South 2 West 8 Spring Collection

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—01. My favorite outfit from the Spring '11 look book.

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It's nice that South 2 West 8 is finally available in Northern America, although the Nepenthes store doesn't carry a whole lot. Besides the very solid bag collection, the cut and sew goods always look good. I find that the look books are very well done each season, giving the garments a nice context and also being styled very nicely. It's a bit harder to find stand out specific pieces in the collection, but mixed in, and worn well, its a great offering of clothes.

—South 2 West 8

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South 2 West 8 Winter Sweater

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—01. Navy.
—02. Snowflake detail.
—03. Bottom hem.

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With the holidays around the corner, decorated sweaters are about to hit their prime season. Thick winter sweaters adorned with skiers, trees and snowflakes will be out in full force, but there aren't a lot of them I'd like to wear myself. This piece from South 2 West 8 has a nice look and feel to it though; and while it is probably best suited to the middle of winter, the colors and styling feel classic enough to be a little more versatile.

—Nepenthes

South 2 West 8 Packable Anorak

I was excited to see South 2 West 8's spring look book a few weeks ago and now that they have updated their website, their full collection is available for a viewing. I made note of the packable parka when I first saw the images and I would have say it's one of my favorite items in the collection. It really is a simple pieces, but had a lot of potential to look great and be quite functional in the spring rains. I would go with the blue myself, but the tan version isn't far behind. If you can speak Japanese, you can order straight off the website I think, otherwise you'll have to take a trip out to Japan to see another strong collection from South 2 West 8. —

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South 2 West 8 Spring–Summer Lookbook

South 2 West 8 is definitely my second favorite collection coming out of the Nepenthes family right now. Owned and directed by Keizo Shimizu, the collection has a very direct reference to the outdoors and American sportswear heritage. Unlike the brand's Nepenthe's brother, the collection is made mostly in Japan. With select collaborations with US factories for bags and footwear, the spring collection picks up right where the winter left off: with some great looking camo, lightweight parkas and tough twills. The collection is very wearable when broken down and the styling is ahead of the curve once again. Although slightly off-key, the blue pullover jacket that packs away into a small bag might be the piece that's most appealing to me. The collection is reasonably priced in its native Japan but doesn't seem to have any signs of making it's way to the western world that I know of. I'm hoping that isn't the case for too much longer. —

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eBay Find: South 2 West 8 Oxfords

The low cut moc toe oxford is probably one of my favorite shoes right now. When I saw the Red Wing version in Free & Easy I knew I had to get a pair one way or another. The shape and cut of the shoe looks perfect and while they have been available at times in the UK, they haven't been seen in these parts anytime recently. There aren't many other companies that have the same aesthetic or eye for shape, balance and detail in the USA, so it took a Japanese eye to shape another great version. South 2 West 8 has an impressive collection and it's complimented very nicely by some Made in USA products which help curate the overall aesthetic. These are much more lightweight than Red Wing's model and the Christie Vibram sole is possibly better suited in this size and weight. The welt is of course a nice feature, but really looks perfect with the deep blue suede of the oxfords. These shoes originally came out in the spring 2009 collection but are still available through their website and in the Nepenthes Tokyo shop. Otherwise you'll have to get lucky and find your sample size on eBay like I did. —

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South 2 West 8 Backpack

South 2 West 8 has a deep collection which includes several items I would like to get my hands on. While most of the soft goods are made in Japan where the collection is retailed, some of the accessories are made in the USA. The great navy blue oxfords being one, and their set of travel bags being the other example. I know that Nepenthes has had an on-going long relationship with Duluth Pack and due to a couple signature details, I have reason to be believe this great looking pack might be made in the same factory as our Utility Bags. What I really like on this backpack is the pull string cinch top. With a simple flap and one leather strap/buckle to close it up, the cinch is a great way to keep things secure while keeping the bag looking nice and neat. The yellow colour is really nice as well, but of course even though it's made in the USA, it's only available overseas. —

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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.

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South 2 West 8 Corduroy Field Cords

Since more people still are on the hunt for a good pair of cords, I thought I would tease you with South 2 West 8's fall version. The combed lightweight cotton makes for easy daily wearing while still keeping you warm. I'm a big fan of the flap-button pockets on the back of these pants. It definitely adds to the casual aesthetic and outdoorsy appeal. The nice metal buttons are essential to a good pair and waist cinch and rivets only add to the great looking pants. Their colour selection is just about dead on as my top picks would be navy and the tan/khaki color without hesitation. The price isn't as low as a pair from Uniqlo but I would imagine these will hold up a little longer and feel a little more special. I'm still awaiting the arrival of my Workaday cords in a new size and am honestly still worried based on how slim the first size was. If they don't work out, I will likely try to track down a pair of these.

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