Photographs of Fancy Tricks

Elvis Costello - 'I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea' (Live in 1978)

They don't make 'em how they used to.

Christmas List 2011

It's that time of year again!  My picks for me, because that's what Christmas lists are all about; making it easy for people to buy things for you.  Has anyone ever asked you what you want for Christmas and you could only reply "Uhhh, I dunno..."?  Then you need to start writing down the shit you want as you see it to make everyone's life easier.  My little list is what I like, you should know enough about yourself to make your own.  It should speak to what you like but you don't have (easy enough, right?) without being a pain in the ass for whoever is buying it for you.  And make sure to say "Thank you!"

Corgi Fairisle Blue Socks.  $60 at Epaulet.

Medium Velva Sheen Oatmeal Heather Pocket T-shirt 2-Pack.  $70 at Hickoree's.

Medium Kent Wang Purple Rugby.  $85 at Kent Wang.

Sid Mashburn D-Ring Belt.  $49.50 at Sid Mashburn.

Smathers & Branson Mallard Needlepoint Flask.  $65 at Smathers & Branson.

Speak Italian.  $14.95 at Unionmade.

Corter Leather Shell Cordovan Guitar Picks.  $20 for 5 at Corter Leather.

Kiel James Patrick Menemsha Creek Bright bracelet.  $35 at Kiel James Patrick.

The Cordial Churchman Blue Chambray Bow Tie.  $29 at The Cordial Churchman.

Leather Seat Wood Stool.  $42 at Hand Eye Supply.

Hario Buono Coffee Drip Kettle.  $45.95 at Seattle Coffee Gear.

Recycled Dollar Bill Toothbrush. $10 at Brook Farm General Store.

Work Wear - Variation One

I like the idea of taking a classic look and switching things around a bit.  A blue button down shirt is one of those "foundation" pieces that every style and fashion advice column would start with.  Simply paired with gray slacks and a good set of shoes, you would have a solid look that would be classically stylish.  You will, however, blend in with the rest of the crowd that takes themselves to be a bit more "professional" than the blue shirt-khakis set.  I work in a restaurant, so I'm not restricted by much of a dress code and I get the chance to play around with this office look to end up with something a bit more fun on my office days (though I go with a good set of shoes.)

Brooks Brothers Extra Slim Fit Chambray Western Shirt
A chambray shirt with snap buttons and double western pockets is definitely not office approved.  Chambray itself is a decidedly workwear fabric.  Appropriate for the blue collar shlepping around of wine boxes I get to do.  The western details aren't too aggressive since, well...it's still a Brooks Brothers shirt.  This Medium shirt was $34.75 on sale, which is now lower with the Brooks Brothers Friends and Family Sale that is going on now.  

Hem details.

Grey corduroy substitutes for the solid grey slacks.  Another casual fabric in a slim style that moves away from the conservative side of things without being too out there.  I really like the textural contrast these have with the chambray.  These cords are J.Crew 33x30 slim fit that I  got off the sales rack for about $14.  

The belt is the cheapest part of this outfit.  It's Merona, from Target.  Dark brown on one side, hot pink on the other.  I picked it up in college.  I like the pop you get from the pink (I like pink...) and the shade of brown works surprisingly well with the shoes.

The shoes are Alden Color No. 8 Shell Cordovan Longwings I picked up at Leffot for about $700 after shoe trees and taxes.  I usually support shopping cheap, but for fuck's sake, spend money on quality pieces that will last!  These Aldens are built like tanks and will probably last longer than me.  Long Wing Bluchers are definitely business wear and act as a solid foundation to the rest of the outfit.  The rest of the outfit can be fun, but the shoes are all business.

Corter Leather Double Wrap Bracelet.  A casual accessory that doesn't get too matchy-matchy with the other leathers.

Bright ass pink Uniqlo socks.  Uniqlo should launch online shopping in the US next month when they open their new stores in New York.  I like their socks because they are cheap (3 for $12 or 4 for $12) and come in every color you could want.  I like adding the pop of color to add interest to an outfit with socks.  

Mets Win Doubleheader - The Style

What was worn to the game:

Up Top:  Brooks Brothers Extra Slim Fit Contrast Collar Oxford 

Corter Leather Double Wrap Bracelet

Tanner Goods Standard Belt

Tobacco Levi's 501 Shrink-to-Fit Jeans

The dirty cuff

Gola sneakers in team colors

Mets Win Doubleheader - The Sights

The Mets played a doubleheader, these are the sights from the games.

Shake Shack Double Stack, cheese fries and beer.  A $24 Adult Value Meal
Worth every penny.

Citi Field outfield pre game

The field before Game 1

$6.50 worth of Kettle Corn

Brooklyn Lager in Queens

The sky over right field

Dusk

Footlong Nathan's Hot Dog (with mustard and sauerkraut)

Game 2