Artists draw inspiration from their passions and what is around them. As of late, I have been enamored with Asian streetwear. Particularly how Japanese youth mesh transitional items into their daily wardrobes for streetwear looks.
Inspired by the ingenuity and the mixing of old and new I had to try a Kimono Street Casual look myself.
Here’s how this all played out.
I can’t for the life of me remember where I purchased the kimono. It was bought Pre-quarantine and IDK about you but when I’m super excited about a piece I have to try it on as soon as I get it and the sensation of tag popping is a feeling like no other… All that to say I ain’t go not receipts or nuffin Jesus, just out here lol.
Anywho I tried on the Kimono and it fit perfectly but I was struggling with pairing. For me in particular I’m not cargo pants and hoodie streetwear in most instances and it just didn’t feel right for this. Soooo decided to land in the middle; slacks and sneakers. It says I can do business but if off the clock at 3:30 pm and please do not call lol.
The tucked T was a tough decision. You see I’ve been actively fighting my Dad bod and although moderately successful there is still work to be done lol so tucking a T is a big deal. The pants have to fit but still be loose enough to not expose the mini Gucci belly I keep tucked away until BBQ time. Also, they can’t be too loose, you can get away with pants that are a little big when you wear a belt, but this is a belt-less look for sure. It worked out lol.
Finally after concluding that I didn’t want to cut my hair fr fr time to find a chapeau (hat). A brim would push me to change the shoes. That look would feel better with a solid pair of light camel chelsea boots, but then we get into this discussion of tonal blends with the hat and shoes. Also, I’m not a huge fan of chelsea boots with slacks so that was out. Could have when with the beret, but it felt like too much culture in one fit. So fitted it is!
What better way to top of a fit than with a Yankee’s Fitted. I mean so versatile/chic/iconic. If you don’t love it you should.
Important note I have found my go-to white tennis shoes for life (until I find a better pair lol). Idk if you understand how essential having a simple solid white pair of sneakers is to a wardrobe, but they are a crown jewel. As essential as a basic white t, and as versatile as a pair of chinos. The solid white tennis shoe is a staple piece and what’s tragic is that they are not the easiest thing to find.
The style and design matter. Here’s why: if you want a white tennis shoe that can serve as a cross over from the workplace into your daily life/nightlife I assure you it’s not a pair of dope boy forces. You need some that that is sleek and approachable, but isn’t too casual or grunge (beat-up Chuck Taylors). Hope you can read my mind and know that im leaning toward Common Projects Achilles low. They are a fantastic look for all environments and occasions. The only problem is that at $425 they are way too expensive to always be sold out.
So I found these… The New Republic Kurt Leather in white. They are ¼ the price and are allegedly made in the same warehouse.
If you’re looking for something that is in between the two, check out the Axel Arigato Clean 90. They’re a little more expensive, the sole is a bit chunkier and the leather is a bit more durable.
To a Life Worth Living,
The Wkender