Attn: Eastland Made In Maine Collection Now Available

When I first came across Eastland's Made In Maine Collection at capsule (NY) I was blown away.  The market may be oversaturated with high end mocs and boots already, but Eastland obviously doesn't care.  They are taking things back to Maine and have produced one hell of a collection.  These are shoes that need some hands on love to be fully appreciated - we're talking leather so oily you could make a goddamn salad dressing.  I'll put my own personal opinions on Opening Ceremony aside for now because they are the first retail spot to carry the collection.  If you're looking for that one big footwear purchase for F/W 2010 you should have no issues finding it here.  I've been wearing Eastland shoes for a very long time and it's great to see them take things to the next level and finally put some stock into their heritage.  When an American brand realizes that there is a niche market begging for this kinda stuff everybody, especially the consumer, wins.  Look for the collection to also show up in store at Save Khaki in NY and online at Eastland's webstore among other places.

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony Hunting Jacket

 

[Pictured: Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony PMJO1 hunting jacket available for $560.00.]

I mentioned this jacket a while back when I was talking about spring anoraks even though this isn't really one by classical definition (depends on who you talk to rabble, rabble, rabble, etc.).  Honestly, this is grossly overpriced, but then again that very fact makes it the perfect "Lusting After" item.  There is no way in hell I would ever pay north of $500 for a spring jacket.  I mean, it's cool and all, but Opening Ceremony needs to take a good, hard look at itself after pricing their recent collaboration with Pendleton.  Actually, now that I think about it there are probably a bunch of killer alternatives that are cooler than this and 1/5 the price.  Whatever...chalk this one up to the hipsters.

-L.A.S

Mystery Shoe Solved...Well, Sorta

[Pictured: "Mystery" L.L. Bean boots courtesy of New Grass.]

If you read New Grass, you may very well be aware of a conundrum that has arrisen this past week.  Apparently while browsing through a recent L.L. Bean catalog a fine boot specimen (see above) was found with absoultely no information about the model or price.  One could only assume it was of the L.L. Bean variety considering it was highly unlikely they would put anything but their own products in their catalog.  I commented how it looked like something from Russel Moccassin Co. and it was eventually determined that the boot was Bean's Ranger moc (currently not available for purchase).

Well, this morning I was browsing some online shops and came across the Bass M Ranger boot, which happens to look exactly like the mystery boot in question.  The Bass version is available at Opening Ceremony (3 colorways) and is part of the the Chloë Sevigny callaboration line (on a side not: how the hell did she make that happen).  So New Grass, if you are reading this, I think we can officially say, "Case closed. Sorta."

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Yuketen Maine Guide Boot

I had finally done it.  I was over the Yuketen Maine Guide Boot.  My thoughts had been suppressed and I was finally cured.  Then I saw this post right before I left my apartment for work, and it all came flooding back.  I'm in no position to spend 500 or so greenbacks on anything, let alone boots, especially with holiday shopping for OTHERS right around the corner. 

Vibram sole, goodyear welt construction and a moc toe come together to stop all you Red Wing-ers dead in your tracks.  While these may not be for everyone, and that's totally understandable, I just couldn't leave them out of a "lusting after" post.  The eternal "want vs. need" debate rages on and on and on...Maybe one of you guys will get a pair (has a pair) and send some pictures my way.  Maybe I should just take the plunge and give in.  Maybe I should stop typing this post before this gets any more out of hand.  If it's any interest to you, they are almost sold out at Opening Ceremony and making you, at least consider, selling your first born on eBay courtesy of The Bureau.

-L.A.S