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Athleisure

Athleisure wear is the new normal. Gym clothes aren’t just for the gym anymore. Popularized by store brands such lululemon, the trend is adding flexibility to your wardrobe and everyday wear. 

The idea of the look is to allow you to go from the gym to a lunch date to just hanging out with the guys. You don’t sacrifice style and or comfortable with this trend, it combines both. 

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Street Style Pt II: New York

So, its cold. Officially. Thankfully we have states like New York that know how to maintain a classic look while staying warm. 

New York resident Drew Shroyer decided to drop in during the break and show off a few items. First noted is the black top coat from Theory. Top coats (depending on the style) are incredibly versatile and can easily be dressed up with a button down, or dressed down with a fashionable tee from All Saints.

Drew topped off the look with the accent of a gray wool scarf and some suede high tops (also from All Saints).

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Change It Up: Alchemy 213

2016 is going to be your year! And what better way to spice up the new you than with a trip to Birmingham’s hottest new menswear store! Alchemy 213 brings you the hottest styles from all over the world from the most notable designers in streetwear. We sat down with owner Ace Graham to get his take on fashion and his plans for this new platform. TR: Ace, so give me a little bit of your background (where you're from, etc.) Ace:  Honestly, I can’t really say where I’m from specifically. I grew up in so many places. I’m sure every military brat probably feels the same. I feel so many different things when I’m in different places. I’ve lived so many different places. I take a little from everywhere that I’ve been. My most recent residence is Bologna, Italy. I’ve been there for several years now absorbing the Italian culture, understanding patience, and exercising my brain more by putting myself in a position where I didn’t always know the answers to every situation. I was just jumping out there learning from the mistakes that I was making. I’ve been doing that my whole life, but doing it in another country with the language barrier and not knowing anyone at all is very challenging. I learned a lot about myself. That experience is the most significant thing about my travels as an adult. I consider it my life voyage and what has molded me as a man. 

TR: What was your inspiration to start Alchemy?

Ace: My first job was at 14 years old working for free leading up to my 15th birthday.  At 15, I worked at Kids Footlocker. I’ve only worked in retail outside of owning our own business. Having our own space has always been an aspiration of ours. My best friend and I said that it was something that we wanted to do. Just with the timing and all of the investments we’ve put in before even being able to be in a position to open a store, it only made sense for us to do that. Selling clothes is cool. Getting to keep some of those clothes for yourself is great. Being a customer of a brand and actually carrying it in store is an unbelievable feeling. For us, it’s also about creating a platform and having a space.  We wanted to have a space where we could enjoy things, have parties, watch fights and games, and all of those things. We want to just have a space that spoke intricately about the details of our personalities.

TR: Why downtown Birmingham?

That’s a question that people ask me all the time. One thing, I used to live in Birmingham so I am very familiar with the area. I know a lot of people leave Birmingham to shop because its something I had to do as well. We actually wanted to work in Atlanta just because of our brand list, and we felt people would be more receptive to it. We started thinking about being pioneers to an area that didn’t have anything like this. We wanted to make something new in the downtown area. We don’t want to be in The Summit because we don’t have the inventory to serve the people, and it takes away form the exclusivity of the pieces.  We wanted to make sure we kept an exclusive feel. The other downtown aspect is I’m really European. Everything in Europe is focused on the center of the city. Whenever you travel somewhere all you have to do is go to the center of the city and work your way out from there. You can always get a really good experience of the culture and exactly what they’re doing in that region by arriving in the center and spending an entire day. Eventually Birmingham will get to that place because it’s growing. We know we are about 2 years early on the project, but we wanted to be here. With us being a select store, we wanted to be first because most brands are limited to one store per city.

TR: Tell me a bit about alchemy, goals, "platform", events, future?

Ace: The goal for Alchemy is to cater to a niche market of people. We want to be the place where you find what you need. We want to be the store that carries the perfect pair of jeans for the guy that loves denim. We want to have that piece that no other store has in the state. We want to service that niche market of people that love quality. We want to be a platform for everything that is cool. It’s not just for the brands that we work with in other places. It’s for us to display things that we love.  I’ve done a lot of the photography displayed in store. We want to be a platform for someone that makes great jewelry or tea or whatever it is that you do. If its dope and it fits with what we are doing, we want to be a platform for that. We work on an event every month. We want to be able to do something in the community every month. That’s what you can look for from us. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. We are interested in doing things that are fresh and new every month. So if you have a good idea, get at me.

TR: How would you describe alchemy's style?

Ace: I really don’t know how to define that. It’s really not a style. It’s really just anything that we like. Even with the design of the store, I went in thinking I would design the store the way I’d want to live in it. When I designed the store, I sat for about two hours with the building brainstorming until I finally began writing on the walls where I wanted everything to go. It worked out like that. I hooked up with some really good people who could help execute some of the things I had in my mind. I believe the space came out good. It’s really a collection of personal items like the art, the design concept, and the exposed brick. All of those things are things we’d like in an apartment. I can’t say I can describe the style, but what I can say is we aim to be trendsetting.

TR: What kind of items do you carry?

TR: We are full menswear store. We have apparel, footwear, and accessories. We do athletic wear for women. We have coffee table books, leather goods, and eyewear. Everything is an international collection of items. We work with brands from Tokyo, Amsterdam, Italy, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, and many others. Some of the most notable brands are Stampd LA, Puma Select, Off White, Yuketen, and Thom Browne as well as so many others. We are very thankful to have each and every brand that we work with. We are currently in discussion with some game changing companies. We are very pleased to be on the verge of these new partnerships.

TR: I noticed some special artifacts in the store, tell me about their story! 

Ace: Well, the books are basically Rizzoli. Rizzoli is a company that we work with. They produce coffee table books from all lifestyles. They do books related to sports, fashion, décor, and a bunch of other things. I happen to be a big fan of coffee table books myself. The trunk is actually a really old trunk we picked up. The most important part of it is the inside. It’s a Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is a satirical magazine. Its headquarters was the site of a terrorist attack in Paris. I was actually in Paris 10 days after the attack so I was scared $h!*less. They were printing about 30,000 copies per week prior to the attack. That particular issue came out the Wednesday after the shooting. That issue kind of put them back on the market. They actually offer it inside of an Italian independent newspaper. I had to go to like 5 or 6 different stands, wait 3 or 4 days, and be placed on a waiting list to be able to get it. I got two of them just because it was a piece of history. It was just something I wanted to keep.  Then I got the trunk. I was talking with a really good friend of mine. We were just trying to figure out what we could do with the trunk, and it just hit me to just put the magazine inside the trunk. She got a hold of it, Modge-Podged it and had a really, really good concept for it. It just turned out perfect. That’s the backstory on the trunk. The skate decks are a collaboration with the estate of Basquiat. Basquiat is one of my favorite painters along with Jackson Pollock. Of course I can’t afford an original Basquiat piece. These are actually I picked these up in Europe as well too. These are my personal pieces. They’re very important to me. It was my first piece of Basquiat that I could actually have and say it was mine other than some Reebok’s that came out years ago.

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Smooth Like Velvet

Looking to diversify your wardrobe? Try adding a velvet blazer to the equation. Popularized in the 1850’s and carried on by the likes of Hugh Heffner, the velvet jacket was once known as a smoking jacket but now is a way to a little charm to your style. Since the velvet blazer is already a statement piece, here are few tips on how to wear it:

-Look for black, grey, and burgundy tones. Navy/midnight blue and emerald green will work as well. Get a solid color; patterns and prints can be a bit overkill.  

-For formal occasions, wear it with a white button up.

-Keep accessories classic.

For simple pieces, the details really matter. Lapels, buttons, and pockets can be the difference between an ok jacket and a truly great one.

Pair it with a dressier pair of jeans for an on-the-go look or a neutral colored pant or trouser.

The holidays are a perfect occasion to show off your new velvet blazer. Its not only warmer, but it’ll be that special item for this special season.

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What to Wear: Holiday Party

Interior designer, William Rankin Mclure layers shades of blue and caramel tones to ensure he is looking debonair from the office to a holiday party.

Pairing minimalist pieces together based on shades in the same color family adds a dramatic, yet classic touch to his look. There's no secret trick to wearing monochromatic outfits, other than color coordinating your top and bottom in completely different colors. It's a nice way to pull off simple and chic. It's also a great look if you want to draw attention to an awesome new accessories or statement piece.

It's the small details that make the outfit: layering, texture, and color. To completely deliver a monochromatic look, your accessories must be vibrant. For example his gold tones in the glasses to the his wrist accesories allow the outfit to pop.

Get The Look

• Top Coat: Club Monaco • Shirt: JCrew • Loafers: Zara • Sunglasses: Ray Ban • Khakis: Gap • Tie/Pocket Square: Harrison Ltd.

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The Startup

Birmingham’s Tech Entrepreneur, Michael Hanson delivers the perfect mix of classic and edgy in today’s work attire.

The look offers him a modern update on the modern button down and slacks. The style is accompanied by a leather Prada backpack to carry all of Michael’s essentials. 

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Alchemy 213: First Look

Last Thursday, Birmingham got a very special new addition: Alchemy 213. We were happy to be invited to the VIP Launch Party and got a chance to capture some of the action. Be sure to check back soon for a full feature and interview with Ace!

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A Cut Above: Newman

Meet Newman. 

Newman owns Newman’s Classic Cuts located here in Birmingham and he was nice enough to sit down with us for a short little Q&A.

So what made you want to get into cutting hair/styling?

When I was in high school, all of my friends and I just had buzz cuts. We all decided it was pointless to all be going to the barbershop when we could just set up a chair and do it ourselves. We all put money in a pot and bought some of those cheap clippers with plastic, color-coded size guards. I really enjoyed doing even the basic buzz cuts, so I started reading and researching online for different ways to cut hair. Luckily I had enough friends who either trusted me enough or were just dumb enough to let me do my trial-by-fire method of learning.

What are some of the benefits of having a well groomed head?

A well-groomed head is really just a personal preference. I personally just get annoyed with hair touching my ears, or feeling it move against my neck. A cleaner hair cut or style really just brings everything together.

What are some things men should do to take care of their hair?

My honest opinion is to do less to it to take care of it. I can't tell you how many times people tell me they wash their hair everyday. Thats one of the worst things to do in my opinion. When you wash your hair to rid it of its "oiliness" it actually dries out the scalp. I recommend, if you really can't stand it, to wash it every other day, I personally just do it twice a week. I like the natural oils, it keeps the scalp healthy and eliminates dryness in most cases.

What styles should we watch out for in the future?

A lot of styles Im seeing right now are the undercut (rather it be with or without the "man bun"). So typically styles will piggyback off one another. Im thinking a "hollywood buzz" will be coming up soon. Think Brad Pitt in Fight Club. Its a longer buzz cut but with less of an edge up on the neck and hairline. Without it being lined up it shows your hair's natural personality. I can't tell the future though, for all I know it could be the Riff Raff look.

What separates you from the rest of Birmingham?

I think aside from being a co-space in the coolest record store in Birmingham, I think I offer an affordable, no frills experience. There is a convenience factor in all of it, but I feel like people really like coming and hanging out. 

Where are you located and what's the story behind your location?

I’m located at 5508 Crestwood Blvd. in the Crestwood Shopping Center INSIDE Seasick Records. I met Daniel about 10 years ago. He's originally from Memphis and Im originally from Tupelo, Mississippi (which is about 90 miles from Memphis) We both went to all the punk/hardcore shows in the area, and I guess we had some mutual friends and met one another. He moved and got married in Birmingham about 2 years ago and opened the original Seasick. When he was scouting locations for the new place, he would message me and say something like "Man, I don't think I can fill up all of this retail space....You really should move and cut hair here" I swear I was scared I was going to just be able to afford Ramen for the first few months, but business has been great and we are loving the new location.

Newman was also kind enough to let us run a Thread Reporter special throughout the month of October. If you mention that you saw this in Thread Reporter, he’ll give you $2 off of your cut! So go show some love to some cool dudes that are trying to make Birmingham better, you’ll be glad you did. -Weston

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Fit Guide: Pt II Joggers

But really?... What is this elusive pant style that’s seemingly taking over?

For those of you afraid of skinny jeans, its a more relaxed slack with elasticized ankle to give you that tapered look without sacrificing your ex-highschool quarterback reputation. 

 Joggers allow you to dress down without sacrificing style and is a good alternative to the common sweatpant. 

They come in an array of fabrics - denim, khaki, sweatpants- the styling tip: skip the socks with a pair of sleek athletic trainers or canvas shoe!

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Streetstyle.

“Street Style isn’t an insular phenomenon. It’s a reflection of carefully observed elegance that dates back to some of the earliest photographs. It’s something that has been around forever” - Sofia Malamute 

Street style is the ultimate outlet for inspiration. Lifestyle Editor Donnell Cole- Price of The Southern Homme hit the streets of Birmingham highlighting trends that you are sure to fall for.

The REI Sahara Long-Sleeve T-shirt is a solid piece by itself but can also be layered with a light jacket for a cooler night ensemble. Paired nicely with dark green slim-fit  corduroy pant. The real star of this look is the chelsea boot. Chelsea boots are incredibly versatile, allowing you to dress up a pair of jeans, or dress down a pair of chinos or suit pants. They’re sleek and don’t have the typical bulk that a normal boot does. 

Get The Look

• Long-Sleeve Tee: REI San Francisco • Cords: Levi's • Chelsea Boots: Asos • Fairends: Steven Alan TriBeCa • Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs • Watch: Rolex

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Fit Guide: Pt 1 Straight Fit

After much discussion and a few fist fights, we at Thread Reporter decided to start off the fit guide with the straight fit. Straight fit is similar to what the bootcut fit was in the later 90's/early 2000's. 

Unlike boot cut jeans which widen toward the bottom, tapered jeans are roomier at the top and narrower towards the ankle. While not being as drastic as skinny jeans, they still will provide you with a stylish, classic fit without sacrificing leg space.

Straight fit also allows you to cuff the leg for a bit of an accent. It also plays nice with a wide variety of shoes. Desert boots, such as Clark’s make an especially nice pairing for Fall.

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The Rebel.

Channeling the essences of Marlon Brando and James Dean, this look is highlighted by a timeless black leather jacket. Styling details, such as rolling the legs of the shorts, channel simplicity while giving the look a certain edge.

Get The Look

• Leather Jacket: Asos • Graphic T: Yellowhammer Creative • Shorts: Dockers • Shoes: Clark’s • Sunglasses: Ray Ban

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Thread Reporter  x Banana Republic.

For all of our followers out there who haven’t gotten themselves prepared for the 8th Annual White Party, Banana Republic has you covered. Right now they are holding their annual Friends and Family discount, which gets you 50% off of up to 5 regular priced items. Thread Reporter investigated this week to bring you a selection of some of the white items in their store. 

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On The Rocks.

The final segment of the Art On The Rocks trilogy is approaching. This event blends the worlds of fashion, art, and music and is graciously hosted by the Birmingham Museum of Art.  AOTR curates an atmosphere for young professionals and creative minds to get dressed up and explore the best of Birmingham. The atmosphere of live music, art, and culture allows its attendees to be more eccentric with their fashion choices. The there are no set dress codes or fashion rules, so the variations of style you’ll see are quite eclectic.   AOTR will bring out your inner fashion. 

Try your favorite summer suit without a tie or adding a few accessories to casual blazer and tee. This is when your statement pieces and eccentric items in your collection can take take a vacation from your closet for a night. In the meantime, stay classy Birmingham; we’ll see you there.

Get The Look

Charlie’s Look • Blazer: Gap • Tshirt & Scarf: BDG from Urban Outfitters • Watch (Both Looks): August Steiner • Boots: DSW Aston Grey

Jose’s Look • Suit: Calvin Klein • Shirt: Express • Sunglasses: Ray Ban

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High Maintenance Pt I.

Shoe Shining - Something you saw your dad doing growing up, but you’ve never felt obligated to do it yourself, right? 

Well, taking proper care of your shoes can bring a lot of benefits to your life and even save you money in the long run. But before I discuss all the benefits of proper shoe maintenance, let’s talk science for a second. 

Think of your shoes as a living entity, like your integumentary system. And just like skin, leather needs to be moisturized and taken care of. If it gets too dry, it starts to crack and decay, but if its properly taken care of, it will last longer and look better.

So on to the benefits:

For starters, shined shoes simply just look better. Even if you didn’t just buy them, a good shine can put that “just-purchased” look back into your kicks. Scuffed, dry shoes look like you inherited them from your grandfather and you have absolutely no idea how to take care of yourself. Shined shoes let others know that you care about yourself and your future and will show your boss you’re ready for that raise.

Secondly, shining/conditioning your leather shoes saves you money. Shining lessens scuffs and scrapes and provides a slight waterproofing to the exterior. It also keeps the leather supple for longer, increasing the lifespan of your shoes.

Sounds like a lot of work, huh? Well not to worry. If you don’t want to shine them yourself, I recommend Bon-Ton Hatter’s Shoe Repairs (Google Maps). It’s a diamond in the rough of downtown amidst all of the taller buildings and definitely worth your visit.

When you walk in, you’ll be cordially greeted either by Jimmy (above) or Charlie and they’ll get you seated and set up.

For a second, you forget what decade it is as you sit in the vintage shoe shining chairs and fit your shoes onto the brass stirrups. For the next 5-7 minutes prepare to go back in time as you talk to Jimmy about his sweet moustache or the downfall of the Birmingham legal system. Once you’re done, be sure to tip your shiner, they need love too ya know. And be sure to bring cash, because plastic gets you nowhere in this establishment.

They’re open Mon-Thurs 8-3. So drop in on your lunch break and support a worthy local business. It’ll be the best $2 you ever spend. -Weston

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The Blues.

If this rain has been making you blue, at least do blue correctly! Here are some color coordinated pieces to add to your collection.

Get The Look

• Pants: Topman • Socks: Gap • Watch Face: Timex • Watch Strap: Nato • Shoes: Onitsuka Tigers • Belt/Jacket: H&M (Similar) • Shirt: Asos (Similar)

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The Summer Gentleman.

In Alabama, its all about striking the balance between being stylish and staying cool, so we’re here to help. Let’s start with the signature hat from the likes of Fred Astaire. The natural-straw fedora (one fedora per group of friends is more than enough, trust us) is used to nicely complement the lightweight popover shirt (the cut of a polo with the style of a button up) and tailored-fit navy shorts. Opt for a pair that falls just above the knee or even a couple inches above if you’re comfortable with it. Just don’t get too carried away.

Topping it off with a classic touch, we have a pair of white high-top Converse All-Stars. Canvas shoes such as Converse and Vans allow for a more breathable, lightweight shoe without compromising style.

Stay cool out there!

Get The Look

• Hat: Banana Republic • Shirt: J. Crew • Shorts: Ralph Lauren • Shoes: Converse