ornate memoir

We've moved to a new format.

2011-03-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Join us over at our new Tumblr site for updated posts and other sartorial conundrums.

A little wrist candy

2011-02-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Got a little behind on my feeds but came across a bunch of wrist candy. All classic looking pieces with their functionality on display. Love the dark faces of the last two.

http://www.atimetoget.com/2011/02/hit-list-sky-chief.html
http://www.whereisthecool.com/page/36
http://www.selectism.com/news/2011/02/25/seagull-1963-chronograph-watch/

GANT By Michael Bastian Watches for Autumn 2011

2011-02-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

Well, looks like I'm going to Barney's for a watch run. Can't wait to tease'm with this.

Saw these at: http://www.selectism.com/news/2011/02/15/vegas-gant-by-michael-bastian-watches-for-autumn-2011/gant-michael-bastian-watches-img_7619/

Teasin'

2011-02-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

Can't get this clip or the glasses they stunt with out of my mind today.

Product # 121662

2011-02-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

Converse

Product: CONS CTS Ox

Product #: 121662

Color: Biking Red / Black / White

Material: Waxed Canvas

Season: Spring 2011

Man vs. Machine

2011-02-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not the best at writing stuff. I'm not witty or captivating. So, I opt to keep it simple and to the point.

This is brilliant.

(yes, that's string)

www.m-vs-m.com

(red) Supreme backpack

2011-01-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Supreme, always a good way to pop that red on 'em.

http://haw-lin.com/

amlai’s Leather Soul Cigar Shell Indy boot

2011-01-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

Classic design, rich colors.

http://nickelcobalt.tumblr.com/post/2570548855/rdornan-amlais-leather-soul-cigar-shell-indy

I agree.

2011-01-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Via: Life Time Gear

red

2010-12-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've gotten really into adding red to any outfit recently. I love it as a way to simultaneously make any look more extroverted, masculine, well-bred but not conspicuous, and intentional. This seems to be most effective when the red comes from accessories, subtle design choices (e.g., the bottom button hole of dress shirt stitched with red), or as part of patterns.

Below are some of the red I've been working in lately. Watch from J. Crew, socks from J. Crew and H&M, and Topsiders I picked up at Nordstrom Rack (with that crazy Groupon deal that brought their site down for a bit).

I'm also going to try to make this a recurring theme adding new red pieces when I get them and linking to others I see on the usual sites, blogs, etc.

My Christmas wish list (of items under $50)

2010-12-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

* Selvedge Chambray Bandana by Maiden Noir - $46 @ Union

* Key Chain w/ Snap Hook by Makr Carry Goods - $40 @ Makr

* Military Watch by Smith & Wesson - $29.95 @ Smith & Wesson

* Stainless Steel Water Bottle by Stanley - $12 @ Woodlands

* Leather Day Planner by Old Faithful Shop - $46 @ Old Faithful Shop

* Adam Scarf by Saint James - $48 @ J.Crew

* Pieds Rayes Socks by Saint James - $20 @ J.Crew

* Canine Collar by Tanner Goods - $36 @ Tanner Goods

* AAA Flashlight by Maratac - $21.75 @ County Comm

* Stainless Embassy Elite Pen by County Comm - $49 @ County Comm

Deck-Out

2010-12-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

Oi Polloi

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Leave it to Old Blue Eyes to tell it like it is for Christmas...

"On the (first) day of Christmas, we gave our loving dad (my children gave to me). Twelve dozen kisses, Eleven jars of jelly, Ten silken hankies, Nine games of scrabble, Eight pairs of cuff links, Seven books of fiction, Six golden lighters, Five ivory combs, Four mission lights, Three golf clubs, Two silken scarfs, And a most lovely lavender tie." - Frank Sinatra

I can only hope for such a good list of gifts this Christmas.

Filson: Giving haters something to talk about since 1897

2010-11-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

This is what's up right here.

http://www.filson.com/products/fall-10-cowichan-sweater.11013.html?fromCat=true&fvalsProduct=activity/everyday&fmetaProduct=aa13

Red Wing 4592's

2010-11-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

Back in September I bought a pair of Red Wing 4592's. They are my first pair of "real" boots since I was much younger and I was honestly unaware of the proper care for a pair of boots of that quality. After a little research online, I got some mink oil(just the simple Kiwi brand) and applied the first coat of many to the boots. I couldn't be happier with the results.

The mink oil brought a great depth of color out of the leathers that was missing. Much more red and "burnt" colors. Also, the process was incredibly quick and clean.

I always get a bit of satisfaction caring for any clothes, furniture, or durable goods. Ironing shirts, polishing dress shoes, cleaning cuff links, etc. You know, that feeling like you are "taking good care of your things" like your parents told you to. I felt that double when applying the oil to these boots. One of those few connections to the past through a now strictly elective ritual. My job is as physically undemanding as they get so I don't need the boots themselves to accomplish anything, but I still need the process.

LED Skateboard Photography

2010-11-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is amazing.
Buzzy Sullivan has taken skateboard photography to a level I've never seen before. By attaching LED lights to the board and contrasting it against a black background he was able to capture the movement of the board through various tricks.

I want to hang these on the wall of my home.

Kickflip

360 Flip

Backside Bigspin

Half Cab Flip

Varial Flip

Varial Heel

Frontside Flip

Nollie 360

Bail

Source: www.lenscratch.blogspot.com

Champion

2010-10-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Champion is a brand that played a huge part in my childhood (along with Starter). The classic hoody was a staple. Still is. Back then you could find them just about anywhere. Now-a-days, not the case. In typical Japanese fashion, they take one of our greatest pieces of Americana clothing and do it better.
(Compare the below to what's available in the U.S.)

www.championusa.jp

Take Ivy heading to the Coffee Table Book Hall of Fame

2010-09-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

Finally found some time to sit down and stroll through "Take Ivy." As I posted earlier, I've been waiting to take a look at the pictures therein for probably over a year now when I first heard about the book on various men's style blogs. I ordered the reprint in the spring and have been patiently waiting since then.

I took a few pictures of pages that caught my eye that I hadn't seen in other reviews, opinion articles, announcement posts, etc.

Near the back of the book is an "Ivy Wardrobe Directory," which lists out the items required for purchase if one wishes to achieve the Ivy look along with quantity and description. I will be printing out a copy and checking off items promptly.

I love the look of lightweight jackets over button down shirts. In the Northwest, this is especially functional as we have drawn out transitions between seasons where a button down alone nor a heavy coat are appropriate. I also like how it creates a shortened cuff on the shirt giving everything a trim/athletic feel.

Leather elbow patches will be in my life soon. They just have to be.

The red with maroon caught my eye as especially stuntin'. Makes me want to wear shades that are a bit uncomfortably close together.

That's all on Take Ivy for now. Going into the coffee table book hall of fame. Absolutely perfect to leisurely enjoy at irregular intervals.

Take Ivy arrived

2010-09-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

My copy of Take Ivy arrived yesterday (I wrote an earlier post when I ordered it). I'll be making my way through the sacred pages over the next week or two and hopefully posting some moments of joy along the way.

Heritage Research

2010-08-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Capped Derby Boot

Monkey Boot

Country Brogue

Scout Boot (Viberg for HR)

Heritage Research is fast becoming one of my favorite brands (along with Bedwin). But it's their footwear that stands out the most to me. These styles succesfully blend some of my favorite footwear design details. Well executed. Well done.

via Heritage Research

Perfection

2010-08-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

It couldn't get any better than this. Nothing more to say.

Must haves for this coming fall... (Volume 1)

2010-08-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

1) Thermal
2) Painter Pant

I remember wearing these two items when I was younger. Granted they were much baggier, probably from Gap or Old Navy and I skated in them until they fell apart. I love that they're both coming back. They won't be worn in the same fashion, but I'll definitely support. With the continued trend of workwear (which I don't see going anywhere for a long time) this offers a great new option and a nice departure from your standard tee or button down, standard denim or khaki.

Neighborhood Thermal
via Haven

Stussy Deluxe
via The Glade

Mark McNairy
via Inventory

Neuvo watches

2010-08-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

These are going to be part of my life next month. I'm not sure how many I'm going to buy, might be one of each (they're $45 a piece). Very simple. Very clean. Very digital.

http://www.neuvomonde.com/

White laces

2010-08-11T18:25:00.001-07:00

Another one off of selectism.com. These Band of Outsiders saddle shoes do everything right with the color, texture, and details. The white laces, as described in the original article, add that little detail that sets them apart. Always something to look for.

http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/08/11/band-of-outsiders-5-hole-saddle-shoes/

A different way to design the right fit

2010-07-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Putting detail on the inside of the sleeve is genius. It adds a great detail that can be customized for each wearer (e.g., both turned up, just one) and also tempts you to wear it with a proper fit.

http://www.contemporarystandard.com/2010/07/capsule-selection-norse-project/

Best shirt I've ever seen?

2010-07-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

Possibly. The lighter saturation in the center of the shirt actually creates an emphasis and focus. Mind = blown.

http://www.acontinuouslean.com/2010/07/21/what-i-saw-during-new-york-market-week/

Supreme Book

2010-06-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

"Coltrane's A Love Supreme ended with a segment in which the artist played a poem he had written, transposing the words into notes. Among the words were: "Elation. Elegance. Exaltation."
Elation - we know what that is: euphoria. Exaltation is to be raised high, in rank, power, or character. Elegance is trickier. It's misunderstood. Elegance isn't about fanciness or showiness; it is about graceful simplicity and effectiveness. Ask a mathematician; elegance is about what works, simply, gracefully, and consistently. If it's Supreme it's simply high-level."
- Glenn O'Brien

I know this has already hit just about every blog imaginable... but I just got my copy so I need to comment and share.

Glenn O'Brien, Aaron Bondaroff and James Jebia lay it out best in the book... what Supreme is and stands for. My take... Supreme reaches further than almost any brand to date. Skate, street, fashion, etc... they have the consumers covered. The best part about it is that they were only doing what they liked and felt good about. They weren't restricting themselves to one thing.... and that's the main reason I give them credit. They've successfully been able to embody the majority of what I've been in to when I was growing up. I know it's "cool" to jump on the Supreme bandwagon these days, but if you've been following them since the 90's then you know what they're about. If you're just now discovering this shop / brand (because you're oblivious) then you have some catching up to do. From one of NYC's most iconic skate shops to a world wide skate / fashion phenomenon... this book gives the best interpretation of the Supreme story.

First published in the United States of America in 2010 by Rizolli International Publications, Inc.

http://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Aaron-Bondaroff/dp/0847833119/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276883449&sr=8-1

Penfield Gibson Jacket

2010-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, another one from selectism.com. I'll try to broaden out after this one. The jacket they are highlighting from Penfield didn't really catch my eye until they got to the shots of the details.

The colors of the buttons remind me of my great-grandmother's house by a beach. Buttons with this kind of implied texture and color make my arms start to itch with the feel of wool (in a good way). They feel like the smallest bit of ornamentation on an otherwise completely utilitarian piece. Same for the draw strings. The leather just looks like is smells good and lightly breaks up the background of green.

http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/06/16/penfield-gibson-jacket/

Take Ivy release date set for August 31

2010-06-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

I first heard about "Take Ivy" probably six months ago. Originally published in 1965 by a quartet of Japanese authors, it is composed of candid shots of American gentlemen in "Ivy Style." It was out of print for years and a small reprint in Japan in 2006 sold out immediately. Now, an English translation will be available to one and all on August 31st of this year. From the grainy scanned-in images I have seen of the book, it looks unparalleled in the quality of images and insight into fashion layered upon them. Hit the Amazon link below to cop one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576875504?ie=UTF8&tag=selectism-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1576875504

Zuriick Canvas Shoes in Carbon

2010-05-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

First saw these on Selecticism (link and direct link below). The simple, utilitarian design in the most versatile color is what impresses me about these. They feel like everything unnecessary has been removed and only the functional elements remain.

http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/05/30/zuriick-ake-pirate-canvas-shoes-in-carbon/

http://alterbrooklyn.blogspot.com/

The Oxford

2010-05-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Gitman Brothers Oxford

There's something about a clean, basic oxford that reminds me of the reason I enjoy quality garments. The simple aesthetics and construction of the piece. It's a grown man's shirt without being pretentious. It says I care how I look without over thinking it. Be it Gitman, J.Crew, Thom Browne or just an easy $30 Stafford from JC Penny. All is right in the world of oxfords.

2010-05-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings... we're going to try something here.

We just barely count as grown men and we love grown man style. Oxfords, white bucks, tie bars, all that. Not sure what it is, but its amazing. Honest, authentic, functional, germane to any situation. We feel the pull. There's gravity to it.

We're going to use this blog to post things that have this gravity to better understand it. If you follow along, hopefully you'll learn along with us.

R & J