This shirt is quite possibly my favorite article of clothing.
There is really nothing special about it. It’s around two years old and the quality is just ok. Hell, the top button popped off the second time I wore it. No, it’s not made of super, high-tech cotton fabric with old world stitching.
But, you know what? None of that matters to me because I love it.
That’s actually the problem with most fashion sites (even mine, sometimes) — all you hear is talk about the newest/hottest shit that people like. Which, nine times out of ten, is far out of the reach of your average consumer. Rarely do you hear about great finds at regular, nationwide chains and how great they actually work with the looks you might be trying to achieve.
This simple, Old Navy flannel jumped out at me when I first spotted it because it had a nice, slim cut and a lot of versatility. I can wear it with a pair of dark denim and just about any pair of boots in my closet. Or I can wear it unbuttoned over a white tee, a pair of shorts and Sperrys/low Dunks/New Balance and call it a wrap.
The point of this post is: don’t let the fact that a piece didn’t come from Italy or Japan deter you from picking it up. Who knows, it might end up being a piece that you’ll see in your closet for a long time to come. Fashion is like life — if you can’t enjoy it then what’s the point?
Sometimes you just need to sit back, and chill out for a moment.
When people consider various options to spice or color up an outfit the  solution is usually pretty straight forward. Most go with a bold tie/bow tie, a bright pocket square for a suit or blazer, or a crazy pattern/colored shirt, with a more subtle cardigan or crewneck layered over top. While these are all excellent options, there is a simple solution that most seem to ignore these days: a nice pair of socks.
I’m not talking about your dad’s old, black church socks that stretch to his throat and damn near look like stockings. I’m talking about socks of different colors and patterns. Houndstooth, argyle, plaids, polka dots, stripes, greens, blues, pinks, neons — the options these days are almost endless. I consider socks to be the only piece of a fit that allows you to get away with almost anything. The symmetry of socks is what allows them to work in most situations, regardless of their color or pattern.
If you think about it, they are really an overlooked article of clothing that tends to get noticed more than people realize: You enter a room, and usually the first glances are at your face, then your feet (or maybe that’s just me). When you take a seat, there’s more than likely going to be a sock sneak peek. And once you cross your legs, it’s suddenly The Sock and Shoe Show. And nothing kills a well-put-together fit than the appearance of ribbed, white, crew cut socks. Hell, I’ve been given higher praise for a pair of socks then for the 300$ pair of Common Project sneakers I wore over them. You never know what kind of conversation you might strike up over your socks.
There are many great brands out there, but my go-to socks are by the Swedish designers Viktor Tell and Mikael Soderlindh. They created the colorful line known as Happy Socks. I’m sure by now you have seen a pair or two in smaller clothing stores since they are spreading like wildfire. Each season they drop an amazing array of patterns and colors. So many, in fact, that I dare you not to find at least ONE pair you like. Another of my favorites sock lines is by American Rag. While they don’t have the crazy patterns and combinations of Happy Socks, they have a nice color range that goes outside of the norm. There are tons of other great places to find socks, so don’t limit your search.
Now while I might be singing the praises of trying out bold sock options, there are also some caveats. Its best to keep seasonal patterns in their season. By this I mean argyles are probably better saved for fall/winter/early spring. Also, while a pink sock with a nice dark suit might have people thinking you’re some kinda bad-ass, an aqua and purple striped sock might have people thinking you’ve lost your goddamn mind. So find socks that complement your personality, your outfit, or just a pair that you just fucking love, and show people you have great sock game.
Vans has been steadily pumping out some nice colorways and vault releases for the 2010 spring/summer, and while in most cases I’d have to flip a coin to pick a favorite, skimming through whats been released thus far, I have a clear pick in mind. My choice is, the black and white leather Sophie. Yes, the Sophie, new women silhouette. The pictured Sophie model comes in a new two-tone colorway in an all-leather upper and a mini-checkered lining. Its pretty slick shoe on its on, but with the vintage saddle shoe styling of this colorway, it could easily be used for a more “dressed” situation. If you are interested in getting you hands on a pair, check your local Vans store or online for 55$.
Great video done by Creative Control, for the song “The Sound” by The London Souls. Trust me, you will watch this more then once, its really a great song. Looking forward to a full length album in the future.
