Down & Out Dapper #11

It's time for some man style with guest blogger Keith Rein. If you missed his previous posts, you can check them out here.  Take it away Keith...

Hey guys, sorry we missed each other last month! Since we are about half way through the summer, I thought I'd bring up some year-round essentials your man should have that will help him carry his style over into many season.

Pants

We've already been over jeans, and if you need a refresher please check this post. Whether he works in the office or not, every man should own a pair of well-fitting chinos or khakis (but that's a color, not pants). They should be slim, but not too tight (no one wants nut huggers). Often times, one will run into baggy potato sack chinos with enough room for a loved one or ballet-tight pants - no middle ground. Well, J.Crew has a fit called urban slim fit which balances mobility and fit seamlessly.

Sun-faded Stanton pant in urban slim fit $49.50
These guys are well constructed, mid-weight, and softer than an angel's bottom!

It's also worth looking into Dockers Ankle Chino for Urban Outfitters. These pants have a standard inseam, across all their sizes, of 30. So I only recommend them if you have an inseam of 30. They are meant to be high-waters, which makes them very limited. However, with a 30 inseam you can rock them cuffed or uncuffed for many occasions. Constructed out of a heavy material, the Dockers will even get your man through the winter. I am fortunate to have a 30 inseam, and I own two pairs of these pants. I suggest you size up one size.

Shirt

I recently stumbled upon Biased Cut - a web shop specializing in custom tailored button up shirts. Although, I've been to a tailor for alterations and hemming, I never thought of getting a shirt tailored to my body. Now that I have, it isn't even worth buying a shirt elsewhere. You can choose between 3 different collar types; french or button cuff; slim or normal cut; and even get your shit monogrammed. Clocking in at $80 per shirt, it may seem pricey, but compared to any other mass marketed shirt (i.e. brooks brothers) it's on point, and is guaranteed to fit you. When you create an account (its free!) and store your measurements you will receive a $20 credit towards your first shirt.

Biased Cut Eucalypt $85

Shoes

I'm not sure if you guys have caught on yet, but I've got a problem with shoes... and mid-century chairs, but that's another story. I could go on and on about what you need to look for in a good pair of dress shoes. I like a pair of brogues (aka wingtips, oxfords). You can pair them with a suit and even bust 'em out with your denim. They will very easily take a guy from the office to the evening with style. Obtaining a new, nice pair means spending $200-500 on a handmade shoe that will last the wearer a life time. They are much easier to repair and age very well. Instead of dropping that much coin, you can look for some nice wingtips on Ebay, thrift stores, and even Etsy! I just scored these vintage Florsheim Longwings from Etsy for $75. Some trusty names to look for are: Florsheim, Alden, and Allen Edmonds.

Look for leather soles and nailing in the heel for signs of quality. 

That's a good start, I'll continue this post next month with some accessories and such. I will also leave you with some fantastic prints for you home from my friend Katrin Hagen from Mischief Champion (shop coming soon).

Koalas. $13

OMG Dad. $13

If Only. $13

Down & Out Dapper #10: Birthday Ed.

It's time for some more man style and art selections, brought to us by monthly guest blogger, Keith.  Keith celebrated a birthday this past week, and sadly I didn't get to see him but alas, birthday drinks will surely be shared, even if it's late! Take it away Keith...

G'Morning! If you guys didn't know already, I am an illustrator and designer in Athens, GA and my wife owns a small bakery in town called Ike & Jane. I work there a few days a week as well. One of those days happened to be this Wednesday morning, which also happened to be my birthday. When I got there that morning at 5:30am my wife already had a sweet card and a small present waiting for me!

Too Late Watch $25

 It's super comfortable and waterproof to boot!

Here are a few things I received as gifts and a few others that are on my wish list, and probably your man's too.

After receiving mine in the mail this week, I have now decided that every man needs to have a tie clip. I had the The Taffy Box shop only stamp one letter on the right hand side of the sterling silver bar, and it looks sharp!

J.Crew 484 Slim-fit jean in Wheat Garment Dye $98

 I've been eyeing these for a while now. I think it takes a style conscious and confident man to pull off white pants... or everyday access to a beach and yacht. I haven't made the plunge yet on either yacht or white denim, what do you think? {editor's note- if there's any man who can pull of white skinny jeans, it's Keith. He's that good}

Does your boo like to keep things hot?! Maybe he would appreciate a personalized jug of Tabasco Sauce! My favorite flavor is chipotle.  You can submit up to 20 characters for the label, so be creative if you'd like: 
"For My Hotty" $45

Art Corner:

"Obama" John De Lucca $12

"Bubbles" Liva Rutmane $18

 
until next time.

-k

Down & Out Dapper #9: Green Edition

It's time for our monthly guest blogger, Down and Out Dapper.   This series address gift and style ideas for men (duh). I hope you enjoy this month's Green edition.

Sorry to be late this month, I've been recovering from some awful migraines... So to kick off this week of green (Earth Day is on Thursday sillies), I've been takin' some pills from the green bottle.

 So good to me.

The weather is as nice as it's gonna get, so fire up that grill and enjoy the last few cool nights before the hot summer nights drip in.

Neatorama (Paper Mask Inlcuded!!!) $28

En Garde you tasty hamburger. Give 'em a flip with this sweet swashbuckler spatula. While you are at it, pick up the matching pronged for sword too!

The days are getting longer which means your man will be sweating in the sun while grill'n up his meat (not that meat...) so grab him a summer fedora to keep the rays off his face. Goorin Brothers makes amazing hats - the grip and quality will surpass most of what you can find for the price.

 Butch Vented Straw Fedora. $50

For those moments when you want to escape, or want him to, these Control headphones by Eskuche should help out. Bonus: if you are using these on a phone the built in microphone allows you to answer phone calls!

 Control Headphones by Eskuche $58
 When the lights go down and you are still looking for some warmth, try making your own sun jar. Of course you could always buy one here, or you can make your own solar powered one by following these steps.

 Sun Jar. Amazon. $30

Art Corner!

My wife and I have been on an art hanging kick as of late. Since I can't but all of it, I thought it'd be great to start introducing some shops and artists here.
Rainbow Lincoln via Justin Richel $15

Bike Love. eco-friendly? try eco-sexy! custom colors available. William Dohman $20

You Are Here Now this would be perfect above the toilet. Farouche $35

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Just a reminder if you are a local Athenian: Thursday April 22 - Ghostbusters Group Art Show Reception at Cine, 10 pm with a free movie screening at midnight. Friday April 23, Live Free or Drive, a Twilight Bike themed Show at Anchor Tattoo and Gallery. Arrive on a bike and receive a free print. OMG!

-K

Down & Out Dapper #8: Spring Ahead

Happy Monday! We're starting this week off with our monthly guest blogger, Down and Out Dapper. This series is designed to shed some light on what the other gender is getting into lately or what we should encouraging them to be getting into (wink, wink). I also wanted to to mention that it's Keith's two year wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary love! I'll never forget tripping on my heels and walking in mud walking down the wedding aisle to support two of my favorite people. Did you know that tornadoes on a wedding day is good luck? Forget rain, tornadoes are the ultimate good luck charm.
~
Oh man! Did daylight saving (not savings, that's a misnomer) mess me up?! I hope you all took an extra hour on 'the man' and slept in, because ya'll beauties deserve it!!

I apologize for missing last month, I was on the road peddling wares... Wares that dare not be mentioned on this here bloggy blog.

I suppose it is time to start dressing for the warmth and what better way than to get your man into some smart boat shoes. Toes up, I always say...

for the man "not into boat shoes" by Zuriick $55: Need Supply Co.

washed canvas boat shoe: $78 Need Supply Co.

Venetian Loafer: $85 Sperry Top-Sider, more colors available

Smogen Suede: $90 Tretorn, more colors available

Who wears short shorts, boys wear short shorts... That's right, my friends... A grown man should not wear shorts that hit below the knee. Granted, I don't believe a man should ever wear shorts... but sometimes he must - for work or those steamy days not near a pool or beach. Sometimes calf must be breached. If you/he must, then take a look at these:

-BDG Pattern Short $44

-Toddland Greatest Shorts $49

-Levi's 511 Cutoffs $49

For the swimming...

70's inspired Standard/Quicksilver boardshorts $75

70's inspired Standard/Quicksilver boardshorts $75

The above shorts were designed with the modern man in mind, mimicking styles from the 70's and 80's. Last year they were available through vending machines at the Standard hotel locations, but this year, are still available online.

Penguin Striped Volley $59

Next month we will continue getting your man ready for your summer vacation, be sure to check back!

-k

Down & Out Dapper #7: St. Valentine's

Happy Monday! Today we have our monthly guest blogger, Keith Rein, with us discussing V-day gifts and ideas for that man/boy/man-boy in your life. You can find the Down and Out Dapper archives here. Enjoy!

~

It's right around the corner and it's coming fast. Even if you don't celebrate it, someone in your life expects you to. So why not make Valentine's Day enjoyable? It is no secret that men aren't into Valentine's Day, and some may even be scared of the holiday. No matter how much your girlfriend or wife protests the idea of V-day not v.d. the nugget of doubt always sits in the back of a man's mind...

"does she really not want anything?

are flowers enough?

will nothing do?

can i play call of duty tonight?

... she wants something anyways doesn't she?"

Valentine's Day is a ladies holiday. Not to say you lovelies don't deserve it, but in order to get your man into the spirit of the day - make this one about him. This idea should surprise your man, or manchild, no matter how far you take it.

If you're hitting the town consider picking him up a few essentials for a dressed up, but casual night. I suggest utilizing subtle hue shifts for a timeless feel with a pop of color in the accessories.

red chambry tie. Urban Outfitters $19

shrunken blazer. Urban Outfitters $68

grey oxford. Urban Outfitters $29 Sale!

red & pink superhero socks. Sock it to Me $7.50

pink pocket square. JoS. A. Bank $18

rj colt perforated leather shoes. Urban Outfitters $50 Sale!

I bought these shoes last month. They are super comfortable and liven up any pair of dark jeans, I recommend cuffing up your jeans a bit.

If you are staying in you have to order some of this ridiculously delicious popcorn (thanks Uncrate for the heads up).

bacon caramel bourbon corn. Salted Caramel $12-34

Grab him this soft burned out raglan from Alternative Apparel.

$40 15% off thru 2.01

Stuck on ideas? Check it:

-Instead of going out for dinner and a movie. Make it! AND if you are the adventurous couple, make the movie too! you can upload that straight to my server

-For warmer climates, a hot air balloon ride would be bitch'n

-Look for drive-in movies in your area. Most of the time it's a $6/person fee for two movies. Bring a romantic picnic and wine or schlock it up with a beer and a bucket of fried chicken for a slasher flick!

-You don't need to spend it alone, have a game night. Mix it up with couples and singles and stick with finger foods and lots of booze!

I hope you guys all have a fantastic Valentine's Day, I'll be back next month with man picks and ideas for the home!

-k

Down & Out Dapper #6: Gift List

Welcome to the 5th edition of Down and Out Dapper, a monthly guest post series by Keith Rein. I hope you're enjoying his fresh (more manly, duh) perspective on style as much as I do!
Now as much as I'd like to think we're all done with our Holiday shopping, I know that inevitably procrastination and busy schedules sets most of us scrambling for those last minute gifts. If you're still looking for gifts, Keith has you set...oh and make sure to download the free gift at the end of the post!

Meet me in St. Louis!!! Merry Christmas everyone, I am posting from St. Charles, Missouri this month. I'm here for an early celebration with my wife's family, and so far it's going great. As great as something can go without any booze! (so please pour some out for your dapper homey - scotch or whiskey would be great. make it a double)

For Him

Kingsley Trench $135

LightHouse Boot $145. It's like a boat shoe and boot got busy!!!

Slim Fit Dress Pant $118

-Bacon of the Month Club $190 (6 months) 1 package each month with artisan bacon as well as recipes and other extras! This is one of those gifts that he's going to share with you = win/win!

-Mod Leather Jacket $110

-Stocking Stuffer!!! Space Food Sampler $20

-Shwood Sunglasses $95. Try getting yoru optometrist to pop in his own prescription for a unique look.

For Him or Her: Happy Socks $10 I love their logo, it's like a vintage department store!

For the Drinker:

-Home Brew Kit! Hurry and order now for Christmas! May I recommend the eggnog milk stout or grapefruit honey ale... Because I do.

-MicroBeer Club $35/month or less for a year's subscription

-Don't forget the Whiskey Stones

For the Geek:

Guitar Straps for Guitar Hero & Rock Band guitars $35. Artist Series are available, but the tooled western look is my favorite.

Sheldrake Frames by Oliver Peoples

Lemtosh Frames by Moscot

Lego Gun $70. Lots of assembly required, but that's most of the fun! Working magazine!

For Her:

Humble Foxy Tea Towel $20. I think every kitchen needs to keep some of the 60's aspects alive, and these little foxes are perfect.

Pair this with the Twilight book, Eclipse, and you are IN! You know she's gonna want to read it before the movie comes out. (When it does, make yourself scarce) $12

Vintage Zipper Studs $18

Nothing says "I Love You" like a little sense of humor. Laser Cut Wall Hanging $18

Still need some more ideas? Remember to check locally too, often times your own city will have a local Etsy organization, which is a great way to help out your citymates, and your own mate!

As a little gift for you all, feel free to download these holiday phone wallpapers that I've made just for you!

Look closely... those are humping deers!

~
Thanks Keith! Humping deer wallpaper is just what my phone needed for the holidays!

{p.s. you still have time to enter the Enchanted Leaves giveaway! Winner will be picked tonight}