sprezzatura | a little bit of rest

The Levi’s 501 CT: High Rise Selvedge Denim

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Ethan

Everyone knows that I’m a big proponent of high rise trousers. They make you look slimmer and make your legs look longer; you can’t lose while wearing them! However, you can’t wear trousers everyday. Even I don’t do that. There are days when I wear jeans, but I seldom wear them with tailored clothing (button ups, jackets, etc) due to the fact that most jeans out there have a super low rise. I had tried on some vintage denim that had a high-rise but it was way out of price range. However Levis came through with the 501 CT line, which have become my go to jean.

Tailoring a Suit from Goodwill

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Ethan

It’s not everyday that you find something cool at a thrift store. And its definitely not an easy task to make it wearable.

I Bought a Jos. A. Bank Suit

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Ethan

People like to call out Jos A. Bank and Menswear House for making some of the worst suits out there. They like to cite quality concerns, fit issues, and an overall outdated or boxy look look that is made worse by the “overpriced yet crazy discount”model that the company operates with. Just look at some of their markdowns. However, I absolutely pounced at the chance to buy one. I did cheat though; it was on eBay!

Going Ivy with White Socks

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Ethan

One of the many #menswear sins that people like to spout out is to never wear brown shoes with a black suit. It causes repulsion in some, conniptions in others, and a shunning glance to all. Even so, there is one sin that is far worse than even that: wearing white socks with dress shoes. In fact, I haven’t seen too much of it since the 1990s thanks to multiple #menswear bloggers and vloggers who aim to stamp out this inglorious affectation. However there’s something intriguing about pairing white socks with formal clothing that has been calling out to me. This practice started in the 1950s and 1960s, and while I take a lot of my cues from the 30s, it’s time we look somewhere else for inspiration.

Update 8/31/18: Okay so I reference this article a lot, but I do white socks for a lot more than just sartorial stuff. Go figure.

A Few Days in the Bay Area

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Ethan

I’ve been meaning to go to SF (and the Bay Area) and shop around for a long time. The last time I went was two years ago when Tim and I stumbled upon Haight Street and its awesome vintage stores. I planned to go for my 21st birthday in July, but circumstances arose that only allowed us to go during this past September Weekend! Spencer, Jeremiah and I (the Spring 2016 Dapper Day crew) were only able to spend two nights/one day in the Area but it was definitely a lot of fun, especially since we were able to dress up and walk around!

The Return of Drop-Loop Trousers?

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Ethan

Pleats and high waist pants are finally coming back into the minds of everyday people, being present at Pitti Uomo and other sartorial gatherings. Fashion isn’t always new, with discerning gentlemen always looking toward the golden age of menswear (1930-1960) for inspiration to their latest suits. B&Tailor has started offering a certain style of trouser that instantly screams 1940-1955: the drop loop pant.

Q & A: Finding the Perfect Jacket Fit

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Ethan

It’s time to start doing a new feature here on Street x Sprezza and that’s Q & As! I know some of you have got some Q’s and I’ll try my best to supply the A’s. This first one comes to me from Jacob, a reader who is concerned about finding a jacket that fits from eBay! Since I buy a lot of my clothes online, I thought it best to tell him my process for buying these vintage pieces. Here’s a hint: it’s all in the shoulders and length.

Late Summer Purchases: Espadrilles and Hawaiian Shirts

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Ethan

September has finally arrived and so has the first wave of fall products. Banana Republic has started stocking their flannel pants and J. Crew is advertising their latest trenchcoat model. However, being a Southern California Native, I am still feeling the effects of the 90F+ heat. That’s why I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy two things I should’ve had since June: the white espadrille and the rayon Hawaiian Shirt.

Tee Shirts and Trousers 2: the 1980s

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Ethan

It’s time to revisit one of my old posts and try tucking in a tee shirt into some trousers!

The Armoury for Less: Mark Cho in Italy

Posted on August 28, 2016 by Ethan

The Armoury has always been a deep source of inspiration for my outfits, due to their “international classic” aesthetic and their stylish staff. We’ve already replicated outfits from Dick Carroll’s ivy-trad style and Jake Grantham‘s 1980’s redeux, but now it’s time to look to Mark Cho, one of the founders of the Armoury.