A Look Inside J.Press York Street

I was in New York City a few weeks back and had a chance to walk inside the new J.Press York Street store located on 304 Bleecker Street. With the Brooks Brothers launch of  their "Red Fleece" line, York Street seems to be in competition with a niche market for college themed ivy-esque clothes. You could pay the big bucks to outfit yourself here, or get the real thing (Think an O'Connells blazer with a 3/2 button configuration) at a thrift store for $5. The choice is yours!

Just an interesting point however, Ralph Lauren tried this with their 2004 launch of "Rugby, Ralph Lauren" and decided it simply wasn't profitable enough: all 15 of the Rugby stores closed down in February 2013. Possibly not the best indicator but who knows for sure... That being said, Daddy J.Press is a  sweet spot in pretty much every traditionally dressing man's heart, so the new "youthful" York Street branch was worth checking out to see how it compares.

"Just a casual day here"

In my opinion, they've managed to do a decent amount of damage with their look book alone... with jackets ranging from too tight, almost all too short, and some other strange qualities. They aren't all terrible, but it does not foster a ton of hope for this more fashion-forward branding. 

The shop itself was fairly small, extending back with plenty of "ivy" themed decorations covering all surfaces. The back of the room had a fake bookcase with a door leading into another room with more memorabilia and ties.

There wasn't a ton in the realm of sport coats, just two or three sizes in each variety. Don't come here looking for a suit as I barely saw any unless they have a special back room for that... Seersucker and madras jackets were featured. I didn't have a lot of time but I would have liked to take more photos of the blazers.

Unfortunately, after about 5 minutes of snapping shots, one of the two employees (who had previously ignored me) walked over and said photography was not allowed in the store. Whoops! Well, I figured it was my obligation to share what I did capture here for your viewing.

Overall it was a pretty neat store, but they did have some items far from J.Press's roots...like T-shirts and denim pants. I'd say everything in the store was out of my price range (except for maybe a watch band?) but it was fun to check out! Looking forward to visiting the real NYC J.Press and potentially the New Haven store in the near future. Until then, here's the photos:

View from store entrance. Blazer on display with Rushmore "perfect attendance and punctuality awards". 

A large bronze Yale Bulldog featured prominently on a center table, owning to the Ivy "York Street" heritage of Press.

Basic repp patterns, motifs, and a grenadine,

The "secret" back room has this Ivy homage and some socks. 

I liked the hangers more than anything I think, but here is their Mather Oxford ($98). The collar length seemed nice compared to what BB produces now. Still too far out of my price range.

More ties, angry hipster employee looking at me. 

Favorite items:

• Bow tie collection
• OCBD shirts 
• Coat hangers