Moleskin Jeans

I see your five pocket cords and raise you.  Moleskin trousers already popped up on Sart Inc as a great F/W alternative so I figured I would muse a little on moleskin jeans as well.  Polo put their killer moleskin jeans on sale and, as someone who owns an earlier version of this pant, I offer my full endorsement.  If you had passed on moleskin trousers up until this point because they were a little out of your comfort zone, this is probably a better starting point.  The 5 pocket silhouette is extremely familiar to everyone who reads this blog, but when done in moleskin the style gets a wonderful upgrade - don't be afraid of juxtaposition.  I really can't say enough good things about Polo's moleskin jean.  The cut is great (if you've never tried on their slim-fit), the fabric is luxurious and they look badass.  The thing I like most about these is how you can beat the shit out of them.  A 5 pocket style pant is an everyday pant and the moleskin ages in a really unique way.  You can wear them a lot this time of year and they are machine washable.  After one season you are going to have a non-denim pair of jeans that are truly all your own.  For $105 that's one of the best deals around.

-L.A.S

Wale Wars

Even though seemingly everyone and their favorite blogger is on the wide wale bandwagon these days, it's still been difficult finding great cords for F/W 2010.  Don't get me wrong, Brooks Brothers' Milano is a sure fire snag, but what if you wanted to step outside of the box?  Well, Polo has just released their Corduroy Icon Pant as part of this new Rugged Icons capsule collection for the upcoming holiday season.  As I'm sure you can imagine, the collection is full of archive pulls and updated modern touches - pretty much the story of everything going on in menswear right now.  So, back to these cords for a second.  The flat front numbers are unique in that the heavy material is paired up with various colors (ranging from the bolder side of normal to some serious "go to hell" intensity) and feature some nice details - specifically, a back cinch and reinforced seat.  The bright colors plus the rugged details make for a very cool pair of pants.  Overall, it's a look more commonly seen on five pocket cords, which resemble jeans more than anything else, and not wide wale "trousers".  The classic straight fit might turn some people off, but pants in this cut will look very good paired up with heavier boots (not tucks please).  I'd recommend buying a pair with an inseam longer than what you usually wear so your tailor can cuff these.  I've said it before and I'll say it again,  heavy weight pants deserve a serious anchor.

-L.A.S

Polo Ralph Lauren Fall 2010

Some new visuals have dropped for Mr. Lifshitz's latest collection.  I don't know how I feel about dudes playing tennis in trench coats, but this looks like a pretty good time.  A bunch of the sportswear is available now, but if you're interested in the tailored goods, like myself, you're going to have to wait.



-L.A.S

Polo Goes Long

It was only a matter of time before the braintrust behind Polo Ralph Lauren footwear jumped on the longwing bandwagon.  Personally, I've always been partial to brogues (wingtips, short wings, whatever you want to call them), but their is no denying the extended moment longwing style wingtips are having.  Interestingly enough these shoes are also made right here in the U.S.A. - looks like Polo is taking serious notes.  A made in the U.S.A. longwing via one of the original purveyors of "heritage"? Sounds like Blog Wars: The Movie.   What really has me intrigued is where the hell these shoes are made.  They don't look like Allen Edmonds or Alden so your guess is as good as mine.  Regardless, $525 is the price of admission to get a black pair or brown pair on your feet.  I've always loved the toe box shapes on Polo's shoes and these longwings look like they have a little English in 'em.

-L.A.S

Ralph Lauren Shades

So you've made up your mind. You're not gonna be another dude in Wayfarers. Or Clubmasters. Or even Persols for that matter. So what's your move?  I can't speak to your apparent pickyness, but you might want to head on over and check out Polo's offerings in a variety of classic frames. Most of 'em clock in at just about half a pair of 649's and come in black and tortoise shell - the only two colors that should be even remotely on your radar when it comes to this sorta thing.  While you may be looking to avoid the kind of frames mentioned above keep in mind that the shades seen below reference everything from Oliver Peoples to Ray-Ban to Carrera.

-L.A.S

Polo Catches Red Brick Fever

It was only a matter of time before the standard in American Prep caugth red brick fever.  Keep in mind I'm not calling Ralph a biter or anything, it's just that he's a little late to the party - arguably his own party (perhaps bar mitzvah even).  Anyhow, if you got some stacks to blow you can pick up some new loafers and saddle shoes from King Ralph and crew that feature the resurgent red brick sole.  You might be thinking to yourself, "damn, this shit is expensive for a rubber soled shoe" and you would be right, but these kicks actually feature a double leather sole with a reinforced rubber outsole and heel for traction and comfort.  Now that right there is some prep science along the lines of a collar that always stays popped - WASP physics if you will.  I'm digging hard on the loafers, but these saddles leave a lot to be desired.  In fact, they kinda look like wack golf shoes, but to each his own.

-L.A.S