Only the Brave

When one uses the expression “fresh kicks” in the context of Wake Forest University, it’s undeniable that the first three styles that come to mind are Clark’s Wallabees, the ever-popular Sperry Top-Sider and Duck boots for the frattiest of frat stars. In my experience as a fashion enthusiast residing in a less-than-creative atmosphere, it’s been rare to find guys who venture outside of the usual Wake mold. When I do notice these innovators, they’re forever appreciated in my book as style drivers responsible for making the world a better place. I met Joe Sciarrino two years ago at a bar party. I’ll never forget how I struck up a conversation with him about his green Obey t-shirt (leave it to me to become bff’s with someone over their choice of garments), and I’ve admired his style ever since. Yes, he’s from New Canaan, Connecticut, and was a star private banking intern at Merrill Lynch, but please don’t peg this hip-hop-loving kid as your typical prep school boy from the northeast.

In keeping with the spirit of our established fashion philosophy, Joe was naturally an ideal candidate to personify individual style and originality. “I would say I transition from urban to preppy dependent on my surroundings, well-versed in both due to my hometown’s preppiness and my proximity to NYC.” Wise words if I do say so myself. Personally, my style has evolved quicker than ever with my summer experience interning for Diesel in Chelsea, the neighborhood so saturated by fresh-to-death hipsters and portfolio-toting models that style anywhere else just can't compare. I quickly became unfazed by the coolness of downtown fashion—it was the norm, not the exception. It wasn’t until I came back to campus that I could pick out elements of city looks and observe if and how they worked in a totally different environment. Exhibit A: Joseph Sciarrino’s Diesel sneakers.

“I try to pick out one item that I form my outfit around. Whether that is a bold tie or these sneakers, I do this so I have one defining item so that the overall look is not too loud,” Joe asserts. In this case, the shoes definitely make the outfit. Matching them with a pair of dark-wash jeans works equally as well as with some black denim straight leggers, balanced on top with a graphic tee or button-down. What’s perhaps most interesting about this entire situation is that the sneakers feature a stamp of Diesel’s logo, a profile of the Native American tribal chief with the words, “Only the Brave”, the name of Diesel’s holding company. Only the Brave: what a wildly appropriate term to describe these dressers who beg to challenge the process of typical Wake style. A few famous last words from our resident style master, Joe explains, “I think kids dress well at Wake and clearly care more about appearance than do those at other schools—that’s a good thing— but there is also a fear of not being too out-there, which poorly affects personal identity.” Props, Joe. I could not have said it better myself.

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Inflection point

It's miserable and embarrassing that I'm going back to school, yet have only posted a total of twice this summer. I guess my 100-mph lifestyle this summer has finally caught up with me - Exhibit A being a comment my uncle made (partially at my expense), gingerly describing my appearance as "partied out... but good" because it seemed I had found my niche in New York City after only a few months... "Sorry I'm not sorry."

My style has evolved quicker than ever interning in Chelsea, the neighborhood so saturated by portfolio-toting models that style anywhere else just can't compare. I've permanently traded in my sad Rainbow flip-flops for Sam Edelman cowboy boots as my footwear go-to's, and frat function crewneck tees for oversized, slouchy v-neck tops. Honestly, a white Fruit of the Loom undershirt paired with my exposed-pocket 7FAM shorts and the boots, accessorized only with my Ann Taylor LOFT single-strand gold necklace and Diesel sunglasses, is good enough for me to down some Colombian roast and be out the door. This look involves loads more substance than does any given Lilly polo or Tory Burch logo sweater matched with some yawn-inducing J. Crew 3-inch inseam chino shorts. Bye.

Carolina Cup 2010 AKA Preppy Heaven

As I went on my annual before-school spree, I noticed I was still being drawn to monochromatic pieces that complete a more androgynous look, the style I've nurtured after being constantly exposed to girls and guys exuding the textbook definition of effortless downtown chic. I thought to myself, if this is my look now, why stop? Why allow Wake's suffocating style palette of Jack Rogers sandals (vom) and Vineyard Vines everything to dictate the pieces I appreciate? I'm more certain than ever in my style and the aesthetics I appreciate; naysayers can kindly go fuck themselves.

This entire set is comprised of items I own (the necklace and mini-satchel are the only stand-ins), so this is a taste of a typical outfit on my end these days. I do find it ironic, though, that the outfit's main pieces both seem to channel borrowing from your boyfriend's wardrobe when in reality, I feel this is a uniform to convey newfound sentiments of confidence and control.

 V-neck Boyfriend Tee

Forever 21, $5

Boyfriend Shorts with Liberty Pocket Lining

7 For All Mankind, $160

Nile Short Cowboy Boot

Sam Edelman, $189

DS 0194 HAI

Diesel, $120

  

Vintage Snake Chain Necklace

Bop Bijoux, $98

 

Totally Turnlock Percy Cross Body Bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $198

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Diesel SS 2010 >> Black Gold

BE STUPID: my new life philosophy. It's just so... Diesel.

I love, admire and respect this company more than life itself, and am beyond ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to intern for their Presence Marketing team this summer. When I interviewed at the brand's 12-floor corporate headquarters in Chelsea back in March, I was given a personal tour of the Black Gold showroom and just swooned. All around me were endless racks of silky spring blouses, perfectly structured jeans and the most baller motorcycle helmets I will probably ever witness. Life is beautiful.

Below are my top picks of the Diesel Black Gold runway looks for this upcoming season. As expected, I'm harping on my love for layers, a monochromatic palette and balance. What excited me about this collection was the prevalence of sheer flowy fabrics that pose a seesaw effect with the oversized satchels in looks 2 and 6. These outfits just work because of the end result of looking polished and effortlessly put-together-- what I wish was every person's aspiration as soon as he or she started her day. The world would just be a better place. But I digress.

Enjoy.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.