Style and Direction

In this pod, the SaDBoys cover quite a bit, like Pitti Uomo 109 (Fall/Winter, mind you) and their menswear New Year's Resolutions. Of course, the big topic of discussion was how saying something is vintage isn't gatekeeping and why it's *good* to put in effort to acquire your wardrobe, whether it's vintage, custom, or modern. Don't be passive! Ethan’s Blog: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2026/02/02/...

This is a clip of the latest Bonus pod! For the full episode, please subscribe on Patreon. Dream big! Our bonus episode on the menswear in Marty Supreme is LIVE! In this episode, we gush over Miyako Bellizzi's excellent and accurate costuming. Even though there isn't a dandy, Apparel Arts dude in this film, *everyone* on screen is dripping with easy, vintage style. There's also the table tennis lo...

Happy New Year, everyone! In this first episode of 2026, we talk about dressing festive for Christmas: MJ and Ethan wear PJs while Spencer rocked a Bart Simpson tee to drink with Santa. We also talked about wearing black tie on NYE, where Ethan went out in the rain while MJ smartly stayed home. Also, Ethan briefly discusses the great 70s fashion in the Sterophonic, The! Most! Tony! Nominated! Play...

The last episode of 2025 is here, and it's a big one! The boys revisit the topic of "Outfit Repeating", diving into WHEN they decide to repeat, their favorite fit-templates to do, and the garments that have stayed with them over the years...as well as the suspiciously similar substitutes they buy when they outgrow the old one. Ethan goes even further, discussing how he uses old photos as a form of...

On theme for the season, this bonus episode is about the trope-filled 80s/90s menswear of Scrooged (1988). Everything is coded for audience convenience: corporate guys wear DB power suits, and a nerd has round glasses and a bow tie. But here’s the thing– it’s all good! And not only does this film make good use of menswear stereotypes, but it also features some niche moves that you don’t see today,...

The latest episode is the SaDBoys' salute to Fall/Winter attire— the BEST season for dressing. They get into their favorite cold-weather pieces, how their approach differs from Spring/Summer (and "Early Fall"), and the aesthetics or rigs that hit the Spirit of the Season (vintage Alpine looks, ivy, hunting, cowboy in the cold). Ethan also goes deeper and shares how Fall/Winter dressing is meant to...

In this pod, the SaDBoys discuss the flashy, Belle Epoque menswear in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge and how they dressed as an assassin to attend a John Wick Laser Tag party. There's also a big discussion on "transitional weather attire" and how we like to dress in Early Fall, before it gets TOO cold and we start to Full Send into coats, tweeds, and scarves. It's basically a section where w...

The latest bonus episode is about the cozy (and masculine) vibes in Douglas Sirk's melodrama "All That Heaven Allows"! With its New England setting, color-forward cinematography, and Rock Hudson's flannel workshirts, it's a perfect fall movie. Romance is par for the course, but the movie is surprisingly quite critical. Jane Wyman plays Cary Scott, a wealthy widow who falls for her arborist Ron Kir...

The latest pod recaps this past spooky season! We talk about the menswear Anaïs Mitchell's epic musical "Hadestown", making pirate outfits out of 30s/40s vintage clothing, our very filmbro-friendly Halloween costumes, and of course, the fabulous start-of-term party for Cosmus Academy of the Arcane Arts, where Spencer was a first year and Ethan served as headmaster and emcee. It truly was a fun Oct...

In this pod, MJ shares a life update, Ethan recaps two menswear events (Freenote Cloth & Buck Mason) and why he likes tucking his tie, and Spencer talks about photography again. Oh, and we all have a big discussion about how fisherman sandals are a bit odd with jeans, why we like congruous outfits, and how hodgepodge outfits are anti-core (and probably a trend). It's a jam-packed episode full of g...

Your mind is the scene of the crime...and of surprisingly great menswear! In the latest bonus pod, the SaDBoys dive into Jeffrey Kurland's costuming for Inception. Even though it's a modern film, Inception has great style. Everyone is dressed in tailoring, with a style that leans elegant and sharp. It's pre-minimalist, pre-skinny corporate attire— perfect for a team of professional Extractors! The...

New pod alert! Spencer, Ethan, and MJ get into it in this ep, talking about the Lee 101J, getting dressed up in plaid to eat prime rib, and comparing rental tuxes to Suit Supply MTM for Scott's Wedding. OH— Jason Sandagon of Mad King George also came to town and hosted a little trunk show. He's not on the pod, but we do spend a lot of time talking about what he's been up to on his side of the pond...

In this latest pod, Spencer, Ethan, and MJ talk about their latest Bronson orders (Ethan and MJ's first time!). We then recount when our friend Brooks came to town and not only played Call of Cthuhlu with us, but DM-ed a D&D campaign that he wrote (and got published!). Finally, Ethan talks about how he's come full circle to wearing suspenders again. Thank God he didn't get rid of his Darcy braces—...

The bonus pod is here and it's all about the menswear in North By Northwest (1959)! Spencer, Ethan, and MJ talk about this whirlwind of a film— and the iconic grey suit (with white shirt and grey tie) worn by Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill (or is it George Kaplan?). It's truly the star of the film, going through a drunk drive, being framed for murder, and being run down by a crop duster (who also h...

New pod alert! It's a fun and caz ep, where the guys talk about visiting the Beams Pop-up (we wish it was Beams+), Moonstar Shoes, and going to a wholesome bachelor party in San Diego. OH and Ethan finally shares his Suit Supply MTM experience, going into extensive detail on how a slim fitting garment became the slouchy, wide legged beauty that he's been wearing quite often. Show Notes: https://al...

In honor of the film's 50th Birthday, Spencer, Ethan, and MJ discuss Jaws on the latest bonus pod! It's one of our favorite movies of all time and its absolutely dripping with style. We talk about Hooper's denim and beanie, the milsurp/workwear of Quint, and of course, Chief Brody's simple navy and khaki "uniform". And as you probably expected, Ethan gives his analysis on the film score! Listen to...

New episode is out! The SaDBoys talk about a few different things: Ethanfinally discusses his beloved riding boots, MJ says how much he misses wearing shorts (we recorded this before it finally got hot in LA), and Spencer shares how he got into Photography! Ethan also talks about meeting Patrick (@therevdmr) and the surprising way he makes outfits! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/...

Ethan turned 30 and partied for an entire month! What a narcissist. In the latest pod, the boys talk about how they dressed for the various celebrations that Ethan celebrated this milestone birthday: dinner at a Polynesian-themed restaurant, going to Disneyland in riding boots, going black tie for an escape room (and drinks at 4100), and finally, a big Great Gatsby-themed house party. Because what...

I, myself, feel very safe! On the latest episode of the bonus pod, Spencer, Ethan, and MJ talk about Wes Anderson's latest flick The Phoenician Scheme. In all honesty, it should really be called "Pinstripe Suits: The Movie". We mean that quite affectionately because all of it looks so damn good! It's his best dressed (and most sartorial) film thus far. You can listen to a preview now, but you'll h...

Pitti Uomo 108 has come and gone...and guess what? We didn't go! However, we do spend this episode discussing our favorite looks at Pitti as well as what we would wear if we attended. Ethan also spills the beans on Center Theatre Group's noir-inspired take on Hamlet and what "Spring Awakening Summer" means to him! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/07/15/theatre-thoughts-pitti-uomo-1...

Let us in! The newest bonus episode has the SaDBoys delve into the expertly done Depression Era menswear in Ryan Coogler's Sinners. Not only is it largely accurate, but it's incredibly character-driven, making each outfit signal something about who's wearing it. And to our Vintage Menswear-pilled delight, Sinner's costuming also has a handful of niche vintage details that you don't really see in p...

The SaDBoys finally have a whole episode dedicated to the Navy Suit! It's certainly the first suit you should own, but it's more than just a basic or default. A Navy Suit has its own unique charm, one celebrates your personality without overpowering it. It pairs well with a brocade tie or your favorite merch tee shirt, all while exuding a quiet gravitas. It's not as slouchy as a brown suit nor as...

Ethan tells us about his family vacation on the Disney Cruise to Alaska! We get into the wholesome vibes of the cruise, experiencing the landscape and glaciers of Alaska (and the Yukon), and how this trip may have had his best vacation fits of all time. Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/06/09/an-alaskan-cruise-travelogue/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www.patre...

The SadBoys run from Lefors as they tear apart the menswear in the film Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. Newman and Redford are basically wearing vaguely western items from the 1960s in a film set in 1899! But damn it...they look cool anyway. This is a clip of the latest Bonus pod! For the full episode, please subscribe on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Show Notes: https://al...

In this episode We chat about Ethan’s Ren Faire Outfit (and his glorious riding boots), discussing whether jeans+leather shoes or sneakers+trousers is more casual, and a big discussion on Bangers. Should every outfit be a Banger? Does it help to have Banger items (and what makes it a Banger piece)? Does a fit need to hit with the zeitgeist or be easily digestible to be a Banger? How much of this s...