![]() What’s been your favourite post? published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr What’s been your favourite post?
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LOVEMYSELF = 30% off at Bonobos (12/18-12/19)For Bonobos, 20% off is standard. But they rarely go higher than that on full priced stuff. Sure, they’ll run an extra 30% off on SALE items, but not on full price. Except for today and tomorrow. Code LOVEMYSELF should work on everything on their site. Order by 12/21 (Friday) for delivery by Christmas Eve. Off we go with some picks. Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazers – $280 ($400)A legend and for good reason. Totally unconstructed but not some wimpy, flimsy thing, thanks to the high quality Italian wool. A terrific year round sportcoat. Super breathable. Solid colors run $400 retail, with some of the fancy patterns being $500+. Stretch Washed Chinos – $68.60 ($98)I’d say these are the originals that built the Bonobos empire, but they aren’t. Looks like Bonobos has phased out their original, all cotton chinos, in favor of their stretch versions. Tons of colors to pick from, and more than a few fits to fit plenty of body types. Pajama Set in Burgundy Lion Staredown – $68.60 ($98)I’m a gym shorts and breathable t-shirt kinda guy myself, but I know there’s more than a few of you that exchange pajamas on Christmas Eve as family tradition dictates. And if I WERE to dive into the classic pajama world, you can bet they’d be burgundy with lion heads all over them. Heather 5-Pocket Pants – $96.60 ($138)Perfect for the season. Lots of cozy but still polished. Stretch brushed twill with classic 5 pocket styling. Jetsetter Stretch Italian Wool Blazer in Navy Plaid – $350 ($500) or Brown Plaid – $280 FINAL ($500)Couple of winter-ready plaid sportcoats. The Navy plaid isn’t on sale, and is very much returnable if it doesn’t work out. Brown Plaid is already on sale, and final sale at that, so, no returns or exchanges there. Travel Jeans – $75.60 ($108)One of the original, best selling pants from Bonobos. 98% cotton and 2% elastane. Italian Knit Blazers – $245 ($350)All hail the swazer! Or swacket. Or… you get the idea. This is the Bonobos take on the knit jacket/blazer thingy. All Italian cotton. The Italian Hybrid Peacoat – $346.80 ($498)Fully lined and quilted. Sherpa on the collar. Fabric is from Italy. A bit of a style risk, but not a huge style risk. 100% Cashmere Henleys – $138.60 ($198)Utter and complete luxury. For the guy on your list who has been very, VERY good this year. Maybe that guy is you, who knows. And who would have ever thought Wal Mart would one day own a company that sells $200 Cashmere Henleys? The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat – $418.60 ($598)Not cheap, but check out that burgundy shade. Doesn’t shout, but stands out. Felted Wool Blend Bomber Sweater – $124.60 ($178)All kinds of right. They call it wool blend, but then in the description it says it’s 100% boiled merino? Beats me. Looks great though. The Banff Quilted Jacket – $173.60 ($248)No wool exterior option this year Bonobos? Bummer. Always kinda liked the looks of the wool versions. 100% Merino Henleys – $82.60 ($118)For those that want something nice, breathable, and masculine, but think the cashmere option is a little much. Still not cheap though, even with the discount. The 30% off Bonobos sitewide code LOVEMYSELF expires tomorrow, 12/19/18. Bonobos: 30% off Site Wide Sale published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr Bonobos: 30% off Site Wide Sale Chippewa 6″ Service Boots – $229.98 via Huckberry ($280)About the Author: Zach S. is an expedition and product/lifestyle photographer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and a graduate of The United States Military Academy Preparatory School. When he’s not doing photography, he’s writing and working towards his goal of becoming a Marine Aviator. Click here for Zach’s 5 Favorites. Quality footwear is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. A durable, well made pair of shoes or boots can last years, if not decades, all while looking great and giving you good support. Today I’ll be reviewing the 6” Service Boot, by Chippewa. It’s a Goodyear welted, made-in-the-USA piece of footwear that is both stylish and functional. I’ve been wearing my Chips since late 2014 and I can honestly say they get better looking each year. To help with my review, I’ve borrowed a pair of new ones from Amazon to help show you how they age. The color shown in this post is “cordovan.” Note that these are NOT made from cordovan leather, but the color is a deep, reddish brown. Goodyear welted. Thick, burgundy leather. Made in the USA. Overview:The 6” Service Boot is patterned on early 20th century military footwear that Chippewa made for the government. They’ve since been updated with better materials, finishing, and a very stylish range of colors. One thing that hasn’t changed is the made-in-the-USA construction. Lots of guys buy them on Amazon, but for now, it looks like Huckberry has more than a few colors on sale, including the cordovan shade seen in this post. Old vs. New Style:These are good looking boots. I chose the cordovan colorway when I ordered mine, and they look great. The new boots arrive in an almost matte finish, but I like to buff some kiwi polish on them to help bring out a shine and protect them from wear and tear. Each winter I also apply a coat of Sno Seal to help protect against salt and water damage. I’ve found that the boots pair well with just about any outfit. My current job requires I wear business/business casual clothing, and I really do think they look perfectly at home both with a pair of dress slacks (just try it, I swear) as well as with dark wash jeans and a graphic t shirt. Roomy. Might want to go half a size down unless you wear thick socks a lot. Fit:If I could do it again, I would go a half-size down. I wear a 10.5 in most shoes, and I find Chippewa’s 10.5 to be a decent amount too large. In the future I think I’ll roll with a standard size 10 instead. Other than that, the boots feel great. There was a break-in period of approximately a month, but after that, I would forget I was wearing them. I also really appreciate the ankle support. Sole:The boots come standard with a hard rubber Vibram sole. As you can see in the picture, even after years of daily wear, there’s still plenty of life in the sole of the boot. The downside to this durability is that they can be a bit loud on tile floors, and they don’t provide as much traction on smooth or slick surfaces. I think when it’s time for a resole, I’ll go with a commando sole. These boots feature a goodyear welt, so they’re ready and equipped for a resole whenever you decide they need it. Vibram Soles. New (left) vs 4 years on (right). Laces:The laces are my biggest point of contention with these boots. The laces look great when you get them to lay flat, but it’s a huge pain in the ass, and they grip the eyelets too well, which makes it very slow to put them on or take them off. I switched out mine with a length of paracord and now I can have them on or off in a matter of a few seconds. Flat waxed laces look great, but can be a pain. Overall Value:These boots seem to hover around the $250 range, which I think is a great value. They’re more affordable than equivalent Red Wings (barring some massive Red Wing sale), and quite frankly I don’t see the RWs outperforming them by any great margin. Good as semi-dress shoes or casual footwear, the Chippewa Service Boot is a versatile piece of footwear and has a place in any man’s wardrobe. In (long term) Review: Chippewa 6″ Service Boots for Men published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr In (long term) Review: Chippewa 6″ Service Boots for Men Welcome to crunch time. Christmas Eve is this upcoming Monday, and if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re running out of time to find something for your pal, brother, boyfriend, or husband. The good news is that it’s not too late, even if you’re shopping for a guy who’s got tastes that are a little more honed in compared to the general dude-public. All picks & suggestions below should be easy-ish to source locally (barring living in the middle of nowhere) or, should ship fast enough to get to you, in time, for a quick wrapping before Sunday. Happy Holidays, and good luck! The Amazon sourced Watch that Ships Fast & Free
Amazon is a hive of busy, busy bees this year. Just make sure that the watch is being fulfilled by Amazon (not some 3rd party without the dependability of Amazon’s shipping apparatus) and the shipping speed you select (if you don’t have prime) gets it to you before the holiday. Meanwhile… who knew Amazon was fulfilling Armogan these days?? Gift certificates to get his shoes shinedGot a cobbler in your city? Drop in and see if they offer gift certificates for shoe shines. Sure, plenty of guys actually like the process of shining their own shoes (it’s a bit like washing a nice car), but every so often it’s nice to just hand em’ over to the pros. Something from Target’s Goodfellow & Co LineTarget’s Goodfellow & Co line continues to improve. And almost everyone has a Target near them. Plus, thanks to Target’s website, you can choose the “pickup” option and not have to stand in line at a regular register. Just give em’ a couple of hours to dig up what you’re after, then duck inside and hit the customer service desk. Avoiding the regular crush of humanity is key. Plus, Target seems committed to fast shipping this year, so if it’s not available at your local big box, it could be on your doorstep in a few days… in a cardboard box. Head here for a review of some of our favorites from this winter’s Goodfellow & Co line. The Slightly Unexpected Bottle of BoozeAh yes. A trip to the liquor store. Sorta feels like a cop-out, but if you’ve got an imbiber on your list, it’s always appreciated. Especially if you go off the beaten path just a bit. If he drinks gin? Try gifting a bottle of Old Tom style gin by Ransom. If he drinks Scotch? Look for something that’s aged a bit differently (say, in rum casks). If he’s a whiskey guy, try gifting a bottle of perfect-for-the-season Canadian, like Pendleton’s 1910. A little sweet, a little spicy, it fits in perfect around the holidays. Just go in, poke around a bit, and ask questions. Got someone who doesn’t drink alcohol on your list? Try a sixer of good ginger beer. Perfect for parties when you don’t want to be sipping on a coke. A few months of a subscription service of some sortThere’s only about 8.5 trillion of these things around now, and many of them are targeted towards guys who appreciate style and actually put some effort into their appearance. The Google shall help you, but it’s tough to go wrong with Bespoke Post. They’re (obviously) a favorite around these parts, and he can opt out if whatever is offered that particular month doesn’t flip his skirt. A quality shave and/or haircut“Pamper” and “guys” don’t really go all that well together. But this is about as close as we get. Heritage inspired barber shops are popping up all over the place. So if he doesn’t have a regular barber, or, if he does and said person doesn’t offer shaves, get him a gift certificate to send him to a place that does just that. Ask around though. Last thing you want is to send the recipient to a place that’ll hack his face to bits. A stylish movie
Great for those who live together, but can also be gifted (I think?) across the interwebs depending on the platform. Unless you’re knee deep in family obligations, Christmas day can start to be a bit of a yawner by mid-afternoon. So… get him a movie. Make some cocktails. Curl up on the couch and soak it up. If it streams for free? All the better. Wrap up some favorite cocktail fixings and a bag of popcorn and hit the couch that evening. A vintage book or twoWhat’s his favorite genre? Does he have a favorite set of movies (like the Bond flicks) based on books? Does he have any particular interests (politics, playing the guitar, basketball) that have been written about by legends? Hit your local used book shop, and try to dig up a classic that would fit his tastes. Books are functional art. They look great on the shelf, and re-reading a favorite during these cold and dark months is one hell of a pleasure. A 100% Cashmere Sweater from Amazon’s Buttoned Down brandAmazon’s men’s clothing lines are actually not half bad, with some major hits lurking. Sure, sweaters as Christmas presents are super cliche, but a lot of guys won’t spend the cash on themselves to get cashmere. So, here’s your chance. You’ve gotta have Prime to buy it, but that’s kinda the point here, being that we’re all a bit short on time in terms of getting stuff shipped out in time for the holiday. A watch box / something to organize his watches and other accessoriesThat is, if he has a bunch of watches. Or maybe a few watches (watch boxes come in various sizes with various amounts of slots/places to store stuff). Shown above is the 12 slot option from Songmics. Just $30. Comes with a drawer that’s organized into space for larger items (like pens) and smaller items (such as cufflinks). Available on Amazon and ships fast if you have Prime. For the couples: Dinner out, with you wearing that thing he likesGo get a gift certificate for dinner out at his favorite spot. Doesn’t have to be something super fancy, just his favorite place that also allows him to wear some of his favorite clothes. Meanwhile, if you’re so inclined, take a selfie of yourself wearing that outfit he’s complimented you on a million times (hint: that means he likes it when you wear that), and wrap those two things up. All too often there has to be a special occasion to get dressed up and head out for a fun night on the town. Doesn’t have to be his birthday or an anniversary this year. It’s just a well thought out Christmas gift, and he can cash it in at a later date. Need more ideas and want to test the limits of shipping speeds this time of year? Here’s a few more gift guides from us, with more options:
The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts Earlier this year, we explained the differences between an Ulster and a Guards Coat.
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Today, we continue this overcoat series with a conversation about the Paletot, a double-breasted topcoat with peaked lapels. The Origins And History Of The PaletotThe term originally derives from the word Palla, which was a kind of Roman greatcoat. Later, the Spanish invented a garment called the palletoque, which was similar to a frock coat with vertical folds. During the eighteenth century, the French developed the word paletot as an umbrella term for various overcoats. In the mid 19th century, a paletot was considered to be a waisted or at least slightly waisted overcoat with certain peculiarities with regard to its cut. Many paletots resembled a frock coat and could be worn without a vest-like undercoat. In detail, the features were as follows:
By the end of the nineteenth century, the term evolved to include only overcoats worn in town. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the British considered a paletot to be any topcoat with waist suppression, while Americans defined it as an ankle-length topcoat, seam-waisted and with a flared silhouette. In the 1920s, the term Chesterfield arose, which was a single-breasted overcoat with a hidden fly front. In order to distinguish between the different overcoat types, the term paletot was used in Europe to describe a very special kind of double-breasted top coat. The Characteristics of a PaletotIt is still the standard today, and defined by the following characteristics:
The Paletot in Everyday AppearanceInterestingly, there is no strict rule with regard to color or fabric. Nevertheless, the paletot is usually made of dark, plain fabrics. Also, the length is not set in stone. Everything from around knee length to ankle length is acceptable, though most coats are about knee length. Fortunately, rules for topcoats have never been strictly applied, and consequently, there are lots of paletot variations. Instead of having a 6×2 button configuration, one could choose 6×3 or 4×2. Also, the closing button position could be moved up or down, and the same is true for the pockets. Apart from that, slanting pockets would be a good alternative and a ticket pocket might add an elegant touch. If one likes unusual details, a velvet collar in a contrasting color or elegant cuffs could be a good addition. Bear in mind that the Guards coat is simply a paletot variation with a belted back and a 6×3 configuration. As you can see, the Paletot has a wide spectrum of use and is the ideal companion for a number of occasions. If you are looking for one coat that is suitable for almost all occasions, then a paletot made of flannel or tweed in charcoal or navy might be the best choice. For example, a plain dark gray and blue tweed paletot can be worn with a plaid tweed suit as well as with a business suit or evening wear, and I am sure the wearer will always look quite well put together. The paletot today still has a plain back which is an ode to the town heritage. Overall, it is a very classic simple and sophisticated overcoat that will never disappoint. Especially if you’re starting out, I think it’s a great choice and you can always add coarser tweed overcoats later on but in the beginning, it makes sense to have one overcoat that works for you in many occasions. What do you think of the paletot coat and what items would you wear with it?Paletot – The Double Breasted Overcoat published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr Paletot – The Double Breasted Overcoat The Thursday Handfuls are great, but what if Monday (or Tuesday) rolls around and there are a few sales that can’t wait til the weekend? You’ll find three of the best, with a few picks from each, to start the week below. #1. EXPRESS: 50% off Everything + Free Shipping No Min.
Well that’s awfully kind. Half off and free shipping? Prices are as marked online. No code needed here. Order by 11pm EST today to get it in time for the holiday. #2. Massdrop: Hamilton Railroad Small Seconds Automatic – $599 FINALComplete class. Big fan of the just-different-enough seconds hand that’s been offset at 8 o’clock. Full retail is almost $1300 if you buy direct from Hamilton. Massdrop price says $649 for the drop, but the black band/silver dial/blue sub dial shown above is actually -$50 at checkout. 42mm case diameter. Onion-style crown and date window at 3 o’clock. One of those watches that’s gonna look just as impressive in 30 years as it does now. Estimated ship date is 12/28. #3. Banana Republic: 50% Off Most Everything
I was expecting they’d drastically cut the nice-ness on their offer. I was wrong. Half off most everything (there are few exclusions) is still, obviously, quite good. Order by 12/18 (that’s tomorrow…) for free delivery by 12/21. Deal runs through Christmas Eve. No code needed here. But? If you’re a card member? You should be able to knock an extra 10% off at checkout with the code BRCARD. BONUS Huckberry: Armogan Sale + New Waxed Trucker Colors
The waxed truckers aren’t on sale, but the fact that they just debuted two new colors (olive and navy) is absolutely worth a mention. Made in the USA too. And the blanket lining means they’re plenty warm for much of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter conditions (not all, much). Full Review of the Waxed Trucker can be found here, and a full review of the Regalia Chrono can be found here. BONUS II: adidas Samba OG II – $56 ($80)Huge thanks to Sajeev P. for sending in the tip on these. Those green stripes. Yes please. Blue stripes available too. Also worth a mention…
Monday Sales Tripod – 50% off EXPRESS, Classy Watches from Hamilton and Armogan, & More published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr Monday Sales Tripod – 50% off EXPRESS, Classy Watches from Hamilton and Armogan, & More ![]() When selecting a cloth for an overcoat, what should you look for? This might seem like a pretty easy question: you want warmth. That’s what an overcoat is for. But how much warmth, and where it comes from, are not straightforward. As with anything we’ve covered in this Guide to Cloth (and the sister guide, on Shirt Fabric), when you start looking into this area you quickly learn that there are several factors at work, including fibre, weave and weight. Of these, weight is certainly the most important. And what weight to choose is always the first question readers ask. Some mills start their overcoating range at 370g or 13oz, which is very light. It’s the kind of weight I’d recommend for a jacket, rather than a coat. Most start closer to 500g or 18oz, which is more like it. Personally, I’d say someone buying a first good coat should be looking at 600-700g, or 20-25oz. That would cover most weather in most temperate countries. But there is also big variation around the world: in Hong Kong this weight would be too heavy; on the US East Coast it would be too light, at least for the real winter. A good tip is to ask a friend – one who’s had a coat made bespoke or made-to-measure – what he thinks is a good weight for where you both live. Otherwise 20-25oz is a good rule of thumb. My Cifonelli cashmere is 22oz, and I’ve found it good for most British winters. My Sexton (above) is 21oz, but rather warmer given its length, and it’s coped with New York winters. My top coats from Vergallo and Ettore de Cesare (below) are deliberately lighter: 17oz and 14oz respectively. Top coats moves us onto the next question: what weight should different coats in your wardrobe be? If that first coat was 20-25oz, a second could be lighter to cover more of the year in a temperate country, or heavier if you live in Toronto. A top coat would also usually be shorter, finishing just above the knee where an overcoat would be below it – which will also reduce its warmth. Any temperatures between an overcoat and that topcoat can be accommodated with accessories: scarves, hats, knitwear. That might seem obvious, but a lot of readers ask about these in-between days. And once you start thinking hard about weather-appropriate clothing, it’s frustrating when you feel you’re either under- or over-dressed. The next consideration is fibre. Cashmere will always be warmer for its weight, given its hollow fibres. And of course it feels wonderfully soft. The only downside is longevity. Cashmere is slightly more delicate than wool, and is more likely to show wear over time. However, if you’re reading an article like this on coat cloth, you’re probably also the kind of person that will look after an overcoat well. You’ll hang it up when you’re not using it; you won’t won’t wear a strap over the shoulder every day; you’ll brush it occasionally and rarely use dry cleaning. In that case, don’t be afraid of going with cashmere. It may well last longer than a wool coat owned by someone who cares less. (Cifonelli cashmere coat shown below.) There are other good arguments for cashmere (or other precious fibres). One is that if you’re having something made beautifully by a bespoke tailor, you should pick the cloth that work the deserves. Another is that if you’re investing in such a coat, you probably already have another in your wardrobe already. So the cashmere won’t be worn day in, day out. If this coat is to be your workhorse, worn every winter for years, then good wool might still be the best option. But don’t be afraid of paying more for cashmere. There are also different qualities of cashmere. A high-street cashmere coat tends to be lighter, woven a little more loosely, and sometimes over-finished to make it feel softer. All these things mean it won’t last as long. The mills that supply most bespoke tailors are a lot safer. But still it’s worth considering not just the weight of the cashmere, but how solid and densely woven it feels. It’s a broad generalisation, but Italian mills tend to make such cloths a little lighter and looser, and are particularly worth checking in this respect. As ever, asking the tailor about their experience is always worthwhile. They’re likely to have seen coats in a variety of cloths made up, worn, and come back for repair. Among other fibre options, the guidance on cashmere also applies to vicuna, only more so: it’s warmer and softer, but also more delicate. Camel hair, on the other hand, can be nice because it feels similar to cashmere but is harder wearing. However it tends to only come in a few colours – usually natural and navy. Wool/cashmere blends can seem like the best of both worlds. But the small amount of cashmere will make little difference to warmth, so generally it’s only worth buying on softness. If the cloth feels a lot nicer to you than regular wool, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, ignore it. Usually that means 20% cashmere or above. (Such as my Bridge Coat, above.) Other options include varieties of wool – often picked and then woven to be tougher or more water-resistant. Covert cloth, for example, is a wool woven in a steep twill, to make it denser. It’s more robust than most other overcoatings, but usually not as warm (not being cashmere, and often being a lighter weight more suited to top coats). Tweed is not a classic material for an overcoat because it is rather spongey, and therefore doesn’t have a clean, sharp line. But it is tough, and it’s hairiness makes it quite water-resistant. My Liverano overcoat (above) is made in such a tweed, and I’ve found it very practical. Finally, casentino wool is in some ways a Tuscan equivalent of tweed. It’s heavily brushed to help trap air and keep water away from the surface in the same way. (Rake x Rubinacci version below.) Water resistance should rarely be a prime driver for selecting a cloth, however. Anything that really makes a coat close to being waterproof will sacrifice other things, whether it’s softness, drape or look. In the end, if you want a quality coat, you also need to look after it. And that means carrying an umbrella, wearing a hat, or anything else to stop it getting drenched. And any of these suggested cloths can cope with a bit of rain. Just hang it when you get home and let it dry naturally. The same goes for synthetic mixes in overcoats. It might make the coat a little tougher, but if that’s your priority then you should be buying something else, like a trench coat or a Barbour. (Our collab trench below.) As for colour or pattern, the guidance is pretty simple: versatility is everything. An overcoat needs to be able to go with more clothing than anything else you own. Particularly as you’re unlikely to have as many of them as suits, shirts or shoes. So for anyone that dresses remotely smartly, navy is the starting point. A plain navy double-breasted cashmere coat is perfect. Charcoal is also a great colour for smart clothing (like my Sexton), but it never goes as well with tailoring in the same colour as navy. The only advantage of charcoal is that it arguably goes better with black tie. But that only applies to those that go to several black-tie events a year. My favourite option for a coat that can bridge formal and casual styles is mid-grey herringbone. (Connolly RTW version above.) Somehow that colour and pattern looks smart enough for a suit but casual enough for cotton trousers. Particularly in a soft, relaxed cut. If you only wear sports coats and trousers, or even more casual clothing, then look at green and brown coats – like my green-loden Vergallo (below) for example, or brown-tweed Liverano. Anyone building a good range of coats could do worse than starting with navy cashmere, adding grey-herringbone wool, and finally something in brown or green. Those three should be everything they’d ever need. Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man; except hat/umbrella shot, Luke Carby, and navy close-up shot, Jack Lawson The guide to overcoating cloths published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr The guide to overcoating cloths BR: 52% off (no code needed) + Extra 10% off for cardmembers w/ BRCARD (exp 12/15)So here’s how the math works:
Yes there are some exclusions (BR Picks are out,) but it seems like Banana Republic has been kind enough to hold off on tagging a LOT of stuff with that exclusion. Norman Leather Chukka Boot – $85.44 ($178)Basic, good looking chukkas that are noticeably sleeker than a crepe soled desert boot. Something you can dress up a bit. And at a price that if they take on some damage from the winter weather, you won’t cry yourself to sleep at night. Slim Italian Wool-Blend Motion-Stretch Blazer – $143.04 ($298)Utterly brilliant. These are an Italian wool blend. Still knit, but doesn’t feel like a sweatshirt or, a sweater really. But still super flexible. Two appropriate cold weather colors. Just wore the burgundy one last night to a dinner in a kinda warmer than normal restaurant, and it was super breathable. Saved me from looking like a sweaty mess. Tully Sneaker Chelsea – $61.44 ($128)Big, big fan of these. Also available in charcoal. Super comfortable, super versatile, and a mighty fair price for the look and feel of what you get. Full review here. Moto Zip Leather Glove – $41.72 ($98)I thought leather accessories weren’t included? But at post time, these are getting the cut. Note that these are NOT the same gloves that appear in the handful headers every once in awhile (those are some old Polo Ralph Lauren deerskin gloves.) But these have the same aesthetic. They’re even also made of Deerskin. Italian Melton Wool-Blend Car Coat – $181.44 ($378)One of the best best for outerwear, once again. Terrific fabric, despite the mix being a pretty standard 80% wool / 20% the rest. Soft and smooth. A good depth to it for warmth, but still flexible. Big fan of the slanted hand pockets. Size shown above is a large on 195-200lbs. 80% wool / 17% poly / 3% other. Italian Moleskin Trucker Jacket – $109.44 ($228)Moleskin = a brushed, dense, cotton fabric that’s super soft and almost suede like. A nice, cheaper alternative to Huckberry’s made in the USA Flint and Tinder moleskin shirt jacket. Extra Fine Italian Merino Wool V or Crew Neck Sweaters – $42.96 ($89.50)While some other brands are cutting back on the quality of their fabrics, or, starting to do blends, BR is thankfully sticking to their outstanding Italian Extra Fine Merino wool. Basics of course, but these are really nice basics. Lots of colors to pick from. Lots. Wool-Blend Snap Glove – $42.96 ($89.50)A mixed media pair of gloves. 67% wool, 19% viscose, 14% nylon tops. Goat leather palms. Snap at the wrist. B.R. x Kevin Love Wool Blend Crew – $51.84 ($108)Colors and sizes seem to be coming and going. Blue and Gold = all sizes at post time. Overally? It’s nice. Very nice. 60% wool and 40% nylon blend that’s spun to feel extra light and soft. And it is. Size shown is a medium on my 5’10” / 195 lb frame. Big fan of those retro stripes. On the thicker side. Not some paper thin, super easy to layer thing. A warm sweater. Rapid Movement Jean – $56.64 ($118)Obliagtory mention. Full review can be found here. Plenty of fits and washes to pick from. Size shown above is a 33×30 tapered fit in rinse. Enormous fan of these. Large Tote Bag – $28.56 ($59.50)Way, way better looking than some reusable grocery bag. Plus much more sturdy. You can haul heavy stuff in these things. Great for stashing in the trunk of your car and/or using it as an extra, “oh just throw all that junk in the same bag” getaway container. Has a zip top too in case you need to keep something out of the elements. Not small. Big. Merino Wool Blend Rugby Stripe Scarf – $33.36 ($69.50)Ban acrylic. At least when it comes to scarves. Especially when 100% merino wool scarves that look as good as these can be had for this reasonable of a price. Hadley Italian Leather Brogue Oxford – $75.84 ($158)Inexpensive brogue bluchers. So… certainly leaning more smart casual than dressed up. And that contrasting welt would look pretty good up against some dark denim. Brushed Traveler Pants in Slim or Athletic Tapered – $52.32 ($109)Moleskin Traveler Pants! I repeat! Moleskin Traveler Pants! Your favorite five pockets winterized with super soft, brushed cotton. Italian Merino Wool Shawl-Collar Sweater – $47.28 ($98.50)Much, much better looking than a hoodie. And not that much more expensive than some collegiate book store hoodie. Not bad considering these are 100% Italian Merino wool. Merino Rectangular Scarf – $38.16 ($79.50)Don’t be fooled by the “rectangular” stuff. It’s a regularly proportioned scarf (70″ x 12″). Which, well, yes. That’s a rectangle of course. ANYWAY. Geography* wasn’t my best subject. They’re describing the texture of the knit. Billi Buckle Boot – $90.24 ($188)Affordable Jodhpur boots. Also available in a black leather, but y’know the old saying… cheap suede outperforms cheap smooth leather every time. Italian Melton Wool Blend Bomber – $143.04 ($298)Bombers have been big for a couple years now, and that one might just be the cream of the affordable yet still really good looking crop. 80% wool and 20% nylon Italian fabric. Also available in charcoal. Donegal Crew Neck Sweater – $47.28 ($98.50)That traditional, flecked look, without the super traditional bulky as hell fit (one would assume). 65% extra-fine merino wool, 30% nylon, 5% alpaca wool. Kevin Love DB Topcoat – $191.04 ($398) | Single Breasted Topcoat – $181.44 ($378)More pick(s) from the Kevin Love collection at Banana Republic. Both are made from Italian 80% wool / 20% nylon material. Still a good amount of sizes left. Cotton Cable-Knit Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $61.92 ($129)Not wool. But some people prefer cotton. Whether it’s due to allergies or an itch factor or whatever. And that texture. Heritage Italian Wool Blend Stripe Sweater – $47.28 ($98.50)From their classic but never stuffy “heritage” line. Not a bad price for a nautical striped, wool blend crew that you’ll probably reach for time and time and time again. 80% recycled Merino wool, 20% nylon. Shown above with the Kevin Love DB topcoat. Slim Italian Velvet Blazer – $143.04 ($298)New Years Eve is fast approaching… Slim Traveler Pant – $47.28 ($98.50)4.7/5 stars after over 1200 reviews. They’re a jean style chino made with some sort of high-recovery Italian stretch cotton. So, comfort of your favorite pair of jeans, only in chino like colors & finish. Lots of colors to pick from. Also offered in Athletic Tapered and Skinny. Full review here. Also shown top right of the post in wine. Merino Wool Blend Cardigan – $80.64 ($168)Love the look of all the different types of knit here. Makes it stand out, yet they all work together nicely. Just… don’t hang your sweaters. Just don’t. Especially on a wire hanger like shown here in their promo shot. Italian Melton Wool-Blend Two-Pocket Coat – $157.44 ($328)For those who want something more pea-coat like, but don’t love the double breasted look. Italian wool-blend melton fabric. Slim Traveler Cords – $47.04 ($98)A cold weather version of many a fella’s favorite 5-pocket. These might not have QUITE as much stretch as the original traveler five pockets? Herne Suede Longwing – $75.84 ($158)Not bad at all. Like their other suede shoes, this “Herne” wingtip looks and feels much more expensive than the on-sale asking price. Sure they’re made in China, but they feel well made, the suede is solid, they don’t smell like gasoline, and the leather linings and Ortholite insoles are nice and comfy. Fit seems true too. A 10.5 fit my normally 10.5D feet just fine. Full review here. Italian Melton Wool Blend Herringbone Topcoat – $191.04 ($398)80% wool and 20% nylon Italian wool blend melton fabric. It’s a true herringbone pattern. A mix of cream and gray. So if you don’t like that contrast, beware. It’s not a solid gray. Hits at mid-thigh. Exposed buttons (no covered placket, some guys prefer exposed buttons, some don’t). Super classy looking. Slim Dark Rinse Japanese Traveler Jean – $59.50 ($119)The legend. After 900+ reviews on the BR site, these things still have a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Full review here. Nicklas Sneaker – $61.44 ($128)White leather uppers? Check. Gum sole? Check. Blue accents? Check. Full review here. Kevin Love Performance Stretch Wool Track Pant – $47.04 ($98)It’s a well established fact that this website is NOT pro-joggers. But these aren’t joggers. No silly elastic around the hems. And instead of crappy cotton terry, these are a stretch wool fabric. Sign me up. Core Temp Chinos – $47.04 ($98)Lightweight, breathable, and absurdly comfortable. Full review here. Cable-Knit High Crew-Neck Sweater – $57.12 ($119)This thing has a lot of interesting points of detail, for it being just a sweater. Multiple styles of cable knit up front and on the sleeves, but a smooth back. Collar is higher than a normal crew-neck, but not mock neck high. 80% extra-fine Merino wool, 20% nylon. Slim Motion Stretch Blazers – $95.04 ($198)BR’s “Motion Stretch” line is a collision of tailored wear and stuff that feels like sweats. Only unlike sweats, they’ve been engineered to breathe and avoid that stuffiness. And while these feel a bit like sweats, they look a little more polished. Not as smart/dressy as a regular wool sportcoat, but still nice. Cotton poly blend. This 52% off Banana Republic (plus an extra 10% off for cardemembers) deal runs through today, 12/15. *Yes, this “Geography” bit is a joke. Banana Republic: 52% off One Day Sale published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr Banana Republic: 52% off One Day Sale The source of confusion in this dress code is that it can mean anything from cocktail attire with a festive twist to the recent vogue for ugly Christmas sweaters. Our most general piece of advice for the holiday or festive dress code is to gravitate to the more formal end of the spectrum which we’re going to lay out today. After all, no one is ever going to fault you for looking put together. The exception to this advice, of course, is if the hosts have clearly stated that the party is going to be more extravagant and playful in nature and that ugly sweaters are expected. In that case, by all means, do loosen up and have some fun. Your safest bet, of course, will always be to ask the hosts for advice directly as a gentleman always makes the effort to follow a dress code as closely as he can; to do otherwise would be an insult to your hosts. One more piece of general advice here before we dive in, keep it varied and have a few options handy, after all, it’s a busy time of year for parties and you may be invited to more than one that has a holiday or festive dress code to it so having a few options at your disposal will never be a bad thing. How To Meet The Holiday Attire Dress Code Stylishly?The simplest answer is this, think of it as being an offshoot of cocktail attire with an extra holiday touch in terms of color or some playfulness that’s incorporated into your outfit such as wearing tartan which has been an established alternative when it comes to holiday wear since at least the middle of the 20th century. Regarding color then, do feel free to incorporate some of the standard colors of the holiday season such as red and green. With that said, however, don’t go for bright and gaudy hues as these are just going to make you stand out a little bit too much. Instead, go for something subtle, understated, and elegant. Now let’s cover today’s subject through the lens of multiple different types of holiday parties, each with differing levels of formality and cover the related dress accordingly. ![]() Shantung Striped Green, Purple, and Cream Silk Tie and Dark Bronze Madder Silk Pocket Square with Diamond Motif and Paisley- Fort Belvedere Office Appropriate Festive AttireRegarding how dressed up you should be for such an event, just take a cue from the regular day-to-day attire at your office. In other words, think of how you should dress as being a somewhat typical office outfit, maybe just a bit more relaxed and with a seasonal element to it. White Collar Office PartiesFirstly, if you work in a traditional white collar office environment, go for something that’s appropriately conservative. For example, a suit perhaps three pieces or double-breasted in a dark color like charcoal, navy, or in midnight blue, if you’re feeling especially elegant. Along with this, you could go for a dress shirt, ideally French cuffed and probably in a pastel color as white might be just a bit too stuffy for a festive party. In terms of shoes, you’ll want to keep things appropriately conservative as well so you could go for the classic black cap toe oxford or if you’re feeling just a little bit more playful, something in a very dark brown color perhaps an oxblood. You could go for something like a monk strap or something incorporating just a little bit of broguing in its design but you don’t want to get too crazy and you probably won’t want to opt for light colors like tan either. After all, if your regular office attire consists of those black oxfords, you’ll want to keep it in the neighborhood of that kind of shoe even for a party like this. As for your accessories, the novelty tie emblazoned with huge Santa heads is probably going to be a little bit too informal for a party of this nature. Instead, you’ll want to go for something like a dark burgundy or a similarly muted hue perhaps with a slight pattern to it. Although solids are of course a safe bet. Your pocket square can be a little bit bolder in comparison to your tie and can possibly incorporate some small patterns as well. Just remember that all of the elements of your outfit should ultimately remain harmonious. You’re likely going to have the most latitude here with your cufflinks, they can be solid metal in any shade of course and can incorporate stones or other engraved designs. This type of party is just playful enough, however, that you could also do something with miniatures, say, for example, a tiny reindeer just so long as it’s understated and subtle. Have fun with it and try to strike that ideal balance between formal and festive. ![]() Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Malachite Balls by Fort Belvedere combined with a green tie bar and malachite pinky ring Tie bars, collar clips, and rings can also be worn as long as they are similarly understated and of course, matching your metals is always a good idea. Finally here regarding boutonnieres, something light-colored and small so as also to be understated would be an ideal choice.
Less Formal Office PartiesFor a slightly less formal type of office party, we recommend that you go with a combination of sport coat and odd trousers. A patterned or textured sportcoat would be a good choice here with or without a tie. Something for example in herringbone, houndstooth, or a mottled tweed will provide a rustic quality that’s still appropriate for the season. Wearing a blazer with a tartan or other plaid pattern would be an ideal way to be seasonally appropriate, a little bit bold, and a little bit rustic all at the same time. Finally, this would also be a great opportunity to break out something like a burgundy velvet jacket if you’re feeling especially avant-garde. Your shirt could be plain in color, either in a pastel shade or alternatively in a rich dark hue if you’re going for something a little bit more fashion-forward. Also, the shirt could feature a pattern just so long as that pattern doesn’t clash if you’ve also got one in your jacket. In terms of styling and materials, choices like the Oxford cloth button down or OCBD would be appropriately semi-formal. A chambray shirt would be another good choice or alternatively, you could substitute the collared shirt altogether for something like a dark turtleneck sweater under your jacket. You can round out this look with some flannel trousers or corduroys. As far as shoes are concerned, you could opt for something like wingtips or loafers just so long as they’re well shined. Casual Office Parties![]() Brown sport coat with fair isle vest and Fort Belvedere accessories Our advice is largely the same as for semi-formal office parties but with a few key distinctions. First of all, you can feel free to swap out the sport coat with a cable knit pullover or a cardigan sweater in a warm color. Alternatively, a fair isle sweater or sweater vest will allow you to stand out a little bit more while still looking rustic and traditional. In addition to flannel trousers and corduroys, a casual office party would also be an appropriate time to break out dark denim or perhaps even colored chinos if you’re feeling especially bold. Finally, you can add an accent with some brightly colored dress socks or maybe incorporate your crazy socks featuring Santa and his reindeer here and you can round out the look with some informal shoes or perhaps a dress boot. Residential /Private Holiday PartiesNow let’s briefly cover some advice on what to wear to a holiday or festive party given in a residential or otherwise similarly private setting. In the broad strokes, you’re going to want to keep things a little bit more relaxed for a home party than you would for an office party but the breakdown we’ve just given for three different formality levels of office parties can still hold mostly true here as well. In other words, all of the suggestions we gave for specific combinations of garments still hold true for home parties as they did for office parties but when we gave you more than one option in some of our breakdowns, you would here opt for some of the less formal of those options. For example, at a semi-formal or mid-level holiday house party, you could perhaps go for the turtleneck sweater before going for the button-down. Remember, the bottom line for house parties is always the dress code that’s printed on the invitation and/or the personal advice of the hosts. If the party takes place during the holiday season but the invitation says black-tie, wear a tuxedo and leave that tweed sport coat at home. ![]() Non-traditional Black Tie ensemble for the holidays with burgundy velvet DB jacket and midnight blue trousers, following the black tie style rules CONCLUSIONWhile the holiday or festive dress code covers a wide range of levels of formality, it doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. For a party at work, take a cue from your regular office attire and add a twist or two and for a residential party, take your cue from the invitation and the advice of the hosts and feel free to be just a little bit more relaxed and playful and yes, if ugly sweaters are expected, do loosen up and feel free to have a little bit of fun. What sorts of combinations have you worn to holiday parties in the past? Share with us in the comments section below. Holiday Attire for Men: What It Means & How to Wear It published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr Holiday Attire for Men: What It Means & How to Wear It It’s Friday. Looking for something to switch up your weekend, or to give you an excuse to relax a little? That’s what the Weekend Reset is for. Each week contributor Tim Johnstone pulls together five things to get your weekend started. Could be something to read or watch, something to eat or listen to, or even something to do. Enjoy the weekend fellas. BEHOLD: Elton John and his band in all their 70’s regalia.Because sometimes you just want to sit back and peep Elton bringing the Christmas spirit to the masses. Nothing says Christmas like a feathered boa. EAT: Roast Beast at the Christmas dinner table.This is another one of those traditions I was writing about a couple weeks back. I have been hosting Christmas dinner at my place for a number of years and I serve a hearty rib roast, AKA roast beast. I know. I know. Rib roasts are not exactly budget friendly. They are definitely a splurge, a luxury for the Holiday. I am here to say it is so worth it. But they are surprisingly easy to prepare. Make sure to have your butcher cut the meat from the bone and tie it back together for an easier carving experience. Recipes abound on the interwebs and said butcher is always helpful with recommendations. READ: Because sometimes the Holidays are so bad you have to laugh.The first time reading David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries was a revelation. I had found a voice that was new to me and at the same time very real to me. I was instantly drawn to his style and sense of humor. I have returned to it many years since that original reading and it always delivers. The Santaland Diaries, featuring Crumpet the Elf is included in this updated collection of stories of the season. Did I mention that this is one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read? Sedaris writes about his life, that of his family and friends. There are true tales. If you want to listen to The Santaland Diaries as it first aired on NPR, here you go. WATCH: Because it isn’t Christmas if you don’t. Ok. I’m going to be honest. I could have included any number of movies and TV specials here. How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, Die Hard, Love Actually, Home Alone, Miracle On 34th: all movies which you probably have seen more than a couple times during the Holidays over the years. But I chose White Christmas for a reason. Perspective. We were a different country then. And while we weren’t perfect, we sure could make glorious movies. If you’ve never seen this, it is a revelation. If you have, you know what I mean. CONVERT: One Bird or One Lime + $30 = personal scooter.Sure, they might be an inconvenience when they are clogging up sidewalks and street corners. BUT. When it’s possible to convert one of these to a personal scooter, the situation changes drastically. And no, I am not suggesting someone steal one of these for this purpose. As the article explains, there are tons of these being left behind in impound lots ripe for the plucking – for a price. But that price will always be much less than the cost of the bike, and the $30 “plug and play” converter kit is pretty cheap as well. Possibilities. Tim Johnstone is Dappered’s music correspondent as well as our resident gatherer of all things interwebs related. He’s currently chasing his spirit animal. The Weekend Reset – Captain Fantastic and more for the Holidays. published first on https://medium.com/@CostumeCorner via Tumblr The Weekend Reset – Captain Fantastic and more for the Holidays. |
FashionPassion
I lived my life in Europe and now a global citizen in fashion. I have attended the American University in Texas and hold master degree in Media & Communications. I have also spent 4 years of formal training in clothing and fashion. I love travelling around the world and being in different artistic environments has helped me discover more and more about my passions which is fashion. Personal Links |