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.

Click to read more ...

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

Click to read more ...

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.

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus 60/40 Overcoat

The Beams Plus collection is filled with great items I wish I could buy locally every season. This 60/40 coat is another one I am liking the look of. In either black or tan, the jacket is well designed from the pockets to the hood - it is perfect for tossing on top of anything you're wearing at pretty much any time. The detachable plaid liner vest is another nice option to have as I find I usually end up wearing the detachable vest on their own as well. The jacket comes in around $300 which is pretty reasonable for a Japan-made product that you could easily wear 5 days a week. Especially in a city like Vancouver when the rain kicks up and you have to walk to work - what else would you rather have as protection?

Click to read more ...

W Taps Saloon Shirt

The down over shirt can be a great piece to have for fall. It looks nice with a variety of layers both underneath and over top, while it will always be cozy and comfortable. There are a number of options on the market but I don't believe I have seen a nicer one than W Taps have put out this fall. W Taps continues to be the only brand pulling off multiple exterior branding with ease while the subtle western references, faux suede and nicely muted tones make the shirt a very wearable piece. It's only available in black now which a shame because I was more into the lighter olive/stone color. Either way, it's at Firmament for your shopping pleasure.

Click to read more ...

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 ...