INSPIRATION | STYLITES.NET : 'THE SARTORIALIST OF BEIJING'

Recently, I've become fascinated with the emergent Chinese 'scene', and this blog is a gem I discovered while doing some recon.  Stylites.net is the work of Nels Frye, a Bostonian in Beijing, who's also the editor-in-Chief of China's LifeStyle magazine and the co-founder of Sen Li and Frye, a menswear and tailoring boutique in Beijing, (I know, kind of makes me feel like a chump). The blog itself, written in English and Chinese, is dedicated to the street style and fashion scene in Beijing. Given it's Sartorialist-like quality, Stylites is, as one might expect, full of interesting characters.  However, unlike other street photogs, Frye tends to dwell on his subjects a bit longer, revealing more narrative about the people, events, or trends that he's focused on, (like this post where he chases the leopard print trend through Beijing).

Frye's talent as a photographer and the Chinese style scene make for a refreshing and engrossing read.  I won't pretend to have any experience within China's fashion scene, but if this blog is any indication, it seems fearless but also quite classy.  I've posted a few of my favorite shots below, and recommend adding Stylites to your Reeder [sic] for daily dose of something off the beaten path. - M

via stylites.net

via stylites.net

via stylites.net

via stylites.net

via stylite.net

via stylites.net

via stylites.net

via stylite.net

via stylites.net

via stylites.net

A WEEK'S SVPPLY | No. 03: FEB 19 - FEB 25

Things that caught my eye this week, (from left to right):

1. Eland Pants, Wood Wood
   I had the pleasure of checking these pants out last time I was in Denmark and can report that they're incredibly soft, well made and come in a ton of colors. I'll admit they're a unique fit - very generous up top and tapered at the ankles - but I find it refreshing; somehow they just work.
2. Hunting Overshirt, YMC
   Indigo dyed cotton with tan leather elbow patches. Plus contrast buttons of any kind really get me, especially when fully buttoned, and this shirt does it particularly well.
3. Tote, Chester Wallace
   Hand made in Portland by a dude. Apparently, the inspiration for this bag was to have something big enough to carry two six packs.  I'm sure it does that very well, but it also just looks mighty fine.  These come in a huge amount of colorways, too, makes me want four.
4. Herringbone Necktie, Ernest Alexander
   There's everything to love about a good herringbone/plaid combo.  Especially if it's hand made in NYC, which this one is.
5. Crosby Shoe, Common People
   Most shoes of this ilk can come off as kind of clunky, but these manage to be elegant. They look like they could be the best spring shoe ever and comfy as slippers.  Complete steal, at about $100/£85.
6. MacBook Pro Sleeve, Charbonize
   Obligatory nod to the most talked about product this week. This is an Etsy find unearthed by my coworker Mara. It's wool, leather and can be monogrammed. $67 is a better price than whatever Jake Spade nonsense most people are buying.
7. MK II Vantage Watch for Epaulet
   This came out a month ago, but somehow I just found it last week. MKII is a Swiss watch manufacturer that made this especially for Epaulet in BK/LES. It's a 'real' watch (read: not just a pretty Timex) so it's pricey, but very reasonable given other watches of its kind.
8. Shopper Tote, Common Projects
   Just a simple leather tote for spring. It's got well situated pockets inside, too. Made in Italy, found via Selectism.
9. Coaches Jacket, McNairy for Run Of The Mill
   While the rest of the world was focused on the ROTM double monks, I was quite taken with this jacket. Described as "a less rugged take on the classic Barbour jacket", I like it for its understated-ness. Color is great for spring and/or fall, too.

Clearly, gray and tan were out in full force on the internet this week (or maybe it was just me?). I've also noticed things took a turn from rugged to finished, (or at least a little more finished). A very, very welcome change and one which is reflected in this week's collection. Way to grow up a bit, interwebs, more of that please. - M

Found after posting: Looks like Bill Cunningham also noticed the gray and tan palette this week on the street. Funny how that works. 

VIDEO | GANT BY MICHAEL BASTIAN S/S 2011

So happy to see another piece by duo Tom Rand (of the Scout) and director Brennan Woods.  Last season, they teamed up with Gant to capture a  backstage view of Bastian's collection, and I'm happy the partnership has continued into Fall. In my opinion, these two make some of the best videos on the internet, and this one is no exception. Definitely take a minute to check out their work on craftsmen here. Congrats, Tom and Brennan on another class act! - M

SPECIAL EDITION | A STUDY IN PRESIDENTIAL STYLE

Preamble: I realized yesterday that President's Day has been a greatly overlooked moment for style appreciation. Like them or not, the American presidents have been at the center of the nation's - and the world's - consciousness for over 200 years. With all eyes on their every move, one can assume that even in the era of powder wigs, the style choices of these First Men were no afterthought, (after all, if there is anything politicians know it is the art of self presentation). From Washington to Roosevelt, Kennedy to Obama, one cannot deny that presidential style has impacted the national menswear zeitgeist (and vice versa).

In celebration of this national holiday, I was curious to trace the trends and personalities of the American presidency, from founding fathers to today so I scoured the internet for images of each president with an eye to their personal style.

I won't lie, finding these images took a hell of a lot longer than I expected but I was fascinated to see the introduction, ebb and flow of trends. Bow ties for example continuously go in and out of favor, beards make a strong showing post-civil war, and there's a period of amazing hats around Calvin Coolidge. I'll be honest, in the end I actually came to appreciate these guys in a whole new light.  Anyway, check out our 44 rather dapper presidents after the jump and happy holiday. - M

________________
**Editors Note**
This project was inspired
in part by N'East Style's
excellent post on Teddy Roosevent
- many thanks Christine!

A WEEK'S SVPPLY | No. 02: FEB. 14 - FEB. 18

Things that caught my eye this week: (from left to right)

1. Terry Fleece Hoodie, Left Field NYC
   Gold. Zipper. Need I say more.
   
2. Blue Oxford Popover, Gant Rugger
   Popovers can either be very, very right or very, very wrong. This one of course is of the former category, and they just came in at Epaulet for you NYers that want a closer look.
   
3. New Amsterdam Oxford Derby, Marc McNairy
   I'm generally skeptical of McNairy, but the playfulness of these just won me over.  Not over the top either. Very nice.
   
4. Blastivo Jacket, Billionaire Boys Club
   Speaking of over the top, this jacket is so wonderfully insane that it must be recognized merely for existing. Warning: For super advanced players only – I could see the Kissi's and the Gumbs' of the world pulling it off and not many others. It will be available in the US March 1st. Mark your cals, daring sirs.
   
5. Field Watch, Timex for Club Monaco
   Simple, classic, cheap. I am happy to call this watch mine w/ nothing to complain about. It's $50 at Club Monaco or you can get the non-Monaco version at Kmart for $40. (h/t to Jonathan for that smart find).
   
6. Denim and Floral Tie, The General Knot
   This is my favorite tie of the moment. It is just one of the very many fantastic ties GK has in store right now and this week they just dropped a lovely selection of bow ties too. Newly in love with this company.
   
7. Bretton T-Shirt, Paul Smith
   Stripey, springy goodness. Could imagine it would provide a nice touch layered under a button down and a worn denim jacket.
   
8. Vercors Cartigan, Sixpack France
   I feel like a nice cotton shawl collar is hard to come by, and this one looks like it's a winner. I don't know much about the company, but they make this John Lennon T-shirt too, which gives them points.
   
9. Rockwool Vest, Penfield
   Sure, this is a fall piece, but it's probably on sale and if you need a down vest Penfield is a solid option. Also, check out their S/S lookbook if you like sailing or jackets or both.

This time around I ended up with kind of a schizophrenic collection - not surprising given the nature of my week. But, I'm wholeheartedly embracing the 'all over the place-ness'...all the way to the bar. Cheers, it's a three day weekend. - M

_______________
**Editor's Note**
If you're asking, 'what is A Week's Svpply?'
peep the week one post and an explanation here.

YES, PLEASE | WOOD AND FAULK CARPENTER BAG

Made proudly in America by Heritage Leather Company for Wood&Faulk.
Size: 20in x 6in x 16in, Weight: 5.5 lbs.

This bag is only $85. I repeat: This bag is only 85 bucks.

If the picture and the price tag aren't reason enough, here are some details: The Carpenter bag features No.10 cotton canvas with top grain moccasin leather bottom,  saddle-leather handles and straps, plus steel d-rings sewn into the handles, so you can add your own strap. It certainly appears sturdy enough for tools, but from the looks of it the bag has serious potential to translate well for the functionally-minded urbanite. The shape and colorway make it an especially nice option as a spring weekender.

The piece is part of a private label created by Wood & Faulk, a Seattle based project that documents one man's experiment in craft, woodworking and style. The W&F line is made in partnership with the Heritage Leather Company, a leather and work wear supply company, which crafts all their goods in America.

Whether or not the bag strikes your fancy, I suggest you check out the Wood & Faulk site.  Mike, the man behind the project, runs one of the best blogs I've had the pleasure to stumble across. I spent 40 minutes on it today and learned about everything from one man's vintage Barbour, to how to re-furbish a kitchen, to a really fantastic band called The Middle East.  Did I mention the bag is only 85 dollars? Hurrah for creative, crafty, stylish people.  - M

ART | FRAMEWORK POSTERS BY MOXY CREATIVE

 

Oh, Moxy Creative, will you ever let us down? Probably not and that's ok. You might have seen my previous two posts on Moxy's other style inspired posters, (menswear and musicians) both of which got a very nice shout out on Apartment Therapy this week.  Anyway, this latest series is as great as the last two and deserving of its own little feature.  At this point as long as Moxy keeps making these posters I will keep blogging about them so here's to many more series to come. Get them here and See them all after the jump.

- M