INFATUATE: Stand By Me + 24 years

Stand By Me. For some, it's the last real taste of innocence, and the first real taste of life. But for everyone, it's the time that memories are made of. Four young friends set out on an adventure.

This movie is one of my all-time favorites and everyone knows someone who can relate to one of the characters. What's interesting to me is that aside from one quick apparel change by Teddy- from Hawaiian shirt to fatigue gear - the four main characters are dressed in the same clothes throughout the entire movie. The costume of each really helps depict the character. You knew Gordie was the innocent one with his backpack and ball cap. Chris was the rebel with his white tee and black converse. Teddy had a toughness with his military influence. And Vern was easily picked on in his polo and chinos. The costumes are one of the reasons the characters are so memorable and the movie so unforgettable. These looks, 24 years later, still stand the test of time. Here's what I think these kids would be wearing if the movie came out today.


Gordie LaChance - "Wagon Train is a really cool show, but did you notice they never get anywhere? They just keep wagon training."

Topman Striped Tee, Vintage Levi's 501, Pro Keds, Fjallraven Back Pack



Chris Chambers - "You wanna be the Lone Ranger, or the Cisco Kid?"

Supreme White Tee, Rigid "ipod worn" Denim, Undefeated x Converse Weapons

Teddy Duchamp - "Two for flinching!"

Surplus and Adventure Tee, Levi's Black 514

Vern Tessio - "If I could have only one food for the rest of my life? That's easy. Pez. Cherry flavored Pez. No question about it."

Gant Rugger Polo, J.Crew Urban Slim Broken-In Chino

EXPOSE: Monterey Peninsula Golf

INFATUATE: 1997 Traveler's Atlas

Thirteen years ago my Mom gave me this wonderful leather atlas. I remember begging her to buy it for me in the store and her simultaneously doubting that I would ever use it. That same year she surprised me with it on my birthday and I have had it ever since. Take that mom! And sorry about that Heroquest board game we begged for and never played.

My original plan was to carry my atlas around like Indiana Jones, pretending to be intellectual while taking notes on my travels. I never had the courage to actually write in the book as I thought it was too nice to damage. Looking back I'm quite happy I didn't graffiti it with teenage angst. The atlas has kept in great shape and still makes it with me on almost all my trips. These days a quick check online can accomplish all this old atlas can, but there is always more to be said about the original. Not too many people ask me about my iphone anymore, but it seems everyone has something to say about this little book.

My atlas lives on my desk, but often makes its way into my travel bag.

Close up detail

Great size. 5x7". Thanks iruler.net

My Geographic Handbook

Rep the Bay...

You can find me an 1.5" below my index finger and .5" to the right.

My favorite part of the atlas comes towards the back after all the maps and notes sections. Here you find all the useful things you need on your travels. Toll free numbers, area codes, and international dialing codes. International travel requirements, foreign embassies, country capitals, languages, religions, and currency. A grid of international air and road distances. A chart of major national and international cities and the corresponding high/low temperatures to expect by month. My personal favorite - weight and measure equivalents, temperature conversions, and clothing size equivalents...pictured above. Lastly there is a perpetual calendar representing the years 1985-2010. Uh oh, time is running out. Time to get a new atlas? No way! I hope this guy will be with me forever.

ENDORSE: Muji + Pens

I am always on the look for simple, minimal, useful objects. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I believe Da Vinci said that. Enter Muji. Started in Japan in 1980, Muji is known for its minimalism in product design, avoidance of waste in packaging and production, and no-logo or "no brand" policy. Muji is a high quality brand but is able to keep prices lower than expected. This is accomplished through the selction of cheap materials, emphasis on recycling, and a streamlined manufacturing process. We could all learn a few lessons here. What I admire most about this brand are its designs and "no brand" policy. On its website Muji states that "at the heart of Muji design is the Japanese concept of "Kanetsu", the concept of simplicity". The "no brand" strategy means that little money is spent on marketing or advertising. The success of the company rests first on word of mouth and then on consumer satisfaction. With over 300 stores in Japan, the formula seems to be working.

I admire a good amount of the company products, but none more that its Gel-Ink Ball-Point pens. I've noticed a fair amount of creative types in my office with the same Muji pens. The trend seems to be catching on. My friend D.S., the self proclaimed "arbiter of cool" (don't ask), has amassed quite a ridiculous collection, with a few hundred to his name.

I was recently on a shopping trip in NYC and picked up a few new colors as well as a calendar for my Dad.

I prefer the .38mm, but the .5mm will do.

The color caps with point size make selecting from your pen cup easy.

A shot of the display in the Muji store. $1.25 each. Steal.

Unfortunately, if you live in the U.S.A., your Muji in store experience is limited to NYC. There are three stores located there, one in Times Square, Chelsea, and Soho. Each store is closed a random weekday so check it out before you go. Everyone else can visit the website and order pens and other good stuff online here.

ENDORSE: Winter Work Shirts

I was going through my closet yesterday and it became increasingly evident just how hard I was riding this current woven trend. I pretty much look like Paul Bunyan every day. Oh well. Those that know me well know I have never ran away from a good woven shirt, trending category or not. I pulled out a few that reminded me of epic Tahoe snowstorms, dudes with beards, and rigid denim. Basically everything inspiring the Mens floor of Barneys right now. Hmmm...maybe I have been chasing this dream for a little too long. Anyways, each shirt has their differences, mainly in the fit, but also in the details and pocket shape. I will let you figure out the rest. See below for a closer look. As always, let me know what you think. Nicely if possible.

Gap two pocket end-on-end shirt. The shoulder epaulet and roll sleeve are great features.

Relwen double layer flannel shirt. The heavy weight double layer is great as a shirt jacket.

Levis x Robert Gellar selvedge work shirt. This vintage inspired shirt has a great worn wash.

Stapleford brushed flannel shirt. Probably my loudest flannel, but I like the teal and yellow pops of color.

J.Crew selvedge chambray shirt. Kind of a standard at this point. Trying to find new ways to wear it without looking like I jumped out the catalog.

J.Crew vintage buffalo check flannel. Played out? Maybe. Still a classic.

Ralph Lauren Rugby one pocket denim broad cloath. Buttons are coming off, need to fix that.

Old Navy two pocket lightweight flannel. I love the navy blue buttons on this guy, they add interest.