United Arrows Green Label Relaxing

A couple new spring items have dropped under the Green Labal Relaxing name at United Arrows. I like both of them. The tote bag is about as basic as you can have. The key to a tote bag I find seem to be the handles and their length. I find them a lot more convenient if I am able to put it over a shoulder, especially if I need to be taking photos or I'm on the move. The red on natural color is just about right for spring as well. This tonal saddle shoes are a little more interesting and definitely something I would wear regularly. I actually just got a pair of bucks that look almost exactly the same in terms of the sole and the tone of suede. I probably prefer them still as I do, and always will think of golf shoes when I look at saddle shoes.

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Head Porter Plus Simplicity

They probably didn't need to put the label on the garments because it is what they are known for. Head Porter Plus have been making very simple, Japan made, classic garments for a few seasons now. The line is very stripped down with the odd technical detail, bu everything is nicely made, fits well and has a fairly reasonable price range (at least in Japan). They are back again this spring with their oxford shirts in white blue and light red. Last fall their oxfords came in 2nd in the Battle of the Oxfords and there doesn't seem to be any reason they wouldn't be in the running this year again. The hoody is an item I don't usually get to excited about but these warm, wearable tones are calling Sunday afternoon's name. If you want them unfortunately you'll need a proxy as they are available at hnyee.store.

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Red & Black Lumberjack with the Pants to Match

Had to post this fly eBay find for all of the folks out there that have had enough of the work wear/Americana heritage movement. I know you've been getting a good dose the last year, but I just haven't had enough myself. Although if I picked up this nice Woolrich Woolen Mills suit I might reach my capacity. To be honest as it sits at a price of $10, I am thinking of buying it just for the pants. The elastic bottoms with knee patches could translate into something pretty cool - if not something to wear while looking for firewood. I have almost heard enough people saying how trendy work boots or clothing is. The same commentary happens every time a 'trend' happens. I just so happen to love this 'trend' and will continue to embrace it with open arms. Enjoy. Red & Black Woolrich Woolen Mills pants and jacket outfit

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Engineered Garments, Aoyama

We first caught wind a couple months ago that with the release of the spring collection Engineered Garments would be opening up their first free standing retail location, now it's here and open. Well, unfortunately it's not here, it's in Japan. But the shops minimal aesthetic, light tones, wood furniture and open space allows the collection to breath nicely. There is a true art to retail which few folks outside of Japan have really accomplished. It is their educated market and demand for high quality details and experiences that pushes that level and it is unfortunate we don't demand the same level here. Anyways, the store does look great, along with the collection - what else did you expect? It's hard to tell where the images are actually from so thanks to Hypebeast for the update.

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Band of Outsiders Cuffed Shorts

While we just saw a pretty great pair of Band of Outsiders shorts recommended by South Willard on the Spring Buyers guide, here is another pair of nice and expensive shorts by the LA based label. Shorts are hard for me to get too excited about any time of the year and it seems good shorts are not easy to come by. From what I've seen, Band of Outsiders seems to have a good understanding of the proper length of a short and how it should be worn, and of course look. However spending $250 on shorts is something I would probably don't have to do, in these times especially. I don't wear shorts super often so I am personally okay with Club Monaco's selection for about $50-70. On the other side, Band of Outsiders are going to offer a refined fit, possibly better materials and definitely nicer patterns, color palettes and details like the cuffed bottom. Not to say you can't find this else where for make it happen yourself, but if Band of Outsider's looks and pieces are inspired the look you're trying to pull together, they must be doing something right.

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Favorite Piece: Patrik Ervell Coat

This is my favorite item I have seen for fall 09 so far. There have been some great collections and pieces from all of the brands I mentioned quite regularly here. Nobody has disappointed me yet which is a great sign of things moving forward and becoming even more refined. Nom de Guerre, Common Projects, Engineered Garments and Our Legacy are definitely among my top picks. However Patrik Ervell keeps coming up with items that I really like. This button up coat in a speckled wool in both a blue and a camel color is my favorite piece I've seen so far.  The big pockets, the buttons and the great collar combined with a really subtle and casual silhouette and perfect colors are putting it on top of the list. I haven't really seen a lot of jackets with the same shape that have en executed so well. Definitely one of the things I'm already looking forward to, and trying to get somebody to order for me...

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Wings+Horns MK-2 Field Jacket

This jacket is great, definitely not a new design as it's very similarly modeled after the Canadian military jacket of decades past. It's one of my favorite military inspired jackets and Wings+Horns did a great job updating and upgrading the look while using the original elemtents and perfect choice of colors. The spring coat is made from 100% Japanese cotton with an oxford shirt lining and slim fit in Wings+Horns fashion. The piece is apart of the first release of the season by the Canadian brand and it only makes sense it dropped at their biggest supporters shop, Roden Gray. The collection is moving in a direction I am pretty happy to see personally. I've been growing along with it and feel like every season there are a number of items I would love to have. I would expect to see a few more stand out pieces dropping in the near future.

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Umit Benan

Wow, this looks good to me. The colors are completely boring, all of the classic styles have no new angle or twists and even the model is old and has a huge beard. I was a bit sad to find that the model wasn't actually Umit Benan after Mens.style.com used such a good bearded metaphor on the blog post. This is pretty close to my idea wardrobe I'd say. The nice subtle patterns, greys, blues, worn oxfords and washed out denim with nice boots and casual looking sport coats. If the garments are as nice on the inside as they say, (a good beard?) then I am of course expecting a high price tag. But I am also expecting a great collection. I really don't see anything I don't like from this selection of Umit Benan's fall looks. I don't even mind the leg warmers because I assume it's going to be cold next winter and those will go under another pair of pants. I'll be curious to hear where the collection will be available because I want all of it.

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