People like to call out Jos A. Bank and Menswear House for making some of the worst suits out there. They like to cite quality concerns, fit issues, and an overall outdated or boxy look look that is made worse by the “overpriced yet crazy discount”model that the company operates with. Just look at some of their markdowns. However, I absolutely pounced at the chance to buy one. I did cheat though; it was on eBay!
One of the many #menswear sins that people like to spout out is to never wear brown shoes with a black suit. It causes repulsion in some, conniptions in others, and a shunning glance to all. Even so, there is one sin that is far worse than even that: wearing white socks with dress shoes. In fact, I haven’t seen too much of it since the 1990s thanks to multiple #menswear bloggers and vloggers who aim to stamp out this inglorious affectation. However there’s something intriguing about pairing white socks with formal clothing that has been calling out to me. This practice started in the 1950s and 1960s, and while I take a lot of my cues from the 30s, it’s time we look somewhere else for inspiration.
Update 8/31/18: Okay so I reference this article a lot, but I do white socks for a lot more than just sartorial stuff. Go figure.
I’ve been meaning to go to SF (and the Bay Area) and shop around for a long time. The last time I went was two years ago when Tim and I stumbled upon Haight Street and its awesome vintage stores. I planned to go for my 21st birthday in July, but circumstances arose that only allowed us to go during this past September Weekend! Spencer, Jeremiah and I (the Spring 2016 Dapper Day crew) were only able to spend two nights/one day in the Area but it was definitely a lot of fun, especially since we were able to dress up and walk around!
While the rest of the world may be cooling down for fall, my forecast says that it will be 90 degrees this weekend! In fact, it was 91F when I went to work at the time of this article. So, I decided to go with a something summery without standing out too much. Curtis Newkirk, from Beckett & Robb served as the inspiration for this outfit!
It’s time to start doing a new feature here on Street x Sprezza and that’s Q & As! I know some of you have got some Q’s and I’ll try my best to supply the A’s. This first one comes to me from Jacob, a reader who is concerned about finding a jacket that fits from eBay! Since I buy a lot of my clothes online, I thought it best to tell him my process for buying these vintage pieces. Here’s a hint: it’s all in the shoulders and length.
The Armoury has always been a deep source of inspiration for my outfits, due to their “international classic” aesthetic and their stylish staff. We’ve already replicated outfits from Dick Carroll’s ivy-trad style and Jake Grantham‘s 1980’s redeux, but now it’s time to look to Mark Cho, one of the founders of the Armoury.
A short article, featuring my own version of a classic summer look by Aussie Armoury shop manager and illustrator, Richard Caroll.
A lot of people don’t like buying clothes from eBay. Sellers don’t often provide accurate measurements, they don’t accept returns, and sometimes the items are just not what you expected. However, I don’t believe that this should bar you from trying to buy on eBay. You might be able to find something awesome, like I did with my “new” 1960’s ivy suit.
Dapper Day is my version of Pitti Uomo; street style abounds! People are able to go around Disneyland and dress up in style, whether its vintage, vintage inspired, or modern! Since it is Spring, the guys and I decided to take our vintage style to the next level. Most people make the misconception that vintage clothes are all made of thick wools and are only available in muted, boring colors. However, the 1940’s were still stylin’ in hot weather! They had a variety of fabrics that were still breathable and and comfortable to wear and were especially light colored for spring and summer fashion! Our outfits for Spring Dapper Day give you real evidence that vintage suit style is still creative, fun, and colorful!
This post focuses on fashion from the 1920s-1960s. If you want to read a detailed article on how you can have vintage style by mixing modern and true vintages pieces, read it here.
The above image from a Russian catalog shows how cuts of suits changed from 1923-1943. It’s these subtle details that show that not all vintage looks are the same. Each decade had their own ideas on fit, proportion and styling.
Vintage isn’t a blanket term. You don’t just put on suspenders and a flat cap and say “I’m vintage”. Heck, not all vintage is the same. Just like there are differences in styles between the 2000s and 2010s, there are plenty of differences within each vintage decade.
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a little bit of rest 