Thrifty Thursday: Stolen motorcycle jacket

So, I bought a leather jacket a couple of weeks ago on my day off up in Andersonville...

Alarmingly broken-in and well-loved, this motorcycle jacket ended up in my hands right once I walked in. I mean, if this jacket could talk, I can imagine raucous stories of women holding on to it for dear life as the owner careened around the curves of mountain roads somewhere.

Alongside my brown leather "Member's Only" jacket and a padded grey leather one, black completes the series. So I strolled up to my favorite nook in Andersonville...

Rad Vintage is the place to go, people. It's stocked full of reasonably priced and well-curated options. You'll spend a handful of minutes sifting through their selection from the bossman, RJ. He's got a great eye and know's what he's doing. Check them out on the interwebz or head up their to the store one of these days.

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While doing some vintage shopping on the Sabbath in Wicker Park, I bumped into the lovely Ms. Trés Awesome. She kindly asked to take my photograph for her street style website and I was flattered. She kindly sent over some extra photos to make this post happen. Tada. You're the boss, Emma.

Unfortunately, the jacket has already been snatched by Katie. I'll get it back tomorrow, hopefully...if she doesn't pass it off to Shani.

Black leather motorcycle jacket from Rad Vintage ($60); Fair Isle reindeer sweater courtesy of Topman; blue chambray button down by Gant Rugger; slim white denim from spring 2011 by A.P.C.; classic white sneakers courtesy of Vans; purple laces from the 'Crewcuts' section of J.Crew; black frame eyeglasses by Gant Rugger; slouchy dirty grey beanie from my floor; vintage 1950s monogram shopper by Louis Vuitton from eDrop-Off.

Photos courtesy of Trés Awesome.

THRIFTY THURSDAY: Retro Crewneck

Dismayed by the fact that we haven't published anything particularly thrifty recently, Jeff did us a solid and shouldered the responsibility of finding something sweet. On short notice, he smartly chose to focus his efforts at Seek Vintage.

Though a bit pricier (and obviously a better caliber) than Goodwill, the D.A.V., Salvation Army, Village Discount Outlet, etc., Seek almost always yields something affordable and worthwhile. This visit was no exception. He came away with a wool-blend crew neck sweater that's the perfect palette to catapult us into fall.

He came over, we shot some photos in the harsh light of a nearby parking garage. And that's that, mattress man.

On Jeff: Wool-blend retro crewneck sweater ($20, Seek Vintage); indigo button-up courtesy of Topman; rust-colored trousers (sale $20, reg. $70) by Zara; desert boots (sale $50 at Nordstrom Rack) by Clark's.

THE RUNDOWN: Topman

By now, you may be tired of hearing about Topman. The Chicago flagship store opened last week, and has been all the buzz around this store since long before that. Good thing we're on a need-to-know-basis. Here's what you need to know:

Personal shopping. Free. This is the only place we're aware of in Chicago that's offering a service where you can come in, plop down in a room that feels like your (more) stylish apartment, and be given the star treatment—for no extra charge. We caught up with one of the personal stylists, the always lovely Mel Muoio.

Here's what she told us. If you decide to use a personal shopper, you get:

• First dibs on new items.
• That includes designer collaborations—if you're into that sort of thing.
• The right to reserve items.
• Invites to special events. (And let us tell you: The British know how to throw a party.)
• But most importantly, a style-savvy friend who's not just out to make the sale, but to find what actually works for you. (Because if you don't like it, you can take it back.)

On their card, it says: "This service is free with compliments of Topshop." Ah, so British. In an industry where service and relationships are increasingly rare, this is a refreshing prospect.

The real estate is prime. On the corner of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street, you get to see the city at its most scenic and commune in the ritual of downtown shopping.

But we're not just talking about the store. With something like 55 styles for fall/winter 2011 that are specific to Chicago, there's no need to worry about looking like the masses. Did someone say Barbour jackets? Somewhere in Logan Square, Jeff is reading this right now and fainting.

On Seth: Lavender block stripe shirt courtesy of Topman.

Granted, Topman isn't for everyone. You may have to sift before you find something that works for you. But we're finding that this anglophile's haven has enough to satisfy both the experimental among us and, occasionally, the more classic.

(See below.)

Friday Wrap-Up: Topman

Okay, party people. It's the end of the week. And what a week it was. Quick rundown, then you can get outta here!

Tuesday: Sneak preview of Buckshot Sonny's, which will launch at a certain men's market in the Midwest this weekend. Wastler looked like a kid at Christmas as he opened the bats, baseballs and caps that arrived in the mail.

Wednesday: An unexpected invitation to an exclusive party hosted by Sir Philip Green to celebrate the launch of Topshop's new Chicago location on Michigan Avenue. Full write-up coming on that place, but for now, suffice it to say the night was insane. A few highlights:

• Cocktails, dinner and an after-party at the Paris Club
• Gerard Butler
• Miley Cyrus
• Miley Cyrus dancing
• Miley Cyrus dancing in Jeff's suspenders
• You'll have to ask him about that
• Did I mention my quick chat with Rahm Emanuel?*
• So, one of the most memorable birthdays ever

For more on the celebrity element, check out Ernest Wilkins' read on the night for RedEye.

Thursday:

• I'm in Time Out Chicago with a fun piece about a street corner in Chicago where you can get haircuts for $5.
• Jeff and I ran into Isa from Chicago Looks at Topshop on Wednesday. After filling us in on what she's been up to for the past few months since we saw her last, she snapped a couple of photos.

Friday: I'm hastily tossing some clothes in the Saddleback and hop in the truck for a casual road trip with Max Wastler and Joe Gannon to Minnesota. Why Minnesota? Oh, no reason...except that NorthernGRADE is this weekend. Next week, there will be a full recap of shenanigans, characters and adventures encountered there.

If you're in Minneapolis, say hi—and come check out Wastler and Gannon's new project, Buckshot Sonny's.

Now go take on the weekend.

*And by "quick chat," I mean: We made eye contact, and I said, "Hey!" He said "Hi." Then he walked on.

Thrifty Thursday: Broped

The sign in this photo summarizes many things:

• The chances of dating Cameron. Sorry ladies, he's already got a lady.
• The journey to find the dress shirt that fits perfectly off the rack.
• Seth's chance of finding shoes in his size.
• My hopes of finding a Starbucks that will put whatever I want in a Trenta.

While Seth was playing bridesmaid groomsman this weekend in Glen's wedding, Cam and I took our high school senior pictures drove around the streets of East Campus on his roommate's moped.

This shoot embodies our formula for menswear, blogging and style:
A lot of laughing, some Blue Steel and/or Magnum, and a little spooning for dear life on the back of a two-wheeled murdercycle.

Cameron: Jeff and I were trying to play off the classically American motorcycle feel in this shoot. Unfortunately, we didn't have, say, a Triumph Bonneville on hand. We did, however, have a moped (read: scooter). It tops out at a little over 35 mph... downhill. Masculinity? Stripped. Dignity? Somehow, still intact. Needless to say, Jeff and I underwent a bonding experience unlike any other.

You know what I love about mopeds? You can wear whatever you want because you already look a little out of place riding the damn thing. Riding a moped is a lot like going to Vegas; you can wear whatever you want and everybody nobody judges you for it. Right? Probably not.
You get the point though? Probably not.

Rudd approves of riding doubles. I love you, Cam Man.

Photography by the moped owner himself and roommate, Zach McSpadden.

On Jeff: Confetti white button down ($70 sale in NYC) by rag & bone; indigo striped "Mickey" shorts (sale $30) by Club Monaco; tan circular sunglasses courtesy of Topman; tassel loafers (thrifted, $4) by Allen Edmonds.

On Cam: Plaid button-down (retail, $65) by J. Crew; army-green "Enlisted" chinos (UO, sale $20) by Penny Stock; military "Weekender" watch (online, $40) by Timex; eBay'd black Florsheim PTBs (eBay, $25); copper cuff (eBay, $4).

Friday Wrap-Up: Hello Topman

Lollapalozza is here this weekend in Chicago. Bands, booze and babes. Need we say more?

Also, if you've been inside any retail stores lately, you know that Fall stuff is rolling in, right? Well, now is the time to grab all that summer swag you've been dying to get your hands on:

• J.Crew just added more items to their sale, along with the take additional +% off. Also, show 'em your student ID. You'll get an additional discount.
• Speaking of student discount, Club Monaco also gives you an additional discount on swag, too. I nabbed a pair of shorts last week for $25 when it was all said and done.
• For the designer savvy, Opening Ceremony is having a ridiculous sale. Most of it is at 70% off. Just make sure you know your size in that brand and you should be golden. It's absurd.
• Lastly, Unis' entire webstore is marked down like crazy. Up to 75% on certain items.

Ok, just one more thing we're excited about that's coming to Chicago: Topman.

In preparation of the opening of the Topshop/Topman store, they're doing a pop-up truck for Lollapalozza. Rad, no?

Shirting, shorts and shades by Topman. (White legs by a lack of sun.)

Like the rest of Chicago, we're excited for this brand to be coming to the city. The Topman/TopShop truck is going be driving around for Lollapalozza with a truck full of goods...and probably babes.

Who: Topman. And don't worry ladies, Topshop will be there, too.

What: Crop tops? Yes. Tank tops? Yes. 5 drop tops in the parking lot? And I wanna take you back to the spot.

When: Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Grant Park and around town!

How: Follow them on Twitter to find out where the truck is located. (@TopmanUK) (@Topshop)

THE GOOD GUYS: (Patio) Seth on Wrightwood

Meet (Patio) Seth.

He's a recent graduate from Tel Aviv University (you know, in Israel) with a degree in Public Policy and a double minor in long-boarding and vagabonding. Between schooling and world traveling, Seth's been using his green thumb and spending a few weekends in Chicago before he embarks on another journey. He's headed out west to Colorado on a fellowship handling public affairs at an alternative high school. Oddly enough, I met Seth two weeks ago while friends Katie and Emily were also visiting...

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"Do you know that there is a half-naked man asleep on your patio," says Katie, full of sass and already on her second cup of coffee as she cracked opened my bedroom door.

"No, what?" I reply as I rolled over on my (air) mattress.

"Yeah, come here," Katie shouts. Then, across the hall: "Hey! Emily, come check this out."

As the sun beamed into the screened in patio, Katie, Emily and I peered out the kitchen window and saw our newly found patio denizen. Shirtless and decked in board shorts with his hands trying to shield his face from the 8 a.m. sun, Patio Seth held onto slumber on a thrifted Persian rug next to a empty box of Wheat Thins from the night before.

Emily: "He looks hot. I mean, like it's gotta be hot out there."

Katie: "Yeah, there is no way that is comfortable, sleeping on that floor. Why isn't he on the couch right next to him?"

Me: "I'm not sure. I wonder who he is."

Luke, my other roommate, from out of nowhere: "Oh yeah, Seth stayed the night last night. He's one of my buddies from college. He just got back from Tel Aviv. I guess he slept on the patio."

Luke trails off and reaches for breakfast. He continues nonchalantly, "Naw, he's cool."

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ON PERSONAL STYLE: "The west coast influence of long-boarding inspires my style with the bright colors, and much of the same comes from my time in Tel Aviv. My clothes are generally brighter and lighter than most of my Midwest friends' style."

Seth grew up in a small town an hour or so outside of Chicago with a handful of siblings. While you and I spent our summers putzing around internships and lifeguarding at pools, Seth spent his summers being dropped out of helicopters to extinguish forest fires. See:

"Helicopters would give us lifts to fires and we'd tackle the beast. It was the perfect: daily doses of adrenaline and making my wallet thicker. It doesn't get much better."

He's already checked off long boarding and world traveling from his list. With blue-collar roots and homeschooling under his belt, Seth saved his pennies from forest fire money and set sail for the other side of the continent.

"I picked up long boarding after I came home from traveling in Asia for a year. My younger brother taught me when I was 24. We'd be done drinking and hit the roads, skating for an hour or two at a time. I felt like a kid again."

On Seth W.: The "Henley" jean by Baldwin Denim; denim button down shirt by Topman; thrifted denim jacket by Wrangler; engraved silver bracelet from a jeweler in Katmandu, Nepal; skate shoes from Castro in Tel Aviv.

Photography by Jeff Kieslich.

midweSTYLE: A block away

Button-down shirts are an essential in a man's wardrobe, or anyone's wardrobe for that matter. Fit comes first, next the texture and weight and finally the print.

For summer, try a linen blend and then go from there. We're digging this horizontal color-blocked shirt from Topman right now. It would even look nice paired with a navy or olive trouser going into fall.

How dope are these khaki-colored shades? A great alternate for the typical tortoise that we love.

The rucksack is a solid find, especially great for hauling items with a little more construction to them than the bag itself. Alone, the bag is a little floppy—but throw a blanket in it and bottle of wine inside the blanket and you're good to go.

On Seth: Lavender block-stripe shirt ($56) courtesy of Topman; off-white tailored shorts ($70) courtesy of Topman; khaki circular sunglasses ($28) courtesy of Topman; canvas and leather rucksack (thrifted, $5); 106 "moc" leather shoe ($60) courtesy of Vans Shoes.

Photography by Jeff Kieslich.

midweSTYLE: Tribal

I've been looking all summer to find a pair of tribal shorts. Sure, I could make a pair from some thrifted deadstock Zubaz, but I've yet to get my hands on a sewing machine in Chicago.

Instead, we stumbled across these from FLC International. Limited edition and handmade? Do I have your attention?

HOW TO: WEAR TRIBAL SHORTS

• Shoes: Pair them with a summery shoe, like an espadrille or a boat shoe. Hell, even a moccasin.
• Shirt: Go neutral with this one. A nice oxford button down goes a long way in your closet. Mix it with denim because...well, you can.
• Accessories: Leather belt, canvas bag, maybe something with hemp if you're feeling liberal.

One of my favorite accessories is this scarf that my friend, Marta, gave me from Italy on her travels. It's a great summer weight that breathes and adds a little punch.

Jorge Shorts: We're excited about these bad boys. A great fit for the slim or regular build. They've been rolled twice and will really fit on any build. Seth tested them on his soccer player thighs. I tested them on my runner's thighs. Also, the Jorge Shorts have a nice medium rise so you can kick coin slot dryness to the curb.

A new bag, Jeff?

I never got around to finding my summer bag with obnoxious colors, like yellow or orange. So, I pulled the trigger on this Jack Spade tote. I'll make it festive with scarves or something candid like that.

If you don't have a Timex Camper watch by now, you should think about sacrificing three Chipotle burritos and going for it.

It's amazing. It's classic. I wear mine everyday. The face is neither too big nor small, even on my scrawny wrists. A nice olive does the trick all year round.

• Want more summer accessories? I cut and braided some faded yellow leather into strips and used my big brother skills. Summer zest.

• Don't have scrap leather laying around the house? Ask your friend who's a textile major for some extra fabric, canvas or string. Scraps, yo.

On Jeff: "Jorge" tribal shorts ($78) courtesy of FLC International; canvas wax-dipped tote (Ebay, sale $100, reg. $200) by Jack Spade; "Terracotta" T-shirt ($15) by J.Crew; white espadrille chukka shoe ($30) courtesty of Topman; my favorite leather belt that I've had since sixth grade by Fossil; indigo denim shirt ($60) courtesy of Topman; Camper watch (Amazon, $18) by Timex; scarf from an Italian street vendor courtesy of Marta.

Photos by Seth Putnam.