Attn: Clarks Desert Mali At Topman

Looks like Topman is more than just good for nothing.  I wasn't expecting this, but these guys are the first US stockists to be selling the much buzzed about Clarks Desert Mali reissue that I know of.  Now before you start going bonkers and making it rain like you're at Pacman Jones' bachelor party, you should know that Topman is currently only stocking the leather versions - apologies to my suede soldiers out there.  The brown version looks great.  The black, not so much.  Both are pretty much Doc Martens for the crepe sole set.  The pricepoint has been floating around for a while so hopefully no one is caught off guard with the kinda off putting $178 tag.  This boot is quickly shaping up to be a must have for Desert Boot fanatics and something nice to look at for the rest of us.  Personally, I'll stick with what I've got.

-L.A.S

[Editor's note: If you don't care about  shipping charges you can find another Mali colorway at Asos.]

Underrated and Unappreciated

Despite the prominence of Clarks Originals amongst stylish guys, the Desert Trek gets little to no love.  Walk down any street in NYC and you can count the number of Desert Boots on two hands.  Walk down any street in Atlanta and you can do the same thing with Wallabees.  Why isn't anyone wearing Desert Treks?  My first pair of Clarks were Desert Treks and I still stand by them as one of, if not, the most underrated and unappreciated shoes for fall.  Around this time last year I postulated that the Desert Trek might finally get its due thanks to a cameo in Gilded Age's well received S/S 2010 presentation.  Well, I seemed to have overestimated any push GA could provide as the Desert Trek has yet to get its fair share of coverage.  Hopefully things can change for the better this coming season.  If you're looking for a new pair of Clarks Originals or your first pair consider grabbing a pair of Desert Treks in sand suede or beeswax leather.  You'll be killing it all season long without becoming a statistic.

[Pictures courtesy of Need Supply.]

-L.A.S

Attn: Desert Mali Available Now

Clarks' F/W 2010 piéce de résistance, the Desert Mali, has quietly gone up for purchase on their UK site.  I'm not sure when, or if, this is hitting the US market so, if this boot really gets you going like a few of you claimed, you might want to pick it up now.  It retails for $140 before shipping, which is more or less in line with what everyone was predicting.  I actually thought it would be cheaper, but it's not a terrible deal when you consider just how awesome these boots really are.  Desert Boots get an insane amount of love, and are a great shoe for F/W, but the Mali seems better equipped for the weather ahead.  The brown suede model (which was unseen until now) looks good and keeps the natural crepe outsole as opposed to brown suede DB's that feature black paint - a very nice touch.  Clarks calls this re-launched style "unmistakably Originals". I agree.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: So apparently, Clarks UK won't ship these internationally so those of us who live stateside or anywhere else in the world will have to wait. Buzzkill.] 

The Wallabee Champ

Walter White aka Heisenberg aka The Mad Scientist aka The Cook aka The Coldest Dude In Albuquerque aka The Wallabee Champ.  Consider this my humble endorsement for the best show on television hands down.  Dope shoes are just the icing on the cake...

-L.A.S

Let It Rock

To anyone looking forward to a Kevin Ruldolf post I'm sorry to c-tease you with the title.  This post is actually in regards to the new Clarks "Rock" Wallabee, which is part of their F/W 2010 collection hitting stores this August.  I may be a slave to low top "cream Wallows", but I'll be damned if these aren't incredibly awesome.  The concept here is equal parts simple and genius - take a classic Clarks' silhouette and supe it up with some killer hiking boot details (d-rings, hiking laces, reinforced sole). Bam. Done. It's that simple.  I'm assuming Clarks is going to to charge a premium on these and there is no word yet on availability on our shores, but hopefully we'll be able to get out hands 'em because there is no doubt the Brits will.  And if you ever actually go hiking in these you're probably gonna have a real dope broken ankle to go with your real dope shoes.

[Picture courtesy of The Shoe Buff.]

-L.A.S

Attn: Clarks Reissues Desert Mali Boot

Clarks are on their grind with this one.  I don't know much about the Desert Mali, but the boot, which debuted in 1967, is making a comeback for F/W 2010.  Clarks' Originals collection will see the addition of both leather and suede versions (most likely the exact same materials/colorways seen on their current stable of Desert Boots) for a price yet to be announced.  I've read a few anecdotes involving the purchase of similar Clarks for around $60, but I would imagine the Desert Mali retailing closer to $100.  While I am skeptical if this is truly a smart purchase for Winter, you can't go wrong with crepe soles in Autumn.  If you happened to be searching high and low for a Desert Boot on steroids or a less punk rock pair of Doc Marten's it's your lucky day.

[Pictures courtesy of Contemporary Standard.]

-L.A.S

Patrik And The Wallows

Nope, not some lame Brit pop band, but a designer giving shine to quite possibly my favorite shoes of all time.  If you've hit up Patrik Ervell's new, much hyped website you've most surely seen his use of Clarks Wallabees to anchor some of his looks.  He's been pushing these classics hard since his S/S 2010 show and I couldn't agree with the guy more.  If you're looking for that perfect pair of shoes to pair with chinos, shorts, socks, no socks, etc. look no further my friends.

-L.A.S

From The Inbox: A True Clarks Love Letter

Thanks to reader R2 for pointing me in the direction of what is by far the most amazing love letter to Clarks I have ever seen. If you ever doubted these classic shoes were an institution in the Caribbean have a listen too my new favorite jam. Pay attention to the lyrics too, there a some serious tips to be had - "toothbrush get out the ____ spots." Please keep in mind that despite this awesomeness I do not endorse wearing two different pairs of shoes.



-L.A.S

A Woman In Wallabees...

...is a magical thing. For all my female readers, I recommend getting a pair. That is all.

-L.A.S

Holiday Parting Shots

For anyone not following Sartorially Inclined on Twitter (use your discretion), here are some parting shots from my short, but wonderful time spent at home which will conclude early tomorrow afternoon.  And yes, I wore the same pair of WWM cargo's all weekend...

[Pictured: I got a new pair of low top Wallabees (right) and passed on my boots to my brother.  My hope is he follows my lead and thoroughly destroys them.]

[Pictured: Santa reps for Jewish kids too.  Epaulet x Mark McNairy RBS.]

[Pictured: Walked the dog in my brother's Red Wings.  Currently devising a plan to kidnap them and hold them ransom in Charlotte.]

 

[Pictured: My brother in his new L.L. Bean Blucher mocs courtesy of me.]

-L.A.S

Per-suede-sion

Not everyone is crazy about suede shoes, but I personally love the feel, texture and look of the napped leather.  Even more on the fringe is dyed suede, most commonly seen on blue suede shoes.  I'm not sure if it's because spring is coming up or what, but colored suede footwear has been making it's way to the marketplace as of recent.  I'm totally okay with wearing colored suede year round and especially fond of donning it with shorts.  Chukka height shoes and shorts were a big hit last S/S and I see no reason for this look not to continue as we approach the warmer months of 2010.  Colored suede chukkas are a great way to take this play on proportion (medium height shoes and shorts) to the next level and really do something interesting.  You've probably seen some of these shoes before, but I thought it would be interesting to take these ideas of form, fabric and color and present some viable options for purchase.

Epaulet x Mark McNairy Blue Suede Chukka...$275.00

Clarks Desert Boot for David Z...$95.00

Clarks Desert Boot for David Z...$95.00

ACL & Co. x Mark McNairyBlue Suede Chukka...$375.00

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Clarks Weaver

[Pictured: Clarks Weaver.  Picture courtesy of Hypebeast.]

As an amateur and unapologetic Clarks historian/entusiast The Weaver is always in the back of my mind.  One of the holy grail designs straight out of the archive, this Clarks Original is a total gem.  Resembling a low-top Wallabee with serious moccasin details, this shoe is just as versatile as you have come to expect of Clarks.  Usually available in limited runs at exclusive British retailers, it is just as much of an essential to any collector as it is to the casual wearer.  I've been thinking of getting a pair for quite sometime, but have yet to get my hands on an actual pair.  As my restless nature has me already thinking ahead to spring, I see The Weaver as a great option for many a sockless jaunt.  Despite their rare nature and exclusive aura, the price is pretty easy at around $120.  I love the sand suede colorway above (a Clarks staple), but they also look great in brown leather.  Currently available here and here.  While the big three are always a safe bet, it never hurts to branch out a little.  If you see your size I would get on it asap.

-L.A.S

Wallabee Round Up

[Crap weather has me indoors, upset and bored...]

[Pictured: A young JFK Jr. waspin' out in his Wallys.]

Back in September Clark's Wallabees had a deserved moment in the spotlight.  James highlighted them over at Seceret Forts, which Valet in turn put up, and Patrik Ervell used them as the shoes for his S/S '10 show.  Any reasonable person hopefully realized that spotlight or not that these Clark's Originals were kicks you wanted to have on your radar.  I love the Clark's Originals and all of them have been staples in my wardrobe at some point or another.  Fast-forward to two months later, and Wally's seem to be popping up all over the place again.

[Pictured: atmos x Clarks. Picture courtesy of Hypebeast.]

On Thursday Hypebeast reported on the new atmos x Clarks buffalo check Wallabees.  These are pretty aggressive especially considering how the Wallabee is already made for colder months.  The standard suede colors that are typically offered look great and this new collaboration should serve as a reminder to a lot of people that when it comes to the classics, "less is always more".

Moving on, J. Crew has been rolling out their holiday selections (I talked about their fantastic new sun-washed flannel already) and it appears as if everything has finally made it's way to the website.  J. Crew has always done a great job with its footwear, offering collaborations and exclusives that span the spectrum from Sperry to Red Wing.  Some time in the fall they began offering Clarks Wallabees in a bunch of the standard colors, and while it's nothing but what has been offered by Clarks, themselves, it is an endorsement nonetheless.  Just hear how the website gushes about the shoe: "We absolutely love its wear-with-everything versatility and timeless look, which is why we were more than happy to add it to our roster of cherished classics."  I find this extremely ironic since it wasn't too long ago that J. Crew was selling its own horrid Wallabee knock-of, known as the Sydney.  At the end of the day at least J. Crew is finally selling the real thing.

[Pictured: Barbour x Clarks.  Picture Courtesy of Selectism.]

Finally, and most interestingly of all, Selectism presented this gem today.  Yes, that's right, a Barbour x Clarks Wallabee that will most likely never see the light of day.  I'd trade in all my Clarks for this in a heartbeat, but that's probably a moot point.  I wish I had more information on the origin of this for both me and you, but alas all we have are three tantalizing pics of what can be best described as the Clarks unicorn. 

So there you have it, another push for you to get up off your ass and get a pair (or stay on your ass and hit the online store).  Get the boot version and wear them straight through to summer or if you have the low tops don't even bother taking them off.  If you already have a pair, but they need a little assistance, Valet talked about getting them resoled a little while back as well. Buying Clarks is a vote for perpetual style.  That's a vote well cast. 'Nuf said.

-L.A.S

Open Love Letter: Clarks

[Pictured: Sartorially Inclined's current collection of Clarks Originals. Not pictured are my laceless Desert Treks which are quarantined back in NJ]

My love affair with Clarks Shoes began in 2005 when I purchased my first pair of Desert Treks. I had no idea the brand even existed until my freshman year of college at Wake Forest University. Every single southern kid was rocking Clarks Wallabees and I wanted to get in on the trend, but decided to branch out a little and for a while I was the only kid on campus with Desert Treks. Since that defining moment I've purchase 3 pairs of desert boots (1 pair was a gift for my father) and a pair of Wallabees. No other brand of shoes, outside of Sperry Topsider, will come more highly recommended by yours truly. I love all of the Clark's Originals for their classic/timeless style and versatility. Every one of these shoes could be worn with a suit to your cousin's wedding or with chinos/denim out to the bar on Friday night. I am going to do a run down on all three of the major styles of Clark's Originals and talk a little about each and why I love them so much.

[All pictures courtesy of clarks.com]

The Desert Boot

My current favorite out of the bunch and many in the fashion world share my sentiments. Dessert Boot style shoes have been popping up all over the place since their re-entry into the public consciousness around a year, or so, ago. The Dessert Boot has been a staple for close to 60 years and has been favored by guys like George Harrison(look at the shoes all the way to the left) and Steve McQueen. I have yet to find anything these boots don't go well with and no matter the season my Desert Boots always find their way into my wardrobe rotation. Yes, even with shorts (sans socks). My favorite colorway is the one posted above...I love the sand suede with the crepe sole. Not many shoes can offer everything encompassed within the Desert Boot. It possess a refined ruggedness that can be as informal or formal as you choose.

The Wallabee

If you've seen my profile picture you know I love me some Wallys. It is rare you find a pair of shoes endorsed by guys ranging from Ghostface Killah to JFK Jr. The Wallabee is a tad less formal than the Desert Boot, but just as versatile and clutch. It is another all season shoe, with a great weight/bulk to it. The "chuncky-ness" of the Wallabee instead of being cumbersome adds an almost endearing quality to the shoe. In fact, I find the boxy and geometric shape of the shoe very refreshing considering today's obsession with streamlined silhouettes. Lacing them loosely or not at all can add such a great nonchalance to any outfit. A favorite of southern frat boys, the Wallabee is just at home in Nantucket or NYC. My Wallabees are the boot version, but I am currently enamored with the original model seen above. They look great in suede and are just as dashing in leather...no matter what kind you gravitate towards they will most definitely end up being the most comfortable shoes you own.

The Desert Trek

The shoe that sparked this whirlwind romance 4 years ago rounds out this foray into the Clarks Originals. Considering the popularity of the Desert Boot and Wallabee the Trek is your best way to get into the Clarks action without overplaying your hand, though recent face time at the Gilded Age Spring 2010 presentation may change that. These center-seam shoes take ques from moccasin design and deliver an understated, relaxed look...and with only two eyelets for laces the Trek delivers a slip-on appearance when wearing pants. I recommend the brown leather ones seen above, and while the suede Trek's are just as nice I believe the leather lends itself much more to the center-seam design.

So go buy a pair, or two, or three and wear them with everything. You'll look great, stand out and your neglected sneakers will probably cry a few tears. All of the Clarks Originals are reasonably priced (Desert Boot = $95, Wallabee = $120, Desert Trek = $100) and can be found at Clarks/Zappos online store. Take my word (and JFK's and McQueen's) for it and add any one of these to your collection and it wont be long before you add another, and another, and another...

-L.A.S