JKISSI : When thinking of where to begin my leather jacket journey purchase the company Schott NYC came to mind instantly. People may label leather jackets as something trendy or popular, but the truth of the matter is they can never go out of style. The leather jacket is a American classic varying in different styles, colors and lengths. My earliest memory of my first leather jacket was a biker jacket from Vanson leathers which obviously became out of fit within years. Once again I faced the dilemma of purchasing another jacket even with all the information learned it was still a hesitant process. With a new breed of  quality leather jackets being made it can become expensive, but this life time purchase can be worth it in terms of longevity. Similar to a pair of raw denim jeans you would purchase this piece can last for a very long time.  I chose to go with a leather bomber with it’s thick knit wrist and neck bands to keep the body warm during the colder months.  It seems nothing is better than to have a full lineup when it comes outerwear during the fall and winter seasons.

Schott NYC (Schott Bros.) the first company to place zippers on jackets started back  in 1913 by two brothers Irving and Jack Schott in New York City.  The two brothers sought out to produce quality driven products with a function more than appealing to fashion and style world. The company produced garments for the US Military during World War II and continues to produce the classic naval pea coat for the US Navy.  Schott NYC is considered a American classic manufactured right here in the United States, it’s great to see a company withstand many years and still stay true to it’s roots.

JKISSI – Schott NYC Leather Bomber – Topman Gray Herringbone cap – GAP Flannel – A.P.C New Cures – Ralph Lauren Ranger Boot – David Z exclusive

Schott NYC were great enough to add a promo code just for Street Etiquette readers – Promo code: Street09 – 15% off reg. priced items – Take advantage guys

Fit Description : – : The Schott bomber was the perfect choice even in the midst of many jackets to choose from, I wanted to stray away from my usual  love for biker style jackets. The details on the jacket were vital to my decision the triple thick collar, multiple zippers on the front and hand warmer insulated pockets were perfect. When it comes to leathers it seems people are more comfortable to pick black, of course going with anything you pair it with. The brown also gives off a classic bomber feeling which I really thought would work well with what I had in mind. New Cures have just experienced their first treatment at the dry cleaners, faded beautifully. Classic Ralph Lauren ranger boots more known as ‘Cookies’ in gray a collaboration with Ronnie Fieg of David Z and Ralph Lauren. I recently wrote a short article on our Hypebeast blog about the Lo-Lifes in correlation with Ralph Lauren.  I know you guys are still awaiting that much anticipated Boot post we’re still working hard on that post.

Biker jackets are probably my favorite style of the leather jacket. Here are a few pictures which I think personify the jacket style.

Chosen Few Motorcycle Club – TheSelvedageYard

Trav : It’s always good to have some sort of knowledge about the patterns and fabrics that we constantly indulge ourselves in, whether it’s flannel, houndstooth, tweed or herringbone. Classic British style comes to mind when I think of a pattern such as houndstooth. The savvy yet tailored classic look from our brothers across the pond seems to be at the root of many patterns across the board.  Various houndstooth pieces I have seen were just too busy for my personal taste. I was however lucky enough to come across this beautiful Polo houndstooth wool shirt. Houndstooth is a duo tone textile pattern, characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes. I particularly love this piece because it sticks to a more toned down classic look. The piece  almost has a sort of  ‘tweedish” look ( one of my favorite fabrics as of late). After Josh’s previous post about different patterns I felt it would be appropriate for me to follow suit on the topic. Patterns similar to this are just perfect for layering during the fall season.

Trav – Ralph Lauren Houndstooth shirt  | Uniqlo turtle neck | Nudies | L.L Bean Rubber Mocs

Fit Details: I’m wearing a Polo houndstooth wool shirt,  I actually purchased this shirt for next to nothing from a thrift store. I had to make a appointment with our tailor Pablo (Stanton Tailor Shop) to get the shirt taken in a bit for a more tapered slim look.  With the fall season comes relentless layering  calling for the cream Uniqlo turtleneck underneath a brown uniqlo v neck shirt. The bracelets are  produced by brothers and leather makers Billykirk. We recently stopped by their Jersey City studio and had the chance to spectate on how everything comes to fruition.   The shoes are L.L. Bean Rubber Mocs, they are definitely one of my favorites. The sizing on these bad boys are really off so if anyone is planning on purchasing size down two. I wear a 9.5-10 and an 8 fits perfectly.

* UPDATE * – To view how LL Bean boots are made click this link – very interesting *

JKISSI : The second edition to our ‘Accessories Are a Necessity’ category finally makes its way to completion with anticipation and emails from our readers. After the first post on ‘Wrist Ornaments’ we have been brainstorming on what would be best second edition.  The modest pocket square has been around for a long time before it’s current appeal to style and fashion. I have to be perfectly honest here admitting that I was unaware about the history of the pocket square, but to say the least it was interesting to learn about it’s origin. I think that’s one of the interesting aspects of this site even if you had prior knowledge of the pocket square, we like to accompany our readers on a journey with us.  The original use of the pocket square was purely hygienic such as blowing ones nose, wiping ones face and everything that comes with that. Originating from England the material from which they are made could differ according to their ability of absorption and the status of the owner, the more successful using silk material. It was not until the 19th century with the emergence of two piece suits, where pocket squares were viewed as something more decorative rather than functional.

Pictured on the right is my own personal collection of pocket squares that I have attained this far, which some of you have probably seen around the site in previous post. Although the pocket square no longer holds any functional connotations, I can’t help but think of my good friend photographer Mougabe who would use his handkerchief tied in a certain way to hold his camera. The pocket square brings versatility with your outfit provided different folding methods changing the look of your outfit. Depending on the look of the fit I would sometimes throw a pocket square in my shirt pocket to liven things up a bit during the more warmer months.  The great men’s site Art of Maniless provided a great video on how to fold the pocket square in various ways. Please gentlemen start to break in the stitching on those blazer pockets and start to go wild.

JKISSI – GAP Blazer | Uniqlo Corduroy Shirt | Uniqlo Knit Tie |  APC New Cure Jeans | J.Crew Bucks |  The Hill Side Selvage Chambray

Fit Description – I have had this suede GAP Blazer stashed in my closet for sometime from previous employment at the GAP. When purchasing the blazer I was unsure on it’s quality, but it has sustained up to this point. After seeing Trav’s’ well faded APC Petite standards I knew I had to wear my pair a lot more(lol). In this outfit I wanted to not only play with different color palettes as usual, but also play with different textures at hand. The corduroy, selvedge chambray, suede blazer, knit tie all contain different textures bringing something different. The selvage chambray piece is one of my favorites produced by Brooklyn based brand The Hill Side made right here in New York City. The brand has a whole slew of different designs and materials such as ties , scarves and many other workwear driven items.

I decided to give a brief collage list on some pocket squares favorites that I think are worth the price and quality. The Fine N Dandy shop known as the forefront  ‘accessories for dapper guys’ online pit stop was perfect. The shop has just debuted their fall/winter 2009 lookbook I would suggest browsing around the online shop, your sure to find some great accessories. Interesting enough all of these items pictured above are made in New York City.

1. The Hill-Side Selvedge Chambray Small Handkerchief (Pocket Sq.), Black – $39.00

2. Black & White Prince of Wales Handkerchief  – $15.00

3. The Hill-Side Selvedge Chambray Bandana – $44.00

4. Dark Blue Plaid Handkerchief   $15.00

5.  The Hill-Side Selvedge Chambray Plum Violet Pocket Square  – $37.00