More Spring Essentials - Sperry Topsider

Sperry Topsider is an iconic piece of footwear and has been worn by generations of men on sailboat or by men who wanted people to think they had a sailboat. Due to this Sperry Topsider is synonymous with summer, the beach, boats and sailing, excess money, stylish blokes and everything that comes with that lifestyle. At least that is the heritage of this iconic shoe.

Now, new versions of the shoe are available with slight changes to it's historical roots, but it still represents the same ideals and it still has the same classical style.  Ever brand from J Crew to Band of Outsiders is taking a stab at redefining the boat shoe. While some of the new iterations are quite modern and stylish, there is still something romantic about a pair of weather beaten, salt water soaked, wind whipped Topsiders.  J Crew's version of the Topsider is distressed to simulate this stylish look.  At Modern Dignified we opt for the natural wear and tear of Topsiders, since this is more unique and authentic.   (To speed up the process spend a day at the beach in the Topsiders, wearing them in the water and letting them dry out in the sun. Add a couple of similar trips and the shoes will have accelerated wear and tear).

 

Band of Outsiders opt for a more colorful suede version of the Topsiders.  They also are infatuated with making Topsiders into Chukka boots.  They come in a mixture of colors and textures, but still keeping the iconic nature at the heart.

Sperry has also re-designed a few versions of the Topsiders, including a tieless, slip-on version of the shoe. This version comes in various shades  of brown suede, but unfortunately does not come in the color navy. At Modern Dignified we feel that Navy Topsiders are the optimal color choice. Classic, different than any other shoe in the closet, distinguished and slightly arrogant in the same way as a pink shirt and seersucker suit or a pair of bright F*** You pants, the Topsiders have a little bit of everything.

While it is hard to make a bad choice when it comes to a pair of Topsiders, we prefer the classic Navy, which by the end of July will have worn in look that we desire.  Keep it classic and rock the Topsiders.

Spring Essentials - Alden & J Crew Shoe

The best shoe of the spring is the Alden wingtip in tobacco coloring.  It is the best color to encapsulate spring, since it is light, colorful and classic.  It will go with any color in the closet and help make an outfit sing.  Naturally it goes well with blues, tans, light colors and jeans, but I personally think the best look for this shoe might be with a gray suit.  The unexpected pop of color on the feet with a gray suit would be unmistakably stylish. 

Alden is renowned for being one of the best shoe manufacturers in the world.  To see them teaming up with J Crew is a nice combination, especially when they come out with a classic hit such as these.  The tobacco colored Alden wingtip is only sold at J Crew for $440.

If this Spring's fashions are as cool as this shoe, we are in for a treat.

Band of Outsiders Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Band of Outsiders has been a top designer for a few years now. They have partnered with Sperry to make Band of Outsiders version of the classic shoe in some very not so classic versions. There clothes are peppering the pages of GQ and Hollywood movies, Youth in Revolt & Heaven Can Wait.  Basically, Band of Outsiders is getting the press they deserve.

As you can see in the Spring 2010 collection, as displayed at New York Fashion Week, Band of Outsiders are taking a new look at classic clothes.

They have really updated the classic nautical themed clothes with a new modern look. They are pairing Sperry Topsiders with suits and shorts a like and have the double breasted coat in there unique way.

At Modern Dignified, we really like the trim aggressive cut of the suits, especially the tan and white suits. These embody spring without even feeling like something that needs to be worn only in Miami.  Maybe it is the muted colors they pair it with, maybe it is cut, but either way, this is a winner look.

We also think that the trimmed down, slim cut, peacoat is quite unique. It is cut as trim sport coat would be but still has the classic double breast elements of a standard peacoat. Of course they make it in three classic colors: white, tan and navy. The navy is actually worn as a suit, which looks both classic and modern. It is certainly not a suit for business meetings, but instead a youthful, trendy suit to be worn on date with a trendy lady. We still feel that the classic peacoat should be securely kept in the wardrobe, but Band of Outsiders offers a competent alternative.

The black, single button, tuxedo is a great looking suit. We would opt for well polished black patent leather shoes over the Sperry Topsiders. The tuxedo is a well cut, modern version of the suit and one that keeps the classics in mind. It appropriately has peak lapels and enough satin accents that it can be worn to most formal attire events. We still feel the classics are best, but for the man who wants more than one tuxedo in his collection, this offers a great alternative. Though we aren't quite sure how many tuxedos any man needs.

We also dig the linen sport coat and shorts. Every man, especially a man living on the West Coast, should have a linen sport coat in his wardrobe. This is a good looking linen jacket in a modern Band of Outsiders fit.

Modern Dignified has a favorite new item that we just can't find, which is the crew neck athletic sweatshirt. The version we imagine is heather gray, with the same details seen in the 1970s on people like Steve McQueen. Well, it seems that Band of Outsiders has made a version of the sweatshirt. In
the Band of Outsiders case they wear it under a gray suit, as a very casual version of a suit. More on this item in the coming days.

Overall we dig the overall look the Band of Outsiders Spring 2010 line.  It is a great representation of classic style done in a modern way.

 

Spring Styles - Martin + Osa

The Spring/Summer collections are finally hitting stores, thankfully.  Martin + Osa has come out with some unique and interesting styles, which are not seen at any other stores.  There are some styles we are not a fan of, but these we certainly are.

Rugby shirts, short sleeve and long sleeve are common in Martin + Osa this Spring.  Rugby shirts can be worn by themselves or as well as worn over a button down shirt.  Depending on sleeve length the rugby shirts are sold for $55 to $65.

It seems that the outerwear sold by most stores is either military inspired or sports coats of different styles.  It is refreshing to see that Martin + Osa's zip up boating jacket sold in navy and orange.  The jacket is sold for $160.

Everyone seems to have shawl collar sweaters, but few shawl collar sweaters have the style and design of the Rivera Shawl sweater sold for $120.  This might be the best looking shawl collar on the market.

Chambray Shirts are the new Black

Chambray shirts are everywhere and for good reason, they are comfortable, classic, attractive and don't need to be ironed. Everyone is making chambray shirts from J Crew, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Mr. Freedom and Gitman Vintage.  Chambray shirts worked well for style icons like Steve McQueen, they should work well for you too.

The great thing with a chambray shirt is if worn right, it can be one of the most versatile shirts in your closet, take the looks provided by J Crew for evidence of that. J Crew pairs the chambray shirt with a suit (one of my personal favorites and a look I am sporting today), a chambray with a shawl collar sweater, with a military jacket & with a t-shirt and jeans. J Crew loves chambray so much they are even making a red version for their Spring/Summer collection.

Since I wear a chambray shirt quite often, I love the new colors that companies are making in chambray shirts. Woolrich have tan, black & blue chambray shirts.  J Crew have a gray, blue & now a red chambray.  Gitman Vintage have a full line of bright colored chambray with the bright blue being a personal favorite.

Be sure to jump on this style train and add a chambray shirt to your closet.

Style Profile - Gitman Vintage

After reading the recent GQ I noticed Gitman Vintage popped up a couple of times and on items I really liked.  I immediately had to check the website and was enamored with the style and design that emanates from the brand.  All of the clothes are vintage inspired clothes both in pattern and texture of the shirts.  They certainly show the timeless quality of a great shirt and simultaneously prove not everything from the 80's was un-stylish.  The Gitman Vintage Spring/Summer 2010 collection is inspired by Spring/Summer 1984.  I guess people in the 80's were cool.

The brightly colored are a great addition to the chambray shirts that are hopefully already hanging in your closet, if not, then pick up a Gitman Vintage gray chambray as well.

I have always enjoyed seersucker shirts and suits, since they don't wrinkle ever.  It is even easier to love seersucker when they look this good.

If a handshake can tell you the kind of man you are dealing with, the same can be said for the oxford when it comes to designers.  Oxfords are that essential to every man's wardrobe.  Gitman Vintage does the plain oxfords well, but I personally love there striped oxford.

Gitman Vintage has created a great selection of cotton poplin shirts, every color and design that a man would need.  These would look great under a suit for a modern pop on your favorite suit or could go well with jeans or khakis on a casual weekend.  No matter how you wear these shirts, they are cool and stylish.

Personally, I have never seen a patchwork madras that I would ever wear.  Most of them are so hideous I can not disassociate myself from them fast enough.  Well, that is until I saw this patchwork from Gitman Vintage.  It is perfect for a vacation in some beach town or for a day on the boat with shorts and topsiders.  If you don't own a boat, at least with this shirt you can look like you should.

Whatever your favorite shirt, Gitman Vintage certainly can add some style to your wardrobe and hopefully it can be as timeless as this collection.