Thursday, November 5, 2009

Gangster Businessman


Recently on The Sartorialist - you wouldn't believe how cool I think this is. Probably one of my all time favourite Sartorialist fits. This guy is super cool.

In fact, he has single handedly inspired me to buy a hat...

Exam Week...


Well, given a very real prospect of my GPA falling after this round of exams, I might as well try to look good whilst I'm at it :o)

Shirt: Epaulet (www.epauletshop.com)
Belt: Mezlan
Jeans: Momotaro
Shoes: Alden

Most impressed with the shoes. All I can say is I think I've been wasting money on shoes all this time... Definitly saving for another pair of Aldens ASAP! Epaulet is also shaping up to be great. Hoping to buy a couple more shirts there soon.

Not a very jovial post today. Study is weighing me down... Not long now...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Off to the Opera...

Well, not quite the opera... But not sure what else to call it? "Off to see some performing arts," "off to a show," "off to a night of classical music." None of them really roll off the tongue.

In any case, all you need to know is that is was Andre Rieu. It was good, the venue was bad, the audience was so woefully dressed I was disgusted (with them - not the performance!) Never fear, however, even Tarzan in his loincloth wouldn't have been able to say the same about me. Just got my suit back from the tailor and took delivery of some nice silk knit ties. Tried out both items to night. I think the tailor did a smashing job on the jacket.


Suit: Hugo Boss (yea, yea... Sue me... Got it 75% off)
Shirt: Brooksfield
Tie: Lands End (www.landsend.com)
Pocket Square: Lands End
Belt: Oroton
Cufflinks: Oroton
Shoes: Florshiem (Again... Sue me. I can't be picky over size 15).

I am aware that (a) the tie knot is woeful - that was fixed, (b) the bottom button is eroneously fastened. Also corrected that. (c) Some may argue the pants are too long due to the 'puddling' - I like them that way and (d) I forgot my pocket square at first - see it in the 4th image. Geez... And it's just a matter of taking a couple pictures! I'm hopeless...

Monday, September 28, 2009

WW2 Belgian Map Case Replica (Very Cool!)

So I suddently got a yen for a bracelet. I've always been heavily opposed to men wearing jewellery of any kind - it just isn't my thing. So what's happening? Am I turning feminine? Am I loosing my head with all this fashion nonsense? The answers to those questions are "hopefully not" and "maybe" respectively... Both decidedly ambiguous and not at all reassuring.

Oh well. I want a subtle bracelet. Maybe a leather band, maybe a dull silver ringy clampy thing (like President David Palmer on seasons 1-5 of "24").

Whatever the result of my psychoanalysis of the reasons behind my sudden like for this sort of thing, the point of this post is leather goods. I got browsing some leather goods sites in my quest for bracelets that are suitably subtle and/or acceptable to my somewhat pedantic, OCD enhanced standards. I found something entirely different and decidedly more cool!

Meet the messenger bag with a twist. It's a "WW2 Belgian Map Case Replica" hand made out of a single piece of cow hide by Amish leatherworkers in Pennsylvania (probably spelled it wrong, can't be bothered checking). This thing is so cool. I could perfectly fit my miniature netbook, a texbook and some notepaper in this thing... It would be awesome! Look at the quality! Look at the uniqueness! Look at the price! ... ... say what? Ouch. That's a tad errr... Expensive. $325USD. GOOD CRIKEY.

I still want it. I WILL save up for it and report back when I have one.


Yes, yes. I hear you asking. It's made by "Billykirk" - they do a bunch of other leather stuff, all made in the same way (by Amish leatherworkers, apparently).

Sunday, September 27, 2009

My Fit - 28/09/2009

This is actually from Friday. My computer has been totally borked for a few days - reformatted it, had trouble, then Windows Update decided to not like me, then I pirated some software which I failed to haz0r properly... You get the picture. But it's now working! Halleluljah! And a certain major software company hasn't sent the SWAT (actually, in Australia they're called SERT) team to break my door down. Happily... Those dudes scare me.

I have such long legs I always hesitate to tuck a shirt in... But the slightly-more-formal-than-casual occasion demanded it.

Shirt: Brooksfield (Aussie label) - $40AUD on sale from Myer
Belt: Home made
Jeans: Momotaro 0701 - $260USD from Blue in Green
Shoes: J. Shoes Mojave II Desert Boot - $158USD from ShoesXL (XL sizes only)

The jeans are a lot of money for a university student, I know. That would explain why they are THE ONLY jeans I own. Darn... Not enough $ to go around.

I notice I've lost a bit of shape due to some mid-section fatness (love handles). Time to eat less groceries and hit the gym.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

A Lady Dressed Like a Lady

Do you know what I honestly wish, in the deepest recesses of my heart? That women would be feminine, dress as such and be known for the kind of elegance that becomes a true lady. Why do girls feel the need to dress increasingly like a freak show with gaudy face paint, bling bling accessories and makeup so deep you can loose your keys in it? They might as well tattoo TRASH or TRAMP to their forehead half the time. Harsh? Yes... Sadly true? Probably...

This is so refreshing... Beautiful.

Quite Grace Kelly-esque? [From The Sartorialist]

New Ted Baker Suit

Woa... What a day. I just got back home from a Japanese banquet in a ritzy riverside establishment, following a day of exams (which turned out to be easy, thanks for asking). I have to get to bed and be ready to go out for breakfast with old friends in 7 hours, so I'll be brief.

I got the following for my 21st birthday tonight (and hold your breath... I totally can't believe it either):
  • A Ted Baker Suit - it's nice. Way nicer than I thought it would be. Fits a dream too. I just need to get it to the Tailor and have it hemmed and tapered. Then I'll post fit pics I promise!
  • A PRL Polo - with no pony logo! Woot! I hate the pony. It makes me feel pretentious. But I like the fit of the PRL Custom Fit... Great for guys with larger shoulders.
  • A Gigabyte T1028X 10.1" Tablet Netbook... What an awesome gadget... More on this soon for sure. Going to be great for carting to uni and taking notes by typing or handwriting! Woa!
  • Tickets to see Andre Reiu in Sydney! At the Acer Arena! And a night in a ritzy hotel! WOW. Can't wait!
  • And the best for last... A WORLD TICKET. That's right folks... A world trip. I get to choose my destinations. I don't know where to start or what to say. I'll be giving this some real thought.
As you can imagine, I spent the rest of the night grovelling at the feet of my parents, kissing their shoelaces and pledging my allegiance to their every whim for the rest of eternity. I can't believe it! This is beyond anything I ever expected. Apparently, if you're nice to your parents for 21 years and they happen to be a little bit wealthy, you get rewarded! WOOOHA!

Anyway, I'm verily stonkered and ready for some shut-eye. I'll report back with something more relevant tomorrow, I promise! (Maybe my flannel shirts will arrive?? Here's to hoping!)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

My Picks from the Sartorialist

Not really suitable for my target audience, but I like to make a few picks from The Sartorialist every once in a while.

Here are the best ones that have come up recently in my opinion:
As a lawyer, maybe running my own firm, I'd dress like this.

Too awesome for words. I'd dress like this right now! Just need the correct occasion.

Nice, more casual look. I like the bold shirt contrasted with the plain jacket and pants.

Self Edge x Toyo Jeans... Crikey Nice!

I'm really not kidding either. Kiya, member of StyleForum and owner of Self Edge, a denim boutique based in San Francisco (SESF) with a second branch in New York (SENY), has provided a little teaser of a new product he expects to release during October.

Check it out!



Kiya says:
"Self Edge x Toyo = SEXT11 (Jungle Cloth / Denim Lined Pockets / 5-Pocket / Soft Inside, Hard Outside)"

I can see these going so well with my desert boots. Blue and grey are the two colours that suit be best. Crikey, I can't tell you how much I want a pair of these. unfortunately, my 37" inseam will likely mean I can't have them :(

For those interested, Self Edge are a great store. I have bought from them before and had great service. Free international shipping is also provided. The product will be released "late October."

I Forgot My Pin...

How can it be? Forgive me, please, for posting this. I know it's irrelevant and you don't care, but I need some space to complain.

I drive past a servo and intend to go inside to use the ATM (I think you yanks call them "teller machines" or something). My sister is in the passenger seat and requests that I get her some moolah at the same time. She hands me her card, prattles out her pin and I walk into the servo, card clutched in front of me reciting her pin over and over lest I should forget it, enter the wrong one and have the machine eat her card.

No worries. I make it to the ATM, quickly plunk in all the numbers and withdraw $100 successfully.

Step number 2 - insert my own card. "Please enter your pin." ... ... ... .... Erm... ... ... ... Um... ... ... ... I forgot.

Seriously now, this is weird. I've used this card for years now with no mishaps. Same card, same pin, same everything. I've never before hesitated to enter my pin on request. So why can't I remember it?

Frustrated, I buy a few things on credit and profer my signature, confident that it's just a mental lapse and my pin number will stand up from the piles of clutter in my brain, dust itself off and resume its proper place, ready for retrieval next time around.

Well... Here we are 3 days later and I still can't remember what my pin is. I have to call my bank and ask for a new card.

HOW??? WHY??? Am I secretly retarded? Is this the early onset of dementia or some other terrible disease of the brain? Surely this is not possible? My pin is GONE. A section of my brain is missing that was there before. Did little green men carry it out through my earhole during the night? PLEASE I NEED ANSWERS.

I guess I've always been a little eccentric. Maybe this is part of that. Either way, I don't want to think about the possibility of mental retardation this early in life. So I won't. I'll get a new card and forget this ever happened.

Red Wing Work Chukkas... Nicey Nicey...

I've wanted a pair of Red Wings to wear with my plaid shirts & denim for a while now... But biting the bullet has been a tough call. Why? I have size 15 tootsies... What's the problem? I hear you saying. Red Wing's are made in size 15! What a fortuitous coincidence! Aye - that is true. Very true. But they're also very chunky shoes and I run the very real risk of appearing as though I wear astronaut boots.

But hark! I introduce thee to the RED WING HERITAGE WORK CHUKKA. Nice, yes? Less chunky than most Red Wings, yes? Should I get it? Or maybe that's the wrong question to ask. How about: what colour should I get? Or even, what colours (note the added 's') should I get? Good crikey... Choices choices. How about Sand Mojave and Briar Oil Slick?


Available at Shoebuy (these guys have reasonably priced international shipping).

Poop. I just discovered that this particular model only goes up to size 14. Still... I have to confess that my ACTUAL shoe size is more like a 14.5 anyway (it's just that half sizes aren't available in the upper ranges)... Maybe I'll try them? What's to loose? $30 shipping? pfft... Worth it!

Nice Fit

Something about this fit made me want to post it here. It's clean. Very clean. Not complicated though... Personally, I'd do away with the bag (I'm no girly-man), but this dude has everything else nailed.

I could almost replicate this if only I finally had a pair of tailored slacks I've always dreamed about. Having legs so long that only Japanese denim will fit me does have its drawbacks.

Happy B'day to Me!

Well I'll be jiggered. 21 today. It seems like only yesterday I could claim to be 17. Heck... This darn ol' life will be over before I can blink.

I guess I should shut up. I can only say that with any real credibility when I'm 70 or something. Right... I am pleased that I'm young and only 21... Really I am. Though only first year uni. Hmm. Bit of a late starter. I guess that means there's a good long future of blogging ahead! And I'll have to wait a few more years to be really rich and endowed with all the clothes I could ever want.

On to brighter things, I'll be celebrating at Sono Japanese Restaurant, Portside Wharf. Can't wait! We get a private dining room, floor-to-ceiling river views and the best Japanese banquet available in Brisbane! This is one of only 5 restaurants in Brisbane to be awarded a 2-star rating by Gourmet Traveller. I'm hoping it's worth the $150/head!

I would have loved to embellish this post with lovely photos of the utterly amazing venue, but alas, they're all embedded in flash on the website and elsewhere, so you'll just have to click the link and find them yourself.

For now... On my birthday... It's back to study for an exam tomorrow! ARGH.
(though I am wearing my blue suede shoes... Which makes me happier).

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Epaulet Limited Edition Plaid Shirt

Epaulet is a fashion boutique in Brooklyn, New York. I wouldn't know of them but for my membership over at StyleForum. They recently announced the production of a limited edition plaid shirt in 3 colours (as chosen by forum members): red, purple and brown.

My pennies were scarce so I've been unable to afford all 3. I decided that, nice as a purple shirt would be, my complexion isn't up to it. I'm just too pale. So I scored me a red and a brown in XL.

Might I add how nice it is to get a properly tapered, slim fitting shirt for a heavily built, 6'7" bloke such as myself. Thanks, Mike!

Behold:

But wait... There's more... For ordering more than one shirt, I score a free tie! Check it out! I can see this going super with my navy blazer. I'll be sure to get some pics of the two in action once it arrives.
How nice is that?

Don't be surprised if I stop posting new purchases for a long time now... I've blown a wee bit more moolah than I had anticipated. Not sure if I should get those Red Wings I've been eyeing off... But more on that another time.

Cheerio!

Girls and Their Makeup (Rant Warning)

Just stop it, ok? Seriously. Perfectly decent, respectable girls painted like a Jezebel. Why? It's gross and unattractive.

Ok, so in the mighty USA it's probably the norm. I can see that. So girls in America, switch off. Maybe men over there think differently. What bugs me is that Australians seem to be taking a leaf out of your book.

By all means, wear makeup. It's femenine, can look great and is perfectly normal behaviour for any girl BUT FOR HEAVENS SAKE TAKE IT EASY. If you can loose the applicator pad in there... Then there's too much. if you're adding features and patterns to your face that weren't their before, or extending your eyebrows to the lofty heights of your upper forehead than STOP. If your eyelids are a different colour - gold, green, purple, blue... then please STOP.

Less is more. TRUST me. I don't mean nothing. I mean what I said. LESS. You'll look far nicer, even if that little divet in your skin isn't totally invisible.

Thanks for listening.

Blue Suede Shoes!

Check out mah blue suede shoes! Behold the J. Shoes Mojave II - a desert boot available in size 15! How could this be? Not only that, but in BLUE SUEDE!?

I don't think I need to tell you that I bought a pair. Surely it's obvious.

In seriousness, they're actually really good. Better than the image would suggest. Nice details like stitching, little "nails" (I'm sure there's a better name for them) in the leather, real crepe soles and soft, soft leather. I tend to wear a lot of blue and grey so they match most things well. Even red. Great with jeans.

Don't be afraid! I'll post some fit pics to prove how nice they are.
www.shoesxl.com (starting at size 12 though... If you're smaller, as most of you will be, you might need to hit Google).

Momotaro

Momotaro Jeans - my latest denim and I love them. I've been wearing the 0701's every day for 10 weeks and they've broken in nicely, although (amazingly) there is no sign of any fading yet. Indigo retention is very high!

The 0701's are a great slim/straight jean with a low rise that still accomodate my oversized cyclist thighs. The inseam is also very long, so if you're not 6'7" like me and you don't like stacking... Get them hemmed.

The 0201's are a slightly more classic fit. they'll be next on my list to buy (hopefully soon!)

Available from Blue in Green SOHO (New York - International Shipping)