Stumbled Across: Handkerchiefs For Harvey Dent

I keep bumping into these awesome double face handkerchiefs (spelling gets me every time) from Steve & Co. during my extensive internet style travels.  I love how you can get all 4 seasons out of these badboys...gingham for S/S and tartan for F/W.  Tossing one of these in the back pocket of your pants or in the breast pocket of your jacket is a great way to make that average fall look otherworldly.  Two for the price of one is always welcomed here at Sartorially Inclined, especially in these oh-so trying economic times...no Madoff.

Steve & Co. Tartan Double Face Handkerchief...$32.36 each

My New Standards

[Note: While my NY/Uniqlo wrap up post sits on the shelf awaiting pics (aka while one of my +J sport shirts sits at the dry cleaners in an attempt to rid itself of the lovely smell of menthol cigarettes/sweet tea vodka/panini) I figured I'd do a post about denim...]

[Pictured: Sartorially Inclined's APC New Standard Jeans. Size 30 courtesy of French vanity sizing.]

On a slow day at work last week I dipped out early to a cool little shop right near my apartment.  Niche Market is a nifty brick and mortar boutique in Charlotte that specializes in streetwear carrying brands such as Alife, Vans, Kidrobot, etc.  Like any great streetwear boutique, they also have a pretty good selection of raw denim, which was the motivation behind my visit.  I'd had some cheap/low quality raw denim before, but after a mildly intense debate/research period I finally decided to invest in one great pair.

It doesn't take much digging to learn that APC Jeans, specifically the New Standard cut, are the jeans of the moment (currently the #1 ranked denim over at men.stlye.com's The Upgrader).  This French, minimalist take on an American classic has yielded praise from everyone online and in the industry so  I won't be the 1000th blogger to rehash all the great/unique things about them, i.e. buying 2 sizes down, never washing them, the 12 oz. raw selvedge denim, etc. 

Needless to say, I pulled the trigger and got my pair of New Standards.  I am wearing these cardboard stiff nuthuggers right now, but I can assure you that by the end of the aging process they will be one of a kind and perfect for yours truly.  This post serves as the starting point of a beautiful relationship, one that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.  I plan on posting twice more about these jeans...once more in 6 months and then again in a year to document the full aging/wearing process.  Stay tuned as I embrace my new, much higher, standards...

-L.A.S

[My own private selvedge yard.]

[APC x Jack Purcell.]

[APC x Jack Purcell II.]

Toggle Fever > Swine Flu

[Pictured: Company of We Moses Toggle Coat...$325]

Everyone, including Sartorially Inclined, is endorsing Duffle coats (or toggle coats) this fall.  Valet. Mag just did a great piece on them in their Fall Buying Guide '09 entitled "The Classic" so check it out for a neat primer on the must have coat for fall. 

These British coats trace their history back to WWI, where they were worn by the British Royal Navy and have since become synomous with American preppy/nautical style.  There are a ton of options/variations out there so browse around (def. check eBay) for a style and color that suits your fall look.  My personal favorite (see above) is the offering from Company of We. It comes in a great naval colorway with white roping fasteners, a beautifully designed collar and cool leather details.

Since moving to the south my need for such a heavy wool coat has diminished, but if I was anywhere above the Mason-Dixon line you'd bet your ass I would be purchasing one of these as we speak. Thanks to J. Crew I can still get my duffle fix thanks to their awesome toggle hoodie.  The hoodie is a fall standard much like the duffle coat, so this is a great hybrid take on two classics.  J. Crew's offering is made of superfine wool, so it should be good for those chilly days and nights, even down here in Charlotte.  It is a little pricey, but for those of us who don't need to buy a new coat, this is a reasonable alternative.  Swine Flu, eat your heart out, I've got toggle fever...

[Pictured: J. Crew Wool Toggle Hoodie...$188]

-L.A.S

Attn: Bloggers and L.L. Bean Enthusiasts

Just got this in my inbox.  As I've mentioned before I am beyond pumped for the debut of L.L. Bean Signature, but unfortunetly my schedule is not permitting another quick trip to NY just yet.  Alex's updates on the classics are for sure going to put a dent in my checking account and I wish I could see them up close next Wednesday.  Anyone plan on going and doing a little reporting of their own?

-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

Michael Jordan: Style Icon?

While the title of this post may be a little bit of a stretch, SI has some great college-era photos of His Airness that showcase a classic and laid back style.  These pictures, dating back to 1983, take a look at Jordan's life off the court and are a great retrospective on not only the greatest basketball player of all-time, but an era in which traditional American clothing ruled campuses across the country...even those of future 5x MVP winners.

[It's doubtful Jordan actually ever took notes while at Chapel Hill, but you can definitely take notes on his gear.  The almost pink, button-down collar, short sleeve oxford matched with the gray trousers screams trad.]

[Jordan strolls across campus with Sam Perkins.  The brown leather motor cycle jacket expertly dresses down this fall outfit and it appears as if #23 has ditched his Nike's in favor of loafers.]

[Jordan, again, pictured with Perkins.  You don't need to win 6 NBA championships to know that a great fitting pair of flat front pants have no need for a belt.]

[Always the performer, on and off the court...a slim-fitting rugby shirt paired with straight-fit, dark wash denim and classic white sneaks wouldn't be so out of place on campus today.]

All pictures courtesy of SI.com

-L.A.S

The Khaki Shirt

Flannel, chambray and denim workshirts are everywhere this fall and that's not such a bad thing.  Most stylish guys are going to have these shirts/fabrics in heavy rotaion, but there are other options out there.  Recently I've been seeing the khaki, or chino, shirt featured as a cool alternative to the previously mentioned, slightly over-exposed get-ups.  Taking its que more so from militray references, than classic workwear, the khaki shirt is a super clean option as far as fall shirts are concerned.  Lots of brands are ditching epaulets (those often non-functional, button-down shoulder straps) to create a simpler, stream-lined shirt that doesn't overtly announce its history, yet retains it's heritage.  I've compiled options from all the mainstream players so that the price points stay on the low side, but keep in mind that this could mean we have a trend on our hands...

I present to you Sartorially Inclined's Khaki Shirt Primer:

The Gap...$44.50

Head designer Patrick Robinson keeps things casual, classic and most of all, wonderful yet again.  This guy really knows what he is doing and this khaki shirt from the American institution known as The Gap is another affordable classic piece (they keep churning 'em out these days).  Definitely the most casual of the bunch, this shirt would look great thrown on wrinkled, much like your pinpoint oxford.  Leave the tie at home, untuck and maybe even unbutton (undershirts required).

Banana Republic...$79.50

The more expensive older brother of The Gap is getting in on the action as well with a crisper, more dressy option.  The shirt appears to have a higher level of detailing (red thread on the top button), as well, which is always nice when attempting to justify price.  I like this shirt as a dressier option, i.e. tucked in with a rep or knit tie.  I can see this shirt being much more of an iron before you go out as oppose to a tumble dry.  Just keep in mind that when it comes to Banana, price doesn't really reflect quality...

J. Crew...$69.50

The champions of mainstream heritage return with their take on the classic.  Seemingly bucking the khaki color, they instead offer their chino shirt in both a fall friendly gray and bisque (their fancy way of saying "whtie").  If you already own a grey chambray or denim shirt, I would skip this option since unless you plan on being fondled (and you just may) not many people will be able to tell the difference.  On the other hand, if the khaki color is not your speed, this might serve as a great compromise.

There are lots of great options out there so don't feel like you need to wear flannel, chambray or otherwise.  As long as you stay informed there is never a need or reason to be trendy or fashionable...find a shirt that looks great, fits great and, most of all, feels great...I imagine you're likely to find a khaki shirt that is all three...

-L.A.S