Posted by: Jay on Jan 30, 2010 Filed Under: Obsessions du Mois 
What are we spending way too much time thinking about this month?
Apple’s iPad! ($499): Because it’s going to change the way we commute, or at least change the way we entertain ourselves while we are forced to commute. 10″ Linen Pocket Round by Alexander Olch ($45): Like a pocket square, but less square. Nixon Rubber Player in Purple ($150): Nixon somehow manages to make a purple rubber watch look kinda classy — go figure. Perforated Derbies by APC ($410): We might wear them five times this spring, but each time will be incredibly awesome. Tubereuse Noire Scented Candle by Baxter of California ($45): Why does this scent make us think of Salma Hayek? Wool Tartan Tie by Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ($150): Dark subtle plaid, narrow, textured, and some Thom Browne influence. Fidelity Hooded Duffel Coat at Steven Alan ($250): Really wishing L.A. gets some temps in the 40s and 50s this month…
Posted by: Jay on Jan 16, 2010 Filed Under: Style 101 
We’re expecting the MAJOR STORMS in L.A. this week, which means a rare opportunity to put on some outerwear and dig a few choice accessories out of the closet. Never mind that MAJOR STORMS only means LIGHT DRIZZLE, we’re just excited for the change in weather. The trench and umbrella are obvious choices, but this year we’re really pushing for a great pair of rain boots to keep our dress shoes safe and dry (hence the waxed canvas bag — change at the office). Take it from the English, who are bad-weather professionals, it’s totally worth the effort and extra stuff to carry to show up dry.
Double Check Walker Umbrella by Burberry ($275). Waxed Canvas and Leather Tote by J. Fold ($259). Trench by Costume National ($454). Wellington Boots by Hunter ($115).
Posted by: Jay on Jan 14, 2010 Filed Under: Editors' Picks 
Every so often we snap out of our money=style mindset and can see the world through more objective eyes. There are tons of stylish options on the market that don’t make us choose between a little bit of luxury and food, and we especially love the Peasants & Travelers brand for bringing affordable style to the manbag-seeking masses. As if the aesthetics of this line wasn’t enough to prove its worth, check out the About Us page.
Weekend Bag by Peasants & Travelers ($139)
Posted by: Jay on Jan 11, 2010 Filed Under: Editors' Picks 
For being confined to a country with such terrible weather, the English have an almost unnatural love affair with motorcycles. But out of the rain-soaked nightmare that are the English midlands arose the need for truly badass protective gear to keep the motorcyclists motorcycling. Belstaff has been making just such performance gear for bike enthusiasts since 1924, and they make some of the sturdiest, best looking leather jackets on the market today. Even if your Triumph Boneville is in storage until spring (or you’re still contemplating buying one), it’s still possible to look like a bad-arse. Must. Get. One. Now.
The Norris Man Blouson by Belstaff ($1,410)
Posted by: Jay on Jan 9, 2010 Filed Under: Style 101 
Break out of your usual weekend shoe routine by mixing in a pair of bold statement sneaks every so often. It’s easier to pull off than you might think. Rule 1: Chose the shoes wisely. Nothing you might actually run a marathon in. Rule 2: Keep everything else understated and conservative. Keep the jeans trim and your shirts neutral to let the boldness of your footwear shine through. Rule 3: We’re serious about keeping everything else understated.
Shoes: Adidas ZX Racer ($64). Watch: IWC Portuguese Automatic Chronograph ($5,100). Jeans: Raleigh Denim Graham ($315). Button Front: Steven Alan Reverse Seam Shirt ($168). V-Neck Tee: GAP Best V ($18)
Posted by: Jay on Jan 6, 2010 Filed Under: Editors' Picks 
Because even Los Angeles has a rainy season — granted it lasts for about a week and a half and only drizzles enough to make people forget how to drive — but getting caught out in the elements unprepared looks foolish anywhere. Time to ditch the ratty black eye poking machine that gets turned inside-out in a gentle breeze, and go instead for one of these classy, stylish umbrellas to keep you dry.
1. Malacca Flask Umbrella by Swaine Adeney Brigg ($720). So what if it costs a small fortune? Putting a small, functional flask into the handle of an umbrella is just the thing you would expect from a company that has been keeping the English dry for 250 years. Nothing goes with a rainy morning subway ride like bourbon.
2. The Commuter by London Undercover ($96). London Undercover launched in 2008 with the aim to “…turn around the humble umbrella and allow it to reach its true potential as a fashion accessory.” We approve. We’re also big fans of the Fish & Chips version.
3. Tiger Woods 62″ Windsheer II Umbrella by Nike Golf ($38). There’s absolutely nothing stylish about it at all, but we couldn’t resist trying to work in the phrase “media shit storm”.
4. Plaid in Sambuca by Caulfield Prepatory ($145). Sturdy. Plaid. Hotness.
Posted by: Jay on Jan 4, 2010 Filed Under: Editors' Picks 
Solid, understated ties are an easy pairing for most shirt and suit combinations, and what these ties lack in color, they more than make up for with texture and style. Solids don’t tend to follow the same waves of trendiness as stripes, polka dots, paisleys, or prints, so these ties will look on-point for years. Make the most of this understated ties by letting them stand out against a white dress shirt and keeping them in place with a shiny sterling silver tie bar.
1. Chaplin 7 Fold Woven Silk Tie by Thomas Pink ($180)
2. Downtown Wool Tie by J. Crew ($59)
3. Bradford Roadster Skinny Tie by Theory ($98)
4. Fine Italian Corduroy by Alexander Olch ($130)
Posted by: Jay on Jan 3, 2010 Filed Under: Editors' Picks 
Dress shoe burnout — it is bound to happen to all of us at one point or another. Man can only alternate between black and dark brown cap-toe oxfords for so long. The occasional pair of Chuck Taylors might add some much needed relief, but that’s more of a style Aspirin than a cure for what ails us. Where can a grown-ass man find grown-ass shoes for the office that are as interesting as they are appropriate?
English shoemaker Grenson has been making quality leather shoes since 1866, and the Stanley ($268) brogued oxford is a solid choice for your third (or fourth or fifth) pair of dress shoes. The Grenson pedigree means these are built to last, and the classic styling ensures these brogues will look great for years with a suit, slacks, or jeans.
Posted by: Jay on Jan 2, 2010 Filed Under: Sport Essentials 
The shot hit most often by the Style Not Fashion golf team is the massive slice into the woods. Practice hasn’t seemed to help straighten out our drives, so our collective efforts are probably better spent in trying to make these golf outings more stylish affairs. The best way to make even the biggest shank seem impressive is to swing a classic, wooden driver.
Lousiville Golf’s TWPD Precision Persimmon Driver ($199) is a reproduction of persimmon clubs made exclusively for Tiger Woods. Apparently in the off-season, when not tapping cocktail waitresses, TW hits a persimmon driver to “…sharpen his ball striking and connect with the spirit of the game.” We can respect that.
To accompany the TWPD driver, Louisville Golf also offers the TWP5 Fairway 5-Wood and TWP3 Fairway 3-Wood ($169 each).
Posted by: Jay on Jan 2, 2010 Filed Under: Man Cave Essentials 
For all of the convenience digital music has provided modern man, sound quality seems to have been a secondary consideration. We love the iPod for allowing us to keep 40,000 songs in our pocket, but even with the best dock or speaker system, highly compressed audio leaves much to be desired. Sometimes we need to transcend simply listening to our music; we need to hear it, feel it.
Some music was meant to be appreciated amid the din of a smoke-filled lounge, or while being discussed with other aficionados, or while sitting at home with scotch in hand. For faithfully recreating these types of music experiences, nothing beats the warm sound of vinyl.
Show your friends you’re a man who knows his jazz with the Rega P1 ($395). The P1 offers great sound quality and impressive engineering (who knew there was so much science in a record player?) in an attractive, affordable package. Enjoy.
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