Fit For The [Holidays] IV: Presented by S.I. x D.P.

After a hiatus in which Dan's computer tried to destroy the human race ala Skynet from Terminator, S.I. x D.P. is back and we're drunk on eggnog and vengeance.  Holiday parties are often the well dressed man's chance to get a little ridiculous with this outfit.  With tongue firmly planted in cheek he can throw on some of those items reserved for the small sartorial window that is December 18th - 31st.  There is a strong chance that you hate this outfit and that's alright.  It never hurts to have a little bit of fun at someone else's expense, sartorial or otherwise.  So, spike the eggnog, cheat at secret Santa, even eat the milk and cookies, just please don't be that guy with mistletoe hanging off the front of his belt.

For those who are new to all this let Dan explain, "Lawrence and I bounce back an item of clothing to each other over the course of the week until we have a complete outfit. Each person's descriptions are below."

[Note: Items presented in the order in which they were compiled]

Gucci Loafers...$495.00

Dan: The classic Gucci loafer you see most Wall Street Brosephs rocking has an enormous heel that looks like the risers Tom Cruise probably wears.  Not Cool.  Instead, try these loafers with a slimmer heel that befits the whole nonchalance attitude personified by the Gucci loaf.  The blue is a subtle twist to the red you usually see as well.

Bonobos Legnogs...$195.00

Me: If you want to be the good kind of obnoxious (the bad kind begins with an Ed and ends with a Hardy) you need a pair of pants like these.  Even if you only wear your "holiday pants" once a year you need to come with something respectable. Pendleton wool is as respectable as it gets and Bonobos brings the goods.

Tucker Blair Frosty Needlepoint Belt...$80.00

Dan: Sometimes awesomeness does not need explanation.  This is one of those times.  Tucker's price for needlepoint belts is excellent too.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Round Collar Shirt...$112.50

Me: With every other part of your holiday ensemble getting awesomely out of hand, use this classic club collar shirt as a muted base.  Just remember that even those batshit Picassos started on a blank canvas.

Hermes Silk Tie...$170.00

Dan: If you are some BSD Managing Director of a bank I guess you could buy and wear any tie you want.  Us mortals still toiling away in the salt miles of cubeville (Equities in Dallas!) can only reach for luxury once in awhile.  When you do, go Hermes.  Beautifully classic and tasteful, and not nearly as nouveau as those ties Ferragamo slings.  Now get back to making your pitchbook.

-L.A.S x Dan

Fit For The Weekend III: Presented by S.I. x D.P.

After a little bit of a holiday layoff, Dan and myself are back; bringing you folks some of the best kits on the internets (at least that's what I tell myself).  Dan and I put this together during the week of Thanksgiving and our own traveling seems to have rubbed off a tad.  What we have here is some great airport gear that is perfect for traveling in both comfort and style.

For those who are new to all this let Dan explain, "Lawrence and I bounce back an item of clothing to each other over the course of the week until we have a complete outfit. Each person's descriptions are below."

[Note: Items presented in the order in which they were compiled.]

Clarks Wallabees...$115.00

Me: What can I say about Wallys that I haven't already? There's nothing like a shoe with some heft to anchor your kit. Neat roll your denim and let it casually fall over a pair of these, untied for some of that invaluable sprezzatura. If you're gonna go Wally, you've got to go low top and sand suede.

Naked & Famous Slim Guy Chino Selvedge Denim...$145.00

Dan: Pairing khaki with Clarks is a look I picked up in college. Love the look - but I'm partial to the heavyweight feel of selvedge denim so I usually end up throwing on a pair of jeans. These N&F selvedge jeans bridge the gap, combining sweet looks with the feel and comfort you expect from Denim. Decent price for selvedge, too.

Land's End Canvas Shawl Collar Sweater...$69.50

Me: The price is almost as great as the look...trim and grey, not to mention 100% cotton so you're not scratching away while your flight's delayed. Say what you want about Land's End taking a page out of J. Crew's recent success, but I think we have a case of one-upmanship on our hands here. Who can argue with classics priced this well?

Port Canvas Long Range Cruiser...$100.00 (base price)

Dan: It's the holiday season and naturally many people are traveling. That means tossing all the great clothes that you've picked up from Dan and Lawrence's suggestions and visiting some folks you haven't seen in awhile. I'm suggesting this sturdy bag from Port Canvas (Made in the USA) to haul your gear. It won't make you feel like a jock for using a branded gym bag or an blackberry-clutching consultant porting Tumi.

-L.A.S x Dan

Fit For The Weekend II: Presented by S.I. x D.P.

Dan and myself are back with the second installment in our "Fit For The Weekend" collaboration.  The result is something that I can only describe as "squeaky clean", well, and classy, and understated...you know what...just check it out yourself...

In Dan's words, "For the uninitiated, Lawrence and I bounce back an item of clothing to each other over the course of the week until we have a complete outfit. Each person's descriptions are below."

[Note: Items presented in the order in which they were compiled.]

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Low-top...$45.00

Dan: Some things you just feel cool doing.  Listening to the Rolling Stones.  Getting a high-five when you walk into a bar.  And walking in low-top converse all-stars.  You can't go wrong.

Hickey Denim Blue Trouser...$325.00

Me:  It's the weekend and there is a good chance you may be going somewhere nice.  Time to man up.  Lose the jeans, ditch the chinos and rock a pair of trousers.  Not suit pants, or the pleated monstrosities you see on Joe Business Casual, but a cool pair like these from Hickey.  The cut, fabric and color will keep you from feeling stuffy and odds are you'll at least look like the most confident guy in the restaurant.

Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Pinpoint Button-Down Dress Shirt...$79.50

Dan: Forget the IBM image of robots in white shirts.  Take a look at Tom Ford.  He's always decked out in a crisp white shirt - and he does not program computers.  There is a reason this shirt was named "Best Dress Shirt" by New York Magazine.  Classic looks and reasonable price point.

Baracuta G9 Jacket...$220.00

Me: You are not going to find a cleaner jacket. Period.  The golf jacket is an iconic piece of outerwear that works in the fall and spring so it's definitely worth the cash.  The khaki couples up real nice with the white shirt, ads some layering and the plaid liner looks good on top of all solids.

Paul Smith Black Walking Umbrella...$195.00

Dan: If you are out on the town you don't want to look like a chump with with a pocket umbrella the size of a teacup.  Drop some coin on a real umbrella.  This Paul Smith umbrella features a chestnut wood handle and a tasteful trim along the edge of the umbrella. 

Polo Navy Classic Knit Tie...$54.99

Me: This is a no brainer.  A simple, classy knit tie is always a good call especially when it's navy and you've got on a white shirt.  And it appears as if we have that exact situation going on here. Planned? Yes.  Killer? Obviously.

-L.A.S x Dan

Fit For The Weekend: Presented By S.I. x D.P.

When Dan from Disaffected Prep approached me about a collaborative post I was extremely flattered.  I have been a fan/follower/admirer of his blog for quite some time and was excited at the opportunity to work with him.  Dan has the uncanny ability to combine city living, style, and literature in ways that I don't think I ever will.

After bouncing ideas off of one another we came to the conclusion that a collaborative outfit would be a great way to highlight both our shared and distinct sensibilities.  We sent items back and forth during the week, each of us picking items that we liked, yet still based on what the other had brought to the table.  We plan on doing a few more "Fit For The Weekend" posts and are excited to see where it goes from there.  Hope you guys enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together.

[Note: Items presented in the order in which they were compiled.]

Polo Ranger Boots...$153.00

Me: You should have a pair of boots for F/W and you shouldn't have to pay upwards of $300 to get them.  I mean, they are going to get beat to shit anyway.  Polo's Ranger boot comes equipped with classic park ranger styling and look damn good.  A Moc toe, lug sole and buckle strap make this one of the best and affordable boots on the market.

LL Bean Double-Knee Katahdin Iron Works Pant...$49.00

Dan: Whether or not you were knocking tin all morning or just hanging out on the weekend, a reinforced double-knee workpant is a useful addition to your wardrobe.  In addition to durability (triple stitching, bar-tacks), these pants give another choice for guys who too often are forced to make a boring choice between denim or khaki for their pants and feature a great price point of $50.  These pants by LL Bean will stay in style as long as they will last - which is to say - forever.  

Martin + Osa Washed Flannel York Plaid Shirt...$69.50

Me: Martin + Osa is American Eagle's answer to J. Crew, except it's 10 bucks cheaper.  This flannel features some cool detailing (button-flap pockets, tabbed collar, seam gussets), a trim fit, and a real easy price-point.  Wear it while doing yard work or throw it on before you head out for the night.  It'll look good either way.

Patagonia Synchilla Vest...$75.00

Dan: Both functional and effortlessly cool, this classic by Patagonia kicks up your outfit a notch and is perfect for fall or spring days.  When it gets really cold, layer up and wear it underneath your jacket.  Though the "Patagucci" moniker is earned for its pricey gear, if you pony up $75 for this vest you'll get yourself a quality garment that will be used year in and year out.

Orient Quartz Alarm Chronograph Red...$150.00

Me: This Japanese watch maker has been producing watches since 1950, though they just recently entered the US market.  Good thing they did because you are not going to find a cooler looking watch for under $200.  Everyone, including myself, has been telling you to grab a black face watch, but try this instead.  Simple yet classy, this watch (and black leather band) will dress up any rugged weekend gear.  And most importantly, it looks 3 times more expensive than it actually is.

-L.A.S x Dan