The Sartorialist

Happy New Year !!  This is really the dream for any black tie event, totally relaxed and just hanging around the stairs watching the fun.

 I’m spending Christmas snowboarding in Stowe, Vermont!

Although I’m in Fash-Off mode this gentleman’s look was so cool I had to shoot it with my iPhone.  Apparently it’s a70 year old Woolrich “Field Coat”.

They have a version of this coat on the Woolrich website, I don’t how close it is to his original but it looks very, very sincere in its respect to tradition.

ps  The color didn’t come out great in this photo but the knit cap is navy and the pants a perfect military green.

Now if it would only snow more in New York City!

I looked so much like Ralphie when I was a kid that when the movie came out in 1983 it made my Mom cry with nostalgia.

This season I’m really obsessed with finding some type of plaid outerwear.

I’ve always wanted a heavy, flannel shirt jacket like this but every time I try one on, the visual proportions cut me in a non-favorable way.

The above example is maybe the answer for me.  Layering another shirt under the outerwear with just a sliver peeking out provides a great transition from torso to leg.  Also the potential to play with patterns (like the above plaid and stripes) makes it fun challenge.

It’s a real skill to keep a big scarf from looking like a neck brace. I love how “fluffily” he was able to knot his scarf.  Actually, I think to describe it as “frothy”  would be more accurate.

I always love the conceptual mix of high/low chic…..a hoodie & fur, perfect.

The other day Scott left the office without his memory card so I met up with him to bring it.

We ended up browsing a shop in the West Village called Leo Design.  The owner is incredibly welcoming and the shop has tons of items that would make great gifts.

The entire selection is grouped in cool color stories and has one of the best vintage cuff link assortments we’ve ever seen.  If you see anything you like in the photos or just want to drop by you can find the shop at 543 Hudson St or call them at 212-929-8466.

- Justin

Large-scale plaid is often difficult to wear because the pattern can overwhelm the wearer.

This jacket is a great example of a trim-fit coat in a large-scale plaid. In the second photo, you can see he’s wearing a denim jacket underneath because his coat is cut slim but not tight.

At last, the perfect gift for practically any guy.

We spend hundreds of dollars on shoes but then we relegate them to the pile in the closet or the dusty row under the bed. The shoe tree is an awesome gift because it’s an investment in your shoes.  They help keep the shape as the leather gets worn.

You can get a very high-end, refined and sculpted pair like in the photo, and there are also more affordably-priced pairs that provide an equal level of quality.

-Justin

Perfect!

-Scott

I always find it interesting the gestures and postures people take when they are completely unselfconscious.  

Alright, enough of this.  I’m going to give Scott the one thing I know he doesn’t have…. SOCKS!!!!

-Justin

Smart ass.

-Scott

I know when Scott does wear socks, he only wears the long socks so they don’t fall down to his ankles.  In the US, Brooks Brothers has a great selection.

I’m getting a bit weary trying to find the right Secret Santa gift.  As you can see, Scott’s not the easiest person to shop for.

This time at bat, I’m going with a flask.  It almost pains me to admit that I find a flask useful, so while I type I’m crossing my fingers hoping my parents aren’t reading these words.

I live in New York City. There are occasions when having a flask can be quite advantageous and rewarding regardless of how “un-adult” it may seem.

If Scott’s anything like me, I think we have ourselves a winner.  You can score one yourself at J. Crew, an easy gift for under $50.

-Justin

Justin, Justin Justin…. We’ve gone out at night before! You know that flask won’t keep my frozen margarita frozen!! I love the look of the flask, but do you think they make it in a thermos model?

- Scott

Quick tip, Drakes of London is having a pop up shop at CHCM.

I did a preview. I personally love the printed scarves. It is almost like wearing centuries-old artwork around your neck. They also have sweaters, gloves, hats, shirts, and tailored sport coats.

Before I forget, I got a hold of the price list, and much of the assortment is going for way below retail price. If you have a moment, stop by CHCM at 2 Bond Street in New York.  You have until Sunday to nab some Drakes.

-Justin

Ok, forget what I suggested yesterday.  This is a great Secret Santa gift.  It’s the F.S.C. Barber Horn Shave Brush.

It is made from simulation horn with a high shine and uses high quality best badger.

I know tons of guys that are into authentic clothing and getting their hair cut at vintage looking barber shops.  In fact, Scott gets his hair cut at F.S.C. Barber.  This shaving brush is perfect for him when he’s doing a little trim or touch up at home.

I figured it out. This post is going live rebuttal free.

-Justin

Sorry Justin, I peeked at the draft again.

I love the idea, thank you very much.  I see these all over the place and I think it’s one of the most beautiful objects available to men today.  However, to use it to its full potential, I feel like I’d have to grow some 1864 handlebar mustache and mutton chops.  And if you remember my Nirvana goatee of ’94, then you’ll know that’s not a good option.

I don’t want to be a pain, but are there any other options?

I promise I won’t peek again.

-Scott

When I laid my eyes on this, I knew I sealed the deal on a Christmas bonus.  It’s a wax you apply to your Barbour coat that keeps it water repellent, shielding it from the elements.  It is similar to shining your shoes, but more involved.

I know how much my boss (Scott) loves his Barbour jacket.  Actually, everyone I know that owns one loves it just as much.

Ladies and gentleman, if you have a friend or secret Santa with a Barbour jacket then this would be a pretty cool stocking stuffer for only $15.

If your man does have the time you can buy it at Jack Spade at the Soho store located on 56 Greene St, NYC or from Barbour.

-Justin

Hey Justin, I saw this post in draft and just wanted to say thank you very much, very nice of you, a very thoughtful gift. However, if you think I’m going to take four hours on a weekend to rub this stuff all over my coat you’re crazy!

-Scott

When sheer is well-executed, it is visually compelling. It’s so interesting to watch how the body moves inside the clothes as opposed to how the body looks jutting out of the clothes. It’s almost like a window through which the wearer allows you to view something typically hidden; its erotic appeal is undeniable.

In this photo I love the long, sloping curve of her torso. It creates a graceful line that carries the eye through the image.

Taken in North Africa

This type of photo is a core reason I started The Sartorialist blog.

As a young man I learned the general rules of fashion, like horizontal stripes making a person look wider. It sounded reasonable so I blindly accepted it to the point I’ve never owned anything close to a striped t-shirt.

Then last January at Pitti Uomo I saw this gentleman wearing a plaid jacket with a very pronounced horizontal stripe. As opposed to making look wider it did the exact opposite. The strategically placed stripes dropped at least ten pounds on him by emphasizing the narrowness of his waist when counterbalanced with the broadness of his shoulders.

This is real sartorial genius.

I forgot to add this photograph of the young illustrator to the post I did yesterday.  This is actually the first shot I had done of her.  I thought she had such a dramatic look which was only highlighted by the dramatic light that only the night can give.

The NEW VANCOUVER SIGNING TIME at Secret Location is TODAY!

Tuesday, December 4 at 4 p.m.

Secret Location

1 Water Street, Vancouver BC