South Willard Autumn Collection

After South Willard began working with Quoddy, Crescent Down Works and with a factory in Japan on special make ups, it was only a matter of time before the shop came out with their own semi-collection. Consistent of products baring two labels and some with just the South Willard name, it includes washed pocket t-shirts, down vests and shirts, mountain parkas, raw denim and a selection of BD oxford shirts. The prices are quite good on most of the goods as the company has worked out great relationships in Japan and in the USA. There is nothing I don't like in the offering from South Willard and it's all available online now. My top picks from the plaid lined mountain parka and navy down vest made by Crescent Down Works - although I wouldn't mind a few pocket tees as well. —

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MHL Twisted Cotton Pant

It's nice that a shop stateside has brought in the Margaret Howell label. I would also have a hard time thinking of a better fit than LA's South Willard. The sharply edited store carries one of the most focused mens selections in the Americas and I think Mr. Condor's first Margaret Howell buy was a nice one. With simple basics including cotton jackets, knitwear and shirting - the lone pant of the shipment is the one I want the most. The carbon color and straight leg cut are a great combination for fall and wearing with boots. The pants are nice and plain but little details like suspender buttons make them unique enough. I don't own a pair of pants with suspender buttons but it's something I would definitely consider giving a try. The rest of the MHL stock at South Willard is worth a look as well, but a visit to the shop is really necessary to feel and understand the brand.

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Crescent Down Works Italian Vest

Even though they're known mostly for their work with 60/40 cloth around here, Crescent Down Works does hold up to their name with their other pieces. When it comes to their down works, vests are what they're known for and the Italian is my definitely favourite. Of all the versions I've seen of it, this custom one for South Willard might be the best. It's made from a nice medium weight olive tweed wool produced just south of CDW at Pendleton. The flecked wool is a perfect autumnal tone that's well completed with the green ripstop lining. It'd be perfect with a chambray, some chinos, and wool hat. Portland weaves the wool, Seattle makes the vest, blogged in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest gets paid off of all of that... (well not actually, I just watched this twice in a row) 

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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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