While wandering the Castro, I spotted Jay L. Malvar in a perfectly transitional fall outfit. I love the deep autumn palate, offset by the gold rose pin and how his leather jacket was hung gently over his shoulders.
What he's wearing: Ben Sherman printed button down shirt; Vintage wool tie thrifted from Salvation Army; Gold rose friend from local artist; Vintage leather jacket; Skinny pants from H&M; Dockers leather belt from Crossroads; Bostonian cap-toed deer skin oxfords from Macy's; Haircut by Victor Ngayan at Hairplay.
On his tattoo: "My tattoo is about milestones in my journey, which happen to mirror times I was learning different languages. Each language I’ve had tattooed on my arm epitomized particular emotions that I felt during that timeline. I read a word, and it takes me back to that time, and the feeling behind it. The heart peaks just out of my sleeve, because it’s always easy to tell how I feel, just by watching my body language."
7 Style Questions for Jay:
1. Which neighborhood in SF has the best dressed people?
The best dressed people are scattered everywhere in the city. I especially love seeing style that’s dramatic, laced with androgyny, and with just a touch or two off the trendy margin.
2. What are you most excited to wear this fall?
My brand new pair of muted-green Joe’s jeans. I bought them from Citizen Clothing in the Castro.
3. What's your single most prized accessory?
I would have to say this old Eddie Bauer canvas messenger bag with leather trim that my father gave to me before he passed away.
4. What's your idea of a necessary closet make-over?
I would get all my leather shoes and boots re-soled, repaired, and completely reconditioned. I’d probably get new insoles too. It’s more responsible to recondition your shoes -- repair, reuse, and re-ethify!
5. What male grooming products do you swear by?
My hair is super-straight and hard to tame so I use Fritz Clay's Set lotion, which detangles, conditions, and ‘sets’ the style I blow dry it in. So even in the face of freakish SF wind, my huur stays fly (no pun intended). The best part is, I can run my fingers through my hair and stays feeling soft and natural with no flaking. For fragrances, my favorite is Le Vainqueur by Rancé, and when the weather gets colder, I opt for Black Diamond by Canali mixed with a little lavender essential oil.
6. What inspires your outfit choice in the morning?
I try to take three things into consideration: 1) the deep autumn palate that goes best with my warm features; 2) weather-appropriate un/layering; and 3) a dynamic combo that mirrors my daily mood. And, of course, the setting -- you can’t look over/under-dressed by the time you reach your destination. However, sometimes it’s nice to dress like you ain’t goin anywhere…dressing for the soul.
7. What's your biggest fashion pet peeve?
Military detailing! Incidentally, I have shoulder straps on one of my favorite coats, but I guess it’s one of those things like plaid (I'm over plaid, too!) shirts -- you hate them, but you still have one or two looming around in your closet.
Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.
