45rpm Hand Knit Cardigan

There's certainly been a resurgence in the popularity of cardigans in recent seasons, particularly shawl collar versions. As much as I'm a fan of this variety, I'm always on the lookout for something more unusual and this is a great option. If it's mild enough, many cardigans work perfectly in place of a jacket and 45rpm directly reference that by including a notched lapel. First and foremost, it's a great alternative to the shawl collar but also allows their cardigan to be worn in a variety of ways. Hand knitted from 100% cotton, further character is added by combining a series of different textures. The ribbed placket and pockets and an open weave on the collar, cuffs and hem work beautifully alongside the plain body. The natural wooden buttons are also a great accent on the blue version and this may be my favourite colour. That said, the maroon would definitely be extremely versatile. A choice between the two might be difficult but whichever you prefer, the cardigan itself is a classic and one that offers a really refreshing alternative.

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Crescent Down Works Italian Vest

Even though they're known mostly for their work with 60/40 cloth around here, Crescent Down Works does hold up to their name with their other pieces. When it comes to their down works, vests are what they're known for and the Italian is my definitely favourite. Of all the versions I've seen of it, this custom one for South Willard might be the best. It's made from a nice medium weight olive tweed wool produced just south of CDW at Pendleton. The flecked wool is a perfect autumnal tone that's well completed with the green ripstop lining. It'd be perfect with a chambray, some chinos, and wool hat. Portland weaves the wool, Seattle makes the vest, blogged in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest gets paid off of all of that... (well not actually, I just watched this twice in a row) 

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White Mountaineering Shell Luggage Jacket

White Mountaineering has put together one of the strongest collections of this season and it's definitely a shame that it's not available around these parts. The soft knits, pants, hats, bags and socks are all stronger than most western brands are producing, but it's this Shell Luggage Jacket that I am really loving. With a technical interior of Gore-Tex and solid shell, you would need nothing more than a cozy layer underneath to stand up to any weather. I prefer the tan version although both are amazing. The pocketing feels perfectly balanced while mixing in great zipper use and a hand loop link on the chest. The length of the jacket is a little on the shorter side which is nice with such a technical jacket as well. It allows you to let a EG Baker poke out the bottom and give the look some texture and depth while keeping you protected. As it's made for the Japanese consumer, the sizing is smaller and the fit looks slim. It could be a great option for those looking to invest in a technical outer shell that looks great in the city and on the ski hill in early spring.

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Woolrich Woolen Mills Jackets

Surprisingly, the Woolen Mills branch of Woolrich is still a little tough to find around here. While it's not even allowed to be sold in Canada, the licensing arrangements and price points leave the brand in a tricky middle ground and if you don't live in a major US city centre, you have to track it down online just like us. This fall the collection looks great again, especially the outerwear. The Woolen Mills aesthetic has been well defined with Daiki Suzuki at the helm, but he only has three seasons left with Woolrich before a new designer takes over. So if you like the more rugged, outdoorsy approach that has a certain Daiki feeling, I suggest stocking up on some of these classics. Blackbird has a small but well edited selection in store right now worth checking out. The plaid Upland, wool Pen coat and ripstop Parka are all great options that I would happily add to my closet.

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Fall Caps

I have yet to break out a beanie, toque or knitted cap this season, but I know the time is coming. The fall is on it's way and just as much I as I looked forward to summer, I am now looking forward to this cool weather. J. Press just updated their website with a number of great fall pieces, but it's the knitted caps that really make me want to put my head in them the most. Chunky wool cable knits are definitely one of the best things about this season at hand. There are so many benefits from a good cap like this. You can accent any outfit, you can feel more comfortable outdoors and you can just let your hair go and not worry about it because you can just cover it up nicely. Of these two colors, it would be a tough choice, so for under $50 each, you might as well get both. However, if your hankering for a navy or red you might want to wait it out and see what pops up in the Shop.

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Friendly Fire

Sales: It's the last day of Garbstore's sale today. That means up to 75% off their own product as well as the likes of Post Overalls, Bedwin and Hunting Jacket Research. As if that wasn't enough, they've also got a selection of new pieces from EG, Wood Wood and Gitman. See you down there. | Garbstore Film: 242 ways to say it's over. | Flickr Magazines: The Autumn/Winter edition of Pop is out. It's not always essential but this is definitely a good one. An impressive start by Dasha Zhukova. | Great Magazines Blogs: Good taste across the board. Posts featuring Gary Snyder, Akron/Family and Leonard Baskin have been some of the highlights so far. | Sympotein

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Supreme Ripstop Parka

When it comes to waterproof jackets, I definitely like to have a few options. Barbour and Mackintosh cover the traditional angle very nicely. I'm also a fan of the classic four pocket parka we're seeing a lot of at the moment. However, of all the styles available, I have a particular fondness for more technical looking pieces. Not only do they function well but I like the off-key element they can bring to an outfit. I love the styling of old Berghaus jackets. Marmot and Patagonia are great too and I think Supreme have done a fantastic job in the same vein. They've produced this jacket in black and blue but this colour's undoubtedly my favourite. The red and purple feels like such a classic 90s combination. This was something of a golden era for technical clothing and it's a great reference point. Supreme have made these jackets using 3-ply waterproof ripstop. This is not only practical but gives the shell an even more interesting appearance. They've used taped seams throughout and I really like the pocket positioning. As Ryan mentioned recently, this season's collection is particularly strong. There's a few things I want but if I could only choose one item, this would be it.

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Pendleton Western Shirt

This Pendleton shirt is a big double negative for me. I'm a fan of jean jackets and I wear jeans a lot, but I've never really been able to get down with the denim shirt. Western shirts haven't ever been too appealing either. The combination of both in this shirt though, I'm really feeling. The shape of the shoulder stitch is a little smaller and more subtle and the pocket flaps aren't too pointy. The shade of the denim is fantastic nor too marled looking and the simple leather tab on the pocket tops off the detailing. Being tall and lanky is often a challenge fit wise but these fit long so sizing down works out nicely. I'd have no problem wearing denim on denim like this gentleman but I could see it be worn over another BD shirt pretty easily too. At Tres Bien it's got a price that's nice that won't make you think twice. And with that Swedish VAT your wallet stays fat.

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