A Brief History | Shell Cordovan

There are a lot of interesting lessons, facts, people and stories surrounding footwear alone. Enough to leave you hungry for more every time. I personally have never dug too deep into the history or background of shell cordovan because it's never been my first choice in a shoe. The slick, shiny and expensive part of a horse has often been left behind as I go with elk, calf skin or nappa. However, shell cordovan is something I probably should have read more about earlier, but since I didn't I am fortunate enough that Jordan at Winn Perry was kind enough to enlighten those of us left in the dark. The quick history is interesting, to the point and I felt like I was caught up on what I should have known. To top it off, he has a beautiful pair of Alden's 990's in the fine Horween developed shell cordovan.

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ts(s) Pull Over Parka

We've been seeing more and more from Takuji Suzuki’s collection lately. The styling and individual pieces are looking better and better the more that releases - unfortunately not round these parts yet. Pull over parkas and windbreakers are usually interesting to talk to designers and buyers about however. Although I personally like the pull over option, they don't sell in store, therefore don't sell in the showroom. This simple equation often leaves us with no good options for the half zippered jacket. ts(s) has put together a great looking and very wearable version that looks great for tossing on when the dark clouds roll in. Either in black or deep green, this pull over parka would be very useful and will only run you about $320 at Nepenthes.

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White Mountaineering Fair Isle Socks

Thick red socks always look great during the winter. An Argyle pattern can also be good but there's something about Fair Isle that's even better. I pulled these off the White Mountaineering site as a reminder to get something similar and thought I'd do a post as well. I've got a couple of Ralph Lauren pairs in the same pattern and while they're still going strong, I definitely want to track down a few more options. The right colour combination is obviously important but I always think a well chosen sock speaks volumes. It's a detail that many people overlook but as part of an outfit, they provide a great point of interest. These are a good example of that. All four colours work really well and my hunt for similar versions begins in earnest this week.

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Nigel Cabourn Knitted Vest

While Nigel Cabourn's outwear is often the star of the show, this fall the collection is very well rounded and this knitted vest is a good reason why. The casual pockets and nice looking fit are great, and I seem to want this piece the more I look at it. It's surprisingly hard to find nice waist coats that don't have that nylon/synthetic back on them, so since this version is completely knit and made from lambswool, you're unlikely to find a better option out there. Of course that will come down to personal taste, but the cut of the V neck allows for several options including a Tee shirt, oxford shirt or a tie. It also would layer very well and coming in grey and navy blue couldn't be better options.

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Nom de Guerre Shawl Collar Cardigan

I was a huge fan of this sweater when I first saw the sample way back in January. So last Thursday was almost like Christmas morning for me when it finally arrived after waiting so long for it to come and seeing it pop up everywhere else. Months later, I still love it. A good chunky knit cardigan is something that I think everyone should have and this one is the best. I really have no problem saying that now that I've got it, felt it, tried it on and seen it on other people. Made from 80% Lambswool and 20% nylon the sweater is much softer than you'd expect from a thick wool sweater like it. The colour is unbeatable too. The marled oatmeal is something a bit more interesting than your usual black or navy piece of fall knitwear and looks good with every shirt type and colour we've thrown at it. Jeans, chinos and suit pants all stood up to the test as well. Expensive yes, but the investment is definitely worth it as the slightly slim fitting cardigan fits fantastically and has endless co-ordination options. The tight knit and nylon mean the sweater will hold its shape for years. Available at The Shop PSA: Plugging our own store is unbecoming. I know. The only reason this post wasn't written 2 weeks ago is because we wanted to shoot it ourselves to give the piece some justice.  If you live in Europe you can also get it at End.

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Dover Street Market Waxed Twill Jacket

This season we saw Dover Street Market release a small collection of clothing in the shop’s name. It was an interesting move to me as they could have just as easily made the items within one of the several Comme des Garcons lines - but nope, a new label needed to facilitate it. Though there's some nice looking shirting in the forefront of the release, this waxed twill jacket is definitely my favorite so far. The motor jacket aesthetic is one I’ve always been a fan of and DSM have done a fine job with the simple detailing, nice material choice and button closure pockets. Surprisingly, this piece is actually available at End, online as well is in their brand new physical location, which looks very nice. The jacket has a light shell, detatchable belt and is apparently ‘highly limited’ so don’t waste your time elsewhere.

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Friendly Fire

Clothing: Mr Davis mentioned this last week. I haven't seen one in the flesh but if the picture's anything to go by, they've done a great job. The price does seem a little high but as he said, there's always a chance of finding things like this in the sale. | Gap Music: Something new from No Age. 'You're a Target' is the final track on their forthcoming EP - 'Losing Feeling' - due out on Sub Pop at the beginning of October. | Gorilla vs. Bear Books: Far from cheap but still an amazing source of inspiration. | Magnum Photos Footwear: Perfect for when you want to wear something a bit different on your feet this winter. The colour combination's great and they're practical too. | Adidas

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Porter x White Mountaineering Luggage Bag

This Fall's White Mountaineering line might be one of their best yet. While the collection continues to grow and impress one of my favourite things they do is make their luggage in collaboration with Porter each season. While they probably don't need any help, working alongside a master bag maker can't hurt and it didn't this time around. The bags are adorned with Yosuke Aizawa's unique mountain camo textiles which are finished with solid accents and interiors. Admittedly I'm not much of a tote bag enthusiast but I can easily get on board with this pattern as I do love the odd hit of camo here and there. My pic is the lighter 'desert' version but it's sometimes hard to beat plain old Jungle. Its oversize shape and removable shoulder strap add plenty of functionality to a good looking bag. This one's available only at Beams

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