Style and Direction

We're back from the break! In this episode Spencer & Ethan go to their roots and talk about the beautiful menswear illustrations found in Apparel Arts. These slightly cartoon-ish figures contrasted with incredibly detailed clothing were quite formative in developing not only our taste but for learning just how creative vintage tailored style could be. We also discuss the concept of "The Esquire Ma...

Spencer, Ethan, and Producer MJ talk about their Pitti dreams in this latest episode. What would we wear? What would we eat? Is it like any other convention we’ve been to? Who knows! 2024 here we come. Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: https://www.instagram.com/styleanddirection/ Ethan: https://www.i...

Despite our non-corporate career aspirations, #TheSaDCast talks about business attire and how to wear menswear at work! We go into how Yuppie style influences modern business attire, how most guys end up looking like realtors in electric blue suits+tan shoes, and how most accessible offices won't really notice how #menswear you are anyway! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/06/27/saf...

Spencer, Ethan, Producer MJ, and Civilian Matt come back this June Bonus episode to catch up and talk about menswear, specifically about how they've been dressing now that things truly are heading back to "normal". The full episode goes into other things like how Ethan hates tee shirts or the boys' latest obsession with airsoft. Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.co...

We're talkin' merch in this new episode: Band tees, ball caps, hoodies, you name it! Spencer and Ethan discuss how they approach merch, how wearing it is a cheat code to dressing "authentically", and how enthusiasts and brands are leaning into it, either by buying vintage merch or making it themselves! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/06/13/merch-x-menswear/ Support us on Patreon a...

What does it mean to dress authentically? Is it tied to your job? Your hobbies? How does it play into your style journey and trying new things? Spencer and Ethan discuss it all in this latest entry into the SaD canon. Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/05/30/on-dressing-authentically/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on...

The Bonus Boys are back and talk about Tenet (the movie, the fashion, the concept) as well as a few of their latest suit purchases! Or maybe the purchases were made in the future... Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: https://www.instagram.com/styleanddirection/ Ethan: https://www.instagram.com/ethanmw...

Classic menswear looks good, but is it practical? Spencer and Ethan say it is, especially in a regular-life context. We discuss how we make menswear work in our daily activities, from using a sportcoat practically to ensuring we have the right fabrics for our SoCal climate. We also share some of our most practical menswear garments! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/05/16/menswear-c...

Spencer & Ethan discuss what they think is going to happen to menswear in a post-pandemic world. Will people get into suits? Will we redefine what "suiting" is? Will every lookbook be virtually the same ivy-meets-streetwear-meets-gorp? Who knows! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/05/02/musing-on-the-post-pandemic-future-of-menswear/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https:...

Ethan and Spencer are joined by Producers Matt & MJ for our monthly bonus episode! We hilariously talk about office supply stores, disgusting retail customers, and our newest menswear purchases! Stream recaps: https://wordpress.com/post/alittlebitofrest.com/35504 Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: htt...

Our friend Jason Sandagon makes a jump from being a recurring Twitch guest to becoming the subject of our latest interview! We dissect his "punk rock" approach to menswear, highlighting his background in comedy, seeing Tommy Nutter suiting for the first time, and ultimately putting everything together as he gradually launches his own brand: Mad King George. Show notes: https://alittlebitofrest.com...

Spencer and Ethan discuss one of the most iconic shirt details to ever exist: the button-down collar. The episode goes into the collar’s history, it’s inherent ivy nod, and how a soft roll helps it go with literally everything in a guy’s closet! We also dive into what makes a great collar and the different ones we've owned, from contemporary makers to vintage pieces. Ethan's Essay: https://alittle...

Producers MJ and Matt join Spencer and Ethan in discussing their year in quarantine: what's changed, what hobbies they've developed, and when they think it's going to be over. It's a hopeful episode, I promise! Show notes/Stream Recap: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/03/28/1-year-in-quarantine-bags-lookbooks-apparel-arts-and-zombies/ Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.pat...

Our newest episode is a reflection on our custom menswear commissions...so far. We talk about the few brands we've tried (ranging from MTO to bespoke), what our advice is for guys around our age, and what tailors we dream of commissioning from! As a costly investment in money and time, you better be sure that you like what you order. Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/03/21/reflectio...

Spencer and Ethan discuss how important communities and friends were to our style journeys and how it really set us on a good path to being intentional and confident in our style. We also talk about the various style communities (both good and bad) that we've been a part of! Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/03/07/on-menswear-communities-making-friends/ Support us on Patreon and joi...

#TheSaDCast comes in with a discussion about the relationship between music and menswear. Lots of guys take inspiration from musicians, whether its the slick edge of rock to the rugged Americana of folk. However, Ethan has a special relationship with music that you'll have to listen to in order to find out. He even wrote a special version of the main theme just for this episode! Ethan's Essay: htt...

Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: https://www.instagram.com/styleanddirection/ Ethan: https://www.instagram.com/ethanmwong/ Spencer: https://www.instagram.com/spencerdso/ MJ: https://www.instagram.com/awyeahmj/ Matt: https://www.instagram.com/matthewbeechr/ Watch us Stream on Twitch: http://twitch.tv...

In this episode, Spencer and Ethan discuss why they hate "stuffiness" (as stated in the podcast motto) and why "slouch" is their go-to word when describing their take on menswear. Slouch involves a lot, from the silhouette of tailoring to the attitude you have when you wear it. This really just means subverting expectations and a lot of #pocketfisting. Ethan's Essay: https://streetxsprezza.wordpre...

Spencer and Ethan discuss the importance of having a POV and desired aesthetic when it comes to menswear! It's an important mindset to develop if you're just starting out or trying to hone in your interests. They also discuss all the style idiosyncrasies of their POV that resulted from years of vintage collecting. Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2021/01/24/having-a-style-pov-a-des...

Producers Matt and MJ join Spencer and Ethan to talk about New Year's Resolutions (both in life and menswear) and Spencer's trip to the Grand Canyon! Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: https://www.instagram.com/styleanddirection/ Ethan: https://www.instagram.com/ethanmwong/ Spencer: https://www.instag...

The boys spend an hour discussion different ways to keep that (trouser) waist snatched! They discuss the excellent drape you get from braces, how side adjusters keep the waistband clean, and the personality and mid-century charm of a thin belt (which is our favorite). Ethan's Essay: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2021/01/10/a-snatched-waist-or-on-the-subject-of-leather-belts/ Support us on P...

We're finishing off the year with a topic that we've teased about in previous episodes: Influencers. It's a big one, as I'm sure a lot of people have wondered what our goals and views are for social media. Here's the secret: we don't really care. We just want to post fits and cool photos whenever we want! Ethan's Essay: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/ Support us on Patreon and join the Disco...

In this bonus episode, Spencer, Ethan, MJ, and Matt have a fun conversation about what they miss from the movies, what they wore to Friendsgiving, and what would make a great Christmas Present. We hope you all have a very safe and happy holiday! Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram! Style & Direction: https://www.instagram...

The short answer to the title topic is yes, but the true answer, particularly for us is a bit nuanced. It requires a bit of context, leading us to talk about our lifestyles, income, and career aspirations. Once that's settled, we're able to talk about how we've acquired our wardrobe, which primarily leans on vintage and second hand clothing rather than luxury items. It's a great conversation that...

It's our long awaited take on watches, featuring the return of our own British-accented watch enthusiast pal, Aldous! After catching up on his menswear journey, we discuss horology: the culture, the designs we enjoy, and the few that we own and wear ourselves. It's a good one! Show notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2020/11/29/im-not-a-watch-guy-i-swear/ Support us on Patreon: https://www...