Drake's Cashmere Shawl Cardigan

While I can respect what Steve McQueen has done for the push in menswear lately, I haven't been one to stockpile images of him or mention of of his wares on the blog. Drakes however have come right out and stated his inspiration on their fall knitwear. Drakes set out with a goal to create the "veritable cynosure of this iconic sweater". I haven't had an opportunity to put this sweater on myself, I can say from the product shots they did a pretty good job at making the best shawl cardigan known to man. With great buttons, simple pockets, a perfect colour palette and a reasonable material choice, this may be one of the most stand out single items for the fall. The navy, tan and grey are all beautiful and couldn't be much better. *Side note: I saw these fist on Mister Crew's blog, which if you don't read has a nice curation of products and thoughts.

Click to read more ...

Nigel Cabourn @ Opening Ceremony

We've given a fair bit of attention to Nigel Cabourn's fall collection this year and why not? It's amazing. An unexpected stockist, Opening Ceremony, just received their shipment of the season's offerings from the English designer. We can finally see those lovely prices in landed USD and run for cover. Well, maybe not. The prices are high but the products are probably better than anything you can buy. From the quality to the materials to the 40 years of research the lead to this collection, it is worth the money. I personally can't afford to buy the gray Cameraman parka but I would love to. I think it's the best parka for sale this fall and the Macintosh/Harris Tweed body feels great and fits even better. It will be interesting to see how Opening Ceremony do with the collection this fall. Their stock list continues to grow exponentially and the store seems to have more product than racks - but at least their online merchandising has taken a step up with nice quality photos this fall.

Click to read more ...

Individualized Shirts Stand Collar

While Individualized shirts have been making private label items for a number of known brands in the USA, their own brand has remained fairly exclusive to Japan until recently. CHCM again tracks down another stateside gem and saves us some hunting. Going with a slightly unconventional stand collar in the first run of oxfords, CHCM offers white, blue and the pink stripes for $150 usd. The shirts are made in the USA and have been extremely popular in Japan under the Individualized label. The cuts are classic and the quality is much like Gitman Vintage as they are actually related companies. As my closet begins to look like a Gitman showroom, it might be nice to step outside the usual club and BD collars with one of these stand collars for the fall.

Click to read more ...

South 2 West 8 Corduroy Field Cords

Since more people still are on the hunt for a good pair of cords, I thought I would tease you with South 2 West 8's fall version. The combed lightweight cotton makes for easy daily wearing while still keeping you warm. I'm a big fan of the flap-button pockets on the back of these pants. It definitely adds to the casual aesthetic and outdoorsy appeal. The nice metal buttons are essential to a good pair and waist cinch and rivets only add to the great looking pants. Their colour selection is just about dead on as my top picks would be navy and the tan/khaki color without hesitation. The price isn't as low as a pair from Uniqlo but I would imagine these will hold up a little longer and feel a little more special. I'm still awaiting the arrival of my Workaday cords in a new size and am honestly still worried based on how slim the first size was. If they don't work out, I will likely try to track down a pair of these.

Click to read more ...

Penfield Kasson Parka

I love them, you love them, why not just post one every day? The 60/40 has taken several forms with several labels and more often than not they are tough to find. The parka is definitely a piece I recommend to anyone looking for a versatile outer layer that will hold up against rain, wind and cold while going with everything from a suit to a white T shirt. While several of my suggestions come from Japan or can jump up in price pretty quick, Penfield are offering one of the more competitively priced and better looking options. I shot this jacket for an article (that you'll see soon) and was impressed with the feel and fit. It does size on the larger side so beware, but for the price it will be tough to beat. The navy and khaki colors are my personal choices but if you've already got a muted parka, why not go for the red. Available at Oi Polloi

Click to read more ...

Meg Company Day Pack

Yuki Matsuda's Meg Company encompasses a number of under the radar brands. One of which is Epperson Mountianeering and this is their Day Pack. Garbstore recently received their first shipment from the USA based company and it features a couple really great looking back packs. While the back pack hasn't been our most popular accessory to write about, it is definitely something we are into when done right. This bag is really great looking and definitely has a very outdoorsy feel. The mix of colors also works really well. The navy, red and cow hide work nicely on the simple design to create something a little bit special. Whether you're back in school this month or riding your bike to work, this bag would definitely be a top runner option.

Click to read more ...

The Real McCoy's Blue Seal Pants

I've been spending a fair bit of time this fall trying to track down the perfect navy cotton pants. I want something warm enough for winter but still diverse enough to wear all year round. My first couple choices were Wings+Horns, RRL and Visvim. Wings+Horns updated chino cut just isn't for me as it's too slim and the rise is too high, I couldn't find the right model from RRL in navy and Visvim are my remaining option. Beyond that, the list is surprisingly short for finding a simple navy cotton pant. The Real McCoy's have a great version of their own. While it would probably be a little tougher in feel, the straight leg cut looks just right. Again, it's made in Japan and available at Superdenim. I'm only impressed looking through the Real McCoy's collection each time, there are so many items to pick from and this is another keeper.

Click to read more ...

Mt. Rainer Design Works Mountain Parka

I figured everyone was hoping I would post another great looking mountain parka that was made in the USA but is only available in Japan - so I did. Mt. Rainer Design Works is made only a few hours away and yet only the Japanese market have been able to put their touches on the relatively unknown local brand to make it great. The mountain parka itself is a classic 60/40 make up and comes in a nice selection of colors. The slightly titled left chest pocket is a nice detail if you're looking for something different, but I do prefer nice symmetrical pockets myself. I'm not sure if the brand has been licensed for Japan but with the prices coming in at around $350 after being sent overseas, one would think if you could have this made for the local market it would do quite well.

Click to read more ...