Ease up !

I've been trying to ease up on some of the goodies that I like to gush about on the blog. It's hard. Damn hard. My only saving grace is that summer wear is in full swing and I'm not a lover of shorts/polos/etc.

I'd rather stay in my 3Sixteen jeans or J. Crew Urban Slim Khakis (2 pairs and counting!)with a long sleeve shirt rolled up. Save the flip flops for the beach, Kyle! No one really wants to see your toes.

Anyway, I have been out there doing some damage.

Scores :

I didn't pick up the J. Crew red chambray due to its 25% linen content. I rushed into the red chambray at Lucky Brand and now regret doing so. The fit is way too big and baggy. Long too.
Gap surprised me with their own 2 weeks back. Have to say, for the price, its damn nice. The cotton has a thick, sturdy feel and the fit seems to be slimmed down from prior seasons chambrays. The shade of red is quite nice as well, although I wish it was a shade darker. Very solid purchase.

Feeling nostalgic, I picked up J Crew's vintage fleece zip-up hoodie in heathered grey. I had countless versions of this as a kid. Always remember my mother layering one under my vest or "leather" jacket. I was quite surprised with the feel of J. Crew's version. I expected the old generous fit of yesteryear's versions, but I was happy to have my expectations not met. The fit is perfect for me. Slim, but not tight. Love the zip action on this cuz I can still wear it work under a more formal jacket, and just shed it once I get to the office.


Last year I went nutso over finding the RayBan Caravan shades. I loved them so much I bought them twice. Now I'm wondering if I should add the classic Aviators to my arsenal. Never know when I may be called to fly a fighter jet at last minute. I ordered these from J. Crew and I'm mulling it over now. I know these are classic shades, but my only worry is that every face seems to be sporting these this year.

Charles Tyrwhitt has officially become my favorite maker for my dress shirts. Their slim fit shirts come in great patterns, and usually can be had for a decent price. Now I'm by now means slim but these shirts cut a flattering profile for any dude, IMO. They're in London but ship to the USA for reasonable prices.

Lastly, I finally pulled the trigger on trying some of the offerings from Land End Canvas. I assembled an order of various shirts and pants, still too arrive. There has been good press around this collection so I eagerly await what's in store. The prices seemed pretty fair. I will let you know how I find the offerings.

No Grass

It's been a while, I know. I haven't forgotten you....that is, if anyone is reading out there.

I want to change topics to vent a little. No one else probably wants to hear me, so why not here.

Let's talk about grass. No, not that. The other Grass. Kentucky Blue Grass. Fescue. All that good stuff. You can exit now if you sense boredom....

My backyard developed some bare spots at the end of last summer and thru the fall/winter. Being the master yardsman that I am (wink wink), I did some major work clearing the areas, turning over the soil, putting down special grass seed, and buying special weed-free hay to cover it up with.

Ran the sprinklers. Ran the sprinklers. Ran the sprinklers.

Two weeks later, I ain't seein' much grass!

Now come on! I was a workwear workhorse out there! My Levi's 501 STF (which are starting to break in nicely), my J Crew buffalo plaid flannel and my Red Wing boots (which took some beating that weekend).

A full day's work and about $100 of materials. Not too happy.

Heard the on the Street

Walking down Wall St yesterday. There is a dude, probably 30s, in a putrid sky blue matching track suit, talking on his phone.

He's being so loud. Obnoxious.

As I walk by I hear "Are you kidding me? If that was me, I'd be a millionaire, I mean I already am a millionaire, but I'd be a multi-millionaire!"

Ok genius, why don't you take a few dollars and do something about that track suit.

Breaks my Heart

I've been jonesing for a Levi's trucker denim jacket for a while now. I had one in high school, '88, I think it was. Damn, time flies.

Bought one a few months ago, took it back. Blah color. Bought the "one year" wash trucker jacket from the Levi's website last week. Going back. The color just isn't working. Not very authentic on the indigo shade. More like a blackish-blue.

Along with the order, I threw in two pair of 514s since they were on sale at a nice price. The jeans actually fit pretty good but the washes were just too affected for my taste.

But what really got to me was what I found on the inside tags of these items.

Trucker jacket: Made in China.
Levi's 514 jeans: Made in Cambodia.

The quintessential American clothing company.

Americana has now been outsourced to Cambodia.

I know, this is nothing new. But sometimes it just rips out my selvedge seamed heart.

A Wonderful Surprise

A couple weeks back, I was pretty bummed that I lost my sterling silver J. Crew tie clip that I had received as a surprise gift from Mickey and co in the fall.

Well, turns out someone was actually reading my stuff here, cuz yesterday th UPS man brought me a shiny new one from JC.

How nice is that, eh?

Thanks so much J.P.