Clarks Chestnut Desert Boots

The Desert Boot needs no introduction. For me, it's one of the best pieces of footwear ever made and hands down the best model of Clarks (sorry Ghostface). The simple two-piece upper and crepe sole is wearable year-round with any outfit and they're readily available. That is they're available in most colours nowadays except in my favourite option from Clarks: Chestnut. The grain of the suede is slightly thicker than the other colours which gives the medium shade of brown a nice bit of irregularity. The colourway gets completed nicely with a tan stitch and dark tan crepe but the best part of the chestnut though, is the super soft smooth inside. The suede's reverse acts kind of like a leather lining while keeping that loose shape of the ankle.  The travesty though is that Chestnut is now an endangered species in the Desert Boot world. I picked up a pair a few years ago and have since only be able to find them on eBay every once and a while, but never in my size. Maybe you'll have more luck.

Click to read more ...

LOOK | Light Rain

The weather has been cold and dry lately which really doesn't feel like Vancouver in December, but I'm not complaining. I was starting to get used to the light rain and I know it's not far off again, so when the temperature jumps up a couple degrees and the clouds come back, this is a likely weather cross-over look. The desert boots are a great all season shoe and due to their tough manor and fair price, you really don't need to hold back from giving them a good beating, rain included. The Wolf colourway is one of my favorites and they look perfect with the dark burgundy of the cords. The S.N.S. Herning STARK cardigan is really the main piece of the outfit. I've probably tried this sweater on 3 or 4 times in the last week and I'm going to regret not snagging it if it sells out - I already know it. It fits perfect and has a great weight and colour. I'm a big fan of the collar and feel like it could easily become a favorite sweater. Margaret Howell's shirting was great this fall and there are a number I would have liked to bring home. This soft plaid ties the colours of the look together nicely and is nice for daily wear - and why not bring some reading along. — Drakes Umbrealla SNS Herning STARK Cardigan Engineered Garments Workaday Cords Margaret Howell Plaid Shirt JS Homestead Socks Clarks Desert Boots INVENTORY Volume 01 Number 01

Click to read more ...

South 2 West 8 English Moc Toe

There are so many good items, products and models out there that when it comes to designing something new, it can be tough. Especially when you have a classic like the Wallabee by Clarks. However, not every classic is just right for everyone so there is room to continue making things with a slight change here or there and make them a little more how you'd like. I feel like this English moc toe by South 2 West 8 is a nice example of that. With a real natural crepe sole, low profile toe and a nice cut, this version looks a little more appealing to myself. I really love the olive green and soft looking suede. The toe stitch doesn't improve the design, but I feel it is a nice touch and helps set the final product a part just enough.

Click to read more ...

Gravity Pope Desert Boots

The desert boot is one style of shoe that needs to been in every guy's closet and probably is already in many. Like every other shoe, there are hundreds of different versions of it, some good, some bad. Gravity Pope came up with their own take that falls into the former category. Two-toned distressed suede and leather with a more customary crepe sole. Both colourways are classic and good, but I prefer the black thanks to the off-white stitching and laces. Because they are G.Pope's private label, they're more affordable ($150cdn or  $3.27 US right now) than other brands and they certainly aren't as common as Clark's. The rest of the collection isn't too bad either, have a look.

Click to read more ...