Scarves

When it becomes colder outside every gentleman is looking for something to keep themselves warm.  A scarf is just the thing that adds the extra warmth and color to what we men are wearing.  Personally, I like to have different textures and patterns in the scarves I wear to keep diversity in the wardrobe I have. Over time, I have acquired many different pieces, but this year I decided to make my own.

Polka dots and floral prints are stereotypically a women’s wear pattern, until the last couple of years.  Guys are starting to wear both of these designs in more ways than one.  I have seen men wear these prints in shirts, pants, and even ties.  I thought I would embrace this trend, so I visited my local fabric store. It wasn’t a simple task, since I am still novice to sewing. I thought it would be a good way to gain more experience with the machine. The time spent on the project was a matter of a couple days, but the results were flawless.

I like to wear scarves both for functionality and style; they really add a precise look to what I am wearing and they make the outfit stand out.  I feel like that creating these pieces not only is an addition to my wardrobe, but something I could look back on and say that “I made these.”  I feel this is an important part in not only understanding my own style, but feeling out my creative energies.  Creating something from scratch can be both hard and rewarding at the same time.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Thriftin’

An important part to my week is Thrifting.  I always go in with a mindset that I may or may not find exactly looking for but the venture might produce some good finds regardless.  Thrifting is like I am taking a look back in history.  I am able to find pieces from the past and make them relevant again. Something that I have learned over time is the timeless value of the clothing than a man can wear. I can remember a time when I didn’t care who made the clothing but that I had to put on certain types of clothing because they made you stand out to others.  

I see my journey into clothing and style at a thrift store to be a chance when I am able to appreciate certain pieces, the designers who made them, and why I think I should add them to my collection.  It’s easy to go into any store and find the shirt, or jeans that you want, but it’s a real challenge to find them at the thrift store.  I enjoy the hunt and the satisfaction of finding something I have always been looking for that matches my style.

I feel it’s important to mention that I love how a piece of clothing overtime ages and develops a certain type of character.  This is distinguished in the Bass shoes I found. The leather and the suede on these shoes have begun to wear, which has given them a really unique color and feel.  It also shows the value of a product and the timelessness that it has to offer.  Saddle shoes have been around for ages and continue to stay on trend in men’s wear.  The Dexter suede shoes I found are also timeless and right on the spot for something I can wear both casually and dressy.

The pocket squares I am wearing in my jacket were an old handkerchief and tablecloth that I cut up and sewed to my own specifications.  I enjoy that I can thrift something and restore it.  It serves as both a way of recycling and creativity.  It is fun to see the endless amounts of possibilities that something can be recreated and reused, as a result of thrifting.

Visit your local thrift stores and see what you are able to add to your collection of clothing.

Classically yours,

ZRH

DIY: Fall Whalin’

Besides mixing and matching, the easiest way to make your wardrobe seem fresh and new, is to add some extra edge to it.  I had the idea while searching through various DIY’s. With the help from my friend Kendra, we found that stamping could make an average sweater look really unique.  All it took was a trip to my favorite thrift shop Red Racks, Hobby Lobby, and an idea of a pattern and I have a original looking whale sweater.

I had every intention, originally, to go to the thrift store and find a really soft, old sweatshirt. Instead, I found a sweater that fit my criteria, of being slim fit and comfortable.  I was quite a bargain at $2.98.  The rubber stamp and paint at Hobby Lobby (with a coupon) was around $7.00. The entire project ends up costing under $10.00.  The most difficult part of this project was the stamping.  I would definitely recommend testing out the stamp on spare fabric before putting it on the desired piece. One thing I really liked about this project was that every impression I made on the sweater wit he the stamp, it was different than the one before it. While some may like it to look perfect, so don’t fret if it doesn’t come out as you think it should.

I think it is important to pick out a rubber stamp that embodies something about you. I chose the whale because I love nautical patterns.  One day, I hope I am able to see the ocean and appreciate it for everything it is. I feel like the whale, much like sailboats, are consistently on the journey somewhere into the unknown, but are also searching to discover something great. I see myself venturing into the limitless world of possibilities. I am hopeful in finding what I am looking for in my life.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Tinsel and Bows

Tis’ the season for Christmas music. The holidays are in full swing again and the music can be heard everywhere.  I decided this playlist would keep with some of the classics but I also wanted to keep it fresh with the indie artists I like covering these songs.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Turkey and Ties

 

It’s one of my favorite holidays. Thanksgiving is a time when an we’re able to really look at the things in our life that matter and appreciate them with our family and friends. Growing up, I remember seeing this holiday as one that I spent time with family and ate really good food.  It is now that my focus has changed and it has become much more sentimental.

My family tradition has always been travelling to my grandparents, eating large amounts of food, and watching the Parade/football/dog show. I loved the sights and smells of my grandparent’s house. It always felt so warm and cozy.  Grandma made pumpkin pie, turkey, sweet potatoes w/ marshmallows, and my favorite, cranberry sauce straight out of the can. We would talk about what’s going on in our lives and crack jokes.  Needless to say, these moments have never been forgotten.  These memories continually grow and remain timeless.

Thanksgiving for me, especially now, is time to think about what is important and what I am thankful for thus far. The family and friends I have who are always there with open arms and minds for anything I may want to converse about.  I am constantly blessed with the people around me that motivate me to my highest potential.  My mom has helped shape me into the man I am today and she inspires me to be something great. Life is nothing but an uphill battle and a journey into the unknown.  Mom has been there since day one to back up all of my choices. Whenever I am in doubt, I go to her for help and she always gives me the right advice.

This holiday should be spent with the people you love and those who inspire you in some way.  I have learned over the years, celebrating Thanksgiving, to be thankful for the people that have helped shaped me into the independent gentleman that I am today.  Have a good Thanksgiving.

Classically yours,

ZRH

 

Bonfire Playlist

During the last couple of years, my friends and I created a tradition to get together over a bonfire during the fall.  All of us sit around the fire, talk about a wide range of topics, and enjoy good food.  This playlist embodies the setting, my feelings, and how it will always be these moments shared with friends that will stick in my mind forever.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Fall Essential: Denim Jacket

When the days start getting colder and the leaves are changing, I look for a simple piece that adds some texture to my outfit.  The jean jacket stands out as something that is both classic and modern to any man’s closet.  What I enjoy the most about it, especially in the fall, is that it can be used a layering piece. It can be worn over a button up, t-shirt or even a sweater.

Jean jackets have been around for many generations and have been worn by many types of subcultures, including greasers, hippies, punks, and preps in the 80’s. Today, jean jackets are worn in a variety of ways. I prefer to wear mine almost like a sport jacket with a button-up, chinos, and a pocket square to add a bit of flair. The timelessness of the jean jacket is the coolest part about this fashion piece.

This Levi’s jean jacket I am wearing was handed down to me by a friend, whose father once wore it in the 1960’s.  His father wore it a lot and was really proud of it. He would wear it on dates with his wife driving his ’63 Chevy impala and on his ’48 Harley Davidson (during his greaser phase). It’s stood the test of time in both durability and functionality.  The color is deep, dark denim, which compliments the lighter colors and the varying of textures I wear in my wardrobe.  I can’t wait for the day when I am able to hand this down to my son. I hope he will keep the tradition alive and appreciate the richness and history of the jacket.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

Ubiquity of Inspiration

I am always searching for inspiration. The blogs I read and the Pins I see keep me motivated and focused. Occasionally, though, there is nothing like a great magazine that enhances the creative flow. Kinfolk magazine is a source of originality and a reminder of what it means to have traditions and the relationships that we have with friends.

Kinfolk is a fairly new magazine.  I picked up the fourth volume and was instantly hooked with the construction and overall feel of the content. Most of the publications I read are not of the physical quality of Kinfolk; it is built like a book. The pages are made of stiff card stock that makes the pictures look aged and unique with each turn.  The images are exhilarating. They focus on nature, food, and the traditions that still are held by individuals around the United States.

Traditions seem to be a dying standard. The days of people gathering and over great meals are seen as “old fashioned.” To me, it is these types of customs that keep an individual in touch with themselves and the people they care about.  Each year, people gather during Thanksgiving and Christmas not only to celebrate the holiday but also to share in each other’s company.  Kinfolk, in each issue, shows how conventional meetings amongst people can be important towards not only creating relationships but feeling like a more rounded individual.

In the fourth issue, an interview was conducted with Adam and Chelsea James, a young couple who traveled all over Europe for their honeymoon and before having their first child. By seeing the world together, they felt traveling was as a way that enabled them in becoming a stronger couple; Adam and Chelsea sought out inspiration by venturing into the unknown.  After returning home, they felt complete and now are settling down in their own world with a child.  This article really makes one think about the importance of seeing great things and experiencing them with the one you love. Its stories like this that makes Kinfolk one of the more unique and invigorating magazines out there. The cost of this publication is pricier than others on the store shelf at $18. Even so, it offers more to than just the price tag.  I highly recommend you check it out.

Classically Yours,

ZRH

The Playlist

`Thus far I hope everyone has enjoyed reading the blog as much as I have in creating it. I have some upcoming ideas to the blog that I feel will keep you coming back for more.  Instead of random postings on here I have future plans of a more consistent schedule.  When I started Independent Gentleman I didn’t have a clear direction but over the last couple of months I have contemplated where I see the blog going and continuing to grow. While I’m finalizing the details of this endeavor I created a playlist: Independent Gentleman

Enjoy…

Classically Yours,

ZRH