The Skinny

F/W trouser chatter seem to revolve around wools for the most part.  There's nothing wrong with that, hell, it happens here quite a bit.  But I'd like to take a break from all that and briefly discuss moleskin trousers as a nice alternative/supplement to your current stable of fall pants.  Moleskin trousers easily walk the line between casual and formal - they're just at home with your Bean boots as they are with your typical work kit.  The functionality of moleskin lies in it's warmth and comfort.  Not many pants are as luxurious, but still durable and warm enough to hold up to harsh weather.  I've got a few pairs from high end brands in more rugged styles (i.e. Bastian paratrooper pants, Cucinelli cargos), but you can find a traditional trouser style at Cordings, a UK brand brought to my attention by the one and only Mr. James Fox.  Cording's moleskin trousers have some killer details (side adjusters, tab waistband, button fly, etc.) that give the pants a rugged, sportsman edge, which should be easy to work into your F/W wardrobe.  Spring for an unfinished pair, take them to your tailor for a nice 2" cuff and finish off with some brogue boots for a classic look.  Every F/W guys start pledging to upgrade themselves and their wardrobes. Moleskin trousers seem like a pretty good place to start.

-L.A.S

Silas Knows Best

I've never been the biggest fan of Silas as they were always a little too streetwear-y for my particular tastes.  Eventually, as they were picked up by the Highsnobietys and Hypebeasts of the world, I kind of stopped paying a whole lotta attention.  Earlier this week I saw some pretty cool fall lookbook pics floating around Tumblr from an unnamed brand.  After tracking them down, which proved difficult on a site that seems to completely disregard sources, they turned out to be the F/W 2010 lookbook snaps from none other than Silas.  You can check out the entire thing if you please, but I'd like to focus on one particular fit that I think is a pretty good primer for fall style in general.

There's not too much going on here and it's not some incredibly awesome complication of multiple pieces.  Instead, Silas puts together an updated preppy look without going all left field on us.  You probably already own some chinos and seasonal sweaters or vests (be it an L.L. Bean Norwegian or otherwise), but have you ever thought of pairing them with a leather jacket?  The jacket and the rest of the kit work with different stylistic sensibilities, yet, combined, create an interesting whole.  It's an unconventional pairing that happens to work perfectly.  I guess at the end of the day it's another extension of the "juxtaposition school of thought" - a school of thought that's easy to dig once you see outfits like the one above.  Evidently, Silas has known best all along.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: The Shirt Jacket

When I'm out running errands on the weekend in Charlotte's fall weather I pretty much only need one serious layer of outerwear.  A down vest or a sweatshirt is typically enough to keep me feeling just right as I head out to Target, Harris Teeter or where ever. While layering up is always clutch, it's often not completely necessary, especially if you live where the climate is decidedly moderate.  With all that being said, my current weekend getup of a basic tee, APC's and one aforementioned top layer could use a breath of fresh air.  The shirt jacket is something that could help take some pressure off my, and your, other outerwear.

For those of you who live in much colder areas, the shirt jacket can be just as useful.  When things get real cold outside and your peacoat just isn't doing it, the shirt jacket can be a seriously warm middle layer.  Odds are its plaid print will stand out against your dark outerwear (much like a plaid scarf), so it'll look pretty good as it gets the job done.

Shirt jackets, or really heavy shirts (often lined) that can function as a lightweight jacket, are pretty easy to find from most of the usual suspects.  No matter what you're into you can easily find a shirt jacket that syncs up with your current wardrobe (I'll be the first to admit that red and black buffalo check is not my thing).  Most are made of a heavy duty fabric, such as wool, and will often come with a unremovable liner.  The extra fabric adds warmth, no doubt, but this comes at a price.  Most shirt jackets are going to run you in the $100 and up range, but when you consider how it can replace a $300 jacket, it pales in comparison.  Here are some options to considering adding to the weekend rotation...

L.L Bean Washable Wool Jac-Shirt...$59.00

L.L. Bean Lined Allagash Shirt-Jac Buffalo Plaid...$89.00

Filson Jac Shirt...$155.00

J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket...$98.00

Woolrich Woolen Mills Ranger Shirt Hombre Wool...$225.00

Penfield Meeker...$106.00

Pendleton Westwood Shirt Jac...$158.00

 
-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Re-learn Your A, B, C's

I wish I had thought of something like this, but alas I am not as clever as I like to think.  Anette from My-Wardrobe (not literally my closet), who has sent some cool stuff my way before, has come through again.  For a little Friday afternoon slacking check out the feature "The A-Z of Stlyle: Everything You Need To Know To Keep Ahead Of The Style Game This Autumn".  Though I can't say that I agree that style is a "game", the feature does a cool job of compiling awesome blogger fodder (i.e B: Belstaff, Brogues) into one slick feature.  Check it out on your lunch break.

-L.A.S

p.s. I'm copyrighting "blogger fodder" so don't even think about it.

Fall Looks: Bundled Up (Part 2 of 2) - Gloves

I have absolutely no need for gloves in Charlotte, but since I'm not that ego-centric I put together my favorite offerings for this F/W.  Coming from the considerbly cooler Northeast originally, I know a thing or two about a great pair of gloves (as if there is really anything to know in the first place).  I personally prefer fingerless or convertible options because they are much more functional and you look that much cooler.  I put together a bunch of different price points and styles, but as you know with gloves they typically fall into two categories: hi-tech and classic.  As with everything else that has ever made it onto Sart Inc, my picks skew towards the classic.  I've listed materials in parentheses because a man should know what he's getting himself, and his hands, into.  Buy one of these and safely remove your hands from your pants...

Asos Fair Isle Design Fingerless (100% Acrylic)...$10.47

While I don't recommend matching these up with your awesome new fair isle sweater, these gloves are a cheap way to inject a little seasonal flair (excuse my word choice) into your getup.  They may be the cheapest of the bunch, don't forget these badboys ship from the UK.

Penfield Knitted Fingerless Mitten (100% Acrylic)...$31.40

Leave it to Penfield to make the only mittens that are even remotely cool.  You know you are getting great quality from these guys, but kudos the MA brand on the details.  I'm really into these red accents.  Just like above, keep in mind shipping as these are from a UK retailer.

Urban Outfitters Herringbone Gloves (Polyurethane, Acrylic)...$28.00

The poor man's herring bone blazer you can wear on your hands!  Faux suede included!  In all seriousness, for under $30 you are unlikely to find a dandier pair of gloves.  We all know class is an illusion anyway...right?

Filson Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves (84% Merino Virgin Wool, 11% Nylon, 3% Acrylic, 2% Lycra)...$22.00

If I was actually buying gloves these Filson fingerless options would be my go to.  A fingerless design in classic gray with real deal, made in the U.S.A quality.  Perfect in their simplicity. Perfect in their functionality.

Steven Alan Wool Camp Glove (Wool, Leather, 100% Cashmere lined)...$125.00

You may have already seen these floating around the blogosphere at some point because they are Steven Alan and his products demand attention.  If you take your gloves as seriously as, say, your jackets then these are the gloves for you (I mean, that is Woolrich plaid).  Like everything Steven Alan makes, it's all about the genius reinterpretation of our staple items.  In this case, peep the thumb slit for easy and stylish iPhoning, Blackberrying and texting your bff's. 

[Bonus]
Orvis Trigger Finer Uplander Glove (Leather)...$59.00

The swagger that comes from wearing a glove with a trigger finger (a magnet holds the finger back in place!) is undeniably priceless.  Great for busting caps and picking your nose...not necessarily in that order.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Bundled Up (Part 1 of 2) - Scarves

[Pictured: Sartorially Inclined's scarves.  100% cashmere grey plaid scarf for keeping it real-real and Manchester United F.C. team scarf for play-play.]

As the leaves around us turn crispier by the minute our minds (and wallets) start to wander towards outerwear.  Instead of talking about the obvious (i.e. jackets, jackets, jackets), I'd like to take some time here at Sartorially Inclined to talk about the other wonderful folks involved in the business of keeping us warm.

There are many men out there who have yet to come to grips with the idea of wearing a scarf.  This is a crying shame and another symptom of an unnecessarily, over the top masculine culture...but since this isn't sociology class, I'll leave that thought for another day.  Not only does the scarf provide a ridiculously simple and worthwhile function, but it looks damn good in the process.  When it comes down to it, the scarf is merely cold weather neckwear, so if you have no problem knotting that tie up in the morning, you should have no qualms about purchasing a new scarf.  An essential for F/W, the scarf can bring even your most monochromatic outfit alive with a shot of color and life.  An essential accessory, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...count me in.  Here are some options to keep that neck of yours toasty...


Dunderdon Harry Scarf Dot...$40.00

Sartorially Inclined's favorite scarf happens to be this lovely scarf from Dunderdon.  Not only is it uniquely patterned, but two sides for the price of one!  For 40 bucks you can't go wrong.  If you need more proof on how awesome this is check out Conor's take.

L.L. Bean Lambswool Scarf...$39.00

If you read this blog you already know how I feel about black watch plaid.  I just had to include this scarf from L.L Bean, natch.


Banana Republic Wool Plaid Fringe Scarf...$49.50

If you love details as much as I do, you may want to check out Banana Republic's current offerings of scarlves.  I'm really digging the red lining and subtle accents in the pattern. 


Brooks Brothers Country Club Camel Hair Stripe Scarf...$198

For the cost of a new coat you can grab this great ribbed offering from Brooks Brothers.  With a cameo in this month's GQ and more than likely made of better fabric than your overcoat, this may very well be the Cadillac of scarfs.

Martin + Osa University Scarf...$44.50

For a decidedly collegiate feel that is less stuffy and a tad "younger" try something like this Martin + Osa scarf which adds a burst of yellow to your potential doom and gloom F/W color-ways.   

[Bonus]
The Hill-Side Chambray Scarf...Not Yet Available

Thank Ryan for killing it as usual with this exclusive.  If you can't shake that workwear kick, this is your scarf, no question.  Once these hit stores it'll be a feeding frenzy fo' sho'.

p.s. For the GQ treatment on scarves and how to tie check this out.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: "All Black (Watch) Everything"

[Pictured: The Black Watch badge and tartan.]

It's no secret here at Sartorially Inclined we love our plaids and tartans.  When it comes to fall style, you can't really go wrong with any variety of plaids, though be careful when mixing and matching (to play it safe we recommend not doing it at all).  Not all plaids are created equal, however, and it is Black Watch that holds the number one spot in our heart (see: new +J sportshirt acquired from Uniqlo a while back) . 

The Black Watch were the 3rd Battalion in the Royal Regiment of Scotland whose name derives from the dark tartan that they wore while patrolling, or more literally "watching", the Scotish Highlands.  Since The Black Watch pattern is considered "free tartan" anyone can wear it without showing any disrespect to our Scottish friends (thank you Wikipedia).  In that case, here are some awesome Black Watch pieces for you to wear this fall while patrolling your own "Highlands" aka your local dive bar...

Gap Fitted Thomas Checked Shirt...$39.50

Polo Ralph Lauren Black Watch Tartan Bow Tie...$70.00

The Hill-Side Black Watch Plaid Coated Cotton Tie...$83.00

L.L. Bean Lambswool Scarf...$39.00

L.L. Bean Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt...$54.00

L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas...$44.50

Orivs Tartan Driving Cap...$49.00

Orvis Black Watch Blazer...$450.00

Orvis Scottish Tartan Trousers...$129.00

Whatever plaid items you are looking into this fall, be it a new shirt jacket or set of pajamas, consider getting it in black watch.  It's versatile, steeped in history and looks fantastic.  While some of this stuff is a bit "traddy", pairing it up with other modern, basic fall essentials is a quick and easy way to put together a great fall outfit.  Wear your black watch blazer over a white oxford and some cords or throw that black watch shirt jacket over a white t-shirt and some denim.  Currently, Sartorially Inclined's most coveted black watch look is a white oxford paired with the neckwear (the Polo bow tie or Hill-Side tie) seen above and some raw denim.  The possibilities are pretty endless.  If you are going to get "all plaid out" this fall stick with some black watch while the Scots are still letting us in on their fun...

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: The Buck Stops Here, More Bang For Your Buck, etc.

All clever titles aside...summer weather has come and gone and you're probably thinking about retiring your white bucks.  I can't say I blame you.  No matter how wonderfully scuffed they may be, Sartorially Inclined recommends they go into hibernation until S/S 2010.  While they rest comfortably in the back of your closet why not turn to a new, fall ready pair?  In keeping with the classics, snatch up a pair of bucks in a taupe, brown or another dark color as one of your go to, everyday shoes this autumn.  They fall somewhere in between your dressy, oxford lace-ups and your casual sneakers...and that's what's so great about them.  Wear them to the office, wear them on the weekend, it doesn't matter.  A beautiful pair of suede shoes can go anywhere with you.  We all know that you're going to be wearing your boots and mocs, but you should really consider giving a pair of bucks a go.  Check out some of these classic bucks for fall...

Bass Brockton...$64

Bass Buckingham...$79

L.L Bean Classic Bucks...$79

Orvis Bucks...$159

Brooks Brothers Classic Buck...$198

Inventory Mark McNairy Bucks...$350

If price was no object I would buy a pair of those Inventory Bucks quicker then you could down a mint julep and tell me bucks were only for summertime.  But, alas, that is not the case.  With a budget in mind, I actually like the cheapest of the bunch.  The Brockton by Bass has a great looking sole (both shape and color) and a really wonderful taupe colored suede.  The toe looks just modern enough, yet maintains every bit of its classic style.  For $64 they are a steal, especially for a shoe you can literally wear everyday. Buck up.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Update Your Gray Sweatshirt

It's difficult to find clothing more iconic than the gray sweatshirt.  It is a fall staple and should be in every guy's closet.  There are no shortage of options out there and I won't bore you by linking up to any number of them.  Instead, I thought I'd highlight a pretty cool alternative that, while not replacing your gray sweatshirt, can serve as cool alternative: The shawl collar sweatshirt.

J. Crew's fleece shawl-collar sweatshirt is a stylish bargain at $55 and can instantly update your sweatshirt collection.  Available in that classic heather gray or a black that resembles more of a dark charcoal, shawl collar sweatshirt serves as this interesting meeting point between the classic crewneck sweatshirt and the shall collar (most commonly seen on tuxedo jackets and cardigans).  I tried this on a while back when the J. Crew by me was stocking their fall inventory, and I'll be damned if this isn't one of the most comfortable things I've tried on in a while.

J. Crew Fleece Shawl-Collar Sweatshirt...$55 

Check out the versions below from Steven Alan and Ralph Lauren for guys with extra deep pockets.

Steven Alan Shawl Collar Sweatshirt...$198

Polo Ralph Lauren Fleece Shawl Collar Pullover...$145

If you're running out to walk the dog, throw this on and maybe top it off with a down vest or pair it with your best denim and a shirt and tie for a night out of casual drinking.  The key with all of these is that they are made of fleece which translates to insane comfort and an outward relaxed look (the same shawl collar design in wool loses lots of that understated charm associated with the fleece).  Ain't nothing wrong with the classics.  Ain't nothing wrong with switching 'em up either.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Lace Up

I was commenting over at [you_have_broken_the_internet] on Ryan's Sperry Chukkas, when I realized how awesome they would look if they had the signature yellow and brown L.L Bean shoelaces you often see on their boots and bluchers.  While I couldn't find L.L. Bean shoelaces being sold seperately anywhere, I did find the next best, or even better, thing.

[Pictured: Danner laces...$5. Picture courtesy of Danner.com]

Danner is an American manufacturer that specializes in boots and various accessories.  As it turns out they sell a variety of replacement laces, including the awesome yellow and brown ones mentioned earlier.  While I am normally a stickler for details, shoelaces never really did it for me...until now.  Think about those once favorite pair of shoes or boots that may have fallen by the wayside or gotten stale.  By adding something as minor as new shoelaces those very same, tired kicks can be amped up for fall (and for $5).  These yellow and brown laces have autumn/heritage written all over them and it's rare that something so small and cheap can make such a difference.  Sartorially Inclined's weathered, brown wingtips may just be in need of an upgrade...what a unique way to dress 'em down and 'em change up.

[Pictured: Danner laces in action. Picture courtesy of Highsnobiety.com]

A bunch of different lengths and colors are for sale so no matter what kind of shoe/boot is sitting in the back of your closet, you should be able to find something suitable.  I plan on ordering my own pair so hopefully I'll be able to post some before and after pics...

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Igby Goes Down

[Pictured: Igby with a white oxford shirt with the collar not buttoned down, cuffs undone, blazer and chinos.]

For no particular reason I've been on a Culkin movie binge recently.  In the past 3 weeks I've seen Mean Creek, Party Monster, Sex and Breakfast, Lymelife and Igby Goes Down which all feature one or more of the Culkin brothers.  All of these were particularly engaging, but Igby Goes Down stood out, specifically, in a sartorial sense.  Taking cues from eastern prep and The Catcher in the Rye the movie and it's wardrobe is a cool snapshot of the eastern/NYC prep look.  The character of Igby (Keiran Culking) and his brother (Ryan Phillipe) represent two distinct ways in which you can utilize your prep pieces.  Igby, the nonchalant contrarian, puts his own disheveled "devil may care" twist on the classics while Ollie, his brother, keeps it as trad as possible.  Whether or not prep is your thing, the movie features some cool looks, especially for fall.

 [Ollie in a perfectly manicured suit. Igby with a loosed rep tie, blue blazer, chinos, and topped off with Converse sneakers.]

[Grey wool sweatshirt with undershirt peaking out, thick, chunky scarf and weathered, slightly over-sized, hunting jacket.]

[Ollie with eye glasses, blue blazer, polo shirt and chinos.  Igby with critter tie, un-tucked oxford and blue blazer with turned up collar/lapels.]

 

 [Grey wool sweater paired with pinwale cords]

[Fall's must have accessory: a naked Claire Danes in your bed.  Better try eBay.]

I particularly love Igby's massive scarf, minus the Hogwart's colors, and I can see it really setting off an outfit when paired with a peacoat or Barbour jacket in a muted tone.  The loosened tie is also a cool look for fall and helps dress down formal neckwear (especially when paired with a tie bar).  While the outfits here are nothing revolutionary, the film did serve as an inspiration board of sorts and it never hurts to get a new perspective on these classics.

-L.A.S