Bars, Boots and Baseball

Sick of workwear? How about behind-bars-wear.





N. Hoolywood line from Japanese designer Daisuke Obana gives a huge nod to chain gangs from 1910-1940. The glamarisation of criminals hasn't looked this good since Bonny & Clyde. I'm digging those denims in the bottom picture.

In case you're too young to know or too old to remember,


Bonnie and Clyde

Barbour the UK outerwear company has teamed up with Rockport the New England based orthopedic shoe company to make these!



You might not be jumping for joy as I am, but then again you may not be as crippled as I am. I am always looking to see what Rockport is up to as they used to make pretty cool work boots back in the day. These days it's been bleak until this. Which is the best news I've gotten in a while because finding boots that my crooked feet can feel comfy in is nearly impossibility. I will be spending an unordinary amount of time searching for where to buy these in the near future.

Here's some other boots I've been wanting to show you for a while. You should get them!



Ronnie Fieg x CulureShoq. I really love both of these.

Lastly, I have something strange to report. I have caught baseball fever. I am a born and raised Yankees fan but since nothing makes people more volatile in SF then Yankees fans I've been sitting on the bench for years now. I could never really get behind the Giants because orange and black is my least favorite color scheme of all. Also, it was my high school's colors so it gives me bad flashbacks too. Orange and black isn't the only problem with baseball these days though. What's with these baggy ass uniforms? Blech. At least the Philly's were wearing red belts one time, that was nice. Anyway, here's some pics from when baseball was goodlookin.






Awesomeness.

Suitable, Essential, Affordable

So, here in SF most people don't need a suit for work. But, don't think that excludes you from needing one altogether. You're going to go to weddings, you are going to go to funerals, this is just inevitable. And there will be other occasions too. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they have such occasion then rushing around and buying something suitable yet not perfect. Get ahead of the game. Shop for a suit when you least need one. This will ensure you get something that fits right. There is nothing worse then an ill fitted suit. Suits are expensive and there is no way around that. But one nice suit in a proper color should last a lifetime. If you are not full of money to buy endless suits stick to a basic color and fabric that can be worn for any season. It doesn't need to be boring, but, it should go well with your coloring and have flexibility to be changed drastically by using different shirt and tie situations. Black, blue or grey works year round and can be worn for any formal occasion. In this day and age it is not necessary to wear only a black suit to a funeral. Lives are meant to be celebrated. And while black suits may be appropriate for weddings something cheerier like a blue or beige is nice. Most importantly though, is versatility and fit.

I am not a huge H&M fan. They do have some ok clothes, my not fan status comes more from the fact that none of it fits me right, and some of it is made like shit. This said, the most affordable not ugly suit you can find will be at H&M. And since I'm always out for the little guy, you'll be happy to know that these will also come readily available in the smaller sizes. Here's Will Arnett from Arrested Development(funniest show ever) wearing an H&M suit.



The second most affordable suits you can find are vintage. Vintage suits are great. You only need to watch Mad Men to know this is true. Though the suits on there are not vintage but tailor made for those guys. Anyway, the only problem with vintage suits is that they are VERY high wasted, so if you don't like that, don't buy them. They are not ALL great so be very careful where you get them and NO polyester thank you. Don't expect them to be dirt cheap because a well made vintage suit that has been well cared for throughout the years will probably set you back more then a new suit at H&M. You can also run into tailoring problems with vintage suits as they have more often then not already been tailor fitted to some other bloke. Like Cary Grant perchance.


If you live here in the Bay area the best place I've found for vintage guys suits is La Rosa on Haight Street. If you're like me then you usually want to be left alone when shopping. But, when suit shopping it is very useful to have some knowledgeable help as it can be overwhelming and is a pricey purchase. The staff at La Rosa can tell you if something fits right and if where it doesn't can be tailored to fit right. Take advantage of their know-how.


Another place in SF you can try is Idol Vintage. They have a smaller selection and will offer less help. Be extra careful of a polyester blend here.


(Strangely similar store fronts, no?)

Side note: Vintage suits are harder to separate. You know, wear the pants with a sweater or jacket or the blazer with jeans. Keep these things in mind while shopping if they are important to you. Which they should be.

Moving on up the line of cost comes Banana Republic. These will have a more formal vibe and are pretty well made. And Banana also looks out for the little guy carrying the smaller sizes.



Next up is J.Crew. They offer nice fabrics, slim fits and if you go to a bigger store may have some helpful staff.



Finally, Ben Sherman suits. These are great because they have the vintage vibe without the too high waists. And the Mad Men vibe without the stuffy boardroom or midlife crisis.



These are the most affordable places to get suits. If you've got more money to blow then hit Saks, or Barney's or Bloomie's for christ's sake. Find a salesperson you feel comfortable with and get to it. Just don't get too brand obsessed. Dying for a Band of Outsider's suit? Fine, but don't purchase online, you must try it on and it must fit properly not just be Band of Outsiders.

Hey little guy, two or one button blazers, you want as big a V as possible to make you appear taller.

Hey everyone, unless you are of perfect proportions(which you aren't, trust me), do not pass GO after purchasing your suit. What I'm saying is do not take it home. Proceed directly to a tailor and have proper alterations done. Wherever you make your purchase should be able to give you a recommendation of one nearby their store.

Another side note: Topman was not included in this post because I have never been there nor seen in person a suit from there. If you live in NYC check it out.

And readers please feel free to ask me any questions. You can leave them as comments or email me directly at: leoplass@gmail.com

Guy Basics

So as fun as fashion can be you've got to get your basics down to really look and feel good. Start with your face. The people have realized that guys need products too. This is nice but, it leads to that overwhelming amount of products to choose from that women deal with constantly. Keep it simple. You don't need 10 different face washes and creams. If you need to shave, use shaving cream and a nice razor. Disposable razors are fine, so long as you dispose of them after a few uses. If you get yourself a razor you can save money in the long run by buying cartridges instead of full razors. The environment will thank you also for not creating as much waste.

Here's my favorite from The Art of Shaving.



Don't let them confuse you with all that newfangled 3 blade, 5 blade, 20 blade shit. I think 3 blades work good enough and are way cheaper than the 5 blade, but, if you get a lot of in-grown hairs maybe you should try the 5 blade. Just don't go 1 blade and don't skimp too much. It is your face after all.

People will try to sell you on oils and brushes and all sorts of stuff for shaving. It's not all that necessary so long as you use a couple good products. I really like Kiehl's. It used to be because they only had a few simple men's products, but, they got the memo and are out of control with them now. The "Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle" works great. It also lasts forever as you put on only a very thin layer.



Use after shave lotion! Seriously, don't make this mistake. If you think you don't need it because your face gets all oily after shaving you're wrong. It is creating that oil to make up for the dryness. Cut it off at the source by using after shave lotion. Again Kiehl's makes a good one. "The Ultimate Men's After-Shave Balm and Moisturizer" does the trick.

For washing, all you need is 1 face wash. Choose one that works for you. I find that any simple cleanser will do. Don't use an exfoliating cleanser. If you need to exfoliate do it separately and not everyday. The more important part is your face moisturizer. Which you definitely need. Again don't give me some your face is too oily for this shit. Using moisturizer balances the oil. Just make sure you use a light one if you are oily. Wash and moisturize your face before bedtime. This is more important than in the morning as it's when your skin does all it's work. Rubbing your face into all the dirt from the day all night does not work. My favorite, life saving Kiehl's product is, Facial Fuel SPF 15 sunscreen. I use this 80% of my days. If you take only 1 thing from this blog, this should be it. When the sun has faded and all the color from your face with it, this will save you. Yes, wearing SPF helps you maintain a tan. It's super light too. On the other 20% of my days and at night I use the Facial Fuel without the SPF.



Ok, I'll stop rambling about your face. But, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

So, now I will talk T-shirts. I know everyone is on the lookout for the perfect T-shirt constantly. I put an end to that for myself. It's too much hassle. So, what I do is once a year I buy a 6-pack of Hanes Classic Tagless V necks. And a 3-pack of Hanes Classic Crew-neck. I try to coordinate getting these in 'summer' so they are fresh for the warm weather times. But, who ever knows when that's going to be around here.



Buy them in the size you normally buy. When you take them out of the package you will say 'these are huge!'. After 2-3 washes in hot water they will fit like they were made for you. Believe me. Also, bleach the fuckers. I'm not sure why everyone is opposed to bleaching whites. 'Don't they get thin?' they ask. Well yes, don't you buy Alternative Apparel and American Apparel soft t's because they are thin? 'Yeah but, won't they get holes and not last as long?' they ask. Well sure but I don't need to be wearing the same $5 T yellowed with brown pit stains in 10 years anyway thanks. If you are opposed to bleach for environment issues use Oxiclean for laundry at least. I use both. At the end of the year when it's time to get new ones I don't throw away the old. I get Rit liquid dye in the color of my choice and throw them in a huge pot on the stove with the stuff and simmer them. Rinse thoroughly let dry then wash. And viola I am swimming in a variety of T's for a very low price.

Don't believe me? These are a bit ratty as I haven't gotten to this task yet this year but, proof nonetheless.



For the finale of this Basics post let's talk underwear. Once again the market is flooded with men's underwear these days. But why? Do you want to look like a clown when your pants come off? A pre-teen? Do you want some bit of kooky pattern popping out when you bend over? If so, stop it. Your underwear should NOT show if your pants are on unless by accident. If you want some flair wear a necklace or a bracelet or some shit. Your underwear should match your outfit and not be a focal point of your outfit. When your pants do come off the only statement your undies need to make is, 'I am clean and I know what I'm doing'.

So, because I think the undies should match the outfit I have taken to wearing all white boxers mostly. Sorry to bore you but this post is about basics. The Merona white boxer packs from Target work fine and that's what I usually get because they are cheapest.



But, I prefer the Calvin Klein woven traditional fit boxers from Macy's because they last longer and are short like me.



The other alternative is the Calvin Klein boxer brief in black. Make sure the name is the same color as the undie to not give off a Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch look though.



Carry on.

Stranger Than Fiction

I'm going to do something different today. While I am usually on the hunt for the best shirt or jacket or bag, lately, I have been hunting for other things. Furniture. I have been to the Antique Mall, Alameda Flea Market and numerous used and new furniture stores around the Bay. I need a few things, mainly 2 night-stands and an armoire. The problem is, I am extremely picky when it comes to furniture as I usually keep it forever so I need it to be perfect. So, even though I've been a million places and seen a million things, I've so far only purchased a few bottles.


And an air plant.


I am not mad at these things but they certainly don't provide a place to rest my book, glasses and glass of water at night. While I have yet to find the 'just rights' for me I thought all my research shouldn't go to waste and that some of you Ironing Board Collective readers might need furnishing too. So, here's some stuff I've come across.
I really like this table from UO but it's not the right size.


I also like this one from UO, but it's the same-ish color of my walls and slightly more feminine then I want. I warned you I am picky.


Here's one from West Elm that, now that I'm looking at it again, maybe is right for me. No storage though.


And this one from West Elm is good too. I think my only problem with it is I can't comprehend spending $199 on a tree stump. Not sure why though, it's not like I'm going to go out into the woods with a chain-saw anytime soon to procure one.



Does anyone have a good recommendation on where to get sheets? I've got problems in this area also. I'm down to one last fitted that's not so fitted anymore. I do like these also from West Elm, but there on back order. Geez.



Speaking of bedding, I really think it should be updated casually and continually. It should reflect somewhat your style of clothes. Going to bed and waking up surrounded by your ultimate style will only help you reflect it in your daily style. I would very much like this Pendleton blanket, but, can't bear to spend the big bucks on it.



This stool from Pottery Barn would be a nice seat to put my shoes on.


Sorry about the size of this picture, but, check out this Jonathan Adler anchor rug!



When it comes down to it I really prefer my furniture to be worn around the edges. In my quest I came across a new store in San Francisco called Big Daddy's Antiques. It is an amazing warehouse out at the corner of 17th St and Wisconsin St. It's worth stopping by for a look even if you're not ready to drop the big bucks they're asking. Seriously, it's crazy in there, you wont be disappointed. Here's a peek.



And just to not leave you totally out in the cold, Yuketen boots.



Assembly New York hooded parka. The hood is detachable.

Fall Time

Finally San Francisco had a little bit of this going on!


I even took my first ever head to toe dip in the Pacific Ocean right here in SF at Baker Beach. Crazy I know. And yes freezing but luckily the current was so crazy the damn Pacific shot me right back out. Enough beach madness though, it's technically Fall now and the weather is going back to normal. Fall is probably my favorite season fashion wise. Probably because it's layered look is perfecto for San Francisco. Here's some things to get you into the season.

Just when I thought I was all Pendletoned out this happens, Pendleton meets Opening Ceremony boots. What the fuck?!



Or, maybe like me you have a dog that needs to be walked wether it rains everyday or not. I purchased these last Fall feeling a little crazy since I live in a city but, as you can see these Hunter boots got quite a lot of wear.


How about a Barbour wax cotton baseball hat.


Also, check out Hattan New York hats. Here's one example but click the link to see my favorite which I couldn't swipe a picture of.



Brooks Brothers black fleece shirts are more narrow and shorter than their others and are designed by Thom Browne.

Also, tip for little guys: Brooks Brothers sells in boys sizes. Great for guys who can't find blazers and such small enough. And cheaper too!

I don't know about you guys but, I've been getting pretty jealous of all the lady capes going around. Here's a poncho from, always a favorite brand, Woolrich Woolen Mills.




Well, that's a few of my current likes for Fall but don't worry, I'm sure there will be more to come.

Facebook

With the movie "The Social Network" coming out soon I have barely been able to pick up a magazine without it mentioning Facebook in over a month. Yesterday it was the Newsweek at my Chiropractors office. I'm not on Facebook but it's not for political reasons. It's more for sanity reasons. When I moved to California I thought that nobody was actual friends but everyone knew each other and were 'close acquaintances'. This drove me nuts. Give me 4 good buddies and hello and goodbye to the rest of you. I don't want to be invited to your Birthday party cause there's my face as you scroll through. You better really want me there in order to get me there. You know, you'll have to text me or something. I don't want to care about what you ate for dinner, who your currently fucking, or what you did for fun last weekend. If I truly know you, you can give me the good info when I see you. But with all the talk on the politics of it all I thought I'd do an experiment.


Yes, it's a creepy experiment.




Only Oprah and Joy Behar have already seen the movie as it comes out October 1st but from what I've gathered it makes Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, out to be a grade A asshole. This I have no doubt is true. What troubles me is that the a main plot line seems based around wether he stole the idea for Facebook from his friends or not. Hello, the idea already existed. Remember Friendster? Myspace? In a trailer he is talking about 'relationship status' like the thought just occured to him out of no where. So, on one hand the movie knocks him down, while on the other re-writes history to give him way more credit then is due. Maybe the movie will address this more clearly.


Tagline: Ma bois. Is it wrong of me to use perfect strangers photos this way? I honestly don't know. But people put them up to be seen did they not? To feel some sort of infamy? I honestly don't know.






Zuckerberg quoted 7 years ago: “Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard. Just ask. I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS.” Asked how, he responds: “People just submitted it. I don’t know why. They ‘trust me.’ Dumb fucks.”

It was somehow 'leaked' to the media yesterday that Zuckerberg is donating 100 million dollars to Newark public schools. It's all in stocks though. And he will be letting everyone know about this on the Oprah show. Today I think. Movie damage control for sure. But worse is that the douche has 100 MILLION DOLLARS to donate!!! Wow, what a relationship status alert can do for a kid. In the end no matter who owns your face or sells your emails the world wide web is just that. World Wide.