A century ago, an epic boxing match took place between Jack Johnson and the “Great White Hope” Jim Jeffries. Johnson successfully defended his title against Jeffries, but was persecuted by the FBI, and convicted two years later under the Mann Act of a romance with a white woman. Now a movement aims to have Johnson pardoned by President Obama.

Want to show support? A portion of these limited edition t-shirts will be donated to PBS, whose documentary focuses on the life and achievements of Johnson.

Good looking shirt and a piece of history? That’s a win-win. Of course, I was a history major, so I may be a little biased. [via Cool Hunting]

Not sure why casual shoes have been in the news lately, but there have been some great collaborations going on. Case in point: these babies from Band of Outsiders and Sperry Top-Sider are no different. Available online now. Check out the rest of the collection as well. They’re all great. [via Definite Touch]

Next notable footwear item comes from Paul Smith, who comes in with this new twist on a canvas sneaker. I love the different colors. Really makes the pair stand out from every other sneaker out there, doesn’t it? [via Selectism]

And last but certainly not least, we have this desert boot by SeaVees. Does SeaVees making a desert boot sound ironic to you? It may be because these are elements here of a classic boat shoe. Available online now. [via Definitive Touch]

What’s been on your mind lately? Seen any good stuff?

TOMS is one of those businesses that everyone loves. And if you don’t, you’re not paying attention.

Not only do they have an incredible mission, but their shoes look pretty damn cool — a big reason why I’ve covered them previously here. Now they’ve teamed up with one of my favorite nonprofits, charity:water, to offer the Water Project Shoe.

(PS, How a company that already gives away shoes for every shoe it sells can afford to go a step further like this is beyond me. Nevertheless, it’s awesome.)

The shoe comes in two styles: the Water Shoe (women only) and the Map Shoe (pictured above, for both sexes.) The shoes come in at a very affordable $58, and you’ll be simultaneously helping build a clean water well in Africa and donating a pair of shoes to a child in need.

The verdict? Do it.

If Chicago is known for anything, it’s the amazing history of blues musicians that have come and gone from this city. And some of them had a swagger that cannot be tamed. Case in point, Muddy Waters.

Check out this amazing photo set I recently found of the still vibrant Chicago blues scene.

Photo credit (above): kevindooley

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve spent less and less time in this space talking about products. There are two reasons for that. One is because I realized there are other blogs doing it better than I am. And two is because I don’t want to anymore. I’d rather spend my time talking about intangibles than tangibles.

But that doesn’t mean I no longer pay attention to the tangibles. As such, I’d still like to spend some time every once in a while updating you about what has caught my eye.

Gitman Vintage SS10 Neckwear

Let’s start today with a series of summer ties from Gitman Vintage (like the one above). I gravitate towards still wearing a tie in the summer, but switching from the heavy colors and fabrics that you would wear in the winter (just like you should do with the rest of your wardrobe).

These ties, recently available at Blackbird, are what I’m talking about. Fantastic stuff.

Billykirk Leather Journal

While we’re on the subject of Blackbird, these beautiful leather journals from Billykirk are also available there. I’d love to get one, but unfortunately, as my wife likes to point out, I usually like looking at them more than writing in them.

L.L. Bean Ranger Moc

If you’re like me, and you used to write off L.L. Bean, think again. They have done an excellent job reinventing themselves lately, and these beauties attest to that.

Filson Shelter Cloth Foothills Parka

We’ll call this last entry a desirable for next winter. Filson, another great American company to watch out for, has this sturdy and stylish parka that I’m wishing I would have had for the Chicago winter. Almost makes me wish Spring wasn’t coming.

Almost.

You can’t think about Chicago without thinking about the time of Al Capone and the Untouchables (even though the Chicago Tourism Office wishes this wasn’t the case).

So lately I’ve been scouring the Web, looking at photos from this period in Chicago’s history. What have I found? Lots of hats, large lapels, and dapper gangsters. It was a simpler time.

In my ever expanding quest to put my finger on Chicago style, I stumbled across this Flickr photo set by keith-e, and I’m a little obsessed with it. Check it out.

Although I may occasionally talk about a product that I find interesting, my real concern in this space is overall style. I was thinking about this the other day while attending a fashion show here in Chicago. Many people were wearing things that look good today, but they’ll be embarrassed about tomorrow. In my mind, fashion is transient. Style is enduring, because it involves much more than what you’re wearing.

I think Gore Vidal said it best: “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”

So if style is much more than the fashion of the day, how can we dress fashionably, but in a more perennial manner (i.e. avoiding fads)? I propose the framework of the three S’s:

Smart Style

Or you could say “sophisticated style”. This means avoiding, for the most part, things that you’d be embarrassed to have your boss see you in. Things that make you look like a child. I admit that I may sometimes dabble in the outlandish accessory department, but overall it’s important to look good while looking like an adult. Remember: the goal is to not be embarrassed when your grandchildren one day see the photos.

Subtle Style

“Subtly is the cornerstone of style.” According to me. This is why, for the most part, you want to avoid high fashion looks. Not only can they make you look unprofessional (see above), but rarely are they subtle.

Also, subtly is about the details. I’ve already mentioned things like your hair and your socks. These are the things that separate you from the guy standing next to you. Use the details, especially when dressing conventionally, to stand out.

Solid Style

I don’t mean solid as in a lack of pattern. I mean solid as in everlasting, stable, reliable. Buy things that are well made and aren’t going to fall apart in a year. Buy things that are going to look good on you for years to come. Buy things you’re not going to come to regret in a year’s time. (I’ve been down that road, and it’s not pretty.)

Within this framework, there is a lot of room for personal expression and experimentation–without the fashion hangover.

What kind of frameworks are you working with? How has your personal style come about?

Photo credit: The ultimate fashion photographer: The Sartorialist

It’s hard to bike to work every day. I used to do it (when I lived closer to where I worked, and wasn’t a wuss), and I can say with full confidence that while it’s good for your body and the earth, it’s bad for your ensemble. There aren’t a lot of good looking biking accessories out there.

Fortunately Yakkay has at least got your head covered. Finally you can look dapper and keep your head protected at the same time. Imagine, when you’re about to go on a ride, looking like you’re about to play a game of Polo.

Thanks, Yakkay, for finally making safety a grown-up thing. [via Ecouterre]

That’s the question I’m going to be asking myself over the coming year.

When I started this blog, I wanted to do a few different things. I wanted to share some cool stuff I was finding (done), I wanted to share my ideas about being a better man (done, mostly), I wanted to give the ladies an opportunity to do the same (done), and I wanted to find the best of Chicago for stylish men. It’s the last part that has yet to come. That’s what 2010 is going to be about.

I’ve got some ideas in the works, but what I want to hear from you is this: what do you think Chicago style is? Or does Chicago even have a unique style? I’ve got some ideas about this, and I’d like to flesh them out over the year. But I’m interested to hear what you think.

Also: have any places you want me to check out for you? I’m always looking for suggestions for my so-called field trips in 2010.

Photo credit: Randy’s Dailies