[Insert Name] Loves Take Ivy

By now you have most surely heard or read about the upcoming Take Ivy English translation reissue courtesy of powerHouse Books.  Below you will find some endorsements for the book from Michael Bastian, Tintin, Fred and Chris over at the publisher's YouTube channel.  If you need some the back story on this iconic publication hit the Take Ivy tag at the bottom of the post.  I have two copies coming my way so be on the lookout for a dandy little Sart Inc giveaway when the book ships.






-L.A.S

Stay Dull

The recent chatter surrounding the Bass Weejun as it stands today has drawn quite a bit of criticism to say the least.  It seems that the majority of people's problem or issue with the modern Weejun is the corrected grain leather, which gives the shoes a shiny, lacquered and ultimately cheap appearance.  I personally have two pairs of Bass Dovers and understand where everyone is coming from.  While the shoes age moderately well they seem to hold onto some of their shine no matter how broken in they get.  Make no mistake about it, this is a deal breaker for some folks.  It should be noted that Bass does sell a Weejun, their Gilman model specifically, with a Vegano leather upper that appears much more natural and less machine processed, if you will, than the other members of the Weejun family.  And if you're really an intense orthodox Trad and your issues go beyond merely the look of the leather, Bass also sells their Jeffery model which is the last made in the U.S.A. Weejun as far as I can tell (not including collaborations with other designers and brands such as Mark McNairy and J. Crew).  I know I wasn't alive in the hey day of the made in the states Weejuns that dominated college campuses up and down the east coast, but a lot of these concerns are just as important to a new generation of Weejun fans.  If you have since given up on Bass based on what you've been reading across the blogosphere it might do you some good to check out a pair in person and decide for yourself.  Just sayin'.

-L.A.S

A Darker Palette For Draper

Everyone's favorite costume designer Janie Bryant gives us a look into the wardrobe of Mad Men Season 4. Forget suits, I just want to see some crispy white tees.



[Video courtesy of The Huffington Post.]

-L.A.S

Americans In Paris

The Cut has a nice slideshow of some New York based designers at this year's (capsule) Paris trade show.  While you wait with bated breath for that hard hitting Sart Inc coverage of Men's Market Week when it comes to NY this is probably as good as it gets.

-L.A.S

Red Wing S/S 2011

If you've checked out the Red Wing blog recently you might have seen various previews of some new styles/colorways hitting the streets for S/S 2011.  I'm not the kind of guy who wears boots anytime after February, but I can only speak for myself.  So far we've gotten a sneak peek at two new suede colorways for the work oxford, what looks to be a new style (or an archive pull) of boat soled deck boots and a purty blue suede chukka.  I really appreciate how Red Wing isn't sleeping on their laurels and is continuing to churn out handsome styles despite their recent massive success.  I'm particularly partial to the "new" deck boot which looks like a diesel version of the fan favorite L.L. Bean Signature suede Ranger Moc.  There is no word yet on prices, availability or how deep the collection will end up so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.  You surely won't be the only one.

-L.A.S

On The Move

I'm currently in the process of moving (obviously that's why I'm blogging instead of packing) and the more I think about it the more I'm realizing how I need a great duffel bag in my arsenal.  Not only would it come in real handy as I transition into my new place, but for various trips and the like - it's not like you all can't figure out the myriad of uses for functional luggage on your own.  Anyhow, L.L. Bean is selling this killer Sea-Washed Canvas Duffle for $49 bucks.  That's right, forty-nine bucks - no typos.  At a price like that you're pretty much entering Army/Navy surplus territory, which is music to my ears.  Simply put, fantastic looking bags that happen to be as functional as they are cheap deserve a shout out.  If I was one of those bloggers who put together hypothetical kit composites odds are you'd find this joint in the ones dealing with my magical journeys around the world.  And we're off...

-L.A.S

Beef Rollin'

Whenever anyone asks me for an affordable option when it comes to classic men's shoes I usually start with Florsheim.  Let's face it, not everyone has the kind of money for Alden or even Allen Edmonds for that matter.  As much as I love Bass it's nice to give face time to another stalwart making quality shoes in timeless silhouettes for the under $150 crowd.  The Florsheim Berkley, despite lacking the "Weejun" stamp of approval, is still one of my favorite beef-roll penny loafers on the market.  For $90 it's the picture of perfection - leather sole, handsewn moccasin construction and beef-roll.  It's a simple all season shoe that comes in two colors, but that's really all you need.  Whether black or burgundy they will look as good sockless with your white jeans as they will dressed up with some argyle socks and deeply cuffed wool pants come winter.  Florsheim, like Bass, has since taken production overseas (India specifically I believe), but I still think they are a great shoe for the price - it's all relative in my eyes.  And for everyone out there keeping tabs on non sartorial brand merits, in 2002 Florsheim was repurchased by members of the Florsheim family.

-L.A.S