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. 

Dayne Arron Watai: The Vintage Tee

Let's be honest: a ripped-tee-and-Prada-shades weekend look is worth talking about. Really, what else are you doing?
So ok, you're probably going, "I'm beyond annoyed you're even suggesting ANYTHING weekend-related on a Tuesday". I get it (I do, really). It's like those people that open emails with 'Happy Monday'. (Seriously you guys, stop. 'Hi' is absolutely fine and Monday's are rarely 'happy'.) But despite all that (or in spite of it, your choice), there's no time like the present to be inspired. Besides, over here it's always about carpe-ing that diem. 

By now I'd like to think I've made my feelings known regarding Ziggy and Pink Hair. If not, well hello. I'm Alexander and I'm drawn to the whole rocker thing (on some level at least - who isn't?). I definitely have an appreciation, even if I'm not scouring eBay for vintage tees on my lunch break. There's something über-fascinating about being with a 'devotee' (aka addict) when they finally discover that one super beat-up (read held together by numerous safety pins) long-lost tee in a store and subsequently have zero qualms about its $500.00 price tag.

But back to the real point, which is: I'm into documenting how other people dress. Their subtle stylistic nuances, how they choose and put pieces together - it's everything. So when Dayne visited and decided to rock a seriously ripped Joy Division tee I most definitely was game. I like the high-low element. It's grunge meet glamour. For starters the tee obviously reminds me of my all-time favorite Joy Division song. As for the Prada sunglasses, well they're just exceptional (what else do you expect?). Together the whole thing conveys serious ease, becoming the perfect get-up to rock-out in.

Dayne Arron Watai, wearing a vintage Joy Division tee, Prada Sunglasses, T by Alexander Wang leather pants, Classic Doc Martens and a Degs and Sel skull bracelet. Photographed by Alexander Atkins in San Francisco.

While we were shooting I chatted with Dayne about style rules and influences to live by. Here's what he's thinking:

1. On what to where, when: "It's easy to decide what to wear here. The weather definitely plays a huge factor in my decisions. Then whatever color I feel like wearing."
2. On style influences: "Hedi Slimane and Willy Cartier. I also love Diane Boulenger and definitely am inspired by Fabien Baron. And of-course Cara."
3. On San Francisco: "I love the city. The food, the neighborhoods and the diversity. The bars. I love the shops in Hayes and on Haight Street - oh and obviously the coffee."
4. On Music, right now: "I've gotten into Walk the Moon - but specifically the song 'Ana Sun'. Also there's this YouTube channel. It's called 'MajecticCasual' with a ton of awesome tracks." 

Sightings: Ray-Ban Clubmaster

I've always loved a good Ray-Ban. So it's not surprising that I'm very into these new polarized, lightly tinted Clubmasters.
If you've been reading you'll know I've chatted about some great shades before, and it's definitely no secret that I'm partial to my camouflage Wayfarers. But there's something fantastically Dickie Greenleaf-esque about these frames (needless to say anything Amalfi Coast-related is superb in my book). Also summer is fast approaching which generally means it's time to make some changes. Clothes, skincare routines, optics - it's all good. And who doesn't love change, right? - Don't answer that.

The point is Ray-Ban has released a new Clubmaster. The 3016 is exceptionally retro; the classic brow-line frame looks just as good today as it did in the 1980s (dare I whisper the word timeless?). Now I know I've addressed the what's-my-face-shape thing - and yes, that is important (I mean I wrote a whole thing, you guys). But I've been forcing a plethora of round, square and oval faces to try these bad boys on... to resounding success! Everyone looked fly. Besides, the fact that they're polarized means your eyes will really love you - so that's definitely a thing. Also I might mention that someone actually pulled-up to me at a traffic light in Los Angeles, complimenting the Clubmasters. If you need more validation than that, well, I really can't help you.

Alexander Atkins, wearing the new Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmasters, photographed by Cara Beth Rogers in San Francisco.

*Discover more about to Clubmaster by clicking here. 

The New York City Beanie

Something obvious happened at New York Fashion Week: every Tom, Dick and Harry did the oversized beanie thing.

Perhaps we're all having a string of bad hair days? It's possible but let's be honest, this trend is everywhere. Practically speaking I get it, it's really cold (damn-you windchill factor!) and there really is nothing worse than freezing ears. 

Frostbite aside I've long been a fan of the basic beanie, especially my Missoni number. But I'll admit the oversized thing and I only recently became acquainted, and boy am I pleased we met! Paired with classic tortoise shell Ray-Ban Wayfarer's, some token camouflage, a Prada windbreaker and a standard grey hoodie (for good measure, you know?) - the oversized beanie has quickly become an integral part of my urban uniform. We'll reconvene in Spring, but I can pretty much guarantee the beanie and I are going to be hanging out for a while.

Happy Weekend!

*The olive cuffed acrylic-blend beanie is available to purchase at American Apparel. Click here to purchase.