Drakes Boiled Lambswool Scarves

We mentioned a lovely Scarf by Drakes at CHCM a couple weeks ago that featured a boiled lambswool and came in a great combination of Norwegian patterns, tartan stripes and glen-check. On the Drakes website there are a couple of options in the same material, but a little more simplified. I picked up the scarf and couldn't be happier with it. It's extremely soft and feels great wrapped around your neck and face on a cool day. It's warmer than I expected and the colours look even better in person. These two options come in grey with tones of tartan and black watch throughout. They are actually two different scarves that have been sewn together for the greater good. The cold is setting in and these are probably my favorite scarves I've seen this fall.

Click to read more ...

Drakes Silk Knitted Tie

I've definitely taken a little while to warm up to the knitted ties with this sewn off ends, but Drakes is making me nice and warm with these. The raw silk is spun, dyed and finished in Switzerland in efforts to ensure a particular hand with the ties. The certain crunch when feeling the silk is difficult to get, as well as the perfect shape. These particular pieces are knitted on hundred-year old frames and each of the dots are individually sewn on. You can quickly understand why the price has crept up to £100 with the attention to detail and techniques used in the process. I feel like the navy and off-white colors are really perfect casual ties and would pair with an oxford shirt just right. I featured the navy one in my Monday look, but these knit ties definitely deserved a little more attention for me as it was the piece that really brought the whole ensemble together.

Click to read more ...

Drakes Cashmere Shawl Cardigan

While I can respect what Steve McQueen has done for the push in menswear lately, I haven't been one to stockpile images of him or mention of of his wares on the blog. Drakes however have come right out and stated his inspiration on their fall knitwear. Drakes set out with a goal to create the "veritable cynosure of this iconic sweater". I haven't had an opportunity to put this sweater on myself, I can say from the product shots they did a pretty good job at making the best shawl cardigan known to man. With great buttons, simple pockets, a perfect colour palette and a reasonable material choice, this may be one of the most stand out single items for the fall. The navy, tan and grey are all beautiful and couldn't be much better. *Side note: I saw these fist on Mister Crew's blog, which if you don't read has a nice curation of products and thoughts.

Click to read more ...

Drakes Multi-Pattern Scarf

Drakes are widely regarded as the best makers of fine wool scarves. I am not sure whether to credit this one to the buyer at CHCM or to the brand, but somebody deserves some credit. The unlikely mixture of Fair Isle, bits of Tartan and a sportswear check have all come together to create something really interesting. I don't feel this will be a piece for everybody, but I am personally really into it and debating placing an order. I know I need a scarf or two this fall and why not add a little injection of color and off-key pairings with something like this Drakes scarf. For $145 it's not an easy buy, but Drakes' top quality and fine use of lambswool puts my mind at ease. There are also a couple great looking Drakes Norwegian ski scarves in stock, so have a browse.

Click to read more ...

Want: Drakes Tartan Tie

I think I can attribute that plaid article a few months back to my current obsession with plaids, especially the black watch and tartan. More than ever I am craving this pattern. I want shirts with it on the elbow patches and on pockets on the inside (Juyna CDG x Brooks Brothers winter), I want it on pants, I want it on scarf really bad and I definitely want it on this tie. I recently made a 70% discount purchase on some tartan pants which need to be picked up at Albert's tomorrow. I am really hoping that will satisfy my thirst for now but I am definitely not opposed to doubling or tripling up on plaids and tartans right now.

Click to read more ...