The Future

On September 23, 2022, I was banned from Facebook and Instagram. I had posted a photo of my son with sunglasses and a cool shirt with the caption “Offered Without Comment” and Facebook thought that because of this photo, I was sexual exploiting a child, so they banned me. When I appealed I was banned for life.

This got me thinking about why I use social media. I had spent the past two years slowing distancing myself from the platform besides posting photos for myself. Yet because of how social media works, I was starting to dress for the platform, not for myself. I was starting to purchase things because of the platform, not because I actually wanted them.

So, I’ve made the decision to keep posting photos, but on my own website. I’m not sure what form this is going to take. I’m not sure if anybody will actually read this. But, at the end of the day, all that matters to me, is to keep a record for myself, about the clothes I love, and why I love them.

This is a new era for me. Let’s see where it takes me.

It's Turtleneck Time!

Every year on December 31, I make a style resolution for myself. Three years ago it was to start wearing turtlenecks. At the time, my intention was to start just wearing them underneath tailored clothing, which was a total success. From now on I will always standby wearing a merino wool turtleneck underneath a flannel or corduroy suit in the fall/winter months.

However, as I’m starting to embrace Dad mode, I’ve been trying to delve into more casual and rugged styles. That’s when I stumbled upon the image below. It touches on everything that I’m going to embrace this year.

Photo Courtesy of Put This On

The history of turtlenecks is surprisingly robust. Evolving from the ruff of the Elizabethan era, the turtleneck eventually was used mostly be the working class and eventually English polo players. During 1920’s, almost most style was geared toward less modesty, the turtleneck gained new life largely thanks to Noel Coward. After it fell out of fashion in the depression era, it became part of the navy uniform, which is how it, along with a lot of military surplus, was brought back into popular culture.

Photo Courtesy of 1000 Yard Style

This year, I’m planning on embracing the workwear side of the turtleneck and wearing it with the vintage Schott Perfecto I picked up in London. For pants, dark denim is always a good choice, but if you want to try branching out try pairing with a new wide legged pair of chinos. I bought some for cheap last year from J. Crew’s Wallace and Barnes line. They have a pair in olive and khaki this year that, in my opinion, don’t look as good as the navy ones but they might still work.

If you don’t have a leather jacket, you can also just embrace the total naval history of the turtleneck and wear it under a peacoat! If nothing else, just channel your inner Hemingway and wear it as is.

The versatile denim shirt

What is the most versatile shirt you can own? A strong case could be made for the light washed denim shirt. In the past year I’ve personally found myself reaching for denim shirts as my go to for most occasions. On top of that almost every clothing company sells some sort of denim shirt, so they’re easy to find.

Going with a lightwash denim is great because it pairs equally well with chino’s and even darker jeans, while helping you avoid the dreaded Canadian tuxedo. The denim on denim look really can look great and if you don’t believe it take a look at Marvin Gaye’s most sensual album Let’s Get It On.

Marvin Gaye’s look on the cover of Let’s Get It On is ideal weekend wear. Every time I see this album I’m struck by the joy and the simplicity of his look and just how sexy he makes a denim shirt look. Denim also pairs exceptionally well with herringbone, tweed and glen plaid fabrics. Ralph Lauren has mastered this look, even going so far as to match the color of the buttons to the color of his blazer.  

GQ recently put together a list in their ongoing series of “Best Stuff”, with the lowest price shirt being $70. Instead I’m laying four shirts that I love, two expensive (but well worth it) and two incredibly reasonable. Any one of these will up your style game.

Target - Target’s newish line Goodfellow is pretty interesting. The thing I’ve been most impressed by with their new menswear is their denim. Their selvage jeans are really incredible for the price and this denim shirt is way better than it should be. I saw a friend wearing this shirt and ended up buying it for myself the next day. While it feels stiff at first, it softens up nicely the longer you wear it.

Wrangler - I don’t really recommend Wrangler for anything, except this shirt. The stonewash denim shirt has a few things going for it. First it’s longer than the other shirts on this list, which makes it easier to tuck when you’re wearing a blazer. Second, even though it’s “stonewashed” it’s actually a more uniform color than other shirts on this list. Third, it’s a suprsingly soft cotton that feels nice on the skin. The hem of the shirt is unfinished, and the stitching is certainly not uniform, but that kind of adds to it’s charm.

Billy Reid - A jump in price, but well worth it. The golden buttons on this shirt are more dynamic than a typical denim shirt but subtle enough that they won’t take away from whatever else you’re wearing. On top of that this is the only one on the list that has a plain shoulder area, which moves it out of the western arena.

Barbanera - I have a corduroy version of this and judging by the quality of that shirt, this will be amazing. A true slim fit, I would suggest sizing up. I have a feeling that this is the kind of denim shirt that you’ll want to wear everyday while simultaneously keeping it in an air tight container because it’s that perfect.

Now go buy a denim shirt and then listen the the suburb Let’s Get It On.

Five new things I'm excited to buy this Spring

Around late March, early April, is when I start getting excited for new summer clothes and this year there are some really interesting things coming out by brands that I love! So here’s five things I’m excited to buy this year.

Wallace & Barnes Short Sleeve Cardigan/Polo/Sweater

By all accounts this thing shouldn’t work. It’s a combination of a bunch of goods things that if you told me someone was combining I would just laugh in their face. Yet, I’m intrigued and honestly I can see myself wearing this all spring and some colder summer nights. On top of that this passes one of my favorite tests, would Ryan Gosling wear this? After seeing him wear a sweater vest over a t-shirt last year, the answer is yes.

Barbanera AKC Loafers

Unlined loafers are probably my favorite shoes in the world and Barbanera makes some of the best. Inspired by Antonio Ciongoli (who appears later in this list), these loafers are made from deerskin, rather than the usual calf leather that most shoes are made of, which should make them that much softer. These are also a little pricey, but after owning several Barbanera shoes already, I know that the quality of these is going to be amazing. Plus, there is something about them that is just striking. I plan on wearing them with both my casual cotton suits and my jeans and t-shirts.

18 East Ankit Beaded Necklace

Sid Mashburn wears beads underneath his suits. He once said about them, “It's very rare that I take off my shirt anyway, so it's like I'm being quietly anti-establishment or something. “

I’ve worn a necklace almost my entire adult life. It’s a simple strand with a ring on it that means quite a bit to me, but recently I’ve been looking for something to add a splash of color to my outfits. Enter this necklace.

18 East is a newer company founded by Antonio Ciongoli that is doing some very special work with artisans around the world. For their most recent drop there are some truly remarkable things, that if I had unlimited money, I would have picked up right away. This necklace is “strung from a hand-selected mix of beautifully irregular Indian frosted and matte glass beads”. In order to still support the company I bought this necklace and I’m really looking forward to getting it in the mail!

S.E.H. Kelly Standard Trouser

I love self belting pants. I have a few pairs for the fall/winter but I’ve been looking for some for the warmer months when it makes more sense to have them. In the warmer months, the less I’m wearing the better, so I want to try to “lose” my belts this year. I’m planning on stopping by S.E.H. Kelly when I’m in London just to see what these pants are about, but I’m fairly certain that I’m going to pick them up. They seem a littler fuller, which is perfect for the warmer weather when you want something that doesn’t cling to your skin. Also, if I do pick them up, they’ll be perfect for some more casual summer weddings I have coming up.

Drake’s ‘D’ Sweater

You better believe I want a sweater with a D on it. My name is Dylan. The D stands for Dylan. I don’t care what Drake’s says.

(photos via J. Crew, Barbanera, 18 East Co., S.E.H. Kelly, and Drake’s)

Business Casual? Try Conan's New Look

Much has been made in the past few years on office dress codes in a new and more casual world, with the breaking being Goldman Sachs going “business casual”. While I have nothing new to add as to the appropriateness of dress codes I do have a suggestion, starting dressing like Conan on his updated show.

Conan’s look for the past 20 years (!) has been pretty standard late night fair, dark suits, light shirts and ties all the way. After a three month hiatus, he returned with a fresh look that seems perfect for the in-between space most men find themselves in the modern office.

Recreating Conan’s new looks is relatively simple. Instead of wearing a blazer or suit jacket with your work shirt and tie, exchange it for a denim or leather jacket. Make it more of a “rockstar” look by loosening that top button and the tie to go with it. Conan has excellent taste when it comes to his leather jackets but there’s a couple of things I’ve learned while looking at his new look.

Trucker jackets are perfect for this look. Levi’s always has several options but avoid going with something that’s too light or washed out. When Levi’s is running one of their deals these are truly a steal. If you want to try something besides the normal jean jacket, Barbanera has some incredible suede jackets right now, that are much pricier than Levi’s, but the quality is top notch. I personally love both the tan and darker brown ones. Uniqlo also has some great denim and twill jackets right now for a steal.

For leather jackets try going with a Cafe Racer. These jackets are usually more minimal than a typical Perfecto leather jacket. Schott NYC is always a great company for all kinds of leather jackets and while expensive new, you can almost always find some good used jackets on eBay. Gap also has one this season that’s sure to go on sale at some point and these, at Nordstrom, are on sale right now.

For all these looks avoid khakis and go with darker chino’s or jeans. Light blue and gray shirts will almost always look great with the denim truckers and a light chambray shirt also pairs incredibly well with suede and leather. For the ties, nothing to fancy but a subtle stripe or other print works perfect. If you’re going with a full color trying picking a tie in an interesting fabric like wool, linen or a slubby silk. On a budget try The Tie Bar but if you’re ready to get a truly incredible tie, Drake’s is always great.

(photos via Team Coco, The New York Times, Vulture, and Indie Wire.)