Washington D.C.
- Fall
- Travel Log
You are more than welcome to follow the highlights of our ventures by way of these travel logs.
Last weekend, Expressions Realia was invited by Tommy Hilfiger, to humbly partake in the dedication of a new memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., in Washington D.C. The travel experience is new to us, but always welcome and it was truly an honor to have been invited.
Round’ Midnight
Friday night marked our arrival on the East Coast. D.C. is much different experience than California at first step, as far as architecture and climate were concerned. Interesting how crowded the city is even at night, but the change in pace is much appreciated. The weather is much colder and consistent around this time, although not stormy as was expected. Decided to make use of the remainder of the night to recover from the unavoidable jet lag.
Noteworthy
• Tweed Field Coat – Dhobi, Thrift
• Chambray Pocket Square – Fifth & Brannan
• Corduroy Vest – Levis, Thrift
• Wool Herringbone Button-down – St. John’s Bay, Thrift
• Authentic Slim Fit Jean – Eddie Bauer
• Oxford Shoe – Vintage, Thrift
• Leather Messenger Tote Bag – L.L. Bean
While at the hotel, I took advantage of the quiet time to do some writing to the fitting tune “Round’ Midnight”, by Theolonious Monk.
Onward to Alden
Continuing our journey the next afternoon after a quick lunch, we strolled downtown, making a stop at the Alden Shoes. From the outside it exudes a humble and early 20th century Victorian design. Inviting enough at first glance, but upon actually stepping in, I knew it was going to be an exceptional visit.
Noteworthy
• Tweed Sportcoat – Vintage, Thrift
• Selvedge Chambray Pocket Square – The Hill-side
• Pinstripe Point Collar Shirt – Thomas Mason for J. Crew
• Skull & Crossbone Critter Tie – J. Crew
• Wool Herringbone Trouser – Ralph Lauren
• Captoe Oxford – Bostonian
It was a pleasure having met with Kathleen Flynn, shop director more interestingly enough, director of the first shop ever opened to house their product. If learning were a hobby, it would undoubtedly have to be a favorite of mine. Hearing about the history and tradition from an art and shoe buff like herself, was enough to make me want to pull up a chair for a day-long discussion.
Exploring the classics and their trim; oxford, captoe, wingtip, suede… some the many terms that arose in our conversation. It was great to be able to absorb the knowledge. I was thrilled to hold in my hand one of my favorite ankle boots, The Alden Indy Boot.
Sadly our conversation had to be cut short as we had much to do. She was kind enough to refer us to “Caos on F” — a fine art/fabric/furniture gallery next door which we did quickly browse, as well as to our next stop, a father & son owned menswear boutique.
→Alden
921 F St. NW • Washington D.C., 20004
P:202-347-3842
The Fox’s, Father & Son
D eciding to take Mrs. Flynn on her offer, we ventured to visit father and son owned boutique, WM Fox & Company. Started in 1965, to step into something that was created in the essence of a grassroots mindset, solely operated by the family was humbling. Ryan, Craig’s son was out unfortunately, but Mr. Fox himself was more than happy to give us a few words of wisdom as well as share his creation with us. He spoke a bit about his outlook on menswear and humble beginnings. Showing us brands he carried anywhere from Robert Talbott, to Drakes of London.
He discussed the importance of at least one bespoke item in a wardrobe, as well as the fit, cut, and construction of a good sport or dress jacket. Humble words from a humble man, we joked about a nickname I sought to give him, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
B efore our departure, we also reveled over his eye for aesthetics. It seemed every nook and cranny was furnished with vintage items. One of which was a fox, nothing could have been more fitting for his shop. I am a appreciative of detail in design and there was so much to take in here. Books about style, pattern charts, as well as fabric types. One could spend a day and still not discover every hidden piece of creativity. Having a look at his stock in outerwear informed me to some pieces I had never gave much thought towards.
→WM Fox & Co.
1427 G Street NW • Washington D.C., 20005
P:202-783-2530
A Dreamer’s Reality
T his day was of the highest importance on our trip. It was humbling, as well as inspiring to be a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication Ceremony, seated as guests on behalf of Tommy Hilfiger. You can read about the entire experience here.
GoodWood
T hroughout the day we did make our way to many of the cities most valued attractions: The White House, Treasury, Washington Monument, Museum for American Art & Portraiture, the list happily goes on. But while here it was a point of interest to explore what DC had to offer in terms of thrift shops. I was happy to know of some good people here in DC, that could point me in the right direction. Grant Harris, fellow writer at Image Granted lent me his recommendation of must visit shops.
W hat a great find. With Grant mentioning this shop was originally for mercantile and dry goods, I was a bit nervous at what I would find, with the time on our trip wearing thin. But he was correct, I saw quite a few clothing items there. It seems they are expanding their horizons, which proved to be good for us. I was able to scope out the space, seeing anything from vintage satchels, shoes, aftershave, cabinets, to stainless steel flasks. Everything was worn, but in the best way.
The aesthetic had no real rhyme or reason, as if one had climbed into an old attic, going on a search through anything and everything. I appreciated that casual feel of the space, for a thrift shop. A warm welcome as we came in, the folks were more than happy to assist, even modeling one of my potential purchases. Made for a good time.
This plaid tie cost a modest $12, a little higher than the shops back West, but worth it nonetheless. I was surprised upon purchase the clerk began packaging the tie in front of me, with great craftsmanship. Unexpected from a thrift shop, but this sort of gesture does not go unnoticed.
Overall a great experience with GoodWood and I’m glad to have stopped by.
→GoodWood
1428 U Street NW • Washington D.C., 20009
P:202-986-3640
Morning TeaB ags packed, we are ready to say farewell to DC. But before leaving we caught up with Kendrick, blogger of A Distinctive Taste. It was great to meet the man behind the back-and-forth Tumblr re-blogs and a great meeting it was.
Being able to speak with like-minded individuals always makes good conversation and he was dressed as sharply as his mind was that morning. Speaking about anything from menswear, to music, artistic evolution and creation. We shared visions, inspirations, as well as upcoming projects. It was a pleasure to have met him.
7 Notes
Tom
October 20, 2011For now this is your best writeup by far UJ; concise yet and rich with detail. I know that the East Coast must have a multitude of shops, some menswear, that have been around before the independence of our country. I think your selections with your time contraints were well thought out. I know I would love to have a chat with Kathleen Flynn myself about the evolution of shoe styles.
By the way, was your tweed sportcoat tailored? If not, you found a jacket with fantastic fit. Glad to see your trip was fulfilling, I can’t wait for another travel blog!
Unyime
October 20, 2011Thanks for the kind words! Yes it was quite an experience to learn what she knew. The coat to my knowledge is not tailored, I must’ve gotten lucky.
Adam
October 24, 2011Yah great stuff!
jenn
October 26, 2011wooow, that trip seemed so awesome. i would have been extremely nervous meeting all those people, haha. you looked amazing as usual! i wish i could have seen all those boutiques and shoes, sooo lucky. i’m glad you had fun!
Marija from intwoo
October 26, 2011I love this post!!
Keep it up!
Looking
November 7, 2011Great! thanks for the share!
Arron
andrea
November 13, 2011beautiful writing, style, and photography! looking forward to more…