Getting Up To Speed

My apologies for being even more off the grid than usual - sorry if that comes off kinda like an absent father apologizing for missing another birthday.  Besides being kinda busy, I was abroad for a little R&R and I didn't really have time for the information super highway, not that I really wanted to.  Regardless, excuses are excuses.  Here has been what's going.

-The Chinese Democracy of webshops (yes, shots fired at Dr. Dre) is finally online.  Instead of heaping loads of praise on Sid in yet another Sart Inc post I feel it more apropos to say something about the selection of goods in this online shop.  Everything here, from top to bottom, is pretty much essential to a well dressed man's wardrobe.  Assuming you never needed to wear a sportcoat (which, I guess, some of you don't) everything here would create a foundation that I'm not sure any other single retail outlet can provide.  Especially, when you consider there is not anything unnecessary, in terms of apparel, also up for grabs.  At the end of the day, that's really the highest compliment I can pay any brand.

-I guess I now blog in a world where I am no longer the first dude you can complain to about wasting precious posts on Boglioli's newest gear.

-Right, right, so I was in Italy (not bragging, swearsies).  My itinerary was fuller than the belly of a tourist drinking gypsy beers on The Spanish Steps, but I did do some sartorial things.  I didn't really have time time to shop, but I did hit up Battistoni.

“Let me buy you a jacket.  When we get to Rome, there’s a great place - Battistoni.  Battistoni [speaking with an Italian accent].” - Dickie Greenleaf to Tom Ripley

“I’ve been watching The Talented Mr. Ripley a lot lately because I’ve been working on a spring concept called ‘Hello Ravello.’ As I walked down the Via Condotti, I heard Dickie Greenleaf’s voice in my head singing the praises of Battistoni. The 62 year old shop is tucked away through the cortile of a palazzo half way down said street. Its continued success, despite its discreet location speaks volumes about the cut and quality of their product. No doubt Dickie would still be a frequent customer.” - Kenny, who also provided the lovely image above

Kenny, being the good friend that he is, hit me with a few recs in regards to shopping Roma.  Despite my schedule the one shop I was NOT going to miss was Battistoni.  I mean, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY!  DICKIE FUCKING GREENLEAF!

I walked away with a couple of beautiful silk pocket squares and could not have been more pleased with the entire experience.  The staff was extremely helpful, the goods (both private label and otherwise) we’re 100% in line with my personal stylistic leanings, and despite not knowing much English a dude still went out of his way to compliment me on my dad jeans.

-And, finally, after spending time in the country most influencing menswear bloggers right now I had to comment on Hogan footwear.

While in Italy the most popular men's footwear option that I saw was Hogan footwear, aside from suede driving mocs worn without socks of course.  Even though many of us are hopping on, or helping navigate, the unconstructed, cutaway collar, 2” cuff bandwagon, I still sincerely doubt we are ever going to bring these stateside.  Though, I would be lying if I said I didn’t see a dude absolutely killing it in some Interactive’s paired with a kit normally reserved for double monks.  Sketchers for the sprezz set?  I’ll let you figure that our for yourself.

-L.A.S

NYC

I'm finally on an actual vacation so posting will probably halt for the first time in Sart Inc history. There should be a good bit of sartorially nonsense going on though so I will do my best to document it all for your guys. Anyhow, I'll see you guys on the other side of the weekend - peace.

Cheers,
Lawrence

Hitting The Road

For the majority of the next two weeks I'll be taking this show on the road.  I will be doing my best to keep things moving over here, but I doubt things will be running at a 6 post a day clip.  Hopefully it's all seamless and you guys get your fix.  There's a ton to get done outside of blogging so all I ask is for you to bear with the kid.  As it stands now it's looking like Charlote --> West Palm Beach ---> Savannah --> New York --> Charlotte.  I may even fit Atlanta and Sid Mashburn in there for a quick second - "I don't know, I don't know if [I'll] have enough time."

Cheers,

Lawrence

Photo Essay: 1950's Manhattan

Commutes, officers watching out for litterbugs, poolhalls, window washers, fog, overcoats, double breasted wide lapel suits, etc...

[All Photos Courtesy of the Life Magazine Archives]

 

 

-L.A.S

Quick Update

[Pictured: Overview picture looking at the Brooklyn bridge to Manhattan, December 1956.  Photo courtesy of Life Magazine Archives on Google.]

I'm going to be away this weekend and due to a busy schedule/limited internet acccess posting will probably slow down.  If anything goes up, it'll most likely be some visual inspiration courtesy of the Life Archives.  Hopefully you guys will stick around and hit the archives for some older posts.  The gas peddle will most definitely be pressed to the floor come Sunday night/Monday as per usual.  Enjoy the weekend.

Cheers,
Lawrence

Long Weekend Jaunt: The Dash

[All packed and ready to roll.]

Sartorially Inclined is headed out to lovely Winston-Salem, NC for the first of many homecomings.  Posting will resume Monday, although I cannot say how good the content is actually going to be considering experts are projecting a 3-5 day hangover.  The Brothers Bray: check. Volkswagon Passat: check. Alumnus status: check. Cheers!

-L.A.S

Long Weekend Jaunt: Follow-Up Ruminations and Acquisitions

My long weekend was fantastic.  I saw friends, family and loved ones. I drank way too much. I spent way too much money. I had absolutely too much fun.  Being back up north, especially in fall, is magical for a displaced person such as myself and I miss it already...but since this blog is primarily about clothes and such, I'll cut to the chase...

[Pictured: Uniqlo Storefront, SoHo]

On Friday I browsed the racks at Barney's and Bergdorf, marveling at the beautiful clothes from Michael Bastian, Band of Outsiders, Thom Browne, Duckie Brown etc. and shed a single tear when I soon realized that not even a single justifiable purchase existed amongst those elite garments.  I ditched the high end racks and headed to SoHo to check out Uniqlo.  At 3pm on Friday afternoon a line still graced the storefront, which puts the +J pandemonium from 10/1 in perspective.  After waiting outside for about 30-40 minutes I was let in and promptly entered what can best be described as "The Thunderdome".  Despite the constant hysteria and crowd, I was still able to browse the +J collection.  I loved most of the pieces (sorry, but I don't do turtlenecks) and had a decent pick of the merchandise.  The shirts, especially the sport shirts, really caught my eye and had amazing fits...they were slim, but not ridiculous to the extent that I couldn't fit into a medium (I'm looking at you Band of Outsiders).  I tried on a bunch of outerwear and various jackets and, like the shirts, they fit great.  Jil Sander's skills have not left her and the entire collection was simplistic and just forward thinking enough.  Uniqlo really needs a US webstore so I can spend more of my money. I ended up getting two beautiful plaid sport shirts from +J for fall...

 

I browsed the rest of Uniqlo and was just as impressed.  The brand really knows how to make great looking clothes for ridiculously reasonable prices.  Besides my +J shirts, I grabbed a knit tie for $10.50 and some stuff for my brother's bday, which will go unnamed since he reads this blog and I'm not trying to spoil the suprise.

Even though the rest of my weekend was jam-packed I still managed a little bit of browsing on Sunday at Club Monaco.  I had wanted to try on their new suits which I have been reading a ton of great things about, but was completely unaware of just how amazing they would actually be in person.  I tried on the suit pictured below (click here for a bigger view) and was blown away by the quality and details.  The suit was glen plaid wool, 3/2 roll, roped construction, double vented, had working button holes, and the pants had a nice, thick cuff.  For under $500 this suit was an absolute steal.  I didn't pull the trigger on it and I completely regret that looking back.  When I head back up north I am stopping to pick one up assuming they haven't sold out.  It's not often you find the perfect cold weather suit and have it actually fit in your budget. 

[Pictured: Club Monaco Glen Plaid Wool Suit, $498. Photo courtesy of GQ.]

-L.A.S

Long Weekend Jaunt: NYC

[Pictured: Uniqlo's Soho NYC store.]

I am headed back up to the chilly north for a wonderful long weekend with friends and family (happily throwing on my jean jacket already).  While I have a pretty full schedule, I did set aside some time to do a little bit of retail therapy on Friday.  I'm on the prowl for a birthday gift for my brother and have a few specific spots in mind.  It's pretty awesome that my travel arrangements coincide with the release of Jil Sander's +J line, which is not only her return to the design world, but a collaboration between her and Uniqlo.  Uniqlo is always getting shout outs from the major players, i.e. GQ, men.style.com, etc., so I'm pretty pumped to finally check out the Japanese brand's Soho store.  For those in the dark, Uniqlo is a Japanese mega-brand that has recently picked up steam in the US.  They offer modern cut classics typically falling under $100 so it's at least browse worthy.  I'll be sure to bring my shitty camera along to take pics of the new line and anything else sartorially inclined.  Stay in touch and stay tuned...

-L.A.S

Throw it in the Bag

Every guy needs a decent bag. We are not talking man-purses or anything of the sort, but a good bag for weekend trips and such. Any good piece of luggage can be quite expensive, which can be a buzzkill considering you may only use it a few times a year. Luckily Urban Outfitters has teamed up with leathermakers/accessory designer extraordinaires Billy Kirk for an affordable and cool looking bago callabo (sorry for the rhyme). From the looks of it the bag, called The Brothers Bray, seems to be just the right size. It's not going to be mistaken for your girlfriend's and is not too big that it can't be busted out during your everyday commute. Classic styling and materials (vinyl, leather, cotton lining) is the name of the game with everything these days, luggage included and Billy Kirk's pieces adhere to this mantra. All the pieces are classically influenced and built to last (these guys make all their stuff in Amish Country for god's sake). I need a weekender bag like this pretty baldy so I'm going to order one and do a review of it when it arrives. The bag is retailing for a reasonable $88 and available online so act fast (click to buy at urbanoutfitters.com). You don't want to be the guy in the airport admiring my luggage.

-L.A.S

[Edit: Apparently it's on backorder until 9/20/09 so take a number, get in line behind the sartorially inclined (including myself) and plan all trips accordingly]