A Woman In Wallabees...

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

-L.A.S

Debate: Steven Alan for ACL & Co. vs. Save Khaki

The black oxford shirt is making a strong case for "shirt of the moment".  The two most prominent examples are current offerings from The ACL Shop and Save Khaki.  Interestingly enough, both also come clad with a flap pocket, which I personally think is a really cool detail.  Black shirts are tough to pull off, but if you are going to wear one oxford is the route best traveled.  Ultimately, price point isn't really an issue here (ACL = $168, SK = $150) so going purely off of aesthetics which one would you wear? Is this actually a "trad" vs. workwear argument? Could a black oxford shirt even pass as "trad"?

Steven Alan for ACL & Co. Flap Pocket Oxford

vs.

Save Khaki Black Oxford Work Shirt

-L.A.S

Attn: J. Crew S/S 2010 Footwear

Hey bro, lose the socks!  J. Crew is stocking up for the seasonal shift and some new arrivals have hit their webstore.  Despite the lot of new gear the shoes are what really caught my eye.  Aside from now stocking Alden, J. Crew is selling a killer G.H. Bass & Company made in the U.S.A loafer that is absolutely killer.  In line with the whole "they don't make them like they used to" movement the shoes aint cheap.  For $280 I'd personally rather grab a pair of Mark McNairy for Bass Weejuns (also made in the U.S.A), but there is no denying these are some tasty kickers.

Also of note is a new canvas buck which is a quasi-genius/novelty take on the classic S/S footwear.  I was going to get myself a fresh new pair of suede bucks, but I have a sneaking suspicion these may have just moved up my list.  If you never thought a buck could get the rugged treatment, well, think again.  For $140 this specialty item doesn't seem the least bit unattainable.

 

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: It has been brought to my attention by Greg that the bucks actually have a suede upper and canvas is merely the colorway.]

Start With Typewriters

"I'm all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with typewriters." - Frank Lloyd Wright

Apparently Mr. Wright never met any of these guys. In honor of Jeremy and the iPad...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Editor's Note: Bonus points if you can name 'em all.]

-L.A.S

Legends Of The Hidden Temple

[Pictured: Temple Bags via Room 907.]

I'll be the first to admit that my luggage game aint right.  I have some decent suitcases and a Brothers Bray & Co. joint, but I'm sorely lacking that real good bag that is pretty much a necessity for all kinds of travel.  I've checked out Jack Spade and all the usual suspects, but they just don't feel right.  The last thing I want is to be lugging around something that seems out of place. That right there is not a good look whatsoever and carrying a bag can be awkward enough.  Luckily I happened across a post on Room 907 that may have just solved my conundrum for me.

Temple Bags is a brand I can get behind 100%.  They have a inspiring backstory and make some of the best bags I have ever had the privileged of drooling over.  I can't get over the military themed selections Temple has to offer and have never wanted a bag (GASP!) so badly in my life.  This stuff is simply put - badass.  Visit Temple's online store and spend your money on something that will not only age much more gracefully than your mug, but carry all your crap while doing so.  Oh yeah, and for all you heritage geeks out there, the bags are made from actual re-purposed WWII gear. Temple Bags are the finest looking carry-all's on the market according to Sart Inc.  I purposely left pics off the blog so you can find them yourself. Seriously. 'Nuff said.

 

 

 

 

 

-L.A.S

Eyelets

One of the reasons I believe duffel/toggle coats and fireman/cameraman coats are so popular is due to their unique closure hardware.  When it comes to spending a lot on clothes I guess the devil is in the details.  In the same vein as the aforementioned coats, there are some cool shoes coming out this S/S that utilize this very same concept.  Stalwart designers and brands, such as Mark McNairy and Yuketen, are releasing shoes that expand on the traditional eyelet and lacing systems you see on most shoes.  Being that I'm not the biggest fan of other unique kicks I am pretty stoked that some folks out there are rethinking how we tie our shoes (at the very least how these elements look).  Details like these make an interesting argument, either for or against depending on your point of view, in regards to utilitarianism.  For now I'll just stick with "super cool".

 

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Seeing all this unconventional eyelets/lacing has me thinking of these when they first came out.  I guess it's just my inner hooligan.]

Wednesday Morning Inspiration: Summer Suiting

Despite the fact that for the past few weeks we've seen a ton of new F/W suiting on the runways and in the booths I'd like to get impractical for a second.  It is nowhere near the temperature necessary for summer suiting across most of the country, but a little whimsy is good for your health.

I love summer suiting and while lots of guys are afraid of spending a good chunk of change on something so seasonal it really is a good asset for your arsenal.  The great part of a summer suit is that it can often be easily broken down into its various elements and worn as seperates; what seems superfluous at first is actually quite versatile.  Dream of warmer days to come and a little chino, linen, madras and seersucker to go with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Sorry for the over abundance of visual stimulation. I was finding too much cool stuff. More words to come tomorrow. I swear.]