WANT: Instead of Student Loans, Dec. '12

We've all got our lists and oh-so-perfectly-curated Tumblr pages and Pinboards dedicated to things we like, lust and pine for with every little click. Well, this post is just showing that I put a little more effort forth in copying, dragging and pasting them into sexier packaging using a bootleg copy of Photoshop. You're welcome, Internet.

Here's what I'd drop my wad of student loan money on instead of paying back Every True Son. Yeah, they're pricy. BUT SO ARE STUDENT LOANS.

Clockwise: mustard cotton sweater by NN.07; berry-colored motorcycle jacket with detachable sleeves by 3.1 Phillip Lim; rucksack by Archival; cotton blend T-shirt by Alexander Wang; suede and leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela; fragrance by Odin; slim black denim by Acne; braided lash hook by Giles & Brother.

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: 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 2)

Last week, Jeff brought us a few prime snapshots of some of the more eye-catching ensembles in Columbia, Mo. Here now are a few more noteworthy blips on the radar...just to provide a little inspiration should you find yourself at a thrift store—or even for those spring sales when winter and fall wear is steeply discounted. 

Because, you know, one of the tricks to building an affordable wardrobe is to think ahead. Knock ya-self out.

Wool pea coat with naval overtones. If it conjures seafaring imagery, sign me up.

This is what an old favorite looks like. Buy one of these waxed Barbour Bedale jackets when, and you could be buried in it when you're old.

Here's David Wilson, one of the founders of True/False. He's a guy with immense personal style. And his clothes ain't bad, either. Dressing it down (and doing work) in this shot.

Blanket-lined chore coat from Sears. With the tucked scarf. Rural class.

The definition of affordable sharpness. Most of this came from the thrift store, but simple attention to fit makes all the difference in the world. Can't get over the texture and weave on that blazer. (On Tyler Koch).

Layering done right. And that Levi's jean jacket is prime for spring. Nailed it, David Hall.

The Steven Alan Parka: How about that burst of color? (On Cam.)

More layering and investment pieces from Buckshot Sonny's. Let me tell you: Put on that green chamois flannel shirt and the herringbone chore coat, and you'll never want to take 'em off.

Boots for years. (Red Wing on Oliver Drambour.)

Paparazzi effect: These guys directed Low & Clear, which was sponsored by Filson. It's a move about fly fishing. Check it out.

Unstructured J.Crew messenger steeze. (On Brandon Butcher).

Photos by Jeff Kieslich.

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.)

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: 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.

----

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: Louis

When it comes to bags and the necessities that go into your everyday carry, you have to decide what works for your lifestyle.

You've got a big-boy office job: Try a briefcase.

You're one of those guys that carry a messenger bag: Fine.

You're a snot-nosed liberal arts undergrad rat (like I was): Give a backpack a go.

You're not a fan of carrying any of those: Tote along, friends.

Carry what fits with your setting and lifestyle. Bags with top handles are particularly my game. I love a good Filson tote, as well as a Jack Spade dipped-canvas coal tote. Durable, beat up and broken in.

My preference comes from not wanting to carry something across my body. It cramps my style, usually dishevels my blazer, and I don't want scoliosis. Enter the tote.

Photography by Jarred Donalson

Hold up, what is this guy doing with a Louis Vuitton? Hear me out. I got it for a killer deal and it's a freaking Louis?! Do you know how many middle-aged, Gold Coast housewives armed with LVs, hauling strollers and pumped with Botox have stopped me on the streets of Chicago complimenting this bag? Well, three this week and I don't know if that's a really good indicator of "cool" either, but who's keeping track....Not me. Nope.

Plus, tell us you'd turn down this Louis Vuitton luggage from Darjheeling Limited if you had the chance. No? Neither would we.

I thought you guys were about thrift. It's in the title. Thrift can be relative. Sure, we generally mean it in the Salvation Army sense, but occasionally a thousand-dollar piece comes along for a couple hundo, and we call that a deal. I snagged this sucker off of eBay from the wonderful ladies over at eDrop-Off. I was Googling leather handbags one day and stumbled across this one on their eBay page. It was very clear in the description as it being "well-loved and worn" which I read as, "generally beat up and perfect."

With my interest peaked and time ending soon on the auction, I called the store and asked to speak with an associate. They promptly answered my questions, and I went for it.

Bidding ensued, and I had a price point where I was going to stop bidding (It goes without saying, but always have a figure in mind where you're going to stop. It's too easy to get sucked in to simply wanting to win. And boom: Immediate and brutal buyer's remorse.)

I also happened to thrift this oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan by Pendleton a few years ago when I was in undergrad. If you want to burn up, look for anything wool and itchy. You'll be nice and toasty.

On Jeff: Vintage "Monogram" collection tote (eDrop-Off, $222) made in America by Louis Vuitton; oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan (thrifted, $3) by Pendleton; blue cotton oxford (Legends Shopping Center, $60) by rag & bone; selvedge "Henley" denim ($220) by Baldwin Denim.

NEW INTEL: "Made Right Here"

We just caught wind of a sweet new venture, and we want you know about it. American extraordinaires Joe Gannon, Max Wastler and Matt Springer announced a new T.V. project today. Taking into account the other made-in-America shows over the years, this is one of the most original ideas we've seen in quite a while.

It's called "Made Right Here," and it's dedicated to showcasing American-made products that have stayed strong by remaining here instead of going overseas. At its heart, it's about story. The story of Billy Moore (Cause and Effect), the unconventional Tennessee belt maker who I wrote about last week. The story of Imogene + Willie, the denim makers who watched sadly as their parent company moved production to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The story of Pointer Brand, the outerwear maker that sources its materials from Kentucky, Texas, North Carolina, and elsewhere in the U.S.—and has since 1913. The story of people.

And it follows Max and Joe as they take a turn at making these items themselves. Here's Max:

"I say we made... Really, we tried and failed to make all these things. This is part of the story, too. These are craftspeople who've dedicated their lives to mastering a skill, a skill that is really tough to do."

There it is: the essence of why American craft is important, why it costs a little more and why peoples' livelihoods depend on you voting with your dollar. Give it a watch, and tell everyone you know.

We're proud to call these talented guys our friends.

A look ahead: Nonnie Threads

Today, we're off adventuring and spending our allotted Midwestyle time with Nonnie Threads. Hence, no big post this morning. Nonnie's a local Chicago designer who makes her products right here in the good old U.S. of A., so we're excited to get an in-depth look at her operation.

We'll be dropping by Nonnie's studio this afternoon to explore her collection, snap some photos and interview her about her philosophy on men's style. Stay tuned for the full package in a few days.

Transmission will resume shortly.