Follow Me Into Nowhere, Woven With The Utmost Care

Well, I've decided to give this blog a little bit of a makeover. I'm not quite sure how much I like it just yet, so don't be alarmed if you see another change in the not-so-distant future.

Since November, I haven't really had much of a focus on fashion trends. I could chalk it up to a general preoccupation with other things, or the fact that my closet is a bit cramped as it is, but I feel it's perhaps due mostly to the fact there just hasn't been anything that's been very noteworthy out on the market. Spring and Summer are definitely my least favorite fashion seasons, as I'm just not one for bright colors or increased skin exposure. That being said, I've made an effort to put together a little group of items that do seem to hold my attention.

My main inspiration is a more refined “greaser” look. Taking the classic elements of what the pack in The Outsiders looked like, smoothing it out with a bit of James Dean and bringing it up to modern-day speed, while obviously emphasizing more of a dark nautre (as you'd expect from my tastes).

(Taken from Stockholm Streetstyle)

(Taken from Corpus Fall/Winter ‘09 Lookbook)

The key piece I've been hunting out is a slim, black-on-black letterman-style jacket. The rise in their popularity could probably be attributed to The XX, whose members have been seen in popular publications donning the said jacket. Balenciaga made a pretty great version of this in cut, but failed to vary the sleeve colors beyond the too-bright swatches of canary-yellow and a dark aqua-blue. Upcomers, COS, made a version of their own for their Winter ‘09 collection, but it's well sold-out by now, as did Corpus.

(COS Letterman Jacket)

(Corpus Letterman Jacket)

The jacket itself is strong enough that if you match it with jeans or slacks, it still gives off the same tone. The below items are just a group of things I found pretty appealing, which could tie the whole image together. I didn't focus on any denim pieces, as pretty much all skinny jeans are skinny jeans these days. I'm not one for flash or flare on my denim, just stick with any basic slim silhouette in a dark shade of indigo or just black and you should be good to go. Adding a small cuff to the bottoms, no more than an inch tall, is recommended too.

(Fred Perry Cable Cricket Sweater)

(Fred Perry Macqueen Tartan Shirt)

(CMRTYZ Micro Shredder Tee in Grey)

(CMRTYZ Micro Shredder Tee in Black)

(BBlessing Big Logo Tee in Black)

(Cheap Monday Slim Chino Slacks in Black)

(Fred Perry Kingston Twill Sneaker)

(American Apparel Hartwick Skimmer Shoe)

(American Apparel Hartwick Skimmer Shoe)

(Augusta Oiled Horse Boxing Boot)

Any pair of classic oxfords or even a simple sneaker, like Converse Chuck Taylors would suit this outfit well. The Augusta Boxing Boots, shown above, gives the ensemble a bit more edge - but I'd advise against tucking your bottoms into the ankle of the boot. It works for some styles, especially anything more on the industrial tip, but for this appearance I just think it would sort of convey the wrong message. My advice: pants cover over the tops of the boots and keep the tongues tucked in.

And lastly, the accessories - none of which are crucial - but are always a good tie-in. Keep the jewelery minimal, the belt buckle non-ornate and any carrying items slick.

(BJØRG Black Plated Silver Raven Head Ring)

(BJØRG Leather and Silver Bracelet)

(Fred Perry Contrast Reversible Belt)

(Fred Perry Side/Shoulder Bag)

And, of course, you could always use one of these to if you really want to get your point across. I never leave home without mine. Just kidding... or am I?

(Black and Brass Italian Stiletto Switchblade)

So there you have it, all the elements to convey the image of the “Greaser-Goth.” Yeah, I know, horrible name, but that's the best I could come up with on the spot. While all the other fashion forecasters are harping on about military-inspired collections, I am sticking to my guns (or knives rather) and evolving in this direction.