Archive for December, 2018

Not only am I going to share a few of my recent Amazon Japan purchases with you today, but I will also give you the down low on how to make these types of purchases yourself. Anyone that follows the blog knows that I enjoy menswear illustrations. I especially like those of the trad, ivy, and preppy variety and am partial to those from Japan. This is why I turn to Amazon Japan.

How do I do it? It’s really very easy. So easy that I made these purchases from my phone. I go to Amazon.co.jp using a browser such as Chrome or any browser that offer to auto translate the page. I translate the page and I am off and running. I am always looking for books or magazines so I generally use the words ivy or trad to get started in the right direction. Like the US version of Amazon it has excellent “those who bought” and “if you like” type options.

The last thing to know about Amazon Japan is the checkout. Don’t try to your Amazon US password. It won’t work. At least mine did not. No big deal. You just set up a new account which is very easy. The shipping will be expensive, but still within reason. Let’s say my purchase was $60. I paid $40 in shipping. You have to bundle to make it worthwhile.

For those of you that I left hanging on my purchase details I did not forget about you. I purchased two books and two magazines. The clear winner is a collection of Hiroshi Watatani’s work called Style (Here is a link). You will quickly recognize some of his more famous trad/ivy illustrations from the blogosphere, but there are lots of others you have not seen. While it’s not strictly trad/ivy any one that enjoys menswear illustrations will enjoy it. It is fantastic.

The others all have their moments. I personally enjoy the hiking images in the heavy duty book (See here) a lot but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However that Ivy collage in 2nd magazine with MJ in it is perfection. The best thing in Pen Magazine was the cover, but David Marx did get a shot out so it can’t be all bad. I have included images from each below with the cover first and its illustrations directly underneath. Enjoy!

Style by Hiroshi Watatani

Heavy Duty Book

2nd Magazine

Pen Magazine

I think you all know that I like to spend time outdoors. The thing about the outdoors currently is that it is cold out there. So for once I am talking wool, but I am not talking Shetland sweaters. Lately I have been getting into wool or wool blend shirts.

What got me interested in wool shirts is a vintage Brooksflannel shirt (see above worn post-hike). This shirt came to me via my friend Dallas (getticketsforthedance.tumblr.com & Instagram getticketsforthedance) who has been featured on here for his trad cycling fits. It is a cool and interesting shirt. It is 55% wool and 45% cotton. It has a button down collar. It also has a flap pocket on the chest. It is an amazing shirt. Get jealous.

I have worn this shirt a lot recently. It’s very clear to me that I need another. I am leaning toward’s a shirt that is more wool than cotton, but something like the Viyella at O’Connell’s are still on my list at 80% cotton and 20% wool. I am also not set on it being a button down collar. In terms of colors I am thinking solid navy or cream, but a classic Tartan is always good.

One last thing about these types of shirts is that it may require a long sleeve undershirt. I myself cannot wear wool against my skin comfortably, but most of the time I wouldn’t want to as this is all about warmth. I use long sleeve tees, thermals, and henleys of all sorts as base layers.  I haven’t went the turtleneck route yet, but it’s not far away. I have added a few of the shirts that I am considering below although I would need a 50% off sale to even start considering that RL piece.

Before you go any further I want to issue an warning. If you are an Ivy Style or Trad purist the images below will not be to your liking. For those of you that have a cross over interest in rugged ivy, late 70s prep, and a touch of modernity continue.

On a 9-5 basis I am pure by the book trad. Blue OCBD, khaki chinos with cuff, an penny loafers like it is a religion. Outside of that I am about 85% pure trad. However I do like to occasionally incorporate some outdoorsiness and sportiness into my looks. This look takes inspiration primarily  from late 70s prep vibe, rugged Japanese styled Ivy, and of course fundamental grad. This is what I call my camp style or hiking trad

General when I do this I am actually doing some sporty or outdoors. This could be a bike ride, going hiking, or something as simple as going for a long walk. However I might also wear this look to a coffe shop on a Saturday morning. My goal is to stay protected from the elements and look semi-stylish while doing so. Have some fun, wear some clothes, and get outside.

More OCBD Camp Looks