The Wondergood List

Looking good and being crazy

2011-06-17T16:08:59Z

I came into work this week suited up, ready to rock some client meetings. I looked good. In the ad world, there isn’t as much need for a suit as there was in the Mad Men days. It has since been replaced with a very wide variety of clothing directions. In fact, at our agency, a full suit is pretty rare. So when one makes its way out, you either have a client meeting, court date or an interview at Red Lobster. That assistant manager job will be mine, damn it!

Anyway, I walk by a buddy’s desk, he takes one look at me and says, “Dude, you have to see Pierce today.”

I wander over to his desk, and what do I find? This:

Now, before we get too far, I want to set the stage on just what Brian Pierce, aka Woody, is all about. He’s a talented frontend programmer (nerd), motocross badass (he’s always bleeding), and co-host of the always entertaining web series, Seat Time. The amount of time this kid is put in front of a client is zero and is best kept in a dark cube doing things with computers I can’t warp my head around. Not only because he looks like he got dressed in the dark (he did) but because of the things that come out of his mouth. Personally, I think his use of the profane is a thing of genius. Still, not everyone’s cup of tea.

Let’s breakdown this outfit:

Motocross t-shirt (expected)
Capri pants, with bright white paint splatter (not because it’s fashionable, but because he painted something in them)
Socks with Mexican death skulls on them (sure)
Fresh Chuck Taylors (he got married in them)

Pierce is like the Rain Man of dressing. It’s so crazy it actually works. If he just wore the shorts, he would need to get hit in the face. The t-shirt alone would just looks sloppy. But you put it all together, and damn it, I like it. It fits his personality and made me smile. The comparison between the both of us (Do and Don’t) is pretty bad ass.

I have a list of rules that we’ll get into at another time, but the three majors are no sneakers, t-shirts or shorts at work.

Regardless of all that, Woody’s sense of style is truly unique, a cautionary tale of what not to do, but more importantly, if you are going to do it, go 100%. No one ever accused of Pierce of half-assing it and this outfit proves that crazy can be a lot of fun.

Derby Fashion

2011-05-25T22:36:23Z

If attending the Kentucky Derby, one better come correct when it comes to fashion.

Damn son, what you wearing?

2010-05-20T18:21:31Z

The summer is tough for a shit ton of reasons. Most men don’t know what to wear in the warmer months and usually don’t care. It’s hot and being comfortable is paramount when it comes to doing things outside. Men dress like crap in the summer, opting for the lowest common denominator when it comes to wardrobe choices. The look is sloppy. But it doesn’t have to be.

I’m a sweater. Once I get going it’s hard to cool down so if in a situation, like being on a roof deck for a BBQ, I need to plan for such things. I would prefer nothing more than putting on some board shorts, a pair of flops and a t-shirt, but that’s not how I roll. If I’m going to be around people in a social situation, there’s a need to look good. Here’s what I wore last weekend. Let me tell you why this works and why I was comfortable.

Black usually looks classier than any other color so wearing shorts and a t-shirt in dark colors will set you a part and helps you look more polished
Wearing a blazer and pocket square will ALWAYS make an outfit pop and can dress up anything
You can always loose the jacket but not until the look has had the time to sink into the party goers minds. At that point it doesn’t matter because you already wowed them.
If it gets really hot, the pocket square can mop up the sweat
My t-shit is slighted fitted, fairly new and a very lightweight material so when the jacket came off, I still looked good
Flops should very simple and small, not clunky man-sandals (which are the dumbest shit. Period.)
The flops, watch and pocket square all match which elevates the entire outfit

So yeah, I was comfortable, I know I looked good and it couldn’t be simpler to duplicate this look.

Details: Blazer, Ben Sherman * T-shirt, City Sports * Shorts, Reiss * Flops, Gucci * Watch, Toy Watch * Pocket Square, Target (set of three)

Weekly Sexy Playlist 2/26

2010-02-26T23:34:38Z

Today is a special day with the debut of a new weekly feature everyone can enjoy. The Weekly Playlist. Each week we’ll be focusing on some of the tunes the Wondergood List has been enjoying. Count on a little bit of everything, from Hip-Hop to Rock to some brain melting Dub Step. We hope you enjoy the tunes and come back for more.

Last night a gym saved my life…

2010-02-25T03:51:02Z

Equinox gym rocks my shit

The Return

2010-02-22T19:22:00Z

We're back

So, what do you have on? Part 1

2008-11-14T21:57:00Z

As stated before I’ve had a lot of requests for what I wear both to work and out and about. So here’s a first taste of what that looks like. I attended a private party at a bar. There was going to be a lot of cool people there (at least that's what they though) and I wanted to look fly.

I like this outfit. It’s comfortable and easy to move around in plus it looks “classically updated” enough to stand out without being obnoxious. Here’s how I break it down:

Shirt: Brand new standard v-neck t-shirt. I save the white ones for special occasions because so often people will rock a white t that’s been through the wash a few times and it looks like it. I keep a few white t’s lying around with the tag still on so I know it’s going to fit well and look pristine. It’s a great way to look fresh without spending a lot of money. I do the same things with black t’s.

Jacket: It has been tailored to fit. You can see in the shoulders it’s right where it needs to be and when buttoned it gives a great silhouette. I love the pattern and the fabric. It’s lightweight but still has a lot of body to it. The creases and wrinkles that are created during regular movement catch the light just right. I love that southern classic look and the way it’s cut gives it a more updated look. Wearing a blazer is easy because it can come off to dress down a situation or physically cool off.

Jeans: Currently my favorite pair in rotation. Very comfortable, just the right fit and a dark enough wash to look respectable without standing out.

Shoes: My favorite part of this outfit. They are brown, which match my belt (not seen) and made out of buffalo. Yeah, I said Buffalo. PETA can kiss my ass, these things are bad ass.

Some things to consider: The t-shirt under the jacket gives it a much more laidback look and shouldn’t be worn if the environment is conservative or business formal. I’m not afraid to rock a little chest hair so make sure you have the personality to pull that off. Choosing a jacket like this makes a statement that you’re not afraid to go outside of the norm (navy, black, pinstripe). As long as nothing you have on is too out there others will respect your style and might even think of you as a little daring.

Outfit specs: Jacket – Billy Reid / T-Shirt – American Apparel / Jeans – Ernst Sewn / Shoes – Billy Reid

Real life goodness

2008-11-12T20:11:00Z

Every so often I’ll see style on someone that not only do I not expect but I’m flat out impressed with.

Let’s take my man Brad here as an example of such an event. He’s not usually on my list of stylish guys until now of course. He doesn’t have bad style it’s just very simple. Plane t-shirt and pants is pretty standard day for him. Except for last week when I saw this outfit. For apparently no other reason than to look good at work (much appreciated) Brad prepped it up. Frankly I don’t see much wrong with the look. Like the look or not, for what he’s trying to accomplish it is spot on. Here’s why this outfit is so successful:

*in no way was he styled of posed for this photo

One of the most important things to notice, Brad is a skinny dude so almost everything he puts on, assuming it fits, is going to look good. And this outfit fits very well. That’s why people like Timberlake and those damn Jonas Brothers always look stylish. Genetically skinny bastards!

Use of good colors that all working together
Dimple in the tie is a nice touch
Bottom button of the vest is undone, which ALWAYS needs to be the case
Shoes match the belt, thank god
Jeans are the right wash and length for this outfit
Sleeves slightly rolled up (not seen)

If I have to criticize, and you know I have to I would say this: Typically, when wearing a vest, you shouldn’t see anything below but the belt and the pants. Here you see the end of the tie and if the tie wasn’t as long as it is I would guess you’d see a bit of the shirt peaking through. It’s a negligible offense but if we’re discussing what the rules are, that’s one that’s being broken. Still, I like seeing a little bit of color poking out.

Overall this is how it’s done, people. Again, you don’t have to like this look but the style is there. He doesn’t use any random fabrics, patterns or colors. Matches everything and keeps it simple. I also guarantee this is not an expensive outfit. Proof that you can make everything work as long as it fits well and you put a little thought into it. Well done, Bradford.

The world of custom clothes, Pt. 2

2008-11-06T10:17:00Z

So now that you’re armed with the knowledge necessary to make an educated decision it’s time to tell you more on WHY you should go custom. It comes down to one statement that I believe to be true across the board. Well fitting clothes are the cornerstone to looking like an adult. How you act is entirely up to you but at least your jackass ways will look good.

My shoulders are broad with a chest to match. Years of swimming have caused that to happen and it’s not going away. That’s an issue for me buying ready-wear shirts because if they fit in the shoulders and chest it will be crazy boxy towards my waist making me look a good 10 – 15lbs heavier then I am. I can’t have that. As a big guy already, adding the illusion that I’m heavier isn’t cool. As Patrick Bateman said, “You can always be skinnier”.

The process of getting something made uniquely to you is pretty great. The sales person who is always very knowledgeable about all things fashion and fit will come to your office or home. You’ll get measured and do all your selecting and in 6-8 short weeks there is a nice surprise for you in the mail. You feel like a true baller when in fact it’s not setting you back financially.

The place I’ve been getting my clothes from is in NYC called Astor and Black. They are fantastic and have yet to let me down. They don’t have anyone that does fittings in Dallas yet, so what I’ve found is when I’m there (NYC) I stop by and select a dozen or so fabrics that I would eventually want. When I’m ready I have my girl make 5.

Many places that do custom clothes, like Astor and Black have minims which can be frustrating. I don’t generally NEED 5 new shirts at a time but sometimes that’s how you gotta roll.

A new place that has been highly recommended that I’m going to try in the coming months is located in Dallas called J. Hilburn. They don’t have a minimum to buy which is very nice. I’ll let you all know how they turn out but I’m sure it’ll be great.

I pose this question to you all. How much do you spend on a nice dress shirt? $80? $100? If you’re like me you might spend another $20-30 on tailoring. So with tax on both you could be looking at close to $150 a shirt. Why not save the pain in the ass that is buying something you can’t ware immediately, getting it tailored that might not get be right the first round and just go custom?

My shirts cost less than $150. Sure I have to wait a little longer but the result is a perfect fit. So save time, money, and a headache while feeling cooler than the other guy because until now, you thought getting your clothes made for you was out of the question. Go forth and be better than the next guy.

The world of custom clothes, Pt. 1

2008-11-05T10:35:00Z

I’ve touched on this before and today we’ll get a little more in-depth into the idea of custom clothes. You don’t have to be a millionaire or even semi-rich to rock custom clothes. I’m neither and have all my dress shirts made for me. The popularity of custom clothing is growing. That’s good news for us as the number of companies doing this has increased giving the average person a choice at an affordable price.

Let’s talk a little about terminology before we get any further. You need to know what you’re getting and a lot companies are taking advantage of people that don’t know what they or aren’t paying for. There are more than 3 but we’ll focus on 3 levels of “custom” clothes.

Bespoke – This is the top of the line of all custom clothing options. The word comes from when a client would chose or bespeak for fabric the clothes were to be made out of. No other customers would have clothes made from the cloth until you were done with it. There are no standards they follow. It’s unique to how your body is made.

True bespoke clothing, which should always be questioned in America, is any garment made specifically for you by hand, with many fittings until the final garment is complete. The term is thrown around in the American fashion world these days and rarely have I seen it turn out to be true bespoke. Places like Duncan Quinn are great examples of places that do it right and you’re getting what you pay for.

Made-to-measure – This is more than likely what you’ll get when you get anything custom made. It’s essentially a garment that’s created from a standard pattern/size and then tweaked to fit you the best. It’s a great way and less expensive way to get clothes that fit you properly. They don’t create the garment until you order it and in most cases the fit is fantastic. Most of what I get is made-to-measure.

Ready-to-wear – It is what it sounds like. Anything that you buy at a store off the rack that has already been created to fit someone other than you is ready-to-wear. Most stores will then offer tailoring to make it fit right. This is hardly custom clothing and can end up costing you more.

If you walk into a store and they offer you a custom shirt, hand you a number of shirts to try on and say they’ll mess with it to fit your perfectly you aren’t getting anything custom.

A good place that offers this should take 30 minutes to an hour measuring you. Some shops will take over 30 measurements, some you wouldn’t ever think about. Like over the watch so when you button your sleeves it will go over the watch rather than getting stuck. You know what I’m talking about.

You should also have full custom options like what fabric you want, the type of buttons, collars, cuffs, single, double or no vent in the back, etc. Those things are what make the experience truly unique and great to do.

Part 2 of this post is coming up.