Wedge Soles

The ubiquity of Red Wing boots has lead to a similar ubiquity of wedge soles.  Whether of the Vibram variety or some seriously shitty inferior version, wedge soles are popping up on a lot of shoes and boots recently.  Lots of folks even seem partial to that sole style more so than the type of shoe they are attached to.  For those of you looking to avoid enlisting into the Red Wing army, but still looking for a boot with a wedge sole, there are a good amount of options out there.  You can check out familiar brands such as Grenson, but don't be afraid to poke around some unexpected places.  For example, ASOS has just released their own made in England wedge sole boot, complete with all the Vibram accoutrements, that is less rugged than a pair of Red Wings, but still a good option for this time of year.  Happy hunting to all my wedge fiends.

-L.A.S

Drizzy

Nope, not this cat. These guys.  Asos has gotten their share of love on Sart Inc and as you may have heard now have a fully operational US site.  With free shipping currently on the table you might want to consider picking up some Drake's accessories that are on sale.  If you're like me, you've lusted after this stuff for a while, but have never pulled the trigger thanks to their ludicrously expensive prices.  They're hands down some of the finest accoutrements a guy could possible hope of ever owning and if you hurry funding won't be as big of an issue as it would normally be.  Grab a spotted tie or scarf, post up at your favorite table and stack your money to the perfect height - well, maybe not perfect...

-L.A.S

Asos Made In England Collection S/S 2010

You might recall Asos's Made In England shoe collection from the semi dramatic mystery regarding what factory actually made them.  What was thought to be initially Tricker's actually turned out to be NPS Shoes Ltd. and while that killed a few people's buzz I stood by the fact that the shoes were still the real deal.  I summed up my thoughts as such - "NPS has been making high quality shoes in England since 1881 and Asos is still selling a bench made, Goodyear welted shoe for an extremely reasonable price."  I wound up purchasing a pair for myself and stand by the impressive quality for price point claims.  For those still looking to get their hands on some Goodyear welted, hand-crafted shoes Asos has just released some new models for S/S 2010 - some of which are batshit, others a tad more subdued (those suede joints are straight cash).  Regardless, they all are a swell deal.  Keep in mind that these shoes do run big so when you're brushing up on your UK to US conversions I recommend erring on the smaller side of things.

-L.A.S

Vintage Watches At Asos

And now back to our regularly scheduled sartorial nonsense...

I'll be the first to admit that Asos is not the first place I would turn to for a vintage watch.  In fact, I was really surprised when I found out they were even selling them in the first place.  All of these are extremely out of any price range I thought I had ($940-$2,900), but are definitely still cool to look at.  Isn't that why we love blogs in the first place?  Seriously, who doesn't enjoy staring at awesome shit they can't afford?  At the very least they can help you find that style or model you love so when you are perusing the bargain bin at Amazon you're not completely overwhelmed.  In case you cared, I'm personally digging the Cyma joint the best with it's perfectly faded numbers and hands that can only come from being born during WWII.  And yes, I'd be switching out these watch straps, especially on the Tag and Omega, quicker then you could wind 'em up.

-L.A.S

Bamboo-zled

Asos is currently pushing some good looking Hackett belts that are currently on sale.  While I'm not the biggest belt guy in the entire world I do know that you need a few here and there to keep your gear tight - literally and figuratively.  Their wovens and D ring joints looks pretty tasty and those bamboo accents are just next level.  Say what you want about bamboo accents on belts being the opposite of classic and understated, I don't care.  I think they look absolutely boss, whether or not you live in a cabana with a monkey named 'Zeke.  If the bamboo joints are a little too out there for you, there are a few "out of season" wools and tartans as well which, quite frankly, I would have no problem wearing up until labor day - I mean, who is going to not wear their black watch belt as much as possible?

-L.A.S

What's In A Name [Update II]

It has come to my attention (see: comments in previous posts) that the Asos "Made In England" shoes are in fact not made by Trickers, but by NPS Shoes Ltd.  My apologies for posting information that was not correct and based simply on speculatory rumors.  I saw what I believed to be a great deal and jumped at the chance to share it with you guys before really looking into the matter.  Regardless, I still believe the shoes are a bargain and stand by my own personal purchase.  NPS has been making high quality shoes in England since 1881 and Asos is still selling a bench made, Goodyear welted shoe for an extremely reasonable price.  Once again I apologize for the confusion and the lack of "journalistic" integrity on my end.  Sart Inc is not and never will be a misleading or dishonest PR vehicle.

Cheers,
Lawrence

What's In A Name? [Update]

As an amendment to this post from yesterday I wanted to mention that Asos is also hawking a Made in England brogue.  Like the previous mentioned hardbottoms it is made in the Trickers factory and being sold at a very non-Trickers price.  Act now or forever wear crap shoes.

If you have the scratch you can also grab these other brogues that are not currently on sale, but still cheap in the grand ol' scheme of "bench made in England".

-L.A.S

What's In A Name?

Well, according to Trickers about $300 dollars.  Granted Asos' Made in England shoes aren't of the exact same quality specifications, but they are still bench made in the Trickers factory.  Both the tassled loafers and captoes are currently on sale for $132 - high quality Goodyear welted English shoes at extremely reasonable prices are A-Ok in my book.  In fact, I just grabbed the brown tasseled mocs for myself.  It's rare to find hardbottoms of this caliber for under 3 bills so if you're searching for a new pair to break in sockless this spring look no further.  Get out your size conversion chart and have at it.

-L.A.S

Fall Looks: Bundled Up (Part 2 of 2) - Gloves

I have absolutely no need for gloves in Charlotte, but since I'm not that ego-centric I put together my favorite offerings for this F/W.  Coming from the considerbly cooler Northeast originally, I know a thing or two about a great pair of gloves (as if there is really anything to know in the first place).  I personally prefer fingerless or convertible options because they are much more functional and you look that much cooler.  I put together a bunch of different price points and styles, but as you know with gloves they typically fall into two categories: hi-tech and classic.  As with everything else that has ever made it onto Sart Inc, my picks skew towards the classic.  I've listed materials in parentheses because a man should know what he's getting himself, and his hands, into.  Buy one of these and safely remove your hands from your pants...

Asos Fair Isle Design Fingerless (100% Acrylic)...$10.47

While I don't recommend matching these up with your awesome new fair isle sweater, these gloves are a cheap way to inject a little seasonal flair (excuse my word choice) into your getup.  They may be the cheapest of the bunch, don't forget these badboys ship from the UK.

Penfield Knitted Fingerless Mitten (100% Acrylic)...$31.40

Leave it to Penfield to make the only mittens that are even remotely cool.  You know you are getting great quality from these guys, but kudos the MA brand on the details.  I'm really into these red accents.  Just like above, keep in mind shipping as these are from a UK retailer.

Urban Outfitters Herringbone Gloves (Polyurethane, Acrylic)...$28.00

The poor man's herring bone blazer you can wear on your hands!  Faux suede included!  In all seriousness, for under $30 you are unlikely to find a dandier pair of gloves.  We all know class is an illusion anyway...right?

Filson Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves (84% Merino Virgin Wool, 11% Nylon, 3% Acrylic, 2% Lycra)...$22.00

If I was actually buying gloves these Filson fingerless options would be my go to.  A fingerless design in classic gray with real deal, made in the U.S.A quality.  Perfect in their simplicity. Perfect in their functionality.

Steven Alan Wool Camp Glove (Wool, Leather, 100% Cashmere lined)...$125.00

You may have already seen these floating around the blogosphere at some point because they are Steven Alan and his products demand attention.  If you take your gloves as seriously as, say, your jackets then these are the gloves for you (I mean, that is Woolrich plaid).  Like everything Steven Alan makes, it's all about the genius reinterpretation of our staple items.  In this case, peep the thumb slit for easy and stylish iPhoning, Blackberrying and texting your bff's. 

[Bonus]
Orvis Trigger Finer Uplander Glove (Leather)...$59.00

The swagger that comes from wearing a glove with a trigger finger (a magnet holds the finger back in place!) is undeniably priceless.  Great for busting caps and picking your nose...not necessarily in that order.

-L.A.S

Stumbled Across: Weekend In The Woods

Some cool stuff I have stumbled across recently and my corresponding thoughts...

Field and Stream SLB Shirt...$52.00

[Photography courtesy of men.style.com]

Work/outdoor shirts are getting so much love this fall and it's easy to see why...these shirts are pure, unadulterated Americana (aka badass).  I particularly like this Field and Stream SLB shirt due to its authenticity, utility and detailing.  Click on the link to see all the awesome stitching and little exciting things this shirt has to offer.  I love the coal black colorway, which gives the shirt just a hint of "fashion-y" sensibility.  Instead of shelling out $100+ for some designers take on a shirt that was never ment to see the elements, spend half on the real deal.  By the way, SLB means "strong like bull"...did I mention how badass this shirt is?

The Brothers Bray & Co. (Billy Kirk x Urban Outfitters) Weekender...$98

 

[Photograph courtesy of acquiremag.com]

Here at Sartorially Inclined we have sung the praises of the awesome collaboration between the guys at Billy Kirk and Urban Outfitters.  Here is the latest luggage accessory from the pair and boy is it a winner.  I am currently waiting for my Brothers Bray tote to get delivered, but I am kinda wishing I had waited and gotten this instead.  The Weekender is another beautifully simple canvas and leather offering with great details (red vinyl lining).  You can expect this to go on backorder quicker then you can roast a marshmellow so act fast if it's something you covet.  To read more about the callaboration check out this interview (via selectism.com)  with Chris Bray of Billy Kirk.

ASOS Leather Hiking Boots...$63.83

I love this shoe because it is a hybrid that actually takes the BEST parts of a bunch of shoes and creates something equally, if not, better (the sum IS the whole of its parts).  You'll notice the obvious nods to blucher mocs, classic sneakers, and traditional hiking boots.  These hiking boots (this description should be taken with a grain of salt...much more conducive for a stroll in the city than a hike up the side of a mountain) are the essence of versatility and will work with all your fall looks.  It's great that Asos is offering an inexpensive shoe that will go equally as great with your raw denim as your wool trousers.  This is a must buy as far as Sartorially Inclined is concerned.

-L.A.S

Trim The Fat

I used to hate tucking in my shirt, but with maturation comes class and now I feel sloppy unless I'm properly tucked (yes, even with jeans).  The only problem with this is the billowing or blousing effect that occurs as my shirt becomes un-tucked with everyday movements.  For the past year or so I have been trying to buy slim-fit shirts to help with this problem.  By eliminating extra, unwanted fabric and raising the arm holes my shirts look much cleaner when tucked in and stay that way.  Slim-fit shirts also make any guy look about 10 pounds lighter then they do with a regular shirt.  So many guys are scared of more form-fitting clothes when all it does is make them look better.  Another overlooked bonus of the slimmer cut shirt is that it is much easier to layer over.  Ditching excess fabric only enables sweaters, vests and jackets to sit much more flush with your torso creating smoother lines and silhouettes.  A lot more companies are moving towards a much slimmer cut shirt that can be found outside the confines of designer (and expenssive) labels.  Here are some options to work with...

Land's End Tailored Varsity Buttondown Oxford Shirt...$19.50

[Pictured: My two oxfords that fit just as well as advertised.]

I just bought two of these (one in white, one in blue) thanks to the reasonable price point and the fact you can never have too many oxford shirts.  This updated classic has a more modern fit and collar (works better with slimmer ties).  You know what you're getting with Land's End...a quality product with a timeless American appeal.  When mine arrive in the mail, I will be sure to update on the specifics. For more information check out the shout-out from valetmag.com.

Asos Tailored Slim Fit Shirt...$18.24 (on sale)

Asos makes a great fitting shirt, and you can't beat this price.  I have three of these tailored slim fit shirts and they fit great.  For those of you out there who are skinny this is probably your best bet.  The shirt is flattering without being too tight that you feel awkward wearing it to the office.  Let the buyer beware: price is reflective of quality material in this case.  This will be by no means the most comfortable shirt you own.

Brooks Brothers Extra-Slim Fit...$79.50

You know that when a brand as conservative as Brooks Brothers is slimming down that we have more then a mere trend on our hands.  The pricey-est of the bunch, this shirt is def. for those looking to drop a little extra cash for quality.  Since Brooks Brothers shirts were gigantic to begin with, this trimmer cut is a great way to ease yourself into a new cut of shirt.  Look for a little blurb on the new slimmer Brooks Brothers in this month's GQ (pg. 70).