Jill Sander Ankle Boots

Jill Sander is definitely a designer I don't know a whole lot about, and that's okay with me. The shops are a bit intimidating although the products I've seen at Oki-ni look quite wearable. Anyways, it's one of those brands that's there and makes nice things, but I just don't have a personally connection. That being said, who doesn't have a personal connection to some desert boots? How about in blue suede with a white sole? Definitely not unlike Kitsune's low top rendition this spring, but I prefer the Sander version with a more muted blue and I really like the natural leather around the mid sole of the boot. While blue has been informally announced the color of this spring, I don't think I am personally going to jump into some blue footwear too quickly.

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Image Spark Launch

This if for any readers out there in the creative field who find yourselves checking blogs like ffffound, jjjjound, graphic-exchange or the likes. There are a lot out there with great fashion, graphic design, typography and photography but not all pulled together like they are now. Greg Washington from Inqmnd came up with the idea, designed and directed this project which was put through the interactive design studio he works at in Toronto, Tehann+Lax. With some really great developers on hand and some nice design work, they managed to pull together Image Spark in what seemed to be a pretty short period. Basically you can upload images from your desktop, save pictures from the Internet and save images from other Image Spark users - the community. You also have the option to have 2 mood boards of your own which are pretty handy for new projects and the maneuverability is nice. I got the sign up email yesterday and jumped on right away. I think its a pretty fresh tool and should be great to keep the creative juices flowing, plus it looks dope. Sign up here

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Jas-M.B. Boston Bag

I don't really know what they have to do with Massachusetts but boston bags are my favourite style of bag. They're nice and simple, the ideal shape and nine times out of ten are the perfect size. This one I spotted at Journal Standard has all those good characteristics and a bit more. The colour and materials on this bag is what I love most though. The wax coated canvas looks like it has already been worn in for you to give it a stellar indigo colour. I'm not crazy about the handle ends but leather is always a nice touch and the copper colour is just right. I like boston bags because they're good for any age and outfit really, a good finishing touch on a fun spring look. I can't wait to see more small duffles this spring.

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Want: Mister Freedom for J. Crew Deck Coat

This looks like a great coat. With Mister Freedom's attention to details and great taste in reproductions combining with J. Crew's money to pretty much make anything at this point, how could the result not be good? I personally really would love to own this coat. It would be great all year round in Canada, look amazing with everything, I'm sure it fits awesome and I love all of the details. I'm always a big fan of the navy influenced pieces and this is no different. In fact this makes me even more a fan. I am tempted to buy this coat and walk to docks looking for a job at sea (to pay for it at $850). But then who would blog?  J. Crew has been doing a lot of good things lately, you can add this to the list. The only problem besides the price is that it's only available at the J. Crew Liquor store for men, and you'll have to deal with the unfriendly, arrogant service.

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Steven Alan Short Mac

If the readers want more spring coats, you get more spring coats - from the same designer, Steven Alan. I didn't have to travel too far to find another great looking spring coat, as Steven Alan seems to be ready for the spring. I don't usually like posting lots from the same designer or web store in a row, but if I didn't blog this, somebody else was going to, or has. Anyways, the Mac coat has become okay for young men to wear again thanks to new materials, a great madras lining, a nice big top button and the perfect color. I can say for sure I wouldn't have thought about wearing this jacket a couple years ago, as my dad probably could have been. But this spring there isn't too much else I want more for a spring coat. Also look for great renditions this spring by Our Legacy and J. Crew.

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Beams Cotton Waistcoat

This past fall/winter I was definitely pretty into the wool suiting vests and there wasn't much of a shortage of them. I found a great one from Rogues Gallery and have been wearing it quite regularly. It is still pretty cold out, but the times are changing and a heavy wool isn't going to be the most ideal in a couple months. I still like the look over a t shirt or button down quite a bit, so luckily Beams has it covered. They went with the 100% cotton waist coat this spring in grey and navy for the warmer weather. The cut of it looks good, definitely not synthetic back which is great - no complaints. Of course other than it's only available in Japan, but if you have a good connection it will only be retailing for about $100 at Beams.

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Head Porter Black Beauty Items

The Black Beauty package from Head Porter is probably my favorite. The items are pure black, go with everything, are well made, somewhat padded and still have that Porter name on them. I have a few pieces by Porter now but the only Black Beauty item I had was a wallet which I recently lost. This leaves me missing my direct connection to the pack, as well as wallet-less still. I also don't have, but want, an iPhone. So once I scrap enough money together to get a wallet, I will then put enough money in that wallet to get an iPhone, then go on to possibly purchase this Black Beauty iPhone case. For those who are ready to skip that process, the new messenger bag  and iPhone case are available at hnyee.store, or will be soon.

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Steven Alan Rain Slicker

Damn, I like this shade of blue. Steven Alan is definitely most known for his shirts, which I'm not a huge fan of. I do really like his blazers, bags, visual merchandising and coats however. This casual rain slicker would be a great addition to just about any man's wardrobe. The soft blue or 'storm' color is right on the mark for spring '09 and I'm pretty sure it's going to rain a lot, so that makes sense as well. Exterior snap pockets, removable hood and great length make up the rest of the details, none of which are bad. The jacket doesn't look super warm, so layering will probably be a good idea in the next couple months, but layering is fun anyways.

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