my stuff

Jacket:UNIQLO Shirt:Koto/UrbanOutfitters Denim:A.P.C.

I know, this place's been all about photo safaris and my stuff lately, but I'm on a mountain in the middle of China, give me a break. I've been feeling UNIQLO lately. This jacket is a perfect transitional jacket. It's got a removable quilted liner-which extends its use as a light rain shell to a fairly decent Fall and early Winter jacket. With the right layers, it's apropos for quite a few occasions. I found the chambray buried in a rack of flannels and skittle flavored hoodies one day wandering through the local Urban Outfitters this summer. I've never heard of Koto, but I like the shirt and the pocket details. Don't worry, I only have 2 chambray shirts.

 

Doesn't it look like I'm thoughtfully considering the beauty of nature and how small a speck in this great universe I really am? Yeah, too bad I just misjudged the ten second timer on my camera.

my stuff

Jacket: Uniqlo Shirt: Ralph Lauren Tie:The Hill-Side Trousers:Uniqlo Hat:GraceHats Shoes:Camper PocketSquare:The Hill-Side

Today is Halloween on Moganshan. Not that this is really a costume at all. Actually, it's my best impression of Thom Browne. This is the other jacket I bought in Hong Kong a few weeks back (has it really been 2 months?) from Uniqlo. I picked the trousers up in Osaka after drooling over similar styles at BEAMS and Ciaopanic. I never was the biggest fan of cropped trousers, but the Japanese won me over. I'm still not sure how girls feel about them, but I doubt that feelings are too negative, right?

 

I can't really say how much I like, no strike that, love my gear from The Hill-Side. The tie is amazing and has held up to 2 plus months of travel and my not always so delicate packing style. It works with jeans and an untucked shirt as well as a blazer/trouser combo for more formal moments. The bandanna, which I've folded into a pocket square here, is great. Still haven't seen a shade quite like the plum chambray. Plus, whenever I get the urge to rob a bank, I have the perfect mask. If you're going to steal someone's money, you should at least be well dressed. 

Happy Halloween kids. 

my stuff

Today, my sister took us out on a little hike. She showed us this cool abandoned building (what abandoned buildings aren't cool?) that was once owned by a family of Russian ex-pats here on the mountain.

After exploring for a few minutes, we noticed some items scattered in the debris inside. "Those are cool bottles..." we all said. After a few moments, I went for them. I know, I know, not so kosher to take from an abandoned house, but still, I figure we can call it 'salvaging' and it's okay, right? I'll show you the bottle I snagged when it's cleaned up and on display in my apartment.

Oh, the clothes. Rogues Gallery shirt, A.P.C. new standards, and Camper shoes.

Careful!

Any good Halloween plans guys?

my stuff

I picked up this hat in Osaka from a small hat shop on the walk back to the hotel one day. Obviously, I'm a big fan of driving caps. And I have quite a few of them. What I didn't have was one made in heavy, sweatshirt material cotton. Grey and sweatshirt cotton-sold and sold. The Obey shirt and New Standards are holding up to China well.The real surprise here is I got new specs!

I went for an oval shape. Kind of an impulse buy, I wandered into the glasses shop in the small city at the base of the mountain one night with my sister. She told me before that glasses could be had at pretty amazing prices. A quick eye exam, 45 minutes, and 45 dollars later and here we are. I went for the oval shaped frames. That way I can look like a distinguished architect or modern artist, no? That or the goofy guy with funny shaped glasses. Either way I'm into it. 

my stuff

Watch Cap:Beauty&Youth(United Arrows), Chambray:J.Crew, Denim:A.P.C,Shoes:Clarks, Rucksack:Fjallraven

This is my Serpico look. Fall is finally starting to hit the mountain here. Not cold enough for a full blown sweater or jacket, more of a good excuse to wear a new hat. I pass this telephone booth on my walks quite a bit (it's on the way to the cafe/restaurant my sister  manages). Don't see phone booths anymore, so I had to take a few shots here. While I'm not  testifying against dirty cops or going undercover, if I ever manage to look half as steezy as Frank Serpico, I would be a happy man. So grab your .45, a peacoat, and go handle some business.

my stuff

hat:UnitedArrows, vest:Ciaopanic, shirt:Obey, denim:APC, boots:Ciaopanic, rucksack:Fjallraven

Remember when I said that all I needed were the perfect pair of boots and I'd be set for a fall uniform? Well I found them. Ciaopanic to the rescue! If you come to Detroit, or I'm around your parts, this is probably what you'll see me wearing. Substitute a flannel and I'm pretty sure this will work for all but the coldest days.

I've had my eye on Fjallraven's kanken rucksack for awhile now and when I saw them at Opening Ceremony in Shibuya, I couldn't resist. Can you tell I like the color green?

The boots in a little more detail. I love crepe souls, so obviously when I saw these, I was sold. The thick sole is super comfortable and I like the sand suede. I may switch the laces to red, but other than that, I wouldn't change a thing.

These bags are really versatile and have been around forever. My favorite feature is how the shoulder straps can be cinched tight and snapped in place, making the bag a tote rather than a rucksack. Perfect for running around the city, a day hike in the bamboo forest, or packing lunch for that picnic you've been meaning to take her on. Don't want to fly to New York or Tokyo to buy it? Get it at Context Clothing.

my stuff

I love shopping in Japan. Worldwide retailers please take note- a friendly smile and smart packaging goes a long way.

I had been looking forward to stopping in United Arrows when I started planning this trip. It's kind of like Barney's or BEAMS, only slightly more affordable. They carry suiting to Red Wings. I also scored hipster points when, while I was checking out their collection of stuff from The Hill-Side, the clerk noticed my bandanna and gave me a thumbs up. We chatted about where the fabrics came from and then I noticed this hat.

Made in the U.S.A. and sold in Japan. Sigh. It's a 100% wool watch cap built to military spec. I figured it'd be perfect for any Serpico moments I might have. I love olive drab and I thought it'd go well with the vest I nabbed from Ciaopanic.

Is it weird that when I saw the blackwatch plaid lining I thought of AllPlaidout?

I'm a sucker for gray and for wool. Combine the two into a slim fitting, down-filled quilted vest and I'm sold. Ciaopanic does a nice job of taking workwear and outdoor gear inspiration without going full on repro. This vest is going to get a ton of wear this fall/winter.

I know, I know. When I got the Edwin 503s I said I was set for denim. And I was. But when the Levis store in Shinjuku is having a 50% off sale, you don't think twice. Especially when it applies to 501s modeled after the 1937 model. Raw and selvage, these are Levis that are really hard to get a hold of back home. I love the suspender buttons.

I also love the cinch buckle on the back. Wool watch cap, wool vest, raw denim- all I need is the perfect pair of boots and my F/W uniform is basically complete. What are you guys wearing this fall?

my stuff

Can you tell I like bamboo? The views are amazing and being able to touch bamboo this thick is pretty neat. I've been trying to run or walk around at least for an hour or so for the past few days and it's criminal how little I've seen of the mountain. Everything from waterfalls to koi ponds are at my doorstep. If you get the chance, come visit Monganshan-I know a pretty cool pastry chef/manager of a really nice coffee shop/restaurant (and it's not just 'cause she's my sister)...

To the clothes:

Jeans are the Edwin 503s I got back in Hong Kong. It's crazy how one wash makes such a difference. These are much softer than the A.P.C.s. I do really like the red selvage. I'm leaving for Osaka and Tokyo on Wednesday and now that I have Edwins, I'll fit in right?

The shirt is a Dior shirt I've had since high school. No, I didn't buy a Dior shirt just to wear to school-a friend of my mom's gave me a ton of shirts they had laying around when they heard I had to wear them as part of my uniform. I always liked this one and have kept it in rotation ever since.

You can see The Hill-Side bandanna peeking out-it's really come in handy on this trip. Plus, with the mustache, when I wear it around my neck I totally kind of look like a real train robber. Can't beat that.

And of course Clarks desert treks. The crepe sole is really comfy, especially on all the stone steps here on the mountain. I think I'm going to grab a pair of luggers while I'm here too. You can never have enough Clarks, can you?

my stuff

My sister lives and works on a mountain that is full of bamboo forests and tea fields. It's beautiful here and on a lot of levels, I could stay here forever. Tons of photo opportunities and time to just get away. The only real challenge? Trying not to look goofy to the locals while you're taking pictures of yourself amongst the bamboo.

Details: the driving cap that's so old the label fell out. Tie by The Hill-Side. The shirt is from Rogues Gallery out of Portland, Maine. Jeans are my A.P.C. New Standards. Breaking in nicely, I think. Blazer by Uniqlo. This is one of the two I picked up while I was in Hong Kong. Super light, it's perfect for that 'expat living in China look'. I know I should have tucked in my shirt, especially since I bothered with a tie and jacket, but you try and hike up a mountain with a silly mustache and we'll see if your shirt stays tucked in. At first, I was just trying to make my sister laugh (normally I have at least a five o'clock shadow or beard-but I forgot the trimmer at home and resorted to a razor). But maybe I'll keep it. I'm trying to get my travel buddies to grow ones for themselves, but so far, no dice. I think it looks like a cross between my name is earl and a mall cop.

my stuff

My new Warriors shoes. My sister told me about these a few months ago and I've been interested in grabbing a pair since. Evidently, they were one of the only shoes available during the height of the revolution and now they're the standard cheap shoe. You see them on everyone from teenagers to construction workers. At about a 7th of the cost of Vans, I think they're pretty awesome. I wanted white on white, but they didn't have them in my size. They did have these guys and a pair of olive green as well. I bought both and will probably buy more. I also had a pair of shoes custom made here on the mountain and am anxiously awaiting their completion. No doubt more pictures of my shoes and sexy ankles are bound to come...

my stuff

Greetings from the Great Wall! I told you I'd see the cultural sites and not just spend my time shopping. The bandanna from The Hill-Side is amazing and has totally come in handy on this trip. The selvedge chambray is super soft and I love the plum violet traditional Japanese dye. This woven shirt from Obey was a pleasant surprise. I was wary of the transition from graphic arts to clothing, and to be honest, I didn't know it was from Obey when I tried it on in the store. But I've worn it quite a bit and the weight and fit is perfect for spring/summer. These camp shorts from the Gap are pretty good too. I like the exposed pocket stitching and the length is nice. These Campers have been with me all over the place and thankfully are still going strong.

Tomorrow is the Temple of Heaven and hopefully a PLA surplus store. Then on to Shanghai and hopefully Tokyo. Woo hoo! Oh and by the way, if you get the chance, come to Beijing, not for the shopping but for the duck. So good. I didn't get any pictures of it, it was too good to wait, but I promise it looked as good as it tasted.

my stuff

I know Uniqlo isn't really a revelation, but I do think they do a better job (at least for guys) than H+M. Here in Beijing, there's a mall with a Muji and a Uniqlo and three floors of food courts (I told you I like to eat a lot). I really can't get over how much better the shopping is here than at home. U.S. retailers take note, pretty please? I dragged my family here and all were pleasantly surprised by the prices at Uniqlo. My sister copped some leggings (you girls like those, don't you?) and I grabbed these two jackets. The real kicker? They were only 13 dollars. 13 bucks for a jacket? I'm sold. Lightweight with a nice slim fit, these are perfect spring/summer jackets. I know summer's almost over, but here in China, it's been around 80-90 degrees everyday. Plus they were 13 dollars. You can never have enough blazers-wear them with denim (maybe those edwins I just bought) or with rolled up trousers and I guarantee girls will swoon. Well maybe not guarantee, but I bet they like it more than a hoody. I could be wrong though...

my stuff

Hong Kong has some of the best shopping in the world. There are way too many places to check out in just three days (don't worry I plan on looping back through before heading back to the states). I wish malls back home were even a fraction of the quality here. After pining over Porter bags, Visvim shoes, and countless others, I spied these guys on the 4th floor of the Sogo shopping center. I was always curious about Edwin denim, but had never seen them in person.

I went for the red selvage 503s. Straight leg, one wash. Now normally, I'd say just go raw/dry, but I really liked the fit and hand of these. And they were a good deal.

The fit on these jeans is perfect. Not too tight, not baggy at all-this Goldilocks has found her porridge. I think these will definitely give my new standards a run for their money. In general, I'm not the biggest fan of pocket embroidery, but this detail isn't too much for me at all. I also like how the center back belt loop is slightly off-center.

All in all, I'd say absolutely zero buyer's remorse. My only regret? Not enough time and money for all the precious treasures I've been seeing.

my stuff

Hi from Hong Kong!! After a long, but pleasantly uneventful 16 hour commute, we made it. Highlights- seeing my sister after almost a year apart, her boyfriend giving me sweet sunglasses, and wandering the Temple St. Night Market. Today's my first full day, so we'll see what happens.

My stuff: (1.) asus Eee pc-great for traveling, it's light and fast, exactly what every blogger nerd needs. (2.) Timex expedition watch-20 bucks from Target. Great for traveling- I never really wear a watch (thanks cellphone) but I figured one that reminded me of military watches would be cool for the trip. (3.) Billykirk leather card holder in tan. Slim, stylish, and rugged, it's the perfect wallet. (4.) My pentax optio digital camera. (5.) Muji pen and notebook. Picked these guys up when I was in New York. (6.) Last but not least, folding Ferrari sunglasses my sister's boyfriend gave me. I've always had a soft spot for folding sunglasses-if they're good enough for Mr. McQueen, they're perfect for me.

my stuff

Hat: can't remember, Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Tie: The Hill-Side, Trousers: Lacoste, Shoes: Camper, Watch: Timex

I love driving caps. I have a pretty good collection, although I always have my eye out. I also have a soft spot for gingham.

Ralph Lauren is always a good bet for a solid shirt. It might not be the brand of the moment, but it will always fit well and last for awhile.

The Hill-Side is an amazing new company. If you're in the market for a tie, handkerchief, or bandanna, this is the place to go. The guys at The Hill-Side use sturdy, unconventional fabrics like chambray, denim, and waxed cotton which lends their ties a nice edge. I'll probably wear this indigo selvedge denim tie as much as possible. It works well with a suit, as well as with my shirt untucked. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on The Hill-Side.

I don't really have a lot of stuff from Lacoste, in fact these trousers may be the only thing I own. But I do like them. A good chocolate brown trouser is a nice alternative to khaki or navy. To roll or to cuff? I tend to roll my trousers in the summer. It's because I have sexy ankles. When you got it, flaunt it, right?

My plum selvedge chambray bandanna. This will be in my back pocket, around my neck, or folded as a pocket square every day. Can you tell I really like the Hill-Side?

The contents of my pockets: Billykirk card holder in tan leather and the Hill-Side bandanna. I plan on owning these pieces for a long time.

Franny is normally around when I take pictures of myself. I think she was getting a little jealous. She kept shooting me the 'you actually take pictures of yourself ?' look. No one likes it when their dog calls them on their slightly narcissistic activities. This is her stare off into the distance pose.

my stuff

I love when people post pictures of their workspaces, homes, and stuff in their bags. It's not fair to ask without giving a little, right? What lately has been in my bag and what will most likely be in the carry-on to New York: 1. Film Art: An Introduction- Assigned for a Media Aesthetics class (my first class ever at Uni), good old Bordwell helped me sound like an uber-snob when discussing movies. Carrying it lately to brush up on some terms and film makers. 2. Monocle issue no. 25- I really enjoy this magazine. Especially because the content to advertisement ratio is very favorable (although this translates into a $10 price tag). This issue ranks the best cities to live in and surprisingly, Detroit didn't even make the discussion. 3. My glasses-Even when I wear contacts, I always carry a pair of frames. You just never know when those tricky bastards will fall out. 4. Sony Digital Voice Recorder-For all those pulitzer prize winning interviews I have coming up. 5. Cell Phone-Not everyone has an iphone... 6. Wax Cotton Fabric Samples-This is the blackwatch plaid. 7. Swiss Army Knife- no explanation necessary. 8. WWI style trench lighter-I don't smoke, but you never know when that beautiful girl will need a light. 9. My Pentax-Still going strong probably thanks to its specialized carrying case. Can you believe it all fits in here?

my stuff

Becs, the fashionable lass from Style with Benefits, asked me what the tattoo on my arm was. His name is Uncle Wiggily Longears. Howard R. Garis wrote a series of children's books starring Mr. Longears starting in 1910. My mom used to read me these stories every day. And she didn't half-ass the reading-all the characters had different voices. The voices weren't just my mom's voice in different octaves. No no no. They had accents, some were southern, others were British, and Uncle Wiggily's nurse, Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, had a very distinctive, gravely voice. To put it mildly, I was a big fan when I was little. Finding copies of the books became a hobby for my mom, dad, and I. Everywhere we went, we always perused the local used book stores for the Uncle Wiggily books. Hence my enduring love of this place.

So when my sister and I went to get tattoos, I figured I'd get Uncle Wiggily. He was always helping people and had great advice for all the other animals in the forest. So, not only is he a good role model, he's a little tribute to my mom. (much to her chagrin)

If you're interested in the stories themselves, check out Project Gutenberg for a few free online copies.

ps. If you're wondering why he has a cane and an empty bottle, it's because Mr. Longears has rheumatism and was on his way to the apothecary in this scene...

my stuff

straw hat, chambray j.crew workshirt, apc new standards, camper shoes

I've had this hat forever. Although there are a lot of cool straw hats in the fedora and panama style, I never felt like I could pull them off. I do like a good baseball cap. The straw is perfect for the summer heat and sun. J.Crew and I have had kind of a rocky relationship throughout the years. But I always find myself grabbing a shirt or sweater every now and then. I really like the chambray workshirts they did this season. I grabbed the indigo and I've had my eye out for the white chambray. It's no secret I like new standard jeans. Although they could stand up by themselves when I first got them, they are breaking in amazingly. No washes yet. And no, they don't stink. I promise.

my stuff

After a friend's art show my parents and I decided to stop by the local mall for some ice cream. Having a few new babies in the extended family always gives my mom a reason to just 'stop by' a few stores. So while they were in the baby gap, I decided to peruse the Gap to see if any of the raw selvage had trickled its way into middle america. No luck. Until I hear my dad say "These look a lot like those APC's you just got." My dad had found the one pair in the store. Apparently an internet return they just happen to be the right size. For 90 bucks, I couldn't pass up at least trying them out. Yes, my dad found them and he knows about APC. Maybe he should have this blog...

top:gap bottom:apc

Like everyone else, I was curious to see how a $90 pair of denim compares to $155 denim. The fits are certainly different, with the APC being a bit slimmer with more of a taper than the Gap. I've worn the APCs for about two months now, so comparing the hand of the two jeans is a bit off. They both feel substantial-the Gap denim is not significantly lighter and I can't really tell if the weaves are very different. The conversation around these gap jeans has centered around how long they will last and if the construction is up to par. Not being an expert, it's hard to say. Generally details like construction take a few weeks to present themselves through wear and tear.

I guess only time will tell if there is a significant difference between 'premium' denim and denim for the teeming masses. Stay tuned for updates on both jeans. (I know you all are on the edge of your seats waiting to see what kind of whiskering takes place)

my stuff

The other find from the army surplus store. An authentic parachute bag probably from the '60s. The unusual shape makes it stick out from duffles and other bags. Designed to have a parachute stuffed in it, this bag can hold a ton of crap.

I'd like to think that when I first saw the rain flap I thought about how practical it would be as an extra layer of protection against precipitation. But really, I just thought how cool the metal snaps look. Although it's nice to know your bag is rated for jungle warfare and high altitude conditions. You never know...

It's like a mega tote. I al ways look for bags that have handles/straps like this one. The handle itself wraps around the entire bag, which I think better distributes the weight. I'm a chronic over-stuffer: my slr, the point+shoot, a magazine or two, notebooks, my computer, etc., etc. so I need reinforced handles. I'm not advocating a bag this size for everyday use (although I could see girls rocking this-the straps would be big enough to throw over a shoulder), but I do see using it for traveling. Or stuffing it with treasures when I go shopping instead of collecting fancy paper bags.