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Style Scenario – The Summer Drive to Nowhere

July 3, 2012 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

What are you going to wear?  Sometimes there’s an easy answer.  Sometimes not.  Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas.  That’s what these are for.  All designed to get you in some stuff that’ll make you look and feel great, then get you out the door and off to do things other than thinking about your clothes.  Look for these with no regularity.  Want to suggest a scenario?  Send those in here.
.

The Shirt:  J. Crew Secret Wash Lightweight Gingham – $39.99 ($64.50)
Light, soft, and breathable.

You want something real light and very breathable, in case you’ve got the windows down and the air conditioning off, your back won’t become a sweaty mess.  So no non-iron shirts here.  You want a fabric that’s relaxed.  Roll up the sleeves, and even if you’re the shy type, now’s the time to try leaving that second button undone.  Sunscreen up though.  Last thing you want is a sunburned sternum.  Other shirt options:  This from Urban Outfitters, might have to size down in this one from JC Penny, and try this from J. Crew Factory.  Shirt in the top pic is by Onassis via Jackthreads.

 

The Shorts:  Merona Pincord Micro  Stripe – $24.99 or Sonoma Solid Flat Front 8″ – $21.99
Cheap, comfortable, and streamlined.

Yes you can mix patterns here.  The micro-stripe on the shorts from Target is tiny.  The gingham on the shirt is much more noticeable.  There’s enough contrast in pattern size (and shape, squares vs lines) that it’ll do just fine.  Especially if you tuck it in… yes… tuck it in… and add a belt.  Shorts pictured at the top are actually the outstanding GAP 9″ glen plaid from last year.  For those that don’t want to cross their pattern streams, try the solid 8″ grey option from Kohl’s.

 

The Belt:  GAP Basic Leather Belt – $20.21 w/ GAP4TH ($29.95)
A do anything casual classic.

Belt shown is at least 5 years old.  Might be 10.  Simple and to the point.  Often on sale thanks to codes.  Nothing wrong with these and they see plenty of use with jeans, chinos, and now… shorts.  If you’re in good shape you won’t look old and stuffy with your shirt tucked into shorts.  It seems odd at first for plenty, but it’s no big deal with a soft wash / wrinkled up shirt like the one you’ll be wearing.  *Code GAP4TH gets you 10% off and the belt is already marked down.  Code Exp. 7/3.

 

The Shoes:  Your favorite Drivers
Obligatory and appropriate.

Well, you are driving.  Above:  GF Ferre in Beige Suede – $185.50 with the extra 30% off.  Made in Italy.  Ralph Lauren Terry Ribbon – $99.00 but can be had for less during sales.  Full review here.  More subtle options: 

  • Sebago’s Fontana for $62.30 at 30% off
  • Ralph Lauren Telly Penny Strap for $52.49 w/ RLEXTRA25.  

Note:  The GF Ferre & Sebago ship free with FSANN5. through lastcall.com.  RL Terry ships free through Piperlime.

 

The Watch:  Citizen Eco-Drive Chrono – $240| Invicta Signature II Chrono – $81.00
The solid option, and the reasonable replacement.

Well those look somewhat similar.  Anyway, leave the slim dress watch at home.  You want something less stuffy and more durable.  Y’know, in case you get nailed by a bee (always fun) or a rock chip while your arm is out the window.  Chronograph will come in handy for 0-60 times (okay, probably not) and keeping track of how much time you’ve got left on your parking meter.  More proof that brown and black can go together.  The citizen is really well made with the Eco-drive power source, a 200m water reistance rating, and a titanium case.

 

The Sunglasses: Ray Ban Cockpit Aviators – $93.00 – $155.00
Serious enough to be serious, sporty enough to not be uptight.

Not cheap by any stretch, but they’re the rare blend of a traditional rounded aviator and the squared off caravan.  Y’know how well balanced the plastic New Wayfarer is?  Looks good almost on any face shape?  Right.  These do all that but come in a more cleaned up wire frame.  They’re the midpoint of everything.  Not too aggressive, but far from boring.  It’s perfect goldilocks execution.  Not too anything, but just right everywhere.  Durable too.  Dropped my pair a few dozen times and they’ve survived the abuse well.  Can show up on flash sale sites like BeyondtheRack from time to time.  If buying through Amazon, at least make sure Amazon is fulfilling the purchase.  Beware random 3rd parties.

 

The Album:  The Stone Foxes, “Bears and Bulls” – $10.00

Been mentioned on the site before, but deserves to be brought up again.  All of the songs certainly fit together, but it’s not just the same type of song over and over.  It’s a dynamic album.  Tempo changes, mood changes, shifts in singing style.  Plenty of twists.  “I killed Robert Johnson” is a hell of a song and tale.  “Mr Hangman” has liberal use of distortion and harmonica.  “Patience” is a song you whip around a corner and floor it down an on-ramp to.  If you’ve ever lost a few bucks in Reno, then you’ll be able to relate to the aptly titled “Reno“.  “Passenger Train“… just try not to sing along while over-thinking all of your past failures.  It’s a mystery as to why these guys haven’t exploded yet.

 

The don’t let it go to your head inspiration: C ‘était un Rendez-vous – $29.95

A short film that debuted in 1976 that quickly became shrouded in rumors and urban legends.  It’s one take, it’s Paris, and the driver takes no issue with ignoring red lights.  Thirty bucks is a lot for eight and a half minutes, but it makes an awesome gift, and it’s one of those things you’ll watch over and over again, and notice something new each time.  Goes without saying, but don’t drive like this.  And if you get a ticket or wrap your car around a tree after watching C ‘était un Rendez-vous, don’t come cryin’ in this general direction.

Filed Under: Clothing, Shoes, Travel Tagged With: style scenario

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Comments

  1. Kyle says

    July 3, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    C ‘était un Rendez-vous Amazing!!!!!!! reminds me of my all time favorite! — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q_Db1rkpm4 – but, C ‘était un Rendez-vous is way more intense… wtf were they thinking?

  2. Nicholas Crawford says

    July 3, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Haha Joe, I just picture you somehow simultaneously watching YouTube videos while cranking out 3 posts a day. I don’t know how you make it work, but I wouldn’t mess with the recipe.

    In August, I get to drive the Volt for 3 days. Not planning to run any red lights, but I’m looking forward to it!

  3. SolefulStrut says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    Joe, you left out a vital piece of information. What kind of automobile is making that beautiful noise in C ‘était un Rendez-vous?

  4. Joe says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    A Ferrari 275 is making the noise. Now… was it the same vehicle being driven? All part of the legend…

  5. Joe says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    Heh, yeah, been a bit youtube heavy lately. Per the Volt: Would love to hear your thoughts once you’ve taken the test drive. My Grandfather and Uncle both worked for GM for decades, so we’re a GM family. Really glad they finally made the Volt happen. Hope to see more powertrain options like that in the future.

  6. Nicholas Crawford says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    Just in case it proves guest-post worthy, I’ll take a head-cropped photo with the car.

  7. BJ McGeever says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    Great outfit!

  8. Joe H says

    July 3, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Is that your Rx-8? Sweet! When I was in my early 20s I had a mid 80s RX-7. It was beat to hell but that rotary engine was a thing of beauty.

  9. Mike N says

    July 3, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    Have a pair of those raybans… love them. Like the way that Citizen looks too.

  10. Mike says

    July 3, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    Joe, it looks like the shirt you (or the model) is wearing in the close-up belt photo has a smaller gingham pattern than the shirts you listed. Where is it from/where can I find something more like this?

    Thanks!

  11. Bryant Turnage says

    July 3, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    People still waste gas driving “to nowhere?”

    How about a style scenario for biking to nowhere instead? Walking to nowhere? Riding the train to nowhere in particular? All much more enjoyable and better for everyone involved, I’d say.

  12. Joe says

    July 3, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    DOWNER. Yes, I walk to nowhere plenty of times. Two times in the last three days in fact. Biking to nowhere, also fun, but if you’ve been able to put the effort into making sure you live in a place where your commute is minimal (10 min by car, I often bike) then I feel like I can burn some gas every once in awhile. I rarely do this. But it’s fun as hell when I do.

  13. Joe says

    July 3, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    It’s from Onasis, and I don’t even think they’re selling anything online this summer. Got it via Jackthreads. I think the J. Crew Factory will be closer: http://www.jcrew.com/mens_factory_category/mensshirts/PRDOVR~49208/99102444274/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~205+16+4294966729~15~~~~~~~/49208.jsp

  14. Alex says

    July 4, 2012 at 7:53 AM

    How about a review on the rx-8?

  15. Curt says

    July 4, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Agreed. It’s like money. Save it most days, so you can waste it occasionally.

  16. Mike says

    July 4, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Thanks! Just what I was looking for. Free shipping today too!

  17. Tim says

    July 4, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Excellent choice of music. That album has been in my rotation for months.

  18. Andrew Conforti says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:33 AM

    Seconded, would love to see some Dappered comments on autos. And per the RX-8 how those titanium tips treating you?

  19. Margotron says

    July 10, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    FYI cheapest link I’ve seen on that CItizen: 213 from overstock.com

    http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Citizen-Mens-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Calendar-Chronograph-Watch/6175649/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

  20. Jimmy says

    August 1, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    watch drive on netflix. instant classic.

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