Alex Grant

PF Flyers: The Original Sandlot

2013-10-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

Giving my propensity for nostalgia and style, PF Flyers reached out a month ago to send a pair of The Original Sandlots and like the movie, they quickly became a favorite. The sneaker is surprisingly more comfortable than expected due to the padded "Sandlot" insert and the classic black on black silhouette speaks volumes even when you remove the 20th Anniversary tag. Others may think you're wearing regular PF Flyers throughout the day, but the green "The Secret Weapon" tag on the inside of the shoe provides a quiet confidence that you can conquer any Beast may that comes your way.

Purchase here

Pointer Brand Indigo Denim Double Needle Chore Jacket

2013-10-07T10:39:00.001-04:00

Pointer Brand Indigo Denim Double Needle Chore Jacket

One of the best parts about having a style blog is having the opportunity to document's one style evolution. From preppy to work wear, my personal style (and this blog) has indeed changed over the years but the core of my style has always remained the same: Stick with the classics but always try and give it a twist. Whether it's switching laces, or finding a unique color or fabric, I always strived to put my own personal touch on my outfit and when I stumbled upon this Contract Pocket Chore Jacket from Pointer Brand it definitely fit the bill.

For the past few months, I've been heavily inspired by Japanese menswear and I believe this Pointer Jacket was made for its Japanese clients which is evident by its deep indigo color, contrast hickory pocket, red stitching. An American made product made for a Japanese market is always a win win for me.

Only a small number of these were produced so act fast.

Fixed Geared Bikes 101

2013-09-01T17:16:00.000-04:00

Pure Fix Cycles

Debating for some time whether to play it safe and purchase a standard cycling bike or channel my inner creative self (read: hipster) with a fixed gear bike, I decided to take the plunge and try a fixie. And after riding around for a few days, I discovered a few things that I want to share: Riding a fixie is a lot harder than expected and yet more rewarding that I imagined.

It took me a few days to find the right combination of colors, size, and price that suited my needs but I eventually settled on Pure Fix Cycles because of their solid reviews and good reputation for excellent customer service. The bike came in a week about 80% already put together. I had to put on the front tire, handlebars, seat and peddles. Pure Fix suggest taking it to a bike shop for assembly (and to activate the warranty) but I put it together myself and took it to my local shop to give it a once over.

As someone who hasn't ridden a bike in years, hoping on a fixed gear bike was indeed a challenge. The bike comes out of the box on the single speed hub which means that it rides like a standard bike but I quickly realized that only having a front brake makes stopping on a dime quite difficult to execute. So I switched it to fixed gear and the first thing I noticed was that I couldn't coast because the pedal is always in motion. To make the bike stop, you have to stop peddling by putting back pressure on the peddles. It's actually easier to stop the bike using the peddles on the fixed gear than using only the front brake on the single speed gear. My national inclination to pedal backwards or not pedal at all when reaching the desired speed was the first barrier I had to overcome when riding the fixie.

Pure Fix has flip flop hubs which means it can go from single speed to fixed with a flip of the tire.

After trying the fixed side for a short bit, I changed it back to single speed because I found it so difficult. Switching the hub, the bike seemed to take off as I rode around the park on the single speed. I enjoyed the freedom of the freewheel peddles on the single speed but once again, I found trying to stop the bike counterintuitive with only the front brake so I eventually went back to the fixed gear.

I purchased a drop handlebar because I always loved the way they look aesthetically but this also took some time to get used to. However, the front brake that comes with the bike is only designed to fit a standard handlebar so I had to find a slightly longer screw that enabled the brake to fit securely around the bar. I'll probably buy a proper drop handlebar brake in the future but the interesting part is that I find myself barely using the front brake on the fixie because the back pressure on the peddle is so affective for stopping.

Overall, I love this bike. The challenge of continuous peddling is tough but my feeling of self satisfaction overshadows the difficulty when I arrive at my destination. If I eventually go for a 10 mile ride, I will know that I peddled exactly 10 miles (not coast for majority of it). My one complaint is that the standard seat is not the most comfortable in the world but I have nothing to compare it to since I was never a big bike rider growing up. I'll probably upgrade the seat in the near future.

Editor's Note: Enter "free99" for free shipping.

Yeezy II Inspired Nike Roshe Run

2013-06-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Yeezy 2 Nike Roshe Run

Since I'm currently in the market for a casual running shoe and wanting to go against the grain (a little by not opting for Fly Knits), I decided to customize a pair of Nike Roshe Runs inspired by Kanye West's Nike Yeezy II. I ordered them on 5/22 and they arrived today 6/20. I've been a minimalist runner for a while now so I've grown accustomed to wearing Nike Frees and I must say that these are just as comfortable.

Using a mostly Black palate with the Fusion Red liner and pull tab, the finish product is spot on with the original. And although the Roshes do not glow in the dark, the arctic green soles is as close as it gets.

On feet.

Factory Tour of Southwick

2013-03-27T11:22:00.005-04:00

Southwick Factory Tour

I recently took a trip to Haverhill, Ma to visit the legendary Southwick suiting factory for s(ny)der. And since I only posted a few pictures on Todd Snyder's blog, here's the full tour in its entirety.

Archives: The Vitals Guide to Buying a Rolex

2013-02-25T08:58:00.001-05:00

Vitals Magazine 2005

Whenever I find myself in the market for a classic item (watches, trench coats, shoes, etc.), I usually pull out one of my old Vitals Magazines for guidance. The now defunct magazine was truly something special when it comes to buying guides and their Rolex feature was no exception. So if you are thinking about buying a Rolex now or sometime in the future, be sure to study this guide in order to make an informed decision.

B-Role: Behind the Scenes of Todd Snyder's FW'13

2013-02-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

B-role: Behind the scenes shots of Todd Snyder FW'13

Since I have a lot of left over footage from s(ny)der's coverage of Todd Snyder's FW'13 collection, I decided to make a B-role post of behind the scenes shots of the fitting and the actual show.

Snyder NY - Introducing Todd Snyder's new blog

2013-02-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

Todd Snyder's Blog

Along with writing copy for Todd Snyder, my main contribution is serving as the editor for his new blog, Snyder NY, which launched today. Check out Valet Magazine's interview with Todd and myself about the purpose and importance of social media in the fashion industry.

Interviewed by Great Lakes Prep

2013-02-05T13:13:00.001-05:00

Great Lakes Prep

Special thank you to Nick of Great Lakes Prep for including me in his You Ought To Be Reading series. Read the interview here and be sure to check out his blog.

Harris Tweed Headphones

2013-01-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

Harris Tweed Earphones by Urbanears

Always on the look out to enhance my listening experience, I recently acquired a pair of headphones from Urbanears. Known for their array of colors and fabrics, the Harris Tweed edition is by far the best (especially during the cold month where they can double as ear muffs). The one-touch remote with microphone, non-tangle cords, and extra jack (for sharing music) only adds to the total package of these headphones. And although I wouldn't put the sound up there with Bose or Beats by Dre, you can't beat having authentic Harris Tweed wrapped around your ears. Purchase them here.

Featured on GQ.com

Dream Job, Dream Year

2013-01-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

Day 1 at Todd Snyder

It's interesting how something can start out as an outlet and become a passion. I began writing this blog in 2009 as a way to catalog my favorite things (but more importantly, as an creative outlet from my legal job) with no real goal in mind. I've always been creative in one sense of the word but I never thought of it as a career choice. I still remember reading an article about Andy Spade in '03 and thinking how being a creative director/copywriter would be the coolest thing ever but I had no idea what to do or where to start.

Well, fast forward to this week and I found myself in NYC starting my dream job as a copywriter/editor for Todd Snyder. I'll be writing copy for their products, developing promotions/campaigns, and running their blog (which are all skills that I cultivated here at Alex Grant over the years). And although it has not been an easy road, the journey has been very rewarding and I am eternally grateful for all of the opportunities that lead up to this moment.

I just want to personally thank each and every one of you for stopping by and supporting me over the years. Hopefully, this blog encouraged you to not only dress better but to follow your dreams.

Make every year a #dreamyear,

Skip

Spring '13 at Gant Rugger Bleecker Street

2013-01-15T08:28:00.002-05:00

Gant Rugger on Bleecker Street

Although the weather is still a little nippy, Spring has definitely arrived at Gant Rugger on Bleecker Street with its pastels shirts and sweaters. Take a look inside one of my favorite shops in New York and get ready to dream about the warmer months on the horizon.

Inside Bobby from Boston

2013-01-06T11:06:00.002-05:00

Bobby From Boston

When it comes to vintage menswear, nobody does it better than Bobby From Boston. Around every turn and under every nook, this place is such a treasure trove of Bass Weejuns, Pendleton shirts, and Harris Tweed jackets that it requires a few trips to fully absorb the greatness of this store. Take a look inside and see for yourself.

Bobby from Boston
19 Thayer St.
Boston, MA 02118

Brick & Mortar: Ball and Buck

2013-01-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

Ball and Buck

Ball and Buck is the equivalent of your favorite menswear blog coming to life. A place where 100% of the products are made in America and a full service barber shop sits ready to make you handsome, this shop successfully combines everything that you love about the menswear scene in a comfortable stylish environment. From Allen Edmonds, Danners, Red Wings, Schott, New Balance and of course their own brand, Ball and Buck is a breath of fresh air to the over saturated shopping scene on Newbury Street. Take a look inside and be sure stop by the next time you're in town.

Ball and Buck
144B Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

Style Legacies: Chris Bray of Billykirk

2013-01-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

Chris Bray of Billykirk

From those who came before us to the ones we leave behind, legacies are often the ties that bind all generations. Not just limited to family members, Style Legacies are often built around objects or past events that permeate our present style choices today. In this series, I will explore the style legacies of some of the most stylish people I know and explore their past influences as well as the style legacies they hope to leave behind. First up is Chris Bray of Billy Kirk

Style Legacies - Chris Bray of Billykirk from Alex Grant Creative Agency on Vimeo.

Wearing Nostalgia On Your Wrist

2012-12-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

Ingersoll 30s Collection Mickey Mouse Watch

One of the things that I've learned since starting this blog is that nobody does nostalgia like the Japanese. From buying up classic American brands like Brooks Brothers in search of authentic Ivy Style to securing old selvedge denim looms from American mills, it just seems as though the Japanese culture has a great sense of holding on to things that matter. Another thing that I love about the Japanese culture is their love for cartoons (as a father, I can totally relate to this). I can't remember if I read this or saw it in a movie, but I recall hearing that it would be common place to see a Japanese man reading a comic book on the train to work instead of the morning paper. I say all of this to highlight the fact that nostalgia is not a bad thing when made in small increments. Case in point: a classic character watch.

Now, if you follow my instagram then you are well aware that I'm a big Mickey Mouse fan. I recently found myself in the market for a new Mickey watch and stumbled upon a few great options from Japanese brands such as Beams and Jam Home Made.

Jam Home Made

Over the Stripes x Beams

One thing I've noticed about these Japanese Mickey watches were the subtlety of the character. None of them are shaped like Mouse ears and more importantly, they both take cues from classic Mickey. This quickly became my criteria for looking for a character watch. However, since I've never purchased anything from a Japanese site before, I decided to keep the search stateside and either go vintage or new.

I searched ebay for some classic Mickey watches and fell in love with a few but ultimately, I was kind of looking for the best of both worlds: A new watch that paid homage to the classic mickey style. Then I found it.

Side by side: A 1930s Mickey Mouse Watch next to the Reissue

Last year, Ingersoll reissued the classic 1930s Mickey Mouse Watch (the first to feature Mickey) that stayed true to the original watch even down to the mechanical movement (using modern parts of course).

Ingersoll-Waterbury Co. debuted the first production model in 1933. The brainchild of a Montgomery Ward buyer and Disney merchandising prodigy Kay Kamen, the Mickey watches were an immediate hit and are credited with saving Ingersoll from bankruptcy. According to legend, more than 11,000 were sold in one day at Macy's in New York. - Hodinkee

The watch comes in a box similar to the original 1930s gift box. And although I appreciate the details of the leather band, I ultimately decided to remove it for safe keeping (until I pass it on to my son) and switch it for a NATO strap.

Each watch is numbered.

Overall, I really love this watch. I never had a winding watch before but as reader Chris Chan tweeted to me on Saturday,

[It] takes some getting used to, but I like the routine of winding it up in the morning. It's like saying "Here we go" to the day.

Well said. Amazon currently has it on sale for half the retail price.

And even if Mickey isn't your thing, the same principles apply when looking for any character watch: Try to go with a classic clean watch with a possible early rendition of the character, switch the strap and enjoy a little nostalgia in your life.

Duffer x Snoopy

Editor's Note: If you are interested in learning more about classic Mickey watches, Ingersoll Mickey Mouse blog and Mickey Mouse Watch Co. are both great resources.

Merit Clothing Line: Good Brand, Good Cause

2012-12-20T09:09:00.002-05:00

Merit

Recently, I was introduced to David Merritt who decided to start a line as a way to not only find the type of clothing he wanted to wear but give to a worthy cause that's very important to him: education. From Ebbett Field Flannel hats to denim and woven shirts, all of his items are made in America and 20% of everything (not just profits) goes towards college scholarships. Merit is still in its funding stages so be sure to head on over to the site and contribute. Look good and do good, that's a win, win.

Pop Up Flea V

2012-12-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

Pop Up Flea V

If you missed the Pop Up Flea this year, you definitely missed something special. Take a look at some of my favorite shots from inside and then head on over to Four Pins to see some of my street style pics.

Danner Other American Made Goods

2012-11-13T12:58:00.002-05:00

Along with their great America made boots, Danner is now selling other American made goods that are sure to be favorites around holiday season.

Beckel Canvas Rucksack

Beckel Canvas Catch All Bag

Jacob Bromwell Popcorn Popper

Beckel Canvas Log Carrier

Roy Toy Log Building Set

Tanner Goods Notebook

Pendlenton Lake Camp Blanket

Grigri Growler

Wooden Knife Kit

Wooden Puzzle Kit

Big Game Kit Journal Kit

Stronghold Carpenters Tote

Lone Wolf Swale Knife

Velvicut Felling Axe

Classic Tin Cup

Archives: Navy-ism by Free & Easy

2012-11-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

For Veteran's Day, I decided to celebrate classic Navy style with a back issue of Free & Easy. Michael Williams of ACL posted these images in a 5 part series back in 2008 and it still remain one of my all-time favorites.

Images from ACL

Special thank you to all who have served.

Jack Spade Fall '12

2012-10-31T10:57:00.000-04:00

Jack Spade's Fall 12 collection just arrived and it's preppy, quirky, and classic as ever. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hat

Herringbone Bill Holder

Wool Texting Gloves

Tie

Belt

Editorial: Michael Bastian for Randolph Engineering

2012-10-29T07:57:00.000-04:00

Michael Bastian for Randolph

American optical maker, Randolph Engineering, teamed up with American designer, Michael Bastian, to design some of the coolest clip-ons shades around. God bless America

Frames: M. Bastian for Randolph
Clip on: M. Bastian for Randolph
Model: Christina Mahurin
Photographer: Branden "Skip" Brooks

Special thanks to:
Mary Waszkiewicz at Randolph Engineering
James Harris at BPMW

Bills Khakis - Made in the USA

2012-10-23T08:02:00.000-04:00

Bills Khakis

If you are looking for a one-stop shop where everything from outerwear, shirts, pants and accessories are made in America, look no further than Bills Khakis. Here are a few of my favorites from their fall 2012 collection.

Shoreman Sweater

Washed Oxford

Scottish Plaid Flannel Scarf

Cardigan

Berkshire Jacket

D-Ring Grosgrain Belts

Hopkins Coat English Waxed Cotton

Village Plaid

Varsity

Duffle

Penn Check

Review: Danner Mt. Light Elkins from The Breakroom

2012-10-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

Danner Mt. Light Elkins

My Breakroom purchase of Danner's Mt. Light Elkins arrived at my doorstep a few days ago and haven't left my feet since. Here's why.

My initial thought was how great these boots look but the real high marks lie in its comfort.

The boots came with a pair of Danner's airthoic (a heel insert) that only added to superior level of comfort. On the sunniest of days, you will be looking for a reason to wear these boots.

They come with black laces but I switched them with red Danner laces that I purchased earlier this year.

Danner says that only the boots marked as second quality are actually second quality on The Breakroom. These were not marked as second quality If you are in a rush, you can buy a pair here. But if you have patience, wait until your favorite pair of Danners appear in The Breakroom (click for invite) for half the retail price and quickly pull the trigger.

Archives || Fall Outerwear Suggestions from The Goonies

2012-10-16T10:37:00.001-04:00

The Goonies

Find lost treasure, have the adventure of a lifetime and save your town all while looking good with these fall outerwear suggestions from The Goonies.

Apolis + Sierra Designs Parka

Denim Jacket

Trench

J.Crew Factory Trench

L.L. Bean Wool Parka

Bomber Jacket

Alpha Industries