Talking Shop

Hamilton 1883 always has pretty fantastic editorial pieces on their website.  They recently posted a bunch of conversations with a variety of shop owners who stock Hamilton 1883.  Sart Inc favorites ACL & Co., Epaulet and Unionmade all take part and it's great to hear some incredibly respected folks talk about not only why they are into Hamilton 1883, but a little about themselves.  Not a bad read for a Thursday morning.

-L.A.S

UNIONMADE Gems

UNIONMADE is one of those stores that keeps me coming back thanks to their ever evolving and ever growing stock of impressive collaborations and must-haves.  A recent browse yielded two specific items that most definitely warranted a little Sart Inc face time.  First up is a really interesting take on their already popular varsity jacket collaboration with San Francisco's own Golden Bear.  The varsity vest is not for everyone, but is a great example of multiple styles coming together to create a "new classic", so to speak.  It's something you don't see as often as varsity jackets or vests and is a bold entry into the Americana canon.  While I'm not sure I could pull it off, I can appreciate people putting their own unique twist on beloved items and I can for sure appreciate that tartan lining.  Next up is a shoe that is as surprisingly hard to find as it is not so surprisingly perfect.  Alden's beefroll penny loafer speaks for itself - it does not need any clown on the internet singing its praises.  But, like I said earlier, it is surprisingly hard to find for whatever reason so a shout out was necessary.  It seems that Alden accounts are so focused on exclusive makeups these days that they neglect to stock up on the essential to end all essentials.  Whether you want black or brown, you're covered.  UNIONMADE - don't sleep on 'em.

-L.A.S

Varsity Champions Of The World

I don't know about you, but I would have never pegged UNIONMADE as the kind of guys who would absolutely shut down the varsity jacket game.  That shit is usually best left to Supreme or some other streetwear meets menswear establishment.  But low and behold, it's our friends out in San Francisco who are doing it the best right now, though I am waiting for more pics of Gant Rugger's F/W 2010 Burgundy joint.  When we last left the varsity champs they were killing it with their cotton collaboration with San Francisco local Golden Bear.  As if that jacket alone wasn't enough, these guys got together for a sequel that somehow bests the original offering - the outerwear equivalent to The Godfather II (side note: anyone besides me prefer The Lost World: Jurassic Park to Jurassic Park?).  Enter the freshly released melton wool varsity in both navy and heather grey.  Damn, these things are beautiful.  If you're still on the hunt for that perfect varsity, and who isn't these days, you probably just met your match.  Game.  Set.  Match.

-L.A.S

A San Francisco Twofer

San Fran shop UNIONMADE just launched their online shop, which is a coup for those of us who call the right coast home.  These guys have already made waves with various top notch collaborations, a sharp looking retail space and an impressive stocklist so this next step is a much welcomed one.  Just take a look at their recent collaboration with local sportswear purveyor Golden Bear.  I don't think I've seen a more perfect cotton varsity jacket in my entire life.  Made locally in San Francisco's Potrero district and chock full of enough style to last you two lifetimes, these jackets have moved right on up my "must cop" list.   I knew that once UM hit the web I would be short a few stacks, but it appears I highly overestimated my will power.

-L.A.S