Engineered Garments Workaday Fatigue Pant

Our three part series on cargo pants last month received a lot of comments. Many of you were against the idea and seemed quite steadfast in your views. I fully understand that and though I still believe the right pair are a good option, I don't expect everyone to agree. These, on the other hand, feel like the perfect middle ground. They may have a similar aesthetic but I also think they'd be much easier to wear. The key is probably the absence of thigh pockets which makes the overall appearance a bit more refined. Part of EG's Workaday collection, they feature the same high quality and attention to detail as the main line. They're made from reversed sateen and the mid-green would work well with almost anything. This versatility also extends to the styling. The front and back pockets provide a point of interest but don't intrude too much, ensuring a more subtle military reference. If you're not convinced by cargo pants but want an alternative to denim, cords and chinos, these are definitely worth considering.

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Run-away from the Shows

If you're on the Internet as much as us, you've surely seen a lot of SS10 runway show images over the last week, that is unless you only visit h(y)r collective. It's not really that I've made a point of not showing runway images or SS10 previews, but there just hasn't been a whole lot that I'm excited for being walked around in New York this season. The collections for SS10 that I am really excited about come from Nigel Cabourn, Woolrich Woolen Mills and Band of Outsiders, at least they do more subdued presentations. This might not sound surprising, but as I read/hear more and more people saying they are tired of the outdoorsy Americana inspired collections and brands popping up, I have to wonder what those folks are looking to next. Can somebody jump on EG one season, get tired of the "trend" and move onto plastic pants from the runway? As we are now very much apart of the 'fashion' world, attending trade shows, interviewing and writing every day about products, it's interesting to see who is just looking ahead to see what's next and who is actually just settling into what they really care about and love. When I asked Daiki Suzuki about his thoughts on the current trend in American sportswear, he noted that it would ideally become more of a lifestyle aesthetic and way of living as it has in Japan. While I feel that is likely the category I would like to fall into, I have doubts that sort of market and consumer base/culture is really strong enough in North America. So as we push on and make plans for the future, without attending SS10 fashion shows, I am quite sure we will continue to talk about and focus on the things we actually care about and are interested in. Not for the sake of traffic and certainly not for the sake of making money, but because we wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

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Filson Outfitter Jacket

After Owen's post on Filson's new wool plaids the other day, I found myself browsing the web shop fairly thoroughly and finding plenty of good things as usual. The heavyweight Outfitter Jacket was a subtle stand out for me. The dark olive or charcoal coat is nicely lined with a sharp plaid and made from Filson's signature Mackinaw wool. The flap pockets and nice short collar give the jacket a bit of a unique look while at $220 USD, you know you're getting a heavy duty piece of wool that is going to last you a few winters to come. The piece would be great for layering under a trench and over an oxford. I'm not too sure on the fit, as a lot of Filson's soft goods still aren't very slimmed down in the cut. It's worth trying on if you can find one and could be a great alternative to a bomber or varsity this season.

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CDG Homme Argyle Shirt

This one might not be of the expected oxfords and chambrays, but the Comme des Garcons Homme collection is full it unusual treats that might not usually be appealing. The argyle pattern seems to be actually stitched on like patchwork rather than in a print or woven through. By using the grey and pink patches and clean diagonal stitches, it creates a nice little argyle masterpiece. The colors don't seem particularly ideal for fall, but I think layered under vests, boat necks and sport coats, it could do well in the cold months. Of course come spring and summer this shirt deserves some time to stand alone. Beyond Museum Ark, I'm not sure where you might find this piece, or want to, but it's always a good idea to step out of the comfort zone now and again.

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Friendly Fire

Insight: I mentioned Designersaurus a little while ago; hopefully you've been checking it and saw this on Friday. If not, it's a great concept and an interesting look into the Six Eight Seven Six design process. Watch the whole thing, the random children's drawings that start appearing towards the end are brilliant too. | You Tube Childhood: I don't know how much Lego everyone had as a child but for me personally, this brings back a lot of memories. | Gizmodo Blogs: I'd imagine most of you are aware of this one but I just wanted to make sure. If you're not familiar, have a look. There's a lot to take in but that's never a bad thing, especially when the majority's so good. | Jakubowski Music: I'm going to see Dirty Projectors at the Scala tonight. Love the venue, love the band and just to bring it back to fashion for minute, I love the Lacoste cardigan Dave Longstreth's wearing in this clip. | You Tube

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MHL Duffle Coat

The duffle coat is another one of those items that are in fact a must have, at least for me. While there isn't a real rush to acquire one right now, it's something you can count on every year by traditional brands like Gloverall which allows a little more patient shopping experience. That said, when the right one comes along, there is no need to deny it as it's something you'd be sure to have in your closet for years to come. Margaret Howell's alter-name collection, MHL focuses more on utilitarian, simplistic design and basics. This fall they have cooked up a great looking and very ideal marl charcoal duffle coat that would exceed any demands of the piece. It's made of 80% wool, in the UK and has just enough going on to keep it function and little enough to have it looking just right. It's just arrived at The Bureau along with a couple other great Margaret Howell pieces worth checking out.

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Filson Wool Duffle

Fall means plaids and they shouldn't just be limited to flannel shirts I don't think. Ryan offered a decent option yesterday but when it comes to bags I'm more of a shoulder carrier. We all know Filson makes one of the best duffles around and they've recently come out with some new wool options. I've always been a fan of the bags in wool as they've got a bit more character than the classic canvas and tin cloth versions. The grey multi colourway is a great blend of different grey shades accented nicely with the red, a colourway that would look great with a backdrop of a navy or black jacket/shirt. The new wood camo isn't all that bad either but probably not one I'd choose over the others. Either way though the small duffle is a perfect size for any sized trip too.

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Gitman Vintage Navy Twill

Not that I need to get into the history and direction of Gitman Bros., but you can easily see the collection landing with our favorite retailers this fall. Back in January there was definitely one shirt that stood out to me on the rack of many. I wanted it then and till want it now. Navy blue shirting isn't usually too easy to find, but this herringbone twill shirt by Gitman is just right for the fall. It's soft, fits well and doesn't break the bank. Unsurprisingly it was picked up by a few retails such as Context and most recently, The Bureau. The shirt is cozy, great for layering and is a nice alternative to EG's twill work shirt if you weren't able to scoop one this season. Also, if you're into the navy, but would like to see it in an oxford cloth you aren't out of luck, you'll just have to wait a couple months...

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