TMN STYLE: #layerrealness

Obviously I love a good layer...or four. It's such an easy way to dress up OR down an outfit. For example, adding a blazer over a tee and a hoodie dresses the look up while adding a jean shirt and a vintage vest can dress down a button up and tie. Luckily, I live in San Francisco where layers are literally acceptable all year long because of the cool climate. #nailedit #layerrealness.

Scarf

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Usually on Fridays I'll take the late shuttle down to Redwood City for work. During the week, II get up at 6:30 in order to make the 7:15 bus, but Fridays are my day of rest and I'll take the late bus in leaving at 9:30. As today is Friday, I was planning on (and really looking forward to) sleeping in, but as I was falling asleep I remembered I have an early meeting today. #theworst

So to make things even better, this is weather I was greeted with as I stepped out of Korey's apartment: cold and humidity. I knew it was supposed to get into the low 70's today, so all I had to keep me warm was my jean jacket and LUCKILY the scarf I threw in my bag last minute. So - obviously jean on jean. I wore my favorite Levi's 511s that I had tailored in the calf for a slimmer fit and paired it with my Clark's Desert Boots and gingham J.Crew shirt. 

Obviously, I stopped at Philz for a crack coffee pick-me-up and warm-me-up.

Layer Up

Vest: J.Crew - Jean Shirt: Levi's - Plaid Shirt: J.Crew - Chords: Levi's 511 - Watch: Timex - Glasses: Ray-Ban - Shoes: Asics

Out and About

Jacket: Levi's Slimfit Trucker Jacket (similar) - Hoodie: J.Crew Cotton-cashmere zip - Jeans: Levi's 511 - Shoes: Asics Onitsuka Tiger (similar) - Glasses: Ray-Ban Meteor

Winter Color

Shirt: J.Crew - Pants: H&M - Sweater: J.Crew - Glasses: Ray-Ban (Meteor) - Shoes: Nike - Jacket: Forever21

Jean Shirt

Love.

I've always had an obsession with a good jean shirt. Not one you would get from your company with their logo on it - a cute fitting, Americana-esque vintage jean shirt. I've been wearing mine kind of a lot recently - bordering on too much, but I can't help it! It's just so easy to dress up or down that it's become my go-to shirt for basically all occasions.

PS - no I do not smoke #dramaticeffect

*Follow me on Instagram @matthewcara

High Tops and Flat Bills

Trashy? Perhaps.
Inexcusable? Some would say yes.
Have I worn both in the past 12 hours? Yes. Together in fact.

My friends (especially those from home) have been a little concerned about my recent "fashion" decisions. I understand where they're coming from, but I still can't help it! Why do I love it so much? Certainly I dress up for work and wear neither FBs nor HTs, but for the weekend...why not?  At least I'm not pairing them with shorts and black socks...yet.

#sorrynotsorry
#isthisworsethanblacksocks?
#mylifemydecisions
#ohdear
#everyone'sdoingit
#isitacalithing?
#don'thate,exaggerate

Hunter Boots

Hunter boots are a must if you A) work on a farm/orchard on the upper east coast (most probably Massachusetts) B) attend a lot of dirty music festivals and are Kate Moss or C) live in NYC. Clearly I fit the bill for exactly none of those - I just like them.

Hunter boots are the perfect shoe option for those who walk/bike to work on rainy/snowy days. There's nothing more frustrating than going an entire work day having to endure wet shoes, socks, and pant legs from walking to work in the rain. (And yes, I understand umbrellas help, but not so much around the feet). They're easy to put on (no laces involved), can endure all weather conditions, and clean up is 100% effortless. 

Today was the first day that I rode my bike to work in the rain, and it wasn't bad at all. My Northface resisted the water up top and my Hunter boots kept my jeans dry. Perfecto!

Jacket: The Northface

Sweater: Levi's

Shirt: J.Crew Factory

Jeans: J.Crew

Boots: Hunter

Am I Blair?

 

Blair Eadie is a blogger/fashionista who owns the blog, Atlantic-Pacific. Her blog was introduced to me by Krystal from APoL who is equally as obsessed. (FYI - props to Krystal for updating my logo. Are you as obsessed as I am??) I'm super inspired by Blair's blog, specifically the photography and (of course) her overall style. I don't know who takes her pictures, but it's one of the many questions that I'll ask her when I meet her for coffee. Oh yes - I decided to email to say I was moving to the city and that I wanted to meet up. She was super sweet and emailed back saying that that sounded great. Clearly I CANNOT wait.

Regardless - I'm inspired by her blog to step mine up as best I can. Here, I paired my favorite skinny Levi's with a plaid J.Crew shirt, J.Crew sweater, and a hand-me-down Land's End blazer that I had tailored a few years ago. The shoes are Eastland that I got super cheap here and the scarf I got on a random afternoon in the French Quarter. Glasses are these. Enjoy!

Men's Fashion: Cool Running

 

Not the "fashion" post you were expecting? Same here. The idea from this post started when I took a picture of these pants and sent it to my friends asking if this was appropriate attire from roaming the city. Of course - the answer was no.

However, I actually HAVE worn this in the city to run errands (either before or after running) but the funny thing is that I don't remember getting even one look. That's what I love about NYC. You can be who you want/dress how you want and no one even gives it a second look. Trust me when I say, this is not even close to the most bizarre clothing on the street.

As a side note - I only wear this if I am, in fact, running before of after. At least these are better than my little running short. I wore those things ALL over BR and trust me when I say - I got a look or two...

ALTER

 

 

When roaming the streets with my friend, Nick, I went into this fantastic shop one afternoon that I spent in Brooklyn (which I loved btw). So many stores are like this in the Brooklyn/Manhattan area: super small (this one was actually pretty big comparatively), super trendy, and very boutiquey but with a cool hipster edge. Since I'm making an attempt to be somewhat fiscally responsible, I didn't actually buy anything. Hardest decision I've ever had to make! No worries - I'll be back...

PER THEIR WEBSITE:

Alter is an independently owned clothing shop with three locations in Brooklyn.

Founded by Roy Caires and Tommy Cole in February 2007, we currently have a Women's store and a separate Men's store across the street from each other on Franklin St. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and a Co-ed shop on Graham Ave in Williamsburg Brooklyn.

Men's Fashion: Transition into Fall

Old look, but a good look. In fact - this is one of my favorites. These gray Levi's skinny jeans are my go to pair for fall/winter if I'm opting for something more low key. I know that the tank top is a bit much, but if you're familiar with Louisiana "Fall" then you get it. To make it a little more seasonally appropriate, I like to layer it with a Chambray or plaid shirt. Chambray is perfect for a gray or black jean. My newest favorite way to add some fun and color to a look is with shoes. Especially something like this. Buuut if you're on a budge and looking for a more casual look, some fun Ked's will do the trick!

1. How obnoxious is my face in the first picture. Again - I'm aware I'm not a model by ANY means. #doihaveduckface?
2. Thank you, Krystal from APoL for taking the pictures!!

What's in the Box? (Walkovers)

"What's in the Box" is the newest category for TMN. Just like Jeri's corner, every so often, I am going to feature something brought to my attention by my uber-fashionable buddy, Patrick Box. Patrick is know for his exorbitant shoe collection, so I thought it would be appropriate to start there. Shoes.

As soon as he got these in and he sent me a picture, I instantly fell in love. Walkover is a super chic brand that produces some kick ass kicks and I want ALL of them. Unfortunately. I'm neither rich nor anywhere close sooo....I'll have to do like Patrick did and wait for some deals on Gilt. Totally worth the patience. These shoes are GREAT!

Black Socks

EVERYONE makes fun of me about this, but I'm telling you it's in! My younger brother and his friends started wearing black crew socks, and at first I was how you probably are - completely not on board. Then, more and more I started seeing them around. I don't know why (okay I do - sometimes I like trashy things) but I'm really digging this look! THEN, my good friend, Jeff wore them with hightops and I was completely sold.

Normally, I would pair the socks/shoes combo with a preppy outfit, but I opted for this casual, semi-preppy, but mostly comfortable look when I was taking pictures for Krystal's Deconstructed post. (Thank, Krystal for taking the pictures!)

Either way - I love this look, so everyone can roll their eyes now (but you'll be seeing it more and more!)

Shirt: Hanes
Shorts: J.Crew
Socks: Nike
Shoes: Nike
Glasses: Ray-Bans
Watch: Timex (with military strap)

Deconstructed Guest Spot!

Jump on over to my great friend and fellow blogger, Krystal Bennet's site to see her lasted Deconstructed post (featuring your's truly). Just click HERE!