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?

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.

Details Magazine: Look for Less

For our second guest post for Details Magazine, we decided to look back on a few great films of 2011. It's the look for less: the idea of taking something that styling crews shelled out hundreds for and recreating it for pennies on the dollar. This isn't necessarily dress-up; it's just a little inspiration.

A common thread amongst the films was one man. Ryan Gosling. Enter the Gos.
Okay, he couldn't make it for the shoot. So, I rolled out of bed and stepped in.

With the deadline approaching, we phoned our main man, Anthony Barlich, to make shit happen.
And he did. See for yourself:

Drive: Badass leather jacket, driving gloves and a ratty, old henley. You've got those, now make it happen.

(Special thanks to Wicker Park for being a dirty dive.)

On Jeff: Dark wash slim-straight, mid-rise "Max" jean (sale) by Acne; grey henley from Seth's closet; thrifted grey moto-style jacket with padding ($40) from Rad Vintage; silver-framed aviators from Mallory's purse; off-white "James" wingtip (end-of-season sale $100) by Frye; last-minute fingerless leather driving gloves ($10) from Urban Outfitters; vintage sterling silver "Southwest" inspired cuff ($10); skinny railroad spike cuff ($50) from Giles & Brothers.

Crazy, Stupid Love: Sharp suits, coy attitude, mixed drinks, beautiful women and The Bedford.

(Special thanks to The Bedford Chicago for letting us shoot in your amazing space.)

On Jeff: two-button, notch-collar midnight smart suit (on sale $300) by A.P.C.; slim-fit, mini-check button-down shirting (sale $50) by Scotch & Soda; thrifted woven leather belt ($2); laceless brown "Lexington" wingtips (Nordstrom Rack, $50) by Florsheim.

Ides of March: Politics, schmolitics. Dirty scandals, clean looks. Keep it secret, keep it safe. I also don't own a grey suit, so you gotta make do with what you have.

(Special thanks to Chicago for being beautiful at sunset)

On Jeff: Grey trench courtesy of Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection; thrifted wool scarf ($10) by Pendleton; shrunken charcoal sportcoat (sale at Halls for $260) by Bill Tornade; high-waisted charcoal trousers ($60) by American Apparel; short-sleeved white button shirt (end of the season sale $40) by rag & bone; gifted silk tie by rag & bone; thrifted patent leather penny loafers ($5) by Allen Edmonds; tortoise shell sunglasses from Mallory's trunk. 

Once again, Major eProps to Anthony for the photography for this project with Details. Also, a big bear hug to Mallory for being the lighting queen. She can hold a light longer than one of those schmucks on Survivor standing on a totem pole for a piece of chocolate.

Seriously, y'all. Anthony makes it happen.

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).

Thrifty Thursday: Rackin' it

Editor's Public Service Announcement: Just in case you didn't see Twitter or Facebook earlier this week, we did (finally) pick winners for the bow-tie challenge. Thanks for the reminders, questions and general cleverness about our tardiness. It would appear the interns really dropped the ball on this one. (We gave them one job—one job...). In any event, the lucky two were:

• Drew Jones Art
• mah5160

Congrats to the winners, and to the rest of you: Be sure and enter next time. We think the interns have learned their lesson. If pulling outhouse duty doesn't teach them, I don't know what will.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming:

There are a few places you're sure to find things cheap. Wal-Mart. McDonald's. On the apparel side of things, you'll get anything you find in a dumpster for free, garage sales almost always guarantee low prices, and thrift stores are nice for weakening the blow to your finances. But then there are times you're itching for something new, something that hasn't been washed and loved on by somebody else, something with price tags still attached—but price tags with small numbers on them. Enter Nordstrom Rack.

You see, there is no Nordstrom Rack in Kansas City (yet), so I had not encountered one until our recent wedding field trip to St. Louis. I'm not much of a planner, and I'm even less of a packer, so when time came to put together a bag to take to the Lou, I threw some underwear and toiletries in my Wanderer and grabbed some hanging shirts out of my closet in an effort to use as little energy as possible. And then I set off, without too many wedding appropriate items in tow. "I'll buy some in St. Louis," I thought. As you may have guessed, I'm also a procrastinator, so at about seven in the evening on the eve of the wedding day, I set out to find some shoes and some neckwear. Nordstrom Rack would have a moderately priced selection of both, I was told.

Granted, Nordstrom stocks a lot of things that I consider unwearable, for whatever reason. But, at the same time, the Rack had a nice array of Clarks, Top-Siders, and Florsheims, all at about half off. The tie collection was just as appealing and twice as cheap. I walked away with a pair of black suede Clarks desert boots for $50 and a $15 Rooster polka dot bow tie. Two items that will get a lot of wear. Two items that I avoided paying full price for. I think this is called winning.

Bow tie (Nordstrom Rack, $15) by Rooster; cotton oxford (thrifted, $3) by Arrow, medium; slim cotton chinos (Urban Outfitters, sale $10) by Dockers, size 31; leather belt (stolen from my father—thanks, dad); suede desert boots (Nordstrom Rack, $50) by Clarks, size 10.

Photography by Jarred Donalson.

midweSTYLE: St. Louis (Part One)

You know that feeling of joy when you are reunited with best friends who always greet with you a warm, bear-like slap on the back followed by a quick rub to diffuse the gentle sting? That's how I feel when the Midwestyle reunites.

We got together in St. Louis for our good man Patrick's wedding. If you're from Missouri or have Missouri friends, you know Kansas City hates St. Louis. And that St. Louis hates Kansas City right back. Or maybe it's just our friends have this thing with their hometown pride.

Either way, Patrick, a Kansas City boy, met Emmy, a St. Louis girl, and forged peace between the Montagues and Capulets of KC-STL—at least for the time being. Naturally, we brought our favorite Kansas City goods with us to this wretched great city!

Actually, we just found all of these belongings in our car. Let's be honest: You need to take some hometown swag with you wherever you go. We chose Boulevard Pale Ale, KC Baldwin hat and a throwback "Wizards" jersey.

But really "St. Louis" people, do you actually live in St. Louis? Nope, you live in Chesterfield, West County or Kirkwood. We, on the other hand, actually have mailing addresses that say "Kansas City" not "Lee's Summit" or "Overland Park." Represent.

The Three Madras Amigos showing our St. Louis denizens how we feel. Everyone loves a meaningless, mildly offensive middle-school gesture.

Noteworthy details: My no-break chinos and "Lexington" wingtips by Florsheim.

Noteworthy detail: Seth's thrifted woven and stitched loafers by Giorgio Brutini.

Noteworthy detail: The "KC" welt and felt hat by Baldwin Denim.

On Cameron: pink, fuchsia and orange madras shirt (thrifted at Wild Man Vintage, $7) by Royal Knight, medium; grey slim-fit trouser shorts (Urban Outfitters, $40) by BDG, size 31; "KC" baseball cap (Standard Style, $42) by Baldwin Denim, size large; well-loved and worn "Authentics" (online, $40) by Vans, size 10; throwaway aviators from Urban Outfitters ($10).

On Jeff: Grey slim-fit "Davis" chino (retail, $50) by Club Monaco, size 28x32; brown leather belt with brass detailing (sale, $4.99) by J.Crew, size 30; blue-and-green large-check madras shirt (sale, $29.99) by J.Crew; "Lexington" wingtips without laces (Nordstrom Rack, $50) by Florsheim, size 11; knock-off "Clubmaster" sunglasses (Seek Vintage, $12).

On Seth: Blue and violet plaid button-down (swiped from Cam); "Corporal" chinos courtesy of J Brand, size 30; woven and stitched tassel loafers (thrifted, $6) by Giorgio Brutini.

Photography by Jarred Donalson.

Thrifty Thursday: Camel suede chukka boots

If you're from Missouri, you're aware that there's this quasi-rivalry between St. Louis and Kansas City. It's natural, after all, seeing as they're the two biggest cities in the state and they're both furnished with competing major league sports teams. When you go to Mizzou, though, you're kind of forced become frenemies friends with residents of the other city. While it's unfortunate, it is necessary.

At any rate, some of my own St. Louis friends tricked me into actually going there under the guise of watching them run half of the St. Louis Marathon. I eventually took the bait, and in an attempt to make me think more of their hometown, they took me to The Loop. It was here that they fed me the delicacies of Pam's Chicago-Style Dogs, walked me past one of the Midwest's best music venues, The Pageant, and finally took me to some of the city's finest boutiques and vintage resale shops. It was inside of one of these shops—Avalon Exchange, to be exact—that I stumbled upon these mid top boat shoes for $15, in almost new condition.

$15? Sold. Plus, nothing quite says spring/summer like a light-weight, light-colored pair of shoes. Canvas sneakers, white suede bucks, or in this case, tan mid top deck shoes.

St. Louis, you're alright in my book.

(Seth's note: The "Loop"? Chicago-style dogs? Sounds like St. Louis is just a Chi-wannabe. The thing is, I bet they like ketchup on their hot dogs, and that right there says it all.)

Also, while the Corter 'For Japan' bracelet is no longer available for purchase, you can definitely still support the one-man, Boston based leather goods operation. The single wrap leather bracelet is a favorite. Also, where else can you find a handmade in the USA, natural leather utility belt for under $50? Nowhere. Definitely check it out here.

Camel suede chukka boots (thrifted from Avalon Exchange, $15) by Anchor, size 10; red and blue plaid button-front (thrifted, $3) by L.L. Bean, medium; "The 77" straight leg dry selvedge denim (Standard Style, $198) by Baldwin Denim, size 31; natural leather "Corter for Japan" bracelet (retail, $20) by Corter.

Photography by Jarred Donalson.

SALE: Patagonia at Urban Outfitters

When I first moved to Chicago, Seth was kind enough to let me crash in his igloo apartment until I found a place of my own. We had many a great times watching Arrested Development, shivering and chattering our teeth into slumber, getting Niko'd, meeting Peter Gallagher, starting fires in the corner to keep warm, shenanigans in Wicker Park, getting drinks at Violet Hour, '90s hip-hop dance parties at the Whistler, losing a finger to frostbite, and day drinking.

It was so chill great to live with Seth for two weeks—and I wanted to share with you what enabled me to survive enjoy my stay. This is what I wore to survive in the refrigerator apartment, and it's on sale for a steal of a price.

Patagonia Down Sweater sale $119, reg $200

And this is what I wish I had whenever I was just wearing a t-shirt in Seth's ice chest apartment:

Patagonia Down Vest sale $99, reg $150

Plus, obnoxious colors/detailing are always grade-A in my book.

Thrifty Thursday: White Linen Blazer

Yeah, we know. Two blazer posts in one week? Two posts of Cam in one week? Two posts of Cam in a blazer in one week? Maybe a little excessive. But thanks to the weather, we won't be able to feature these much longer (fingers crossed). The relevant detail to this particular post is the white linen blazer he snagged from a thrift store for about three George Washingtons. You read that correctly: $3.

The point here isn't necessarily to show off cool clothes. It's to demonstrate that workable style is doable on the cheap. After some very unscientific price-guessing, I'll estimate that if purchased new, this whole outfit would push $775 retail. But what you see here cost less than $265. Plus, you're not spending those numbers every single time you put on a set of clothes. Each piece of the pie can be mixed and matched with the other items in your wardrobe. Which allows you invest in the glasses, the boots, etc.—the stuff Cam's wearing with several different outfit combinations.

By far, the biggest savings are coming from the jacket. Three dollars compared to the $150, $200, $300 you could expect to drop for a nice blazer? No contest. As long as you've got an idea of 1) what you need and 2) what looks good, you can find some great bargains at thrift stores. Of course, be prepared to not find anything, either. Only pull the trigger if it's got a place in your closet.

Linen blazer (thrifted, $3) size 36; J. Crew broken-in chinos (retail, $60), size 31; brogue boots (Urban, $80), size 10; vintage, U.S.-made oxford (eBay, $10) by Gant, size 14.5-33; black cardigan (thrifted from Jeff's closet) by Merona, small; tartan tie (outlet, $15) by J.Crew; Preston eyeglasses (warbyparker.com, $95) by Warby Parker.

Photos by Bethany Jones.

Thrifty Thursday: "Hunter" Wellington Rainboots, belt, backpack & blue jacket

I've wanted a pair of rain boots for while and this past fall, it finally clicked: Wellingtons.

I know Wellies are an England dig (Seth's edit: Yeah, and what exactly is wrong with that?!), but I was tired of slopping around in a pair that I picked up from the thrift store that were too big, too clunky and didn't mesh well with my slim-cut jeans. Nordstrom and Halls weren't picking up Wellies this past fall/winter season because "it's not for the target market in the Midwest." Lame. File under: Reasons why I dislike the Midwest.

eBay anyone? $30 bucks sound okay? Sounds good. SOUNDS GREAT.

Factory defects like blooming & scratches? That was going to happen anyway...

I pulled the trigger on a pair for 30 bones and have been a happy camper ever since. The backpack was a great find in high school (yes, five years ago) for $3.

The belt I picked up at Urban Outfitters this past winter for $4.99. It's also 100 percent real leather. Urban. Come on, you're killing me. Just when I threw you on my shit list for "this place is trashed, literally" and "I can't find anything that fits me..." you go and surprise me with a real leather belt that matches my Baldwins. Thanks, guy.

Matching natural leather belt with the natural leather from the Baldwins, huh?

You know I love that pop of color/flannel.

I know Cam got that badass Steven Alan Parka, and well, I'd like to think he got the itch from me. Flannel lined, kinda cool. Picked it up for $5 and it surprisingly fits very well for being made in Taiwan and from a brand I've never heard of called "Repage."

Wellington rainboots (eBay, $30) by Hunter, size 10UK; grey Burkee slim-fit sweatshirt (retail, $62) by Jack Spade, extra-small; "The Henley" 14-ounce dry selvedge (Standard Style Boutique, $198) by Baldwin Denim, size 28; backpack (thrifted, $5); natural leather belt (retail, $4.99) by Urban Outfitters; blue parka with flannel lining (thrifted, $5) by Repage, size "perfect for me."