Excellent Joe

The Revolutionary War wasn’t the best PR maneuver for the United States and Great Britain, but look at us now: we’re total BFFs. This week we’re paying homage to our buddies across the pond by featuring the best of the old and the new British brands: a Barbour (est. 1894) waxed cotton jacket and an Oliver Spencer (est. 2002) chunky cardigan.  This pairing looks expensive because it is expensive; however, we offset these higher priced items with what we think is the best deal around: Gap 1969 indigo-dyed jeans. Overall, this look is a splurge that won’t go out of style even when the trend dies down. If someone asks where you got your duds, you won’t be lying (this time) when you tell them London.

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What screams autumn more than the tailgating tradition of getting drunk out of the back of your car?  And why relegate this parked party to only sporting events?  Offset your beloved inner meathead with something less obnoxious like a foliage hike or an apple picking excursion, two day trips worthy of an afternoon aperitif.

TRENDS

Fairisle Sweaters: Woolrich John Rich and Bros. Fairisle Crew at Blackbird $245.00

Treat this fairisle like a sweatshirt; it looks great peeking out of vests and jackets or wrapped around your waist.  You want to send the classic and fun message, not the uptight douche bag one.  It’s also perfect for diverting tailgating guests away from your soon-to-be ex who’s ralphing behind the car after six-too-many Apple Smashers.

Corduroy Trousers: J.Crew Bowery Cord $69.50

Fall is always corduroy season, but this year it’s out of control in every silhouette: trousers, shirts, jackets, and suits from mini to wide wale. If your jeans and chinos took a vacation together, they’d recommend these cord trousers to fill in while they were gone. (Don’t forget to tuck them into your boots.)

Chambray Shirts: Gap Chambray Shirt $49.50

Chambray shirts are still going strong in various levels of tooth and texture.  It’s like a solid shirt with a lot of attitude.  More rugged, less slick if you will.  And we just might.

Vests: North Face Redpoint Vest $99.00

This nylon vest updates the look with a layer of sporty, dull shine that plays well off the knitted vintage fairisle pattern.  The quilting is moderately insulated to keep you warm without making you look like you’re trying to smuggle a spare tire into the stadium.

Artisanal Heritage Boots: L.L. Bean Boot $149.00

As the theory goes, the only survivors of a nuclear war would be cockroaches, Cher, and Bean boots. These booticus indestructos will keep your feet cozy and dry through even the most miserably wet parking lot fields. Puddle jumping demonstrations will amaze and annoy your friends. This season’s twist is a black leather upper.

Don’t throw away the deodorant just yet: we’re simply talking about adding a little more texture with chambray shirts, cut-off corduroy shorts, and sun-faded v-neck tees.  Add  blips of neon with a retro running shoe.

J.Crew Broken-in No-pocket V-neck Tee $24.50

New Balance 420 Retro Running Shoes $59.50

Gap Short Sleeve Gray Chambray Shirt $49.50

We’re not talking about assisting Sarah Palin on her next helicopter hunting expedition.  We’re just loving this easy-to-wear short sleeve chambray shirt in gray.  It feels fresh even after quite a few seasons of chambray mania.  It also makes your arms look slightly more jacked-up than their usual jacked-upness.

Gap Short Sleeve Gray Chambray Shirt $49.50