February 2012
27 posts
Why are you in such a rush to be old?
howtotalktogirlsatparties:
stylepoints:
I’ve recently noticed that a disproportionate number of hashtagmenswear bloggers are college students. To them, I say: what the fuck is wrong with you kids? You have your whole life to dress like a grown man, and a small window in which you can indulge your more whimsical side. DON’T FUCKING BLOW IT.
This is the time to engage in all that...
Anonymous asked: So I read your answer to the ASOS pants being synthetic and therefore not of absconding quality. What is the correct type of fabric a trosuer should be made out of? I mean there is Flannel and such, but I meant trousers like the ASOS ones. Thanks!
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Anonymous asked: Hi, Mr. Silentist! I'm attending a wedding in late July. It's an outdoor wedding during the day and the temp will be around 20C (~70F). The invitation says "Semi-formal or smart-casual". Aren't these totally different things? Either way, I'm thinking I'll wear a chino suit in khaki or navy. Or a chino sportcoat in the same with separate pants. Thoughts?...
edwinzee asked: The Silentist - Officially Unmasked!
Frank & Oak →
Yet another Gilt-type site. The gimmick here though seems to be that their items featured will be $50 or less. Worth signing up to take a look, right?
(Disclosure: It’s a referral link and if you refer two people you get quicker access, etc. I don’t think I’m getting paid anything though, so, take that for what it’s worth.)
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Anonymous asked: When you pull the waist of a suit forward, should its back be tightening against yours right away, or a little breathing room in between is fine? Thanks, bro.
Anonymous asked: As a follow up, should one avoid pants with any polyester mixed in them? I live in California, and I too am thinking of buying some work pants. Should I consider 100% cotton pants only? Also, I can't seem to find them anywhere. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks for your help.
extracurricularinterests asked: Are slim-fit smart trousers appropriate for an in-office business casual setting?
Anonymous asked: Hey Silentist, I'm really impressed how many questions you answer. I was wondering if you could clarify a sartorial rule I've heard. Pinstripes are for business, but does that mean a striped suit wouldn't work anywhere else? I'm looking at a gray herringbone suit on eBay that has a light blue stripe. Would that be a viable general alternative to a standard charcoal gray suit?
Anonymous asked: Hello there ---- I am in the process of ordering some shirts from Modern Tailor and I'm curious about the shirt collar style that you chose for the shirt in that photo. Is it the cut-away (small/med/large) or is the wide spread (one button or two)?Thanks!
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Anonymous asked: More out of curiosity than need for practical advice, how do you feel about letting the significant women in your lives impact the way you dress? (ranging from fixing a tie knot that was purposefully tied improperly to picking clothes out for you)
Anonymous asked: Can you help me out with seasonal style advice? I'm confused as to what sort of patterns (Shirts, pants, jackets, and ect) and fabrics (shirts, pants and ect) to wear for each season, all of 4 of them. I know tweed and wool is for the f/w, seersucker is for the s/s, as is madras.
Anonymous asked: After trying and failing to find ANY off the rack shirts that fit me acceptably (I'm 5'8" and 135 lbs), I signed up for an appointment with MyTailor next time they're in town. Since I expect the first shirt to be not quite perfect, I'd like to spend as little as possible. However, I'm next to clueless when it comes to fabrics, and their website gives little detail....
Anonymous asked: For the anon asking about cutaway collar shirts for under $100, I have to recommend Hugh & Crye from my hometown of DC. No, I don't work for them. But I kinda wish I did.
Anonymous asked: I'm looking for a new wallet, something thin that would hold around 6-8 cards with a money clip. Nothing too fancy, any suggestions?
Anonymous asked: Can C&J suede Lowndes be worn casually with jeans without making a outfit looking off?
Anonymous asked: Is it rude to point out style mistakes to other men? For example, I have seen guys wearing suits with the side vents closed and tags left on sleeves.
Anonymous asked: no, i'm talking about when you send in your old brooks brothers shirts and they send back new ones
soundofpoop asked: Your thoughts on the Urban Outfitters Hawkings McGill wingtip boots? I'm wondering if they'll fall apart really soon. They also seem quite orange. picture on gq: /style/street-style/201112/ben-ferrari-new-york-city-street-style-boots#slide=15
Anonymous asked: Hey man - cutaway collar dress shirt under $100. Possible? Where? Thank you!
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Anonymous asked: can you please give me a link to the mysterious "brooks brothers shirt exchange"
January 2012
139 posts
Anonymous asked: Got a Brooks Brothers gift certificate from my wife for my B-Day and I am looking to buy my first Navy Blazer. I want to keep it versatile and on the casual side. Any recomendations?
jacoblyman asked: Regarding the Silk-Knit Tie question: I found a Nordstrom "1901" silk knit at Nordstrom Rack a while back. $15, and one of my favorite knits.
Anyone have recommendations for a leather camera...
And, yes, I know about the ones from Tipton & Co. and Tanner Goods. I’m just trying to get an idea for some options out there.
Thanks!
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Anonymous asked: best silk knit tie for under 50$? I'm waiting on a Land's End sale but I'd like to see some other options. Any experience with Knottery? (or Tie Bar?)
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Anonymous asked: Sorry about Anon status - too lazy to create an account. Anyway, I just got a vintage brown Harris Tweed blazer with leather buttons. Should I swap those buttons out for something else? If so, what color/material? Thanks!
givemeindiana asked: I bought a new blazer that has a button hole on the throat latch but not the lapel. (You can see it in my post from yesterday) Would it be completely affected to put a lapel pin in the throat latch? It seems too far from center but I bow to your expertise.
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Anonymous asked: I'm a dude with a gut (i.e. my waist is quite a bit larger than my hips). That's not going to change. I'm tired of finding belts unable to keep my pants where I want them, so I'm thinking of going the braces route. Two questions: 1) Does this sound like a reasonable decision? Will braces help? 2) Can a tailor/alterationist add buttons for braces to trousers or do they need to...
Anonymous asked: Ever heard of the online retailer Net-a-face? I never had, but they have a pretty good selection but not sure if it's a legitimate website. Can you help me out?
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Anonymous asked: I know you always say buy shoes that fit your feet. I'm a 7D but found a great pair of C&J suede dub monks for a price I couldn't resist, but there 7E. If I add another pair of insoles would it fix the extra room I will have? If so can you recommend a pair of insoles I should invest in? I always have a pair of wingtips that are 1/2 size bigger.
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Anonymous asked: A while back you were contemplating (obsessing over?) navy shoes. How do you feel like they can fit into your current personal uniform? You have a lot of blue in your uniform and I was wondering if you thought navy shoes were overkill. My personal wardrobe is pretty similar to yours in colors except I occasionally wear chinos instead of jeans and wear a tailored jacket much less frequently. Have...
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Welcoming those from Russia, (with love!)
Seems like I was included on a list at a Russian style/fashion site: ”Look at Me”. The rough Google translation was pretty nice and I’m included alongside some other great blogger folk — frankly, I’m surprised to be included.
So, hello my new Russian readership!
edlcm asked: Since I discovered the whole #menswear society I haven't been to stores, San Diego isn't the best place to shop, aside from Neiman or Bloomingdales. Today I had to get something for my brother's birthday tomorrow, so I figured JCrew FS, he has no clue what #menswear means and could care less about his clothes (still young). I saw Neiman Marcus Last Call and though why the hell not....
Anonymous asked: I'm job interviewing and want to add a professional touch to my presentation by adding a leather dossier (something slim/sleek). Are there any manufactures or products you would recommend?
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Business travel realizations
I never had to really worry about the things most business travelers worry about, because at my old job I drove when I had to travel.
This meant I could take as many of my suits in a garment bag as I wanted with me. I could bring a decent travel iron for my shirts. I could pack multiple shoes into a tote bag. I could have more than one piece of luggage plus a briefcase.
But this whole flying...
Anonymous asked: I apologize for bringing this topic back up, but I remember reading about your stance on black and brown together and about how black should be reserved for formal situations and brown is more casual (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm guessing you are against black chinos? If not, what color of shoes would be appropriate with them? Thanks, your advice is much appreciated!
brian-m asked: I'm not sure that this is your specialty, but I feel like I can always trust your opinions, or at least you to point me to someone who can help. I've been looking for a letterman jacket for a long time now. I've tried to be patient, but it has been 8 or 9 months now and ebay isn't coming through for me. I'm sure it can be blamed on my own ebay searching abilities, but...
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Anonymous asked: What would your recommendation be on JCrew's Authentic Bayswater Peacoat? It's on sale and can be had for around $120 right now in my size. I'm looking for something I can get many years wear out of. Is there a better alternative I should save a bit more for or should I pull the trigger?
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Anonymous asked: So I love BB's ESF non-iron shirts. Only dilemma now is they've introduced a BrooksCool shirt with a "cornwall" spread collar. I've always gone with the regular cotton with the ainsley collar. From their stock photo, the cornwall collar also looks to be a little slimmer/smaller. Any thoughts on the collar, and material as well? Trying to figure out my next purchase....
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This Fits: Red Wing Boots at J. Crew - 40% off →
For those of you looking for some serious boots.
