Red Wing Black Chome Leather

Red Wing boots have become a house hold name in menswear the past two years for those on the outskirts of civilization as well as for those in the heart of it. The classic 875 has been the most publicized and purchased model, with other round toes, chukkas and boat shoes following suit. It has been quite hard to locate any of the models in black leather, at least north of the border. I have always loved black boots the most myself, and I would love to have a pair of either of these Red Wings in black. I think the color and change in leather makes for a much different feel, while the models remain the same. Despite what some people say about their comfort level, I find them to be quite nice on the foot, and I would be happy to put these models in black to the test. Available at United Arrows.

Click to read more ...

Our Legacy Leather Accessories

Our Legacy are giving us a peak at what is coming shortly in their spring collection. With the addition of footwear and the extension of their accessories, the collection is growing into more of a complete lifestyle. The leather duffle, briefcase and woven belt are looking great. The color of the leather is perfect for the spring/summer months and would compliment those washed out denim pants nicely. Our Legacy's prices are quite fair coming from Sweden, where Tres Bien is able to showcase the entire selection. That is definitely rare to find, especially online, so we can look forward to the re-launch of the new Tres Bien Shop website in the next couple of days, likely filled to the brim with Our Legacy goodies.

Click to read more ...

Inverallan Knit Aran Sweaters

Museum Ark has tracked down another great heritage brand for their shop. These hand knit Aran sweaters from Scotland look great. Inverallan claims to be second to none when it comes to quality and complex Aran patterns. The style of knit came from Scotland has been recorded as far back as the 9th Century and perfected by fisherman's wives over the years in the cold Northern UK. Inverallan seems to have a great idea of their color palettes and very tasteful use of the cable pattern and shawl collars. I think this navy blue cardigan is one of my favorites. The sweaters are pretty much  the best thing to have in cold weather. They are made to withstand the elements and test of time - and they look beautiful.

Click to read more ...

What Happens in Vegas...

...gets blogged and shows up in stores 6 months later. I wasn't fully planning on going to Vegas this season, but a couple nice opportunities are making the trip worth while. I'm about to head for the plane, so the next couple days will be reporting from one of the weirdest cities in the world. With so many trade-shows going on, I'll have to keep it quite focused and will be spending more of my time at Capsule. I will be there talking to designers, retailers, doing a little bit of buying and offering what I can to the show. I've also a recently been added to the Board of Advisers for Capsule, so excuse the bias. Just kidding, I'll also be dropping by GUILD and Project for a couple meetings and to look at some cloths.

Click to read more ...

Rag & Bone Tote Bag

Rag & Bone have consistently put out nice pieces for the last few seasons. After this springs show in New York, I've read a few people saying they might be trying to do to much. With the men's and women's collections growing at a pretty steady rate, it's hard to imagine a designer can really perfect a piece while adding another 5 each season. I think there are some staples in the Rag & Bone collection that are great. There is some nice outerwear, great shirts and some nice accessories, but I am finding a bit less I am really excited about. This tote bag however looks really nice. The navy blue canvas with light brown leather and antique rivets is not a new combination of elements, but the simplicity and stripped down aesthetic is appreciated. Although, at $255 there might be other options on the market like Mismo, or two Filson bags. Still, the tote is nice, along with a number of items in Rag & Bone's spring collection which is now available at Odin.

Click to read more ...

South2 West8 Fishing Shirt

I've only been fishing a handful of times, and I don't mind it. I like this shirt a lot more though. A lot of work wear / Americana brands are coming out with shirts and jackets with a serious pocket overload like YMC's coat and Woolrich Woolen Mills shirt that we featured. From a styling point of view, I think they look great and could look amazing in a photo shoot. From an everyday wearing perspective, it might feel a little odd. I think this fishing shirt by South2 West8 has a nice balance. You could make use of it on the sea with big chest pockets, a hanging D ring and whatever else shirts can contribute to fishing? The shirt also wouldn't be over the top on a normal day in the city either. I also really like the shade of green. It feels really nicely balanced and would look great with chinos of almost any color and a pair of those Our Legacy jeans.

Click to read more ...

Our Legacy Washed Denim

There has been no shortage of blog coverage on Our Legacy in the last few months. The Swedish label have put together their best collection yet for the spring, with great fitting garments, well constructed shirts, coats and accessories, and all a reasonable price. As one of the few brands that could actually fill my closet, they have gone an extra step this spring by introducing their first denim pants. The wash on these jeans couldn't be better. Now, I know there is a big argument for creating your own wash through living in your jeans, but I honestly don't have a big problem buying them if they look like this. Of the two washes, I would go with the darker color. The very natural looking washed out jeans look great, and would look even better complimented by a nice button down oxford and some Common Projects Achilles - and you're set all spring long. I haven't had an opportunity to try on the denim, but they appear to have a casual fit, ideal for rolling and looking good. Now available at Kiosk 78.

Click to read more ...

A Summer Suit

Engineered Garments have come up with a few fairly interesting patterns in their spring collection. This red, navy and yellow plaid isn't one of the most out there, but wearing it as a full suit isn't that easy to pull off. Fortunately the 100% organic cotton Madras gives the look a great texture and the colors probably couldn't be better. The lightweight fabric has a high thread count, and has been making a nice comeback the last couple summers. I'm personally quite a fan of the feeling of the cotton, and I really like the look of it layered with whites and khakis. While this outfit might seem a little over the top in a flat image, I feel like with a white oxford or the right T shirt, rolled up pants and some leather loafers, it could be a great look for a semi formal occasion in the warm months. I suppose Visvim was able to pull off the head to toe madras plaid in their recent trip to Cuba, so why not you in these great Engineered Garments pieces?

Click to read more ...