WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO — AND IS SARTORIALLY INSPIRING ME — THIS MONTH:
I’m a brazen aficionado of all matters spy related, from the pop-culture (movies/novels/tv) offerings to the minute detailing of authentic spy-craft and international espionage itself; I'm attracted to the unrelenting intrigue and storytelling nature of it all (whether real or contrived) and have been for as long back as I can remember.
Ergo, my monthly selects (style muses) for August have been inspired by the very nature of those personal proclivities — from which the 1960’s was undoubtedly the parenting era of such activity, with its influx of espionage and intelligence gathering related realities and the accompanying pop sub-culture becoming a worldwide mainstream influence. From the omnipresent looming threat of the Cold War to the inception of the archetypical (albeit fictional) spy himself, James Bond, the era was ripe with intrigue, action, and refined style, all of which I find myself being perpetually influenced sartorially by — and constantly drawn back towards (Goldfinger here I come) — and forever will be. So, here are my monthly style muses, some from those bygone days of espionage infancy, some from modern times.
Ergo, my monthly selects (style muses) for August have been inspired by the very nature of those personal proclivities — from which the 1960’s was undoubtedly the parenting era of such activity, with its influx of espionage and intelligence gathering related realities and the accompanying pop sub-culture becoming a worldwide mainstream influence. From the omnipresent looming threat of the Cold War to the inception of the archetypical (albeit fictional) spy himself, James Bond, the era was ripe with intrigue, action, and refined style, all of which I find myself being perpetually influenced sartorially by — and constantly drawn back towards (Goldfinger here I come) — and forever will be. So, here are my monthly style muses, some from those bygone days of espionage infancy, some from modern times.
CINEMA
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
STYLE INFLUENCES: Suede outerwear; 3-piece suiting; Tailored tactical wear; Drivers caps
It almost goes without saying that spy movies (sans a few spoofs) are always immaculately well styled and tailored in the wardrobe department — its practically a prerequisite at this point in time! And this upcoming flick will seemingly be no exception. Directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes; Snatch, RocknRolla), its safe to assume that we are —at the least — in-store for some high-octane action sequences and a few rather unscrupulous situations. And seeing as Mad Men has left our lives, this ode to 60’s-era action, comedy— and chiefly — style, is a very welcome party guest. A remake of the classic TV series of the same name, only updated and reimagined, it looks equal parts Austin Powers (the comedy jabs…not the looks) and James Bond (attention to sartorial detailing), as Superman himself (Henry Cavill) properly suits up as an American spy who teams up with his Russian (yes…even with the cold war connotations) counterpart (played by Armie Hammer) in order to stop a dastardly criminal syndicate bend on world domination. It looks like it can be an entertaining summer flick while also being — naturally — sartorially satisfying all the same.
Opens Nationwide: August 14
It almost goes without saying that spy movies (sans a few spoofs) are always immaculately well styled and tailored in the wardrobe department — its practically a prerequisite at this point in time! And this upcoming flick will seemingly be no exception. Directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes; Snatch, RocknRolla), its safe to assume that we are —at the least — in-store for some high-octane action sequences and a few rather unscrupulous situations. And seeing as Mad Men has left our lives, this ode to 60’s-era action, comedy— and chiefly — style, is a very welcome party guest. A remake of the classic TV series of the same name, only updated and reimagined, it looks equal parts Austin Powers (the comedy jabs…not the looks) and James Bond (attention to sartorial detailing), as Superman himself (Henry Cavill) properly suits up as an American spy who teams up with his Russian (yes…even with the cold war connotations) counterpart (played by Armie Hammer) in order to stop a dastardly criminal syndicate bend on world domination. It looks like it can be an entertaining summer flick while also being — naturally — sartorially satisfying all the same.
Opens Nationwide: August 14
MUSIC
Cody Simpson ~ FREE (Album)
STYLE INFLUENCES: Bohemian wear; Summer linens + cottons; Casual dress
Acoustic, bohemian/hippy, laid-back beach music with a touch of pop and country, what this album is — irrespective of its genre labelling — is the perfect summer soundtrack; one in which I’ve had spinning on replay since its release in early July (and will continue until seasons end). Overtly summery at its core and cohesively put together, you will find nothing but catchy summer hooks, good vibes, and solid songwriting from the 18 year-old Aussie throughout. And despite being at such a tender young age, Cody has still succeeded in putting out very high quality music that is appealing to almost anybody with a pulse (aside from genre snobs); he is maturing before our eyes with this new collection of sounds (his third studio album), which in no doubt was immensely influenced by his working relationship with the label king of Cali beach cool, Banana Beat records (which is led by the modern O.G. of summer beach music, Mr. Cisco Adler). The title track (Free) really sets the course for the entire album, tonally identifying what you are in-store for. And, one could say that it is even reminiscent of certain 60’s beach music as well (Beach Boys comes to mind). Take it to the beach, to a camp fire, or on a road trip and you will find yourself singing-a-long in no time. Which reminds me, I just wannnnnnaaa be freee-ee-ee-ee-ee…
Sounds Like: Cisco Adler; Jason Mraz; Jack Johnson
Standout Tracks: Free, Thotful, Livin’ Easy
Acoustic, bohemian/hippy, laid-back beach music with a touch of pop and country, what this album is — irrespective of its genre labelling — is the perfect summer soundtrack; one in which I’ve had spinning on replay since its release in early July (and will continue until seasons end). Overtly summery at its core and cohesively put together, you will find nothing but catchy summer hooks, good vibes, and solid songwriting from the 18 year-old Aussie throughout. And despite being at such a tender young age, Cody has still succeeded in putting out very high quality music that is appealing to almost anybody with a pulse (aside from genre snobs); he is maturing before our eyes with this new collection of sounds (his third studio album), which in no doubt was immensely influenced by his working relationship with the label king of Cali beach cool, Banana Beat records (which is led by the modern O.G. of summer beach music, Mr. Cisco Adler). The title track (Free) really sets the course for the entire album, tonally identifying what you are in-store for. And, one could say that it is even reminiscent of certain 60’s beach music as well (Beach Boys comes to mind). Take it to the beach, to a camp fire, or on a road trip and you will find yourself singing-a-long in no time. Which reminds me, I just wannnnnnaaa be freee-ee-ee-ee-ee…
Sounds Like: Cisco Adler; Jason Mraz; Jack Johnson
Standout Tracks: Free, Thotful, Livin’ Easy
TELEVISION
Get Smart (1965-70)
STYLE INFLUENCES: Expertly tailored suiting (and ostentatious gadgetry…just a tad)
Continuing with the 60’s influential style aesthetic that I’ve been recently inspired by is this somewhat slapstick-isn spy comedy from which you undoubtedly know its recent —and I must add, quite hilarious itself — movie remake featuring the funny Mr. Steve Carell, the vivacious Ms. Anne Hathaway, and the ever charismatic and likeable Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (amongst many, many others). Created by the genius comedic mind of Mel Brooks, you know some laughs are in store; mix in the expert tailoring and wardrobing and you have an instant hit. Plus, and if you’re an 80’s baby like me, you may recognize the lead actors voice, Mr. Don Adams, as no other then that of another famously (somewhat) dapper crime-fighter: Inspector Gadget (timeless grey trench coat?). All in all, it’s funny (…that cone of silence), its era appropriate stylish, and it does not take it self too seriously — which consequently has allowed it to best the trials of time with material that is still laugh inducing to this day and the accompanying looks that will always be relevant (minimalist suiting and slim cuts). So if you like spies, retro television, and deliberate attempts at humour, check Get Smart out, you won’t be disappointed.
All 5 seasons are available on various streaming networks and retro television networks.
Continuing with the 60’s influential style aesthetic that I’ve been recently inspired by is this somewhat slapstick-isn spy comedy from which you undoubtedly know its recent —and I must add, quite hilarious itself — movie remake featuring the funny Mr. Steve Carell, the vivacious Ms. Anne Hathaway, and the ever charismatic and likeable Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (amongst many, many others). Created by the genius comedic mind of Mel Brooks, you know some laughs are in store; mix in the expert tailoring and wardrobing and you have an instant hit. Plus, and if you’re an 80’s baby like me, you may recognize the lead actors voice, Mr. Don Adams, as no other then that of another famously (somewhat) dapper crime-fighter: Inspector Gadget (timeless grey trench coat?). All in all, it’s funny (…that cone of silence), its era appropriate stylish, and it does not take it self too seriously — which consequently has allowed it to best the trials of time with material that is still laugh inducing to this day and the accompanying looks that will always be relevant (minimalist suiting and slim cuts). So if you like spies, retro television, and deliberate attempts at humour, check Get Smart out, you won’t be disappointed.
All 5 seasons are available on various streaming networks and retro television networks.
READING
(Book/Website/App)
(Book/Website/App)
Spreeder
STYLE INFLUENCES: It allows me to read more about style… and to further educate myself in a more efficient and practical manner
Work has been keeping me busy and cutting my pleasure/leisure reading down lately…until I found this handy internet app that aids in the process of speed reading. Copy and paste any text into it and let its default setting of 300 words per minute help you get through copious amounts of information in the fraction of time it would otherwise take. Yes, you lose the images and aesthetics of an article or webpage, but it is a boon for business reading and anything else in general that has been pushed to the side for far to long. Oh, and the settings can be altered to best befit your comprehension abilities as well. Altogether, the boring design could certainly use some tinkering and a portable app would be handy, but it does what it promises and doesn’t allow for any other distractions (which is a bonus).
Click HERE to test it out.
Work has been keeping me busy and cutting my pleasure/leisure reading down lately…until I found this handy internet app that aids in the process of speed reading. Copy and paste any text into it and let its default setting of 300 words per minute help you get through copious amounts of information in the fraction of time it would otherwise take. Yes, you lose the images and aesthetics of an article or webpage, but it is a boon for business reading and anything else in general that has been pushed to the side for far to long. Oh, and the settings can be altered to best befit your comprehension abilities as well. Altogether, the boring design could certainly use some tinkering and a portable app would be handy, but it does what it promises and doesn’t allow for any other distractions (which is a bonus).
Click HERE to test it out.
BUY IT NOW: STYLE PICK OF THE MONTH
Shawl-Collared Cardigan
With summer slowly waning down and the nights itching towards the brisky side, nothing is more stylishly versatile and timelessly classic then a shawl-collared cardigan sweater. Naturally built for warmth, the soft, supple, and comfortable construction alongside the open fronts on these lovely sweaters allows them to breath (for those warmer yet still damp occasions) and to be worn casually unbuttoned or dressed up for smart (casual) get togethers (outdoor parties + company events). And while summer is still alive and well (and hopefully carries over well into September), its always sweater season (just with different fabrications + weighted material) and the shawl cardigan is one of the most (if not the most) casually elegant and utilitarian items for all gentlemen out there to sport (or lend to someone special) when the temperature needles drop and/or your beset with trying (rainy) conditions. McQueen, Craig, and many other celebs have often been spotted off duty wrapped up in the comfort of these gentlemanly garments and so should you. They are my last style pick of the summer and will surely pay dividends come the end of August and the preemptive beginning of early fall. I’d recommend reaching for one in a complimentary rustic oatmeal/cream/rust colour, but a solid grey, navy blue, or even white one would also suffice. So, here’s to keeping warm on those cold nights when you still want to enjoy all the season has to offer.
Bonus: its an all season transition go-to option!
~ Lyle Eero ~
Bonus: its an all season transition go-to option!
~ Lyle Eero ~
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