Style and Direction

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...

The title has it all! In this episode the SaDboys talk about visiting the latest edition of Inspiration LA, the costuming in Tennessee Williams' play "In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel", fun outfits at dress-up parties, and why they really dislike generative AI. Show Notes: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/04/24/hating-on-ai-in-the-bar-of-a-tokyo-hotel-two-dress-up-parties-inspiration-la-2025/ Support...

This is a clip of the latest Bonus pod! For the full episode, please subscribe on Patreon. Who's ready to YEARN? The boys watch Wong Kar Wai's film "In The Mood For Love" and discuss its incredible cinematography, melancholy "romance-of-sorts", and of course, the impeccable early 60s menswear worn by Tony Leung's Mr. Chow. Light up those cigs, put on a slim tie, and listen on! Ethan's Essay: https...

Are Fit Pics Dead? Hell no! In this episode, Spencer, Ethan, and MJ discuss this wild TikTok take by reiterating that fashion should always be for fun and not pragmatism. We then supplement that with stories of fun Occasions we've made outfits for like Vinyl Nights, a trip to Canada, and Nerf Wars (yes, you heard me). Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/03/24/the-death-of-the-fit-pic-...

We're back to casual topics after our big pod on Personal Style! In this latest episode we talk about Spencer's return to buying things (and wearing ties), our friend Serhan's experience at Suit Supply, the Buck Mason x Lee party, the crazy finds at Vintage Rendezvous, and what we wore on Valentine's Day. Show Notes: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/03/13/suit-buying-renting-vintage-rendezvous-an...

The SaDBoys dive into the great menswear in The Philadelphia Story! It's such a great case study in character-based styling— everyone may be wearing suits, but the details help show their personality...and their social class! The choice of solids or stripes is always full of expression. Listen to a preview of the episode now or subscribe on Patreon for the full episode! Patreon: https://www.patreo...

Personal Style is Dead...at least thats what all the publications, critics, and influencers say. The SaDBoys dive deep into this topic, discussing how much of the Algorithm is to blame, how the term is simply a commodified trend, and how Personal Style will always be around! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/02/16/personal-style-is-dead-long-live-personal-style/ Support us on Patreo...

In this bonus episode, the boys talk about A Compete Unknown, the movie where Timmy Chalomet steps into Bob Dylan's shoes! We talk about our experience with Dylan's music, how Ethan saw it four times, and most importantly, how the movie expertly captures Dylan's fashion progression in the early to mid 60s. Subscribe on Patreon for the full episode and join the Discord: https://www.patreon.com/styl...

In this episode we do as the title says! The boys discuss how Tiktok hates their fits, Ethan tells us what he menswear made the cut when evacuating, and most excitingly, we all share our In/Out (or Blesssed/Cursed) lists for 2025. Some of the takes may be lukewarm and some may be hot— you'll have to let us know which is which (and share your own)! Show Notes: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2025/01/2...

It's a new year and that means a new format! Instead of big philosophical discussions, we're getting a bit more casual on the pod. MJ talks about his recent obsession with jeans while Spencer shares how he's taking a break from them. Ethan also talks about jeans (dying them), his short work trip to is NYC trip, and how he's embracing a bit of trouser break by lengthening all of his pants! Show Not...

This is a clip of the latest Bonus pod! For the full episode, please subscribe on a Patreon. The SaD boys celebrate the Season by watching "The Shop Around the Corner"! They discuss the great menswear in this 40s romcom, from the high amount of morning dress/stroller suits to Jimmy Stewart's immaculate double-breasted suit. Maybe next year we can watch "You've Got Mail" and compare the two? Show N...