Style and Direction

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...

The SaDBoys finally watch the John Huston's noir classic: The Maltese Falcon! We discuss it's fantastic cinematography, snappy dialogue and of course, the fantastic menswear. Leave it to Bogey to make a pinstripe suit and fedora feel so easy to wear! Listen to this short preview and join the patreon for the full episode. Blog Post: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2024/11/29/the-menswear-in-the-maltes...

In this episode we talk about the OTHER things being into Menswear has taught us. We don't just mean an appreciation for watches and furniture but in deeper topics such as the importance of introspection, honing self-expression, labor practices, and a variety of introspective and ultimately progressive things! Who would've thought that our silly little hobby would lead us here? Ethan's Essay: http...

Ethan tells us all about his epic NYC trip! He shares his experience attending the Permanent Style x Rubato Party at J. Mueser, hanging out with the Male Fashion Advice Discord, and two full weekends at Alfargo's Marketplace! Ethan's Blog: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2024/11/04/ethan-in-nyc-2024-the-best-one-yet/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirectio...

We look at the 1954 film that inspired Indiana Jones and it is....a drag. It's a boring film without a semblance of adventure. The menswear on the other hand is pretty good! It's easy to see why Spielberg saw this film and decided to copy Steele's look: a leather jacket, officer pinks, and a big fedora. There's also a few other cool looks too! It's just a shame the movie sucks. Ethan's Essay: http...

Part 2 of our coverage of Indiana Jones is here! It's clear that Indy isn't the only well dressed character in the franchise! There's a whole slew of great outfits to be found, like the ivy of his father Dr. Henry Jones Sr., the greaser look on his son Mutt (ripped from Marlon Brando), and of course Sallah's summer tailoring. We discuss all of the non-Indy Vintage Menswear found in this beloved fr...

This is Part 1 of our two part series on Indiana Jones, with this one focusing specifically on the adventuring archaeologist. We LOVE this franchise as its a fantastic example of character based costuming, with each detail sharing something about the person as well as the era it is set in. The SaDBoys dive deep on everything Indy wears, from his crazy big sable fedora and his A-2 leather jacket to...

The boys discuss Ethan's Hawaiian vacation and whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich. And then they all take a trip to Bali Ha'i and discuss the milsurpy glory of the menswear in South Pacific! Show Notes: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2024/09/22/the-menswear-in-south-pacific-1958/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! www.in...

We finally watched The Red Shoes and fell in love with its glorious vintage menswear. Its an Apparel Arts-lovers dream with its various takes on tailoring, superb casual attire, and of course, ICONIC two lounge wear outfits that is unlike anything we've ever seen in a film. "The Red Shoes" is bound to inspire a few fits before summer comes to a close. Overall, we get pretty in-depth on analyzing t...

We return to discussing our obsessions with specific garments with a new episode on the Pinstripe and Chalkstripe Suit. It's a garment oozes confidence and power thanks to its history of being worn by businessmen, criminals, and myriad of well dressed men over the years. Spencer and Ethan share their own takes on this iconic pattern as they get into its attitude, how you can subvert the vibes, and...

This next episode is all about Inspiration: mainly where we get it and how we act on it! After all, being into fashion is really about *acting* on Inspo. It could be replicating an outfit you saw online, being enamored with a combo in a painting, or trying to capture the vibe of a photograph. We also discuss how Ethan is obsessed with Inspo and how it plays into his neverending backlog of outfit i...

It's about time we did a guide! In this episode, Spencer, Ethan, and MJ share how they stay stylish in a SoCal summer. They get into their favorite summer pieces, the different POVs that guide their outfits, and how they stay excited about dressing even when they know its going to be a scorcher. Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2024/07/28/how-to-stay-excited-to-dress-up-when-its-warm/ S...

July was kind to us and gave us TWO 60s movies with pretty decent costuming. Fly Me To The Moon boasts some fun late 60s menswear ranging from knit tees and neck scarves to short brimmed fedoras and the NASA Special (the short sleeve shirt, slim tie, and browline glasses). The Bikeriders on the other hand fuels our Americana dreams with sportshirts, worn selvedge jeans, and of course epic leather...

Is being into menswear Pretentious? Does having strong taste make you a Snob? Is it bad to be Pretentious? The SaD boys answer these questions as they discuss Dan Fox's incredible essay: Pretentiousness & Why It Matters all in the latest podcast. Spoiler alert by the end of it, you may just end up thinking that being Pretentious is a good thing and should even be celebrated! Ethan's Essay: https:/...

Hoo-ah! We watched Scent of a Woman (1992) and to our surprise, it's a decent menswear film! Not only is there some classic tailoring but there is a swath of ivy as well. It's also pretty funny thanks to Al Pacino's equally horny and despondent acting. Subscribe on patreon for the full episode as well as access to our Discord! https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Show notes: https://alittleb...

In this pod, the SaD Boys discuss how we frame giving menswear feedback, advice, and critique! We go into how important it is for Askers to set intentional goals, how Advice Givers should function as guides and help guide the conversation, and how we should all focus on building Awareness and experience to help achieve a POV. Because in the end, how else are we supposed to separate the good advice...