[:en]I’m all about basics, but basic doesn’t mean boring. Enter American Vintage. It all began with t-shirts. The most basic piece out there, yet so complicated and from there the challenge and vision of taking the t-shirt to the front lines of fashion began. At a quick glance it looks like all basics, but American Vintage is so much more than just that. The brand sees every creation as a layer of human skin, an extension of your own body so to speak. That’s how personal, intimate and heartfelt American Vintage is. The colors are earthy with hues of green, maroon, gray and blue. These are collections for you who have an eye for fashion even when it comes to everyday wear.
There’s always a surprising seam or other detail, a perfect fit or a hue of a color you’ve never even thought about. That’s what American Vintage is all about. Why a French designer has decided to call his brand American Vintage is something I don’t know the answer to, but Mickaël Azoulay who founded the company back in 2005 travels around the world seeking inspiration from street fashion and all collections and pieces are named after American cities and places so I guess he likes the US just as much as I do. One thing is sure though. I’m eternally grateful for the fact that I got to spend time in America when I was growing up. Going to school in America. Being an American. It sure helped to kill my almost mythological expectations about the country (it didn’t look anything like Beverly Hills 90210), but it also strengthened my belief in that the world’s most powerful nation is just that, no matter what the political situation over there is right now.
I chose to keep this sweater with pockets really simple by pairing it with black jeans and, well, you know me, white kicks. This is as basic as it gets, but bare along me as there’s more to come. When it comes to fashion you should always add your own touch to it and that doesn’t just apply to fashion. Whatever you do in life, make sure it reflects who you are and what you stand for. There’s nothing more boring than being basic, so spice it up whether it’s your closet, your cooking, or where to travel to next (don’t choose that safe place you’ve been to 25 times just because it’s convenient). Go out there and discover the world.
Another reason I wanted to keep this as basic as possible is the reason that the shoot took place outside a school next to where I live. I’m somewhat too old to fit in with the students, but putting on a glamazon look for this place would have been overdoing it and being here rewoke memories from when I actually was a young student. Not sure I’d want to be that again though. Too much drama over small things, although I do sometimes miss the times when your only worry in life was if you’d ace that math test in 9th grade (I never did) or if you had the coolest toy around (I always did).
Sweater: American Vintage
Duvet jacket: American Vintage
Tee: American Vintage
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Sneakers: Jim Rickey
Photographer: Timothy Gottlieb[:sv]När det kommer till min stil handlar det en hel del om basplagg och hur man kombinerar dem för att skapa en snygg outfit. Innan jag börjar babbla på om mode, vill jag påpeka att det längst ner finns instruktioner om hur du och din vän kan vinna varsitt presentkort för 3000 kr till American Vintage, så missa inte det! Basplagg betyder dock inte att det måste vara tråkigt och det är här American Vintage kommer in i bilden. Det hela började 2005 med t-shirts. Det enklaste och mest basic plagg som går att finna, dock så oerhört mångfacetterat. Detta ledde till visionen och utmaningen att ta tishan snäppet längre och återigen till modets frontlinjer. Med en snabb överblick ser allt verkligen basic ut, men American Vintage är så mycket mer än just det. Varumärket ser varje plagg som ett extra lager av mänsklig hud och som en förlängning av din kropp om man så vill. Precis så personligt, intimt och hjärtligt är American Vintage. Färgerna går i skalor av grönt, rödbrunt, grått och blått. De skapar kollektioner för dig som har ett öga för mode även i vardagliga sammanhang.
Det finns alltid en överraskning i form av exempelvis en söm eller andra detaljer, den perfekta passformen eller en färgnyans som du inte ens tänkt på tidigare. Det är vad American Vintage handlar om. Göra något kul av det något vardagliga. Varför en fransk designer valt att kalla sitt märke för just American Vintage är något som fortfarande är smått oklart, men grundaren Mickaël Azoulay delar uppenbarligen min kärlek till USA (oavsett det politiska läget) då varje kollektion och plagg fått sitt namn av amerikanska städer och platser. USA är och kommer alltid att vara mitt andra hem. Jag är så tacksam för att jag under min uppväxt fick uppleva detta fantastiska land och vara amerikan. Det tog livet av många myter jag hade byggt upp kring landet, men det stärkte också min tro om att världens mäktigaste nation inte blir kallad just det utan anledning.
När det kommer till tröjan med fickor ville jag hålla det simpelt genom att bara komplettera med svarta jeans och som ni nog känner igen vid det här laget, vita sneakers. Mer basic än såhär blir det egentligen inte, men håll ut, det kommer mera. Precis som med mode ska du alltid lägga till din egen touch på vad du än gör i livet och att det reflekterar dig som person och vad du står för. Det finns inget som är lika tråkigt som basic, så piffa till det, vare sig det gäller din garderob, din matlagning eller ditt nästa resmål (ta inte det där trygga Gran Canaria som du besökt 25 gånger på raken bara för att det känns tryggt). Ut med dig och utforska världen för fasiken.
En annan orsak till att jag ville hålla det så basic som möjligt var att plåtningen ägde rum på Östra Reals skolgård. Jag är något för gammal för att passa in som en av eleverna där, men ville ändå smälta in i omgivningen. Att vara där var nästan som att tas tillbaka till min ungdom. Jag är inte säker på att jag skulle vilja gå igenom allt igen, men jag saknar de “små bekymren”, till exempel ifall jag klarade matteprovet (vilket jag sällan gjorde) eller vem som hade coolaste prylarna (vilket jag såklart hade). Livet var enklare, men ack så jobbigt på sitt sätt.
Under den här delen av plåtningen svimmade nästan min fotograf Timothy av höjdskräck då vi klättrade upp på mitt tak för att ta ytterligare några bilder, men här svek ljuset oss och jag ville inte att han skulle trilla ner så vi avslutade där. Dock vill jag visa upp ytterligare några plagg från American Vintage som jag vill lyfta fram för att visa upp deras mångfald.
Nu till tävlingen dock!
Du och din vän har en chans att vinna varsitt presentkort på 3000 kronor till American Vintage genom att gå in på denna bild på Instagram och
1. Tagga en vän eller fler under bilden.
2. Följa @americanvintage_officiel
3000 kronor på deras hemsida kan göra underverk för din garderob och tävlingen avslutas måndag 12 juni varpå vinnarna väljs slumpmässigt och annonseras både här och under tävlingsbilden. Håll utkik efter nästa blogginlägg då det visar mer av vad American Vintage har att erbjuda. Annars kan du ju kolla in deras hemsida redan nu för att bestämma dig för hur du bäst spenderar pengarna. Lycka till!
Tröja: American Vintage
Jacka: American Vintage
Tisha: American Vintage
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Sneakers: Jim Rickey
Fotograf: Timothy Gottlieb[:]
Jen
June 6, 2017 at 12:38 amI didn’t know you lived in the states! Cool! I am loving that sweater though. It looks like it should be a hoodie with the pockets and all, but it’s really unexpected that it’s just a sweater. I love pieces like that! And that jacket is looks super comfy too. I hope Tim is ok!! It’s usually the bloggers who do crazy things for the gram, but I guess he had to get up there with you to actually shoot. It’s a great view though!! I can’t wait to see more.
Mariann yip
June 6, 2017 at 12:48 amI love the way you styled the clothing because it’s very street styled inspired and causal yet comfortable. Shooting at rooftops is also a great way to get some amazing shots so I’m glad you were able to do this even though you are afraid of heights.
Anthony @oh_anthonio
June 6, 2017 at 12:59 amLove all these pieces Thomas! The oversized sweatshirt and the checkered tee are my fave so far! And I had no idea you went to school in the US!
Aimara
June 6, 2017 at 1:26 amOMG Tom! You guys over did yourselves with those photos!
I didn’t know you were afraid of heights, and poor of your photographer lol. Good thing you are not afraid of your rooftop because the photos are to die for!
Also, loving this brand! There’s nothing basic about anything you wear my friend!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Kate Tik
June 6, 2017 at 1:41 amI totally love you style, as you may already know. haha. You always elevate what might seem basic with your own personal touch. I cannot believe your photographer fainted. Omg sounds intense. Thanks for sharing!
katetik.com
Samjah
June 6, 2017 at 3:49 amI hardly aced my math tests too! Lol. I love both of these American Vintage pieces but my favorite is the sweater with the pockets. That can be worn so many ways on so many occasions. I really want it!! You styled it perfectly. Minimalistic style is right up my alley! But you’re right, your life should be anything but!
Jo
June 6, 2017 at 3:58 amAs I said before, you have the BEST street style, best style really! American Vintage couldn’t pick a better person than you to model their nicely designed basic pieces, especially after you added your thoughtful personal touch! I love both looks but that printed tee truly caught my eyes! Thank you again for introducing another great brand to us! By the way, those rooftop shots are stunning but I am also very scared of heights so I admire you for climbing up there for those pictures!
Love,
Jo
Candace
June 6, 2017 at 4:41 amYou are the king of minimal, casual men’s style! I look so forward to your looks every time you post! Pairing that sweater with pockets with black jeans and white kicks was genius. You rock the heck out of American Vintage and this look is far from boring!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Iliana
June 6, 2017 at 5:04 amObsessed over every single one of these pieces. Specially the way you styled them, you nailed it 🙂
You totally set the tone with these photos!
Xx
Iliana | http://www.sophitisticatedfashionista.com
Ivory
June 6, 2017 at 7:18 amI really love how you pull off your outfit, Thomas! Totally looks good on you. Also, the vibe of your photos is just perfect! 🙂
xx shaine
https://itsshaineivory.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/collab-adore-me/
Tina
June 6, 2017 at 10:10 amI love both looks!! The green jacket really suits you and the long hoody is super trendy. Love the way you combine the different outfits! 🙂
Jennifer Quattrucci
June 6, 2017 at 12:59 pmDear Tommy,
You have truly outdone yourself here. I really loved seeing your post on Instagram yesterday ( and today when I checked your page again) and it’s so fascinating the way the designer thinks of the clothing as an extension of self, another layer ! I adore that and think that you are perfect to showcase this line -American Vintage because you have so many different layers of style and awesomeness! It’s true, this line is so much more than basics. I love how you kept this all streamlined and elegant due to being at your school and I wish sometimes I only worried about acing the test ( always did ) and having the coolest toy ( never did ) ! Love the rooftop poses as well and it’s incredibly intriguing how you manage it with the fear of heights !
Love,
Your Jenny
Luke Ross
June 6, 2017 at 4:03 pmGreat shots here Thomas, you really bring a new dimension to these American Vintage pieces. Although they are basics pieces, they all do seem to have interesting little design twists which really does help to set them apart.
marcy
June 6, 2017 at 8:37 pmI’m all abut basic pieces Thomas!!! People sometimes really underestimates the outfits you can accomplish with basic pieces. Both outfits looks amazing on you. American Vintage really have great pieces.
xoxo
Marcy
Gracie
June 6, 2017 at 8:39 pmWhat a great venue for shooting your blog. Love the rooftop idea. The sweatshirt is great – the length and pockets – great American Vintage.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Christine Kong
June 6, 2017 at 10:45 pmI love basics but more than that, I love it when there is a little detail like a colored thread or a zipper that makes the basic totally something new. It seems like American Vintage is totally up my alley. I love the sweatshirt and the street vibe of this look. Pockets are also always a plus in my book. What a beautiful school and location for these shots. I love rooftop photos and so glad you made it up there! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Open Kloset
June 6, 2017 at 10:51 pmHey Thomas,
Hows you?
Love both Style and the American Vintage such a Nice Brand:) You always show the Most Unique Brands:)
My Favorite is the Rooftop look and Photos:)
Loved the Duvet Jacket with the Tee:) Looks sooo Good together:)
Wish you Happy Tuesday
Kisses Hugs
Karina
Jenelle
June 7, 2017 at 4:34 amFirst of all, that roof top view is amazing!! More of these please! Though, no fainting!! Haha. I love American Vintage too. The fabric quality is always so exceptional. I think basic and simple are also replaceable with understated and essential here. It works in a perfectly French way that I love.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Sheree
June 7, 2017 at 7:13 amLoving the comfy chic pieces from American Vintage! Sometimes the back to the basics is the best and will never go out of style. The sweatshirt with pocket looked so comfy and the duvet jacket also looked warm and cozy. I bet that sunset shots on the roof would look really good and I’m looking forward to seeing more.
xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
Stephanie
June 7, 2017 at 1:55 pm“An extension of your own body” – I love that. It’s almost a poetic approach to clothing that’s not seen very often, and while they may be “just basics” they look more than just comfortable, they look classy and even unique. I really love these pieces and now I’m going to check out the brand more!
michenn
June 7, 2017 at 2:03 pmThe roof risk turned out well! You got some awesome shots. Also, I am loving the all black look (with white kicks) and I agree with you on being basic but giving it your own special little kick. I always love reading your posts, they’re so insightful and informative!
michenn
Sharon Wu
June 7, 2017 at 2:21 pmi love this oversized sweater! this casual look is everything — only i wish i could pull off something like this here in palm springs without dying in the heat lol. you always manage to pull off the most casual pieces with effortless style thomas! <3 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/usana-28-day-body-detox/
Taylor Mobley
June 7, 2017 at 5:28 pmYou look wonderful! And so comfortable. I love that they are named after American cities (I’m partial as an American myself) ? It’s much to hot to wear anything like this now but it would be perfect when the weather cools later in the year. You always manage to make me wish I could dress as effortlessly as you do!!!
Zivanka
June 7, 2017 at 5:51 pmI am loving the rooftop shots soo much! They were definitely worth the climb beside the fear of heights! 🙂 All of your shots are amazing btw and I have been a fan of your easy breezy style! I think that’s what makes you stand out , you use all of your classic pieces like a T and pair it with other staples to keep comfy yet fashionable. Love that!
Sweet as Fiction xx
http://www.sweetasfiction.com
Meg
June 7, 2017 at 8:23 pmAmerican Vintage seems so cool! I love how casual and classic it is. That is totally my style. But you can instantly see the quality.
Jessie
June 8, 2017 at 4:56 amI’ve noticed that you have added a lot of French touches in your outfits lately..just wondering where are you getting your inspirations from =P I love that American Vintage Tee! It’s so classy and elegant! simple yet looks very posh!!! Totally your style Thomas!
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/the-5-second-rule/
LAFOTKA
June 8, 2017 at 9:04 amI juts love great quality basics! Not only are they super comfy, feel luxurious but they’re also really kind on our skin too… Amazing styling my friend as always, the long sweatshirt is amazing and totally unisex as well which I love xx
LAFOTKA
Lana
June 8, 2017 at 11:56 amIt is 100% my style! Faded, washed earth colors and oversized silhouettes, I’ve hear a lot about American vintage, but only after your post I decided to visit their web-site and the clothes are amazing! I also love how you wear this sweater, kinda casually, but stylish at the same time. It is real street style!
Samantha Mariko
June 8, 2017 at 2:20 pmThat’s very interesting a French designer named the brand American Vintage. Anyways, I adore the sweater you chose and I always appreciate the fact that you make sure your outfit matches the backdrop. I’m also glad I got to grow up in the states, and I’ve felt that ever since I moved to Japan. The cultures are just so different and you kind of appreciate the differences and what you used to have.
Bernice
June 8, 2017 at 4:51 pmAmazing rooftop shots! A bit too comfy for me to wear outdoors but they look super comfy xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/06/09/Decadent-Gaytime-Birthday-Cake-and-Dinner-For-Ten
Coco
June 8, 2017 at 8:26 pmHow come you aren’t afraid of climbing your rooftop? And I’m thinking of your poor photographer lol. Back to American Vintage, I love the brand concept of every item being a second layer of our skin. And the care for the details which turn basic pieces into luxury pieces. I don’t miss at all my time at school, because I studied like all the time to keep my mind off what happened in my home. You camouflaged really well by the way! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY
Deddeh Howard
June 9, 2017 at 6:00 amI personal love my basic, you’re so right Thomas, they are not boring at all. You look amazing!.
Lady Goldapple
June 9, 2017 at 9:20 amIf Googled it for you, this is what I ‘ve found: What is vintage: of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past. So maybe that is what he had in mind when deciding for the name American Vintage. I love the pictures of you on the roof, bit dangerous but hé everything for a stunning picture, right 😉 ? XO Charissa, http://www.ladygoldapple.com
Stephanie
June 9, 2017 at 9:44 pmI enjoyed reading about American Vintage. This hoodie look a like such a comfortable piece, perfect for a day of exploring or hanging out watching Netflix!
Stephanie | http://www.dotsandhoney.com
Jo
June 11, 2017 at 7:05 pmI love that you started this post out with the fact that basics are not boring. Hear, hear! I love basics. Their timeless, versatile, and you can really make them into your own, as you’ve so aptly demonstrated here. It’s so funny, American labels are often using French names to “add some class” to their brand and here’s an example of a French label going American. Gotta love globalization! I love all of American Vintage’s super cool pieces on you but my ultimate fave has to be that awesome tee.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Lauren
June 12, 2017 at 2:10 amLove how you said you chose the shoot location outside by a school- I could definitely see this being a casual school or study look! American Vintage looks like they make some great, comfy pieces. That tee is so great.
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Aleksandra Ladygin
June 14, 2017 at 9:28 pmI agree basic doesn’t mean boring. Especially i like white tshirts, it is perfect basic for me!
Thomas, was it dangerous on the rooftop? Amazing photos and look but… Be careful, we still need your posts 🙂
Ria
June 18, 2017 at 10:47 pmAmerican Vintage is so cozy and perfect, great looks can’t go wrong with good basics.
Alyssa Moore
June 21, 2017 at 9:30 pmFrom the post I have read you do love your basics, but you always know how to style them. Like look at the sweater your wearing so simple yet you rock it in such a different way!
Jordan Chapman
June 26, 2017 at 1:46 amYou always outdo yourself with your imagery and content! This is a great post and I already love American Vintage. They have great basics and pieces for the day to day capsule wardrobe!! I love how you put everything together, it’s really amazing!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com