Ralph Lauren Varsity Shorts

Tucked away in Oi Polloi's little stock of classic Ralph Lauren items are these really great vintage looking varsity shorts. They are some of the best I've seen this season, for one of the best prices. The length looks to be just about right and you can't go wrong with the navy blue with the red horse accent. They also happen to have the elastic waist beach shorts I've been looking for. I haven't actually bought anything from Oi Polloi before, mostly because of the UK currency, but these days it's just about on par with the US dollar for Canadians. Between Woolrich Woolen Mills, Engineered Garments and these Ralph Lauren beauties, Oi Polloi has arguably the best selection of casual men's shorts in the world!

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Monocle 2nd Anniversary Fashion Spread

Monocle's fashion spreads are probably my favorite of any publication. I tend to look at them about 10-15 times each issue and try to figure out why I like them so, how they are shot so well? If it's the great designers, classic models, or great printing of the magazine? I found it's probably better to just enjoy, and not think about it too much. This March's issue is also a big one, or two - as it's Monocle's 2 year anniversary issue. It's pretty amazing what the publication has accomplished in only two years. Print, audio, video, retail and products - all of the highest caliber and seemingly appreciated by a few folks out there. Besides loving the fashion spreads like this one, I have been really enjoying the Monocle Weekly pod-casts on the website. They are easier to digest than reading about some of the topics, and with interesting perspectives and a nice sense of humour, I am starting to actually wish there were daily episodes. Anyways, the color palette of the spread is perfect. The navy, natural tones look great and are pieced together really nicely. Brands include; Visvim, North Face Purple Label, Needles, and Woolrich Woolen Mills. I really appreciate how wearable these looks are, and while I may not be able to afford many of the items, the general atmosphere of the spread is whats inspiring. Thanks to Selectism for the images.

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Woolrich Woolen Mills Spring

The Woolen Mills collection is definitely one I've been looking forward this spring. The classic materials, loose fitting cuts and great attention to details by Mr. Suzuki have the line looking exactly as it should be. I think the shirting and light weight outerwear are the easy choices for spring and fall, while this seasons plaid patterns and corduroy shorts are looking very nice as well. I think it would be tough to go 100% into the collection, but I could definitely see myself with an item or two by the end of the season. Now available at Oi Polloi.

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Red & Black Lumberjack with the Pants to Match

Had to post this fly eBay find for all of the folks out there that have had enough of the work wear/Americana heritage movement. I know you've been getting a good dose the last year, but I just haven't had enough myself. Although if I picked up this nice Woolrich Woolen Mills suit I might reach my capacity. To be honest as it sits at a price of $10, I am thinking of buying it just for the pants. The elastic bottoms with knee patches could translate into something pretty cool - if not something to wear while looking for firewood. I have almost heard enough people saying how trendy work boots or clothing is. The same commentary happens every time a 'trend' happens. I just so happen to love this 'trend' and will continue to embrace it with open arms. Enjoy. Red & Black Woolrich Woolen Mills pants and jacket outfit

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Spring Buyers Guide: 8/64

Well I just finished clicking through the highly extensive Buyers Guide for Spring 09 put together by Mens.Style.com and several of the top stores in the USA, from big to small. First off I would like to say thanks to Steven Torres for taking a lot of really nice product shots, along with the rest of team over there. It was well done for the most part. I guess my bone picking is more directed to the buyers featured in the article. Now I'm not running a store, not trying to pump up my own zebra pattern collaboration or buying for a huge department store, so my opinion is just that, my opinion. I do feel like I have a pretty good idea of what looks good and what I might actually think about buying. No I'm not in a huff because nobody picked anything by Engineered Garments. But I went through the whole feature and only pulled 8 out of the 60-something products. For the most part it was the smaller shops that had the items I liked, unsurprisingly. Odin, Blackbird, South Willard, Opening Ceremony and Jake all came through with an item or two. So what are the top picks that will save you clicking your mouse 73+ times? Woolrich Woolen Mills Upland jacket, Patrik Ervell grey blazer, Kolor double breasted blazer, Common Projects canvas safari boots, Quoddy blutchers, Our Legacy cable knit, Band of Outsiders plaid shorts and the blue corduroy YSL shorts. There you go, that's all you need this spring, notice how they all even look good together. ------------ Turns out Ryan and I wrote a post on the same thing at the same time, so for what it's worth here's how I feel about it. GQ's buyers guides are generally good. Their shop selection is good, each owner/buyer's picks are usually pretty good and it's always interesting to hear their forecasts. However, their latest installment for Spring is not bad, but slightly frustrating. Everyone knows the state of the economy, so I agree with quotes like these: "Spring 2009 is the next stage in the evolution of the modern, style-conscious man's wardrobe, and one that focuses on investment pieces." and, "...invest in must-have fashion that is memorable and adds value." They make sense, we as consumers should be buying smarter. Which is why I'm confused as to how one could consider a $275 deconstructed sweater (aka 2 sweaters cut in half and sewn back together) or a $1,715 blazer with paint splattered on it a good wardrobe investment. Unfortunately there are a handful of other not so great picks. I get that the guide is a marketing tool for these stores but it's not that hard to select items for promotion that are actually smart buys; just like most of the independent boutiques did. In addition to the stuff above, I don't mind the look of the Acne x Lanvin overcoat (but denim?) and the Marc Jacobs bomber (I'd rather a Baracuta though) for those inevitable spring showers. I'll give them half a point each to make it 9/64. -OP

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Woolrich Woolen Mills FW09

I couldn't let these images go by without blogging them. I first saw them on Selectism a day or two ago and was surprised to see nobody had blogged the hell out of them yet otherwise. Anyways the Woolrich Woolen Mills collection has grown into probably THE most highly regarded work wear collection in North America. While Engineered Garments has my vote the last couple seasons, WWM has a great use of color and more playful patterns that turns it into art a bit. The modern day unpractical uses for the pockets and functions of the coats has to be noted, while they still look incredibly good layered on vests, ties and plaids. I am a fan of all of these looks and only wish I could afford them. Look for this collection to be added to the already great stock list at Tres Bien. Last image from Mens.style

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Want: Post Overalls Work Shirt

Believe it or not, I don't have one of these work shirts. There have been great versions by Engineered Garments, Woolrich Woolen Mills, RRL and even J. Crew. However none of these brands are available in Vancouver, or at least this shirt didn't show up in the order. I thought for sure my trip to New York would produce the chambray work shirt without a problem. Three days in, one to go and I've had no luck. I'm not thinking about taking advantage of the sales on the Eggplant website as they have some great EG and Post Overalls pieces marked down for once. Although I need to save some capital to take h(y)r to a new level, I was full planing on buying at least one good item in New York and it hasn't happened. To my disappointment, even with the insane sales, there just hasn't been anything in my size that has lasted this long.

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The Anti-fit

Made popular by Americana work wear, made available by Daiki Suzuki via Engineered Garments and Woolrich Woolen Mills and made awesome by great Japanese styling. While a lot of us have grown with more traditional 'fits' of slim pants, denim, jackets and shirting, there is something extremely appealing in the aesthetic conducted by some of Japan's designers and stylists which page homage to some classic Americana pieces. The baggy work pants, loose fitting blazer, wool vests, big knotted ties and more often than not, some great boots. A great example can be found in the last two Engineered Garments look books. It is however a slightly tough transition from a slim, well fitted outfit, to either incorporate some of these pieces or go all the way into the 'anti-fit'. I personally really like the look and have been doing a more slow incorporation with a couple items. It's been a common topic with a couple friends lately so I thought I should touch on the subject. When done right, there isn't much better, but doing it right isn't a particularly easy task unless you're buying full EG collections and happen to be aesthetically blessed. I think the keys are cohesive materials, tonal colors, use of wools and the footwear and how the pants hit the shoe. Of course these are general points but any of them done right or wrong can make or break the entire look.

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