Excellent Joe

Relatively speaking (and no pun intended), moms don’t ask for much.  At the end of the day, they want to go to sleep knowing you’re happy and that you haven’t killed anyone.  And although they’ll welcome any gift, big or small, they just really want some of your time… and for you to get a haircut… and wear a tie for a change… and to stay longer than two hours (“You just got here!”).  It’s their day on Sunday; let’s rise to the occasion.

TRENDS

Knit Ties: Gitman For Bonobos Necktie $95.00

Trenchcoats: Swims Khaki Oslo Trenchcoat at Bonobos $365.00

Oxford Shirts: Bonobos Light Blue Spring Weight Oxford $88.00

Navy V-Neck Sweaters: A.P.C. Cotton V-Neck at Mr. Porter $180.00

Saddle Shoes: Mark McNairy New Amsterdam Suede Saddle Shoe at Bonobos $352.00

Vintage Wash Denim: Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1967 505′s at Mr. Porter $235.00

We added a little more oomph to the time-tested standby favorite outfit of jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt by selecting updated pieces that have more character in the details.  The sweatshirt is now a sweater with an athletic shawl collar.  The jeans are aged but still dark and in a slimmer fit.  The sneakers are exactly the same as when you first may have worn them in 1983 but now have a history behind them for more of a cooler, vintage attitude.  And since it only takes around four seconds and three brain cells to put this look together, you’ll still be able to devote the rest of your weekend to something with more substance… like watching the 36 hours of trash television that has accumulated on your DVR.

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Did you ever have the classic recurring nightmare that your college sends you a letter stating that you forgot to go to one of your classes and, therefore, never actually graduated? The rest of your night becomes an endless series of slow-motion, panic-inducing setbacks and detours as you drive back to campus in your underwear to wing the make-up final for the class you never attended ten years ago. Fun night.

This is NOT what we mean by this week’s Academic Revisions theme.  We do mean to point out, however, that a lot of clothing this season is grounded in a traditional collegiate heritage, but it’s done in a more upscale way with quality materials and artisan detailing.

TRENDS:

Oxford Shirt: A classic white oxford has a great rugged texture and looks great with anything…except Snookie. Hamilton Ecru Oxford $195.00

Raw Denim: Make your own personal distress the old fashioned way–by wearing them over and over again. Sure, it takes a little longer, but the eventual destroy and color loss will be all about you. A.P.C.Rescue Raw Denim Straight Leg Jean at Context $165.00

Wing Tip Shoes: They define the word classic and just happen to be trés trendy right now.  Caution: They’re also effing expensive. Alden Wing Tip Blucher Burgundy 975 at Unionmade $599.00

Casual Ties:  Huh? Did I just voluntarily wear a tie? Try it, you’ll like it. It’s the dude’s way of sneaking in a little pattern to liven up the usual solid shirt/pant uniform. J.Crew Ties $59.50-$69.50

Backpacks:  It was only a few years ago that I swore I would never own another one.  But that was then, and this is more of a gentleman’s canvas rucksack with leather details.  Looks and sounds so much better. Filson Rucksack at Blackbird $245.00