Summer Simplicity with Beckett Simonon

Classic styling in the south can be a muggy situation when it comes to summer. With temperatures averaging in the mid- to high-90’s on a daily basis, it’s hard to imagine putting on more than one layer, and that doesn’t even account for the humidity. However, with a few tweaks in color families, fabric, and garment construction, a classic look is still within reach, especially with a little help from my friends from Beckett Simonon.

Navy and Olive happens to be one of my favorite combinations this season, really any season for that matter. The pairing effortlessly elevates any look from routine to refined. Take for example the navy blazer and white polo, a preppy mainstay that doesn’t disappoint, but also doesn’t quite standout. Now switch those pieces out with a slightly unexpected olive chambray jacket and an inky indigo polo, and suddenly you’re transported to the French Riviera, keeping in mind that lightweight and breathable fabrics are the name of the game. Couple that with a crisp pair of white denim jeans, and we’ve squarely landed in the heat of summer style. Again, the construction and fabric choices of this outfit play a key role in maintaining a stylistic edge with out sacrificing on comfort.

Anchoring this swanky, summer-approved look is the Dean Oxford in Tan by Beckett Simonon, an all-purpose dress shoe from a young brand that is actively disrupting the luxury leather goods industry, bringing you luxe-level products at an affordable price. When I first unboxed this pair, I vividly remember the rich, new leather smell filling the room and inspecting the flawless upper with impeccable oxford detailing to match. Each of these shoes is handmade to order in small batches, ensuring that sustainable and socially responsible manufacturing practices are maintained without sacrificing the end product. Do yourself a favor and check out the full spread of leatherworks that Beckett Simonon has to offer on their page linked below.

Check in again soon for even more premium content as we continue to update and reinvigorate Sparry Stylings, and as always…

Be Dapper. Be Different.

Summer Exploration with CAT Footwear

Florida is one of those places where there is always something new to discover, you just have to turn down the right street or, sometimes, the wrong one. A jaunty new restaurant, a historic landmark, or a coastal hideout that you never knew existed, all just waiting to be happened upon. I tend to deal with this opportunistically, having beach wear and workout gear in my car at all times, as well as a collared shirt and blazer for the occasion that calls for more refined garb. This strategy has helped me experience a great deal of my hometown, but I have taken it upon myself this summer to expand my horizons beyond the reaches of Palm Beach and to really explore what the rest Florida has to offer.

St. Petersburg seemed like a good place to start; it's small-town feel makes it homey, but there always seem to be something new to see and do when I visit. And though it may seem contrary to the Florida Lifestyle, a good pair of boots are usually the most versatile footwear option to go with. That is where the Abe Boot from CAT Footwear comes in, with its refined looks and rugged construction, these boots go the extra mile for me. They can handle urban landscape just as easily as rugged back country, and look amazing through it all thanks to its classic silhouette and lightweight construction. The military visage pays homage to mid-century fatigue style, but has been refined and streamlined to bring into the 21st Century. And with the EASE Insole technology, I am able to go miles and miles in them without felling like my feet are going to fall off.

Get yourself a pair of these spectacular boots and start your summer exploration! And as always...

Be Dapper. Be Different.

Pool Side with Res Ipsa

I'm not going to bother trying to peg down Mother Nature and her woeful ways these past couple of months in the Northern hemisphere. The only certainty I know, is that Winter will cease to be up there, reigning in Spring, the warmer months, and one of my favorite times of the year for menswear. This transition period is quite turbulent susceptible to all types of weather, so designers respond in stride, producing everything from punchy swim trunks to chunky knitwear. Classic silhouettes get refreshing updates in lighter Spring hues while suiting gets stripped down for breathability and mobility, and most importantly, all the menswear publications trend back toward pieces that are more suitable to the tropics.

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Spring is synonymous with renewal and excitement, finding new ways to experience the old and old ways to experience the new. My menswear ethos has always been to root myself in classics while adding some 21st Century flair, which can be a taxing effort at times. One of the latest trends that fits hand-in-hand with this ideology has been adding statement pieces in with more traditional fare; think a loud graphic tee with a suit or a embroidered bomber atop a white tee and jeans.

When I recently came across Res Ipsa, I immediately recognized their unique spirit and impassioned story. Two former lawyers left the often drab hustle and bustle of the courtroom to pursue lives embracing individuality and a never-ending thirst for new experiences, to start fresh and create something new and exhilarating. Today, Res Ipsa is best know for their Kilim Footwear, made from vintage Turkish Kilim rugs, but they also provide a comprehensive assortment of travel and everyday carry goods that will get you and all of your belongings from point A to B with some pizazz. Each item being up-cycled from a truly vintage piece means that each creation is different from the next, which means you may find other stylish folks wearing Res Ipsa, but you'll never find someone wearing YOUR Res Ipsa. The pair you see here is the Kilim Sneaker, handmade in Turkey and more comfortable than any slip-on sneaker you can find right now with some extra swagginess to boot.

There is plenty more to come from this young and exciting brand as they discover their path through the menswear landscape. Be sure to check out their latest releases (they go fast) by signing up for the mailing listand stay tuned on their blog, filled with tons of helpful style and travel tips as well as some great pieces on the heritage of the Res Ipsa brand. And as always.

Be Dapper, Be Different.

Special Thanks to Res Ipsa and Cole Crouch

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