Baracuta G9 Black watch

Baracuta's presence has definitely seen a well deserved rise in popularity this year, mainly via the classic G9 model. I've been wearing the slim G9 regularly for the last couple of seasons and look forward to the arrival of a G4 in the near future. However while browsing ASOS, I came across this special make up with the Black watch plaid on the exterior. As I've mentioned, it's one of my favorite patterns and is subtle enough that it works really well on the Made in England G9. The colours are perfect for fall and if I was on the market for another Baracuta or a plaid jacket, this would have to be a front runner.

Click to read more ...

Garbstore: The Indigo Farm Factory

Garbstore's collections continue to improve and grow and the brand has began to tell its story a little better. While many brands are concentrating on stateside production, Garbstore is proud to manufacture their garments in southern China. It's not a matter of finding the cheapest production or a reaction to the rest of the market, rather the way Ian Paley and his brand can manufacture the precise garments and range they would like to. While China has caught a bad rap thanks to big box chains that value quantity over all else, there are more than a few high quality factories operating – one being The Indigo Farm in Guang Dong province. Garbstore's design pays particular attention to vintage French and British garments their current collections are inspired from. By using machines that are decades old, buying Japanese fabrics and using specialty Chinese factories like the Indigo Farm, they are able to bring together a cohesive aesthetic that is made well and can retail for a fair price. After speaking to Mr. Paley, you get a good feeling about the brand and the relationships he's had for a decade in Asia. I personally feel there is still something special about producing in Canada or the USA, but the same can be said for Japan or the UK, so why not China? —

Click to read more ...

Fall Essential: LL Bean Boots

No surprises here, I'll probably mention these boots come each rainy season. The Bean boots have a rich and interesting history I'm not going to get into today. Besides the fact they just plain look great, they are probably one of the best all around shoes you could have on hand. They're affordable, you don't worry about them getting wet, they keep you warm and they look just as good on you as your dad, grandpa or son. My 8" Bean boots have made their fall debut this week and have been immediately put into heavy use as the drop in temperature and rainfall was an unfortunate turn. The high boot is great for the depths of winter with a GoreTex lining, but I've been interested in picking up a pair of the low cut mocs to match. They are slightly more ideal for spring, but when the rain is light and the mercury rises a little, they are a great weekend option for cruising the town or a vineyard. — Available at LL Bean

Click to read more ...

Friday Filler: Homes & Headwear

Click to read more ...

Altadena Works Acorn Packs

Altadena Works hit the market with a warm reception this season. Although their website is a little bit vague on who the creative partnership includes, South Willard's Ryan Condor seems to be involved as one of the contributors to the USA made product range. The acorn and navy colour combination is easily my favorite and it looks very nice on both the Teardrop and Rucksack. The classic combination of tones and simple design aesthetic are ideal compliments to the quality bags. Made from heavyweight canvas duck, military spec nylon webbing and leather custom ordered from Horween – these bags are sure to last you a few trips. Taking inspiration from outdoors gear from the '70s, the Altadena Works range continues to expand and offer you an ideal daily partner.

Click to read more ...

Original Fake Stand Collar Jacket

Something tells me that putting on this jacket feels really good. I'm not talking about the quilted lining though. There's something about putting on good fitted, cropped jacket like it that's an instant pick me up. You know what I'm talking about. That little bit of confidence bordering of cockiness when you know you look good. You get your mirror face on, have some swag in your step and think you're all badass like James Dean. It'd be for good reason though because the jacket is amazing. The charcoal grey goes with everything and it doesn't get any better than wool. The hardware is typical top class Original Fake and the minimalist detailing is perfect. While I'm usually 50/50 on OFake stuff it's pieces like this that remind me why I really like their general aesthetic. I just wish I was in Edmonton so I could hop up out the bed and try it on. Get it at HAVEN

Click to read more ...

The Field House

Blackbird have apparently opened a new shop in Ballard to showcase some of their American heritage brands including, Woolrich Woolen Mills, Filson, RRL, Red Wing, Alden and a selection of candles, soaps as well as some vintage garments. Mister Crew reports on the new shop with some nice photos of the space and product being offered. It looks absolutely great to me. The cuttered layout works very nicely with the balance of brick walls, fall coloured flannel and candles and flowers. The product curation is much more focused in this space and everything seems to work together nicely, down to the name. Browsing the images, I can spot at least a handful of items I would love to pick up, there is no information regarding the shop otherwise, so you'll do well to make a trip to Ballard yourself if possible. —

Click to read more ...

Chimala Wool Coverall

I could've used one of these yesterday. It was raining, it was windy, it was cold. Chimala, while extremely enigmatic, is always impressive to me and this coverall even more so than usual. The materials are a great mix of perfectly weighted melton wool with soft cotton lining and chambray finishing under the collar, all of which are of the highest quality. Nice design details like the use of bar tacks throughout (the orange ones on the cuffs are dynamite) raglan sleeves, wood buttons and metal eyelets under the arms give the coverall tons of personality. It's a great wool piece that would be perfect for under the parka and over the sweater. Or when it's slightly warmer out it'd be great as a jacket on its own. This one has a very good tailored fit to it which only made me want it more when I tried it on a couple of days ago. Available at Lark

Click to read more ...