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

Know When To Say When Pt. III

So Vane and Sebago get hammered, hooked up and I'll be damned if they didn't produce one hell of an ugly baby.  It's a shame too considering just how awesome this collaboration could have been - we're talking some of the most classic, cheap shoes that are pretty much perfect this time of year getting a slight tune up.  "Future Heritage", which is what they are calling the collaboration, is a term that conjures up both intrigue and fear in many people since such a phrase references both the concept of "reimagining" and "messing with what's proven".  This ultimately puts a ton of pressure on the brand(s) in terms of which way they take things and in this case I am inclined to feel the latter.

My problem isn't with the more "traditional" boat shoe models (though I wouldn't ever think of buying them for myself ) because I can see them working out for all the Kanye and Pharrell wannabees.  They are clean shoes that I'm sure will top off some denim quite nicely for the average streetwear dude - ain't no harm in giving those kids boat shoes they can get stoked on.  What I cannot even remotely fathom are the abominations seen below.  Everything about them is totally wrong and in the process destroys the heritage concept both brands set out to represent with the collaboration in the first place.  Discounting the patent leather all together these shoes bastardize multiple styles in a strange trying way to hard Frankenstein-ian manner.  Throwing a beef roll penny loafer strap on a lace up deck chukka is just plain ridiculous - not even counting the blatant lack of functionality, it just looks awkward as shit.   So yeah, I can't get down with this collaboration at all regardless of how much I like the two brands involved.  In aiming for the stars, and out doing all the other collaborations on the market, Vane and Sebago missed the mark...by a mile.  Save your money and buy yourself a pair of original Docksides - and skip the patent leather.  If this is the future of heritage I'm washing my hands clean and damn do I feel dirty.

-L.A.S 

Chinos For Your Feet

While the Vans California collection has gotten much love over here I had yet to track down some cool styles that were actually worthy of purchase.  While the salmon joints were the consensus favorite, these tan herringbone Authentics are pretty boss - I mean, they are basically chinos for your feet.  In fact, they are like premium chinos because of the added herringbone pattern.  If you don't think these are straight smooth you might want to get yourself checked out by a licensed physician.  Pairing these up with denim would be a borderline novice sartorial move, but with masterful results.  While I'm always recommending readers to grab your first pair of Authentics in white or navy, these would be a suitable third option and a must cop if you've already got the aforementioned staples.  Urban Outfitters even has them on sale for $50, but in only 8, 9 and 13 so act fast if that's the size of your dogs.

-L.A.S

Bustin' Out The Funk

Since I recommend Vans Authentics like my life somehow depends on it, I figured I'd share with you guys how I keep my joints smelling fresh.  As you probably already know wearing canvas sneaks sockless in sweltering weather can lead to some funky-ass kicks, especially if you have some seriously sweaty dogs, so here is my method to keeping things fresh to death:

1. Apply a layer of baby powder on the insoles of your Authentics proportional to how bad your shoes actually smell.
2. Make sure everything is evenly distributed and knock out the remaining powder.
3. Place your "dusted" Authentics outdoors to breath for a while (I do this for a day max).
4. Knock your shoes together to make sure that every last bit of rogue powder is out.
5. Place you Authentics in the freezer for a couple of hours.
6. Put on your super duper fresh kicks and go do some damage.

It's that simple folks and the results are the real deal.

-L.A.S

From The Inbox: Authentic Art

Karl was kind enough to send a picture of his artwork utilizing a footwear favorite here at Sart Inc.  Incredibly rad stuff.

-L.A.S

Custom Shop

As much as I love the classic Vans colorways every now and then they leave something to be desired.  I'm not talking some insane hipster print or neon shitshow, but a combination of classic colors that haven't been put into production - why they haven't released a true white with a blue foxing stripe is beyond me.  For those who feel the same way you can hop on the Vans online shop and "design" a custom pair of Eras (among other models, but unfortunately no Authentics) to meet all your sockless sartorial needs.  It costs 60 bucks and if you know exactly what you want it is a pretty sweet resource...or a fantastic time waster.

-L.A.S

Tread Lightly

I won't bore you today with any more of my written praise for Vans - I just ask you to keep in mind the Vans California Collection S/S 2010 is exclusively for when you've already locked up red, white and navy. Buy a few selected colorways here and here (I'll update if I find anything else). Salmon for the win.

[Pictures via High Snobiety]

-L.A.S

Vans Chambray Eras

Yeah, that's right, more Vans baby.  These would look real good with your chambray shirt and your chambray tie and your chambray scarf and your chambray bandanna and your chambray jacket.  Well, maybe not all of those, but you get the idea.  For only $52 these Bows and Arrows exclusives (?) seem like a really great snag and would fit right in with your arsenal of Authentics.  It should also be noted that if you're a cat with sweaty feet, the chambray breathes real well.  Just a thought.

-L.A.S

Debate: Navy vs. Classic Blue

So you already have a pair of Vans Authentic's locked up and you are looking into buying yet another pair because, well, they are totally radical.  The real issue here is not that you have a bunch of the same sneaker (since they are unstoppable) as it is what colorway should you spend your hard earned 42 bucks on?  You've got your standard natural canvas, white, navy and red to choose from, but with the weather warming up you now have all these seasonal joints hitting the shelves as well.  Do you go with the navy standby or do you rock the classic blue just now made available? Is it about the contrast stitching? What about the color of the sole?  Damn...do you just buy both? You tell me 'cause I sure as hell don't have any idea.


Navy

vs.

Classic Blue

-L.A.S

S/S Footwear Primer: Low

Starting tonight and concluding tomorrow I will be presenting (ego check) my S/S footwear primer for anyone out there who is looking for a little advice on what knockabouts to purchase for the upcoming season.  My plan is to start with a guide detailing my "low" picks for those not trying to drop a lot of coin and finish up with all the ritzy stuff.  Ultimately this blog reaches a wide range of people and I just want to make sure everyone is covered.  I realize some of you have already seen a lot of this stuff so read on accordingly.  Also, lots of these shoes (probably all of them actually) have gotten some face time on Sart Inc in the past, but I thought it would be helpful to bring them all together in one convenient location. Oh yeah, I don't do sandals in case you were wondering why I didn't offer them a seat at the cool kids table.  Throw away all your socks and enjoy.  Without further ado I present to you Sartorially Inclined's S/S Footwear Primer: Low...

The Sneaker: 
Vans Authentic...$42.00

I know what you're thinking and the answer is: No, you're not too old to wear Vans.  Warm weather sneakers should be one part canvas, one part classic and no one fits the bill better than Vans.  The Authentic is the epitome of iconic and understated.  You can get them in a variety of colors though I am going to recommend you take the natural route.  Don't worry if you don't skate as the Authentic is a lifestyle shoe first and foremost.  If you like to relax and drink outdoors on the weekend you're all good.

The Boat Shoe:
Sperry Authentic Original...$75.00

 

Why you would buy your boat shoes from anyone else is beyond me.  Everything I've ever needed to say about the Authentic Original (especially in the above colorway) I've already said.

The Buck:
Bass Brockton...$64.00

 

Go with white and don't be afraid to get them messy.  And when they get scuffed as all hell you'll be real happy that you spent under seventy bones.  The Bass Brockton has a great toe box and sole, but be aware that these ship out in May.

The Moccassin:

L.L. Bean Blucher...$69.00 

 

When I first started writing this blog (my fourth day in the blogosphere to be exact) I tried to bring these "back". Turns out they weren't only back, but they were the absolute shit. Nobody told me.  I'll never make the same mistake again.

The Loafer:

Sebago Classic...$130.00

You know you want to look like you just stepped out of "Take Ivy" and there is no better starting point than a great loafer.  Everyone's jocking Bass these days so why not grab Sebago's classic beef roll penny?  A bunch of colors (even the elusive navy), and the option for either a finished or unfinished sole seal the deal.

The Saddle:
Bass Burlington...$89.00

 

Whether you want a serious two tone or to keep it in the same color family, Bass has you covered.  And, like any great S/S shoe, they all come complete with a red brick sole.  Count it now and when they ship out in March (someone at Bass needs to get a handle on seasonal demand).

The Boot:

L.L. Bean Boot Rubber Moc...$59.00 

I realize these aren't "boots" in the traditional sense, but it does rain in spring and you need to be prepared.  Do I really need to explain this pick? Yeah, didn't think so.

-L.A.S

Another Reasons To Just Buy A Pair Of Authentics

Common Projects' S/S 2010 collection looks pretty good as per usual, but I couldn't help but notice a particular shoe that is reminiscent of a certain classic.  I'm all for the clean luxury CP offers when it comes to their sneakers (I will never endorse wearing sneakers with a suit, but if you absolutely had to these would be your best bet) though I am not on board with this high priced rip off.  Inspiration or not, classic Vans should be left alone and if I had my druthers Common Projects would stick to what they do best, which is their no frills Achilles model.  Anyway, if you were still contemplating what sneaker to pick up for the upcoming season this should serve as another reason to just buy a pair of Authentics.

  

-L.A.S

All Yellow Slicker Everything

[Pictured: Yellow rain slicker Vans Authentics via Kempt.]

My torrid love affair continues. Cooler than boat shoes? That may be a stretch, but I'll be damned if these aren't awesome for a weekend knockabout when you've got a case of the drizzles.  Some shoes aren't for everyone.

-L.A.S

Debate: Vans Authentic vs. Era

I love both of Vans' classic styles and have owned each at some point or another (currently on a pair of Eras).  The classic colorways of the Authentic are unmatched, while the comfort offered by the Era is top notch.  Classic Vans are the epitome of sneakers as far as I am concerned, but it's difficult to pit both of these against each other.

For those not aware, the Authentic (first sold as "deck shoes") was Vans' first model introduced in 1966, while the Era debuted in 1975 (under the name "# 95") as their first pro model designed by legendary skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.  Keep in mind that I haven't even mentioning the iconic slip on ("# 44") which hit the streets in '79.  I am most definitely going to grab a new pair of Vans for S/S and wanted to get everyone's thoughts on the pros and cons of their favorites.  In the "immortal" words of The Pack, "I've got my Vans on, but they look like sneakers."

Authentic

vs.

Era

 -L.A.S

[Update: Nick, whose love for Vans is well documented, just sent over his sentiments: "Seriously...don't be ridiculous. F-ing Authentics. Eras are the EXACT specifications as the Authentics except for the padding. If it's not 1978, and you're not skating, then you have ZERO use for Eras." Touche Nick, touche indeed.]