Style and Direction

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...

Rain is an interesting subject for menswear. It allows us to layer up and look as cool as our style icons but it can be a hassle if you're a student walking to class or if you're just constantly on the move. In this episode, Spencer and Ethan talk about what they wear when it rains as well as some of their grail items and inspirations for those precipitation-heavy days. Show notes: https://streetx...

The spearpoint collar, a rakish detail that immediately harkens to vintage style. It's one of our favorite collars, so we decided to dedicate an episode to it's history, how we wear it, and where to get them! Blog post: Follow us on IG: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spencerdso

Inspiration LA is perhaps SoCal's answer to Pitti Uomo. We discuss this awesome tradeshow, which is all about vintage and contemporary workwear, denim, and leather. We even cover how our casual style has evolved thanks to Inspiration LA and all the cool people that we've met there. Follow us on IG: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spencerdso Show Notes: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/2019...

We're talking about Tuxedos, Black Tie, and evening wear on this new episode! Spencer and Ethan discuss the rules behind evening wear, whether or not its relevant today, and even get into the unique pieces in their collection! It's all in anticipation of the special Dapper Day event with the LA Phil, where black tie will finally be appropriate for Los Angeles. Read the shownotes: https://streetxsp...

Instead of a guest this time, Spencer and I will be discussing various menswear topics! It’s a new format we’re trying out going forward. This episodes focuses on a “basic wardrobe” and how it relates to vintage and classic menswear. We talk about how different people approach it (Die Workwear, Permanent Style, J. Press) and what it means to us. If you have ideas for new topics, DM us at @styleand...

Austin Roberson @gentlemansavenue joins us on the pod today to talk about his menswear journey, working at The Man's Shop in Texas, and the world of the Menswear Youtubers. He's actually gone to Menfluential a few times and has met a lot of the preeminent figures in this scene like Antonio Centeno and Aaron Marino, as well as the other budding content creators! Austin's insight is particularly use...

We're so sorry we've been gone for a while, but we're back and introducing a new type of content: film style reviews. Today we look at Baz Luhrmann's 2013 film The Great Gatsby, a film that really influenced us to get into vintage menswear. Upon a rewatch, it's really not a good film nor does it have good style. I mean why do they wear TWEED in SUMMER? Follow us: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong |...

Note: Sorry about our shitty audio! We all recorded on one mic. After yet another hiatus, we talk with Rajesh, Ethan's college friend and first menswear friend. While we were still figuring out our style in old blog posts, Raj was always killin' it. He has such a consistent and classic style that has largely remained unchanged since we first met him in 2014. In this episode, we talk about his appr...

After a month hiatus, the #sadboys are back! We talk to Joshua and Garret Gooch of the @goochcollective and how they started their community events that celebrate art, fashion, and music. We also discuss the issue of fast-fashion and how to buy clothing ethically. Follow them: @joshuaraygooch | @goochybaby | @goochcollective Follow us: @ethanmwong | @spencerdso | @styleanddirection https://streetx...

We continue our "Menswear Asians from Toronto" series with NYU student Derek Chan! In this episode we talk about growing up with MFA/Die Workwear/PTO, how NYC is different than LA, and how to develop a personal style within classic menswear! Follow him Derek here: @collections_of_values Follow us! @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spencerdso https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/the-podcast/