The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past.
The Conservative Fantasy History of Civil Rights Via NY Mag
The Blue Unconstructed Sport Coat: Some Tips on Buying at a Bargain
People around these here parts make frequent reference to looks that they either plan on adopting, or have already adopted, as their Spring/Summer “uniforms.” This outfit usually consists of some light colored chino or jean, a white or light blue collared shirt of some sort (to be worn unbuttoned with a pair of shades suspended in the thus-created v-neck, or buttoned up with a navy knit tie—dots or stripes optional.) Double-monks are of course de rigueur in this uniform, though there do indeed still exist some folks (myself included) who lack that particular shoe in their rotation. Loafers of any sort (penny, boat, Italian driving) will complete the look to the satisfaction of the #menswear community.
The piece de resistance is of course a cotton or linen unconstructed jacket in various shades of blue, from deep navy to newest Pantone color ‘bloggeur.’ This post is dedicated to suggesting ways of getting one without having to absolutely break the bank.
Though I generally recommend the thrift route, and have myself found two nice blue (navy and light-bloggeur actually) unconstructed jackets this way (an Alessandro Tellini—seen above, and a Paul and Joe), I understand that not everyone lives in a place where the thrift stores are as well-stocked as those which I frequent. That said, I absolutely do think that having such a jacket as a staple for the upcoming warmer months is a necessity. It will keep you looking good without burning up in hot weather, and it is extraordinarily versatile. Its versatility should be a factor when making your financial calculations, and this is the one piece in a Spring/Summer wardrobe that I’d be happy dropping a little extra coin on because the mileage you can squeeze out of it will be well worth it. After all if it’s truly a uniform, you’ll wear it almost every day.
If you live in NY, then go to Uniqlo and get one like that which acutestyle has been wearing of late. Hell, buy 3. Game over. Buy yourself a burger and some beers with the money you saved and call it a day.
If you live in a place where suddenlee will proxy shop Uniqlo for you, and you’re ok with a significant (though not outright extortionary) fee, then the game is now over for you as well. Eagerly await the delivery of your package, and curse the fact that Uniqlo is expanding its retail operations so slowly in the U.S.
If you, like me, have the misfortune of living outside of our nation’s greatest metropolis, then your options will be mostly reduced to online offerings (though SF is getting a Uniqlo in the Fall…). Always check PutThisOn’s weekly ebay roundups. The legwork Jesse and Derek put into helping out regular dudes trying to up their sartorial game is a blessing, and we should be eternally grateful for it. The items on there will tend to close at a higher price than items not featured on that list, but if you’re clever you can deduce certain search terms by reading various auction descriptions and strike out intrepidly on your own in search of a blue unconstructed jacket. That’s what I’d do.
Though L.B.M. 1911, Boglioli, and Isaia are the labels to own right now, they’re also priced rather high (though Yoox does offer deep discounts on L.B.M. 1911 jackets). If you care more about the look, and less about the label, then assiduously trawl ebay until you find the perfect jacket. I find that is often the best route.
If you do decide to do this, know your measurements. Take your favorite jacket and take the following measurements:
1. shoulder seam to shoulder seam
2. armpit to armpit
3. sleeve length, from shoulder to end of cuff
4. waist taken across the top button of the jacket while buttoned
5. total length of jacket taken from the bottom of the collar straight down the center of the back
Then, when checking out ebay auctions, if these measurements aren’t listed, ask the seller for them. Now begin your creative ebay search process. Some search terms to get you going that might help you pick up something flying under the radar are: “blue cotton blazer”; “navy linen jacket”; “blue cotton sport coat” and any of the various combinations you can make out of reorganizing those terms…
Good luck!
Testing the limits of credulity
“This had nothing to do with taxes,” Saverin told the New York Times. “I was born in Brazil, I was an American citizen for about 10 years. I thought of myself as a global citizen.”
Time to roll out Being There: Another election year is upon us.
(Source: thesefriendsareelectric)
Fantastically Heartbreaking: Cave sings MacGowan.
MegaWatts
via voxsart
Listen, you'll have to excuse me. I have a lunch meeting with Cliff Huxtable at The Four Seasons in 20 minutes.
Bateman’s lie to come true: Four Season to open downtown outpost via NY Mag
“Paint watches him dry”—Bill Maher
painting via NY Mag
One Last Waltz: R.I.P. Levon Helm
forgiving you was easy

