Fabien Baron is/might be leaving Interview

Fabien Baron's style and aesthetic are quite recognizable while browsing through one of the printed works he's directed. His use of type, bold letters and large images are balanced with a beautiful use of white space. After working with Vogue, Bazaar and Purple, Mr. Baron took the helm at Interview Magazine for their recent re-vamp, alongside Glen O'Brien. Now after only a few months the rumors are that he is set to leave Interview. The magazine has made some big steps under the celebrated art director and has really bounced back as one of the leading fashion publications. Whether Fabien's job has been done, or there are new creative differences, once he leaves I am interested to see what happens. Going in a new direction would make things look unstable and inconsistent, while having somebody try to emulate his timeless fashion sense might not be great either. Whatever the case, Fabien, if you're looking for an intern position I could use some help.

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Really Want: Redwing Wabasha Chukka

These are probably my top choice for footwear right now that I don't have. Michael Williams picked up a pair in the fall in Japan and they have been on my mind since. Lately I've had a personal resurgence in my love for Redwing and these Wabasha chukka boots are leading the cause. I actually hadn't been wearing my 875's much in the fall and winter as I had some other boots in rotation. However the last few weeks I have worn my Redwings almost everyday. I don't care if lots of people have them, have seen them, have blogged them, or think they are 'on trend'. They are great boots and I'm happy to wear them, and that's whats important. I know I would feel the same with these Wabasha models as well, except most people wouldn't even know they are Redwings as they have been exclusively sold in Japan until this spring.

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Spring Must Have; Yellow Jacket

It might not be an absolute must have for everyone, but it made for a better blog title. I would highly recommend a yellow jacket for the spring. It could be a rain slicker by Shipley & Halmos or J. Crew, a poplin blazer or a pull over, like this one by 45rpm. I think you can even go with a bright yellow or a more muted tone, either way it adds an element of spring color while remaining functional. Especially in these transitional months heading into spring when it's still dark and rainy, a yellow jacket will brighten up your day. I find yellow compliments a lot of the colors I am already wearing so it would be easy to throw in the mix. I don't personally like to add a ton of color into an item I can't take off either, so keeping it on the outerwear is also a good idea for minute to minute versatility. Go find one.

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Band of Outsiders Batiste Shirts

Is there something wrong with me if I know the shirt isn't going to fit but I want it just as bad still? Regardless, that's what's going on in my head right now with the first of many Band of Outsiders spring arrivals at Blackbird. I'm loving these solid  coloured batiste shirts which are a nice alternative to grainier oxfords. The grey is OK, the black is nice but the red is definitely my favourite. Probably not a shirt you could wear everyday, but a nice vibrant colour for spring that's surprisingly hard to find. Toss a navy linen jacket on overtop and you're set. The contrast button-hole stitching is a nice touch too. I know BoO has become extremely popular lately and I've heard that their garments aren't the best quality and whatnot which turns a lot of people off of but it's still a great label in my opinion. I just wish the shirts were longer. 

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White Mountaineering Spring Collection

White Mountaineering is definitely one of the most blogged Japanese lines that should be in North American, right beside Nonnative. The aesthetic could easily transcend the continents, the price isn't too crazy and I want some of it. This spring the collection had a lot of hits or misses for me. I included images of the real hits to highlight my favorite items from the seasons offerings. Of course the black watch plaid bucket hat is on the top, along with the bright plaid blazer, denim coat, worn oxford and boat shoes by Timberland. These items would definitely work pretty well into the daily rotation. I particularly like the denim coat as it looks like it could fit that chore coat spot in the closet pretty well. There were also a number of more technical GORE jackets that would be good to have, but not something I can get overly excited about.

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Engineered Garments Bird Shooter

Well, since nobody seems to have a problem with the onslaught of Engineered Garments spring items being featured one at a time, here's another gem. The 'Bird Shooter' coat is another model I haven't really seen too much of, and in this military green, I want to hit the woods and find some quails asap. I am much more in love with buttons than zippers. I think they look better, feel better and wear better. A worn button hole or even missing button has a lot more character then a broken zipper, which is just a pain in the ass. Back to the coat, it's great. The layered pockets look very nice, the button pockets, sleeve holes and collar are perfect. Although I really do like a lot of the EG spring collection, I don't have the money to buy every piece, but it's safe to say this coat jumped to the forefront for me. Only available at Nepenthes as far as I've seen so far.

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Our Legacy F/W Looks

We just gave you a look at Our Legacy's fall collection in bites and pieces a couple weeks ago, but we now have a couple shots of how the looks come together from the Swedish duo. I've said it 100 times in the last 7 months, I love Our Legacy and the incredibly easy to wear, natural style of the collections. I would have no problem if their collections were handed out as a man's uniform to wear as you want. I suppose it would take away from the fun and personal aspect. The point I'm trying to make is it would be pretty easy to look good in a Our Legacy head to toe look. Of the fall pieces, there are a few on my want list, but on the top is this casual double breasted sport coat in black. It looked great on Jockum at Capsule, it looks good on the model and I plan on making it look good on me later this year. Look for the spring collection to hit Tres Bien and Jonathan+Olivia next month.

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National Anthem Sportsman Jacket

This is a great find for a couple reasons, thanks to James at Secret Forts. These shawl sportsman jackets are beautiful. I was excited when I saw the red plaid on his blog but when I followed the link to find a perfect shade of grey, I feel a bit more in love. Only while scrolling through the bold Japanese type I happened to notice in all caps, "Made in Canada". Upon further inspection, a blurry tag image revealed these incredible items are actually made in Vancouver, BC - where I live. I haven't been able to find anything about the brand online but best believe the hunt is on. I am going to search this city until I can find these coats. Not only do I want one for myself, but I want to get to the bottom of these North American brands making items strictly for the Japanese market and leaving us out. I'm coming for you National Anthem. *Unfortunately their brand name is really not helping the cause in terms of searching online.

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