and then adorn yourself accordingly. –Epictetus
I could have gone all Happy 2017 but that isn’t my style. I have a foundation I have built upon for decades and I have a preference to deviate from societal norms. Hell, my parents did not adhere to societal norms so why should I? My duty is to keep up the tradition! But I digress.
A year has passed and I am hopeful as a reader you have grasped what I have presented and have grown stylistically. If you frequent here, I truly appreciate it. If you have been able to apply some of the things I have presented here and you expand from it, you are obviously are heading in the right direction! I established this blog because I have something to offer. A different perspective and a desire to see one succeed at creating their own image. We are bombarded with standards. The standard may work for some but it may not work for all. As I have elaborated in the past, have a foundation and expand your horizons. In my opinion, it is important to incorporate elements of your personality, your culture and who you are into your style. This is how we evolve. We have to guinea pig ourselves. It is important to ask questions but not so much one cannot make a decision without input from our peers. We experiment until we find a formula that works. When the formula becomes stagnant, we search for ways to get back up to spec. It’s very simple to say but a whole different ballgame to put it into action. But if you want something bad enough, you will do what it takes (within reason, I hope) to achieve. Anyhow, enough of my rambling. Let me touch on something every wardrobe should have, the double breasted blazer.
The double breasted blazer has nautical and sporting origins. Better known as the reefer jacket, it was 
adopted into fashion. It has had its periods of popularity. In recent years it has made a comeback. The jacket is characterized by the overlapping front just like the pea coat. On the inside of the jacket there is what is known as a jigger. It assists in keeping the jacket tight. One fastens this first, then the respective middle button. There are rules for buttoning too when it comes to the double breasted blazer. Always button the middle button only juxtaposed to the single breasted, one will always keep the top button fastened. Leave the jacket buttoned when sitting down. The extra material flopping around to say the least, will appear unflattering whereas with the single breasted, one unbuttons the jacket. The versatility of the double breasted blazer is one to enjoy. They can be worn in formal as well as casual settings. Spend a few hours on Pintrest and prepared to go michin with all the possibilities this piece of clothing brings! Just like the single breasted blazer and sport coat, they are made with different materials as well as different 
colors. The ones above left and right are a linen-cotton blend made by Stafford. I have spoke highly of JC Penneys in past writings and will continue to do so. These jackets were of the classic fit but as usual, my tailor made them perfect. One will see the gold/brass buttons just as you will see on a single breasted navy blazer. But if this is too much, you can always find them with regular buttons. You can have your tailor replace them or if you’re feeling a little daring with your buttons, go with something avant-garde! As with everything you purchase, fit reigns supreme. You should have a good idea what brands suit your body best. In addition, you should know when something needs tailoring. Every so often, one can metaphorically hit the Powerball and what is purchased off the rack or second hand fits perfectly. If you were pondering life with a double breasted jacket, whether it would be a suit or blazer, I strongly recommend you consider it! Until next time, jal ga!
*Feature picture: Shoes: 14th & Union, Tie: Ling Dai Jing Pin, Pocket Square: SantoStefano
Top left picture: Blazer: Stafford Collection, Shirt: Alfani Red, Pocket Square: Feather and Smith
Top right picture: Blazer: Stafford Collection, Shirt: Alfani Red, Pocket Square: Jack Spade
Bottom left picture: Blazer: Christian Dior Monsieur, Shirt: Calvin Klein, Tie: Brooks Brothers, Pocket Square: Jospeh Abboud
poor, broke and handsome 