School Supplies: Polo Hunting

-My wardrobe is pretty complete right now, and as I've mentioned previously, I'm trying to spend less on clothes in 2010 and save for some major purchases. But there are still a couple essentials I need to grab to round out my closet, one of them being a legitimate polo. My polo game is terribly weak; It consists of a $7 white polo from Wal-Mart, and an Abercrombie joint I bought in 11th grade (I still wear it though, buttoned all the way up a la Fred Perry.) For some reason I've never upgraded to a pricier polo. I know there are probably some workable polos from Gap, J. Crew or Rugby (shown.) But because I've loaded up on OCBDs as my go-to, I'll probably only buy 1 polo to last the next couple years, so I'm looking in the $75-150 range. If I'm going to spend that much on one shirt, I've got to do some thorough research. Here are a few initial favorites:
-Rogues Gallery,  Engine Red Faded Seam $88
-Band of Outsiders, Trapped Pocket Polo $135
-Fred Perry, Italia World Cup Series, $86
-Rugby, Sun-Washed Polo, $65
-I'm leaning toward a simple blue or red, or maybe grey, something that works for summer but could be layered and add some color in the fall. I included the Rugby because I'm really digging the sun-faded look, and I know that Rugby fit works for me. I'm going to keep searching until mid-june probably, and may end up settling with a monogrammed joint from Polo. Any suggestions? more

Design Major: Band of Outsiders NY F/W 2010

-I'm not going to do much commenting on NYFW, mostly because I haven't really seen anything I've liked, and because there are a lot of bloggers there who will be returning with more thorough first-hand accounts.

-But I'm a bit mystified by a lot of my colleagues' dislike of the Band of Outsiders collection. People are saying it's the same old Band style. I disagree. It was consistent with past Band aesthetics, yeah, that's a good thing. But the outerwear here is stellar, and unlike anything we've seen from BoO in the past. That yellow vest is great. It's playing off the workwear vest trend of the past year, but the color gives it a west coast flavor and kills the pretension associated with workwear/Americana niche sartorialists. Those sweats are great too. The tailoring was on point as per usual, and the shoes (as always) were great. Those deep green trousers are killer. The parkas, working a bit of tech into the collection, were a fresh addition to the BoO line.
-I'm not going to spend too much time arguing, but Band continually makes great clothes that can be dressed up or down. Everyday staples, impeccably made and re-imagined.

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School Supplies: Spring Quarter, Band of Outsiders Polos

-The new Band of Outsiders polo shirt collection, "This is not a polo shirt collection" (dumb name, I know, they probably know too) will probably show up on a shitload of blogs because that's usually what happens with BoO stuff. But I'm inclined to post because the polo shirt department is an area where I've been seriously lacking since I lost my favorite Penguin polo when I was 12. The only polos I currently own are an Abercrombie one from 2004 and a $7 white one from Wal-Mart. I've actually have a few of the latter because they're pretty much disposable — given the price, and my inclination toward spilling chocolate on white shirts. Anyway, the point is that I've neglected to upgrade my polo selection as I've continuously sought to upgrade the rest of my wardrobe and, come springtime, I'll be in the market for a quality polo. The new Band collection looks pretty good to (I grabbed my favorites above.) I love the nautical wavy stripe and the Baumer-worthy white piece. The price points are pretty high ($150-$200) but that's to be expected from Band. Normally I wouldn't consider dropping that much for a polo, but these are made in Japan and I'd wager that one would last me quite awhile, so we'll see how I feel this spring. The collection also marks the start of Band of Outsiders online shop, which is something many of us have been asking for for a couple years now.
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School Supplies: Band of Outsiders x Barneys No Bunk No Junk

-This announcement has been around a couple places but I thought it was worthy of posting because, frankly, before this I was getting pretty bored by the things coming out of the Band of Outsiders camp (except for the Sperrys, of course). The No Bunk No Junk collection is supposed to encompass a Barneys aesthetic, I'm not sure what that means, but there is a serious lack of black in my wardrobe and Sternberg's crew hit the mark with this trench and leather jacket. The other pieces in the collection looked good too, but I chose things here that I'd actually be interested in snagging for myself. How dope an idea is a black corduroy bow tie? Pretty dope. Oh look, GQ talked to Sternberg about the collaboration. more

Dress Code: High/low Hitchhiker

-This photo was taken right as I returned home from a quick 500 mile hitchhiking trip around my beautiful home state. Deciding what I'd wear to a: maybe be able to survive getting caught on a snowy pass, and b: not look so rugged that I'm unapproachable but not so well kept that people wonder why I'm on the road, was pretty simple.
-Low: The Greatest Coat Ever Made
-High: Rogues Gallery flannel
-Low: Gap henley
-High: Pashmina scarf
-Low: Gas station one-size glove
-High: Naked and Famous jeans
-High: Sperry x Band of Outsiders boots + NIKWAX waterproofing wax for leather
-It will be a little while till I know which photos from the trip are going to be published in print so I can't get any up on our Flickr yet, but as soon as I know I will through some up. more

Design Major: Band of Outsiders NY Spring 2010

-Band of Outsiders gets a lot of love here on Class Act so it's probably no surprise that I loved the new collection. I really love the dip-dyed shirts and tie. I've been vocal in my dislike of pea coats but I like them here thrown casually with shorts and Top-Siders. We've seen a couple of the pieces in earlier sneak peeks: The tailored sweats, and the new Band x Sperry collection (appropriately used in every look) but it's nice to see them worked in with complete looks. I also like the hint of Life Aquatic with the beanie x nautical vibe. more

School Supplies: Rubber Boat Shoes

-The Sperry x Band of Outsiders nuttiness is back in action with these rubber boat shoes. They look good, but are they practical? Comfortable? I dunno, but as a rule I don't say anything negative about Sperry.

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Professors: Tomei for Boy

-From My Cousin Vinny to Alfie to that episode of Seinfeld to (especially, you know why) The Wrestler, Marisa Tomei has always symbolized iconic mature beauty for me. Now, Tomei lends her touch of class to Band of Outsiders dope female label, Boy. A CA approved collaboration.

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Field Notes: Stream of Consciousness

-Everyone knows I love Sperrys and I've been thinking about acquiring a new pair, so I was pumped to see this SS/10 preview. Those suede greys look dope. Hey, speaking of new Sperrys.

-Check out these chukka boots from the next installment of Band of Outsiders for Sperry. I've talked a lot about my Band x Sperry boots in the past and now I really want these. Hey, speaking of my boots, I'll get to wear them tomorrow because it's supposed to rain and I have to go walk in the woods for 8 hours taking pictures for a nature photography workshop.

-So here's a bit a nature photography, more of which you can find on our Flickr. There will probably be a ton more photos of trees and leaves and other really cool naturey stuff after tomorrow's field trip.

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School Supplies: My Favorites

-I know I've been doing a lot of personal posts lately, but I haven't had much time to be trolling the blogs. I've decided, after getting a good response to my military coat post, to post on a couple more of favorite items in the coming weeks.

-I've worn these Sperry Top-Siders (above) more than any other shoe in my life. I've had them since 2006 and I've worn them in the rain, snow, sand and ocean. I've skated in them, hiked in them and worn them to school probably 90% of the time throughout my college career. The wear on the leather reads like an unfinished canvas, layers exposed, the process clearly evident. My Top-Siders are a map showing where I've been and hinting at where I'm heading. I've got too much rambling to do, so the rest, along with more photos, is after the jump.

-I remember a long time ago, probably three or four years, reading a Glenn O'brien style guy response about the appropriateness of Top-Siders. It was one of the only times in my life when I've completely disagreed with Glenn's opinion, which was that Top-Siders ought never be worn anyplace other than the deck of a seagoing vessel. To me, the Top-Sider is the ultimate everyman shoe. It's got a class shape, but it's easy to slip on and go. It's low cut makes it ideal for the break of a narrower jean or trouser.

-I shot this with my Nikon, b-t-dubs. And a 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor lens. Be sure to click the photos and check them out in greater detail 

-A reminder: All of these photos, as well as a bunch of our photos that never made it on to the blog, can be found on our Flickr.

-I've got a pair of creamy white Top-Siders, the BoO Sperry boots, and two pairs of Sperry slip-ons (one pair being the Modern Amusement collab, which are pretty rare,) but these are still my favorite. They've held up pretty nicely, especially considering the abuse I've subjected to them, but the sole on one of them is starting to come off a bit. I'm looking into Mighty Mendit.

-That's all. Thanks for reading and share your thoughts in the comments. Unless your thoughts are anti-Top-Sider, I don't want to hear none of that shit. more

School Supplies: Boot Dilemma

-I posted a couple weeks ago about my search for the perfect boot. This past week two significant things happened, the first being that I watched the video (below) of the completely nutty 88 Keys explaining his Polo obsession. In the video 88 made me aware of the Polo Ranger Boot (below right,) about which I had no prior knowledge. I thought them to be the perfect boot for me, so I got on eBay and found some and began bidding. I lost the auction at the very last second even though I went up to $210 (I told myself I wouldn't go higher than $200.) 

-The next thing that happened, the day after I lost the auction for the Ranger, was that there was a Band of Outsiders sale on Gilt. The sale had the B of O for Sperry boots I blogged about a couple of times. I decided to pull the trigger and buy them since I'd missed out on the Rangers. The B of O boots were only $140 after shipping (down from the $385 original price,) so I felt pretty good about the purchase. But then the seller of the Rangers emailed me saying that the person who had won the auction bailed and I could have the Rangers. Fuck. I couldn't afford to buy two pairs, even though I like the Ranger better. I'm still feeling alright though, I have a feeling the B of O x Sperry will hold up better to weather and they were significantly cheaper. We will see. 

-To help yourself (and me!) get more good deals in the future, sign up for a Gilt account by following this link.  

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Design Major: Band of Outsiders FW/09

-My Photoshop is back in action which means I can  give you my take on the New York fashion week shows. The Band of Outsiders collection was a littler more casual than I'd liked to have seen but still solid. I like the short jacket to compliment the short pant, they're both a bit feminine, but that just means you've got to have swagger to pull them off. 

-Photos by Don Ashby via men.style

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Faculty: Scott Sternberg

-I've mentioned a number of times that Band of Outsiders is one of my favorite labels. With this little bit of insight into the man behind the line, I'm beginning to see why brand's clothes are so spot-on. Sternberg took part in Details' regular feature "Rules of Style," and had some humorous advice to offer, most of which I found myself agreeing with.

-From the feature, "Talking about what brand you're wearing is gay in the bad way."

-I loved this line because I once tried to write a post dissecting how Details magazine itself was indeed, gay in a the bad way. I never posted the piece because I figured it would offend a lot of people who can't discern between the connotations of gay. Sternberg is apparently over that fear.

-More great advice, "Rabid atheism does not lead to attractive or acceptable cocktail-party conversation. You know who you are and you need to chill. We get it, okay? God is for dummies. Now shut your hole."

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Winter Quarter: Boot Quest

-I've managed to live in one of the rainiest parts of the country for three years now without even owning a waterproof hooded jacket or waterproof shoes of any kind. But this winter the deluge of the century has descended upon us and I want some boots. I have Clarks, but they soak through. And I wear my Top-Siders like boots, I'm finally tired of having wet feet at school. I am on a quest to find perfect boots. I'm interested in a boot that rides the line between workwear and fashion. Above are some that I like, but most are in the $300-400 range and I don't think I can justify spending more than $200. 

-Above: 

-Blackbird Boot, handmade, local, expensive.

-Hunter Wellingtons from J.Crew, simple rubber, classic. 

-Band of Outsiders for Sperry, two of my all-time favorite brands.

-Red Wing from J.Crew.

-More fashion-y but still worn-looking boots from MARSéll.

-Sperry Top-Sider Chukkas, I'll probably actually get these, $120.

-I also like these, though I think they've sold out. I'm also looking at Quoddy, for a hella Native American feel. Click image to see it in greater detail. 

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Media Studies: GQ x CW x E4 x Whatever

-Here is a photo of Penn Badgley in head-to-toe Band of Outsiders from the January GQ. It is relevant because: The Band of Outsiders spring looks are out (even though they were out when we showed you the runway set, they're like, out, now.) 

-And also, TV's best show (since this season of Entourage was terrible), Gossip Girl, is back all-new tonight. Word. 

-Actually, I misspoke, because the real best show on television is E4 (Britain)'s Skins. Which is supposedly underway presently but I can't find the torrents online. There is an all new cast which is sad but I'm assuming the same writers are there so the show should still  be superb. And Effy is still there. Yes. Series 3 trailer below.

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Dress Code: Tie It Up

-Selectism had a little blurb about this Band of Outsiders bow tie. The gist was that a slimmer bow tie (not the Tucker Carlson kind) is a great addition to the modern outfit. Although I can actually tie a bow tie, I've been rocking the fake bow tie from my 6th grade band uniform lately for its simplicity and slender cut. Always a fan of Band of Outsiders I might get one of these, especially since I lost my favorite Brooks Brothers bow tie. more

Design Major: NYC Spring 09 Band of Outsiders

-I've been a fan of Band of Outsiders for a few years now, and this show certainly met the expectations of an avid fan. The collection had a modernized 50s feel to it, with elements of The Beach Boys or a mid-90s high school ska band. What makes a label like Band of Outsiders important is their ability to appeal to the young man who wants to highlight his youth and his knowledge of classic style.
-Photos and analysis of our favorite looks from the collection after the jump.

-I've never been a fan of knit ties, but what can you do? Notice the Band for Sperry Top-Siders we posted about a while back.

-Casual DBs everywhere this year? A look I think we'll see a lot on the street if someone starts making affordable blazers.

-This look is where I thought ska band. I really like that checkerboard bow tie and the tux pant.

-Word. If you know me, you can probably tell why I like this. Except those hats. Fuck hats, get over it, it's not 1940.

-Who doesn't love madras?

-Word. Cardigans and shorts are a great way to ride the seasons.

-De Stilj, yeah? The yellow jacket with that shirt, I wonder if it was a direct Mondrian reference or just coincidence.

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Dress Code: (Boy)'s Girl

-NYT style blog The Moment had a blurb about Michelle Williams, Heath Ledger's babymama who is now apparently dating Spike Jonze, being featured for Band of Outsiders female line Boy.
-I picked this up because Band of Outsiders has long been one of my favorite labels, mainly for their ability (much like their clothes) to be ubiquitous (in certain circles) while remaining subtle and under the radar. This is the first I've heard of their female line, but I can only expect it will exquisitely deliver the muted rock-meets-prep aesthetics of the proprietary line.
-Also, I've got to assume that Michelle Williams is the shit if she landed Heath and Spike. more

School Supplies: Class Act Endorsements

-This post comes from a few different things floating around in my head this morning. Firstly, its been raining, secondly: Hypebeast had a blurb about the Band of Outsiders x Sperry collaboration, albeit they're a little late with the news, given that GQ and even Teen Vogue had pieces from the collab months ago. We are, of course, true Sperry fans, and I've been a B.O.O. fan ever since I saw their take on classic ties. But I've always had a problem with overpriced simplicity. To me, Band of Outsiders didn't do much different to the classic Sperry form, but the price of the collab shoes are between $200-300, instead of $50-100 like most Sperrys. Marc Jacobs did Vans slip-ons and they were priced at a reasonable $85. The point of all this is that, like the overpriced B.O.O. Sperrys, their ties are also overpriced, for what they are (muted tonal striped ties, mostly).

-That brings me to this: Although my co-editor dissed Urban Outfitters in the last post, I think that if you approach U.O. with the right perspective, you can pick out the gems (like Fred Perry or Modern Amusement^1).

-I was recently at urban and they had a line of ties (pictured) I was previously unaware of. The brand on the ties was Hi-Brow, but I couldn't find a company Web site, so I'm unsure of the origin. Nonetheless, there was an assortment of interestingly patterned, perfectly narrow (6cm at the widest point) ties. For about $28, not $128. However, there were about 30 different ties in the store and I could find only two from this particular line at the urban online shop, so make the trip to the nearest retail location. 

-Now I know that the counter point, as it usually is when arguing in favor of designer goods, is that the pricier goods are quality made, probably by hand, probably not by kids in Indonesia, probably with better materials. But when you're young and on a budget let your conscience and wallet take a break and score some fresh ties. 

1-Interestingly, a Modern Amusement logo patterned tie that was, to me, overpriced, was featured in both GQ and Details in recent months, it's whatevs.

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