Grand Perspective

Photography taken by Wrigely Corales
     When I was younger, I thought Mr. Rogers had great fashion sense. He always had that clean classic look. Being infatuated with the vintage style, I always get feedback for dressing like a grandpa. It doesn't offend me because I can pull it off and that's what makes my style, my style. I put this look together to showcase my elderly aspect of my wardrobe, and how trends back then are becoming current.
     The vintage cardigan I am wearing definitely is back in style. I found a couple of the chunkier knitted style that were similar on ASOS. I chose to wear a white underneath because that is mostly what Mr. Rogers wore under his cardigans. Instead of a button up shirt, I kept it more casual with a polo shirt. I accessorized with these vintage glasses I found, but I popped the frames out because they had such thick lenses. To complete the look I wore my wore my woven leather loafers because I only thought it would be appropriate.

Attire:
Vintage Eyeglasses- Thrifted
Vintage Cardigan- Thrifted
White Polo- Thrifted
Maroon Chords- Owned
Woven Leather Loafers- Thrifted

Retail:
Wayne Eyeglass- American Apparel $45
Jack & Jones Vintage Ramon Shawl Cardigan- ASOS $134
Short Sleeve Classic Pique Polo- Lacoste $89
Levi's Ruler-Burgundy- Barneys New York $198
Allen Edmonds 'Carlsbad' Penny Loafer- Nordstrom $325

Camo Flagged

     I have been spotting camo jackets everywhere! I have seen them on different fashion sites, in person on random people, and even selling in stores. I happened to own authentic one that was thrifted a while back. The jacket I had discovered still had the markings of 'USMC' on it, which I thought was pretty rad. I was never really a fan of these jackets because they never seem to fit to my liking. However, this specific jacket that I own fits like a glove and tailors to my body.
     Camo jackets are a perfect way shoot into the current outdoorsy trend. A few jackets were featured in Oliver Spencer's F/W 2011 collection. Although it feels like summer in California already, I wouldn't worry. In a recent interview, Nick Wooster gave some insight to what he is into for the summer. He quoted, "I love the idea of subverting a beautifully tailored jacket in camo." (Style Blogger) I will be posting a look this week. Keep reading!

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Camo Shirt Jacket- Thrifted

Retail:
Urban Renewal Vintage Camo Shirt Jacket- Urban Outfitters $20

Midnight Celebrant

Photography taken by Ron Alan Cruz
     There are benefits of having your birthday land in the beginning of the week. This month has been awesome because I have never really experienced a "birthday month" until now. The following Friday of my birthday I had a celebration with some of my fellow Capricorns in Downtown Los Angeles. I came straight out of a performance, but luckily I made it to the venue by midnight. It helped that I had put this look together, and was able to shoot it the night before.
     For this look I wanted to go for more of a dark upscale feel, using deep colors and accents of leather. I am wearing a burgundy trench jacket that I found at buffalo exchange. It was an instant purchase, because the tailoring was perfect for my body. Underneath I kept it sleek with a white button up, skinny tie, and a rad vintage plaid vest. For bottoms I wore grey skinny dress pants. The leather accessories consist of fingerless gloves, belt, and my vintage 1950's dress shoes. This Friday there is another collabo celebration for the rest of my friends that couldn't make it the last time. It was actually the originally planned event to celebrate my good friend and mines day of birth. I will try and post the look for that occasion. Birthday Months rock!

Attire:
Burgundy Trench Jacket- Buffalo Exchange
White Button Up- Thrifted
J.Crew Plaid Vest- Thrifted
Black Skinny Tie- Thrifted
Cut Off Leather Gloves- Owned
Dress Pants- Buffalo Exchange
Vintage Roblee Dress Shoe- Thrifted

Retail:
Burgundy DB Cropped Mac- Topman $150
White Button Up- H&M $40
Plaid Vest- no reference
Theory Skinny Silk Tie- Nordstrom $98
Leather Glove- ASOS $23
Light Grey Skinny Dress Pants- Topman $55
Prada High Shine Apron Toe Oxford- Nordstrom $650

Woven Leather

     Most of the loafer type shoes I own are casual. I have quite a few because they are comfortable. My favorite characteristic about loafers is that I am easily able to slip in them when on the go. By finding these woven leather loafers I am able to do the same, but now they can be applied to a dressier type attire if I wanted to. I can never have enough loafers as long they are for different occasions.

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Woven Leather Loafers- Thrifted

Retail:
Allen Edmonds 'Carlsbad' Penny Loafer- Nordstrom $325

Weather or Not

Photography taken by Ron Alan Cruz
     Lately I have been experiencing some showers in California. With this vintage smock I can be prepared for the wet weather conditions and still look fashionable. Even if it wasn't raining the vibrant colors allow me to rock this in spring. A couple of similar type outerwear were diplayed in Junya Watanabes Men's Spring/Summer 2012 collection. (GQ)
     I am wearing the Ralph Lauren smock that I had thrifted. Since the zipper pulls down low, I chose to wear a stripe patterned shirt underneath in contrast to the color blocking. The bottom half consists of Levi's khaki jeans and Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Chukkas.

Attire:
Vintage Ralph Lauren Smock- Thrifted
Striped Shirt- Thrifted
Khaki Skinnie Jeans- Owned
Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Chukka- Buffalo Exchange

Retail:
Oi Polloi X Norse Projects Kaare Jacket- Oi Polloi $266
Dr Denim Striped Crew Neck- ASOS $28
Levi's 511 Skinny Commuter Jeans- Levi's $78
Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Chukka- Sperry Top-Sider $80

Locked on Smocks

     From runways to street style, I have been noticing smocks are becoming a trend. I have always desired one especially for the rain. I haven't found any to my liking until recently. I found this vintage Ralph Lauren smock at a local thrift store. The outerwear was in great condition, and it contained such rad details of color. I am stoked to put a look together for the wet conditions, but until then enjoy this inspiration collage I put together.

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Ralph Lauren Smock- Thrifted

Retail:
Oi Polloi X Norse Projects Kaare Jacket- Oi Polloi $266

Happy Birthday Blues

Photography taken by Ron Alan Cruz
I suggest to click play on the video I shared as it sets the mood for this read, and it is simply great music!
     I had an amazing birthday yesterday because I got to spend it with my family and friends. The day was divided up into two. I had Korean BBQ for lunch with my buddies, and dinner at Miguel's Restaurant with the family. It was a simple celebration because my birthday happened to land in the beginning of the week, but I realized I didn't need to do anything extravagant to make this birthday a memorable one. This just gives me the reason to celebrate everyday until this weekend!
     Digressing now, here is a "Birthday Outfit" I put together using the leather jacket I had found. The attire is 70's inspired as it consists of leather and velour. I wanted to put together a layered look that was sophisticated and party ready. The use of deeper colors, such as royal blue and maroon, definitely give this look some edge. The royal blue jacket and velour v-neck long sleeve were a "one of a kind" find. It was hard for me to find references, which is a benefit of thrifting when it comes to originality and personal style. I laced my feet with my vintage saddle shoes that tie in the whole look together. (pun intended)


Attire:
Vintage Biker Jacket- Thrifted
Velour V-neck Long Sleeve- Thrifted
White Button Up- Thrifted
Black Skinny Tie- Thrifted
Levi's 511 Black Stretch- Owned
Vintage Saddle Shoe- Thrifted

Retail:
Barneys Leather Biker Jacket- ASOS $137
Velour Color Block Long Sleeve Raglan- American Apparel $40
White Button Up- H&M $40
Theory Skinny Silk Tie- Nordstrom $98
Levi's 511 Black Stretch- Levi's $44
Allen Edmonds 'Shelton' Saddle Oxford- Nordstrom $335

Birthday Find

      Today was my birthday, and it so happened to be a %50 percent off sale at one of my favorite thrift stores. I guess it helps that my birthday always lands near a special holiday. Happy Martin Luther King Day! I found this gnarly leather jacket. The royal blue color is a amazing, and I couldn't believe the price I purchased it for. I enjoy the system of the zippers, and the silk inside lining. This definitely was a perfect gift to come across, and a great birthday find!

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Biker Jacket- Thrifted

Retail:
Barneys Leather Biker Jacket- ASOS $137

Wandering Winter

Photography taken by Ron Alan Cruz
     Today actually felt like winter in California. It was chillier than usual and felt slightly gloomy with the overcast. Californians have the most inconsistent weather ever. Just a few days it was sunny and warm. I guess winter is just wandering about. I never understood why people labeled the winter patterned sweaters as an "Ugly Sweater." I find them quite fashionable, depending on which type of pattern the sweater consists of. I recently read in an artictle that Nordic inspired sweaters are making a coming back. They are a great option to wear for the colder season. (GQ)
     I am wearing a knitted sweater with a Nordic type pattern. I layered this look with a light washed Levi's denim jacket. I chose accents of grey which are the vest and the knitted socks. The vest I got a few years ago at the Chino Hills Forever 21 Grand Opening. I camped out with some friends, and they gave us different valued gift cards. My gift card had enough to purchase the vest! For the bottom half, I am wearing dark denim Levi's 511's and square toe Aquila Australian Boots.

Attire:
Nordic Patterned Sweater- Thrifted
Levi's Jean Jacket- Thrifted
Grey Vest- Forever 21 $Free
Levi's 511 Dark Denim- Owned
Aquila Black Boot- Thrifted

Retail:
Wool Jaquard Crew- Gant $159
Corduroy Trucker Jacket- Levi's $90
Abel Brown Donegal Puffer Vest- Urban Outfitters $69
Levi's 511 Dark Denim- Levi's $44
Black Square Toe Boot- no reference

Saddle Up

     There is nothing like a great pair of saddle oxfords! I came across this rad pair while thrifting. The deep burgundy against the black leather is quite stellar. They are identical to oxfords designed by Allen Edmonds. I always have been a fan of how saddle shoes are two toned. They increase the options on what to wear them with, fun, and classy.

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Saddle Oxfords- Thrifted

Retail:
Allen Edmonds 'Shelton' Saddle Oxford- Nordstrom $335

Caught on Denim

Photography taken by Wrigely Corales
     California's weather has been beautiful in the past couple of days. During the day its warm, and when night falls it gets cold. I don't know whether to enjoy it or be sad that cooler weather might be going away. I hope spring doesn't come early, or hot weather for that matter. I still have some winter looks that I didn't get the chance to share, and it's always fun to layer up.
     Lately, I have been into contrasting textures. For this look I decided to use cotton on denim. The houndstooth cardigan was another amazing find. I haven't came across one with that type of pattern, and colors were rad. Underneath is a short sleeve button up in a light denim wash. I wanted to contrast from the darker shades the cardigan consisted of, so I chose to wear a pair of cream colored denim jeans that I had owned. The shoes were from "Black Friday 2011," and I used them to keep the accent colors of the houndstooth print. I wore round reader eyeglasses to tie in this simple and classic look.

Attire:
Round Reader Eyeglasses- LA Fashion District $3
Houndstooth Cardigan- Thrifted
Denim Button Up- Thrifted
Cream Denim Jeans- Owned
Polo Ralph Lauren Brawley Boat- Black Friday Sale $20

Retail:
Letmosh Eyeglasses- Mascot $225
Suit Sennik Fairisle Cardigan- ASOS $182
Denim Long Sleeve Button-Up- American Apparel $64
Levi's 511 Beat Down Corduroy- Levi's $58
Polo Ralph Lauren Brawley Boat- Ralph Lauren $99

Brief Trend

     An important accessory for your attire is the object used to hold your belongings. Men's bags can often be viewed as feminine, however there are other options that aren't stereotyped as a "man purse." I personally think briefcases are evidently masculine. Of course this type accessory is more suitable for business attire. There are some softer style briefcases compared to the box shaped one that I had posted. For an everyday and more casual bag, I would suggest using a stylish back pack. This briefcase was thrifted and in perfect condition, nothing a little dusting couldn't fix. I am not quite sure how old it is, but this specific style hard to come by. I am excited about this find because it will be featured in an upcoming collaboration. Stay posted!

Thrift of the Day:
Vintage Breifcase- Thrifted

Retail:
Président Clausseur- Louis Vuitton $9,050