Beams+ Knit Cap

This is probably an item I could say everyone must have. Whether you got it from your grandmother 10 years ago or from Beams+ this fall - it's an essential. Of course there are varying types of wools and colors to go with and I'm personally going to have a navy and red cap with the cable knit pattern. They are cozy, functional and just look great. It's probably the easiest thing in the world to wear. If you have a tiny head and a giant cranium, it really can't look bad. I'm undecided whether I like the ribbed cuff of the cable pattern to continue to the end, I wouldn't really mind one of each. The price isn't bad on these, however Beams+ are missing the perfect red option.

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Porter Swell Boston Bag

Although we made a pretty good stab at the perfect daily duffle bag but Porter have a few options of their own. If you need something durable, good looking and functional then the medium sized Swell Boston bag might be for you. The navy and black options are easily my favorite options for this compact luggage. I think it would be great for packing a camera, your lunch and some text books for school this fall. The bag is now available from Beams and their continuing collaboration with B Yoshida.

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BEAMS+ in Bologna

The successful relationship between BEAMS and WP in Italy. Earlier this month in the Bologna WP store, BEAMS+ opened their latest corner with their fall collection. The brand is always highly sought after and one that I've wished would land stateside. It seems like it may never come to be with our market unfortunately, but at least if you're in Italy you have another place to visit. The camp-like tent and outdoor inspired clothing looks great in it's new home as WP continue to lay the path in Europe as one of the top retailers in not just the region, but the world. WP is also the company which carries the Woolrich Woolen Mills license as well as John Rich and Bros. The company has contributed a lot of good over the last decade especially and it's nice to seem them forge ahead with their partnership with BEAMS.

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Beams Fall Catalogue

Michael at ACL just scanned in some images from the fall Beams catalogue and I for one am thankful, and will probably try to get myself a copy. The photography is beautiful as usual and the styling is classic Beams work. White people in Japan dressed in American inspired digs being sold to Japanese, got it? This particular image jumped out at me as something I would love to be wearing this fall. Of course I would make slight changes like a flat end bow tie perhaps. Overall the Japan exclusive Engineered Garments safari jacket in khaki, tattersall shirt, Norwegian knit are complimented with nice styling touches of the rolled sleeves and nice watch/frame combination come off just right. Beams is without doubt one of the leading retailers on planet Earth and their own catalogue being far better than most, or any brands, look books is just another simple reason why.

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Beams Deck Shoes

If you hadn't already figured it out Beams is kind of awesome. They design and produce clothing, accessories, stationery and music while importing other items from overseas for their retail empire, and they seem to do it all well. The latest offering I'm impressed with by Beams (and another reason for me to go to Japan) are these 3-piece deck shoes. They're made of a pretty sturdy looking canvas and come in three great colourways all of which have the perfect accent colour just about the midsole. Other little details like the thin 'dress' laces and the 70's era heel decal also make them appealing to me. They look like the perfect spring sneaker for this Take Ivy look that myself and a lot of other people are probably going to be rocking 90% of the spring. If you aren't down with that look the classic simple design makes for such a useful shoe that you can co-ordinate easily with any other spring outfit. I think the beige is my favourite, but I've changed my mind 7 times since I started writing this, I love them all equally. They're available at zozotown for a very reasonable $100.

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Beams+ Hunting Parka

Got your Japanese proxy yet? You might want it for this Beams+ Hunting Parka. With a perfect all season color and weight, this parka is a front runner for a Sierra Designs substitute. Although it's not an eBay bargain, it is only about $340 US which is a pretty reasonable price for a coat that should last you a few years or more. I am not usually a big fan of details like the zipper split hood but with the tonal color change I am not minding the look. However I am really liking the pockets and 4 button system in the front which more than makes up for it. Even the fit looks pretty solid, but it really has to be special for you to take the risk and add the proxy fee if you don't have friends in good places.

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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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Beams+ Harris Tweed Coat

Is this coat not perfect? Beams is definitely one of the best in the world in several aspects: retail, collaborations, adapting Americana work wear and their home brand in general. Whoever is at the helm has pretty much perfect taste and this coat is a good example. They are able to strip everything down, nothing unnecessary, everything thought through. From the number of buttons to the elbow patches to the exterior chest pocket, this is the perfect blazer. The right balance is crucial to pull of the perfect casual sport coat and this one has it from all angles.

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