Valet x A Time to Get

I recently had the pleasure of doing a nice little feature with Mr. Nick Maggio via ATG aka A Time to Get... What I found was that Nick is as genuine, fresh and cool as the website that he writes on each day. If you get a minute head over to Valet and take a peak for a little in depth feature with the man. The photo above by the way is courtesy of A Time to Get...

Basquiat: Jealous of the Moon

A scene from "Basquiat" directed by Julian Schnabel in the 1996 film about Jean-Michel Basquiat's life and work. Sometimes true genius is misundertood. In a city like Manhattan some ride the train and some never get off... I think this scene with Van Morrison (of note "it's all over now baby blue" is a cover of the original by Bob Dylan) in the background speaks volumes in it's montage of a man expressing himself in his creative endeavors, when he wakes Gina up and shows her his work that he did for her she's totally upset and doesn't understand why he would do that to her dress... His words to calm her down are classic, even if she is still a bit confused and bewildered. In his mind he was taking something ordinary and making it beautiful, like an artist would do. Misunderstood and out of this world would be the best way to describe many artists, people don't understand them but they love them for being so free and sometimes so over the top...

The L.L. Bean Rubber Moccasin

While boat shoes are experiencing a flood of influence, wearability and an overall trend, being seen on practically everyone these days... Vastly being worn by a majority of people who have never even been on a boat much less even thought about the use of them in the past. Along with bluchers, moccassins, bucks, loafers, desert boots, and canvas shoes that are becoming more and more of the trend and shoe of choice it seems these days. Let's not forget the tassled loafer as well thanks to being foreshadowed and seen by ACL and Mister Mort. So while the world toils along I want to introduce a timeless staple... The LL Bean rubber moccassin... Look for them more and more from this summer into the fall... I'm sure they'll be popping up and joining the ranks of the aforementioned shoe styles just a bit more these days.

Japan really is doing a number on us as far as the influence of American Style coming back in America... Pretty funny but they do it like no other. Magazines like 2nd showcase in depth reports on The Preppy Handbook... That's the source of life where all of this stems from, along with books like Take Ivy and the actual style of the men who attended these schools. Just keep in mind this is an overall trend and there are people that have been dressing like this forever... They were raised on it so it has to be rather amusing to watch. Nonetheless it's great to see men dress like men again. Just don't try too hard or go overboard... You might lack credibility and originality, take it in stride and breathe in the good qualities of a trend, just don't get too caught up and serious with looking like you went to Harvard, especially if you've never even been to Cambridge... Stay true to yourself and you'll do just fine.

Proper Sample: Public School

I don't usually tout sample sales but when I received the email from By Maxwell one half of the design duo at Public School, I had to post it up... Anyone who's ever walked the 5th floor of Barney's in New York has seen the collection of raw attitude and detailed style from this brand, a DNA that is gritty and all New York. The collection's not cheap either... So when I read this in the email I had to let people know:

Details are...

FIRST TIME EVER SAMPLE SALE!!
TUESDAY JULY 28TH – FRIDAY JULY 31ST
29 GREENE STREET GALLERY
29 GREENE STREET (BTW CANAL/GRAND STREETS
NOON – 8PM

UP TO 80% OFF ALL COLLECTIONS AND ALL SEASONS PRICING INCLUDES

TEES AS LOW AS $20 DOWN FROM $80
KNIT TOPS AS LOW AS $40 DOWN FROM $195
OUTERWEAR AS LOW AS $58 DOWN FROM $290
SWEATERS AS LOW AS $100 DOWN FROM $500
LEATHER OUTERWEAR AS LOW AS $200 FROM $1050

When you go from $1,050 to $200 that's literally a steal... Check out the sample sale... It's actually below my loft on Greene St. at a great showroom in SoHo.

Wrap Me Up In A Blanket...

One of my favorites for the country house or for a nice blanket by the fireplace at the loft in the city... A dose of some of my favorite blankets via Pendleton Woolen Mills. Between the vintage collection, the Native American and the National parks collection it's a tough choice on which is my favorite. I guess it all depends on the mood and the locale...

Feelin' Groovy: Procul Harum

No matter how you slice it Procul Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale" is a great piece of recorded music. The sound with it's 60's psychedelic feel combining a mixture of deep blues intertwined with pop always makes me feel reminiscent like I'm sitting in graduation or something. This track just goes well for a chill summer night with a nice cold beer in hand sitting on the balcony either outside your loft or outside on your patio. Check the colorful mixing of patterns and nehru jackets shot outside of a chapel here too... Not seen since the 60's really... Think Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Cream, The Animals and you sort of get the picture of the era...

Pitti Uomo Standout: Anachronorm

One of my favorite collections at Pitti Uomo this season was Anachronorm hailing from Japan. Classic work wear with a bit of a twist... Some great washes in this collection and some very cool pieces with a key strength relying on some incredible attention to detail. Keep an eye for more to come from this collection in the future.

Photography: Helmut Newton

While seeing a big trend in erotic fashion editorials these days… Take for instance Mr. Olivier Zahm and Purple Magazine; I’m always compelled to think of the amazing work of Helmut Newton. He was ground breaking and legendary in his study of the female physique… Always done in a very chic yet urban setting and always with his own signature style, a lot can be said for his work and I could even see a designer these days sculpting a collection and being inspired by his images… Dark and sexy yet raw and real with subliminal tones of carnal feelings and bourgeoisie attitude… Helmut Newton was the real deal.

Rest In Peace: Dash Snow

Another one our city's downtown artists has tragically died in a fate all too becoming of many of our best and brightest artists throughout history... Dash Snow 1981 to 2009.

Summer Reading: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summertime on Repeat: Lykke Li

Not only is this track sexy as hell but it's perfect for this summer... I can think of nothing more than a carribean island with a nice mixed concoction of some sort. Lykke Li has been making waves for some time now... Throw this on the rotation while poolside or on the beach this summer and cool out.

Classic Ride: The Jeep Wagoneer

Something about this classic American vehicle just makes me want to pack up the family and take a camping trip... The Jeep Wagoneer debuted in 1963 and was the first true luxury SUV, in comparison to other like International SUV's Harvester and Land Rover which were producing more utilitarian work-oriented vehicles that were truck-like on the inside. The Jeep Wagoneer was American comfort, perfect for a road trip and even better for tailgating. While the Jeep Wagoneer was produced under many various marquees from Kaiser to AMC and eventually Chrysler, this car will remain a classic on my list from the woodgrained exterior it would eventually be donned with to its rugged good country looks.

Iconic Album: Pet Sounds

And the unconventional genius behind the sound: Brian Wilson

Vintage Find: Pitti Immagine

Today in Firenze, Pitti starts the vintage section and show in conjunction with Pitti Filatti... Especially in fashion and in menswear one always needs to look to the past to understand where you're going, where you came from and how you got to where you are. This show sounds amazing and is a brilliant idea. Differing from something such as the Rose Bowl/vintage wholesale depots or say the estate sale model that many US retailers who sell vintage find their goods at, this is a much cooler format. I'm quite sure that this will be a great showcase as the Italians get how to do it right. There's a similar show in Vegas but not along the same lines or on par with a show like Pitti.

Here's a manifesto for the showcase:

THE VINTAGE MANIFESTO: LOTS OF GOOD REASONS FOR DRESSING AND BUYING VINTAGE. VINTAGE SELECTION N.14: AT THE STAZIONE LEOPOLDA IN FLORENCE, FROM 7TH – 11TH JULY 2009.

1. Rummage around for vintage items in lofts, cellars and old closets. This is the future of the past.
2. Vintage as a creative gymnasium: for both buyers and sellers.
3. Nothing is “out of fashion” in the vintage world
4. Vintage is not the result of the economic crisis. It is a state of mind
5. Recycle, Reuse, Repair. Even if it’s not new, it can still get another soul
6. Vintage objects have a history. New objects are still searching for theirs
7. Vintage doesn’t follow trends and has no expiry date
8. A vintage garment has a thousand lives: each wearer gives it another life.

via Pitti Immagine

The Norfolk Jacket

via Mountain Research.

Timeless Cool

Robert Redford + Paul Newman = Timless Badass!

Classic Quality: Yuketen

Staples of American heritage and classic leather goods, YUKETEN. Made in the U.S.A.

Red... White... and Blue

As someone who works in an industry based on looks and style and images with brands and retail stores it’s kind of funny when I tell some of my colleagues or peers what I did prior to getting into the apparel game and doing what I now do and am passionate about. As the 4th of July approaches and many are away enjoying barbecues and some cold beers with family and loved ones I’m compelled to think back on my tenure as a US Marine. It’s something I rarely discuss and often don’t speak of accept for the few men that I had the distinguished honor to serve with over in Iraq and abroad. Stationed in the heart of the Sunni Triangle and part of G-3 ops with many tasks from TF 626 and chasing Zarqawi to the battle of Fallujah… Thinking back as the years have passed it seems very different from where my life has taken me.

I've read numerous websites and blogs from people who cherish and treasure vintage finds from days past… From WWII memorabilia to Vietnam and more. The garments and the fashions while cool in their archival nature and historical memory are also functional due to the need to be used in combat which makes them even more appealing and of better quality. When I came home from Iraq and got out of the Marines I took all of my uniforms and medals and I threw it all away in an act to try and forget and not deal with… But the older I get the more I sometimes wish I had those old camo cargo pants all salty and stained, worn through with real action, real dirt and real sweat (and sometimes blood). The memories are endless and the garments now would be a treasure just like my Grandfathers old D-Day medals and WWII knives. Either way I face it I will never get them back and the memories will remain of them and of my experiences.

This post is sought to memorialize our country, our heritage, and to honor those that we lost and those that gave so much for the sake of our freedom… Let us not take what we have for granted and let those classic military garments be a relic and an embodiment of the sacrifices many made to get to where we now are… While many troops are deployed such as the Marines and Soldiers currently in Afghanistan this one’s for you… It’s for our country and for our past and the democracy it was built on. Happy 4th of July and Semper Fidelis!

Classic Watch: L.L. Bean Vintage Field Watch

The L.L. Bean vintage field watch... Pair it with a suit, pair it without. This watch is timeless, it doesn't scream big money baller and it doesn't scream Wall St. banker... It simply screams as a subtle detail of taste.