Style and Direction

Military surplus is a fun way to add some spice to your wardrobe, and Spencer and I have been doing it for a while now! We discuss the appeal of Milsurp, our favorite pieces, and where we suggest you get them, all in this much-anticipated episode. Workwear is closely related, so maybe we'll have to do one on that too.... Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/06/28/sadcast-show-note...

If you're reading this, then you're not a patron of our Patreon. But don't worry; here's a sneak peak of that exclusive bonus episode which focuses on the menswear in Back To The Future! It's one of our favorite films that actually has some great vintage style that isn't too costume-y. There's a lot to learn from this film other than you know, not messing with the space-time continuum. Regular mai...

I remember a time when we used to avoid any connotations to the 1970s. Now we love incorporating their vibes, whether it's by this decades elegant, sexy take on tailoring to the rugged mix-and-match approach to casual wear. We talk all about the late 1960s-1970s in this new pod and don't worry; it's as subversive as you think it is. But if you're anything like us, you'l to learn to appreciate it a...

*Please donate to organizations fighting Police Brutality before you consider contributing to our Patreon. We recorded this episode before the events transpired so we apologize for not mentioning it within the pod proper.* https://www.thecut.com/2020/05/george-floyd-protests-how-to-help-where-to-donate.html It's a big moment for the podcast. We're launching a Patreon with an exclusive Discord that...

J. Crew has filed for bankruptcy. While that doesn't mean the store is going away for good, it inspired us to have a full discussion on the Brand! We trace its history from it's early catalogue/RL wanna-be days to its status as the mainstream's voice for #menswear, Americana, and heritage. Even though we don't always buy from it (especially as our tastes have changed), it still holds a place in ou...

In today's pod, Spencer and Ethan discuss the lifestyle of menswear enthusiasts, it's perceived elitism, and how we stack up to it! Do we dress to for an aspirational lifestyle? Is it self perpetuating? Or can clothes and lifestyle be independent? Is it elitist? Or simply intimidating by nature? It's a great conversation that is worth a listen. Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020...

We're positively SHERLOCKED this Quarantine! So we decided to watch and review the menswear not of the BBC verison, but the action-packed, Hans Zimmer heavy Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie from 2009. Its one of our favorite films and has a rather good interpretation of late Victorian menswear! Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/the-menswear-in-sherlock-homes-2009/ Submit...

So we're officially in quarantine, but don't despair! Your favorite menswear boys come to with a new podcast episode, exploring how to dress when staying in, what are "good pajamas", and how this whole thing has affected our style. We also provide our recommendations for menswear books and our favorite things to watch! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/04/05/sadcast-show-notes-...

Spencer and Ethan bring you another great episode that was recorded BEFORE the quarantine! Enjoy learning all about nearly every casual shirt in our wardrobe including: OCBDs, polos, sportshirts, workshirts, and western shirts! We also answer a question about where to get a good starting suit on a budget! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/03/23/sadcast-show-notes-on-casual-shir...

Style vs Fashion, whoever wins we lose. Spencer and Ethan discuss the oft repeated dichotomy and basically come to the conclusion that it's a stupid and unproductive argument in menswear. But listen to the episode anyway! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/sadcast-show-notes-style-vs-fashion/ Submit your questions and stories: https://forms.gle/2SLcG1XZ344xFAev7 Follow us...

We're talking about leather jackets (especially vintage ones) on this newest episode. They're such a big part of our casual Americana and definitely warranted a full discussion. Spencer and Ethan go a bit into their history, delve deep into the differences and details between certain models, and how each one has a different vibe. If you feel like trying to hunt for you own after listening, then we...

Spencer and Ethan watch the HBO Documentary "Very Ralph", which is all about, you guessed it, Ralph Lauren. We briefly go over the different lines he has made (as well as our love of RRL) before recapping the documentary and giving our thoughts on the overall film and brand! Big thank you to MJ (for editing the podcast) and Matthew for transcribing our notes/quotes. Show Notes: https://streetxspre...

Happy New Year from Style and Direction! We're starting the year off strong with an entire pod on shoes. We actually weren't into shoes until very recently, so it was worth a reflection. Ethan also goes into why he loves loafers as well as his journey from trying out multiple used pairs of Allen Edmonds to a gracious gift of Aldens from a friend that finally got him to understand that shoes are a...

As we get out of Black Friday but go full force into Holiday Sales, we thought it was pertinent to talk about how we buy clothes! This new pod ep goes into detail about how we research for clothing, how buying vintage and new differ, and whether keeping a list is important. Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/12/12/sadcast-show-notes-how-we-buy-clothes/ Submit your Questions and...

Keeping our "rule of cool" going with this newest ep, which is all about neckties! Spencer and Ethan briefly go over the history of the tie (shoutout to King Louis XIV), what their favorite ones are, to how you can pull them off in the modern day without being too dressed up. Don't forget to follow along with the show notes! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/sadcast-show-...

What makes something "cool"? Is it possible to apply that to classic menswear? Or is it all just old man clothes? Spencer and Ethan attempt to answer these questions and discuss the Rule of Cool, which simply states: that "if something is cool, people will like it; if it's not cool, people won't like it". It's a nebulous topic, but we do our best! Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2...

Classic menswear is borne from rules, but are they really all that important? Spencer and Ethan tackle the oft repeated rules, advice, and guidelines touted by youtubers and tailors alike, and how they really are meant to be broken if you are to achieve true personal style. Could be controversial, but it needs to be said! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/10/09/sadcast-show-not...

When it comes to classic menswear it seems that most guys only focus on fit and price. But what about details? This episode, Spencer and Ethan dive deep into this frustrating phenomena and how attention to aesthetic details are necessary to have great style. Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/09/23/sadcast-show-notes-why-details-matter/ Send us questions/stories: https://forms.g...

Social Media! Is it good? Is it bad? How does it affect menswear and our outfits? We discuss all of it today on the pod. Send us questions/stories: https://forms.gle/tr6xonWBp2ZPUf21A Read the blog: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com IG: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spencerdso

Better get your ties on, because it's time to talk about Gangster Squad.  Spencer and Ethan discuss the campy 2013 film about how a group of cops took down Mickey Cohen and his gang back in 1949. Costumed by Mary Zophres, the style of the film is interesting; there are period accurate double breasted suits and ties, but a few liberties with the lapels and shirt collars. It's almost as much a throw...

Ethan Newton and his brand Bryceland's are the subjects of today's pod! If you follow us, you'll know that both of them have been huge inspirations on our style. Our host Ethan got to meet Mr. Newton in his Japan store, which we recount in today's episode! We hope you enjoy! Blog: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/brycelands-co-ethan-newton/ Follow us on IG! @styleanddirection | @eth...

Ethan recounts his recent trip to Japan in this long episode. We tried to keep it brief, but we hope we delved deep enough into the variety of stores and styles in this fashionable country. It was certainly an amazing trip and we hope you enjoy hearing about it. Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/ethaninjapan-and-menswear-stores/ IG: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spe...

Bags! This pod, we're talking all about the different kinds of bags in menswear, from the classic satchel to the slouchy tote. We also discuss how we came to collaborate with LA leather makers, Clark & Barba to design our own leather totes! You can buy the Ethan or Spencer bags here. Use code SPREZZA for 10% off (limited time). https://www.clarkeandbarba.com/leathergoods/ethan Show notes: https://...

We're discussing photography in classic menswear in this pod! As a whole, we find it a bit more artistic and studied when compared to the typical influencer type shots. It's even inspired Ethan to develop his craft and his own approach to photography. It's a great listen! Don't forget to review and subscribe! Blog post: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019/04/21/on-menswear-photography/ Follo...

We're responding to "Dressing Up in a Dressed-Down World", a symposium organized by Simon Crompton, the creator of Permanent Style. His panel of fashion authorities discuss the eponymous topic: how they, as "formal" people react to an increasingly casual world. Spoilers: we don't agree with many of their statements! Video for Context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq9PhonF6Go Permanent Style Blo...