Prepare for 2009 to be the year of traditional dress, with a proliferation of blogs, such as
acontinuouslean.com,
heavytweed.blogspot.com and
naffordablewardrobe.blogspot.com, advocating what they term Civilised Disobedience – basically a rejection of the casualisation of men’s clothing. For these gents, business casual means a pair of tailored pants, an oxford collar button-down shirt, a wool-knit tie, and a tweed jacket or sports coat. Dress down Fridays? Poppycock.
However, and let’s be frank about this, dressing like that day in, day out, is a bit of a pain in the arse, and the wallet. So while it is suggested that you peruse these blogs for a history lesson and a different perspective on men’s fashion, that traditional labels like Brooks Brothers, L.L. Bean and J. Press won’t ship to Australia, means they cannot be recommended here.
So, having prefaced this with a brief discourse on traditional style, let us make an awkward segue as I introduce you to some (slightly, in some cases) more accessible young men’s fashion sites.
Oki-Ni
This is a well-stocked British site, offering an interesting selection of some of the more fashion-forward brands and some older labels experiencing a revival. My picks: authentic tartan scarves by Drakes (recently bolstered by its association with Monocle magazine), a gingham cardigan in red by YMC, and a lively pair of socks by Swedish maker Happy Socks (a steal at £5).
Oak NYC
From across the pond, is this remarkably diverse collection of designers, including Bernhard Willhelm, Henrik Vibskov and Rick Owens. I could buy lots from here, starting with a couple of great cardigans from Phillip Lim and Opening Ceremony, matched with a pair of very suave black derbys by Surface to Air.
Digital Gravel
Let me introduce you to tee heaven. A lot of the streetwear brands you might expect – The Hundreds, 10Deep, Twelve Grain – all at pretty decent prices. Sign up to their newsletter and get daily updates on new stock and when they’re holding very regular sales (it’s currently 50% everything until 31 December 2008). Check these pearlers from Rockwell and Too Black Guys.
Ubiq Life
Still on the streetwear tip, this group is getting new drops all the time from Crooks & Castles, In4mation and Original Fake. Last I checked they’d just got the newest Jordan Spizikes in, so if you’re after some new kicks, you know where to go.
Sierra Trading Post
Lastly, for the rugged outdoorsman, I have this little treat. How about some Carhartt, some C.C. Filson, some Barbour, all at 35-70% off retail pricing, before they put it all on sale. Seriously, this has masses of stuff for when you go to the country, or if you just want to look like the sort who might do so.