Mr.Thomas

I rarely open the wallet for small brands now. That's a funny fact because when i wore streetwear i swore off large brands...ANYWAY

I've found on of the best small brands right now. The name is "Mr." They make great clothes,but the best thing is that they design,but still leave room for creativity. Some small brands make the mistake of over designing, then you're stuck with a shirt you can only wear with 1 outfit. "Mr." lets you paint the image you want. So.... I did.

Thanks go to my sister for the picture. Taken while we were in central park.

These are the seersucker shorts...

http://www.mrsfc.com/

College Style on a College Budget.

I'm a first semester freshman in college. I love checking out style blogs,but their suggestions are way too expensive. The funny thing about this is that a large amount of them are written by college students! The concept that sparked this blog was for it to be a blog to show people how to build a wardrobe that they'll love for the rest of their life. I'm slowly building my own wardrobe and I want to share something with you.

Let's make an outfit.

Let's say...

Trench Coat

Chambray Shirt

Dark Jeans

Dark shoes

A fairly hideous outfit,but I want to prove a point. Following most blogs this outfit would look like this:

Common Trechcoat: $500

Common Chambray Shirt: $100

Common Jeans: $200

Common Shoes: $200

Perfect,rounded it off well. Now understand this. I like quality clothes,and sites like these will defend themselves by saying you're paying for the quality,and craftsmanship. My only problem with this is that you would spend $1,000 on only 1 outfit! Well I won't be unreasonable,you don't have to have alot of EVERYTHING. So lets dive into what a wardrobe would cost.

2-3 coats eh 200-500 each. Let's say about $700 on coats

10 shirts (undershooting to help THEIR case) about 80 each- Ohhhhh $800 on shirts

Pants,Oh boy- I'll be kind and say $500 on pants

Shoes- $1,000

Wait a sec,what about watches,and bracelets and hats.

Because a watch can be expensive I'll count about $1,000 for accessories.

Now for some simple math.

OK! It's the end of the season and you just spent $4,000 on a small wardrobe. Now let's make this realistic.

Most people i know get a new coat about every season,so I'll keep the coats at about $700/year

shirts,I know you need more than 10 $400/year

Pants, these can actually stick around so $100/year

Shoes,you know these come and go $300/year

Accessories.......brace for impact $500/year

Now....until we start shopping for Bill Gates,we might want to slow down. I do not work for this site,but shopstyle.com is so great at battling the prices of these other super expensive sites. Go there,look for what you want,and I will cut your wardrobe from thousands a year to probably about a thousand,and still GOOD QUALITY!

Semester In Style

Ugh! I apologize for not posting as much as I should have. As a sort of compensation,here's my semester in style. (please click on it to show it how it was intended)

OH EM GEE BAGS!

Hello. I have recently been very busy thanks to being in college. Student Government elections is NO JOKE. ANYWAY

For years I planned to make a bag. The first design was a modification of the Louis Vuitton Christopher backpack that Kanye West made famous. The second was a duffle bag.....like the keepall 55. want to own BOTH,but leather aint cheap. I figure to sve money,the first one will be the duffle bag from http://www.herdsofthefathers.com/ These guys make great leather bags. I know that and there hasn't been a release yet!

Trench Coats

This is a quick post of a comment that I let slide yesterday. A friend of mine realized that the Trench Coat,and pants i was wearing were from Uniqlo. When he saw this he asked "What does Uniqlo do besides make fake Burberry trench coats?" In the kind environment,I didn't want to point out his ignorance,but here's the argument.

Burberry(along with Aquascutum) claim to have made THE FIRST TRENCH COAT. What does that mean? That means EVERY TRENCH COAT would technically be a fake/knock-off Burberry Trench Coat.

So....Don't make any bold statements until you know your history. @ me on twitter at @ThomOswald or email me at dotsanddimes@yahoo.com for any fashion history questions,and I will definitely try to find an answer for you.

Don't be Afraid.

In previous posts I have a scarf on with a story behind it. Coming back to New York I seen my aunt and cousins(females) with a scarf, and I loved the design. I then set out to go get the scarf, 90% of the reason I wanted it was because I like how it looked,and the other 10% is because I never seen a guy with a scarf like it. Now I present you with a not so masculine combination of colors just to stick by my style mindset: Don't be Afraid.

What not to wear!

Dads...

Do not ever wear

Blazer

t-shirt

Jeans

Sneakers

That is all.

Don't even give yourself the chance.

This post is inspired by a philosophy I keep and this post

http://h1gher.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/corsinelabedoli-its-not-for-everyone/

When leaving Georgia,and coming to New York, I packed only the GREAT clothes. No graphic tees,and no baggy pants etc. Now if i want to dress down my only option are some no name sweats, either polo boots or common projects,and a polo hoodie. Even when i dress down i don't have a chance to look bad.

When applying this to yourself,just lock all your old "What was i thinking" wear in a closet,and you'll find yourself without an option to look bad.

Shirts:i have many options,all either button downs or polo sweaters, and a rugby by polo. I have VERY FEW white plain t-shirts,and i don't believe i've worn one out this year yet...which i might soon.

Pants:I have 3 options my levi 501 stfs (had them about 6 months,fades coming slowly but surely) polo corduroys,and black dress pants.

shoes: again 3 bad dress shoes,polo ranger boots,and common projects trainer boots.

Yes my wardrobe is limited,and I'd rather have limited than my old overpacked horrible street-wear ridden wardrobe.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: I do not hate street-wear,but i have old school parents,and i attended a private school (Linden S.D.A.) K-8. I wear clothes that I can wear around my parents,and the people that raised me at that school,and not have to explain anything. Please remember the quote that every style-conscious person should know "Dress for the job you want,not the job you have" especially if you're unemployed.(I don't mean by the economic definition of unemployed)

Most important rule EVER!

1. You Can Never Overdress - http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

This is what i wore to school today,why? I don't know. When i got dressed i just kept piling things on...

Blazer- Brooks 346 - $idk

Tennis Sweater- Lacoste - $40

Rugby(under sweater) - Polo-$40

(NOT SEEN)

J press belt-$12

polo cords-$40

polo ranger boots-$150

Shopping around 101: Prices

shop around- look for the best available price or rate for something : they shopped around for cheaper food.

I just seen a pink sweater for like $100 and I was like WTF. So i started on my hunt for a pink sweater,and I don't even want one.

I found a few on my favorite shop around site. http://www.shopstyle.com/

Outfit Price: Yours Truly

First of all i would like to point out the prices. The tie(Land's End),and pocket square were $5 each at the Brooklyn Flea. My father bought the shirt for me in about 8th grade and I'm pretty sure it was $20. The denim jacket was...$70. Pins DSA pin from school(free) & Ralph Lauren tag from a vintage shirt.Levi 501 stf $40 & polo ranger boots $150

The price i paid for the denim jacket was way too high,just keep that in mind.

0-99

The basics of a wardrobe are what separate someone interested in fashion,and someone interested in style.

Get yourself the basics before you try to get the luxuries. Need some examples?

Don't let that spongebob tie be your only tie(You'll thank me at the board meeting.)

Don't let your only pair of shoes be the green and hot pink ones. If you disagree with me so far think of it this way. If you have a classic outfit,and then throw these special items in every once in a while,they will stand out more,and last longer. I've yet to cover my basics,which is why I'm hesitant to go out there and get things i don't need.

Have a signature look,people will remember it. I hope one day while someone is imitating me they know exactly how to dress. Whether or not your signature look is "cool" you should have one.

You will never have to replace you're basics. Your basics are the things that you rip,and love how they look when you patch em back up. These are the things that your son will ask to borrow when he's trying to define his style.

Go out,and get your basics. Need help? You'll need

a grey,or navy suit

a striped tie

a bright colored tie

a white oxford

a white dress shirt

yellow,dark blue,and a shade of red colored sweater

dark suit pants

classic khakis

sweat pants

dark&light jeans

very dark shoes

a plain leather black or brown belt

a classic coat for every season(peacoat for winter,and trench coat for spring for example)

I think I'm missing something

(Inspired by http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com)

GTFO

Living in Georgia for 3 years i missed N.Y. so much. At first people were saying "Oh it's too slow for you" but they didn't understand the artistic value of New York. BUT! I realized i stayed inside 24/7 in Georgia,so in N.Y. if i don't have a reason to stay in like to study or something, I'm going to stay out and have fun 24/7. This is also a good way to find things to buy rather than shopping online at retail prices. Today it's the Brooklyn Flea http://www.brooklynflea.com/ see ya there

Oldest Items on the list

My oldest items on the "Things to get" list are the classic L.L. Bean boots,and the Clarks Desert Boots.

I was introduced to the wonders of the Bean boots by http://sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com/ . When i started reading,almost every other post had something to do with these boots. At first i was too infatuated with my new purchase of the Polo Ranger Boots to appreciate a nice, hardcore boot. I was reminded today about my loves checking http://streetetiquette.com/ the guys that can make an outfit smeared with turd look good. I want these in a kind of Red&Green fall leaves color i seen once,but can't seem to find again...

My story of the desert boots is like the story of a girl you come to like. I always saw them,and always ignored them. They are such a good blend with everything and they don't take all the attention like other shoes. I finally started liking them when i seen them in colors other than black and tan. I want them in a dark suede blue,and i will get them in that color,even if i have to buy some blue suede dye...

So...that's $200 worth of shoes on the "Things to get" list,let's see if i can get em for $140

Next semester

Because I started this blog mid-season you didn't get to see much of what I thought of the winter. I wish I had a camera because the winter is the best season for layering, especially in New York. As we know, the fashion world is always 1 step ahead though. I realized while looking at clothes that I'm still for some reason drooling over sweaters that i won't be able to wear until next year! So... I will start to change my focus on madras shirts, white pants, fringed moccasins, and maybe a blazer to use as a coat for those cold spring nights. I also decided to do outfit analyzing as a regular post (hoping for some guest posters), and I am ALSO considering putting together certain outfits and prices.

I need white pants

(Picture from ralphlauren.com)

Online Shopping: Reason 101

I have many techniques to shopping online, and they all include intense REASONING. This list technique is to be used when there’s nothing on your “things to get” list that I’ve mentioned before. You will also see steps in bold (1.5 & 8) contributed by Will over at http://momentumoffailure.wordpress.com/

Here is the break down of the process

1.Go to your favorite clothing site with a large variety of clothes. My favorites are

http://ralphlauren.com/

and

http://jcrew.com

1.5. The crucial "Checking the sale items," step must be taken. Oftentimes, sites like Crew and RL announce their online sales a day or more after items have been added. It's good to check these sections frequently, as an item you've been eying for awhile may have just been placed there.

(picture indicating sale button)

2. Add what you want. Anything and everything don’t be shy. This is the key step of the process.

(Price is about $2000)

3.Go to your cart once you’re done and remove only the unnecessary. Usually on sites with such variety you’d add one or two things that are very similar, remove the one that you want less.

(Two yellow sweaters,one is $50,the other is $40)

4. This is more of an addition to step 3. Remove the things that you feel are way out of your budget. This doesn’t happen too much, but there might be one or two things that are plain unreasonable.

5. This is the hard part. Remove the things that you want, but can’t afford right now. This may be that belt that you added though you already have one, or the sweater that you doubt you would wear often. This item will be for next time.

(Price is $190)

(Price is $170)

6. CHECK FOR COUPONS! There are usually coupons for sites, just google “**Insert site name** coupons” and click away

7. Purchase. You might have to completely empty your cart and try over, just to make sure you get things right, but this method should leave you satisfied with no regrets.

8. After making the final purchase, get away from your computer and do whatever you can to distract yourself from what you've just done. Have a drink, go out, read, or watch a movie...whatever. The more you forget about buying those items, the more they will be a surprise the day they finally come in the mail. It's your birthday whenever you want it to be!

Music's Influence

As some of you may know, I myself am a musician,painter,and i draw. Because of this i am never satisfied with my own music,and often change what i listen to. One artist that has stood through the times and my delete button is Stevie Wonder. I cannot bring myself to not listen to Stevie less than at very least 30 minutes every day. For the past two days this song has been stuck in my head. Please enjoy.

Snow!: Dress Accordingly

First of all I would like to note that Alison Frederique conceived this post, I am only here to bring it to my readers.

Dressing to battle the cold and snow is nothing easy, and usually forces one to compromise style. Today I wore my uniqlo peacoat, (Shout outs to Rhamier at http://www.freshsince1991.com/ ) polo merino wool sweater, Levi 501 stf,and common projects sneakers. This outfit was thrown together to go to the bank, then corner store so don’t expect it to be the greatest thing ever…though I shouldn’t make any excuses.

ANYWAY

Here are some College Budget accessories you can get to keep warm until the warm weather springs in. I think it’s a bit too late for coat and sweater shopping.

Accessories:

http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=3969872&categoryId=3896854&cp=3138868

http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=3915226&categoryId=3896854&cp=3138868

http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=3915225&categoryId=3896854&cp=3138868

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3709453&cp=1760781.2877674&ab=ln_men_cs2_hats%2Cgloves%2Cscarves&parentPage=family

http://www.martinandosa.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat610049&productId=prod970072

http://www.martinandosa.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat610045&productId=prod970049

And I believe I will indulge in LL Bean (The official boots of http://www.sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com/ lol ) boots next winter.

Forgive me creativity, for I have sinned.

This is my bored face in class. It was anthropology 101,my only class on Tuesdays, and even with songs buzzing in my head and a macbook in front of me, I got terribly stricken by the disease. I seriously do feel guilty for getting bored…No real post,I was just bored.

Style 101

I have no intention to teach style. Style is not taught it’s honed. I am not the professor, I am just a colleague that you get notes from. The notes I take are in my handwriting, and not everyone will be able to read it, get me?

I will analyze this picture (Taken by Scott Schuman) in my view. Learning how to analyze what you like about something makes it easier to learn how to pull off something you wanted to try yourself.

Coat-Neutral color. Lapels go over to hood, which is unique. The coat looks oversized, but if you pay attention to her waist you can see it pulls in.

Cardigan- It seems she has a neutral navy blue cardigan under her coat. The color helps make a gradient effect from her shirt out to her coat.

Shirt- Common shirt color, and nothing truly unique about it.

Skirt- Colorfulness of the dress balances the blandness of everything else she wears.

Leggings- Green is unusual, but the shade of green compliments the both the calm tone of the clothes, and the loud dress.

Accessories- The best way to compliment an outfit is with great accessories! Her green bag matches her leggings, and the gold strap matches her hair color. The bronze-ish chain goes well to center her bland shirt. The glasses do well to round out her face and match the coat.

Orientation.

Good Morning. This is my greeting. Hearing "good morning" inspires optimism, and I use it as a greeting anytime of day.

That's me

This blog will focus on 4 major points

-Ivy League style

-Affordable, nice clothes

-Strategies of purchasing

-Fashion

As a college freshman, and avid blog reader, I realize that most blogs have clothes in excess of $500, which my income wouldn’t allow. My blog is basically going to be what I was looking for. The common sweater I post will be around $40,oxford or dress-shirts will cost around $20-$50,pants will be around $50. The outerwear I cover will most likely be the most expensive aspect (other than shoes), I would project around $100. Shoes will vary from $80-$200.

I will also post my favorite idea to help my spending (besides writing out my expenses), the “things to get” list. Realizing that I would need certain items I made a list of things I want, and can’t afford at the moment. As time goes by I would check my list to see if there’s a sale or anything, and one thing that I realized is that I wouldn’t want certain things anymore. Once you get to realize you don’t want something you can just cross them off, they probably appealed to you as fashionable, but didn’t if into your style.

This blog is to help you on your transition from who you were to who you want to be.