Common Projects @ South Willard

I know everybody has been saving their recession pennies for some Common Projects this spring. The spring collection has been landing at a few places around the world, but South Willard always has a great selection and one of the best prices in North America. While there is no denying the slight increase in prices, for pretty much every brand, you also can't deny the clean, perfect look of these shoes. The best new model has to go to the safari boot, in either canvas or leather. I am also a fan of the stony/grey color that has been tweaked really nicely for the season. It compliments the revamped court shoe's turn into the Tournament, which would make a great spring/summer sneaker as well.

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J.S. Denim Painter Coverall Jacket

I need one of these coverall jackets. Light, great for layering and good looking. Do you really need anything else in a spring coat? There are obviously a lot of different variations around these days but this is one by Journal Standard is one of my favourites. I think it's a little more wearable for me than a lot of them. Just the two front pockets and four button front makes it a little more subtle than the ones with a bunch of asymmetrical pockets.  Denim rather than chambray or some other material is nice too and the collar belt is awesome. The colour is good but I think it could use a few hours of sunshine to lighten it up. I don't think I'd do much painting in it but every time I look at it I want to put on some Springsteen and Work on a Highway.

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Bass Weejun

I called loafers being the shoe for '09 early in January and since we've seen a few brands bringing out their own versions, or collaborating with classic labels like Bass for Opening Ceremony. I've been searching a fair bit on eBay in hopes to find a good cheap pair and have missed the only ones I was feeling. I am kind of stuck on Allen Edmonds as I have really been liking my brogues from the same line. Bass Weejun however, does seem to be one of the best options on the market. A couple readers have them and seem to stand behind them, the look is great and the price isn't too bad at £85. Oi Polloi has a couple models right now and these are my favorites. I love the deep burgandy color and simple detailing. They definitely need to be leather lined no matter what brand you get, just for those sock less summer days. The loafer seems to be picking up steam and as the summer months approach, I would definitely recommend getting a pair for those days that your boat shoes aren't quite doing it for you.

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Grenson for Albam

Grenson have been busy making limited run shoes for some great shops and brands in the last couple seasons. From Rag & Bone to Odin, now they are doing up something special for a great shop/brand much closer to their own headquarters. For fall 09 Albam will be doing an updated desert boot and brogued wingtip shoe with Grenson. Apparently about 250 processes go into the making of each shoe. With so much hand detailing and focus on the quality of of the products, Grenson have become known globally for their fine footwear. The black dress shoes are looking really nice, and again we can look forward to some exciting pieces from Albam.

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Engineered Garments Spring Shorts

Shorts are usually a tough item for me to buy. I know I'm probably not going to wear them a ton, but I definitely still want them to look great. So how much money is reasonable to pay for some shorts? $60, $150? Engineered Garments have a few pairs of shorts this spring that all look pretty good. From Madras to chambray, from the shorter Norwegian drill short to the slightly longer fatigue shorts. I am quite a fan of all of the colors, materials and cuts. I am willing to go with a little bit shorter short, if its within reason. I think this cream pair is a little more wearable than some people are finding Thom Browne's fall shorts to be. Of course, Engineered Garments shorts run you close to $200, so it really comes down to how much wear you can get out of them. Available at Museum Ark and Jonathan+Olivia.

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Porter Lake Bag

I really like to carry a tote bag a lot of the time, but when I'm travelling or have a lot to do, I often find my bag gets overly full. Likewise, if you're heading to the lake or beach this summer, a bigger bag is just going to be better. I liked the look of this Porter lake bag before I realized how big it was. It turns out the size is really great. It is also  interesting how the mid-section cinches in to keep everything together if you are carrying a smaller load. When it comes down to it, a bag has to be functional, then look good. Available at allbeams.com

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Thom Browne FW 09

Thom Browne recently showed his fall 2009 collection in New York, and fortunately for us men.style.com has nearly 60 images of great stuff. The only pieces I can't personally get too excited about are the coats with a bit of a flare. They are just a bit on the feminine side for me, and I don't find come off well in the looks. Otherwise, the collection is actually pretty tame, with a nice infusion of great patterns, some bold reds and of course the one piece grey suit. Thom slid that one in there nicely and I almost missed it. While I would never wear it, I really appreciate the unique twist on his aesthetic and I think it came out great. In terms of items I want to wear a lot, the knits look amazing, the Mac coat and more classic grey suits are also really great looking. I'm a fan of the white stripes on the arm as well, it works nicely on the blazer as well as the knits. The military cruiser coat is also worth mentioning as it's probably the most wearable piece. Clean lines, nice waist belt and simple grey or black colorway, what is there to complain about - other than the price, so start saving now.

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Our Legacy FW Footwear

Our Legacy have stepped firmly into the footwear realm this spring with some great looking suede oxfords and wingtips. While there is no denying the look and style of the shoes online, I had to be slightly skeptical on how well made the shoes were, as they retail for a pretty good price and most footwear this style is best done by traditional bands. The shoes are made in Portugal and I had a nice look at the these fall models at Capsule LV this week. The leather uppers felt really nice on both shoes, and they even felt really good on my foot. I am a 42 in Common Projects and these fit me in a 43 for those of you looking for a size reference. The bottom of the sole seemed quite slick, and unlike the more subtle leather sole which normally would need to be brought to the cobbler. I'm not sure if they have finished the bottom with something more durable, or if it's the slightly cheaper materials put together in Portugal. I wasn't blown away by the quality, but I was far from disappointed. I think the shoes look and feel great, so for the price they are a great option. There is also going to be a boot for the fall, but we'll have to wait to see that one.

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