The Art of Wardrobe Building.

Today I took a visit on-line to see E.Tautz, an English menswear company, and I was stopped by this phrase found upon their site:

The art of Wardrobe Building.
"The Englishman cherishes his life of boyish adventure and the wardrobe he so carefully assembles is a testament to his ever-changing pursuits. This wardrobe is more than merely a storage space; it is a collection of pieces as carefully selected as any collection of paintings. The art of wardrobe building is not a fast or haphazard activity: instead it is a developed and nurtured over time. A mans wardrobe may rather eloquently tell the story of his life less ordinary."

I find this to be so insanely amazing! I have never thought of actually consciously collecting and building my 'wardrobe'. Though, as I look at what I have obtained over the years I find that I have been doing it in a rather unconscious way. In this day and age of mass market consumerism and throw-away fashion this, to me, is a breath of fresh air.

With the economy, and its uncertain future, this may be a great eye opener. Do not stop spending what little you may have on fashion but actually think it out and build a collection of pieces that will last a lifetime or even more. This is were a good tailor comes in handy. As you go through your personal 'collection' there are things, such as denim, that may still be very good but a little too lose a style in the leg than what you may prefer, do not buy a new pair but have it brought in and altered to fit. Have that tweed jacket fitted properly in the waist and maybe get it cut a little shorter in the hem. Through adversity great ideas arise, apply it to your style and 'wardrobe' building to make it work. Now to find a GOOD tailor. That will be another story.

Cheers.

Grab Your Push Bike & Go.

The Tweed Run. All I can say is I am soooooo Jealous!
This looks like it would have been one great ride! And the garb that was being thrown around... amazing!

This is something that is worth taking note just because it is not a common sight on any city street these days. What it would be like if people actually wanted, and did, don this dress daily? I know I would be excited to go out each day! I guess then it would not be so novel... what a fine edge sword that is.
Here is the link list to gather your own stock pile of images of the event.
Though it looks like Mrs. Roxy is the main source for all the images everyone has hijacked for their posts (including myself, thank you Mrs. R) so might as well go to the source Roxy.

Here is a few more who have posted about the ride.
Continuous Lean.
Lark About.
Hypebeast

Cheers.

Nice and Snug & On Its Way.

I have really been feeling bowties as of late, but, I do not have a good selection. So the other day I decided I wanted to give it a go and build me a few.
Here is a little play by play of the building of my 1st bowtie sample:

First off I needed a pattern so got out one I got for a $1 in San Francisco on a shopping trip a few years back.

Once it is all traced out and shaped how I like it on pattern paper I cut it out and stapled it to some card stock type paper that pattern makers use, called oak tag.
Then added seam allowance of 1/4" and cut it out. Ready to lay down on my sample fabric and cut'n sew.

All stitched up. Now trim some of the excess seam allowance off and turn it right side out. Give a good pressing and....

Give a nice once over in the mirror as I tie the bow.

There you have it. Check back soon as I will share the actual goods when completed. The great thing about building your own bowties is that you use the scrap fabric that is left over when making actual neckties so there is no more waste.

Cheers.

And I Thought You Were So Rugged.

A little fun for ya.


Cheers.

Band Style: Vampire Weekend.

Good sound and great dressed style and Columbia school grads. What more do you need? Enjoy.

Oxford Comma


A-Punk


Mansard Roof

Wear It to Keep Clean.

There is something about having an item of clothing that you wear regularly when working on projects that is very intriguing. Mine is my work apron that I put on when working on building patterns, sewing, and out with the power tools. My good friend, Mr. Glover, recently had a small advancement in age and so I decided as a gift I would offer him the chance to develop a relationship with a work apron.
I was influenced by not only these images...


My own apron and it's use...

But the main influence in its design is bib coveralls.
Now I hope to get images of it in use sometime.
Till then,
Cheers.

Japanes Shoe Maker In Italy.

I love shoes. I love Japan. I love hand built goods and the art of making things by hand.
I have been working on building a new pair of shoes for my little one and have run into a little problem that I can not work out so jumped online to see what I can find. Came upon this video. It did not help but I think it is a great overview of what goes into making shoes by hand and running a shop.



If this is something you like check out more were this came from.
Cheers.

Get Out the Moving Pictures.

Wanted to share this video. It comes from a French Denim company, Bleu de Paname. I really enjoy things like this it just gets me excited to go out a build things.


Bleu de Paname from VL on Vimeo.

If you want you can check out their look book here.

Oh and check out their design room!

A Little Place to Sell.

As mentioned a while back, have been working on setting up our own little online emporium to get out into the world my own silly whatnot's. We have started small... as in neckties for the little ones. Plan to add heaps more over the next while, even goods that the average joe could adorn himself with. So check back often. For now if you want to take a little look'C click here.

Cheers.

Archive: J.Crew Tribeca Shop

As an avid lover of a true shopping experience I love when shops mix old with the new and the past with the present. A fine example is J.Crews Tribeca Men's Shop, The Liquor Store. I would much rather it be a small independent shop than a part of a mass retailer but at least they are making an effort and giving you a chance to experience something more than the standard box shop that is found in the malls accross america. From the images of the shop it is well put together. This goes on my list for shop interior inspiration.


To see more image and to shop online go here.

Cheers.

Comming Soon.

I have been wanting to do my own shop for some time now. With what we have been designing and building for 'The Littlecrow Collection' the time has come to make a move in that direction with the launch of my own little Etsy shop, Redcrow Quality Goods, An Emporium & Haberdashery, "For the Gentlemen & little Gentlemen in Your Life."

Though the name of the Emporium is Redcrow it will start out with a focus on 'The littlecrow Collection' and will grow to include other must haves and whatnot's that I find interesting. I think this is a great opportunity to give it a go.... and who knows maybe a brick and mortar shop will follow soon.... Only time will tell.

Will keep you posted on actual launch date.... This week!

Till then.
Cheers.

Want: Shron Frames.

Shron Ltd., is an eyeglass company that has been around since 1865 and they still manufacture the same frames that they have been making since the 50's & 60's. They even will work with you directly so you do not need to go to the middle man and pay way more.

Revelation.

Freeway.

Ronsir.

Nusir.

Brick Walls.

As we start on a new chapter with a new year upon us I find myself building a collection of inspirational and motivational thoughts, words, and even a few cliches.

Recently me mum shared with me a book called 'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch. Now if you have not heard of him or his book you need to check out the last Lecture site here to learn more.
Also check out his actual last lecture video link here.
As I have been reading the book bits and peaces have been jumping out to me that I plan to share over time. The first one is as follows.

"...The brick wall are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."
"Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something"

So next time you are faced with a 'brick wall' in your life you need to ask yourself "how bad do I want it?"

Cheers.

The Selby.

If you do not know about The Selby site then you need to check it out. It is an awesome collection of images gathered together of various creative types in their home/living/working environment. The fotos are very well shot and tell interesting stories on their own.

Image found on The Selby

Check it out when you get a chance and be sure to bookmark this one.

Denim Factory Images.

Just found this well shot foto essay of a denim wash/finishing factory in Kentucky.
It is amazing how much effort can go into making new jeans look like you have had them for years.

Check it out here.

Albert's Tailor.

Great little article about a tailor in Vancouver over on h(y)r collective. If you have not visited the collective it is a must at some point.

To check out the article click here. then click on features at the top and then (life) mans best friend.

Cheers.

A little Madness.

Some popy tunes for you to enjoy by 'Madness'.
Did I mention they have great style?
Cheers.

Archive: Thomas Mahon Video.

IF you have a few minutes to spare give a go with this here video about Savile Row tailor Thomas Mahon of The English Cut. It is a great little piece and a nice insight into the world of English Bespoke Tailoring. If you have never had a chance to visit The English Cut you should spend a bit and poke around. You will learn heaps of good insight about tailoring and what is involved in this amazing trade.
Cheers.