Carhartt at Union LA

We've been excited to see what Chris Gibbs does with the remaining Union leg since taking over earlier this year. His personal style and taste have left a serious mark in our little world. We will explore more on that in the near future with an in-depth interview and article with Chris coming soon. That said, Chris has managed to wrangle up the first Carhartt Europe Collection account for North America. Union is now stocking a selection of items from the fall offering including these great chambray work shirts. For awhile we've seen the Carhartt Europe line blossom and turn out some great items for good prices. Now we have somewhere to find it in LA. I was excited when Chris told me the news a little while back, but Jake Davis reports on the in-shop stock and reminiscent feeling of visiting Union.

Click to read more ...

Superior Labor Melton Tote

To be honest, I don't know if this bag is in stock, sold out or what, I just know I love it. Superior Labor make some of the most heavy duty and beautiful tote bags in the world and this canvas/leather/Melton wool piece is a fine example. The combination of the colors of the bag and the great product shot gives me chills as the few special products I come across do. It's the kind of item I know I will own one day. Without rushing around to find a proxy, or I suppose going to J. Crew now, I know I am going to acquire a bag from Superior Labor at some point. It will definitely be something on the list for Japan come November.

Click to read more ...

Duluth Bushcrafter Pack

Since it's a nice weekend in early fall which means perfect camping weather, I thought it might be good timing to make note of the latest Duluth Pack product, the Bushcrafter Pack. This is probably not one for laptops and magazines as it's made for the outdoors. It's made from a burly 18 oz. canvas in a sharp tan color along with the usual heavy duty brass and nickle hard wear. The bag is complimented by tradition brown leather trim and has taken on a slightly slimmer shape than it's predecessor. While the shape adjustment was made for an easier traverse through dense shrubbery, it might work just as well in the subways. If you're looking for a real back pack, look no further than Duluth.

Click to read more ...

Yuketen for The Bureau

The finite details on the level of collaboration is yet to be determined, but the fact is The Bureau in Belfast have an exclusive Yuketen Maine Guide boot en route to their shop. The Maine Guide boot might be my favorite winter offering on planet earth right now. With the white Vibram sole, Goodyear Welt, stiff pebbled leather and sturdy height of the shoe, it's something you could wear 7 days a week in the middle of the cold and it would probably just look better. The seven eyelets make it fairly far up your leg so wearing you pants on top of the boots is a must. Whether you trying to catch a cab or taking a tree-worth of firewood back from the woods, there can't be a better option than this. They should be arriving soon so keep checking in at The Bureau - if not for the boots, their EG outerwear should be online this weekend.

Click to read more ...

Penfield Maine Shawl Knit

Penfield has been quietly stepping up the look and design of their collection this fall. While they may be a little slower than some brands to take advantage of their heritage story and while they may take some obvious references from current designers in the last couple seasons, it's hard to deny that their fall collection looks good. They also offer some more friendly prices so they could be great for picking up good complimentary pieces for the winter. The Maine Knit has a nice pattern not unlike the refurbished LL Bean Norwegian crew neck, but I like the collar on this Penfield version a bit more. For $145 CAD this is a pretty nice looking wool sweater. Haven now has the fall collection in shop and as usual we can count on the Edmonton brothers for a good buy.

Click to read more ...

Look | Something for Fall

I never really know what sparks these outfits but today I'm sure it was the SNS Herning Gang Cardigan. It's the perfect layering piece with the right cut, the right buttons and this amazing color really grabbed my attention. Chambray had to be it's best pair in my mind, followed by the Junya x Baracuta G4. With the use of these different single color items, I decided it would be best to stick with the theme as I went with the burgundy Workaday cords and the olive Porter x Monocle tote. The JS Homestead socks are of course hot on my mind from yesterday and the perfect low cut oxford boots finish off the look. Although I only own a couple of these items, it is a pretty good example of the sort of thing I would wear all fall long. The oxfords and cardigan are high on my list of items right now, while I'm waiting for the slightly modified version of the Porter x Monocle tote with longer handles which I will be receiving in November.

Click to read more ...

Monitaly Herrginbone Blazer

Monitaly is a brand that North American buyers need to start picking up. It's the soft goods collection brand from Yuki Matsuda, the same designer as Yuketen. His American made goods stand up to high quality standards while bringing a very unique vision. This herringbone blazer is one of the more mellow items from the collection, as Yuki seems to like using Native American influences combined with a work wear aesthetic in previous seasons. The SS10 collection from Monitaly was definitely worth noting and I hope to see it picked up be some more shops. Garbstore should have some items coming in London, hopefully this piece is included. The variety of metal buttons is an interesting touch and work well with the high collar on the casual blazer.

Click to read more ...

SNS Herning Fisherman Turtleneck

SNS Herning's oldest knit pattern dates back to 1931 with this heavy weight turtle neck. I recall touching on the subject of the long neck knits last winter and now I can't help but return to the topic. While I don't personally know somebody who regularly wears a turtleneck, I have to note that most females I know (my mom and girlfriend) do like them on guys and the comments are usually positive. I've noticed Monocle's fashion director often includes them in their fall spreads and the result is almost always appealing. I think an important feature of a wearable turtle neck is having some sort of texture or knit pattern. A thick cable knit or something dating back to the past of Denmark like this would be ideal. I also think it shouldn't be too slim in the body and rather promote a cozy, casual look while still fitting under a sport coat. It's not an easy one to pull off, and really not an easy item to find in the market.

Click to read more ...