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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yuketen for The Bureau

The finite details on the level of collaboration is yet to be determined, but the fact is The Bureau in Belfast have an exclusive Yuketen Maine Guide boot en route to their shop. The Maine Guide boot might be my favorite winter offering on planet earth right now. With the white Vibram sole, Goodyear Welt, stiff pebbled leather and sturdy height of the shoe, it's something you could wear 7 days a week in the middle of the cold and it would probably just look better. The seven eyelets make it fairly far up your leg so wearing you pants on top of the boots is a must. Whether you trying to catch a cab or taking a tree-worth of firewood back from the woods, there can't be a better option than this. They should be arriving soon so keep checking in at The Bureau - if not for the boots, their EG outerwear should be online this weekend.

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Penfield Maine Shawl Knit

Penfield has been quietly stepping up the look and design of their collection this fall. While they may be a little slower than some brands to take advantage of their heritage story and while they may take some obvious references from current designers in the last couple seasons, it's hard to deny that their fall collection looks good. They also offer some more friendly prices so they could be great for picking up good complimentary pieces for the winter. The Maine Knit has a nice pattern not unlike the refurbished LL Bean Norwegian crew neck, but I like the collar on this Penfield version a bit more. For $145 CAD this is a pretty nice looking wool sweater. Haven now has the fall collection in shop and as usual we can count on the Edmonton brothers for a good buy.

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