Fall Reading: The Catcher in the Rye

Photo via GQ

My used copy: paid $3.00

I've been reading some classics lately and I think I may have found my favorite novel of all-time, The Cather in the Rye. Funny thing is, this novel was always around me when I was younger and I always heard about how great it is but truth is- it's really great. I think I just may be Holden Caulfield, the main character or at least I was when I was in high school...Great novel and indeed a classic. Several directors tried to make a movie out of it and the Author, J.D. Salinger would never allow it.

Billy Wilder Writer-director recounted his attempt trying to make the film:

"Of course I read The Catcher in the Rye....Wonderful book. I loved it. I pursued it. I wanted to make a picture out of it. And then one day a young man came to the office of Leland Hayward, my agent, in New York, and said, 'Please tell Mr. Leland Hayward to lay off. He’s very, very insensitive.' And he walked out. That was the entire speech. I never saw him. That was J. D. Salinger and that was Catcher in the Rye." (Via Wikipedia)

I was half in love with her by the time we sat down. That's the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty, even if they're not much to look at, or even if they're sort of stupid, you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can.

~J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, Chapter 10

Manhattan

I watched Woody Allen's, classic film, Manhattan for the first-time this weekend and I must say I was extremely impressed. The film was shot in black and white and I dug it right from the beginning- a real iconic homage to NYC...Made me miss the eateries, art museums and vibrant culture...It's been about two years since my last visit..

I also liked that he chose George Gershwin for the soundtrack. Allen is a great visualist and has a knack for using his backdrop and setting to create a mood i.e. Vicki Cristina Barcelona, Match Point etc...One scene in particular that any sartorially inclined or car enthusiast will enjoy, is when Michael Murphy's character, Yale purchases a Porsche 356 convertible and they all go cruising into the country...some great shots...

On an interesting note, when the credits rolled I saw that Ralph Lauren did the wardrobe for the film. Makes sense- as most of the character's clothing had that east coast Ivy-look: tweed jackets/leather patches, plain-front khakis, plaid button-ups. I especially liked the clear plastic frames worn by Michael Murphy which looked pretty contemporary and literary. Great flick to watch for the Allen or non-Allen fan.

More and more lately I've been thinking of buying a bike. My father at one time owned an all-black, Fat Boy Harley-Davidson. I know it sounds cliche, but i'll never forget the first time I took his bike for a spin...The feeling was serene, almost hypnotic as I cruised off road and just soaked in the beautiful country scenery.

On a beautiful fall sunday like today it would be a perfect time for one of those cruises. I would really like to get a vintage style Triumph or Indian. I've always loved the classic look of those bikes...besides doesn't the guy with a motorcycle always get the girl or two in McQeen's case.

Paris (photo from GQ)

Fall is in full effect here and I've been rockin' my vintage zip Chelsea boots quite a bit lately..Looks like homeboy in the pic above is rockin' a similar pair. These boots look great with jeans or a suit. I especially dig the color- kind of a cherry-brown.


my Vintage '60's Chelsea boots

Gretsch: White Falcon

From its warm tone to its gold-plated hardware "The Cadillac of guitars," the White Falcon is vast becoming more and more of an obsession for me, a must for my guitar collection. I've always fantasized since I was a teen rockin' out in garage bands of owning one, but have yet to wrap my paws around it..

This highly recognized piece of Rock history has been played by just about every guitar-badass out there..from John Frusciante to Brian Setzer (list of Gretsch players here). One of my favorite musicians out today is Sade's guitarist Stuart Matthewman, seen here rockin' the Falcon in this vid below, enjoy..

I ordered a pair of Warby + Parker glasses a few months ago and hadn't gotten a chance to get them fitted until now. I must say I'm very impressed with how they look and the quality for the price point. For lenses and frames the total cost is $95.00, the guys at W+P even donate a pair of glasses to someone in need with every purchase.

And yes, if you must know I did several Michael Caine impressions when I tried them on. If your looking for the frames I purchased the name is, Huxley. Snapped a quick pic of me wearing them below.