Common Projects / New Editions

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—01. SS12 line up.
—02. Via Tres Bien.

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Common Projects have become a household name for clean, well made sneakers. It didn't take long, and now, as their main line has increased in quality and price, they are looking for ways to break into the lower end of the market. Ideally offering well designed, well made and simple sneakers, again, the new range called 'New Editions' will be available next spring.

—Common Projects

Common Projects Brown Suede Achilles

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—01. Rich chocolate brown suede.

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The Achilles from Common Projects never needs much of an update, and although there is a more interesting premium model this fall, these brown suede low tops look pretty good. They are a nice fall sneaker and the tones work very nicely, offering an alternative to the white sneaker, as well as a desert boot.

—Available at Tres Bien Shop

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Common Projects Achilles

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—01. Summer Tan Achilles.

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I've been wearing my tan Achilles pretty frequently these days. The soft italian leather is so supple and comfortable it's definitely my go to choice when the sun is out. With that being said, the colour way would also work well with most fall clothing combinations, giving a muted outfit that subtle pop, making this sneaker a seasonal staple. Constructionally solid and aesthetically simple, the Achilles is a great option season after season.

—Available at Tres Bien Shop

Preview: Common Projects Summer Achilles

Set to release at the end of the month is a new take on Common Projects classic Achilles model. Named the Summer Edition, the slightly updated sneaker will come with a gum sole and accenting heel tab on the white, black and grey models. The sole is also a little more low profile which was necessarily needed, but turned out quite nice. I never really expected to see an improved Achilles, but being a big gum sole fan, these are looking rather nice. Come spring the sneakers definitely come out a little more often and these will be a top choice for those that can swallow the increasing price tags on Common Projects. They are of course still made in Italy from fine leathers and I've yet to hear about somebody having problems with the quality. I particularly like the white version, but the black is really nice too - difficult choices ahead. —

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Grey Fall Footwear

Fall is essentially here now that it's September, and what says fall like grey. This particular fall seems to be bringing a nice selection of grey footwear including these options from Visvim, Band x Sperry and Common Projects. Of course none of these options are cheap, but they are all great looking. Both the Band of Outsiders and Common Projects come in a grey wool which I've never personally sported on a shoe, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't right now. The respective shoes are very simple, and leave a nice amount of room to play with good slacks and socks to make them look even better. The United Bamboo x CP was an unexpected collaboration, but somehow the result was even more surprising. Much better than the outcome with Mr. Ervell, the grey wool achilles looks great. Visvim's latest classic upgrade is a great rendition of the Desert boot. Again the appearance of the heel counter shows up with top grade natural crepe soles and a fine grey suede. I definitely prefer this model to the original and would love to get my feet in a pair this fall. However likely that is, I want them just same.

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Common Projects @ South Willard

I know everybody has been saving their recession pennies for some Common Projects this spring. The spring collection has been landing at a few places around the world, but South Willard always has a great selection and one of the best prices in North America. While there is no denying the slight increase in prices, for pretty much every brand, you also can't deny the clean, perfect look of these shoes. The best new model has to go to the safari boot, in either canvas or leather. I am also a fan of the stony/grey color that has been tweaked really nicely for the season. It compliments the revamped court shoe's turn into the Tournament, which would make a great spring/summer sneaker as well.

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Our Legacy Washed Denim

There has been no shortage of blog coverage on Our Legacy in the last few months. The Swedish label have put together their best collection yet for the spring, with great fitting garments, well constructed shirts, coats and accessories, and all a reasonable price. As one of the few brands that could actually fill my closet, they have gone an extra step this spring by introducing their first denim pants. The wash on these jeans couldn't be better. Now, I know there is a big argument for creating your own wash through living in your jeans, but I honestly don't have a big problem buying them if they look like this. Of the two washes, I would go with the darker color. The very natural looking washed out jeans look great, and would look even better complimented by a nice button down oxford and some Common Projects Achilles - and you're set all spring long. I haven't had an opportunity to try on the denim, but they appear to have a casual fit, ideal for rolling and looking good. Now available at Kiosk 78.

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Favorite Piece: Patrik Ervell Coat

This is my favorite item I have seen for fall 09 so far. There have been some great collections and pieces from all of the brands I mentioned quite regularly here. Nobody has disappointed me yet which is a great sign of things moving forward and becoming even more refined. Nom de Guerre, Common Projects, Engineered Garments and Our Legacy are definitely among my top picks. However Patrik Ervell keeps coming up with items that I really like. This button up coat in a speckled wool in both a blue and a camel color is my favorite piece I've seen so far.  The big pockets, the buttons and the great collar combined with a really subtle and casual silhouette and perfect colors are putting it on top of the list. I haven't really seen a lot of jackets with the same shape that have en executed so well. Definitely one of the things I'm already looking forward to, and trying to get somebody to order for me...

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