If you follow any of the major web blogs and fashion sites for men these days, most of what you see looks very much alike. Very well tailored men in New York, London or milan. Layers of clothes (down filled Gilets are big this fall), scarves, shell cordovan leather boots etc… this is all great for the east coast and european fall and winter, but here in the west when you look at how well dressed people outfit themselves, its a little different.
What i love about how we dress here in California, is that there is a sense of ease and contort with great amounts of creativity in regards to texture, color and feel. Many times it feels masculine and classic American but still fresh and personalized, men dressing with Individuality, mixing together old school west coast pioneering with new ideas.
Indeed, many ideas that filter through to the super chic and bespoke taste makers in new york start here as humble ideas that fit our life style.
Before Brooklyn became the hub of cool, the hipsters of the Mission district in San Francisco were wearing tight raw denim jeans, fedoras and sporting well groomed facial hair. Before the “hand made in the US by a heritage, small, about to go out of business shirt/shoe/leather goods/denim maker” became the new ‘label’ to have, articles made in LA as a reaction to corporate america were what we wore day to day.
Great examples of west coast style (yup. Pacific standard style indeed) can be found in a fantastic shop on the ever ‘growing’ and trending La Brea Blvd in Los Angeles. This small store is emerging as one of those places to go to get super cool, easy classic great american style pieces.
Its called General Quarters. From Life after Denim khakis (the softest, most comfortable khakis EVER, although there will always be a special place in my heart for the Gio by Unis) to plaid and chambray cotton shirts and hand made accessories and jewelry, this store stocks some of the most classic stylish names brands like Gant Rugger, Kelty pack, Hill side and more. But they also carry some amazing pieces (not as well known) from manufacturers like Columbiaknit from Portland (great french terry super soft sweatshirts) Topo (great backpacks from Colorado) and more.
Blair, the owner, opened this store about 9 months ago after many years in the industry helping other brands and department stores. He wanted to create something of his own, a place for cool clothes that won’t bankrupt you, a place that is easy, fun and stylish and affordable.
Since the stuff is great and the prices are totally reasonable, every time i walked in i left with something…
Check it out next time your in LA. i promise you will fall in love.
Blair. ok, this could be in a magazine...
