Category: men’s

Bowled over for great men’s hats

Post author By Christy
Post date October 30, 2010
2 Comments on Bowled over for great men’s hats

Today’s guest post comes from a dear friend of mine, Justin Benton. I met Justin right after moving to Arizona. Even though we’ve both moved on, myself back home and Justin to New York (damn Yankee) he has remained like a brother to me. Justin also has a fantastic sense of style and offered to share something all southern gentleman should know about, hats.

In praise of the Bowler; for the gentleman who doesn’t want to look like a member of the rat pack.

Not to denigrate the fedora; in all truth its about time men started wearing grown up hats again as opposed to something sporting a team logo and more appropriate for a ten year old. The fact is, however, the fedora isn’t for everyone, me included. The first hang up is that my head/face is just too big and round for a fedora’s angles. Its ok, I’ve come to terms with it. Secondly, some items demand a certain attitude to be pulled off effectively. I look as awkward and ridiculous in a fedora as I do in deep-v tees. For some people they’re perfect, the rest of us need to find our own way.

So, for those with equally unruly heads, or a similar affinity for classic pieces, I suggest the bowler (or derby, depending on your preference), like the one I recently picked up in preparation for a cold New York winter. The bowler has been around since the 1850’s and can truly be called the great equalizer. From the haves to the have-nots, ladies to gentlemen, the bowler has long been the hat of choice. More formal than a newsboy, but less so than a top hat, it’s a real hat for a proper gent.

I get it, in a country where a shoe will sell just because an athlete is paid to wear it, the bowler needs some “street cred”, as it were, some proof that it’s cool enough for your modern style savvy gentleman. Well, for confirmation that intelligence knows a quality hat I point to Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth who wouldn’t leave home without his. Would the comic genius of Charlie Chaplin be quite the same without the tramp’s derby? For those who like their style mentors a little more roguish, there’s always John Steed of the 60’s Avengers whose bowler kept him in the good graces of a cat suit clad Emma Peel, or more recently Jude Law as a raffish Watson in Sherlock Holmes.

Just like the fedora, the Bowler isn’t for everyone. You have to have a certain attitude and confidence to pull it off, and know how to wear it (never with sneakers and always cocked), but when done right it works wonders.

Cheers,

Note: Try Meyer the Hatter in New Orleans to achieve this look. Having been around since 1894 they won’t lead you astray!

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xoelle

Laura of Xoelle is a Pensacola resident with a love of thrift stores, whipped cream, twilight walks, and traveling. She also happens to make really great bow ties and writing journals out of all reclaimed materials. Learn about how she sources her fabric and what her upcoming projects are.

Harlequin freestyle bow tie

So why bow ties and books?

Both are sentimental and old-fashioned and slightly out-dated.
Everything I make is very sentimental and personal to me. I am an avid journaler, often filling up a journal in a month or two. I’m particular about the type of journal that I use- particular enough that I started making them. I started selling them to pay for the industrial equipment I purchased and haven’t stopped because I really enjoy it. I make bow ties because my husband is a bow tie wearer. I had been collecting vintage neckties since high school to gift to my future husband, and then I fell in love with the guy in the bow tie. I converted the whole collection of neckties to bow ties.

retro lattice freestyle bow tie Retro lattice bow tie

Who is your average customer? Does he live in a particular part of the country?

My average customer is a 25-30 year old man who is anything but average. He’s witty, intelectual, goofy, geeky, centered, and unconventional. My own bow-tie-wearing husband quilts, rides a crotch rocket, plays the piano in church every Sunday, and mountain bikes. I send bow ties all over the world but send the most to New York City, Washington DC, and Toronto, Canada.

Complete Denture Prosthesis recycled book journal Denture Prosthesis recycled journal
How do you select your fabrics? How do your reclaimed materials withstand the tugging and tying from use?

I source my materials from charity thrift stores. I use mostly neckties, button-down shirts, and ladies skirts. They are rugged! Using reclaimed materials actually assures that they’ll be of a better quality than if I was using new materials. As a small, by hand manufacturer I can use awesome materials that are otheriwse out of my budget, and get them in small quantities. I only choose materials that can withstand the tying and retying of the bow.

The Literature of the United States recycled book journal
Literature of the United States recycled journal
Tell us a little about your plans for the future.

There are exciting things coming in the xoelle world. I’m starting to work on some photo albums on the book side, and more custom options (like embroidery and scrrenprinting) on the bow tie side. Bow ties have really been making their way back into fashion so I’m sure I’ll be busy for quite some time!

pumpkin pie freestyle bow tie Pumpkin Pie freestyle bow

Define southern style.

Southern style is layed back and comfortable. It’s all about wide open spaces and back porches and lights strung in a line. It’s about putting the family and food in the forefront and staying out all night long. Love it.

Xoelle bow ties and journals can be acquired from the following stockists:

Xoelle

Palafox Market

OAK Boston

White Elephant Vintage

Aradia’s Closet

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men's shoefty shoes

Quality versus. Quantity

I consider myself a pretty decent wife. I cook, clean (sometimes), play property manager, get the dog walked and the errands run. I don’t keep all the fun stuff so he gets the honors of makin’ groceries since I hate doing it. Overall we split up the things we do to pretend like we are grownups pretty fairly.

One thing I’m always on duty for is keeping an eye out for great clothing and shoe purchases. He certainly is a quality over quantity kind of guy and definitely has a way better shoe collection than me. So naturally I get a kick out of bringing home things I know he will love. I recently found two perfect, never been worn pairs via secondhand which makes me a pretty damn good partner.

I love the Freeplay Range from J Shoes, available at Shoefty. These are perfect for slipping on with shorts and would look great with cords in when the temperature dips a little.

J Shoes feature handstitching, which just means they will get better with wear. I love the striped ribbon detailing in the inside.

I also purchased these boots by Heutchy. Shoefty is the only stockist in town, unless you are lucky enough to find them at Buffalo Exchange. I love the detailed stitching and the heel is the perfect height.

The textural contrast of the suede and smooth leather makes for a versatile boot. These will go well with jeans or dress pants.

Shoefty

6071 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 896-8737

Buffalo Exchange

3312 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)891-7443

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back to school guest men's secondhand

Collegiate looks on a student budget

Post author By Christy
Post date September 23, 2010
1 Comment on Collegiate looks on a student budget

Today’s post comes from a new friend and film school student Joseph Miner. I met Joseph at the Jolie & Elizabeth trunk show at Fair Folks & a goat via a mutual friend. He manages to have great style on a collegiate budget so I asked him to share his secrets with Slow Southern Style readers, male and female alike.

For us college students out there, classes are now in full swing. Our planners are filling up with projects, tests, jobs and trying to squeeze in some sort of social activity as well. With all of this in mind, who has the time or the money to dedicate to expanding our fall wardrobes? Believe it or not, you do. YES, YOU! Let’s just be honest here; if you have the time to brush your teeth and run a comb through your hair before class, then you have the time to opt out of the dorm shorts and college tee in exchange for something a little bit more grown up.

It is surprisingly easy to look like you didn’t just roll out of bed and come to class, even if you did. First impressions are huge. Even when on campus, you never know if you might run into a future employer, friend, business associate or significant other. Who wants to say to someone “why don’t you add me on Facebook?” when you know you look like shit? Not exactly a great selling point! I’ll tell you from experience, if people remember anything about you, they will remember the way you looked way before they can conjure up your name. You can’t go wrong with just throwing on a pair of skinny jeans,some loafers, and a decent sweater. Be creative. Be you. Just don’t go bumming it! If you do happen to feel a little more on the creative side, try something like the following images from local designer Alicia Zenobia.

Also, if you invest in a nice pea coat for when it really cools down, just throw it on over whatever and wrap a scarf around your neck and you are good to go.

Coat from Express

We don’t have to go breaking the bank (or rather bursting the seams on our credit card limit) to look nice either. I can’t tell you how many times I have found an article of clothing in good or even great condition for 75% or more off of the original price from a resale or consignment shop. And if you live in New Orleans then you are in luck as we have some pretty great options. I’m leaving you with a list of local shops that you should most definitely check out before going straight to Urban Outfitters or American Apparel.

Goodwill (City-wide, but I prefer the location listed below)

123 Robert E Lee Blvd
New Orleans,LA 70124
Phone: (504) 286-1858

Buffalo Exchange (Don’t be afraid to be a frequent flyer either, because they get “new” stuff in every day, unlike many retail stores)

3312 Magazine St

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)891-7443

Plato’s Closet

4704 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA‎

(504) 883-3895

Alicia Zenobia:

http://autonomousclothing.blogspot.com/

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events men's news oilspill sales

Slow Southern News

Perlis is donating $6 from every Support The Coast t-shirt to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. $5 from every Save the Coast t-shirt will go to gulfrelief.org.

Feet First is extending their “Insane” sale. Use the code “Insane50” online and receive 50% off already marked sale items. The sale applies to online and in store merchandise.

Ruby in Hammond is having their “End of summer denim days” with $50-$75 jeans. And since owner Laura Lea is a newly wed cake and champagne will be served everyday this week from 4-6pm

Shop Imagine in Hammond is celebrating back to school time with a denim sale. Buy one pair of jeans and get the second pair half off.

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Florida jewelry men's oilspill preppy

A Charmed Life

The south is all about traditions, whether you are happily partaking in old ones, creating new ones or breaking them altogether. Personally I find it amusing when I don pearls since I have visible tattoos, three of which are southern icons. No matter how you choose to showcase your pride it’s always good to treat our icons with reverence and a big dash of fun. At least that’s what I told myself when I got my Sailor Jerry shrimp tattoo. What can I say I’m serious about not taking myself too seriously!

Ahem. Back to the post.

Dixie Patches is an online store that specializes in traditional southern style. Whether it be a seersucker hanky for your dog, shotgun cufflinks, or a magonlia pendant necklace this Florida based company is heavy on tradition and fun.

These cute silver charms are reminiscent of the things we love. Gators, okra, mint juleps, and magnolias. When you purchase the peel & eat shrimp or the oyster cracker charms your purchase will benefit the America’s Wetland Foundation. They also donate a percentage of the hurricane palm to the Greater New Orleans Foundation

Finishing touches for women include grosgrain bows, t-shirts, and jewelry.

I think this sums up a southern belle nicely:

She is sweet, yet strong
She sips her wine, yet gulps her beer
She’s polite, yet saucy
She’s refined, yet wild
She wears bows… fishing
She’s a Southern Belle

For the southern gentlemen in your life they offer seersucker bow ties, camo fishing hats, and magnolia cuff links.

Get your southern swag at Dixie Patches and sign up for their mailing list and receive some lagniappe! Now that’s true southern hospitality.

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men's sales

Slow Southern News

Rye is offering 30-50% off white dresses just in time for White Linen Night.

Sterling Silvia is having a 50% off sale on all their Save the Turtles colleciton.

Porter Stevens summer sale is going on now with clearance items marked 30-60% off.

Sabai Jewelry 20-25% off everything in the store now through August 15th.

And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win Go NOLA’s men’s makeover! One lucky guy will win a prize package from Branch Out, Buffalo Exchange, Rubenstein’s, and Twisted Hair Salon. Hurry up and enter the deadline is July 25th.

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men's news sales

Slow Southern News

The Green Project is hosting a rust dyeing fabric demonstration on Saturday, July 17th from 11am-12pm. Learn how to use rust to make designs and prints on fabric and show how to use this textile art after it has been dyed.
Yvonne Lafleur‘s summer sale is going on now. The shop is offering 30% off linen, $99 cocktail and day dresses, Mardi Gras gowns $99-$199 and much more.
Ballins LTD is offering an additional 40% off sale merchandise from now until Saturday July 17th.
Feet First is celebrating their 33rd anniversary by offering 33% off everything, including sale items Friday July 23rd-Sunday July 25th.
Plato’s Closet is having a $1.00 sale July 17th and 18th
Thrift City USA is offering 1/2 off all clothing and shoes this Thursday (today)
Enter to win a men’s Makeover from Go NOLA! The lucky winner will receive a full makeover, including a haircut. For more information go here. Trust me guys the prize package is outstanding!

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men's shopping show and tell

Show & Tell

This week’s Show & Tell Saturday is a double whammy, featuring a really special item and a cool new shop on Magazine St.

I know I talk a lot about traditional southern specialties, like boat shoes and seersucker but as equally important and infinitely cooler are the blue collar staples of yesteryear.*

Behold my old as dirt Jack Daniel’s tee. Procured from the Phoenix Buffalo Exchange I had to practically arm wrestle a friend for this. He’ll be happy to know it is being lovingly stored in the dirty south where it truly belongs.

See the light shining through? This topper puts those newfangled burnout tees to shame. It’s thin as hell and worn to perfection. It’s way too big on me but to alter it would be sacrilege.I wear it with equally as ancient engineer boots and black skinny jeans.

What else can you wear it with? How ’bout these bad ass cowgirl boots from Truck Stop. Oh yea and if you’re a 7 1/2 hands off the pink pair! I still need to try those on.

The shop has only been open for two weeks but their aesthetic is perfection. When you walk in it looks like you pulled into the coolest truck stop ever with vintage signage and a working pinball machine. They stock western wear, belt buckles,jewelry and of course vintage tees. Who knows maybe you’ll find your own Jack Daniel’s tee. Oh yea and tell them Slow Southern Style sent ‘ya.

Truck Stop

2209 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70130

(504)302-1895

Mon – Sun: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

If you have a crazy good item that you want to tell the world about e-mail me at nolagurl{at}gmail{dot}com for inclusion in Show and Tell Saturday.

* To really appreciate this post you have to immerse yourself in the following. Trust me it’s good stuff.

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men's

Properly southern y’all

Here in the south we’re known for our accents (not the ones on t.v.), our manners (at least some of us), our food, nightlife and the way we dress.

Southern Proper is a clothing and lifestyle company that epitomizes southern prep. Owners Emilie Claire Henderson and Reagan Elizabeth Hardy combine “elements of southern heritage and classic haberdashery” for “men who have a deep appreciation for style and heritage.”
From your head down to your drawers, or drawls, as they call their boxers line, you can dress the part no matter on which side of the Mason-Dixon line you reside.
Taking cues from classic southern symbols these accessories are sure to become a fun fixture in any man’s wardrobe. Their Spring 2010 line focuses on Kentucky, with nods to the racetrack in the form of horse bits, jockey uniforms, and of course, horses. Other lines include magnolia, cotton, bourbon and cigars, mallards, alligators, okra, and collegiate prints.

While the line primarily focuses on men’s accessories and shirts there are a few women’s products as well. Southern Proper also stocks pearls, headbands, and polo tees, items that no preppy wardrobe should be without.

The ladies from Southern Proper even have an online question and answer section to address etiquette and style, dilemmas, just to make sure y’all are acting like gentleman.
Get the proper look online or at any of these retailers.

Southern gentleman keep your eyes peeled on Gonola.com because I will be announcing a very special contest for y’all soon!

Remember y’all can sign up for the newsletter here to keep up the easy way.

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