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

Apollo 13

You've undoubtedly seen Ron Howard's classic before and it was by far the coolest movie I ever got to watch in school (followed closely by Contact and Outbreak).  Outside of the geeky polyester blend short sleeve button downs there's a lot of late 60's, early 70's (the events of the film transpired in April 1970) slim style to be had here.  The movie is a gold standard of how to wear a skinny tie and tie bar, not to mention there is some serious watch envy courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (check out the astronaut Agnelli shot below).  And don't worry, there will be no "Houston, we have a problem" jokes...

-L.A.S

The Men Who Would Be Bond

At the same time movie posters across the globe boldly claimed "Sean Connery IS James Bond" the unthinkable happened - the once unknown Scotsman was out.  Despite the fact that Connery had sipped his last martini and bedded his last femme fatale as Bond, Hollywood was far from finished.

The buzz surrounding the 1968 search for the next 007 was enough that Life Magazine dispatched photographer Loomis Dean to document the final casting session, or screen test, for On Her Majesty's Secret Service.  George Lazenby, an Australian model, was eventually selected despite lacking any discernible acting experience outside of a few chocolate ads and was offered a staggering seven film contract.  As it turned out Lazenby was more Wonka than Bond and on the advice of his agent, who believed the Bond series had already peaked, never did another film.  Connery eventually returned for one last encore, paving the way for Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, but for a short period of time in 1968 these were the men who would be Bond.

-L.A.S

Heathers, 1988

I need your help.  Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a canary yellow button down collar popover with an all over whale print?

-L.A.S

Persols And Boulders

Do yourself a favor and watch Sexy Beast (2000) sometime. It's one of the all-time great British flicks and Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley are absolutely superb as per usual.  It also features arguably my favorite opening scene ever - all I'll say is Persols and boulders.

-L.A.S

Get Carter

After all that prep and Ivy I thought it might make sense to take things somewhere a little grittier. A black trench coat, a three piece suit and a blonde are pretty much all a guy ever really needs to get shit done - on a revenge killing spree or not.

-L.A.S

Never Say You're Sorry

When Valet talked to Daiki earlier this week he mentioned 3 movies that influenced his perception and appreciation of American style while growing up in Japan. Since I had already recapped two of these films via screenshots I figured I might as well go for the trifecta.  Admittedly, I knew nothing about Love Story (1970) before checking it out besides the famous quote "love is never having to say you're sorry" so I really didn't know what to expect.  The end result is a touching film, albeit depressing as hell, practically bursting at the seams with both trad and Ivy style - I mean, the dude gets married in a button down collar.  Interestingly enough the main character, Oliver, is continually called "preppy", but that seems more to do with his educational background than the actual clothes he is wearing.  Anyhow, if you're looking for some cold weather inspiration (the movie mostly takes place during Boston and NYC's winters) and some waterworks courtesy of your girl (not sure why you would, but to each his own) you might want to check this out.  Also, be on the lookout for a younger, but just as badass version of the one and only Tommy Lee Jones.

-L.A.S