Don't Try This At Home

Unless your home is a studio with vintage sewing machinery of course. Roy Denim is a brand with a truly inspiring story - one which I will let you read for yourself.  If there is one thing to take away from this it's that if you want something bad enough you might as well make it yourself...



[Video discovered via Mr. Lugg.]

-L.A.S

Attn: Clarks Reissues Desert Mali Boot

Clarks are on their grind with this one.  I don't know much about the Desert Mali, but the boot, which debuted in 1967, is making a comeback for F/W 2010.  Clarks' Originals collection will see the addition of both leather and suede versions (most likely the exact same materials/colorways seen on their current stable of Desert Boots) for a price yet to be announced.  I've read a few anecdotes involving the purchase of similar Clarks for around $60, but I would imagine the Desert Mali retailing closer to $100.  While I am skeptical if this is truly a smart purchase for Winter, you can't go wrong with crepe soles in Autumn.  If you happened to be searching high and low for a Desert Boot on steroids or a less punk rock pair of Doc Marten's it's your lucky day.

[Pictures courtesy of Contemporary Standard.]

-L.A.S

Herring Double Monks

Tipped of by fellow double monk strap enthusiast Ken, I was made aware of Herring's Shakespeare model.  With Crockett & Jones and Edward Green making double monks fit, and priced, for a prince Herring's option is geared more towards, let's say, a knight.  Priced at $237 for those who don't live in the European Union these are by far the cheapest non-used double monks I have come across in my sartorial travels.  Just because they are cheap does not mean they lack quality.  Herring's shoes are all made from beautiful calfskin leathers and feature traditional Goodyear welted leather soles - the telltale sign of a shoe worth your monies.  The Shakespeare shoe, which comes with toe cap stitching for those keeping score at home, is offered in both black and brown leather and will look smashing with everything from your raw denim to your trousers with that two inch cuff.  The toe is a bit English, but I'll be damned if the price isn't right enough to send Bob Barker on a sexual harassment spree for the ages.

-L.A.S

The Double Breasted Traveler

Another quality piece from the good folks at Orvis, this Hopsack Double Breasted Blazer is one of the better DB options available at the sub $300 pricepoint.  It's part of Orvis' run of travel blazers - the kind that don't wrinkle or stain thanks to their polyester/wool blend.  I've mentioned before how hardcore garment heads hate anything "travel" or "wrinkle/stain" resistant, but let's not pretend like all that stuff doesn't come in handy every now and again - utility and functionality rein supreme in certain cases.  The made in the USA blazer comes fitted with pretty much everything I look for in a double breasted blazer (i.e. navy colorway, gold buttons, 6 button stance), but lacks the coveted ticket pocket often seen on higher end models coming out of Italy.  A friend, whose opinion I greatly value, explained that the notches on the lapels seem a tad bit low and while I do agree to some extent, they may just peak enough for the price - if that makes any sense.  As with any tailored good from Orvis a trip to the tailor is a prerequisite.  While many men take the double breasted route to hide their gut, there is no reason not to get the waist nipped and ditch some excess fabric.  With that being said, I would still think about sizing down.

-L.A.S

Al Bazar Double Monks

If anyone is headed to Milan anytime soon I could really use a pair or two or three. You know, the shoes Mr. Ieluzzi is wearing in every picture you ever see of him. Thanks.

-L.A.S

Sartorial Healing

Last week there was a nice discussion revolving around the fall of modern R&B on the Sart Inc Tumblr.  Readers were making the case for modern acts carrying on the strong tradition of rhythm and blues, while others lamented on the loss of arguably the genre's greatest artist - Marvin Gaye.  All the talk of Gaye had me revisiting not only his incredible catalog of tunes, but his equally impressive personal style.  Marvin's status as a style icon is too often overlooked and he frequently takes a backseat to various Jazz aficionados such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Marvin's style was as smooth and genuine as his music.  From his traditional suiting during Motown's heyday to his work wear and blue collar inspired looks during the late 70's/early 80's, Marvin Gaye's style was a study in organic evolution on par with his musical career.  Masculine while at the same time elegant, from the studio to the stage to the red carpet, Marvin was one of the best until his untimely and senseless death in 1984.

-L.A.S

Split Toe

I rarely see a split toe shoe I like, but these bucks from Orvis are insanely fly.  Oxford style bucks are everywhere these days, no thanks to their resurgence in popularity, so these particular joints will help you be the only cat rocking moccasin and split toe steeze.  The appeal here really is he shoe's uniqueness and switcheroo on the classic buck vamp - what is normally a plain toe has been given a slight upgrade in my opinion.  Orvis is selling a shoe that despite being a white buck with a red bick sole does not necessarily conform to the conventional standards we have come to expect of this particular shoe style.  It's a change of pace, while still existing within the established paradigm of traditional Anglo-American footwear.  There is rarely a need to reinvent the wheel, but a slight adjustment never hurts.

-L.A.S