The Five Piece Project.

Francis of of Greensleeves To A Ground, featured on Ivy Style...

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:22:00 -0500

Francis of of Greensleeves To A Ground, featured on Ivy Style send us a wonderful submission. Thanks for sticking around during the Holiday hiatus. Posting should be back in full force as long as we keep getting submissions. (fivepieceproject@gmail.com)

What I like about the Ivy Look of the 1960’s, especially what was being done on college campuses, is the possibility of having a great look between casual and sportswear. An outfit both simple and practical. All one has to do is look at Steve McQueen, Paul Newman or the students featured in Take Ivy: jeans or chinos, penny loafers or canvas sneakers, a sweatshirt or an oxford shirt with a jacket (tweed, madras depending on the season.) No unnecessary accessories (McQueen rarely wore a belt.) The Ivy Look is about quality clothing, not expensive clothing, that we reuse or customize year after year to feel comfortable. If you run into me this spring, it’s very likely you’ll see me wearing something like this.

Cotton Champion USA Sweatshirt. I own quite a few sweatshirts, which I like because of their childish side. However, I particularly like this one because the logo and writing are characteristic of the sweatshirts that used to be given to in-coming freshmen. I found it in a little Paris thrift shop. I was told that it was brought back from the famous Rose Bowl flee-market by the store owner. The burgundy color goes with absolutely everything and it is both extremely comfortable and warm enough for all seasons. Simply amazing.

Yellow Rain Coat. Part of a very limited series by Gant Rugger, this coat is perfect both for its cut and its classic yellow color. Since Rugger gave it to me, I have had it with me every time there was the slightest chance of rain in the forecast. I also use it as a (very effective) windbreaker.
White Lee Cooper Jeans (Tailored) I found this pair on eBay for next to nothing. They are a vintage piece, dating back to the 1980’s and were made to measure in England (which Lee Cooper no longer does.) The cut is absolutely perfect, similar to that found in the 60s, and I wear these whenever the sun is out, even in winter!
Bass Loafers Ivy Style without GH Bass? Impossible. I’ll wear these loafers ‘till my toes are sticking out of them! They’re so simple, they can go with anything: with a suit, chinos, jeans or shorts. I put them on all year-around, with socks or not. Still, I’m not to the point where I fix them up with white tape (see Take Ivy.)
Off-White Wool Crew Socks, Wigwam.The guilty pleasure of 60’s students and mine too. These Wigwams are tougher than the Adlers that everyone wore back in the day: they keep their color and don’t stretch as much.

my 5 favourite wardrobe piecesmy...

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:38:41 -0500

my 5 favourite wardrobe pieces
my blog:http://compulsiveawesomeness.tumblr.com/

1.) Midnight Blue 2 button MTM Suit with 1,75 inch cuff, no break, 4 kissing button surgeon cuff - A real investment, versatile as hell because it’s basically a business suit(seen at my internships Christmas party) but can also function very well at night at a more formal setting or casually if I just wear the jacket.

2.) Crockett & Jones Lowdes Double Monks- Bought brand new on Ebay from a factory outlet directly in North Hampton at a huge discount. Before the whole internet bloggersphare went all crazy about dub monks… wear em with everything from chinos to jeans to suits etc., sockless in the summer and maybe with swims when I get back to Germany’s unmerciful weather next year.

3.) Burberry Light Weight DB Trenchcoat- bought this 2 years ago at a online sale on Burberrys British website during a time when the Euro was at its peak and the Pound was cheap as hell…love it to this day since a Raincoat always comes handy where I’m from and it’s light as hell so I can pack it everywhere I go ( like to Paris as seen on the photo) just in case the weather gets bad

4.) RRL Salvage Raw Slim Fit- everybody needs a good pair of jeans and since I was in desperate need of a new pair, it was the one of the first things I bought when I got to LA.

5.) Ca. 1940 vintage Omega watch- I bought this from a family friend as a cheaper alternative to my Breitling Navitimer because I didn’t want to worry about it being stolen when I travel since it’s not too flashy but still very versatile since I switch my bands a lot, from Nato Straps to croc leather etc.

1 | Madewell sheer silk oxford: This to me is one of my most...

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:01:48 -0500

1 | Madewell sheer silk oxford: This to me is one of my most perfect and versatile of pieces. The colors of it are my own personal rainbow of wardrobe colors and the plaid pattern just adds to its perfection. Because of the silk material and the sheerness of it, it adds the right amount of femininity to whatever I’m wearing, and the lightness of it makes it ideal for layering as a woman because it doesn’t add bulk under sweaters. Plus wearing a silk shirt under a cashmere sweater is like being hugged by a cloud - dreamy. I would wear it everyday if I could - in fact I wore it today which explains the wrinkles. Pardon me!
2 | A Black Bandage Skirt: In fashion and in architecture there is a need for proportion and balance. So as much as I love to layer, jackets over sweaters under vests over oxfords, I always find a need to balance the layers and any bulkiness with something simple - ie this black bandage skirt. It, in a way, allows me to pull of menswear with my own feminine flair. Plus I can dress it up or down, and layer it under other things as well.
3 | AllSaints Damisi Boot: These are one of the nicest pairs of shoes I own, and I own a LOT of shoes. It was constructed after a 1952 Vietnam Tropical Combat boot and being from Vietnam myself, it is interesting to see how something, like war, can eventually inspire something like this. I feel like I am walking in my fathers footsteps, literally, when I am wearing them. Not to mention they have some pretty solid construction and I can wear them sleek and buckled or wayward and careless basically the way they are pictured here. They go with everything, from rolled up jeans, to tweed sweatpants, and even with tutus. And yes I said tutus, probably the only time you will see that word in this project.
4 | A Wide Brim Wool Fedora: Finally got one this year because I was tired of being cold with nothing but a beanie and a scarf to keep me warm. THE most versatile of my accessories, I wear it when it is cold and when it is drizzling, leaving my snowboard beanies and broken umbrellas to dust. It’s like the cherry on top of my outfits, it completes everything and adds just a touch of oomph to whatever I’m wearing. Sure I get weird looks when I wear it - I have been called “the hamburgler” many a times, but hey, it’s me, and I do like myself a burger or two.
5 | My Rings and Jewelry: But mainly my rings, if I am known for one thing it might be them. I’m an architect and my hands are my life- I work with them everyday, so why not project my personality onto them? I always love the unexpected, and I generally only wear things that have meaning to me. Tigers are my Lunar zodiac, and sharks are fun to swim with (the whale kind, not the real ones yet) so a lot of my rings are shaped like that. One ring I got from a gypsy in Greece, another from a dealer in Thailand, and some things are just plain awesome - ie a double finger sword ring. Every piece has a story and I have a lot of stories to tell. My jewelry allows me to reflects the bit of whimsy I have to the world without being too unprofessional.
5.5 | RRL Beacon Weekender: Sorry I’m cheating here, but I consider it a 5.5 submission because I don’t get to carry it that often, but whenever travel calls me, you will see me with this weekender. This bag was the genesis of my appreciation of fine work in clothing and accessories. I got it at a steal since my cousin worked for Ralph. There was basically only 20 made ever, weaved after an old Indian blanket, and the leather and hardware constructed using vintage tools and techniques. It is truly a work of art and this picture does not do it justice. Its construction and attention to detail are the very essence of the RRL combined in one piece , so that should be explanation enough to why it’s on here.
So that’s that and thanks a bunch! Keep up the great work guys :)
-xoxx- Steph of helloSteph and co-author of wearingArchitecture
Ed. Note: Steph kindly also sent us a version with only five items, but this is America, who are we to deny you if you have six. This is only an exception though. Please try to stick to five when possible.

1. Ted Baker Herringbone Blazer: This is of the first articles I...

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:52:00 -0500

1. Ted Baker Herringbone Blazer: This is of the first articles I ever owned that had a “tailored” fit. I love this blazer. The peak lapels give it some distinction from my other blazers and I can wear it with almost anything, in any situation.
2. Martin + Osa OCBD: I like all my OBCD’s equally, they are the most versatile pieces of clothing that I own and I would wear them everyday if I could. However, this one in particular I picked when M+O was going out of business and I picked up for something like $15… which makes like it even more.
3. Ferragamo Double Monks: I own a good amount of shoes for a guy but these are my favorite. I get a compliment every single time I wear them. I don’t understand why I never see men wearing them around.
4. Unbranded Jeans: I’ve always worn Levi’s(except for judgment lapse year filled with diesels). These are my first pair of raw, selvedge denim… I haven’t touched my Levi’s since.
5. Jack Purcell’s: I love my Vans Authentics but for some reason I have always dug Purcell’s more.

Want to give a special thanks to Ashley over at Socks & Crocs for this submission.

Red Knit Beanie: I have a thing for hats, especially red ones....

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:29:00 -0500

Red Knit Beanie: I have a thing for hats, especially red ones. This handmade knit beanie caught my attention at a thrift store. It slouches just right on my head and adds a bright pop to any outfit.
Levi’s Plaid Button-Up: This is the longest-standing shirt in my wardrobe; I’ve been wearing it for six years. I love it because it looks good with the sleeves rolled up or down, tucked in or out, with pants or with shorts. It layers well, the colors look good with my skin whether or not I’m tan and it always gains a compliment. This is a second-hand store find.
Cognac-toned Leather Belt: The newest item in my wardrobe, found at a second-hand Western-wear store on a recent trip I took to Wyoming. I love it because it’s already broken in and the weathered brass buckle is unique.
‘Black’ Jeans: I found these at a second-hand store on a trip to San Francisco. They used to be very black and sort of ill-fitting. Once I had them tailored, they fit like a dream and I wore them so much that they faded to brown in some areas. This used to bother me but when I kept receiving compliments on how cool my “brown” jeans were, I realized that it was because they had character. So now I like them even more for that reason. These are my go-to pants.
Frye Erin Oxfords: These shoes came to me at a time I was searching for women’s oxfords for years so it was a moment of elation for me when I found them online. The price had me contemplating for a while, as you can notice in the above entries I’m used to paying very little for clothes. Well I have to say that they’re the best $170 I’ve ever spent. They were immediately comfortable out of the box, like they were made for my feet. I wear them with anything and everything.

Thank you! Erickaloveorfear.tumblr.com

Submission from beatboxgoesthump. Hello gentlemen, Here is my...

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:45:00 -0500

Submission from beatboxgoesthump.

Hello gentlemen,

Here is my submission for The Five Piece Project! Sorry the quality of the photos aren’t all that great, but I think you get a good look at the items regardless :)
1. Massimo Dutti Toggle Knit Sweater — I absolutely adore everything about this sweater—from the knit, to the toggle buttons, to the color, to the way it fits me perfectly. This sweater means a lot to me because I bought it on my first trip to Paris last Fall. I had been looking forever for something just like it, and stumbled across it one night walking on the Champs-Elysees and I couldn’t be happier with it. I like that I can wear it casually with a pair of jeans or I can dress it up with some trousers or a tweed blazer. It is very versatile, and very warm!
2. Rugby Ralph Lauren Lined-Collar Chapman Oxford — I could wear this shirt every single day. I would wear it to sleep if I didn’t hate ironing so much. It’s soft and built to last. This shirt feels classic and timeless to me, so I feel like it will never go out of style. Like the sweater, it can be dressed up or down which makes it fully functional. Another great thing about this shirt is the lined-collar…I am a big fan of the little things…details kids, details.
3. Anchor Belts — I am obsessed with anchors. Personally, it doesn’t get any better for me than these two belts right here. The leather one is from J.Crew and the canvas/leather one is a Leather Man Ltd.
4. Banana Republic Tweed Blazer — I think I bought this blazer in 2007 when I was going through a huge love for tweed. I bought it one size too big so that I could wear lots of layers underneath. I love all the tiny details on this jacket and it is super warm. The mismatching buttons are what first caught my eye, then the leather elbow patches and leather lined collar. There are some stitching details on the pockets and this jacket never fails to land a compliment every time I wear it out. I haven’t been a huge fan of Banana Republic lately, but this jacket was certainly a gem of a find.
5. Italian Leather Oxfords — Another purchase from Paris! My (shopping) goal for Paris was to find an amazing pair of shoes, and I can safely say that it was a success. I wear these shoes almost every day. After the first day of wearing them I was a little worried that I spent too much money for shoes that left my feet feeling broken with pain. But after a couple of days, these babies broke in really nicely and are now one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. There aren’t words to describe how in love I am with these shoes. I wear them with or without socks, with jeans or with trousers, dressed up or dressed down…amazing.
Great idea for a blog guys! Love it! :)-Ky

HiI love the blog - it’s one of my favourites and I check...

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:01:00 -0500

Hi
I love the blog - it’s one of my favourites and I check it most days.
As you may be able to tell I haven’t been into clothes in a big way until recently, so I’m still building up my wardrobe. All of these clothes were bought in the last 2 months (except the jeans) and they have proved excellent. These clothes have inspired me to improve my wardrobe over the next year. Here are my five pieces:
White Vans Authentics (w/ leather laces and waxed like Ryan) The comfiest, best value and, in my opinion, the most stylish shoe that you can beat up and wear everyday. Not sure what else to say.Universal Works SocksI love these socks too much. Knitted in England and made of super-soft, super-warm wool - these are my uniform this winter - they look great in blue too. My new favourite sock.APC Petite Standard These are slightly too skinny for my taste, and the low rise gets on my nerves a tad. However they are still the best jeans I’ve owned to date; they’re very comfortable and I wear them almost every day. I want to see them through till the end - I’m 5 1/2 months in now (no washes) and the fades are just developing. They are a great introduction to raw denim even if I won’t be buying this cut again.GANT Rugger Syracuse Twill ShirtMy first shirt not bought from Topman or H&M - the difference in quality is amazing (so soft and warm); it has persuaded me to buy higher quality from now on . I love the little details: the button-down collar, the locker loop, the embroidered logo on the cuff. It makes it that little bit more special. Plus it’s a lovely autumnal check.Albam Trail ParkaThis coat is indestructible. The thick, heavy waxed cotton keeps the elements out, and since it’s unlined and unstructured I can wear anything under it. It has been a great investment; again, the details make it (chambray hood and pocket lining, sturdy metal zip and poppers, leather toggles), and it has made Albam one of my new favourite brands.
I hope I’ve been of service,Keep up the good work,
John
P.S. I hope you don’t mind that these aren’t my own photographs - I can take some but I can’t guarantee they’ll be any good.

Ed. Note: Yes, normally we would like your own pictures, if possible. Still, if it is a choice between bad photos and some one else’s , go ahead. One reminder, if you use picture that are not from a store (in the case Oi Polloi, Blackbird etc..) please remember to site your source so we can give them credit. No picture stealing here at FPP.

My name is Miles Berson, I’m a student at Bard College and...

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:52:00 -0500

My name is Miles Berson, I’m a student at Bard College and these are my five favorite wardrobe items:

First up are my 10” Bison Leather Bean Boots. Purchased a little over a month and a half ago, the leather has already begun to take on a wonderful character and they’re comfortable as all hell, especially with a pair of ragg wool socks. The color of the bison leather gives sets these boots apart from a lot of the other Bean boots I see around campus without standing out unnecessarily. Second, an old Wisconsin crew neck sweatshirt. Sized up a little bit for some room, and a really balls-out shade of red, it probably won’t earn me any style awards, but it gets the job done. My dad picked this up at Steve and Barry’s some time in the last decade or so, and now it’s mine. I go to school in the northeast but I lived my whole life in Wisconsin, and something about that lets me (I think) pull off an egregious state-school branded sportswear item without looking like a d-bag. Next, a pair of Levi’s 505s from god-knows how long ago. I literally don’t remember buying (or even owning) these jeans, but I was packing for college and discovered them buried among a drawer of ill-fitting, poorly styled jeans I assumed I’d never wear again. They’re not raw, selvedge, Japanese or any other denim buzzword, but they fit me like a dream and the fading is just stellar. I keep them cuffed since they’re a little long, but they’re my go-to jeans almost every day and they work with just about anything I can throw at them. Fourth, a scarf, hand knit by my mother from yarn that drifts back and forth between icy blue and steely grey. It’s long - unrolled it’s taller than me, so I can wrap my whole face in the thing for a deep Wisconsin winter or tuck it under a jacket for some muted color. Plus, nothing you’re mother made for you will ever be anything less than favorite. Last, a Royal Stewart flannel from LL Bean. It (along with the two identical other ones I have, one in black and white and one in Black Watch) is the softest shirt I own, incredibly warm but easily worn on a day when that’s not much of an issue.

Check out his tumblr here.

Ed Note: This is exactly what we want. Great, high res pictures, a concise and personal explanation of why these clothes mean a lot to you, and a well written text. Thanks so much for being our first submission Miles.