Throwback Thursday: Varsity Blues

Oh the joys of rolling out of bed and snoozing through class! Miss it? Get over it - because you can still dress the part.
Besides, the preppy clothes thing was the best part anyway. So we're in agreement; campus style is making a speedy comeback. What's more everyone suits preppy - it's just one of those things (like how everyone loves chocolate). While you might have felt happy to leave college and join the 'real world' or whatever - that's not the point. Fashion authorities like Saint Laurent and A.P.C. are directing us towards one conclusion: college garb most certainly should never (ever) have left your wardrobe. Let's discuss the details:

1. Saint Laurent Varsity Jacket: Nothing evokes the mood of the ivy-league more than a leather-trimmed wool blend varsity jacket. Hedi Slimane's white leather detailing creates the perfect contrast. The whole thing is a modern and updated (read grown-up) version of a letterman jacket - minus the letter part that is.

2. Lanvin Sneakers: I've mentioned these before, and I'll mention them again. Lanvin does one good shoe. Needless to say they've been an obvious menswear hit for some time - and for good cause. The greige patent cap and green suede pairing is hyper luxurious. Consider it the ultimate example in sophisticated sneakers.    

3. Gucci iPhone 5 Case: Tech, tech, tech. It can be slightly overwhelming - you know? That's why it's great to cover those things-up. Gucci makes the perfect solution (no surprise there). Besides looking good, the embossed 'GG' leather, suede lining and tab fastening give great protection. Score!

4. A.P.C. Fleece Jersey Sweatshirt: So, I know. This one is pretty obvious. But sometimes that's completely OK. Aside from that, there's nothing better than throwing on an easy sweatshirt. And the best part? A.P.C.'s 'Varsity' version will keep you looking sharp.

5. Acne Slim-Fit Trousers: Acne is the best thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA - and I mean that. These cotton-blend trousers are exceptional in that they are slim fit, meaning you'll always look good. Essentially they are the perfect basic. Consider this; you're only as good as your trousers.

(L) JFK in 1946. (R) The Princeton varsity rowing team practice on Lake Carnegie.

A Time to Reflect - A Time to Predict

I know, I know - it's definitely spring. But sometimes it's good to take a moment to think about what you just did, right?
You know, reflect on all the choices you made during the those cold and gloomy winter months (the good, the bad, even the ugly). Besides, reflecting helps us think about what we should do next. So let's reflect. 

We obviously enjoyed some serious downtime with beanies, as did the entire sartorial world it seems. It makes sense - they still are the quickest and easiest way to cover-up any hair-issues. I mean I see absolutely no reason why the dominance of the beanie can't continue through summer. Especially when paired with some great tailored short-shorts and a basic tee. We can still be all about the beanie. That being said, hair is for hairspiration. Without it, dear reader, we are lost. So allow your follicles some well-deserved Vitamin D, they will thank you later. Also camouflage was (and actually still is) everywhere. But looking forward (in a crystal-ball kind of way) I'm feeling a new, deconstructed camouflage. Camo hues and tones worn together, but as separates. 'Camouflage 2.0' - or something.

Let's move on.

I'm very much about shorts. And Blazers. So obviously a combination of both is going to be my go-to, especially this summer. The whole thing allows you to be formally casual in an unoffensive way. Essentially your entire shorts-plus-blazer-combo can be formalized with a great pair of slippers, or casualized (?) with some superb Lanvin sneakers. Office-to-out at it's very best! On a separate note I OD'd on graphic tees in 2008 (this song definitely was responsible). So while I 'get' what people are doing, I'm not going to do it. Instead I'm looking to great cuts, panelling and exciting prints. A love affair with Missoni may just be re-awakened, and it has a lot to do with this tee. So the point here basically is that I need to start dressing like Pharrell. 

Alexander Atkins, in a Prada coat & Missoni Beanie, photographed by Sabrina Reddy at Alexander McQueen in NYC.

Pharrell Williams, wearing Bee Line & BBC, at Frieze NYC 2013.

*Click the arrows below to shop the inspiration.