Black Fleece F/W 2010

Oh man, what can I say about Thom Browne that hasn't been said hundreds of times already?  Forget it.  Thom falls squarely into the always interesting "loved or hated, but never ignored" sartorial category.  Yes, he's as important to menswear as anyone these days.  And yes, Thom's shit is quite often out of control.  His Black Fleece line for Brooks Brothers has always been easier to swallow (aka more wearable) than his eponymous line so it's something I at least pay attention to.  Black Fleece's appeal, in my eyes, has always rested firmly on specific pieces and not on overall collections.  There are always great shoes, shirts and neckwear - Brooks Brothers wouldn't let Thom mess that up.  Anyhow, Black Fleece's F/W 2010 looks have just popped up online and it's more of the same.  Killer pieces that when combines are a tad shy of overkill.  For example, doubling up on plaids is one thing, but rocking with three incarnations of the pattern is just plain ridiculous.  What can we take away from this? Shorter pants look best with boots.  Turtlenecks, when done right, can be extremely stylish.  And, patchwork flannel most definitely can look stupid.

-L.A.S

Black Fleece Tennis Shorts

You would think that after browsing the Black Fleece store on Bleeker St. last weekend that I would be smitten with the shoes or suiting, but actually these tennis shorts were my favorite thing from the S/S 2010 collection.  The pure cotton pique feels pretty amazing in person and all the sweet Thom Browne details are accounted for.  The full grosgrain side seam is actually really classy in person as is the locker loop and coin pocket.  Without getting into a huge dialogue about inseam, since that was already done, I'd just like to say that 8" is pretty much exactly what I look for.  At 250 bones these are without a doubt more expensive than any shorts I have ever owned, but everyone needs that one pair of shorts you bring to the dry cleaners, right?  If you want some Brooks tennis shorts for a whole lot cheaper check these joints out.  That's one hell of a sexy single pleat (quite the risque inseam) and is the first step on the long road of becoming one of these stud muffins.

-L.A.S

Debate: Nautical Prints

If you're a fan of nautical steeze, much like myself, you've been one happy camper recently.  From entire collections to superb individual pieces, S/S 2010 is rife with maritime inspiration.  Both Woolrich Woolen Mills and Brooks Brothers Black Fleece have taken this theme to the next level offering printed gear that is the bastard of nautical and "go to hell" sensibilities.  Like everything else is this world of garmenture not all things are created equal and both of these brands are tapping into a very niche idea.  While I could never imagine myself wearing an entire nautical printed suit or outfit I can easily see how a single piece could really work well on its own.  In keeping with the democratic nature of Sart Inc I have pitted two of my favorites against each other.  What do you guys think?  Does WWM's unique coloring rule over BF's cut and Waspy-ness?  Are both of these just straight up nonsense?  How much does it cost to gas up your yacht? Mint juleps or mojitos?

Woolrich Woolen Mills

vs.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece

-L.A.S

Black Fleece S/S 2010 Footwear

Jeremy just commented on the overall collection so I'm defaulting to footwear.  So far I like what I see - a bunch of longwings (Thom's footwear of choice), some of which are unconventional, and one pair of supper clean saddle shoes. When I last mentioned Black Fleece footwear not too long ago I talked about how one of it's biggest selling points was getting Thom Browne designs at virtually half off.  All of these shoes are $550 so that aspect is still in play.  While I can't speak to the exact quality of the shoes, having never owned a pair, I can regurgitate the facts.  Black Fleece kicks are goodyear welted, leather lined/soled and made in both England and the USA (depending on the model).  Every one of those aspects is what I look for when dropping anything north of 3 hundo so depending on your filing status some of these may actually be a pretty good deal.  The Jury's still out on those spectators though...

 

  

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Black Fleece Double Monk Strap Shoes

 

[Pictured: Black Fleece double monk strap in black pebbled leather available for $550.00.]

At this point in my life many of my sartorial inclinations have become more predictable than a drunken sorority chick.  If there is one type of shoe I love more than the rest it has to be the double monk strap - hands down, there is no question and I'm not afraid to show it.  I'm still in the process of tracking down the perfect pair(s) and when I see one I like you'd probably have to threaten to kill me to keep me from throwing it up on the blog. 

These Black Fleece (designed by Thom Browne for Brooks Brothers, but you already knew all that) double monks are special because of a few key features.  For starters they are in a pebbled, or scotch grain or granulated, leather.  I love scotch grain for its roughness and texture and it looks so great when on a shoe so obviously rakish.  The absence of a cap toe is another feature I am drawn to, not for the fact that I am against cap toe shoes or anything of the sort, but because most double monks these days are spruced up with one.  I guess I'm just a sucker for people doing things a little bit different.

So why should you spend 550 clams on these shoes?  Well, that my friends is a question you must answer for yourself.  But, I will say that quality is not something Thom Browne or Brooks Brothers ever lacks when it comes to their goods.  If you still have doubts check out Jeremy's new series called "Wear and Tear".  First up is a pair of Thom Browne wingtips and from what I can tell they pass the almost 3 year test by holding up spectacularly.  The only downside is, of course, their $1000+ price tag, but that's where Black Fleece comes in.  Do I want to buy a beautiful Thom Browne designed shoe for half price? Abso-fruitly.

-L.A.S

Clubbed To Death

I only own one club collar, or golf collar, shirt and it has quickly risen through the ranks of my wardrobe.  It's a damn sharp camel colored Black Fleece number, which happens to look great with any and all neckwear.  When you wear a button down shirt practically everyday, like myself, something like a club collar is an easy way to switch things up to add a little punch to what can become a tad monotonous (I feel the same way about Steven Alan reverse seam shirts).  A combination as simple as a club collar and a cool tie or bowtie you can easily be "that guy" who dresses really well.  It should also be noted how great the club collar looks with a collar pin.  The roundness of the collar offset by the straight line of the pin creates an eye pleasing juxtaposition.

Something so easy that can make such an impression is a can't miss and the club collared shirt surely makes an impression.  I'd like to add a few more to my closet for both casual and professional wear and I am pretty sold on going with some more Black Fleece (see first picture).  The shirt is a little on the expensive side but its details like mother of pearl buttons, back tab and pointed placket make you feel better about having a thin wallet.  Here's a few examples of how and what to wear (click through links where applicable).

 

 

 

 

 

-L.A.S

Attn: Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers Sale on Gilt

[Picture Courtesy of Brooks Brothers.]

Since I'm way to nice to horde all the good sales for myself, here is another reminder why you need to get your Gilt membership asap.  You should already know all about Thom Browne and his exclusive line for Brooks Brothers and how amazing it is so I'll spare you all that.  Do yourself a favor and sign up for Gilt here.  Sartorially Inclined is in the market for some great fall shirting (oxfords, plaids, etc.), so as long as you stay away from that we can still be friends.  Hope everyone had a great weekend and I'll be sure to see you tomorrow (today?) at 12 noon over at the virtual racks.  Cheers.

-L.A.S