The Silentist - Menswear, Men's Style, Reviews

month

April 2011

116 posts

WIWT: 04-27-2011

Backdated WIWT from earlier this week: Navy flannel blazer, navy silk knit, purple gingham, purple square. Not seen: grey flannel trousers, walnut moc-toe oxfords.

Kent Wang quick take

Polo: Got the size large for the length, but it’s too big in the torso and still even a bit short on me (I like to tuck mine in, which gets more difficult if I wore low-rise chinos). I probably could use a medium, but then it’d be too short. Sadly, I have to return it, however, if you’re of a “normal” torso size in terms of length, then these are super nice. I pretty...

Anonymous asked: I've been reviewing your WIWT posts and was wondering, do you feel that your pants could use a slightly smoother taper? They appear somewhat shapeless, but have the right break. I just feel that a more tapered leg could significantly improve your look.

Also, I love the jacket project; very creative and cool.

acollectedgentleman asked: How much did it cost to customize the sports coat

WIWT: 04-26-2011

Today’s variation on the uniform involves swapping out grey trousers for khaki chinos. I don’t wear chinos all that often to work in the fall and winter — maybe because they’re a bit too casual — but the warmer the weather gets, the more likely I’ll wear them.

afistfulofstyle asked: Is it my imagination or do you tend to have your jacket sleeves shortened a bit more than usual (from the WIWT archives it looks more like 1/2" or 1")? If so, isn't it way better than 1/4"? I certainly think so, but then again I have short arms.

Custom Project: The Navy Chino Sport Coat, part 2

(For background on what inspired this project, please read part 1.) It took about two weeks, but I was finally able to pick up my sport coat from the tailor yesterday and the completed project looks fantastic. The coat has completely been transformed from this: To this (excuse my poor photography skills and not-so-great camera): The red duck canvas pops from the back and side, adding...

acollectedgentleman asked: Your one of my favorite bloggers
i wanted to know what inspires your style
and do u think my blog is getting better

WIWT: 04-25-2011

This week at work I’m only going to wear navy blazers and sport coats, which if you go back through my WIWT archives you’ll notice that it’s pretty much become my uniform for the office (when I’m not in the legislature). I’ve been thinking more about what direction I want to take my style and it’s becoming more of a push toward a collection of navy blazers,...

A quick update on this project →

Jacket’s finally finished at the tailor’s. Going to go pick it up on my lunch break! Photos tomorrow.

goingoutgoingin asked: For bags I recommend checking out Urban Outfitters. I don't tend to like much of their stuff buy I just bought a light colored messenger there to use with warmer weather and I've been very happy with it. Can't speak about its long term durability yet, though. Anyway, I believe they have a decent number of bags online at varying price points.

Anonymous asked: I'm sorry, I may have made the question too specific - what I was meaning to ask was a good site/ store to buy nice satchels and bags for a decent price.
P.S. I'm a college student so price is a big factor.

A MTM shirt construction problem

Ever have this happen to you? I have this issue with a MTM shirt that I ordered (currently trying to get this resolved, we’ll see). Notice how when the arm is raised, the shoulder/sleeve intersection has two things going on. First, it pops up. Second, the shirt’s sleeve tucks itself into and under the stitching on the shoulder. Needless to say, this is really uncomfortable. What...

afistfulofstyle asked: As to the guy asking about bags. Not to claim expertise or anything, but I have carried a shitload of bags since I was 15. Army surplus stores are your best bet for simple styles like those 2. A quick search turned up these 2 for back packs

http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=49864
http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=23674

Anonymous asked: Where can I find backpack and bags similar to these?

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk15gySKOc1qzixhuo1_400.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljdg00kydW1qhdqgbo1_500.jpg

Generational Battles

dieworkwear: I started another style blog. Generational Battles. It’s a WAYWT site where people enter into style battles against their grandparents. Frankly, we all know who’s going to win, but for the sake of promoting style, grandparents, and awesome families, I thought this would be a fun site to create. Please subscribe and, more importantly, submit photos! Also, please spread the...

Anonymous asked: What is your advice on picking a nice tie/ polo combo for daily wear? In regards to matching and style and such.

Anonymous asked: What is a good website to buy skinny ties? I know you have already once been asked this question, but I can't seem to find it.

P.M. raises royal row regarding A.M. regalia →

I wanted to reblog this simply so I could write that headline.

The State of Blogging According to Ryan Plett →

dreamsofperfection: I know Ryan hates on the reblogs in this, but it deserves to reblogged… It inspires me to put together more original content for my own blog. Sometimes it’s tough to come up with original things, and I fall into the habit of just highlighting shit I like (although I try to at least check out a lot of it in person, even if I’m not buying it). Good call CB, posting it...

medonism asked: Don Johnson called.. he wants his wardrobe back.. lol.. JK..

For sale: spring cleaning my closet

I’ve got several items in my closet that for one reason or another aren’t working out for me — believe me when I say that I wish I could keep these items, but no decent amount of alterations will make these work well for me. So, I thought I’d offer them here before putting them up on eBay. If something strikes your eye, then shoot me an e-mail and we’ll go from...

“Now you won’t have to carry a spare shoehorn in your pocket whenever you visit...”

– Put This On on shoehorn solutions

Forthcoming: spring cleaning sale

I’ll have a few items up for sale this afternoon. Items include: White linen suit Harris Tweed jacket Navy double-breasted linen blazer Khaki chinos Tuxedo shirt Gingham button-down collar shirts

The Style Blogger is now on Tumblr →

Dan Trepanier, aka The Style Blogger, is now doing a Tumblr blog here, but if you want to follow him on Tumblr, then click here. (Via mrsartorial)

Anonymous asked: On your Modern Tailor shirt, what type of bottom did you choose?

TOPSHOP set to open in Chicago Fall 2011.

itsamazing: TOPSHOP as reported is taking over 830 N Michigan, formerly occupied by Borders which was vacated January 2011. This week, vinyl banners were put up and an expected opening date of Fall 2011 was revealed. This is literally less than a block away from work.. I seriously CAN’T WAIT! Fall 2011 needs to come sooner.. I don’t know much about Topshop, but I’ll be sure...

WIWT: 04-14-2011

Thirteen-hour workday, missed the PTO meetup and only had one small meal all day. Time for a stiff drink and sleep. Grey suit, white/blue striped shirt, navy silk knit, white linen square, brown brogues and a fistful of bureaucracy.

Tonight! Put This On Chicago Meetup →

Sadly, I will not be able to attend (I’m still at work, 3.5 hours away) but that shouldn’t keep you from going and meeting what I assume will be a wonderful group of people. 8-10 PM in the back room of Miller’s Pub - 134 S. Wabash Avenue. Drink one for me!

Some comments and responses

edwinhu said: these are great looking! also have you ever seen a point collar polo shirt? is the “spread collar” really that notable of a feature? just sayin. I think most polos have a typical collar. Would I call it a “point” collar? No. But looking at the spread...