Review: American Giant

      American Giant is an American-made brand I first heard about a few years ago, when Slate boldly declared that their hoodie was the greatest hoodie ever made. That was back in 2012, before online shopping was quite as ubiquitous as it was today, especially for ethically/sustainable clothing (Everlane, for example, launched in 2011). Flash forward 5 years, and thanks to a well-timed after Christmas sale (I believe the website said it was their first ever sale) I've finally investigated the claims, plus some of their other products, for myself.
The Varsity Jacket - Size XS
     First up, their varsity jacket. I won't spend too much time on this piece, because it isn't available on their website anymore, but will throw in my two cents just in case it ever pops back up. I ordered it because I love the look of a varsity jacket, and because it is Warriors' colors (go Dubs - and as I type this I am watching them just crush the Clippers).
        I absolutely love the construction and quality of this jacket. It feels very sturdy, but yet it isn't stiff. I also get the feeling that it will continue to break-in over time, like a great pair of shoes. I think my biggest takeaway from both this jacket, and their hoodie (review below) is that I am impressed with the fabric. I'm not sure what type of cotton they are using, but it is thick and so substantial feeling. This company clearly prides itself on these items being made in USA, and if this is going to be an example of our workmanship and quality then I am just fine with that. This jacket is way more expensive than the hoodie I got at Target, but I have much higher hopes for it's longevity. 

Bag | Mansur Gavriel Mini-Bucket
Shoes | Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

I have to say, however, that the yellow turned out to be a little more yellow than I expected. My first thought was that this looks like a Cal Bears or UCLA Bruin's jacket, and I did not attend either of those institutions. I'm currently on the fence about keeping this or sending it back - if it was grey or black I'd never take it off.  

 The Pant - Size 00
Next up, their product that is called "The Pant". Here is a link to an interesting look by Refinery 29 at the various iterations of the product before they settled on the final version.  This, as far as I can tell, is not supposed to be a yoga or an exercise pant. It is basically a more substantial tights-as-pants situation (which is something I have personally rallied against for years and yet here we are). They are not as compressing as exercise pants, and made from a different fabric - sort-of like if ponte and spandex had a love child. I have worn these to wander around on the weekend, and to the driving range (which seemed like an appropriate sporty but not exercise-y place to wear them).

 They have one pocket on the front, and otherwise are pocket-less. I love the fit of the waistband - my biggest complaint about most tights is that the waistband is too tight - but they are a little bit big in the thighs on me, and a little long - you can see bunching on the ankle in the shot below. Ultimately, I like them and am keeping them, but think that with a few minor improvements these could really knock it out of the park. 

Proof of pocket.

 Classic Full Zip Hoodie - Size XS

 Last, but not least, is their hoodie, which I got in the very versatile, forest green, and which I will cut to the chase and say that I really like. It is a cotton hoodie, that has a fleece-lining inside. It is really comfortable but durable, and has small thoughtful design details, such as reinforced elbows (as you can see below) pockets that fit an iPhone (!), AND they put the fleece lining that is inside the jacket in the pockets too! It is, due to the thick cotton and the fleecy-ness, a warmer hoodie, and while it isn't stiff, it is a bit bulky so it might be hard to layer under other jackets or coats. 

 Overall, I'm impressed by American Giant, and appreciate their obsession with just making a few things, and making those things well. Have you ever tried them out? If so, what did you think?

Glitter Tweed

Blazer | Rebecca Taylor Lurex Tweed  (size 00)
Top | Vanessa Bruno Athe
Pants | Citizens of Humanity

Just a little sparkle and shine today. Although sadly the sale has ended, for a brief while Rebecca Taylor was having an additional 40% off all of their sale items, so I pounced and added this blazer to my wardrobe. I love the colors, the subtle sparkle and the peplum, and while sparkle and peplum might sound like words that would limit a blazer's versatility, I think that this one will go nicely with everything from jeans, to sheath dresses, to pencil skirts. The rest of this outfit is pretty streamlined (since the blazer should get the focus) and from consignment stores.
Also, the purchase of this blazer crystallized that I am really into Rebecca Taylor right now. Recently-ish, I purchased this, a peplum top, a dress, and coat that are all Rebecca Taylor! Prior to these purchases, I only had two Rebecca Taylor items - a white denim skirt and the world's coolest moto jacket. My first thought is, I wonder why all her items suddenly really speak to me, but, a close second - can I wear that peplum top under this peplum blazer - or is that just a bridge too far? We tackle the big questions of the universe here at Style Dtour.

Close up of the sparkle, and my Gabriela Artigas ring.

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A Cost Breakdown

I was very pleased with this outfit because I think it is a nice example of items I have found that fit my personal style, but that aren't necessarily new, trendy or expensive. Also, it isn't like I purchased each of these thinking about a future outfit, each was just something I was drawn to, is versatile, and is a good team player in many outfits. 

• Jeans: These jeans are from a DL1961 Sample Sale that I went to back when I lived in NY. I went to a lot of sample sales while I lived there and it was one experience that really helped me learn a lot about style, fit, and what I liked. You got a discount if you bought two pairs of jeans (which looking back I should have done) but instead, I brought cash (the number one rule of sample sales....actually, the number one rule is wear underwear) and combined purchases with another woman who was only buying one thing, so we both got the extra discount and then I just paid her in cash. They are a dark wash, boot cut jean and have continued to be featured in heavy rotation in my wardrobe since. 
• Belt: This is the Novelty Buckle Reversible Belt from Talbots in the"Black/Kendall Grey" combo. I actually first saw it on Jean of Extra Petite, (link to her review here) and was intrigued by the versatility and simple design. I had never purchased anything from Talbots before, but I'm pleased with the quality. It retails for $50, but I just waited until they were offering a 30% off coupon around the holidays, and jumped on it. 

• Sweater: This sweater is J. Crew (by way of Goodwill), purchased during an after-Christmas mark-down. I wear it all the time (proof and more proof). It is the perfect length to wear with skirts or jeans and very soft. 
• Cardigan: Last but not least, is this cardigan, which I scored at a recent clothing swap. I love the color, and even though the original owner didn't want it anymore, I was more than happy to take it off her hands. 

Add it all together, and it equals one very affordable work outfit. 

Where do you look for bargains, or is that not a main driver of your shopping? 

Weekend Reading + Viewing

1. I found myself re-watching this video last night, it is Chimamanda Ngozi's Ted talk, entitled "We Should All Be Feminists". I've included the video below, if you've never heard it, or even if you have. 

In other, more regularly scheduled programming, I'm just clearing out some lobby photos from the past week or so, and have a few other more lighthearted links. 

 2. BCBG Is Closing Stores! I don't shop there now, but I have such strong memories of their stores in the mall when I was in high school (Racked).

3. Do you have Allbirds sneakers? I swear they just popped up on everyone's feet recently, male and female, from my under-30 friends to my over-fifty (probably...I'm terrible at telling age) co-workers. (Racked)

4. From the NYT: Maybe Louis Vuitton Should Have Stayed Enemies with Supreme

5. And lastly...the always great coverage by Go Fug Yourself of the covers of various international Vogues (GoFugYourself)

I just have two quick sets of photos today, the first of which is a coat that I know will end up in about 100 of my photos, so I hope you don't get sick of seeing it. It is Rebecca Taylor, and I got it on the RealReal. It was really love at first sight, and the leather sleeves are what sold me. They are also, as you can sort of make out in the photo below, removable, and zip off, so you can wear just the wool part of the jacket as a winter vest. It also has very functional double pockets, so you can unzip the zippers right above the flaps for a secured pocket, but there are also side pockets (below the flaps and which run vertically) which are more practical for putting your hands in when it is cold. If only it had interior pockets, it really would be perfect. I also used it to dress up two casual Friday work outfits. 

Coat | Rebecca Taylor
Jeans | Citizens of Humanity
Bag | Cuyana
Shoes | Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 

Same as above, except:
Jean | DL1961
Shoes | Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole

This is actual the outfit under the jacket in the first photo above. This blazer doesn't have a button, and is a little big, so I rarely wear it. I ended up using a brooch as a button instead, and I think it worked out just fine. 

Sweater | J. Crew
Blazer | Thrift Store (no tag)
Ring | Gabriela Artigas
Brooch | Vintage
Jeans | Citizens of Humanity
Shoes | Cole Haan Sabrina Loafer 

Apologies for the bathroom selfie.

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Posing Needs Work

Cardigan - 8telier
Dress - Theory Nutria Crepe Blouse
Shoes - Cole Haan 

I know this pose is a little strange, but I was trying to show the color-contrast of the lining of this cardigan/jacket. Instead, it looks like I should have a bunch of watches hanging from the inside that I am going to try to sell to you.

Photo from Lyst

True story: this dress is actually a tunic top that I had tailored. 
It is a few sizes too large and looked like a dress on me, since, as you can see, it sort of was more mini-dress than tunic-top on the model. (As an aside, the tunic/formal-board-shorts pairing in the stock photo seems like it has a very high degree of difficultly to pull off.) Normally, I wouldn't bother buying something like this that needs immediate tailoring, but it swayed me for a few reasons. I loved the neckline, and as it was heavily discounted and had a pretty simple construction (i.e, just side seams), I took a chance and took it to a tailor. She was able to bring it in on the sides pretty easily, and the end result - a lovely work dress.

The ribbons can be draped, like so, or tied in a bow.

Do you ever take a chance on tailoring? Does it ever work out, or usually end in heartbreak? 

Fog Schmog

Happy MLK Day - everyone knows the powerful, 'I Have a Dream' speech, delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but I wanted to start with a link to some of his other great speeches, for your reading/listening pleasure: Washington Post. 
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Hoodie | American Giant
Jeans | Citizens of Humanity
Bag | Sophie Hulme

It was surprisingly foggy the day I took these photos. Normally the fog layer burns off in the morning, but this weekend, it just lingered and lingered. 

I went out in my new American Giant hoodie and a chunky-knit beanie. Speaking of American Giant, I ordered some items from them for the first time recently and plan on doing a larger review a little later. 

Look at those awesome elbow patches.

It sometimes feels cliche to me to live in the Bay Area and walk around in a hoodie and jeans, which is the typical tech-worker/SF-bro uniform, but I also find the outfit to be incredibly practical and comfortable. This also doesn't have (i) any stains or holes or (ii) the name of an employer. If that isn't enough, I am also carrying a bag with a green suede interior - so you know, that feels like it should count for something. The bag, by the way is sort of an oversized envelope clutch, but with a strap. I really like the color and construction, but find that it is a little awkward if you are trying to carry anything that isn't flat (like the DSLR I took those fog photos with).

Purchased on The Real Real.

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