Don't Call It A Comeback

Or maybe we should - you tell me.  Gilt's recent descent into wackness is not something that has gone unnoticed around these parts.  I'm almost at the point where I can't remember the last time I felt compelled to spend be it my own money, credit or otherwise.  Hopefully this week can be a tipping point - that comeback some of us are desperately hoping for.  Don't get your hopes up for the RRL jeans sale on Friday as Gilt has proven that their RRL buys are really just jazzed up, western Ed Hardy accessories.  No, I am looking towards Billykirk to right the ship.  The preview looks promising and BK doesn't make bad stuff so that also helps.  So gear up for tomorrow and get your wallet/bag/belt game tight.  For all my pessimists out there, this could also be a doomsday scenario in which this is the last passable sale we see in a while so take that into account as well.  I'm not sure how many people reading this are up on Gilt, but if you need an invitation holler atcha boy.  Keep in mind, however, that if you hate my guts you should probably apply for membership another way since after your first purchase I do receive a $25 referral credit - dude's gotta eat somehow.

-L.A.S

Billykirk x Sebago

The newest collaboration to hit the airwaves is between boat shoe giant Sebago and the leather aficionados of Billykirk.  Unlike typical deck boots these are some serious workboots with a straight diesel boat sole and I think they look mighty fine especially if you're the kind of guy who refuses to wear anything but boots even in the summertime.  From the Sebago website:

"In their quest for creating refined and evolved work gear, the brothers, Chris and Kirk from Billykirk have teamed up with iconic shoe manufacturer, Sebago, to develop their doc-workers Fairhaven oxford and boot collaboration. The result will be hitting limited retailers in June, 2010."

-L.A.S

Billy Kirk For Need Supply Co.

[Pictured: Billy Kirk carry all available at Need Supple Co. for $295.00.]

Odds are you are going to be doing some traveling during the holidays.  As with any traveling packing is crucial especially if you're like me and you're going to a completely different climate.  I've been thinking of buying a true weekend for a while now and the new Billy Kirk carry all available at Need Supply Co. may just be it.  Billy Kirk is always about quality construction and function, but I particularly like to see how certain shops, like Need Supply Co., differentiate their collaborations with the brand.  The carry all at Need Supply has a great masculine look to it, combining the grey canvas and black leather.  I've said before that while I do love natural colored canvas, it's always good to do something a little different.  It seems that every other bag these days comes in some natural tone, so this grey is a great break from all that.

From Need Supple Co: "This is their largest travel bag and is very roomy. Great for weekends away and will fit in most overhead compartments. Rugged as can be. Made with a Swiss Riri zipper closure. The adjustable strap is made with 100% leather. Comes with two interior pockets and a signature hand-stitched luggage tag. 20" frame. Oiled and edged leather. Made in the USA."

 

-L.A.S

Long Weekend Jaunt: The Dash

[All packed and ready to roll.]

Sartorially Inclined is headed out to lovely Winston-Salem, NC for the first of many homecomings.  Posting will resume Monday, although I cannot say how good the content is actually going to be considering experts are projecting a 3-5 day hangover.  The Brothers Bray: check. Volkswagon Passat: check. Alumnus status: check. Cheers!

-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

Throw it in the Bag

Every guy needs a decent bag. We are not talking man-purses or anything of the sort, but a good bag for weekend trips and such. Any good piece of luggage can be quite expensive, which can be a buzzkill considering you may only use it a few times a year. Luckily Urban Outfitters has teamed up with leathermakers/accessory designer extraordinaires Billy Kirk for an affordable and cool looking bago callabo (sorry for the rhyme). From the looks of it the bag, called The Brothers Bray, seems to be just the right size. It's not going to be mistaken for your girlfriend's and is not too big that it can't be busted out during your everyday commute. Classic styling and materials (vinyl, leather, cotton lining) is the name of the game with everything these days, luggage included and Billy Kirk's pieces adhere to this mantra. All the pieces are classically influenced and built to last (these guys make all their stuff in Amish Country for god's sake). I need a weekender bag like this pretty baldy so I'm going to order one and do a review of it when it arrives. The bag is retailing for a reasonable $88 and available online so act fast (click to buy at urbanoutfitters.com). You don't want to be the guy in the airport admiring my luggage.

-L.A.S

[Edit: Apparently it's on backorder until 9/20/09 so take a number, get in line behind the sartorially inclined (including myself) and plan all trips accordingly]