Not the Shoes! » Wardrobe

Upper Playground

Theo — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:45:00 +0000

I’m usually not a huge t-shirt guy. I think that graphic T’s are over done and way too expensive for something that is rarely a very meaningful addition to you wardrobe, but I was swayed last week by a local shirt store on 9th Street called the Upper Playground. Much of their stuff is either the same goofy puns as ‘busted tees’ etc., or too urban/graffiti for my style, but this shirt really caught my eye. Both because it is a very unique graphic, but also because of it’s anti-Ralph Lauren, sort of counter-culture thing going on. And it’s a cool T. Check it out and check their other stuff, maybe you’ll find something you like. And I guarantee that if you get something from here you won’t see anyone else on the street with the same thing.

The Perfect Pair of Khaki’s, Part 1

Theo — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:01:17 +0000

Autumn has arrived and I’ve made a pact with myself to wear jeans as sparingly as possible this season. Because of this, I have been searching for the perfect pair of Khaki’s. Something with just the right balance of beige, yellow and brown, with a 28 waist (I know… it’s genetic) and a slim leg. Nice and soft but durable too, though not like a dickie’s brand, those things are burlap. I spent the day walking Midtown, trying all the usual suspects. Gap’s smallest size in store was a 29 and they were long and baggy. Macy’s doesnt carry anything smaller than a 30 waist. H and M and Zara didn’t have anything that fit…I guess I’m too late, all the smallest sizes sold out already. The quality at those places isn’t the best either, and for something that should last not always the best choice. And I hate to spend much more than $50 on something that seems like such a common, staple piece, so that pretty much rules out boutique stores. JCrew has a few decent looking options.

First the new Bowery pant looks like it has just the right fit, although at $69.50 plus shipping? And it only comes in 28/32 so add $10 at the tailor, that’s steep. And it’s not real khaki chino material, it’s more dressy. The second picture is the Urban Slim-Fit Chino, a bit more reasonable at $59.50 but add shipping, and again the 28/32 needs a trip to the tailor…Anyways, in my Googling around I found some cool brands you might be interested in.

Bill’s Khaki’s was started in 1990 by a man who picked up a pair of vintage WWII Khaki’s and thought that since there’s nothing else even close to the quality and fit of those vintage pants, he would start a company dedicated to recreating them. Each pair comes in any combination of fabric type and your choice of pleated, flat front, slim or relaxed fit, and in many colors. You can order them to size (of course 30 is the smallest waist). All are made in a refurbished factory in Reading PA.

Hunter and Coggins has all kinds of made to order and customizable options, I really the idea of all those different colored blazers. I’ve always had a thing for a maroon blazer…but now I’ve gone off topic. The search continues next weekend…

New Additions

Theo — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:29:22 +0000

It’s the small, simple additions that are fun to mix and match and bring some personality to a wardrobe. And it’s always cathartic to buy something!

First up is this wool tweed vest from the JCrew sample sale. I had to excercise extreme levels of self restraint as the sale was huge and full of size mediums at a decent discount. This is a nice, heavyweight vest with a belted back to keep it fitted well. The striped fabric detail on the inside is a nice touch, although I think the lining scared the guy at the local tailor, so I’ll need to take it somewhere else to get some darts put in it. I think it’ll make some interesting combinations with the leather jacket and motorcycle boots that are going to be the mainstays of this fall. And for $30 plus the cost of tailoring, this is unbeatable.

If you remember one of the first posts, about finding some driving gloves, the fateful day has come. These are from Rue La La .com so they were a bargain (great website for discount designer stuff, check it out). They are Portolano, 100% Italian deer skin, and man they are soft as a baby’s butt. The fingers and palm are snug and fit well, although the opening is a little big, and doesn’t really sinch up well…but what can ya do. Velcro cinches better but the buttons are much more stylish. Too bad it’s 80* this week and I can’t wear any of this stuff!

Soon enough.