Déjà Vu | May 09

Okay, so for those of you who have just joined us or those who have missed out on some of our previous content, we know just how hard it can be to try and catch up, sifting through the archives. Trust us, we've been there. You find something interesting on the web and decide to check out the rest of the site. Only thing is, you wind up spending way to much time trying to separate the good stuff from the rest and sooner or later you end up getting lost in the vast torrent of information (We actually haven't written that much yet so don't worry, no chance of getting lost here).

But we figured we'd make it easy on you anyway. We've decided to cherry-pick a few of our own favorite pieces from the past month. So, without any further presentation (or any form of excuse for the blatant self-promotion), here's a short list:

Personal Style - An Expression Of You, The World And How You See It
Some musings on the importance of personal style and what it means to be stylish. What does it really take?

The Style Is Right | Studio Homme - Casual Tie
We continue our crusade to increase the awareness of shops about the importance of proper styling. French store Studio Homme leads the way with some impeccable looks.

Style | Western Shirt
One of the timeless styles of America get the attention it deserves, after having spent some time in the shadow of the chambray shirt.

Pushing It | Casual Cummerbund
Playing with the idea of making the cummerbund more than just an accesory for black-tie events. Is it possible to make it work with just a shirt and a pair of pants. We take a look.

THE collection by (y): Duffle Bag
H(y)r Collective has taken their concept one step further beyond the existing magazine and blog and launched a small capsule collection consisting of oxford shirts and duffle bags.

Style Icon | André Benjamin
The famous artist André 3000 is widely known for his sense of fashion, but he's also designing a line of his own.

Object | Opening Ceremony - Suede Desert Boot

I just realized that though we're frequently posting shorts, one of the most crucial parts of your wardrobe has been experience a serious lack of love from us lately. I'm talking about shoes of course. The piece that can make or break a whole outfit.

These suede desert boots from Opening Ceremony has been doing the rounds on the blogs and the world wide web, especially the blue one, so there's really no need for me to give a lengthy introduction. You know the deal already; the desert boot is a timeless style and Opening Ceremony does one of the nicest-looking versions out there. I just wanted to push a bit for the most classic color of them all, the khaki brown. The blue is nice, the black is sharp, the brown leather one will age beautifully but if you want the original look, this is it. Available at Très Bien Shop.

Object | Dsquared2 - Tuxedo Blazer

I'm not usually a huge fan of canadian brothers Dean and Dan Caten's label Dsquared2. It's usually a bit too streety for my modest style. But this blazer from E-luxury, is actually something I think I could get a decent bit of wear out of and paired with the right outfit it would look pretty good. Perfect for giving you a bit of an edge at summery garden parties.

Checkered with peaked lapels black buttons and black satin trim on the lapel and pockets, this is definitely not for the shy ones. But if you feel like being the center of the party, go for it! And take comfort in the self re-assuring text in the lining: "You Look Fabulous!! Go Get 'Em!"

Object | Our Spot - Battleship Shorts

I know we've been posting a lot of shorts lately, and maybe your getting tired of it. Hey, it's summer, what can I say? We will stop eventually, I promise, but there really are a lot of great options out there. Today I found yet another pair over at Our Spot and I couldn't resist sharing, so please forgive me.

The Battleship Shorts from australian label Rittenhouse is, as the name implies, heavily military inspired with metal D ring features and buttoned diagonal front pockets. Pockets are one of those details that can make or brake a pair of shorts and these are truly spot on. Black might not be a typical summer color but these are still a great option and would probably work with practically anything in your wardrobe.

Just In | Lanvin ♥ Acne White Collection

This is probably all over the internet already (or will be soon at least) and as far as I've understood this is only womenswear for now, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway since it involves two of my favorite brands.

Following up on the succesful collaboration between acclaimed swedish brand Acne and the french high-fashion house of Lanvin, the two now launch "The white collection". Simply put this means that some of the most popular pieces of the previous collection has gotten a more summer-apropriate remake in white japanese denim. Check it out.

Inspiration | A Sundried Youth

Our Legacy SS09 Lookbook

Object | Our Legacy - Parka Jacket Cream

The parka is rapidly becoming a spring must-have it seems and there are a lot of good options out there. It doesn't come as a big surprise to me, that one of the best comes from one of our favorites, swedish Our Legacy.

As with most of Our Legacy's pieces this parka jacket is a textbook example of how it should be done. Made in a cream water-repellant cotton fabric from Italy (also available in blue), it's more slim-fitting than many of it's competitors. Plenty of pockets in the front, a big nice hood to protect you from wind and rain and the most important feature of them all drawstrings at the bottom. My only complaint would be that it's a bit on the short side. I wouldn't mind if it had at least reached mid-thigh but apart from that, as stated, this is pretty much it when it comes to parkas.

Personal Style - An Expression Of You, The World And How You See It

"Fashion fades, style is eternal"

Often people keep saying that you should have your own personal style instead of blindly following the current season's fashion trends. The standard conversation of this kind usually includes somebody citing the classic Yves Saint Laurent quote above. But the question remains: what is style, and how, if possible, do you obtain it?

This is of course a very individual question and the answer probably varies from person to person. But here's my two cents on the matter: Style is who you are.

Let me explain. Style is unique for everyone, it's dependent on who you are, where you live, where you grew up, your worldview and your thoughts, experiences and opinions. In short; style is the outwards expression of who you are. The image you try to project and the perception others have of you. The clothes is just one part of that, although an important one, together with other things like your walk, way of talking and gestures.

As such, there are no given rules for being succesful when it comes to style. It's not a constant, not a formula that can be calculated or set criterias to measure up to. What works for some, looks malplacé on others. The only advice I can give you is the following: Don't try too hard and always ask yourself; is this me?

Oh, and it doesn't hurt too have a personal quirk or a signature look either, like Yves Saint Laurent with his amazing square glasses. Just don't turn it into a gimmick. It should come naturally, or not at all. Like I said, when it comes to style, looking like you're trying too hard is a mortal sin.

Object | Édifice - Paisley Dot Shorts

Paisley is without a doubt one of the hardest pattern to pull of. Often it can seem too chaotic or take too much focus from the rest of the outfit and is usually best left for smaller items like neck ties or accesories.

The japanese brand Édifice is bold enough to put it on a pair of shorts though, and surprisingly they manage too make it look subtle by using the classic pattern sparsely spread out and combining it with barely visible dots. Kind of makes them look like the shorter version of the embroidered pants that die-hard preppies favours, but in a good way.

It definitely gives an extra spark to what could otherwise have been an ordinary pair of cuffed shorts (save the waist-pocket detailing, something I've been really into lately).

If you usually worship Etro or just feel like spicing up your wardrobe, this is your chance. Opening Ceremony got them in white, grey corduroy and my favorite; black.

Object | Kitsuné - Western Shirt

As a follow up to yesterday's post on western shirts, I thought I'd post this one by french label Kitsuné. In my opinion, this is the best one I've seen so far.

Not much to say about. Made in soft washed denim with mother of pearl buttons, two chest pockets and the trademark fox embroidered in gold above the left pocket.

Available at (who else?) Très Bien Shop.

The Style Is Right | Studio Homme - Casual Tie

So, this week's installment of The Style Is Right is a bit different from the previous ones. Instead of highlighting a specific piece, this time it's about the whole outfit.

The french store Studio Homme shows us all how to pull off the tie in a more casual way than we're perhaps used to, while still managing to keep it stylish. Paired with a crisp light-blue shirt, a navy hooded zip-sweater, a pair of indigo jeans and a pair of red and white sneakers, this is the spitting image of refined sportswear. Like a schoolboy who just changes into jeans, sneakers and a hoodie before he heads out on the streets again.

The key is keeping it simple and clean. I love how the outfit goes in a subdued blue scale contrasted by the red tie which also picks up on and matches the red detailing on the sneakers. What can I say? Pure perfection. Watch and learn, watch and learn..

Object | Wood Wood - Faema Longsleeve

The striped t-shirt is a summer classic and so is the long-sleeve version of it. Evoking some of that salt-stained fisherman style, it's definitely one of my favorites. The danish brand Wood Wood brings you one of the best versions this season.

The Faema Longsleeve comes in a blue and white breton striped cotton jersey.What I really love about it though, is the chest pocket with a red contrasting button which adds just the right amount of playfulness to the piece.

Style | Western Shirt

In the wake of the recent chambray shirt-trend, one of it's distant cousins, the denim shirt, specifically in the western shirt style, has also experienced an upswing in popularity. Denim can sometimes, at least to an untrained eye like mine, look confusingly similar to chambray which may be part of the explanation. Another reason is probably the current Americana-trend which means most people is searching to go back to the safety and stability of their roots. No piece symbolizes this better than perhaps the western shirt. Made from denim, the classic blue-collar fabric, in a style associated with the men and women who conquered the Frontier, it's a product of durability and functionality. At the same time it's style is timeless which means you won't have to compromise on your sense of fashion.

Of course this is something that many designers has picked up on, including favourite of ours like Ralph Lauren, Our Legacy and A.P.C, and have interpreted it in their own way, with personal takes on the classic. No matter which one of the different styles you prefer, you're sure to get a quality shirt that will last you ages, and will only get better with time.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Surface To Air

Acne

Our Legacy

A.P.C.

Object | A.P.C. - Suede Moccasins

There are always a number of different shoe-styles to choose between and though it's nice to mix it up and wear different ones from day to day, most people find they eventually settle for a specific style for the season which they then wear most of the time.

For some it's the white sneaker, some like the nautical vibe of the boat shoe, some favour the Mediterranean lightness of the espandrille and others stick with the perhaps most basic but also maybe the most controversial of shoes, the sandal.

I usually switch from season to season, this summer I'll probably roll with the loafer. The traditional loafer might seem a bit too dressy for some so I thought I'd give you a bit more casual alternative, as an introduction or something.

A.P.C. always manages to impress with their shoes, collection after collection and SS09 is no exception. Apart from their collaboration with Nike, they've also got some really nice-looking tennis shoes, boat shoes, derbies and, best of them all in my opinion, this pair of penny loafer-styled moccasins. Although it also comes in a darker shade of brown, I think this lighter brown suede is spot on, and it's easily matched with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. White top-stitching around the toe and a rubber sole perfects the style. This could easily become that pair of shoes you'll end up wearing every day.

Inspiration | The Merchant Of Venice

Chanel Resort 2010 - Photo by: Davide Maestri

Object | Our Legacy - Great Sweatshirt

Some items are an essential part of any man's wardrobe. The grey crew-neck sweater is one of those pieces. Though pretty basic it is also very versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the situation and your mood. Because you'll probably end up wearing the sweater a lot, it's important to find a good one that you like.

Personally, I'm a fan of Our Legacy's version called the Great Sweatshirt., which is just exactly what it is. There's not much else to say about it; the fit is.. well, great and the fabric too. Overall it's pretty much perfect. This season's take on it is the 'inside-out', I prefer the original version though. Also available in off-white and sundried red for those who feel that grey is too dull (or, like me, have way too much grey clothes in their wardrobe already)

Object | S.N.S. Herning - Bark S/S Knit Sweater

The danish master of knit-wear, S.N.S. Herning, are widely famous for their fisherman-style cardigans that draw inspiration from the brand's heritage and have conquered the world in the last year. Now they've also made a short-sleeved knit sweater, called Bark.

Originally issued in 1976 apparently, the model has now been re-released. Knitted in cotton in a white and indigo-stripe pattern, this is a piece perfect for summer and would probably be pretty ideal for a more cloudy summer days (there will be those too, unfortunately) or in the evenings. Available at Gargyle.

Classic | Clarks Wallabee

The first in an upcoming series celebrating those timeless style that somehow manages to withstand time and trends.

Loved by some, and hated by probably just as many, the Wallabee is a shoe that doesn't leave anybody neutral. Created in 1965 by Lance Clark, these have since become a staple embraced by people ranging from prepsters to the Wu-Tang Clan.

Stitched like a moccasin on a sturdy rubber crepe sole, it's both comfortable and durable, which probably is the secret behind it' s success. It might not be a conventional beauty but it's definitely got it's own kind of charm.

Just In | THE collection by (y) - Duffle Bag

Just a quick announcement: The good people over at h(y)r collective just showed the first product from their upcoming collection; a duffle bag which seems pretty ideal to me. I won't go into detail, but you can read all about it here.

PS. While you're at it check out their magazine and blog if you've missed out on it, as they are one of the best out there. And be sure to catch the upcoming issue which will feature more of their collection.

Object | Comme des Garçons SHIRT - Straw Hat

Hats, in all shapes and sizes, have been widely discussed in anticipation of the coming summer. Boaters, fedoras and panama hats, you name it. I've remained sceptical. It's not that I don't like the look, I do. I really like the way people rock them in pictures from the forties and fifties, but unfortunately nature has given me a head that means I just can't seem to pull it off, not even a simple baseball cap. I look ridiculous, and I know it.

This straw hat from Comme des Garçons SHIRT might change my point-of-view, though. The pattern in the braiding and the blue and white hat band makes this one special. Mixed into that casual outfit for the beach this is definitely a good option to protect you from the sun, come summer. Might be worth it, even if you do look ridiculous..

Editor's Note | Maintenance

I'd like to take the time to apologize for the inconsistency of Tristan of Awos at the moment. We're pretty new to the game and the site's been of to kind of a rocky start and is still in it's cradle. It is our ambition to regularly post high-quality posts on a daily basis. The internet provides you with the opportunity to reach out to a much wider audience than usually. Once you post it, it's out there for everyone to see which means you want to do your best each and every time. Unfortunately, this also means that sometimes things move a little slower. We're perfectionists, and we apologize for that.

All of us have a life on the side of Tristan, which sometimes mean we can't spend as much time here as we would like to. At the moment there's a lot of projects going on, some of which you will notice further down the road. Hopefully you will enjoy this as much as we do. This is our passion and we want that to show.

For now we ask you to bear with us. We're still learning but we promise to pick up our pace and continue to improve. If you have any comments, thoughts or suggestions, please let us know.

Sincerely yours,

T

Object | Yoko Deveraux - Cuffed Shorts

The heat has been pretty intense here in the last couple of days, so it's definitely time to bust out your shorts. If you're in the market for some new ones, or haven't gotten that basic khaki pair yet, don't worry. Yoko Deveraux got you covered with their cuffed khaki shorts.

As mentioned these might seem pretty basic, but they've pretty much nailed it (much like Our Legacy did). Two front pockets, two back welt pockets and an extra hidden pocket in the front, perfect for the phone number you got from that girl from last night. The fit is also perfect with that semi-short, mid-thigh length. I know it might be a bit too short for some people, but like a sales clerk once told me: "That just means you need to spend some more time at the gym - or in front of the mirror."

Style Icon | André Benjamin

He's a young, succesful hip-hopper who's as famous for his excentric style as he is for his innovative music and he has recently launched a fashion line of his own. No, I'm not talking about Kanye West. He's getting enough attention already without me adding to the hype. I'm talking about André Lauren Benjamin, more commonly known by his artist name; André 3000.

As part of the duo OutKast, André got his breakthrough with the album Southerplayalisticadillacmuzik (it's a mouthful, I know) and has since followed it up with several albums, both with OutKast and as a solo artist, and scored some serious hits like "Ms Jackson", "Roses" and "Hey Ya!". OutKast has been lauded for their originality and experimental sound, mixing in other genres such as funk, soul, jazz etc. Andre has also acted in a number of movies, including Idlewild for which OutKast also wrote most of the music.

Off-stage, as well as on-stage, André has become widely famous for his distinct personal style which probably could be described as modern-day dandy. Sometimes the creations he pulls off might seem outlandish but unlike many like him, somehow he manages to not make it look comsumey. His style has changed frequently and often jumped between extremes, but always been true to his personality. As he explains it himself: "When the OutKast sound changed and I started producing my own records, I would mirror what I thought that character doing that music would look like. As the sound got a little wilder, freakier and funkier, so did the clothes. Then when the sound got more sophisticated, the clothes changed again." Although André's rocked some rather spaced-out looks over the years, his true passion seems to lie with the classical fashion, especially the british. He favours tweeds, cutaway-collars and rugby jerseys, and classic brands like shirtmakers Turnbull & Asser and Hackett. Maybe not what you'd expect from someone from the hip-hop world, where baggy jeans and oversize basket jerseys seems to be the ruling option, but then again André 3000 isn't your typical hip-hop star.

As we mentioned André's also got his own fashion label, called Benjamin Bixby, which launched last fall with a 70 piece collection that drew inspiration from football players in the 1930's. Unlike many other projects by celebrities who cross over into the fashion industry Benjamin Bixby is a genuine venture into fashion based on an honest interest for fashion and love of clothing rather than just a bleak attempt to cash in a few extra dollar on uninteresting, low quality, overpriced clothes. André, who so far is a fashion autodidact, says he would like to go to fashion school, he has visited factores and textile fairs, sketches the collection himself and seems to be deeply, personally involved in the process. The fact that André's been nominated as ‘Best New Menswear Designers in America’ by GQ and gotten compliments by Anna Wintour as well as the fact that his clothes sell in exclusive stores like Colette, is definitely a clear indication of this. The line is clearly influenced by it's founder; both in the apparent love for classical-styled clothing and unconventionial looks like the plus-fours and knee-socks. It's not for everyone but then again, should it be? "The Benjamin Bixby man is a rebel gent, he likes classics with extraordinary styling."

André Benjamin in different outfits

Benjamin Bixby AW08

Object | Journal Standard Toggle Cardigan

I know, I know. I hate it as much as anyone else and as a rule I don't post about things I have absolutely no chance whatsoever of obtaining, but I'm making an exception this time for
this cardigan from Journal Standard, (un)available at Style Cruise. Just take it as inspiration or something.

I first saw it over at Selectism a while back and it has kind of stuck with me ever since. I know that a lot of people are probably thinking it's the wrong season for a cardigan, butin my opinion it would be perfect for just wearing instead of a jacket chilly summer nights spent lounging outdoors, near the sea. Or rainy days indoors, what do I know?

What really sets this cardigan apart from the rest in my eyes is the different knitting patterns on it and the toggle buttons . It also has a belt in the back, which has become something of a requirement for me when it comes to cardigans - don't ask me why. The length seems to be perfect too. Also comes in a mint-green color for those feeling more adventurous.

The Style Is Right | Opening Ceremony - Édifice Striped Linen Shirt

Once again we turn our attention to Opening Ceremony for some great styling. While some might think that the styling there often comes off as too "hipster-ish", I think it gives you a refreshing perspective on pieces and brands that you've grown used too seeing in a special way.

This time it's Édifice who've gotten the special OC-styling treatment with their Striped Linen Cut-Away Shirt. In a blue/white stripe with white contrast-collar and cuffs, this could be just another banker's shirt that you usually need to be Gordon Gekko to rock. But the hat, the necklace and the general devil-may-care attitude of this styling makes the shirt look more relaxed summer at the beach than Wall Street.



PS. Can't figure out if it really is linen. I mean, it looks the part but the description says 100% cotton?

Pushing It | Casual Cummerbund

Ever since the first time I wore a tux I've been toying with the idea of wearing a cummerbund in a more casual, everyday sort of way. Most people only wear it (reluctantly) as part of the traditional black tie-uniform and I've never seen anybody try it outside of that context, which I think is a shame since it could make a much smoother transition from pants to shirt and allow you to inject a personal touch without drawing too much focus from the rest of the outfit, instead helping to harmonize and bring it all together.

My own concern about the traditional cummerbund is that it's back, like many vests, usually is far from as flattering as the front is. Therefore I haven't really put my thoughts into action yet. Luckily I've now discovered several versions that adresses that issue, which is why I'm beginning to seriously consider trying it out.

The picture above, from Hèrmes Spring/Summer 09 (one of my favorite collections this season by the way) is a perfect example of my idea of the casual cummerbund. A pair of well-cut pants paired with a casual shirt creates a clean, simple look that is raised a couple of notches by the grey cummerbund which makes the usually sharp contrast between black and white more laid-back, giving it that summery lounging vibe. It also makes the high-waist pants, which often can be an issue for someone like me who's grown used to low-cut jeans, look much more modern. All in all this is pretty much perfection in my eyes and makes me want to incorporate the cummerbund in my summer uniform this year. Then again maybe I just watched way too much Zorro when I was a kid..

See below for more pictures (including a fair isle-version from Burberry Prorsum):

Hermes SS09

Burberry Prorsum AW09

Object | Quoddy for South Willard Brown Suede Blucher

I know this probably isn't the first blucher you've seen floating around the internet, and it's not likely it's gonna be the last either one. It's fully understandable if you're getting to be a bit tired of the style. I know I am. Still, there's something about this blucher, made by Quoddy for South Willard, that sets it apart in my eyes.

I don't know if it's because it's in suede rather than leather like most or what it is but it got that special something. With a red brick sole and white handsewn contrast-stitchingen this blucher is truly a piece of art and the perfect shoe for the coming summer. The timeless style along with the fact it's made by Quoddy and therefore is sure to be a quality piece, ensures that this blucher will last you a long, long time.