Emma Hope Desert Boots

I don't know a whole lot about Emma Hope other than their desert boots look great. We've mentioned several dozen pairs of desert boots on the blog it seems, all are slightly different in their cut, materials and soles it seems, but achieve the same look. I can't really argue that Emma Hope's version is going to do anything different. However, the black suede isn't that easy to come by, and the low profile natural colored sole do look great. From the pictures it does appear to have a leather lining which is pretty much a necessity for me if I'm buying another pair of shoes. All in all, these are better looking than Clarks in my opinion - but are they $200 better looking?

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Don't Wear; Part 2

Well here we go again with some products and pieces you should not be wearing. Again I pulled almost all of these images from good shops and brands, and again, this is personally subjective in opinion. First up is a pretty big one, and one I don't think a lot of you readers have to even think about, UGGs. So its now you're responsibility to also make sure you your girlfriends don't where them either - and no, you or her can't wear them even if they are dressed up with a funky pattern or beads and some colorful pants. Next up is the keffiyah scarf. I actually think they can look dope and have always liked the style, but they need to hit the back burner for about a decade. These are one of the most over worn, played out items on planet earth. I realize they come from the heritage of a culture and that is fine, and if you're apart of that I mean no offence, keep wearing them. But if you are purely wearing them for the look, you will have a hard time looking good as they seem to be popping up with a lot of tattoo/sequin t shirt wearing folks now.  That brings us to the 'bro toque' or snowboard toque, or whatever. A knitted cap with a brim on it is really not a classic, or good look. Don't do it. Finally, this one isn't a specific item but I don't like it when the tie is too thick or big for the shirt's collar. Having it squeezed in there often can ruin the whole look your going for. Things need to fit well, and that goes for your tie and shirt collar as well.

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An Essential: Black Hoody

There are a few things that you should probably have in your closet at all times. Whether you wear hooded sweatshirts often or not, I would recommend not, they are pretty good to have. It's a very casual item that can keep you warm, help layer or be worn to the corner store in you PJs. This might seem obvious but I'm not just recommending your Russel Athletics sweater. It would be a good idea to have at least one well made, well fitted, nice plain colored hoody. Some of the best options I've seen are this version by Rittenhouse, APC's last winter or by Wings+Horns. The simplicity of a cotton sweater is functional and if you have the right one you'll feel comfortable wearing it anywhere - just don't wear it everywhere.

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Uniform Experiment Cotton Blazer

The launch of the Uniform Experiment collection has been blogged pretty thoroughly in the last day but I thought I would highlight my favorite piece from the collection I've seen so far. I am really enjoying casual blazers a lot lately and materials like wool and cotton are a big part of that. This piece by Uniform Experiment is a great two button coat in 100% cotton with a washed texture. I like the light spring colors with white buttons quite a bit surprisingly. I think it would go with a lot of spring stuff and I am always a fan of the external pocketing. Although the collection isn't super cheap or hard to find this is definitely one of the best sport coat/blazers I've seen for spring.

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Compass Show

The Compass show is getting ready for it's second event in Las Vegas on February 12-13. The show, run by the BMPW crew, has stepped up the brand list this time around with some nice additions and some solid returning brands. To be honest I wasn't really sure who the even was really supposed to benefit back when it first launched, but as I've seen more and learned more - some directional help is definitely a good thing. Although a lot of you and myself probably have written out a dream brand list for if we started a store and know exactly what we'd order, there are a lot of shops, big and small and brands, big and small. There are also a lot of people who need help figuring out what to buy, and designers often can use the feedback on what sells. So Compass has become a good meeting ground for the different sides and outlets to come together and move forward together. It's interesting to see some of the old brands like Redwing and Sperry alongside collections from Alife, YMC and even Rachel Comey.

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Little Things; Styling

One of the better things about Japanese retail besides having a more educated market, getting better products and being years ahead of us, is the attention to little things. Even at Musem Ark, a retail location well outside the city center of Tokyo, they take the time with almost every shipment to put together a look or two, style is very nicely and post the pictures up. If you're shopping online, just looking at a coat or shirt on a white background is awesome for blogging, but it's not the best if you are trying to understand how it will fit or look on. People need the picture painted for them, it has to help the selling point if you are a retailer. I remember Nomad did a great job of it last spring but I just don't see it in North America. So if things are slow these days and you have some new stock, I would recommend putting in some effort and sepeating yourself from the pack. Make people want to buy the clothes. I want this Comme des Garcons coat now, but it would have looked a bit weird just laying there.

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Rogues Gallery Deck Boot, Again

I couldn't help but let the you folks know these have been released again, now at Blackbird. They haven't changed since the fall model as far as I know, they are still great. I'm fairly sure the deck boots are made by Quoddy out on the east coast of the U.S.A. My friend has a pair of these and they look great. They don't take long to get a bit of character and unless you work in a shop where these are sold, you probably won't see too many pairs around. However for some reason this season they seem to have jumped in price quite a bit. They are available on Blackbird's online store for $528 US and I am pretty sure they were around $400 Canadian when they released at Nomad last spring. Albam's fall version, which I believe was made by the same people, or at least the same area, were a lot less in the winter as well. I think they are a tough purchase with that increased tag but no matter your current balance, these are great shoes and I'd welcome them into my wardrobe in a second.

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Beams+ Hunting Parka

Got your Japanese proxy yet? You might want it for this Beams+ Hunting Parka. With a perfect all season color and weight, this parka is a front runner for a Sierra Designs substitute. Although it's not an eBay bargain, it is only about $340 US which is a pretty reasonable price for a coat that should last you a few years or more. I am not usually a big fan of details like the zipper split hood but with the tonal color change I am not minding the look. However I am really liking the pockets and 4 button system in the front which more than makes up for it. Even the fit looks pretty solid, but it really has to be special for you to take the risk and add the proxy fee if you don't have friends in good places.

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