I’ve been wearing Wayfarers since back in 2008 during my DC days. If I was ahead of the curve at all then it was all inspired by the Kennedy prepster vibe of DC, but by my return to Gold Cup in 2009 everybody was wearing them. Mine were knock offs (chalk that up to just starting freelancing and having no money), but I rocked them hard. Before long I had an authentic pair of Ray Bans thanks to my sister Katie, and I’ve kept a pair in rotation ever since. I think I’m on my third or fourth pair (I don’t know I confuse them with Allyson’s). For the last year I’ve been sporting matte black.
I love my Wayfarers. They’re classic, they go with everything, and they fit my face well, which for me has always been a hard find. For all there upsides though, there is a glaring truth that’s been hard to reconcile. EVERYBODY owns a pair of Wayfarers.
Wayfarers are like iPhones. They were just different and cool enough that they caught on, going from a cool accessory to a universal trend. To me, having a grown man’s sense of style (Hell, having a sense of style in general) means cultivating and enjoying something that is uniquely you. That’s why, as much as it pains me, it’s time to retire my trusty Wayfarers and make an eyewear upgrade.
Enter Warby Parker. If you haven’t heard of them, they started as a prescription eyewear brand that sold exclusively through their website. Last summer they introduced their first line of sunglasses. Their designs are refreshingly original - an aesthetic they call vintage inspired with a contemporary twist. Icing on the cake, for every pair of glasses sold another is distributed to someone in need, facilitating a chance to learn, read, and work to some 15% of the global population currently without.
The part I’m really geeking out about though is the ordering process. Jump over to their website, add 5 pair that you’d like to try to your shopping cart, and then WP will ship them for you to try out free of charge. Keep the one(s) you want and send the rest back. I’m placing an order for these 5 right now and will post about how they turn out:
Manksters and other proper sleeveless-shirt-wearing fools: it’s your season, so get those arms ready. You know you do have the right to bare arms; it is America. If you are in fact going to take us to the gun show, I recommend trying this local trend I’ve seen begin to grow, wearing glass mardi gras beads avec said tanks. They are simple, free in most cases, colorful, and have loads of character. If you didn’t stock up/save any during mardi gras, ask a friend or visit a vintage shop. Here’s three suggestions on how to wear them.
It’s insta-inspiration day. This time, I connected with three very different fellows representing the East Coast, the West Coast, and the dirty South. I asked them a few questions and pulled three instagram shots to show their individual take on day-to-day style. Grams from these dudes are def worth following.
First up, Jeffrey from NY, NY:
What’s your favorite beverage for day drinking? ”The Bloody Caesar at Jeffrey’s Grocery in the West Village”
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? ”my BLK DNM leather jacket”
What’s one thing that makes a man look sharp? ”A basic white T-shirt is the foundation for any man to look sharp.”
Top brand in your wardrobe: marni
Follow Jeffrey: @jeffreysays on twitter and/or jeffreysays on instagram
Next Up, Adam from San Francisco:
What’s your favorite beverage for day drinking? ”Moscow mules are great for day drinking. Vodka sodas if it’s swimsuit season.”
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? ”My dark-wash Levi 511s. Hands down.”
What’s one thing that makes a man look sharp? ”*Cliche’ alert* confidence. I don’t care what you’re wearing; if you don’t have confidence wearing it, you’re not pulling it off.”
Top brand in your wardrobe: Original Penguin and Levi’s
Follow Adam: @adampryor3 on twitter and/or adampryor on instagram
Finally, Marshall from New Orleans:
What’s your favorite beverage for day drinking? ”Well I’m kinda lame, so I usually just stick to good ole h2o. But I looove me a java chip frappucino for that 2:30 feeling (five hour energy reference intended)”
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? ”I’m gonna have to say my Khaki Levi 511 chinos. The fit is so perfect with a slim but not skin-tight tapered leg, and come on… they’re khakis. They go with errthang. I wear them all the time with any kind of outfit I choose, whether it’s more urban with some Nike Dunks or classic prep with some penny loafers.”
What’s one thing that makes a man look sharp? ”Easy. A good fit. No matter how exquisite and well constructed your clothes are, they will look like shit if they’re hanging off your body. Clothes should give you a great silhouette. If your clothes fit impeccably, even the simplest of outfits will look amaziiiiing.”
Top brand in your wardrobe: Levi’s
Follow Marshall: @marshmulherin on twitter and/or marshmulerin on instagram
Out,
Fair Fit by Andrea Loest & Paul Eastin Spring/Summer 2012 at NOLA Fashion Week, October 2012
Fair Fit is a line made for the everyday person… with pieces made to mix and match and to truly be timeless yet with modern twist with exterior pockets on pants and alternating colors under cuffs and as detail on shirts and coats.. Any man can take any or all pieces and mix and match with his own wardrobe to really make their own look..
Matthew Arthur Spring/Summer 2013 Installation at NOLA Fashion Week’s Kickoff Party, at Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners, October 2012
I have known Mat Arthur and reviewed his collections before and am never at a lack of words for his work.. He has this gift mixing and matching bold and non traditional materials with classic lines and timeless silhouettes… The colors and textures of this installation were some of my favorite.. The yellow and lilac are so on trend for spring and great for making you look a little more tan then you really are lol i have worn his shorts before and the tailoring and the cut are always beyond flattering on any body type.. All and all his looks are exactly what you need to add that pop of art and whimsey to any wardrobe.
Photos by Robby Klein www.robbyklein.com
I adore these pink chinos, but I always get a little intimidated to wear such a color. I mean I don’t want to be “that guy”. However, it was Easter weekend, and it definitely was the weekend to wear them. For me to stomach myself in this color, I tried to pair them with a subtle button down and classic wingtips. It ended up being a nice combo for some Easter weekend day drinking (the best kind of drinking). A blue moon, shooting the shit, and avoiding pepto references made my Saturday.
Out,
Spring arrives this week officially. In preparation, I went through my instagram and pulled my five must-have items for this upcoming season.
Clockwise starting top right:
-mat
Your quick guide to collars. http://flip.it/mSntN
