Rogues Gallery F/W 2010 Quilted Arrivals

New Rogues Gallery F/W 2010 items are trickling into their online shop and the two new quilted outerwear styles are the best of the bunch.  Both the wool vest and liner coat are impressive entries into the current quilted craze that seems to be sweeping both the blogosphere and the brands we talk about on the reg.  The wool vest is particularly nice and I'm sure most of you will agree - a common theme in the comments seems to be "screw nylon down vests, wool or death".   I can dig the pricepoints on both of these and, more importantly, can vouch for both the quality and fit of RG.  Still looking to hop onto that quilted bandwagon?  If so, this wouldn't be a bad starting point.

-L.A.S

Rogues Gallery F/W 2010

Rogues Gallery is in a curious spot.  Designer/founder Alex Carleton currently has his hands full with L.L. Bean Signature and I've heard rumblings about RG cutting back due to this very fact.  F/W 2010's first offerings have hit the web and I can't say for sure who is responsible.  It could be Alex himself, the last of Aaron Levine's gear from when he was handling menswear or someone else entirely.  The selection is small, 10 pieces in all not including tees, but I can't imagine this is it.  Regardless of any slowed down production, a company with this level popularity and amount of stockists would be foolish not to have some more gear lined up to be released over the next few months.  The pants are the highlight for me personally, with snapfronts popping up at yet another Americana inspired brand.  This style pant, along with front pocket cargos in general, really seems to be all over the goddamn place these days - interestingly enough, two of these options come from Carleton lead brands.  Luckily, they kick ass and it's always good as a consumer to have a ton of options to choose from.  Whether you hate blaze orange or love it, at least Rogues is giving you something to talk about.

-L.A.S

Sweater Discrimination

Can you wear a cotton beach sweater in the F/W? I'd like to think so.  Call me crazy, but I'm doing my part to abolish sweater discrimination.  Wool is warm as hell, but it's often uncomfortable against your skin and, if you're all layered up on a crisp day, can get real hot real fast.  My key for F/W layering?  Keeping warm of course, but staying comfortable first and foremost.  I think of it like this. You wear your cotton crew neck sweatshirts this time of year, so what's the problem with wearing a traditional cotton knit?  Grab one with some heft and use it as a top layer on a moderate day (over an OCBD) or as an intermediate layer if the weather is gonna dip (over an OCDB and under a parka).  Right now I'm really loving this large gauge cable knit from Rogues Gallery.  It's the perfect early fall sweater in my eyes - 100% cotton, but of the heavy knit variety.  Sweater discrimination is in full force here (read: on sale), but you, the consumer, benefit.  The thing is practically half off and a full grip of sizes are still up for grabs.  At the end of the day, this ends up being a year round piece.  You can't wear wool in the summertime (I mean, you could, though that would be kinda foolish), but you can definitely still wear cotton in fall, especially if you layer accordingly.  A note on fit: my previous RG knits have been very satisfying - no need to size down or up in my experience.

-L.A.S

The Baseball Jacket

After watching Animal House this weekend, while on the style hunt, I discovered a pretty neat sartorial maneuver that had until now slipped my mind.  Many characters in the movie were quite fond of using baseball jackets as that perfect piece of warm weather outwear.  It makes total sense when you think of it as the jacket has all the hallmarks of a great S/S top layer - lightweight, wind resistant, water resistant and flat out cool.  I am sure some of you have known this for quite sometime, but it took some killer shots of Bluto rocking one over a plaid button down for me to see the light.

After doing some research it appears that these kind of jackets go by a few names - baseball jacket, track jacket, club jacket, etc., but no matter what it's called you can usually find them pretty cheap.  American Apparel has a few models as does Rogues Gallery and, of course, most sporting goods outfitters.  Pop this badboy over your madras and you're styling like a true preppy while staying warm if the weather should dip.  The more I think about it the more I see this as a poor man's Baracuta, but without sacrificing any style.  Check out some examples of how to do it right below featuring my buddy Shaun who was photographed by Backyard Bill earlier this year.

-L.A.S

Haters Gonna Sweat

 

[Pictured: Rogues Gallery Clive Sweater pant available soon for $145.00.]

If the sweat pants debate wasn't already at full steam here is some more diesel fuel for both advocates and haters alike.  Rogues Gallery's Clive pant is a new entry into the sweat pants cannon and proof that Aaron Levine, self proclaimed "half jewish, all human" and personal favorite of mine, knows what the hell he is doing.  I really dig these pants because they are not only a reworking of a standard item, but stay within the framework Rogues has built its reputation on.  Known for their northeastern inspired  knits, Rogues is really pushing the envelope with these.  It's one thing to just hop on a trend - it takes a whole lotta vision to actually rewrite them.  Alright, where's the firing squad at?

-L.A.S

Rogues Does Dean

Having just posted on Steven Alan's red Baracuta jacket and the version James Dean made famous I came across Rogues Gallery's new golf jacket for spring.  This number is much more faithful (minus the elastic and throat tab) to the iconic outerwear piece from Rebel Without A Cause and is the only new version, as oppose to vintage, I know of currently being sold.  At $175 it is pretty consistent with most Baracutas and golf jackets on the market and way cheaper than the Steven Alan joint.  If you dig the golf jacket vibe, but are a little gun shy about the in your face red colorway RG also sells the jacket in navy and khaki.

-L.A.S

Attn: R.G.J.B.

When word of the demise of John Bartlett's collection for Claiborne leaked earlier this year fans of  breezy classic Americana shed a tear.  It was a shame to see such a talented guy have to abandon a fantastic affordable line because of obvious economic issues.  I wondered how John Barlett would recover from such a blow and when he would hit back with a vengeance.  Apparently hes doing just that as we speak with the help of none other than, Alex Carleton, Mr. Rogues Gallery himself.

I had read some press release jargon on this callaboration a little while back, but if memory serves me correctly there weren't any visuals available at the time.  Today all that changes as Rogues Gallery for John Barlett has gone live.  The items have made their way to the Rogues' webstore and are available for purchase.  There are a bunch of badass graphic tees (I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but hold on) and various other devices with more promised to come.  I'm not the biggest proponent of these zipper/portfolio/pouch things, but if I was going to buy one, for travel or whatever, it would have a ridiculous screen printing of a grizzly bear on it.  It's great to see Mr. Bartlett's wears back in the public eye and Rogues Gallery taking some risks with their callaborations.

-L.A.S

L.L. Bean Signature Launch Party Wrap-Up

[Pictured: Alex Carlton and the lovely ladies of L.L. Bean.]

While the bloggers ready their wrap-ups GQ's new style blog, The GQ Eye, has a recap along with a pretty neat interview with Alex Carleton who is the line's Creative Director as well as the founder of Rogues Gallery.

Whatever PR firm handled the event sent me the above picture, which highlights Alex in the middle.  I assume he is wearing the line which, if true, makes me very happy since he looks great.  Have I mentioned how excited I am for this to come out?

Attn: Rogues Gallery Sample Sale on Gilt

[Pictured: Rogues Gallery Fall '09. My own words could not do this justice. Picture courtesy of Rogues Gallery.]

So the Rogues Gallery sale on Gilt goes live tomorrow @ 12 noon.  If you needed anymore of a reason to sign up here, this is it.  The F/W 09 stuff looks incredibly and nabbing even ONE piece would be totally worth it. 

In other Gilt news, Gilt Man debuts Oct. 19th...you can read all about it over at Prepidemic Magazine.  I personally like how they are streamlining the buying experience while increasing the range of products offered in the men's store.  Once again, Gilt is delivering in a big way.  I'll see you tomorrow at noon if you know what's good for you.

[update: I hope I didn't play this sale up too much (whoops) because, quite frankly, it was extremely disapointing.  Honestly, this has been the first time Gilt has ever let me down.  I did get a shawl collar sweatshirt, which I posted on here, so when that arrives I will post my thoughts.]

-L.A.S

First Look: L.L. Bean Signature

[Image courtesy of WWD by way of Valet.]

I've mentioned before how L.L. Bean's new Signature line is arguably Sartorially Inclined's most anticipated clothing release this year.  Here is your first real look at, Rogues Gallery founder, Alex Carleton's take on the classic brand.  I wish I could take off of work and attend the preview tomorrow and write about it, but I guess I'll just leave it up to the usual suspects.

[3/2 roll chino suit with working button holes. Hello spring suiting.]

[These waxed canvas Bean boots are a great reinterpretation of a classic. Wowsers.  Jury's still out on that tote.]

[Fits look sleek, trim and modern though I do need a better look at those loafers.]

[Pictures courtesy of We Are The Market.]

-L.A.S