What Would you wear in your Secret Fort?

I saw this post over on allplaidout and I love it. The two bloggers met up recently and a third party exclaimed to James of Secret Forts, "You look like your blog." Of course he does right? With the million and a half product blogs out there, how many bloggers actually practice what they preach and pine after the products they post, or actually wear the outfits they post? My guess is not very many. So I feel that's why there has been a tight circle of blogs recognized in this little niche market. The sense of honesty and actually living your blog in the real world is important. I personally wear the items I write about (unfortunately a small portion) but still, the ones I really can afford or want. I know Michael over at ACL and Jake also are in the same boat, and there are others. It's the reality of our tastes that help us connect with each other, as well as the readers. It's always been something that urks me about some other sites I suppose, but I've never really touched on it. So there it is, practice what you preach. Thanks to the other bloggers out there for making the Internet more interesting. *In Addition: I do realize a lot of blogs have to get traffic and actually rely on making money for their job. So personal accounts and thoughts might not have a place. There is a balance, and it can be tough.

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D. LEE Fall Knits

I had to post these beautiful sweaters for a couple reasons. 1) Our new issue is experiencing a slight delay due to some content circumstances and 2) They are too nice to not share. D. LEE is the new collection from menswear designer Dana Lee. She's better known for A-Z collection which is entering it's last season. Next fall the designer will pick up, not just where she left off, but from an ever better place judging from the collection for fall 09. D. LEE will feature some really classic ideas with a perfectly wearable and comfortable aesthetic. There are a number of pieces in the collection I am really excited just to look at, but these sweaters are probably on top of the list. The soft cable pattern and really nicely shaped neck looks beautiful. This definitely looks like one of those sweaters that become your favorite for years. My only problem would be picking which color I want the most. You can look forward to more with Dana and her new collection in issue 11 which is on it's way.

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Alexander Olch Spring Ties

As it turns out, that red seersucker tie I recently posted might have been from last season. So these are a sample of whats coming this spring. I was happy to see Mr. Olch did a very similar tie in blue which I am going to try to get this spring. I find when it comes to ties with little characters or drawings on them, the good to bad ration is not in your favor. I've seen so many bad patterns, even brands that specialize in it. I am definitely more drawn to classic images like a flying goose, antlers, a musket, and of course a man and his dog. Alexander Olch's spring collection includes one of the best versions I've seen. It seems to be a man dressed in knickers, possible carrying a golf club, playing with his dog. Yes, it sounds a bit cheesy, but the pattern is quite tasteful, and is a nice subtle change of pace. It's also cool to see that Colette picked up the line.

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Gladiator Sandals for Guys

No, these aren't another "Don't wear" from Oak, don't worry. Guys have been wearing these gladiator sandals for hundreds of years...while fighting lions with swords and inventing the Olympics. I'm curious if today's male is going to accept these gladiator style sandals into their wardrobe as a footwear option, while not attending a Greek themed party? I actually saw Mr. Stoten, designer of Mjolk, wearing a pair last summer and to be honest, they looked good. He was a fully heterosexual man wearing sandals quite similar to these by Acne, and looking good while doing it. So either it will take an high level of confidence and great sense of style to pull these off, maybe even being in the right city/climate in the world, or of course, a white sheet. I would say good luck selling these for $388 in the middle of a recession.

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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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Sartorialude / New York

Mr. Schuman has been a busy guy this past season, making his rounds to the fashion capitals of the western world to take pictures of people who dress well. Sounds like a tough job doesn't it? There is now a little compilation of his top 'pics' from the off-the-runway New York scene on mens.style.com. There are definitely some good looking people wearing some good looking clothes. I seem to like the same colors, materials and general style with my top picks of the Sartorialist's top pics. Of these four, my favorites are the top two images. I love the varsity cardigan and aviator glasses a lot. The other fellow has a nice grasp of the shrunken outfit look and I really like the hint of plaid from the inside of his jacket. Kanye and a couple uber RL guys round out my top choices - really enjoying Kanye's gloves.

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Foot the Coacher

I don't know much about this brand, nor could I find out anything, other than they are hiring manufacturing workers. I have seen some of their bags and boots around different Japanese websites for a while now. They even have a collaboration with Porter under their belt. These new bags on Museum Ark were particularly nice looking. While I like my bags to be about as classic looking as you can get them, I really appreciate some of the different styles that Foot the Coacher have developed. The black leather looks nice and works well with the nice brogue detailinthey seem to work with regularly. The bags, of course aren't that cheap at around $250-500 US, but they are worth looking at, and might be useful inspiration for you bag makers out there.

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If You're Buying...

...and in Paris, you should probably stop by this little concept showroom that will be open for the month of March - and spend the rest of your money. SNS Herning, Gitman Bros. and Mismo have come together to show their fall collections for the remainder of the buying season. Each of these brands are highly specialized and do their own product extremely well. I hope a concept for a showroom like this can work because I really like the idea of presenting the different elements of a wardrobe with a more cohesive feeling, rather than the 'this or that' you find in a lot of tradeshows and showrooms. With great sweaters, beautiful bags and perfect oxford shirts, it would seem there is room for footwear, a trouser and possibly some outerwear to join the ranks. I can think of a couple labels I'd like to see beside these brands, hopefully our market will be able to support good ideas and products.

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