Style Scenario – The Summer Drive to Nowhere

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.
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The Shirt:  J. Crew Secret Wash Lightweight Gingham – $39.99 ($64.50)

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

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)

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

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

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

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.