The Big Announcement – HODINKEE

Well, here is the big announcement: I have signed on as associate editor at HODINKEE. Click through to read more about HODINKEE’s relaunch, what you can expect to see from me over there, and what the future looks like for Simply Refined.

In Style

Meermin Mallorca Double Monks – Another Shoe Review

Well, it’s another shoe review. That’s what, two in two weeks? Meermin has been making major waves in the menswear scene lately. A few weeks ago I got in touch with Pepe Albaladejo in Mallorca and he was kind enough to send me a pair of double monkstraps and to give me an interview. Here are the results.

In Style

Coat Balance is Critical

I mean it. Coat balance is critical, and not just in one direction. There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining the proper balance of a coat, and if something is off it can ruin an entire look. Here are the basics.

In Style

Ed Et Al Custom Butterfly Loafers, A Review

You may remember a while back Ed Et Al offered to treat me to a pair of custom butterfly loafers. Now, two months later, the finished shoes have arrived. I’ve unboxed them, given them the once over, and here are my thoughts.

In Style

Staying Tailored, Staying Cool

Just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you need to give up the tailored clothing for t shirts and bermuda shorts. On the contrary. Tailored clothing, when done right, can help keep you cool on even the hottest days. Here are my dos and don’ts for buttoning up in the heat.

In Style

Lazy in Linen

Posted by: Stephen on Jun 30, 2010 | No Comments

One of the problems I face with summer dressing is finding a suitable drapey replacement for flannel and worsted trousers. I personally like my trousers with a nice drape, especially since because I have a more prominent posterior, trousers that hang rather than hug are both more flattering and more comfortable. Enter the linen trouser.

In Style, Travel

A New Window

Posted by: Stephen on Jun 28, 2010 | 2 Comments

One of the perks of working where I am this summer is that my day begins with a stroll down Savile Row on the way to the office. It’s inspiring to start each day by examining any changes made in the shop windows, and thinking about what is already going on in the workshops.

In Food & Drink

Breakfast Club

Posted by: Stephen on Jun 25, 2010 | No Comments

Living in St. Louis and Austin for the majority of the time, it is far too hot to eat outdoors most of the year. Call me fussy, but sitting on the porch and sweating into my food is just not appealing. Yesterday morning though I had the pleasure of a leisurely breakfast on the sidewalk with come good company, and must say I need to do this more often.

In Living

Come on, be a good Sport…

Posted by: Stephen on Jun 23, 2010 | No Comments

Living in the United States I have never experienced the gear-up for summer sports in the same way I am experiencing it now in London. With Royal Ascot last week, and Henley, Cartier Polo, and Wimbledon all coming up, not to mention the World Cup raging on (with England playing on the TV as I write this), it is tough not to feel immersed in the world of sport.