Beams Plus Bandana

A bandana really could be from a number of brands, but the one I have is this one, from Beams Plus. We each received one as a small gift when we left the HQ last month and it's surprisingly seen a lot of use. I've never really been one for pocket squares or bandanas, but since it was a gift and always reminds me of a good experience, I thought I might as well give it a try. I basically have just left it in the pocket of my EG Baker jacket for the last few weeks. Sometimes I forget about it when I put the jacket one, but I'm always glad it's there. The subtle pattern and nice shade of blue seems to go well with my chambray or S.N.S. Herning NAVAL sweater and I like it even more when I've got a little bit of my hat coming out of the other pocket. There is definitely a thin line where having things in your pockets can look very contrived and unappealing. The key to keeping it looking natural, is actually being natural. It's not hard to tell when it's being forced so if it's not feeling right, just leave it.

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus Windstopper Coat

When simple and functional come together, there isn't much better. The Beams Plus collection is filled with not only great items, but obvious examples of what brands around these parts should consider making. This deck coat styled jacket retails for about $300 USD and looks great. The shape, pockets and colour are perfect for the fall and beyond the aesthetic, it comes lined with GORE Windstopper and thermal insulation to keep you warm through the winter. A fairly simple design with the proper silhouette and function materials - that's a pretty good formula to stick to I think. —

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus Knit Tie

The Fair Isle and Norwegian patterns were quite evident in Japan. Even though a lot of the top shops had pieces imported from northern UK and Scandinavia, some of my favorite pieces were the inspired items produced in Japan. A handful of the people we met with were sporting the colourful patterns as there seem to be endless ways to mix and match, from socks and vests to cardigans, hats and ties. I picked up this Beams Plus knit tie which features a soft wool from Tucker's Mill. It has a more Norwegian feel to it, but it's the nice mix of navy blue, white and a dark red that make it quite wearable. I particularly like how the colour and texture sits on a chambray shirt, so anticipate that being a favored holiday match up in the next month or two.

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus Tattersall Oxfords

The Beams Plus collection was much more impressive and extensive than I had realized before seeing it. From browsing their online selection I knew the styling and layout was nice and clean, but you really have to visit the Beams Plus shops to experience the brand's aesthetic and atmosphere. Most of their best products aren't available online, along with the selection of great collaborations and outside labels. One the most basic seasonal essentials is available on their website however. Probably the item I most regret not purchasing was this tattersall oxford. It came in red/black and blue/black and a perfectly weighted oxford cloth. The pattern is one of my favorites for an oxford right now and Beams did a great job with the details throughout: nice cuffs, good size collar, fall weight oxford cloth and nicely shaped gussets. If you've got a Japanese friend and are on the hunt for tattersall, this might be worth the effort. Otherwise you'll have to wait a few months. —

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus 60/40 Overcoat

The Beams Plus collection is filled with great items I wish I could buy locally every season. This 60/40 coat is another one I am liking the look of. In either black or tan, the jacket is well designed from the pockets to the hood - it is perfect for tossing on top of anything you're wearing at pretty much any time. The detachable plaid liner vest is another nice option to have as I find I usually end up wearing the detachable vest on their own as well. The jacket comes in around $300 which is pretty reasonable for a Japan-made product that you could easily wear 5 days a week. Especially in a city like Vancouver when the rain kicks up and you have to walk to work - what else would you rather have as protection?

Click to read more ...

Beams Plus Chino Pants

Beams in-house line has grown to offer a fairly complete selection from footwear to glasses, to bags and chinos. This spring you definitely need to have yourself a pair of soft cotton pants in one form or another. These Beams Plus chinos come in both navy and khaki and appear to have a pretty ideal fit. Last summer I was really hunting for the slimmest chino I could find and not having much luck. I've let go a bit and find myself more comfortable in a slightly more relaxed fit, although it's just as difficult to find in the right weight, well made and still with a proper straight leg or slight tapper. I'm still really happy with my Wings+Horns chinos, but I would love to get myself a pair of navy blue slacks for the spring. The Beams pants are also lined with a plaid cotton which I'm still on the fence with. I think the idea works better with a winter pant, and might be better concealed the majority of the time. Unfortunately not so good for the tuck-and-roll.

Click to read more ...