The Reflective Shade

In the wise words Karl Lagerfeld, "Sunglasses are like eyeshadow. They make everything look younger and prettier."
And who doesn't want to look younger and prettier? Like the Kaiser, I'm an advocate of a great pair of shades, mostly for their ability to pull everything together with absolute ease. On most days I'll have, at some point at least, worn one of my Ray-Ban Wayfarers (mainly because they evoke a timeless sense of style and just go with everything, which is a huge deal). But recently I've found myself glaring at different shapes and colors in an effort to explore a world beyond tortoiseshell and stark angles. 

It goes without saying that hyper reflective lenses are the complete polar opposite to regular green and brown tints, and perhaps surprisingly, are not unfamiliar territory (reflective shades were all I wore skiing). So, in a rare full circle moment, I can't help but be completely drawn-in. And besides all the aforementioned jargon, reflective lenses shield an obtrusive wandering eye (boys will be boys). Not to mention the sun's unforgiving glare (rays will be rays). 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Letterman Sweater and a vintage reflective sunglasses, photographed by Jessica Craig in Laguna Beach, California. 

Back To School Style

While sleeping-in probably was the best part of campus life, varsity style wasn't half bad either. So let's bring it back kids!
Maybe it's surprising that I never really got into the whole letterman thing at school (perhaps being there was reason enough to suppress the urge entirely). But the real point is who doesn't love getting a little Mona Lisa Smile from time to time? And on that note it's even more fun to do it now, without the verbose term papers and finals. 

It's safe to assume Ivy League anything is and will always be a good idea. There's something über sweet about rocking that huge lone letter and being like, "yeah, I go here". Trust me I get it, nothing touches that ultra sleek Kennedy-esque American royalty thing (it's just an added bonus that letterman pieces are both casual and put-together). For me the whole mood is only amplified by a color blocked bomber (mine is by Forever 21). I suppose you could go all-out and pair a letterman sweater with a traditional varsity jacket. But with age comes a sense of refinement, and with that comes little room for overkill.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California. 

Vintage Knits: Louis Vuitton

When I go vintage shopping I have one simple rule. If the glove fits I'm buying it. Hesitating is a complete waste of time.
This trusty mantra was exactly what was going through my mind during an overdue and much needed visit to Wasteland in San Francisco. Perhaps now it's best to mention I'm a recent convert to the whole vintage thing. The idea, but really the smell were both very odd (eau de grandmother's-moth-ball is not exactly my favorite, anything Tom Ford is). But then you grow-up and get over it. You also discover the small miracles your local dry cleaners are capable of. 

So with sleeves rolled-up, nose firmly pinched and eyes sharp I began scanning the racks. Rocker tees, leather pants, plaid coats, hats - you probably know the drill. Then a glimmer of hope. A soft crewneck sweater in the most perfect shade of taupe. And then came the insane realization, 'Fuck - I just found a Louis Vuitton!?'. No previous vintage find (and there have been a few) was ever so exciting. Is that shallow? Don't answer that - I don't really care. The point is I found it, tried it, bought and now I'm here, wearing it. It's everything in that it's 1) Louis Vuitton (duh) and 2) not obnoxiously Louis Vuitton. I'm all about understated luxury and this, my friends, is the definition of. 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing a vintage Louis Vuitton sweater and a Forever 21 camouflage beanie, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California.

Starry Eyed: Forever 21

When Shakespeare said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" he actually meant to say, "wear stars".

Like, you know, on your shirt, collar and sweatshirt. Essentially it's about wearing your destiny, and as an avid Shakespeare reader how could I not heed The Bard's advice? Stars had a big moment back in 2008 (YSL, Chanel et al. got celestial). But that was then, this is now. And 'now' is all about a great crewneck. They're easy. They're classic. They also look great with anything, on anyone. So it's pretty clear the basic crewneck should be a staple in every wardrobe. What's more this Fall will be all about the crewneck sweatshirt. Only a print-heavy version. Let's call it 'the crewneck 2.0'.

Here's the real point; thank god for Forever 21. Accessible and on-trend, their star print crewneck and short-sleeved shirt mean serious intergalactic fun. Paired together they become a force to be reckoned with. It goes without saying they will both be a huge part of my Fall essentials. It's that simple. Beam me up Scotty.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Slim Fit Star Shirt and Star Print Sweatshirt, photographed by Irene de Jong in Golden Gate Park, California.

Summer Layering: Forever 21 Edition

It's right around now that layering becomes a topic. I get it, we all love the sun - but there's nothing like that cool breeze.

You know; it's that slightly chilly (perhaps even goose bump-inducing) spell. A respite of sorts that will make you go: "it's definitely time to grab something and throw it on". I'm a huge proponent of the cold spell. BRING ON said spell - please. Not only do I do better in cooler weather (i.e. I can actually think again), it invariably means options - something everyone loves. You see, I believe that summer menswear must involve more than just shorts and tees. But I get it. It's easy to adopt an entirely myopic approach to summer shopping. And as the mercury continues to rise there really is nothing worse than sticking (quite literally) to your shirt - or even the awkward sensation of that lonely bead of sweat dribbling down your back (don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, because you do). But the point is, as with most things, think ahead. 

In the spirit of keeping things simple (life's short etc), I'm all for throwing a loose shirt over a graphic tee. It's about creating dimension. The graphic tee alone is fine, but the additional layer adds perspective and of-course interest (in a peek-a-boo kind of way). Thankfully Forever 21 has a plethora of graphic tees and shirts to choose from, which basically makes the whole light-layering concept super easy. So no excuses, get layering. 

Alexander Atkins, in Forever 21 (including this James Dean Tee), photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.    

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Forever 21 tees.