Monocle Issue 27

Monocle is having themselves a big week as they just launched the new Monocolumn and now we've just received the latest issue 29. The fall offering from Monocle is their largest magazine to date and filled with the usual interesting content and co-branded information. The bumper issue was exciting as it has a 30 page Style Survey featuring notes from top international buyers, some classic Monocle styling, product focus and an unusually interesting story about mannequins. The magazine's reach continues to spread as the Weekly podcast is back in action for the fall and there are a couple new bags with Porter on the way for next month. Available in The Shop, $10

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Woolrich Woolen Mills Red Marl Cap

The red and black marl wool caught my eye when I first saw the Woolen Mills fall collection and now that it's out I'm not disappointed, and probably want it even more. It's not the classic red cable knit cap that is still on the want list, but the red and black blend really nicely in this particularly warm winter cap. I think it would like really great just above a chambray shirt and a wool vest of some sort. The colors are perfect for head wear as it adds a bit of color but is still muted enough to act as a good compliment. Coming in at about $90 it's not a bad price for a cap you'll definitely have for a few years. While some people complain about the price of a cap, it's actually an item that you can easily wear 5-7 days a week without worrying about it. That gets the cost-per-wear down quickly and makes a $100 hat not seem so bad.

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J. Crew Corduroy Sportcoat

J. Crew's fall items are spilling into their shops and online store pretty steadily now. There are a good number of items that are easy to wear and would easily be in daily rotation. My selections from the brand are still fairly particular, but when they get it right it's hard to say no. The price is often quite good compared to our favorite brands, but that is reflected in the design and quality more often than not. However, the fit is getting better and the details seem to improve each season. This fall you'd have a hard time finding a better corduroy sport coat for anywhere near this price. With a slim cut, great pocketing, suede elbow patches, double back vent and a soft corduroy, it's a true fall sport coat. I would need to try it on before committing but all signs are looking good with this one.

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Orslow Peacoat

The peacoat is a seasonal staple and everybody should have one in their closet. Navy, grey, wool, plaid, waxed cotton, fleece - get them all. I don't find the peacoat is a piece to get excited about most of the time even though it is great and definitely has it's place. Orslow have done well to get me excited for their fall version however. Maybe slightly different than your traditional version, the low exterior pockets, sea fairing buttons and high neck fastening are all looking appealing. The cut of the coat looks perfect and the classic navy color is just what a peacoat should be. There are many a version out there but not many better than this.

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DQM Coach Jacket

Dave's back again with another quality jacket this fall. The coach jacket is often overlooked by designers and brands, probably because it is just so basic that doing much else to it could easily ruin the look. DQM has made up their own version this fall and have hit the nail on the head. The waxed cotton shell, clean snap buttons and soft cotton lining work perfectly on the simple jacket. DQM also did a great job with the colorways, offering the beige and black are very nice, but I'm happy to see they mixed in a woodland camo pattern. I would personally go with the"spice" color coach jacket and would happily put some nice wear into this fall.

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Friendly Fire

News | Monocle launches their latest web update with the Monocolumn, a daily bulletin of news and opinion - not a blog | Monocle Music | The Mixtape Club is a great concept that looks nice and sounds better, Ten people, ten tracks, ten album covers | The Mixtape Club Fashion | Naoki Ikeda did a very nice job, but how hard is it with Comme des Garcons Homme? | Link Photography | I'm impressed every time I visit the site, I have never seen a better iPhone photographer | A Time To Get

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Neighborhood + Marmot Mountain Parka

I've recently done posts about similar jackets by Supreme and Margaret Howell - each one influenced by brands that have shaped outdoor clothing culture. Though based around different reference points, both clearly benefited from an understanding of this history. Neighborhood have taken things one step further. Much like their work with Viberg, the decision to collaborate with Marmot reflects a genuine appreciation of tradition. It may seem like an unusual choice but the classic American brand have been crafting quality outdoor products since the early 70s. By drawing directly on this experience, Neighborhood have produced something even more substantial. I'm sure it's a jacket they could have done alone but the outcome is undoubtedly improved by Marmot's involvement. The two brands are very different but each has played to its strengths. Neighborhood's contribution is evident in the overall styling. The patches and pocket placement reference a different era and give the jacket a more traditional feel. Marmot's considerable experience is at the forefront of the production, ensuring an outcome that's much more than a fashion item. It's a union based solely on creating the best possible product. In an age of widespread collaboration, that's rare and something I find really refreshing.

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Visvim PFD Field Jacket

Visvim's ability to meld fashion and function are again shown off with this fall's PFD Field Jacket. The piece features a custom herringbone cotton exterior complete with a Gore-Tex membrane on the inside. Apparently Visvim is the first brand to play with a multi-colored and branded Gore inner seam tape as well, which adds just one more special touch by the Japanese brand. The olive color is my favorite and comes packed with four front pockets and a nicely shaped sort of Maine collar. Hiroki continues to push the brand and offers some great insight and quotes on the direction of Visvim in the feature in Sense magazine. It's worth trying to scoop a copy if possible, but you might be better off just getting this jacket instead to experience what he's talking about. Available at Union LA this fall

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