A Continuous Lean. » That Autumn Look

That Autumn Look | Bullet Proof

Michael Williams — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:10:42 +0000

You wear a suit in New York and a lot of people will ask you for directions. People trust a man wearing a suit, it is just one of those things. In previous jobs I would wear a suit regularly and it was a matter of choice not necessity. I’m not an attorney in the court room and I don’t manage anyone’s money. And trust me, wearing a suit is much more fun that way. As time went on my interest in workwear waxed and my interest in clothes waned. As fall rears its head (more and more by the day here in New York), my thoughts shift back to suits and trench coats. The below is my interpretation of what I would be wearing if I was cast as the lead of Get Carter, something bullet proof to bang around London in. A mix of amazing English goods and updated American classics. Throw in an IWC for good luck and we are on our way. The only question is, what car to pair with this look? Well, I’ll leave that for you to discuss in the comments. Maybe something sporty?

LINKS

Hickey Navy Pinstripe Suit

Mackintosh Duncan Coat

Turnbull & Asser Prince of Wales Shirt

Smythson of Bond Street Panama Jotter

Church’s Black Chetwynd Shoes

Zero Halliburton 3″ Slimline Classic Attache

IWC Spitfire Chronograph

Alexander Olch Blue Windowpane Tie (FYI Olch is a client of my PR firm)

More That Autumn Look posts can be seen here.

That Autumn Look | Turning Japanese

Michael Williams — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:11:04 +0000

The only thing better than the things you can have, are always the things you can’t. I stick to my belief that menswear in Japan is leaps and bounds ahead of what we get here in the States. Of course, maybe that is just because I’m here and Japan is, well, there. Everything in the below was basically created by the Americans or the British, but more than anything I see this as a purely Japanese look. Of course, maybe it is just me. Take the spirit of this and translate, coagulate and/or appreciate it as inspiration from our friends in the East.

Military Field Parka (Japan)

Beams+ Navy Blazer (Japan)

Tan and Navy Grosgrain Belt (Japan)

White Mountaineering Gray Wool Pants (Japan)

Rolex Submariner

J. Press Watch Strap

White Mountaineering Socks (Japan)

Danner Mountain Light Tan Suede Boots (Japan)

Plaid Button (Japan)

Woven-Plastic Button (Japan)

Journal Standard Chambray Shirt (Japan)

Gregory Backpack

More That Autumn Look posts can be seen here.

That Autumn Look | Out and About

Michael Williams — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:01:31 +0000

The series “That Autumn Look” probably generates more reader email than anything I have ever done on this site. The looks are a lot of fun to put together, but the process can be tedious. I’m not one to be excited for spring and summer dressing, so I’m happy to keep my still life looks to the autumn variety. The first installment for 2009 is inspired by my adventures (read: meetings and appointments) in and around the city. Here’s to crisp days with soft jersey zip-ups, chambray, leather boots and a good helping of waxed canvas.

Unis waxed cotton peacoat

Persol tortoise shell eyeglasses

Apolis Activism x Filson canvas briefcase

Fruit of the Loom zip-up sweatshirt

Alden x Context “Roy” boots

Post Overalls khaki pants

Tops reporter’s notebook

Varsity disposable fountain pen

J. Crew chambray shirt

More That Autumn Look posts can be seen here.

That Autumn Look | Part Four

Michael Williams — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:53:15 +0000

Anyone that visits this site on a fairly regular basis knows that I am a major advocate of workwear style. Like many people growing up in the Midwest, but living in New York City, I have a nostalgic connection to the fabrics and brands of blue collar America. That said, being a “marketing professional” (read: yuppie), do I really want to walk out of the house dressed head-to-toe in a laborers outfit? Not so much. The union ironworkers that are building the skyscraper around the corner from my apartment might conscript me into making a trip to the deli (with a box) to get everyone on the job site egg sandwiches.

Workwear items are meant to be mixed and matched, creating a more modern look. Pictured below are classic and utilitarian items that pair well with more fashion forward brands like Robert Geller, Obedient Sons, Rag & Bone, Steven Alan, Nicholas K and many others. On its own, this look might work for a Saturday shopping excursion or a trip to the flea market but not for a meeting or a date, unless she is really into the rugged type.

The Working Man

Workers Flannel Shirt — By Special Order

New York State Thruway Tee Shirt

Filson Oil Finish Cover Cloth Foul Weather Coat — $275

Klein Tools Canvas Bag — $48

Levis 505 “Made in USA” Jeans

Stanley Thermos — $32

Field Notes Notepad (3 pack) — $9.95

R by 45 RPM Bandana — $65

Red Wing 875 Boot — $187

More That Autumn Look can be seen here.

That Autumn Look | Part Three

Michael Williams — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:44:07 +0000

The lazy Sunday brunch is a celebrated ritual in New York City. Wear a chunky knit cardigan, comfortable pants and your bean boots. Don’t forget The New York Times and friends to unwind with over Bloody Marys. I love to build an outfit around a pair of boots or a puffy coat and then head to Bubby’s or the Spotted Pig for carb-loaded pre-football rations. For inspiration, my ideal Sunday brunch attire is pictured as That Autumn Look part three.

Sunday Brunch

More That Autumn Look can be seen here.

That Autumn Look | Part Two

Michael Williams — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:25 +0000

Judging from the response and comments on That Autumn Look Part One, I would say people liked the concept. The second in the series draws inspiration from a business man on a rain soaked fall day. There is a conscious mix of English and American styles. The venerable Mackintosh outerwear is paired with the younger, more design focused Norwegian umbrella and galoshes from Swims. The leather bag and shoes add a subtle dose of color to the otherwise neutral tone. The complete list of products included can be found after the jump.

Rainy Day Business Man

That Autumn Look | Part One

Michael Williams — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:00:12 +0000

Is it fall yet? September leads to October and then eventually to November which is when the weather gets just right. If the temperature could just settle into the low-50s to mid-40s (what I call Barbour weather) I would be happy. One of my favorite things in the world is to open the coat closet (hall closet as it was known back in Ohio) and resurrect the Barbour for another season. Last summer I had my Bedale re-waxed in New Hampshire, making the telltale tin cloth scent more enjoyable and pungent than ever.

In anticipation of the pending brisk autumn weather, I devised a series of still life product round-ups for your viewing pleasure. Part one, The Commuter, is pictured below.

A Continuous Lean. » That Autumn Look

That Autumn Look | Bullet Proof

That Autumn Look | Turning Japanese

That Autumn Look | Out and About

That Autumn Look | Part Four

The Working Man

That Autumn Look | Part Three

Sunday Brunch

That Autumn Look | Part Two

Rainy Day Business Man

That Autumn Look | Part One

The Commuter

Filson Woven Hunting Shirt — $87.50

Hickey Flat Front Flannel Trouser — $295

Velorbis Churchill Classic Bicycle

Brooks England Leather Trouser Strap — $36

The Catcher in the Rye — $6.99

Filson Field Satchel — $795

Barbour Bedale Jacket — $345

Anglo American Eyeglasses — $149

Hickey Button Down Cardigan — $295

Alexander Olch Corduroy Tie — $130

Alden Shell Cordovan Wing Tip