Snowflake Knitwear

There seem to be a nice number of Norwegian pattern items coming out this fall but I've also noticed the more simple and normally unwearable snowflake making an appearance. I first thought I should save this post for December but it's already cold and that's enough for me. Two of my favorite brands have come with snow-flaked knitwear this season, Engineered Garments and Nigel Cabourn. While Mr. Cabourn's comes from a very direct reference from the photo which sparked an evolution in his own career and the Ascent of Cabourn - the Engineered Garments cardigan seems to not quite fall into place with this fall's collection, but still looks like something I wouldn't mind wearing. The actual sweater itself is a great cardigan and the added unusual pattern is off-key enough to be interesting but the colors are simple enough to be fairly easy to wear, at least in the winter.

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Neighborhood Cords

Corduroy pants are high on my radar right now. Unfortunately the pair I recently ordered turned out to be too small so I’ve sort of been back on the hunt for a light khaki/tan pair. While browsing Mr. SK’s recent stock I noticed some Neighborhood cords that looked great. The roughed up and worn in looking pants are pretty much exactly what I want mine to look like in five or ten years. However, I also wouldn’t mind if they arrived brand new because that doesn’t look bad either. Neighborhood’s fall collection continues to impress and I’m seeing more and more items from the Japanese brand that I want.

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45rpm Bow Ties

The bow tie is definitely become apart of my fall attire this season and a nice variety of patterns are materials are a great option to have. My friend Wayne Pate send me a link to his choice for the season today. The 45rpm bow ties have a great casual shape to them with sort of round/flat ends and subtle patterns. The grey and tan colors are nice and muted and easy to throw on a plain or patterned shirt. I was a little skeptical of polka dots at first but the grey with off-white definitely have me reconsidering. Even when wearing a tie I want to keep it as casual as possible, so the soft looking wool material is perfect for me.

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BEAMS+ in Bologna

The successful relationship between BEAMS and WP in Italy. Earlier this month in the Bologna WP store, BEAMS+ opened their latest corner with their fall collection. The brand is always highly sought after and one that I've wished would land stateside. It seems like it may never come to be with our market unfortunately, but at least if you're in Italy you have another place to visit. The camp-like tent and outdoor inspired clothing looks great in it's new home as WP continue to lay the path in Europe as one of the top retailers in not just the region, but the world. WP is also the company which carries the Woolrich Woolen Mills license as well as John Rich and Bros. The company has contributed a lot of good over the last decade especially and it's nice to seem them forge ahead with their partnership with BEAMS.

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J. Press Tartan Scarves

Each fall I end up picking up at least one scarf, even this past spring I acquired a couple. The are extremely functional items that are great to have on hand for brisk winter days. The one scarf that always stands out to me as being very classic and looking great with most outfits is a tartan pattern with a touch of red. J. Press have a good variety in stock with their fall update including this perfect example. Made from Lambswool, at $45 you might as well stock up on a couple.

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Woolrich Woolen Mills Fall Upland

A couple of the best items each season in the Woolen Mills collection come with the Upland name attached - both in shirt and jacket form. This fall's grey wool Upland might be a stand out winner due to it's absolutely classic look and wearable material/color combination. From the pocket placement to the elbow patched, the jacket symbolizes what the brand and collection are all about. Casual and rugged, American sportswear, durable and function - all pretty good features to have in a single item, and they are all included with the Upland. The only possible qualm with actually wearing the piece could be the truncated labels and small collar, but that is how the jacket is meant to be and can easily be avoided by popping the collar - which is also a good move in foul weather.

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Yuketen Ripple Sole Oxford

Yuketen's highly anticipated fall collection has now begun to hit retailers and there is really an interesting variety available. One of the most intriguing footwear designs from Yuki is the Ripple Sole Oxford. The ripple sole used to be used by American companies like Alden decades ago but has since seen production for US markets come to a cease. At first glance, it's really not something I would feel necessary for city living and wearing. However the look has grown on me lately and with it's paired upper of Yuketen's oxford design, I think I am into them. I would prefer to wear the shoe in a brown leather but the black could prove to be good choice for the depths of winter, or if you wanted to look like you were actually in an Engineered Garments look book. Available at Opening Ceremony

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Perfect: Red Wing Oxford

I'm not quite sure why I held off posting these shoes, but here they are - Red Wing Oxfords. The US company stopped making them in around 2000 due to lack of sales and interest. I caught wind of their return in a Free & Easy a few months back and have been hassling Red Wing since to make some for the Shop. With no luck, they are telling me they won't be available stateside until FW10. So I was a little surprised to see them pop up in the Rugged Museum last week, to say the least. I got back on my emails with no luck I have sort of given up getting a run made up before next fall. The low cut boot is just what I want this fall so I'm not sure I'm going to be able to wait since they have my size in two great colors just sitting there. Now my debate is whether to wait until I visit the store in November or just bite the bullet and order a pair tomorrow. The low cut boot has the perfect choice of sole, great shape around the ankle an is really a great bit of classic shoe design.

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