Today's Outfit - Purple and Grey

Polo Ralph Lauren poplin shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren silk jacquard paisley tie

Polo Ralph Lauren cashmere/cotton cricket sweater

Burberry plaid sport coat

Nautica cotton pocket square

Vintage worsted wool charcoal trouser

Club Room solid purple socks

Allen Edmonds Nassau black shark leather shoes

Today's Outfit - Simple and Shantung

When you're wearing a tie this bold, it's best to keep the rest simple. Aside from a complimentary pocket square, a solid blazer, shirt and trousers maintain a rather traditional combination.

Burberry navy blazer

Polo Ralph Lauren poplin shirt

Robert Talbott shantung silk tie

Vintage Japanese silk pocket square

Polo Ralph Lauren green chino

Merona navy socks

Chaps white bucks

Old and New - Wembley Ties

Ah, the 1940's, when ties were no more expensive than a soda is now. I've found a number of early Wembley ties made from silk, linen and wool. I've also discovered a bunch of later Wembleys made of acrylic, polyester and acetate. Fortunately, the company is back at it with a line at JCP, and these ties are once again constructed of natural fibers. Inspired by old collections, the new ties are slim but not skinny and feature simple stripes, plaids, and motifs. Check them out, you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Also while you're at JCP, check out the Happy Socks collection.

Today's Outfit - Going Grey

I hate to wear black. With few exceptions, it's sad, dreary, and makes one look pale. Charcoal grey, however, looks elegant without feeling stuffy and, I'd say, looks damn good in contrast to yellow. Here, I matched the pocket square off the yellow windowpane of the sport coat. The small gingham tie provides depth over a solid shirt. My one regret about this outfit is the shirt, as I'm on the hunt for some solid white semi-spreads. The Rag & Bone cardigan is a recent buy from the Target/Neiman Marcus holiday collaboration. There's no way I was going to bite at the original $69.99 price, but I picked this up on clearance at $20.99 and after a few wearings, it's proven to be a worthy investment.

Polo Ralph Lauren poplin shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren gingham silk tie

Rag & Bone marled cotton/wool cardigan

H. Freeman Bespoke sport coat

Vintage grey worsted wool trouser

Polo Ralph Lauren charcoal wool socks

Allen Edmonds black bit loafers

Today at the Thrift - Burberry

My lucky streak continues. Outfits to follow.

Today's (Sort of) Outfit - For the Birds

Another highly-textured outfit today, built almost entirely with pieces from thrift shops. The orange and gold of the jacket comes out when paired with the burnt orange tie. The green pocket square pops when playing off the green stripe of the tie as well as the bird embroidery of the trousers. Below this, similar tones continue with burnt orange socks and chestnut shoes.

Polo Ralph Lauren poplin shirt

Robert Talbott silk/wool tie

Samuelsohn sport coat

Vintage silk pocket square

Orvis embroidered corduroy trouser

Lands' End burnt orange socks

Allen Edmonds Sanford chestnut captoe brogues

Today's (Sort of) Outfit - Combining My Latest

A combination of rather neutral colors blend together in today's outfit, centered around my new Talbott tie. The weave of the sport coat almost appears as solid from a distance, making the paisley pocket square stand out in contrast to the relatively bright tattersall tie. This is all grounded up top with a simple, white shirt. Below, my snuff-colored cords draw coordination with the warmth of the tie and below that, though not pictured, are standard argyles and longwings.

Polo Ralph Lauren poplin shirt

Robert Talbott woven silk tie

H. Freeman Bespoke sport coat

Vintage Italian silk pocket square

Polo Ralph Lauren snuff corduroy trouser

Merona navy/brown argyle socks

Florsheim Imperial chocolate longwing brogues

Just in from eBay - Talbott Ties

 Slubbed twill silk/wool from Italy - $7.50

Tattersall woven silk from Italy - $7.50

Both ties feature incredible texture which pair well with heavy jackets and shirts. I might have to try these out with the jackets from my latest thrift haul.

Wish List - Paul Stuart

I'll take it all.

Today at the Thrift - Italian Foulard

Essential Accessories - Web Belt

Every guy needs a few good belts, but once you have your basic black and brown leathers, what's next? Simple web belts like these from the Gap are the best value around. Though I've bought only a handful of pieces from the Gap in the last five years, these belts, composed of a cotton-blend with leather accents, are rather sturdy. Right now you can buy them around $14 (down from $19.95) with the coupon GAPDEAL.

(Almost) Wish List

Just short of amazing, switch out the argyle for more tartan and I'd buy.

Today at the Thrift

Old Orvis cords, new condition, only $3.49.

Today at the Thrift

Best thrift of the year! Okay, it's only January, but still... 

1. Burberry navy blazer with brass buttons and logo-embroidered lining - 38

2. H. Freeman Bespoke woven windowpane with ticket pocket - 38

3. Samuelsohn woven windowpane, fabric from Italy - 38

4. H. Freeman Bespoke woven microcheck with ticket pocket -38

Two days ago I wrote on 2013 resolutions. I forgot to mention my primary goal regarding this blog, to discuss all that I bring in from thrift shops. The vast majority of things I buy are for the CKC Shoppe, and previously I've tended not to post photos of that merchandise until it appears in the shoppe. From now on, I'll put up whatever comes my way, so I may share my finds and give you a chance to inquire about new products before they're displayed.

Shipwreck

I'll wear Lilly Pulitzer flamingo pink hibiscus print pants before ever capsizing in these. Good one, Brooks.

Questions from the Audience

What are your style resolutions this year? I feel like my style's really changed this past year and I hope it keeps evolving. I know you're a young guy, but do you see yourself set in your style, or are you still updating and evolving your wardrobe? 

When my home burned down nearly four years ago, I lost practically everything I owned, so out of necessity I built a new wardrobe. Up to this point, I was wearing a lot of American Eagle and Abercrombie. Creating a new wardrobe afforded me the opportunity to grow my style and move beyond my so-called collegiate prep follies. My love of bargain hunting emerged from this. Despite having adequate insurance money for new clothes, I began visiting thrift shops, browsing eBay and scouring clearance racks for my new stuff. Why? First of all, I could not afford full-price Polo and Brooks. Secondly, I wanted clothing that would last and be a wise investment, the things my dad wore, the things I wore as a child. I moved beyond polos and jeans to oxfords and chinos, jumped from Chucks to Top-Siders. Anyway, four years later I still see my style evolving in some manner, not by what appeals to me stylistically, but by the purchases I make. I'm all set with shirts, sweaters, pants and shoes. Where I still wish to expand or update my wardrobe is in my suit selection. Though I own around thirty sport coats, my suit count stands at only five - corduroy, linen, and three wools in varying shades of grey. I have reached a point in my professional life where I can begin browsing fancier fabrics of glen plaid and tartan for a bespoke creation.

Spring In Winter

Fine, Mother Nature. If you're going to make it seventy degrees in January, I guess I'll just have to start looking at spring clothing, bright colors not in the form of corduroy, and all things pink and green. Okay, so maybe this is fuchsia and lime, but I'll take it. 

Remodeling

Beginning the remodeling of a guest room into a master closet. My primary inspiration has been this photo of Ralphie's closet.

Wish List - Everything

This setup is absolutely entrancing to me. I'd love to own everything here - the cashmere sweater, the duffel coat, the belt, the lilac cords, the loafers - everything.

Wish List - Should I Buy?

Brooks Brothers at Nordstrom, half off at $44.75.

I certainly don't need it, but I most definitely want it.

Should I pull the sartorial trigger?

Wish List - Linen Plaid Shirt

Cotton is just fine, but nothing compares to a linen shirt for warm weather. I own just a few solids, so I look forward to picking up this new plaid in the near future.

Wish List - Polo Cords

A bunch of great stuff to pick up on final clearance. 

Plus, I'm sure there's an extra 10% off code floating around the internet.

Wish List - Wool Cap

I'm a driving cap guy but on occasion when a baseball cap seems the appropriate choice, I avoid logos and flat brims, and turn to this excellent wool cap from Orvis.

Huh?

So, so wrong. 

$70.00.

for beat up.

broken down. 

trashy leather.

And it's almost entirely sold out? 

Today's Outfit

Polo Ralph Lauren striped oxford

Lands' End paisley repp silk tie

Merona cotton cardigan

Polo Ralph Lauren Stanton jean

Lands' End ribbed cotton socks

Austen Heller Whalers

Today's Outfit

Polo Ralph Lauren semi-spread shirt and pima cotton sweater

Rooster repp silk tie

Vintage grey gabardine trouser

Club Room solid lavender sock

Allen Edmonds black leather bit loafer

Wish List - Gator Green

Only $1250. Thanks, Ralphie.

Wish List - Camelhair Blazer

Navy blazer? Check.

Herringbone tweed? Got it.

Camelhair? You're next.

A Timely Purchase - Axcent Watch

Every now and then, a great deal comes along from Gilt. With a $25 coupon, I picked up this watch from Axcent of Scandinavia for around $40. Though I have several vintage pieces, I've been wanting a green-faced watch for a long time. Why? No clue. Anyway, last week I found just what I'd been looking for and I couldn't be happier. I'm already well-stocked with grosgrain bands so I have plenty of options when it's time (...I know) to change things up.

Still...

Still in the Holiday Spirit