Style and Direction

During the 2nd half of our talk with @johngreenacre , we discussed the concept of the "going out look". It's not an outfit prescribed by a specific aesthetic like Ivy or workwear. Instead, it's about the context of where you're going and what you're doing while wearing the outfit. It's a bit slouchy, but also kinda sexy. While it may be a challenge, we think its certainly possible to "go out" in c...

The latest guest on the podcast is our pal John Robinson. He embodies everything the pod is about: vintage ideas, contemporary inspirations, and a healthy dose of slouch. We dive into where he started, how gets style inspo, and how he and Ethan seem to be on the same wavelength on EVERYTHING. Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/10/24/my-son-john/ Support us on Patreon and join the Dis...

Spencer, Ethan, and Producer MJ dive into Bond 25: No Time To Die. We discuss our favorite movies, the plot (if there is one), and of course our favorite outfits from Craig’s last romp as a guy who clearly hates being an MI6 agent. Spoiler Alert for all aspects of the film (obviously)! Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us on Instagram!...

Ethan has returned from the Big Apple and he's going to tell us all about it on the pod! Jump in to hear him talk about all the shoes he tried on, the amazing vintage stores, and how all of our favorite shops are doing (as well as a few thoughts on the product). Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest.com/2021/10/10/ethans-solo-nyc-2021-trip/ Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www...

Our use of color in Classic Menswear is the topic of this episode! To us, it's more than just a "pop of color" as many bloggers state. We're much more about how the colors signal an aesthetic; Colors, like everything we talk about, is all about that POV. It may be internalized, but I'm certain that you have some rule or guideline that you use when incorporating color into your looks! Shout out to...

This bonus episode marks a return of film discussion with two of our favorites: There Will Be Blood and The Social Network! There’s also a bunch of menswear microtopics like the Atelier Fugue DB style, Ethan’s new pants from Lords of Wool, and yet another obnoxious character canonized into the SaD Cinematic Universe. He’s quite...masculine. Listen to the full episode on Patreon and join the Discor...

Spencer and Ethan are jawns addicts, but they've also been known to keep a fair bit of their clothes. In this episode, they discuss the concept of archiving their own closet, keeping things and either revisiting or recontextualizing them as their style evolves! It's a great exercise in "forced versatility" and an evolving POV (as well as how to save money). Ethan's Essay: https://alittlebitofrest....

Ethan and Spencer finally acknowledge their vague, loose way of talking about menswear and spend this episode diving into why that is, T attempting to define “tailoring”, “vintage”, and “#menswear”. We think that if you keep your rules and definitions vague, it allows you the freedom to wear what you like in a cohesive way fitted for your context. Listen on to [hopefully] get what we mean! Ethan's...

In this bonus ep Spencer, Ethan, and Producer MJ talk about...everything. KBBQ. New Ring Jacket purchases. If leather is breathable (seriously). It’s a fun, random one that lets you in on this trio's friendship and life in the SoCal burbs! Don't forget to listen to the outro. We canonize someone new... Support us on Patreon and join the Discord: https://www.patreon.com/styleanddirection/ Follow us...

Ethan and Spencer take a closer look at niche vintage, specifically at Golden Era pieces that don't really exist anymore. Some of them still resonate with us, like leisure jackets and belt backs. Others, like the Rah-Rah suit, are best left in the dust. You'll have to decide which of it is cool and which isn't! At the very least, these pieces show a time where everything, from utility to fun, was...

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...