Khaki Monsters

After much time, harrassment, and the good conscious of Mr. Nosan, I, Austin, finally make my debut amongst such veterans that write for this blog. My goal with this and every other writing is to maintain what we here at Crooks do best, but you already knew that. Along those same lines, I want to bring a perspective that my counterparts do not have, and that is living within the epicenter of all law, regulation, and a different sense of style that is Washington, D.C. I promise no lengthy introductions will follow this one, so here we go!

Having only moved to the District recently, one thing has become very evident, an observation I will date back to many times. That being of what I refer to as the ‘khaki monsters’, commonly known as the nine to five government worker. Take a walk on the mall or through Capital Hill on a weekday and prepare for the inundation of pleated khakis. Now while this not only is not the focus of this post, nor is it necessarily a bad thing, I know that this subject will most likely carry over to a majority of my posts, as this sets the precedent and standard for why everything else is so different/weird/awesome in The District. With all of that said, the focus of this post is one thing, and one thing only, RINGS. 

The subtleties and not so subtle statements of rings, I feel, tend to be lost amongst a fashion community more focused on bigger pieces. I personally have a knack for jewelry, being that a simple piece can set off a whole look. Such as this double ring, which various venders carry, such as Surface To Air, for a variety of prices and styles. Pending on what you are looking for, and how subtle or not subtle you feel like, you can always opt for a conversation starter from Surface To Air as well. Overall, jewelry offers a unique opportunity to set off your own personality in interesting ways.

Once again, I apologize if this post rants, rambles, or strays from the objective, but they will only progress from here. The District offers a very interesting prospective, and I hope to relay my vision onto all of you. This is the start of a beautiful relationship.

 

-austin

Christmas Time is Here. Happiness and Cheer.

Hey-o internet world. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you need for this upcoming wintery world (assuming you live in a snowy hell like I do, ie. Chicago). The cold weather, the wind, the rising wet snow all around your feet…it can be a tumultous time for you.

So foremost, let me recommend the comforts of some wool trousers. I just bought a pair of grey wool trousers from H&M for $50 and I am in love. Not only are they exponentially warmer than your cotton slacks or jeans, but the thicker material breaks quite well against your shoes for a very natural cuff. I personally recommend these:

To go with your warm new slacks, you’re going to either need to upgrade the protection on your shoes or buy some quality boots. I really don’t reccomennd the idea of galoshes. For me, they take too long to take off and look kind of tacky. This ehow article explains clearly how to take care of your leather shoes in all weather.

However, if you do feel the need to upgrade into some boots, allow me to steer you towards Grenson‘s brogue-style boots. Sure, they are leather and will need treatment as well. But they combine the no-frills look that a boot requires to stomp through snow with a bit of stitching detail that your friends will be envious of.

I’m pretty much foaming at the mouth thinking about these. Check back later this week to see what you should wear on the top of your body.

 

Chicago Street Style

Everyone loves a good street style blog and now for those of us residing in Chicago, there is now one for us.

Run by Chicago resident Amy Creyer, Chicago Streetstyle Scene is a collection of photographs taken by Amy of the people of Chicago and their various syles and influences.  What I enjoy most about their mission at Chicago Street Style is that they aim to “present an authentic vision of the streets of Chicago as they appear. Therefore we aim to include a wide variety of styles and looks, not just the traditionally ‘fashionable.’ ” As opposed to portraying the people of Chicago as overly glamorous and fashionable like the swanky high rises downtown, Chicago Street Style treats all the people photographed as an inherent part of the city’s urban fabric.

We know that a city is not just made of sky scrapers, but also houses, projects, restaurants, streets and stop signs. Likewise, people have many different understandings of style and what they think looks rad as hell, and Chicago Street Style appreciates this and this philosophy can be seen in the photographs.

p.s. She snapped a picture of me the other.

-brad