Wilson Vintage Sweat Shirt

I've got a pretty big hankering for oatmeal coloured sweats these days. Wings + Horns produced a great version in recycled fleece that I love and Utility Coop has this amazing piece of vintage reproduction. Aside from just the colour (the grey is great too) here though, the construction of the sweatshirt is really amazing. Nowadays you just don't see the sewing techniques used here that are emulated from Wilson sweats of the 30's. I'm talking about the chain stitched ribbed collar with neck gussets at the front and back as well as a ribbed barrel cuff sewn onto the sleeve. The best feature of the top though is the unique set-in sleeve where the stitch runs down the arm creating not only a nice bit of detail but also provides for extra freedom and mobility.

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Wings+Horns Spring Chinos

Wings+Horns have been working on their chino pants for three seasons now and I can say that this spring's version is the best yet. They've addressed the main fit issues in the rise and inseam and have also stripped off a couple of bits of unnecessary detailing I wasn't a big fan of. You will now find the new Wings+Horns label in/on the back pocket, but it can be easily tucked inside. Apparently the chino is coming back according to other blogs I've been reading, so I guess this should be good timing. The fit is slim, but comfortable, the cotton twill is probably the most perfect I've seen in navy, khaki, black and olive and they are very well made – here in Canada. The only remaining detail is the buttons. They have added an extra one which helps, but I am still unsure how I feel about the sort of Native, crafty buttons on the fly. There is a lot more good than bad, and with the price coming down slightly, they are probably my top choice for a chino at the moment. — Available at Four Horsemen, Nomad, Haven & Roden Gray

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Wings+Horns Spring Outerwear

Wings + Horns recently previewed their spring collection via Roden Gray's blog. The collection was a stand out for me upon my first viewing of the collection, but as I got and 2nd and 3rd look, and now see the photos there are less items that really generate too much excitement. Beyond the top quality fleece produced by CYC each season, the outerwear is usually my favorite. This spring is no different as the best looking items are the chambray/Gore parka and the ventile Field Mac. One of the common criticisms of Wings+Horns is their sudden shift to work wear inspired pieces and over-designed detailing and products. I feel that these two jackets display a very fine interpretation of the original references and tie them in really well to the North West location of the brand. The materials are great, the design was kept fairly subtle and the end result is a pair of great jackets for the spring season. —

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CYC Sample Sale

If you're in Vancouver it might be worth your while to drop by the CYC sample sale which is going on now. Owen and I rolled through pretty early yesterday to find a lot of nice soft goods for incredibly good prices. Whether you're looking for holiday gifts, something for yourself or even to see some of the interesting samples that never made it out of the CYC factory – it's worth checking. Of course the fleece was highly sought after and available, but there were some good shirts, denim and accessories from Huf, Alife, Reigning Champ and Wings+Horns. We managed to wrangle out a couple pairs of pants that were hiding in the corner which made the trip more than worth while. The CYC crew will be unboxing goods each day and throughout the day so it's uncertain what you might come across if your timing is good. — CYC Design 188 W. 6th Ave. 2nd Floor Vancouver, BC Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 6pm

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Zipper Flannels

A couple brands that I like have been producing flannel over shirts with zippers behind the buttons. It's a design that I've seen from Wings+Horns for a few seasons and Woolrich Woolen Mills specifically this fall. I've actually never really liked the feature that much, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I feel like the nature of these shirts is comfortable and cozy and the cool, razor edges of a big zipper kind of take that away. That said, the contrast in a soft material, nice buttons, placket and zipper can be a nice mix when done well. I've never purchased an over shirt with a zipper, but the Wings+Horns version seems to be doing well at Roden Gray. Would you prefer not to have the zipper? Is it just nice looking, unnecessary detail that separates the shirt from the pack or is there an actual functionality to it?

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Wings+Horns Trench

I've been waiting for this piece to drop all spring. Wings+Horns have one of my favorite collections this spring, and for next winter. I've been wearing my chinos non-stop and plan to continue doing so. This trench coat from Wings+Horns looks like the perfect spring coat too. The khaki color, especially, is really appealing, the light tone just feels like spring, while the slim cut and great details will keep it feeling fresh for seasons to come. I really like the classic details of the hidden buttons and adjustable wrist straps. The Japanese materials are always a nice touch, and again it's good to see a brand that's manufactured and designed here in Vancouver putting out such a high quality garment. Available at Nomad and Roden Gray.

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hobo magazine No. 10

Hobo Magazine is most definitely the nicest printed piece coming out of Vancouver, and surely one of the tops around the world. I particularly enjoy the  general aesthetic and vast amounts of white space in the design. Although I wasn't directly looking at it a lot when I was first pulling together h(y)r collective, I have to say the direction over the last year has been influenced. The content in issue no. 10 is just as interesting and unexpected as past editions as well as they caught up with Nick Cave, Billy Bragg, Paz de la Huerta and more. There are also a short list of interesting contributors as per usual, along with some beautiful photography. One of my favorite parts is the opening conversation between the Creative Director, Shawn Dogimont, and Brian Hendricks about the direction of the magazine and print vs. online media.  Also worth mentioning is the nice feature on Wings+Horn's Service boots which are back again this spring. Also in the fashion section is a great spread of Filson's classic bags. Definitely look to pick up a copy if you can, try to support the printed art that exists.

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Walk Off Pt. II

Now, please don't get too mad at my outfit this time...But round 2 of the Walk Off series is now up on Blacklodges. This time Mr. Vogel was just facilitating the battle as I took on Nick and Chris Schonberger. The east coast brothers seem to be bracing for cold weather, hunting large animals, rain (at the strip club) and some basketball. Blue seems to be the color of spring 09 so I went with a lot of different blues for my look. I think it's still an extremely easy to wear composition that would do well anytime, anywhere. Of course the chinos would be rolled and the comfort level would be high. I had to include a couple of my favorite items that got blogged in the last week as well since they've stayed on my mind. That cardigan is killing me though. For the price I know I couldn't even get it for 50% probably, but the suede bucks are in stock in my size, for a more manageable price... Black Lodges / Walk Off Pt. II

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