Our Legacy Sneakers

As we've mentioned already, Our Legacy seems intent on expanding their collection to cover the majority of men's products. I think they are one of the only new labels doing it well in terms of capturing an aesthetic of a lifestyle. Whether they are just trying to make as much money as they can, or just feel they've always wanted to make these items, so why not do it now - the look of their products is always right on the mark. While it might be hard to actually improve on the deck shoe after Vans, Sperry, Visvim and Aprix have offered a great range of clean versions. I would have to say these are probably the exact colors I would have made the shoe in, and the dark stripe around the midsole is a perfect classic touch. I thought the shoes looked good in person, but for a sneaker I think you really need to wear them around to determine their qualty. Now available at Tres Bien for $98

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Men.style.com Spring Trends

Is this not suppose to be one of the go-to magazines and/or websites in North America? After reading a very correctly worded post on The Selvedge Yard calling GQ, Getting Questionable, I still had some faith in this iconic American publication. I thought they could probably still hold it down online and help men find their way. Unfortunately hope is lost. While there were some spring trends predicted that weren't totally off the mark, like Ralph Lauren. (How is that a trend?) But specifically calling out an ugly D&G boat shoe that costs $500 US? Really? That's a trend? It could have simply been 'Boat Shoes' and then take a picture of 3 different ones, that cost less than a house in Fishtown. Then we come to the full outfits. While the poor fitting D 2squared looks from Italy aren't quite doing it for me, the styled model shots look about half as interesting as an Urban Outfitters mannequin. There were a couple gems in the mix such as Yuketen's mocassin, Supreme's parka and the Cresent Down Works Parka we blogged a little while back, for the most part, the article is, as usual, very uninspiring. The market is getting educated, we know you can do better, you have every resource at your fingertips - sell me something good.

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KZO Cardigan

KZO is an pretty interesting label that has an unique mix of influences coming from Japan and the US. There is a mix of traditional elements and pieces, often mixed with an unexpected detail or material. For next fall they have a handful of pieces I really quite like, and this spring isn't bad either. This terminal cardigan is one of my top picks so far. The elments taken from a sport coat in terms of the cut in the front, flap pockets and cuffs on the arms, all give the sweater a unique but classic look. The fit seems to be spot on and I'm a fan of the simple button choice. Now available at Blackbird

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A.P.C. Pioneer Denim

A.P.C. have brought back their washed out denim, without having some random person actually wear them this time. They used to make a pair quite similar a couple years ago that were available in the Cure and the Standard cuts. I managed to track down a pair on eBay about a year ago and they've been my favorite pair of jeans since. While A.P.C.'s standard cuts are among the most universal on the planet, they managed to reproduce one of the most natural looking washes available. This new Pioneer version has a little bit more detail in the wear wrinkles, but still have a pretty natural look. These are not totally unlike the version Our Legacy have in their spring collection, but I would imagine A.P.C.'s version to have a slimmer cut. Again, there are higher quality denim pants in the market, but for the price and cut, it's hard to beat A.P.C.

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What Would you wear in your Secret Fort?

I saw this post over on allplaidout and I love it. The two bloggers met up recently and a third party exclaimed to James of Secret Forts, "You look like your blog." Of course he does right? With the million and a half product blogs out there, how many bloggers actually practice what they preach and pine after the products they post, or actually wear the outfits they post? My guess is not very many. So I feel that's why there has been a tight circle of blogs recognized in this little niche market. The sense of honesty and actually living your blog in the real world is important. I personally wear the items I write about (unfortunately a small portion) but still, the ones I really can afford or want. I know Michael over at ACL and Jake also are in the same boat, and there are others. It's the reality of our tastes that help us connect with each other, as well as the readers. It's always been something that urks me about some other sites I suppose, but I've never really touched on it. So there it is, practice what you preach. Thanks to the other bloggers out there for making the Internet more interesting. *In Addition: I do realize a lot of blogs have to get traffic and actually rely on making money for their job. So personal accounts and thoughts might not have a place. There is a balance, and it can be tough.

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D. LEE Fall Knits

I had to post these beautiful sweaters for a couple reasons. 1) Our new issue is experiencing a slight delay due to some content circumstances and 2) They are too nice to not share. D. LEE is the new collection from menswear designer Dana Lee. She's better known for A-Z collection which is entering it's last season. Next fall the designer will pick up, not just where she left off, but from an ever better place judging from the collection for fall 09. D. LEE will feature some really classic ideas with a perfectly wearable and comfortable aesthetic. There are a number of pieces in the collection I am really excited just to look at, but these sweaters are probably on top of the list. The soft cable pattern and really nicely shaped neck looks beautiful. This definitely looks like one of those sweaters that become your favorite for years. My only problem would be picking which color I want the most. You can look forward to more with Dana and her new collection in issue 11 which is on it's way.

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Alexander Olch Spring Ties

As it turns out, that red seersucker tie I recently posted might have been from last season. So these are a sample of whats coming this spring. I was happy to see Mr. Olch did a very similar tie in blue which I am going to try to get this spring. I find when it comes to ties with little characters or drawings on them, the good to bad ration is not in your favor. I've seen so many bad patterns, even brands that specialize in it. I am definitely more drawn to classic images like a flying goose, antlers, a musket, and of course a man and his dog. Alexander Olch's spring collection includes one of the best versions I've seen. It seems to be a man dressed in knickers, possible carrying a golf club, playing with his dog. Yes, it sounds a bit cheesy, but the pattern is quite tasteful, and is a nice subtle change of pace. It's also cool to see that Colette picked up the line.

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Gladiator Sandals for Guys

No, these aren't another "Don't wear" from Oak, don't worry. Guys have been wearing these gladiator sandals for hundreds of years...while fighting lions with swords and inventing the Olympics. I'm curious if today's male is going to accept these gladiator style sandals into their wardrobe as a footwear option, while not attending a Greek themed party? I actually saw Mr. Stoten, designer of Mjolk, wearing a pair last summer and to be honest, they looked good. He was a fully heterosexual man wearing sandals quite similar to these by Acne, and looking good while doing it. So either it will take an high level of confidence and great sense of style to pull these off, maybe even being in the right city/climate in the world, or of course, a white sheet. I would say good luck selling these for $388 in the middle of a recession.

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