I found these shirts and sweater at a local thrift store. The key to thrift stores is knowing the neighborhood. If you’re looking for outdoor gear, go where people hunt. If it’s blazers and repp ties, go to a neighborhood where people brunch.

Wrangler single needle. Made in the US too. I’ll probably wear it as a shirt jacket, although if I’m feeling extra magnanimous it may go to my best friend who is taller than me.

Camouflage-boys love it girls are confused and troubled by it. I have a feeling in a few seasons girls will be rocking camo (“It’s like the new leopard, yo.”) and dudes will be going for floral prints.

Love the striping on one arm. Thom Browne x Moncler who?

A lot like the Wrangler shirt above, but this one’s a nice soft flannel. Perfect for throwing on over an oxford and some jeans.

So go out and wade through those bowling shirts and ‘World’s Greatest Grandpa’ t-shirts. There are some hidden gems out there.

I’ve been a fan of Randolph Engineering sunglasses ever since I saw them on all plaidout. When a company holds military contracts you know construction and durability won’t be a question. With prices ranging from $99-170 these sunglasses are tough to beat.  Needless to say, I was more than elated when the kind folks from Massachusetts sent me over a pair of Thief Baits.

23kt gold finish, polarized lenses, skull temples. These sunglasses are legit enough for you to partake in an oddly sexual volleyball match in jeans with your fellow fighter pilots.

Even the maintenance gear is really nice.

I figure one can’t go wrong with the teardrop shape and though I’ve never owned gold sunglasses before, I’m quite taken with these. There’s a heft and sturdiness to these glasses that sets them apart.

Like a good gun, a solid pair of sunglasses will protect you and impress girls. Sunglasses have the added benefit of giving you something to fidget with when the girl actually comes over to talk to you.

Randolph Engineering

After I bought this coat I did a little research. Well, if google counts as research. I wasn’t too concerned with details-I just wanted a rough estimate of when the jacket was made. The first place I look on old coats (especially military ones) is the back of the buttons. If you’re lucky, the button will have a back mark. A back mark is generally the seal of the company that manufactured the button. Stamped on the back of these was Waterbury Button Co. Conn.

The Waterbury Button Company has made buttons for the U.S. armed forces for every major conflict since the War of 1812. After a little digging, the general consensus is that my buttons were made before 1965. Combined with the cut and markings inside the jacket, I’d say the jacket was manufactured in the early ’40s.

I also learned that the Waterbury Button Company is still in operation. They make a dizzying array of buttons. If you’re in the need for some brass coated buttons, they’re your man.

Metal Fox buttons? I’d throw these on a dark navy linen blazer (2 button) and feel like a secret agent all summer long.

Some of my favorites come from their Uniform section. This is a railroad button-Michigan Central line to be exact. I think adding just one of these to a double breasted jacket would be a great touch. Kind of like a nice subtle alternative to a monogram. If she remarks, it means she pays attention to the details.

Buy her that one blazer and put these buttons on it. Then you made her something that only she has.

Check out all that the Waterbury Button Company has to offer.

Snoozer Loser just put up a Fall preview. The screen printing and fabric dying really set snoozer loser apart. The shape and volume of this shirt would go great with the perfect pair of jeans…

Leave it to the kind folks over at Baldwin Denim to so graciously make two cuts in dry selvage for the ladies. The EJ is a straight fit while the Ten is a skinny. A girl in well fitting selvage denim has reached near-grail status for hipster boys. So be forewarned she may get a lot of stares when you two walk down Bedford Avenue together. But don’t worry, after all it’s your hand she’s holding.

Saturdays has a great feel, cool stuff to look at, and on an annoyingly hot July day, very welcomed iced coffee.

They also have a pretty cool outdoor courtyard.

Like the shop itself, the courtyard is chock full of cool stuff and cool people. And unlike most coffee shops that only have pastries with an approximate age near Methuselah’s, Saturdays has a bunch of great gear to offer you alongside tasty beverages.  So much so I got myself a souvenir.

Can’t go wrong with a pair of Spring Courts. Saturdays has a great run of color ways and has ‘em at a decent price. Vans are amazing, but sometimes it’s nice to have something a little different.

I’ve been running around in warriors most of this summer and the Spring Courts’ thick soles are a welcome relief. Those air vents help take the pain out of the 6 blocks you walked out of your way because she was headed in ‘the same direction’.

Red shoes may not be for everyone, but I couldn’t resist. I’ve always had a soft spot for red-skate shoes, sneakers, driving mocs, you name it I love it in red.

The best thing about Spring Courts? They smell like mint. I’m not kidding-the insoles are mint scented. Icy fresh breath is one thing, but minty fresh feet?That’s crispy.

Saturdays Surf NYC

31 Crosby St. NYC

212.966.7875

I found this naval jacket at an antique mall in Beloit. I’ve been looking for a solid wool double breasted jacket for awhile now. The cut is like a hybrid between a blazer and a pea coat. I’m pretty sure it’s from the mid ’40s-solid heavy wool and metal buttons. Can’t beat it for 30 bucks.

The best thing about heavy melton wool is the collar will stay up no matter what. I’m not one to pop a collar for no reason, but it does come in handy when you’re standing outside while she smokes that cigarette in a way that makes lung cancer seem like more than a reasonable risk.

My Gant Rugger pullover fits well with the jacket.

I stumbled across this box in my favorite Army Surplus shop a few weeks back.

I really like chukka style work boots. These deadstock Double-H boots were my size, so I had to buy them right?

Hopefully you’ll see me in this getup this fall in New York.

Photo by great photographer and all around good guy Dave Mongan

Darian, the great mind behind Free/Man just posted up round two of a few questions I answered for him. Check it out if you can’t get enough of your’s truly. Or really, click the link and check out all the amazing stuff Darian has to show you.

the interview

The brands at  (capsule) I’m looking forward to checking out are CREEP by Hiroshi Awai, Folk, obviously Mark McNairy, Monitaly, and Norse Projects. The best thing about capsule  is there’s always something new to catch your eye and learn about.

I’m also for sure hitting up ENK. Last year was my first visit and I was super impressed. 4 stroke denim, D.S. Dundee, and a whole bunch more await. So if you see me wandering around make sure to say hello.

It wouldn’t be a trip to New York without a stop by Self Edge. Turns out this weekend is a great time to be stopping by-15%off and an awesome rockabilly party? Sold.

But I’m sure by now you’ve heard about (capsule),  ENK, and the Self Edge party. Really this post is about your favorite spots in New York. Come on, give ‘em up-places to eat, shop, relax, drink iced coffees- you know, those places you want to remain a secret but also show off?

Have a great weekend  and if you see me traipsing the city don’t worry, I always look a little lost.