Let’s Bring it Back

The internet has been getting pretty hyphy recently about a Tweed Bike Ride that went down this last weekend in the District of Columbia (D.C!). Apparently what happened was that a bunch of cyclists and tweed enthusiasts took over the streets of D.C. dressed to the nines and had themselves a bike parade. My understanding is that the stipulations were that one should dress in their finest outfits and if possible, ride a vintage bike. The event received a decent amount of coverage, not surprisingly on NPR.

2009

A penny-farthing perhaps?

Despite the fact that I, like any progressive minded Chicago twenty-something is supposed to be, am a bicyclist, this event is not about the cycling involved. This event is an excuse for the people of D.C. to look fresh as hell.

This guy looks fresh as hell. His layering is great, but I am a real fan of that ascot. I have never been able to successfully pull off an ascot and I do not know anyone who has, without looking like a complete asshole. I don’t know this guy, but if I did, he would be the first guy in an ascot that I would not call an asshole. Rather, I would call him a fucking pimp.

But the previous digression is in itself a problem. The problem is that we have these preconceived notions and pretensions attached to certain items of clothing and accessories. The ascot is an example from my life, as I am sure there are plenty of items in yours, that I would not be caught wearing despite how badly I want to.

The problem is obvious in the Tweed Bike Ride. The people of D.C. have this day when they can dress up and wear stuff they probably truly like to wear. I would like to wear it also but I do not because I too would need an excuse to wear a tweed sport coat, knickerbockers,  an ascot and a fedora in public for fear of looking like an asshole. I have a feeling that many reading would also.

The people of D.C. should be applauded for their Tweed Bike Ride. But at the same time they should ask themselves, as should we, “why do we need a reason to look fresh as hell”?

When we can everyday.

I have a feeling this guy doesn’t need a reason.

To check out some hot tweed clothing and similar items creep on: Dashing Tweeds

- Brad

The Importance of Being Belted

Today , for my first post ever, I chose to write about the importance of wearing a belt. Wait, I don’t want to hear the dissent. The obligatory ” My pants aren’t falling down. What do I need a belt for then?” If we viewed fashion with this utilitarian sense nothing but wool and cargo pants would be worn, and I’d be sad. REAL sad.

A belt is important, ok? It creates a clear line between your torso and your legs, a line of separation for everyone to see clearly. You may not think this is needed but you look strange otherwise. You don’t take my word for it? Take a look at this guy.

Do you want to look this guy? If you do, please stop reading our blog.Everyone who wants to go belt-less gone? Ok good. You’re here because you want to learn something. So I’m telling you something. Every look you could ever want to model yourself after that had someone wearing jeans, slacks or some sort of legged pant (that isn’t sweatpants or spandex, which we can just forget along with Ugg Boots and Croc’s) has a belt. That iconic figure, or style you want to emulate has a man’s torso separated from his legs by something wrapped around his waist. So here is small guide for belt shopping.

Material: Leather or imitation leather preferably. The belts that are woven make you look like you’re trying too hard to be multicultural and tend to stretch out too easy, giving a relaxed look around your waist, making you look like you’re tummy is bulging. Leather offers longevity and class. It is a bit stiff at first, and certainly a little more expensive than cloth alternatives, but hey! You’re wearing it everyday, it’s worth it.

This is a Calvin Klein Belt, Italian Leather. Safe Choice. All you have to do is make sure you match your shoes to your belt color. Yes it is important. The Belt isn’t expensive, as your local mid-level nordstrom or sort will have it for less than $30, and I even found it on overstock.com for $17.99. Guaranteed not to rip or wear to fast, you’ll be thanking me in 3 months when you start to feel as if putting on a belt was just a part of the ol’ morning routine.

That’s it. Nothing much more to say about Men’s belts. Don’t let women tell you there is more to it than that. Match the color to your shoes, get something leather and simple and go.

-Trey