WIWT: Uniform

Although the temperature is still jumping back and forth, I've began moving into my fall wardrobe. Chance are if you see me in the fall, it'll be some sort of combination with the newly purchased Gap jeans, button down, and a pair of brown shoes. Not only is it classic, but paired with a sweater or blazer when the weather cools down, it can handle essentially any casual atmosphere, from a night out to tailgating the next day. Today's version consisted of the following:

1. Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Sport Shirt
2. Gap 1969 Selvedge Straight
3. Argyle Socks via Target
4. Vintage Dexter Suede Bucs
5. Timex Retrograde

Thank you for your time, JBH

Joining The Crowd

For some reason or another, I'd never gotten around to watching the Talented Mr. Ripley. Being a big fan of both Jude Law and Matt Damon, I can't believe I let it evade for me this long. The style throughout the film is simply amazing, for more on that check out the folks at GQ.

 I purchased my first pair of Gap jeans last year, and while they were great at first, they expanded to the point were a belt would barely hold them, forcing them to be washed. In this year's pair I opted for 2 sizes down both in waist and length. They're currently a bit tight, but I'm excited to break them in and monitor how they progress. The Gap denim sale continue through Wednesday, making these hard to pass up at $54.50.

 For those who aren't aware, it's college football season again. Tailgates, upsets, long days and even longer nights are upon us. This letter began this months Southern Living, oh how sweet it is...

Thank you for your time, JBH

Much Needed Island Vacation

Okay so it wasn't really a vacation, but for those of you who have been fortunate to see Jimmy Buffett live, then you know what I'm talking about. It was a much needed break from law school, and an absolutely beautiful summer evening to spend down on the river in Cincinnati.

 I spent the better part of the night enjoying myself and the beautiful JMC, dancing the night away to what I feel is undoubtedly the best beach music ever played. Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures, but this one should give you an idea.

 

While Buffet is filled with tropical shirts galore, I was able to dress boldly while still having a little class about myself. Of course, by the end of the evening nobody could see my custom needled belt, and the RL madras was undone a button or two. 

Once again it's back to the grind, although tonight I was able to enjoy a nice meal (notice PowerPoint slides close by my plate). I've dined at many great restaurants in many cities, and regardless of it being a chain, I'm a firm believer that for the low price of just under 10 bucks, the Outback special may be the best bang for your buck in America.

Thank you for your time, JBH

HOLY MOLE! and a Seersucker Surprise

I've been wanting to try a local food truck for a while now, and while driving down Bardstown yesterday I probably pissed a few people off when I locked it up at the sight of the big green truck.

Holy Mole, adequately named, is a texmex style taco truck founded this summer by two close friends. They focus their creations around locally grown products, just another example of Louisville's ever-expanding green culture.

I opted for the day's special, a Barbacoa, featuring brisket from Stone Cross Farms in Taylorsville, topped with deliciously fresh pickled onions and queso fresco. The homemade tortillas are simply amazing, and my only regret is not getting seconds! For more information or upcoming locations, check them out on Twitter @holymoletruck or via Facebook.

And last, but certainly not least, what a surprise it was on the first day of Torts for our professor to walk in sporting a double-breasted seersucker suit. His pink silk pocket-square hung out effortlessly, and the purple and pink rep tie complimented the white oxford nicely. Regardless of how demanding the class may be, I'll never question anything about the man...

Thank you for your time, JBH

Helping Out

With orientation wrapped up our final project was do help out the community, and I chose to work with the Environmental Law Society in historic Cherokee Park.

 Should've went with bean boots, although the 993's held up well as always.

 Our mission for the day was to find and eliminate Japanese Honeysuckle, a plant foreign to the area that is stealing nutrients all throughout the park.

 This limestone fountain is over 150 years old, and originally a source of water for horses built high so riders wouldn't have to dismount.

Altogether it was a beautiful morning spent doing helping out the community and mother nature, I for one think we could all benefit from helping out here and there. But if you're gonna be in the hills, WEAR BEAN BOOTS!

Thank you for your time, JBH

Wheels, Tears, and Radicals

The move has been a bit time consuming lately, as I have constantly been back and forth between the big city and eastern Kentucky. I hope to use this blog and others as my outlet to escape the pressures of learning to become a barrister.  As the price of fuel continues to soar I've continuing to enjoy the urban lifestyle, particularly thanks to my newest ride..

While I've quickly learned that riding a bike in the middle of summer can be a bit tough on ones clothing, I'm enjoying the early morning rides and unlimited miles per gallon. It's not vintage or rugged by any means, but when a few items move in the store I have some upgrades in mind.

Speaking of energy, this RED, WHITE, and BLUE sticker caught my eye while in EKY over the weekend. It certainly has a good point, as those who are quick to criticize coal often don't understand what keeps their homes chilled on these hot summer days. I refuse to let my politics take over this lovely blog, and by no way endorse the more racy sticker, although it does give one an idea of the place I for many years called home.

Finally, on a more relative note, I was very disappointed when I noticed my belt sagging from the side of my recently purchased J. Crew chinos. I'm typically not one to mind a tear or slight blemish in clothing, as I generally don't have too much invested. Unfortunately for me, I bought these pants retail and have misplaced the receipt, meaning of course that the folks at J. Crew will have nothing to do with me. Chinos are one of the more available items to be found on the cheap, but my wish for a more "Urban" fit has backfired. Although torn, they'll still make for an excellent pair of lightweight summer khakis to pair with an undone polo or tee shirt.


Thank you for your time, JBH

Urban Prep

While chinos and shorts are necessities for surviving the summer heat,  I can't help but feel sorry for the denim that serves me so well in almost every occasion. In switching the uniform up a bit today I felt a bit more urban while still maintaining the all-American look I've become known for.

I paired my well worn 514's with a vintage cotton madras shirt from Gitman Bros, thus being able to breathe a bit up top while smothering away down below while pedaling my bike on this 96 degree Louisville day. I held things together nicely with the brown florsheim belt I found earlier this week for a a buck and a half.

My high school days saw me wearing 511's, but eventually comfort took precedent and I left the super-skinny thing to hollywood and rockers. While the fit of my jeans has transformed along the years, this pair of Vans has remained the same, just a pair of classic white Authentics that have traveled the globe with me and aged nicely into the beat-all-to-hell look. It was nice wearing the jeans out today, although I clearly jumped the gun a bit, but that's alright, fall's just around the corner after all.


Thank you for your time, JBH

Coversation Pieces

Throughout many homes there are various items and treasures that remind us of where we have been and the things we have enjoyed in life. From trophy bucks to hole-in-one balls, it never gets old telling the retelling the stories to guests and reminiscing on just how special these events were. I think I've made it clear on here that fashion, golf, and politics are my main hobbies in life, thus my coffee table reading material should come as no surprise.

Sea Island is no question my favorite place on earth. The service is southern hospitality at its finest, and the Seaside Course gives me all I can handle every time I tee it up. Being the golf nut that I am, I simply had to purchase this table book to help share with others the little slice of heaven I've found in southern Georgia.

For those who hadn't guessed by now, I'm loyal to the democratic party, and for me, JFK is the mecca of American men. From style, to women, to knowledge, he had it all, and although this vintage piece is falling apart, it still provides an excellent look at Jack from the prospective of his family members.

Finally, the Flusser book is a simple must for any connoisseur of mens fashion. While it isn't so much a how to guide, it does provide a detailed history of many of the classic pieces that make up the traditional American wardrobe.


Note: I decided to stick with my grandfather's antique trunk rather than purchasing a coffee table, and please excuse my light chocolate carpet, I hope to have a lovely antique rug in here in the next week or so.

Thank you for your time, JBH

Treasure Hunting

Although I'm not certain as to what the first blog I ever read was, I can damn sure remember the first one that mattered. The first time I recall going in a thrift store was my sophomore year in high school, and since that day nearly a decade ago, I'd say 90 percent of my wardrobe has come from these amazing shops. Needless to say, the first time I stumbled upon An Affordable Wardrobe I was hooked. I thought I had to be the only person in the world trying to be dapper on a very limited budget, then I came across Giuseppe and couldn't leave the computer until I'd combed through every post he'd ever made. So Mr. Timore, thank you for giving me the inspiration to keep going.

With that being said, my recent move to Louisville has been majorly self-funded, and for a recent college graduate who spent the majority of the summer working odd jobs to support traveling, money is rather tight. Now, most people have no idea that my wardrobe at one point belonged to someone else, so this past week I scoured some 20 thrift and vintage shops for the some furniture to outfit the new headquarters.

 The living room is pretty small, and this picture is pretty bad, but this table and lamp I found earlier today in nearly the same shade of cedar, finish the room off nicely. The table has to be around 30 years old and I really appreciate the scuffs and marks put on its octagonal top. Not a bad combo for $14, eat your heart out Ikea.

 Constantly reading about the Navy and the Kennedy family has led to an almost childlike curiosity about the northeast, and I simply couldn't pass up this vintage cardboard map of Newport. While I'm still working out the technicalities of a trip to see an old college golf buddy in Boston this winter, this picture will have to for now, and at only $7  my daily trips will cost much less than seeing the cape in real life.

Sticking to the nautical theme, I've been looking for a model sailboat all summer, as I knew it would be the perfect piece to finish my bookshelf. I'd nearly given up and was about to head to a home goods store and shell out 50 bucks, but just when I was ready to wave the white flag I found this beauty at a yard sale on my way home. She's a bit smaller than I'd imagined, but for $6 the S.S. Southern Demotrad will be just fine for now!!


Thank you for your time, JBH