Basic Structure

People are always saying it's the simple things that count. So that means it's a good idea to talk about the basics, right?
Know this: people can be wrong. I mean I'd definitely categorize the short-sleeved shirt as a basic yet I've never really been a huge fan - they're all a bit too 'I'm a hardware engineer' or something. But then you have this moment when you see one and it's completely different. A wave of confusion washes over you so you're all '"whatever, it's just basic, it's nothing". WRONG! It's Marni, a fact which inherently means it's going to be very, very cool.

As a result I now find myself reconsidering things in a massive way. Should I commit to the chop or should I hold firm in my pre-conceived and usually unwavering thoughts regarding the short sleeve (ie: don't do it)? Does it actually look good or am I just trying really hard to be into it? And also, why am I trying to be into it? I don't know. But what I do know is it's November, so I should probably revisit this conversation in May. 

- This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. Alexander Atkins, photographed by Ai-Li Chiong Martinson in Half Moon Bay, wearing Marni and Acne.

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.