TIPS #2 - Take care of your Jacket

Im obsessed with jackets and blazers. It's the most versatile piece for both men and women yet cutting-edge in someway. Im always on the look for the perfect jacket whether its sizzling hot out.

Whether you've just invested or about too invest in a pair (or you want to keep your jacket in good shape) taking proper care of your jacket doesn't hurt. Actually, if you take proper care, you can keep your favorite item in shape for a while (I mean a long time!). Start out by trying these daily steps and take it further when the season ends.

Daily Care

The daily care of your jacket can prolong the life of your piece immensely. So make these tips a habit.

When you take off your jacket and can't get help for it. This is how to do it. Grab the insides of the shoulder and flip it inside out. It's only after this step you can put it on the chair or wherever you need to.

Once your home use a clothing brush to take the dust and fumes off. This not only takes the dust and dirt off your jacket but helps recondition the fabric. If you seemed to sweat, use a handkerchief and wipe the inner lining of your jacket.

Always use a sturdy hanger to hang your jacket. A thick wooden hanger is a must. It's always better to give  the jacket a day off or two.

When you need to straighten out the wrinkles use a high steam iron. Hang the jacket onto a thick hanger, use the steam (steam mode if available) and do not press the iron onto your favorite piece. Giving the wrinkles hot steam will do the job. Let it hang for a day.

Off Season Care

Jamming the jacket into your closet after the season is a mistake. I recommend taking it to the dry cleaners. But, not too often! (it damages the fabric). If you have water cleaning nearby you should go consult with them. They use a method that is friendly and helps recondition the fibers of the fabric back into its initial form. (translation => brings back that lust to the jacket)

Its only after cleaning you can hang it in your closet. Don't forget to give enough space in between the jackets. You don't want the jackets to be touching each other.

Pure Swagger

Check out Nick Wooster's 10 Essentials at GQ.com!! A must read.
GQにてニックウースターの１０エッセンシャルがチェック出来ます。是非、拝見ください！

LINK=>http://www.gq.com/style/ten-essentials/201105/nick-wooster#slide=1

Know Your Rules then Breakem'

Whether your a traditional swagger who keeps to the rule book or your the one who love the cutting-edge clothing off the runway, this video gives you a recap of why knowing the rules matter. You know the rules and breakem. Thats the starting point of having personal style.

純粋なアイビー愛好であろうが、エッジの効いた最新モードが好きな方もこのビデオを一度ご覧下さい。メンズウェアーの基本を理解した上、それを自分なりに崩す事の定義を再確認出来ます。

HANEDA AIRPORT

Kitsune x J.M. Weston

Pictures taken from Kitsune.fr

Kitsune and French shoe house J.M. Weston worked together for this capsule collection. Available at Kitsune Boutique and J.M. Weston stores (Tokyo, London and Brussels).

KitsuneとJ.M. Westonの二回目となるコラボライン。パリのkitsune boutiqueなどで4月29日から発売している模様です。東京ではJ.M. Westonのお店で取り扱いがあるそうです。

Song of the Day: Kitsune Maison 11 mini mix by Jerry Bouthier

Thom Browne Wingtip Boot & Monk Strap

Wingtip boots from the 2011F/W collection. Made with beautiful suede, these wingtip boots come in a full brogue perforation unfamiliar to the shoe collection of Thom Browne. These boots have crepe sole, another experimental detail, for a casual-outdoor taste.

こちらは、2011秋冬コレクションのウィングチップブーツ。スウェードのアッパーにクレープソールという目新しいディテールを装備しています。アウトドア感がして、カジュアルな印象。目を引くのはフルブロークのパーフォレーションだという事、今まではすべてアメリカンブローク。

Up next are these Monk strap shoes. Haven't seen single monks since the Spring Summer 08. These come in the authentic pebble grain leather.

次はシングルストラップのモンクストラップ。こちらは2008年いらいコレクションでは見てない様な。こちらはトムブラウンの真骨頂ペブルレザー仕様。上品な印象です。

Pictures Taken from Selectism.com & GQ.com

Song of the day: Is Tropical - "The Greeks"

Fashion Icon Vol.4 - Michael Bastian

The former Men's fashion director for Bergdorf Goodman and designer, Michael Bastian conveys the new prep style with an essence of elegance. He currently designs his signature collection and for a collaboration collection with Gant. I like to think of his style as a hybrid of Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren, having the elegance of Tom Ford over classical American pieces of that of Ralph Lauren. Take his signature rugger shirt. He uses the classic colors of burgundy and navy boarders but takes the opening of the front deeper adding the elegance not found in a Rugby or RL. His personal style is the same formula. He sports a classic yet sleek tailored jacket over a slimmer flannel pant. Another signature look is wearing a slim oxford shirt over damaged jeans. I love this effortless style.

Michael Bastian has not presented a runway show for 2011F/W due to termination of alliance with Brunello Cucinelli. He has bought back his signature label from Cucinelli and is in search for new partner / factory to produce his clothes. A new start for Michael Bastian is expected to appear on runway from 2012 and at a lower price than before.

バーグドフグッドマンの元メンズディレクター、マイケルバスティアン。最近はガントとのコラボで話題ですが、ファッションには昔から精通している人物。トムブラウンなどの新進気鋭デザイナーを発掘したのも彼。彼のスタイルは伝統的な東海岸にセクシーさやエレガンスをプラスしたスタイルとでも言いましょう。彼が作るシグネチャーラインもこの類いで、ラルフローレンなどに見られるアイテムに独自のエッセンスをプラスして、トムフォードとまでは行かないが、大人の男らしさを注入しています。ガントとのコラボはもう少し若い感じです。彼の様な大人なスタイルにもひかれます。

ところで、マイケルバスティアンは2011秋冬ではショーを発表していません。今までパートナーでもあったブルネロクチネリとの契約を解除し、マイケルバスティアンを買い取り独立しただめだそうです。彼のシグネチャーラインが見られるのは2012のショーからで価格帯も今までより抑えられるそうです。