Threads for Thought: Varsity Jackets

You all remember high school, whether it was a year ago or 30, it was essentially the main building block to who you are now. The same sentiment goes for college, although some of those memories may be a little hazy thanks to your best friend, whiskey. Nonetheless, both of these environments produced a very important piece that has remained a staple in collegiate prep style.
The varsity jacket was meant for exactly what its name infers, members of the varsity teams from football to the band would receive one as a token of their participation. Featuring a felted wool body and leather armed construction, they were emblazoned with school monograms, sports affiliations, and screamed school pride in the respective school's colors. Not to say that they are no longer important in that manner, but these jackets are making waves in the fashion world with big name designers putting their own twists on the iconic classic; luxe materials, company branding, almost as if you were pledging allegiance to a specific designer by wearing it.

With the trend towards separates this fall, a varsity jacket will make a compelling contrast if paired with some suit pants, shirt, tie, and some crispy clean trainers. Or you can throw it on with dark jeans and a shirt, or even tailored sweatpants and a graphic tee; the options are really up to what you feel comfortable with. With your buying decision, find a jacket with a simple color palette (preferably neutral) so you can wear it more often and pair it with just about anything in your existing wardrobe.
J. Crew: $995
Ralph Lauren: $595
Todd Snyder: $199
Check in tomorrow for this week's edition of Friday Faux pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Grey Flannel Suit

It's coming up to the day, aka Labor Day, where it will no longer be acceptable to wear your airy linen and cotton suits; full disclosure, this rule is quite outdated and foolish, but it's good to at least be  prepared for when it actually does start cooling down. The cold weather calls for wool suits and outerwear that keep the iciness at bay.

The quintessential winter suit could be debated for a few days before any real answer sprouted, but one winter suit that gives you the warmth you need while giving you a fresh canvas to work with is the grey flannel suit. Distinguished by its heftier, grittier weave, flannel fabric adds dimension to any garment and functions as an extra thick barrier from the elements (wind, sleet, snow, etc). The grey just makes it very timeless due to its neutrality, so you'll be wearing yours for many years to come.
Pair with a turtleneck for extra texture.
Going along with the "timeless" factor, go with something with a flat front trouser and a notch lapel to avoid any dating or seasonality. Same goes with pattern as you should try to go as plain as possible; any striping or plaid should be minimal/hardly visible. This will leave you room to pair the suit with some more lively tones without any clashing. One of the best style moves you can do with a suit like this is to wear it with brown suede; the doubled down texture makes both features pop in an amazing way!
Ralph Lauren: $1295
Brooks Brothers: $1198
J. Crew: $650
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another item that needs to b

Tech Tuesday: Smart Apparel by Ralph Lauren

The U.S. Open is one of the biggest tennis tournaments of the year, and wouldn't it be so clever to launch a brand new active apparel line during the tourney and highlighting it with the ball boys. Ralph Lauren did just that, utilizing a unique silver-coated weave for its new "smart shirts", the court judge can monitor a variety of different vitals for all the ball boys, during play, on an app. It just doesn't get cooler than that, but indeed it does. Word on the street is that the brand plans to integrate this technology into their dress shirts sometime in 2015, and although I'm not sure what you need to monitor while you're at a desk, I'm sure it'll still be very exciting technology. Take heed to David Lauren's recent quote, "Everyone is exploring wearable tech watches and headbands and looking at cool sneakers... We skipped to what we thought was new, which is apparel. We live in our clothes." This is just the beginning!

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!