midweSTYLE: West Bottoms

Every now and again, I'll do a round of thrifting in my home neighborhood in Kansas City. If I've recently gotten a paycheck, I get a little chance-y and pick up pieces that I know I'll probably never wear. Some of them are ill-fitting, others are just ridiculous, and more than not, they end up in my closet unworn. If you thrift with any regularity, you've been there. You know that feeling. You don't need it, and you don't really even want it that badly, but you grab it just in case. After all, it only costs ¢50 or a few bucks. If worse comes to worst, it would make for a good Halloween costume at some point in the future. 

Anyway, that was the story behind this blazer, initially. I didn't have a go-to blue blazer at the time, so I bought it, even though it didn't really fit. The shoulders framed me well enough and the chest wasn't bad, but it had a huge waist measurement. The gentleman that owned it before definitely had a belly. Seriously, Santa Claus status. Regardless, I bought it for a staggering $4.50. A navy blue, American-made, hopsack blazer for under $5? Sure.

After a few lonely months in the closet, I finally took it to get tailored. Tailoring thrifted clothing sounds and feels a little unnatural. Taking something that you bought dirt cheap and investing another $25 to $75 seems wrong at first. But, if the piece is of high enough quality, the investment is well worth the fit and wearability that comes with tailored clothing. I've gotten a jacket or two fitted, some legs of old trousers tapered, waists taken in. It can turn a forgotten thrift store purchase into one of your wardrobe favorites. In this case, the arms ride up a bit, making them appear a little shorter, but hey, it's perfect everywhere else.

Clarks, beat to death.

On Cameron: hopsack blazer, thrifted ($4.50), tailored for $45; patchwork button-down (eBay) by Gitman Vintage; cream sweatshirt (sale, $80 at the Baldwin Men's Shop) by Todd Snyder; the Henley in California wash, (sale at the Baldwin Men's Shop $116, reg. $232), by Baldwin Denim; beeswax desert boots (gift) by Clarks; WWII-era Russian watch (Etsy, $30) by Vostok; leather wrap (gift) by Tanner Goods; recycled cotton socks (Christmas gift purchased from Hickoree's), by Solmate Socks.

Photography by the one and only Grant Heinlein, check him out!

BADASS TUESDAY: Rudd

I'll be honest: I've been a fan of Paul Rudd ever since he first appeared in Friends as Mike Hannigan, Phoebe's longest love interest and eventual husband, and in Clueless as Josh Lucas, Cher's ex-stepbrother. Minor roles, sure, but I loved them nonetheless. Then there was Wet Hot American Summer. Before long, Rudd was acting and starring in some of the funniest comedies in recent history: Anchorman, 40-Year-Old-Virgin, Knocked Up, I Love You Man, Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Beyond all that, Rudd is something of a hometown hero. Having moved to Kansas City when he was ten, Paul remains a regular visitor to the city and a huge Chiefs fan. Hell, he even narrated their season of Hard Knocks on HBO. In interviews, you can sense both his humility and his humor. He's a professional who never makes the mistake of taking himself too seriously. As he once told Nylon, "I hear people talk about 'the craft,' and I just think, 'Oh, you're so full of shit.'"

Also, he's pretty damn good looking. As one Elle writer once wrote, Rudd is "better looking that your neighbor but not so gorgeous that he couldn't play your neighbor in a movie." Plus, we're pretty big proponents of men who are just as comfortable in a week's worth of unshaven scruff and T-shirts as they are in a tailored suit. Paul, of course, is one of these men. He's also a Jayhawk. While that is something that we're willing to overlook, his swagger is something we simply cannot.

*Try not to stare into those eyes for too long, ladies.

A magical Saturday roadtrip

June 4 was a busy day. Like a driving-across-the-state-of-Missouri kind of day with lots of stops along the way and a little hop over to Kansas. (Map of our gallivanting and peregrinations.)

9 a.m.:
Jeff: Wake up in Columbia from wedding-dancing-coma and shacking at 1613 for the last time. I call my mother because I'm a good son (that, and I'm driving—you always gotta make those check-in phone calls when you've got a good commute). She tells me that she and Bill (step-dad) are going to NASCAR like any good Midwestern, blue-collar family does on a Saturday. They have extra tickets. I say, "Hell yes."
Seth: Wake up in Joplin and ignore Jeff's phone calls and demands. (Editor's note: because he is legitimately busy with reporting on tragedy and devastation.)
Cam: Sleeping.

11 a.m.:
Jeff: Stop by my favorite place in Independence, Cargo Largo. It's the island of misfit toys with sweet finds, like Sperrys, Jack Spade dopp kits and Clarks.
Seth: Car troubles. Turns out his car just needed a little T.L.C. Come on, Seth. Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Cam: Sleeping.

12 a.m.:
Jeff: Go back to my homestead and consume various forms of food that I won't buy for myself.
Seth: Back on the road.
Cam: Still sleeping.

1 p.m.:
Jeff: Hop in Seth's car.
Seth: Let Jeff hop in Seth's car.
Cam: Get up to go pee and then go back to bed.

2 p.m.:
Jeff & Seth: Arrive at Kansas Speedway and drink beer.

My thrifted brown woven and wine fringe leather loafers by Allen Edmonds.

At the end of the race, the winner does a little dance.

4 p.m.:

Drive to Columbia, surprise our friend Kimberly at "the Winery." We sneak out back and romp around in the vineyards.

Straw fedora with chambray trim ($14) by Target; thrifted shirting; khaki shorts by J.Crew ($20); thrifted woven loafers ($4) by Allen Edmonds; thrifted woven leather belt ($1); watch ($18) by Timex.

Shirting ($30) by J.Crew.

5 p.m.:

Eat a pint of Lavender Honey from Sparky's. Lament the fact all the cicada ice cream would be gone. (But not to worry; there would be plenty of cicadas later.)

This is the only ice cream you need to eat. Lavender Honey. It will change your life.

7 p.m.:

Leave Columbia and head to a pool party.

9 p.m.:

Arrive in St. Louis. Hop in the pool.

10 p.m.:

Someone pushes Seth over the edge and he eats a cicada.

11 p.m.:

To Duffy's! Kirkwood's frattest finest.

The early-morning hours of the next day:

@katiestipo and @emlew: "What are you doing, Jeff? Carrying your shorts like a school boy?"

@jeffkies: "Yeah...."

Thrifted shirting ($3); floral board shorts ($40) by EVER; blue lobster shorts (gift); thrifted woven belt ($1); canvas tote by Filson; waxed dopp kit ($50) by Jack Spade.

BADASS WHATEVERDAY: Ernest Hemingway

*Bonus: LIFE just posted some previously unpublished photos of Hemingway. Don't say we never gave ya nothin'.

Saturday was the 50th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway's death. He wrote. He was succinct. He was part of the Lost Generation. Regardless of what you think about his character, or what you believe about his ideologies, he made an impact. If you're not familiar with his work, you're missing out, so we suggest you get that way.

He was, of course, a writer not a sartorialist. But when I look at his writing style, I learn things about my dressing style. In his writing, he was a master of "economy and understatement." So, too, in his attire.

"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master," he famously said, talking about writing, not clothing. But I'd wager it's applicable. Clothes are the means, not the end.

Hemingway wrote while he was in love, and he wrote when those women stopped loving him. Some quotes:

• "I've been in love (truly) with five women, the Spanish Republic and the 4th Infantry Division." — in a letter to Marlene Dietrich (July 1, 1930).
• "All good books have one thing in common: They are truer than if they had really happened."
• "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
• "Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt, use it—don’t cheat with it.”

More bullets. There are a couple of things we like about Hemingway:

• The Kansas City connection. (True story: Hemingway and I both worked at the Kansas City Star.)
• The Chicago connection.
• His impact on American literature.

Fifty years dead. Let's remember by reading. We like people who read.

[Photos via Google Image Search.]

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.

Friday Wrap-Up: Spring into sales

Noteworthy Sales in the Midwest:

• Chicago: Haberdash has their sale starting. 20-70% off Gant, Steven Alan and all things worthy to add to your menswear line-up of classic yet modern pieces. Stock up, son.
• Chicago: Bloomingdales has their spring sale with an additional 40% clearance. Seth and I stocked up on some Gant shirting, along with crew necks that are going for around $20 when all is said and done.
• Chicago: Also, while you're at the 900 Shops, stop by the Second Floor and hop into J.Crew. They're having an additional 30% already marked down clearance items. Great basics and shirting for around $10 to $20 a pop. Say hi to Austin, Drew or Raymond. They'll hook you up and find your size.
• Kansas City: Standard Style Boutique is having their Memorial Day Sale with around 30% off and an additional 10% sale items. Stop by if you're around Leawood in the 'burbs or if you're trouncing around the Plaza. Say "hi" to Daniel and Angela when you stop by if you're down in Leawood. Tell them Jeff sent you. And send our love to Aaron and Josh once you've finished your lattes at Latteland around the corner on the Plaza.
• Kansas City: While you're down in Leawood, don't forget to stop by Habitat Shoes across the street by the Apple Store. Please. Someone needs to buy those Rachel Comeys before I have them life-flight those babies to me. Size 11 if you want to do me a favor.
• St. Louis: I'm not sure if there is a sale, but you'd be silly not to stop by the Cherokee Antique Row after our latest finds. Bow ties, top hats and wingtips for you dapper gents over at "Retro 101."
• Everywhere: Our hometown hero, Anna (who goes to Mizzou), just launched her Etsy shop. Right now, she's got some sweet bow ties. But you've seen those already since you entered our giveaway. Wait, you haven't? Well get on it. We're picking a winner soon.

We usually don't do this, but one other quick thing for our New York friends (or anyone else). You may have heard about Joplin, Mo., which just got hit by an EF5 tornado that killed more than 120 people and destroyed about 30 percent of the town. Both Seth and our dear friend Cary Randolph Fuller both grew up in Joplin, and Cary's organizing a benefit in NYC next week. (You can read Seth's newspaper column to find out more about the devastation.)

If you feel so inclined, head to the Lounge at Los Feliz on Wednesday for margaritas, charity and beautiful people. Details below. We have it on good authority that Cary herself will be there. Lucky you.

Thrifty Thursday: Recycled pants

You guys remember when I was talking about making pants into a nontraditional pair of cargo shorts? Well, here they are. How? My girlfriend was kind enough to take on the project. Here's what it takes:

• An old pair of chinos (I conveniently chose these pants in particular so that I'd have an excuse to buy a new pair of khaki chinos, but that's neither here nor there.)
• A few buttons and some thread
• A sewing machine
• Someone who knows how to use that sewing machine

Originally, I said you should probably reimburse whoever constructs these things for you with some cash. Luckily, my girlfriend was willing to help me out. Why? Dinners, movies, gifts and unconditional love, of course. Honestly, what other reasons does she need? (And really, how many more sentences can I begin with an adverb?)

Seriously though, more power to you if you're skilled enough to pull off this feat of apparel construction yourself. If you're not, find a friend who is. Hopefully you've got one somewhere. And pay them well: Food, beers, yardwork... or money if you're not feeling creative.

The shorts turned out extremely well. The most obvious changes are the front pockets, which are great. The thicker belt loops are a little less noticeable, but they're probably my favorite change. Also, the roll at the bottom was intentional when these were first made, but ultimately they squeeze my soccer thighs a litte too much. A hem is scheduled for the near future. Overall, these are definitely shaping up to be my go-to/knock-around shorts for the summer months—and all for the price of four buttons and a spool of thread. Not bad.

And oh yeah: THESE RULE.

Spectator LX in "Incense" (courtesy of Vans) by Vans Vault, size 10; khaki chinos converted into shorts with pockets (originally from Urban Outfitters, $50) by Paul Frank, size 30; vintage plaid button-down (thrifted, $3) by L.L. Bean, medium; braided leather belt (thrifted, $4); Corter for Japan bracelet (Corter Online Shop, $25 shipped) by Corter Leather.

Photos by Jarred Donalson. And many thanks to the lady.

midweSTYLE: Hay

ABOUT THIS LOOK: I've liked the idea of mixing vintage items, Americana goods and designer apparel. Plus, I really wanted to type out "Marc by Marc Jacobs" and "Pendleton" in the same blog post. I wanted to create a faded and dusty look for the field. Warm colors, like the 1901 camel colored shoes and MBMJ warm mauve undershirt, were already being drawn out from the Pendleton shirt.

This leather bomber jacket is one of my favorite pieces that I own. I'm always scared for some reason to pair it with dress shoes and think I need to wear it with boots of some sort. However, I've been rocking it with my bucks, wallabees and even Sperrys a few times. Why not, eh?

ABOUT THIS LOCATION: I grew up flying kites in this field. It's at the bottom of my street from my childhood home. Besides, dodging cow shit as we ran unto the ends of the earth (or so it seemed), I loved looking down the hill—the hill that I hated to bike up so much. But I became so thankful for where I grew up. I didn't have to stare off into an endless suburban wasteland of cookie cutter houses nor at any brick apartments outside my window. The cows down the street in the field, the airport farther up the road a couple of miles and a general store up the street near my elementary school.

Bomber jacket (thrifted, $6) by "Made in Ecuador 100% Leather", size 38; wool button-down (thrifted, $6) by Pendleton, medium; "Rat" long-sleeve mauve T-shirt (retail, $9) by Marc by Marc Jacobs, medium; "The Henley" 11.5-ounce dry selvedge denim (retail $198) by Baldwin, size 30; 1901 camel suede bucks (retail, $44) by Nordstrom, size 11; Camper Watch (retail, $18) by Timex; braided leather belt (thrifted, $1).

Photos by Jarred Donalson.