Random Thoughts | Tailored Gang

yeah, uh huh, you know who it is...

everything they do, they do it BIG...

If you've ever wondered about How To Talk To Girls at Parties or been Beat Like You Stole Something I certainly suggest you first Start with (a) Typewriter or (a computer like I'm doing) and gather your thoughts. (Or you can read this ill-advised blogpost, hey the choice is yours it's a free country)

As I continue to get older I am starting to understand, appreciate and value the importance of "fit". Not to discredit quality made goods cause I love 'em to death, but what good is a great shirt/pants if it fits you like a potato sack? (That may have sounded better in my head)

That's where the "Tailored Gang" come in. These dudes are some of the crispiest dudes on the internet and even more so a great reference if you want to get your "Grown Man Style" and fit on. These guys are doing some great things with their shop Run Of The Mill, that's carefully curated and well put together. So if you want to up step it up a notch, find a great tailor and start educating yourself on fits as well as fabrics or even better, you can ask one of these dudes. Just don't be one of those lame Anon drones who hate on people doing great things.

Sincerely,

AFS

Random Thoughts | Blood In, Blood Out (1993)

when you expect nothing and get everything, that's destiny...

Pleated khakis, chambray shirts, denim jeans and jackets , tanktops with flannel check shirts, navy colored beanies, and all black sunglasses...need I say more?

Blood In, Blood Out was not just a movie, but based on true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca. I'm not exactly sure how it spoke to me growing up because I was neither "chicano" nor did I grow up in East L.A., nonetheless, there was something about the film that was so powerful. Maybe it was the fact that Director Taylor Hackford shot the film inside San Quentin Prison and managed to get a great deal of prisoners to act in the film, which in essence, intertwined movies with reality (hence the reason I watch Entourage). Whatever the case may be, this was a great movie with even greater style. I may not wear my chambray shirt button all the way to the top nor only have the top button buttoned, but I definitely love a lot of these looks as well as what looks to be a French Work (Chore) Jacket in picture 8.

If you haven't had the chance to, or have never watched the movie I suggest you "Netflix" it.

[Source] Still Stile

Random Thoughts | Personal Style

when keepin' it real goes wrong...

Random Thoughts | The Bucket Hat

i'm on my cool j...(minus the muscles, swag, and just about everything else)

Old School

New School

Although, I for one will humbly admit that I can't pull off a Kangol, (due in large to my watermelon size noggin') I'm really loving the old school bucket hat. Not exactly sure why. Maybe it's that nostalgic feeling I get at the pit of my stomach when something "just feels right". Or maybe because it reminds me of a time when hip-hop was hip-hop and Run DMC was straight killin' it, and movies err were... well...ORIGINAL like Breakin' (Sidenote: Hollywood what's up with all the re-makes? I mean is there anything original these days? Oh and if Soljah Boy plays Bishop in Juice #$#%#%...sorry I've digressed). 

Whatever the case may be, I'd figure I'd dust off an old bucket and seeing as it's getting ready to get freakishly hot here in Houston, it's another great way to protect yourself from the dangerous UV rays. Unless, you want/like the leathery skin look, just sayin.

I really love the way the bucket hat is worn by the Japanese (#Japa-steeze) dudes pictured above. I too would opt for a larger brim, but instead of solid khaki, I'd put more color into my wardrobe with a patchwork bucket hat.

Random Thoughts | Hipster Glasses

enough is enough...

I've just about had it with these glasses. Everywhere I turn, especially on T.V., I see what the public has deemed as "Hipster Glasses". For me, the straw that finally broke the camel's back was seeing a waitress with these exact black framed glasses without any lenses. I'm not here to vent, to tell you to stop wearing them, but in my humble opinion (coming from a person who was literally born with glasses) I think this "trend" is beyond ridiculous. I come from a time where glasses were deemed "nerdy" and I can still remember begging my parents to get contacts to alleviate the big framed glasses that made my brothers and I look like we were from the set of Napolean Dynamite. So I ask myself, "When did glasses become so cool?" If you have never worn glasses before, you do not understand the pain that many, like myself, had to endure before Lasik came about. I'm not going to go into lengthy detail about my struggles, but when I was growing up playing sports, if you wore glasses you were forced to either wear your glasses and risk the chances of breaking them or wear sports googles. I was willing to risk breaking my glasses and being blind for however long it took me to get back to the optometrist office because as far as I was concerned, the only person who looked cool with goggles was this guy (and maybe Chris Sabo) other than that, you wouldn't be caught dead wearing goggles while playing sports.Not only were they a pain while playing sports, but they're were most certainly a pain living in Houston with the humidity and all the condensation that would form on them when you'd go from outside to inside (back then we played outside and rode bikes and had no idea what X-Box or Playstation was). Not to mention how painful they were to watch T.V. with (I can't remember how many times I've broken my glasses due to falling asleep in them. I'm almost certain they created those spring hinges and Flexon Technology for kids like me who had hard times staying awake while watching T.V. Enough with my personal hardships, I'm sure all those who did grow up wearing prescription glasses can feel my pain.

Anyways, I leave you with this, and I'm talking to those who are wearing these glasses without a prescription. You have been blessed with unbelievable eyesight, so please, I beg of you stop wearing non-prescription, trendy hipster glasses just to complete a look because I promise you no matter how cool or great it goes with your outfit, the moment someone asks to try them on and notices they're not prescription is the moment you almost always lose all credibility.

Not to say that any of those pictured above are wearing non-prescription glasses, but if I were to go all in, I most certainly believe none of them need glasses...except for Dwayne Wade especially after the "nasty" facial he received tonight a la Taj Gibson

Sincerely,

AFS

Random Thoughts | Black Shoes

It's been a hot minute since I've sweated a pair of black shoes, let alone worn a pair for reasons beyond my own understanding. Maybe I felt as if black shoes a la Dr. Martens reminded me of "Ninja-Goth" dudes patrolling the mall (to each his own, but it's safe to say I couldn't pull off drop-crotch (harem) pants) or that black dress shoes always reminded me of bankers/financiers on Wall Street or even worse funerals/death. Whatever it may have been, black shoes haven't really appealed to me in the past couple years especially since business offices have become more 'lax with dress attire. I'm really loving these black shoes from Alden and I know summer is on it's way, but I'm really trying to think ahead towards Fall. The red brick sole of these give it a more summer look, but I believe if I'm going to pull the trigger on some black shoes for Fall, I'm definitely going to go with a contrast sole to give 'em that extra "zing".

Random Thoughts | Striped T-shirt

yup in my striped tee...

 

Random Thoughts | The Cowboy Hat

swagga' sold separately.

Contrary to popular belief, you won't spot too many people on the streets of Houston rockin' a Cowboy Hat, unless the Rodeo is in town. The Rodeo is HUGE here in Houston ("EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS"...if you didn't know that already) and is about the only time a Cowboy Hat seems to be appropriate for not just cowboys, but the general population. If worn correctly, I firmly believe the Cowboy Hat can be donned by just about anybody. Having said that, it's about time I pull out an old school Stetson...in honor of Rodeo Houston of course.

Random Thoughts | The Vintage Tee

Depp.

The basic tee should be a staple in any man's wardrobe, especially here in Houston where the weather's already in the 70s low 80s. I'm really vibin' this vintage, oversized tee that Johnny's sporting even more so because of the holes that add character. I have a couple of basic tees that I've had for 5-10 years that are super soft, the collar is worn to crap and the holes continue to accumulate. Opt for a vintage tee this summer and I'm not talking about the one's you buy that are already "worn-in" (that's cheating), but the one's you've put some work into. Trust me, your pockets ($$$) will thank you for it.

Pair 'em with:
-Ebbets Field Cap for AFS
-Jeans or Khakis
-'89 Nike Air Pegasus

Random Thoughts | The Bandana Necktie

from headwear to neckwear...

Not only is Crangi light years ahead of most, if not all dudes, but I'm really diggin' the bandana "necktie" (not to mention the whole unit). When styled correctly this affordable accessory which you can find about anywhere can drastically help complete your outfit. It's all about details guys and Crangi is straight breakin' necks and cashin' checks. Check him out as well as the 50 Most Stylish New Yorkers - By Photographer Stefani Pappas here...(sorry to burst y'alls bubble, but Carmelo didn't make this list).

Random Thoughts | All Black Everything

black cards, black cars, all black everything...

Cash.

Before Jay-Z and Ye' there was the original Man In Black. This is a great photo that got me thinking about how you see a wide range of people these days wearing all black everything. You probably won't ever see me in all black everything but since I tend to not own anything black albeit a couple of black tees and a suit, it's about time I add some black to my wardrobe. I definitely know I can't or will never be able to pull off the all black everything look, but I figure it's good to mix it up once in awhile and add a couple key pieces like a nice shirt, tie or even a pair of slacks to the repertoire. 

"I keep a close  watch on this style of mine, I keep my eyes wide open all the time....I'll walk THAT line" (not the real lyrics, but you get the drift).

Random Thoughts | Lumberjack Chic

as venables would say...

The whole heritage trend...yeah I said it trend can get a tad bit over done at times. Layer upon layer of thermals buffalo check plaids, and flannels can make even a skinny guy look like this.

Give it up for this sartorial gent to take the "lumberjack/heritage" look and make it look more chic by keeping his clothes especially his peacoat slim and trim.

[Source] The Sartorialist

Random Thoughts | Floral Print

cause i'm comfortable with my manhood...

feelin' this subtle floral print shirt

Japanese magazine HUGE designed a lookbook for Engineered Garments Spring/Summer 2011 Collection that showcases a number of relaxed fits with a variety of bold color patterns (ie floral print). The collection has a rather familiar "Engineered Garments" feel utilizing classic American menswear and updating it with modern tailoring. I'm really diggin' the floral print for Spring/Summer and it's a nice alternative to the lightweight shirts and madras shirts that you see most dudes wearing.

Random Thoughts | The Military Shirt

a milli...a milli...a military shirt...

While the chambray shirt is still all the rave down here in Houston...I've really been feelin' the military shirt for quite some time. Not exactly sure what's attracted me to it, but one things for certain, the shirt is super versatile. Whether you elect to wear the it like the gents pictured above or add your own personal twist, I suggest wearing it untucked and having the length of the shirt  in line with your wrist at the hip. I also prefer no epaulets. Lastly, if you're not a cardigan person like myself, this is also a great substitute to throw over any type of shirt on a cooler day down here.

[Pictures] The Sartorialist

Random Thoughts | Women in Neckties

Dr. Smith approves...and so do I.

The Sartorialist

Random Thoughts | Military Tie Tuck

With the tie bar all the rave at the moment, I'm really feelin' the military tie tuck..

Photo: [you_have_broken_the_internet]