All Filson Everything

You know that dream you keep having? The one where you're draped in head to toe Filson, stalking some mighty beast in the Serengeti and/or building a log cabin in Maine.  And just as you're about to take a sip of whiskey from your Filson bridle leather flask you wake up beardless and naked.  You know that one?  Anyway, Hilton's Tent City is currently having a massive Filson sale so you can be one step closer to the manliness of your dreams.  They've got everything short of a Filson dog coat (oh wait never mind) 24.5% off until the end of the month as long as you use coupon code "FILM101510".  Clothing, accessories, bags, whatever - it's all there.  Pay particular attention to the outerwear and bags, which have been Filson's bread and butter since 1897.  I think it was a blogger who once said, "If you can dream it you can do it", but I'm not one hundred percent positive.

-L.A.S

Filson Mackinaw Field Pants

When Filson start talking about their warmest pants ever you listen.  Their new Mackinaw Field pants are, for lack of a better term, serious.  100% 24 oz. virgin wool is where this conversation starts and ends.  Like I said, "serious".  All functionality aside, these pants also have style in spades - back flap pockets, two snap cargo pockets, a watch pocket, suspender buttons, etc.  Filson surely isn't trying to be stylish, but they do a damn good job of out Cucinelli-ing Brunello and out Suzuki-ing Daiki.  They're not the cheapest pants you could be buying for F/W 2010, but they are still about half the price of similar designer incarnations.  Add around 20 bones for your tailor to taper the legs and you've got a 7 day-a-week pair of pants for when the weather gets as bitter as possible.  Trousers like these are so great because they look equally as good with a tucked in oxford on the weekends as they do with a tweed sportcoat during weekdays.  Add your boot of choice and you're unstoppable.  I don't think I've ever talked about a pair of pants on this blog that are as bullet proof as these joints right here, so you know the value is good.  Oh yeah, they're made in the USA for those of you keeping score.  I know about 50 percent of my readership hates cargo pants, but I think Filson does a great job here.  Notice the elevated placement of the pockets, lending themselves to actual functionality and their streamlined appearance - no pleats and not oversized.  You can cop these directly from the source or pay a little less using a third party.  I'd probably go the second route and head straight to my tailor.

-L.A.S

Filson For Vans Vault

I didn't see this one coming, but I guess it should come as no surprise considering Vans Vault's penchant for hooking up with other awesome brands.  The juxtaposition of California cool and flat out ruggedness is the key ingredient in making this collaboration work and the result are three separate outstanding pieces.  Most of my sneakers get an extended vacation during F/W, but I see these kicks (especially the Sk8 Hi joints) working real well with some chinos or denim when the cold weather finally hits.  The rucksack looks pretty boss too, even though it could have easily come from Filson's main line.  Regardless, it's an unconventional pairing that gets the job done and, more importantly, gets the job done well.  Bows & Arrows has it in stock and they take phone orders, so yeah, get on that before it all sells out.

-L.A.S

Attn: The Great American Collaboration Now Online

The blogosphere as been abuzz with previews, thoughts and opinions on the new Levi's Workwear by Filson collaboration and as of today you can pick up your favorite pieces online.  While I don't plan on messing with any of the bags, the tin cloth Trucker is a damn fine looking fall jacket - a great take on an American classic (much like the cord joint I talked about last week).  With workwear and Americana saturating the market these past few years, this collaborative effort feels fresh and, more importantly, honest.  One of the things I keep hearing is how surprised everyone is that it took so long for these two to team up.  Stuff like that tells me one thing - when real tends to recognize real monies are usually blown.  For some hands on insight and backstory be sure to check out Mister Crew.  And read this before you buy.

-L.A.S

Filson Passage Luggage

Filson, who are an American standard when it comes to all things rugged and handsome, have a new collection dubbed "Passage Luggage" for your everyday travel.  There are a bunch of sizes and styles (all available in black, brown and otter green) so if you are in the market for a new bag they have you covered no matter what you need.  The one knock against Filson are the semi-high prices, though this stuff is slightly cheaper than Filson's field bags, but then again this is the definition of stuff that will one day belong to your children.  Check out the entire line here and some favorites of mine below.  Interestingly enough, all this stuff is imported and is perfect for the "I prefer things other then canvas every once in a while" set.

-L.A.S

Not Your Average Lifestyle Boot: The Filson Uplander

[Pictured: Filson Uplander chukka and boot via Mister Crew.]

Boots are getting a lot of play around these parts, but that's okay with you guys right? That's what I figured.  Over at Amateur Economist I saw a link to Mister Crew's post on his Filson Uplander's and was instantly impressed.  Everyone is up on Filson and all the great products they make, but I have not really seen any posts on their pretty fantastic Uplander series of boots.  Whether you're looking for an oxford (this style of boot discussed a little while ago), chukka, or boot Filson has got an Uplander for you. 

The Uplander is a rugged, moc toe boot that comes equipped with one of the more intense welted Vibram Gumlite rubber soles I've seen available for purchase.  These things are not your average lifestyle boots, but if you're in the market for some serious outdoorsman-ship you may want to take a closer look.  Stylewise, I'm partial to the chukka as it appears to have the height issue under wraps.  I personally think the oxfords are a little low, and the boots are seriously high.  You can thank the functionality of these boots (apparently very water resistant) for the price tags, which range from $200-$300 depending on the model.  I love finding alternatives to Red Wings and these seem to fit the bill.  Isn't that what life is all about anyway? Choices?

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: The Shirt Jacket

When I'm out running errands on the weekend in Charlotte's fall weather I pretty much only need one serious layer of outerwear.  A down vest or a sweatshirt is typically enough to keep me feeling just right as I head out to Target, Harris Teeter or where ever. While layering up is always clutch, it's often not completely necessary, especially if you live where the climate is decidedly moderate.  With all that being said, my current weekend getup of a basic tee, APC's and one aforementioned top layer could use a breath of fresh air.  The shirt jacket is something that could help take some pressure off my, and your, other outerwear.

For those of you who live in much colder areas, the shirt jacket can be just as useful.  When things get real cold outside and your peacoat just isn't doing it, the shirt jacket can be a seriously warm middle layer.  Odds are its plaid print will stand out against your dark outerwear (much like a plaid scarf), so it'll look pretty good as it gets the job done.

Shirt jackets, or really heavy shirts (often lined) that can function as a lightweight jacket, are pretty easy to find from most of the usual suspects.  No matter what you're into you can easily find a shirt jacket that syncs up with your current wardrobe (I'll be the first to admit that red and black buffalo check is not my thing).  Most are made of a heavy duty fabric, such as wool, and will often come with a unremovable liner.  The extra fabric adds warmth, no doubt, but this comes at a price.  Most shirt jackets are going to run you in the $100 and up range, but when you consider how it can replace a $300 jacket, it pales in comparison.  Here are some options to considering adding to the weekend rotation...

L.L Bean Washable Wool Jac-Shirt...$59.00

L.L. Bean Lined Allagash Shirt-Jac Buffalo Plaid...$89.00

Filson Jac Shirt...$155.00

J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket...$98.00

Woolrich Woolen Mills Ranger Shirt Hombre Wool...$225.00

Penfield Meeker...$106.00

Pendleton Westwood Shirt Jac...$158.00

 
-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Bundled Up (Part 2 of 2) - Gloves

I have absolutely no need for gloves in Charlotte, but since I'm not that ego-centric I put together my favorite offerings for this F/W.  Coming from the considerbly cooler Northeast originally, I know a thing or two about a great pair of gloves (as if there is really anything to know in the first place).  I personally prefer fingerless or convertible options because they are much more functional and you look that much cooler.  I put together a bunch of different price points and styles, but as you know with gloves they typically fall into two categories: hi-tech and classic.  As with everything else that has ever made it onto Sart Inc, my picks skew towards the classic.  I've listed materials in parentheses because a man should know what he's getting himself, and his hands, into.  Buy one of these and safely remove your hands from your pants...

Asos Fair Isle Design Fingerless (100% Acrylic)...$10.47

While I don't recommend matching these up with your awesome new fair isle sweater, these gloves are a cheap way to inject a little seasonal flair (excuse my word choice) into your getup.  They may be the cheapest of the bunch, don't forget these badboys ship from the UK.

Penfield Knitted Fingerless Mitten (100% Acrylic)...$31.40

Leave it to Penfield to make the only mittens that are even remotely cool.  You know you are getting great quality from these guys, but kudos the MA brand on the details.  I'm really into these red accents.  Just like above, keep in mind shipping as these are from a UK retailer.

Urban Outfitters Herringbone Gloves (Polyurethane, Acrylic)...$28.00

The poor man's herring bone blazer you can wear on your hands!  Faux suede included!  In all seriousness, for under $30 you are unlikely to find a dandier pair of gloves.  We all know class is an illusion anyway...right?

Filson Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves (84% Merino Virgin Wool, 11% Nylon, 3% Acrylic, 2% Lycra)...$22.00

If I was actually buying gloves these Filson fingerless options would be my go to.  A fingerless design in classic gray with real deal, made in the U.S.A quality.  Perfect in their simplicity. Perfect in their functionality.

Steven Alan Wool Camp Glove (Wool, Leather, 100% Cashmere lined)...$125.00

You may have already seen these floating around the blogosphere at some point because they are Steven Alan and his products demand attention.  If you take your gloves as seriously as, say, your jackets then these are the gloves for you (I mean, that is Woolrich plaid).  Like everything Steven Alan makes, it's all about the genius reinterpretation of our staple items.  In this case, peep the thumb slit for easy and stylish iPhoning, Blackberrying and texting your bff's. 

[Bonus]
Orvis Trigger Finer Uplander Glove (Leather)...$59.00

The swagger that comes from wearing a glove with a trigger finger (a magnet holds the finger back in place!) is undeniably priceless.  Great for busting caps and picking your nose...not necessarily in that order.

-L.A.S