Bourgeois Toast

The end of the graphic tee.

2011-07-28T09:00:00.003-04:00

I used to love graphic tees, as evidenced by the vast majority of previous posts. I still think they are fun and amusing, but I've grown bored of buying and wearing them. When I realized I was buying Threadless shirts mainly because of the colours and not the design, I knew it was time to stop. I still love t-shirts, but now wear them blank or sometimes with all-over patterns.

On the other hand, shoes have completely taken over my life. I choose my outfits by starting with the footwear I want to try that day and working my way up. And there's nothing wrong with that!

My Three Laws of Style.

2011-07-27T20:22:00.001-04:00

I've spent a couple of years now learning about fashion, and in turn redefining myself in terms of the clothes I wear and what I pay attention to each season. Everyone has a style that is their own, and mine grew organically, one thing leading to another. It's still evolving, and will continue to do so as I grow older. Still, I find it useful to think of my life in terms of categories and rational structures. From observing myself, I seem to be following a set of three simple rules. I don't claim them as original or exhaustive: they merely appear to work for me, and help me build upon past successes and learn from past failures.

I call them my three Laws of Style, or the 3 Cs., and they are loosely patterned after Newton's three Laws.

Law 1. Be Cool: make an effort, but make it seem effortless.

Study and utilize trends and changes in fashion that interest you. Take chances on new things. Put together outfits, but don't seem like you are running a trendy rat race, and don't look too perfectly put together; e.g., even in formal wear, a slightly assymetrical bowtie is more pleasing than perfect balance.

Law 2. Be Comfortable: wear the clothes; don't let the clothes wear you.

Wear clothes that fit. Wear clothes that are comfortable. Don't wear clothes that feel awkward or too impractical (but see Law 3).

Law 3. Be Confident: make it seem like you did it on purpose, or fake it to make it.

Hide doubts that may come with trying new things: it may be the right outfit choice, and you may just be unaccustomed to it. Don't constantly look at your reflection as you walk in public, and don't fidget or constantly tug or rearrange clothes. If you are sure you made a mistake, don't show discomfort or try to hide, which will only make you more conspicuous.

It has been my experience that clothes do indeed make the man, and by following certain conventions I reaped some rewards. Yet that only got me so far, and, since I did not wish to be simply a mirror of expectations, I eventually had to think for myself and take some chances. I found fashion advice was a blend of both convention and opinion, and I very quickly began to find contradictory authorities. That doesn't mean I now ignore advice, only that I place more trust in my own aesthetic judgement than previously. That being said, my style remains fairly conservative, a good fit for my personality. This is not a surprise, as style, like civility, is part persona-building and part self-expression.

Silk scarves from artinsilk

2011-03-09T19:43:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official. I'm a convert to silk. I don't care what any other guys might say, it's a sensualist's dream fabric, and I love it. Playing around with it in the form of pocket squares and ties and some cotton-silk blends was not quite the same as wearing larger swaths of the stuff. So, I bought a couple of solid-coloured silk scarves from artinsilk to try out, such as this one, and they are gorgeous and luxurious. I fully intend to over-dose anyone that comes into contact with me by pairing a scarf with a black velvet blazer.

Kent Wang

2011-02-20T01:42:00.000-05:00

This guy originally set up a one-man operation selling directly to StyleForum members to pay for college. Eventually demand required he build his own site. I bought a few pocket squares from him to test the waters, and the results are very nice. He hand-makes most things, and imports others. Ships from Texas. Recommended.

Moving to Moscow T-shirt

2010-08-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

A house looking for a soft landing in Moscow.

Flamingo Unicycler T-shirt

2010-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Very cute, a flamingo riding a unicycle!

Undercover T-shirt

2010-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to save this for Easter, but I can't be sure it will be around that long, so here it is now.

Sailboat T-shirt

2010-07-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

An inversion of elements in this lovely shirt design.

Duct Tape Tie

2010-07-21T16:52:00.003-04:00

A tie made of duct tape. Terrible stylistically, but pretty funny all the same.

Dirty Wet Bigfoot Hipster T-shirt

2010-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

A cyclopean (in more than one way) beast riding a bike in the rain.

Knights Templar T-shirt

2010-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

A red Templar cross on a black shirt.

Pin Up Girl T-shirt

2010-07-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's a pun, get it?

Estocade? T-shirt

2010-06-25T16:26:00.003-04:00

The Minotaur now rules the roost in this shirt of swapped roles.

3D Cat T-shirt

2010-06-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

A cat wearing 3D glasses. What could be funnier on a shirt?

General E T-shirt

2010-06-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

A portrait of General E appears on this shirt.

Generic Surplus Berdan

2010-06-08T14:01:00.002-04:00

An understated sneaker with espadrille-style rope sole.

RED T-shirt

2010-06-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Femme-fatale-sexy, but also too much going on in this shirt design. Ironically, I find the rectangular window of mole-hill cleavage to be unerotic because it's too severely compartmentalized; the gun sticking into the basket is more erotic, but it should be noted that she seems to be pulling the gun out of the basket, not putting it away, though I guess that is debatable. The design is at least interesting and unexpected, which is why I posted it here.

Journey to the West T-shirt

2010-05-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

This attractive shirt design is called Journey to the West

Moon Over My Ewok T-shirt

2010-05-21T09:22:00.003-04:00

A play on the three wolves shirt, this one involves Ewoks! Hilarious, though I wouldn't want to wear it myself.

Rivieras Leisure Shoes B12M2002 Canvas/mesh Flat Slip-on Plimsoll

2010-05-19T15:18:00.004-04:00

I'd like this mesh shoe, so very much.

Skunk2 T-shirt

2010-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Skunks are cute.

Snoot Aluminium City Coat

2010-05-09T15:07:00.003-04:00

Light but watertight coat by Snoot. Also comes in black, which is more boring.

JC was a Streaker T-shirt

2010-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Jesus Christ was a streaker.

Sennheiser HD 218

2010-05-01T22:19:00.002-04:00

I finally replaced my ancient Sony Walkman headphones: the right arm is wrapped in masking tape and doesn't adjust anymore, the pads are discoloured and torn up forcing me to wrap them in taped up tissues, and the whole thing rattles when confronted with bass, plus they sometimes tune out the left side (a more recent issue). They were my do-everything-but-do-it-shitty workhorses, lame but loved, divorced from the Walkman but still useful in their day. I vowed never to buy expensive cans again after I sat on my last pair, and I kept that promise today with the Sennheiser HD 218. They're good enough.

UT Brown Heroes in the World T-shirt

2010-04-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Indiana Jones: named after the dog!

T.Z.I.F. T-shirt

2010-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thank Zeus it's Friday!

Laureates Wordsworth (Moss Green)

2010-04-21T09:27:00.004-04:00

Green Fluevog boot on clearance. I want it.

Portrait of Medusa gothic T-shirt

2010-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Continuing my posts exhibiting my love for mythology comes another Gorgon Medusa shirt.

Ake O.G. Charcoal

2010-04-15T13:26:00.002-04:00

Nice colour, nifty blue stripe, and the sole is violet! Plus the shoe is canvas not suede, which is easier to wear generally.

Modern Technology T-shirt

2010-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Once again I'm on a Greek myth, religion, and history kick, so I'll likely be posting many shirts of a certain theme, as illustrated by the shirt below.

Oliver Spencer Suffolk Jacket Tennyson Khaki

2010-04-05T15:36:00.002-04:00

Yep, still looking for a nice jacket. Here's one!

BRB T-shirt

2010-04-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's almost Easter, so let's celebrate with a Jesus shirt, only slightly blasphemous!

Better to fail and remove doubt than waver undecided forever.

2010-03-30T23:30:00.005-04:00

You can stand in front of your mirror for ages worrying whether an outfit 'works', or you can just take a chance and go for it. Try it for a day. Sometimes you just can't be sure about a look until you've lived in it for a while. If someone laughs or shakes his or her head, take comfort in the knowledge that at least you aren't stuck in your safe zone all the time: you're learning and growing, as there's still something valuable to be gained even from failure. Besides, when it comes to fashion, sometimes the difference between failure and success is just a bit of confidence.

Pros & Cons T-shirt

2010-03-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

My physical reaction to cigarette smoke is much like an allergy: burning eyes, throat closing up, and a runny nose. It's not something I can control or suppress, unlike the entirely rational arguments presented in the ad reprinted on this shirt.

Generic Surplus Hunting Lo-Top (Suede Tan)

2010-03-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

Another suede sneaker, this one in tan.

Generic Surplus Wing Tip (Suede Camel)

2010-03-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Nice pair of suede wingtip sneakers.

Needles Hercules Coat

2010-03-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

Something a bit different: wool/nylon blend coat with a plaid pattern. Once again, too expensive, but neat.

Extraordinary Observer T-shirt

2010-03-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Cool design of the inside of the eye on this T-shirt. Note that, at the time this post is made, all Threadless Tees are $10, including the Select ones which are normally $25. Yep, most of my faves are all gone by now, but maybe not all...

b Store Short Sleeve Linen Shirt

2010-03-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

Sleek blue linen shirt with a pocket.

Atelier La Durace Navy Zip-up Sweatshirt

2010-03-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Love the blue and the collar of this zip sweatshirt.

Nice Collective Zip Hooded Sweater

2010-03-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

A hooded wool sweater with a zipper.

Peace T-shirt

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

A shirt of a dove giving the peace sign on one of my favourite kinds of blue.

K.Z.O Trek Shorts

2010-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

More shorts! These are actually corduroy in a faded pattern.

Engineered Garments Ghurka Short

2010-03-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Another pair of shorts by Engineered Garments. Check it out up-close for a better look at the pattern.

Abstinence, 99.99% Effective T-shirt

2010-03-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

I like this shirt more for the pic of the guy giving the thumbs up, still, pretty funny!

Engineered Garments Knicker Short

2010-03-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

A green pair of long shorts: the less of my bare leg that is visible, the better for everyone.

I.am Clothing Perforated Leather Jacket

2010-03-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is nice and different: a hooded leather jacket with perforations. Too bad it's so expensive, because it rocks.

In Aisce Finished Nylon Raincoat

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Not completely sure how I feel about this raincoat. I think I like it: it stands out and has some non-standard features like the off-centre half-zipper.

Dynomighty Air Mail Wallet

2010-02-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is a wallet that looks like a folded envelope. Isn't that cool? Yes.

Levi's Striped T-shirt

2010-02-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Simple striped shirt for summer.

b Store Nubuck 'Mario'

2010-02-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

Two-colour nubuck shoes. Simple but stylish!

Wine Marl Cardigan

2010-02-22T18:37:00.001-05:00

Wow, look at this cardigan!

Anatomy of Evil T-shirt

2010-02-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Wild demonic design. The pink contrast works well here too.

EG Eco Pinstripe Crew

2010-02-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some more socks, different colours in the same style. Like these a lot!

Kumihimo Style 'Friendship' Bracelet in Blue and Green Art Wire

2010-02-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Copper wire friendship bracelet. Wish I could wear this but I doubt I'd look good in it. Still, love the look and it reminds me of tropical waters.

Ozone Men's Stripy Midcalves

2010-02-15T16:31:00.002-05:00

Long striped blue/black socks!

Twin Turbines 2 Powell (Black)

2010-02-13T12:05:00.003-05:00

I now own three Fluevog pairs: a leather two-tone brown, a red leather and grey suede combo, and a grey leather (which came with lime green laces). A dangerous obsession, to be sure, but I usually only buy expensive shoes when I'm feeling low: it does help to pick me up.

Now I'm looking ahead to my next possible acquisitions. This first is a black boot for more formal wear. I have a functional black shoe, but it's a boxy Aldo which I bought in a hurry. I'd rather be wearing this number.

Big Cats T-shirt

2010-02-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Chinese New Year brings us the year of the Tiger. Also, it's Valentine's Day this weekend. That doesn't play any role in this post: it's just a fact that needs to be mentioned.

Tree T-shirt

2010-02-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure: --
But the least motion which they made,
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

Lines Written In Early Spring by William Wordsworth

CFCameron Silk Handkerchief

2010-02-01T19:36:00.004-05:00

This neat silk handkerchief might look decent with my recently-purchased blazer. On the other hand, maybe it's not quite bright enough: it can be hard to tell with an online photo. Still, I like it.

The Beach T-shirt

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Really like the look of the watercolour-blue in this shirt. Looking forward to summer, also.

Flights JFK (Wine)

2010-01-28T22:01:00.004-05:00

The colours are hot and the alternating suede and leather is sexy. Not as certain about the ankle support on these wingtips, but I want them anyway.

Quit Howling at Me T-shirt

2010-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have been having serious trouble getting to sleep these past couple of weeks, so I'm happy for a sympathetic shirt. Also, it's almost time for Wolfman!

Happy Socks ST09-002

2010-01-17T19:07:00.001-05:00

Cute sock pattern.

Globetrotter T-shirt

2010-01-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kinda funny play on words on this design, but more interesting is the contrast of the graphic with the green.

ASOS New Order Print T-Shirt

2010-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

New Order shirt. I've been looking for some PSB shirts but they seem to be quite hard to come by.

Grey leopard print T-shirt

2010-01-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

A nice trashy way to start 2010. Honestly, though, this looks like a neat shirt to layer. Happy new year!

Stupid Holiday Peanuts T-shirt

2009-12-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! I'm going to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special and listen to the soundtrack a few times in celebration.

GRP Firenze

2009-12-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

An understated wool cardigan with felt trim.

The Mash Field Jacket

2009-12-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Another military-inspired jacket. The green is safest.

Don't panic T-shirt

2009-12-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Keep calm and carry on with this shirt by 777.

Spicoli Polo

2009-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Retro polo shirt, colour "Crown Royale" pictured above, though the "Partridge Plaid" version is not bad either.

Charlie Brown Scarf

2009-12-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

Cute scarf of Charlie Brown in the style of his iconic shirt.

White 'I heart your mum' T-shirt

2009-12-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Terrible, and yet...

Opening Ceremony Plaid Wool Chukka Boot

2009-12-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

A wool chukka boot in blue plaid that is nifty play on the original.

Hungry Blue Hedgehog T-shirt

2009-12-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

I grew up with Sonic, so how perfectly cute is this?

ASOS Check Lined Mac

2009-11-29T16:25:00.003-05:00

I'm in need of a raincoat. This cute mackintosh may work for the warmer months.

Runnin' Rhino T-shirt

2009-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

We all got goals: keep reaching for that rainbow.

We've Got Some Work To Do Now T-shirt

2009-11-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Scooby design on a slate shirt.

F5 T-shirt

2009-11-13T18:51:00.002-05:00

Almost missed T-shirt Friday again. Almost.

Beats Orlovsky (Brown)

2009-11-11T22:51:00.003-05:00

This shoe is the absolute shit: it gives me the shakes.

Napoleon Cookie T-shirt

2009-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Napoleon eating a cookie.

Bye Bye Apocalypse T-shirt

2009-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween (on Saturday)!

Hero Squad T-shirt

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Take the military-wear fashion trend to it's inevitable conclusion.

Fossil Sun Dial Watch

2009-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I don't make a habit of wearing watches because they bring attention to my thin wrists, but I still like the art deco feel of this one.

Missoni Navy Tony Striped V-neck Knit

2009-10-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Very cool sweater, once again; terrible price (£289.00). Am I doomed to be the Commodore of Old Navy forever? At these prices, I may as well be resigned to it!

OCP T-shirt

2009-10-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

You already own shares in the Omni Consumer Products corporation, so why not show your support by wearing this fetching logo shirt.

Logoshirt Sesame Street Cookie Monster T-shirt

2009-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Cookie Monster ringer T-shirt by Logoshirt. Sometimes I dream about being 4 years old again. Plus, I like cookies.

Fullcircle Wick Shirt Insert T-Shirt

2009-10-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Look very closely at this T-shirt. Do you see two shirts or one?

Nice Collective Light Striped U-Neck Sweater

2009-09-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

Love this, but not so much on its own. It's even a bit unflattering to this perfectly-shaped model's midsection. Guess it's better to layer it.

Raf by Raf GI03 Wool Perfecto

2009-09-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Biker jacket, but look again, it's not leather. It's wool. This is a neat idea.

Cogito Ergo Nom T-shirt

2009-09-25T20:31:00.003-04:00

Cute Cartesian cat consumes cookie, on a cranberry colour!

Lovecraft perfumes

2009-09-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm not much of a perfume/cologne person, but this is just amusing. Scents inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Saw this on Gearfuse.

An example: Shoggoth: "An amorphous, radiant, incandescent scent. Ever changing, protoplasmic and primordial: white amber, green coconut meat, iris, palmarosa, Chinese peony, lime, water lily, snowdrop, muguet, lemongrass, osmanthus, wisteria, glassy musk, and hinoki."

Buden Akindo Pretty animals T-shirts

2009-09-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm still enjoying my pretty pig shirt, and now I've seen these: mouse, bunny, and cow. Too cute!

Dr. Martens (Part III)

2009-09-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

Last part for now. How about a pair of Docs for the new year? The best part of the 90s will live forever, I suppose. What do you think of these options?

Dr. Martens (Part II)

2009-09-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Are you happy Dr. Martens died in the 90s as a style? Maybe you think they are ugly. Maybe they will come back. Help me pick a style.

Lucky Duck T-shirt

2009-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

This cute Sheldon shirt will have to do until I can find one featuring Psyduck.

Dr. Martens (Part I)

2009-09-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

The Cranberries are getting back together again. To celebrate I'll buy some new Docs, since my old 8-eyes are finally starting to tear at the sole. Which is the right style for me?

SwissChamp XAVT

2009-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Not technically a fashion accessory, being a gadget, I nevertheless wanted to post this Swiss Army "knife" in light of my rant on "man-bags" elsewhere. Because I have to stand by those statements, I'm left with this. 80 tools, including a clock/alarm. It's missing a Purell dispenser, though.

Mushroom Afternoon T-shirt

2009-09-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Cute! And sold out.