out to not freeze your ass off. So it doesn't hurt to own a few different options:

• If it's below 20, I'm wearing my down puffy coat and everything that traps heat.
• If it's around the 30s, I'm wearing my Barbour Bedale + Patagonia down sweater combo. 
• It it's around 40s, I'm wearing my Barbour Liddesdale + blazer. 
• If it's around 50s, I'm wearing a tank top.

It's a wise choice to invest in a nice coat (or two) (or five). I've thrifted a handful that I'm pretty stoked about. But you also have to remain open to throwing down the dough for a couple of lifelong pieces. It's outwear. You wear it a lot. That's okay. And it's better than freezing in a thin piece of cotton veiled as a jacket. I'm looking at you, Nathan.

When I was interviewing Jobs in Chicago in March 2011, I thought: "I don't need a coat." Seth watched, cackling, as I got off the El and made a fast break for the Patagonia* store to buy a red down sweater jacket. This has been such a staple in layering, traveling and everyday use. It's windproof, lightweight, packable, and it regulates your body temp so you're not boiling. When I trekked to Europe a few weeks ago, I knew I was taking this get-up: Patagonia down sweater and my Barbour. Both can be folded up into a tote and stowed upon entering a building, and when used together, they're an unstoppable combination for winter. 

I also dig these new trousers I picked up from Barney's this winter by Gant Rugger. Great slim fit, medium rise and trouser pockets. I'm a sucker for those. Also, they are hella long for these lanky legs of mine.

On Jeff: Waxed "Bedale" coat with copper wire hood attachment by Barbour; red down sweater by Patagonia; thrifted red plaid shirt; slim fit grey trousers by Gant Rugger; trusty brown suede "8878" boots by Red Wing; black framed eyeglasses by Gant Rugger; burgundy beanie from Target; natural leather belt from Urban Outfitters.

Photography by Grant Heinlein

*One of my favorite outdoor performance gear brands is Patagonia. As a certified one-time YoungLifer, I'm an expert in outdoor performance gear and have a collection that would make you think I'm outdoorsy. However, dear readers, it's merely a facade. I like the idea of camping, pooping in the woods and not showering than the actual act of camping, but I've got a sufficient amount of equipment that would permit an impromptu weekend getaway. Plus, it's not like I need to go camping to avoid  maintaining general hygiene practices.

midweSTYLE: West Bottoms, two.

Cam made several great points about thrifting: If you're an avid thrifter, you often time buy something because it's so cheap and it may fit a little sloppy. You know, you slip it on and think of all the ways you could make it perfect but never end up doing it. Even though that $2 blazer almost fit correctly, you still needed to let out the sleeve and take in the waist, but it just sits in your closet. The whole tailoring thing for me, well....I would rather save the time and money when I can and just spend a little more. 

Plus, does anybody have a great tailor? Let us know if you do (anywhere in the Midwest, but especially in KC or Chicagoland.) We'd love to publish a list on the site. We've been receiving a handful of inquiries lately, and we've been slacking on that front.

Furthermore, my two recent purchases were a little impromptu but definitely filled a void in my closet, especially my winter essentials. I needed a tweed blazer and a pair of thick pants for the Chicago winter.

So, while picking up some last minute gifts for my sisters and mother down on the Plaza in Kansas City, I strolled into Standard Style wearing my J.Brand cargo pants and walked out wearing the duck canvas "Reed" pant by Baldwin Denim. Yeah, it happened. I was that guy that wore the clothing out of the store because I loved it so much. So warm and substantial for this not-so-nauseatingly cold Chicago winter we're having that I don't even need to throw on my retired running tights on underneath.

 

And then if the stars align and your step has that pep, you walk into Barney's on day when a sale is happening. My guy at Barney's helped me find exactly what I was looking for that day. "I need a tweed blazer, and I'm don't want to get it it tailored."

Shout out to Riley at Barney's on Rush Street in Chicago for being a boss and knowing what I needed: Harris tweed, two-button, dope fabrication and phenomenal fit. And it was on sale.

Whammy.
Sold.

Extra credit: It was A.P.C., one of my favorite labels. Size small, any season, any pant or shirt, fits like a glove. Gotta love that consistency between seasons with the label. You're a genius and fascinating, Jean Touitou. (See also: WSJ interview, Jean's Rules of Style from Details, Interview Magazine.)

On Jeff: Two-button "Harris Tweed" blazer (Barney's, sale $260 reg. $580) by A.P.C.,; denim shirt (thrifted, $2); Timex weekender watch (Amazon, $20) with colored strap ($10) from J.Crew; the duck canvas "Reed" pant ($158) by Baldwin Denim; chocolate suede "8878" boots by Red Wing; skinny Giles & Brother railroad spike cuff ($50); sterling silver southwest inspired bracelet; deadstock copper bracelet that looks like a Cartier that girls keep on trying to steal from me but I say, "Hell nah, shawty;" black-framed glasses by Gant Rugger.

Shout out to our homeboy, Grant Heinlein, for goofing off with us for a day in Kansas City, photographing us jerks and enjoying some badass BBQ later in the day.

DETAILS Magazine: A Guide for Dreary Winter

Winter is depressing enough.

Don't be like those babes over there all dressed in black and gloomy. 

The great folks over at Details Magazine asked us to do a series of "Daily Details" posts this month. We gladly tightened our belts, wiped our eggnog-mustaches away, and accepted the invitation.

Seth kicked things off on a how to stand out in a sea of black North Face parkas and Moncler puffy coats with "How to dress for freezing-cold days." Keep an eye out for the next three.

On Jeff: "K.C." wool fitted baseball hat by Baldwin Denim; grey wool scarf by Pendleton; red puffer jacket by Patagonia; obnoxious plaid button-down by Gant Rugger; white denim by A.P.C.; neon-laced desert boots by Clark's. Above: "Bedale" waxed jacket by Barbour.

On Seth: thrifted black pea coat by Sterlingwear of Boston; striped shoulder-button sweater by ASOS; chambray trousers by Levi's; shearling-lined boots by L.L. Bean; yellow knit cap; plaid scarf; and his grandfather's custom-tailored chamois and leather driving gloves.

Photos by Carolina Mariana Rodriguez.