Attn: Steven Alan For Dockers Ranger Cargo Pants On Sale

Back in September I highlighted this pants from the Steven Alan for Dockers capsule collection and even argued for the case that they would sell out at light speed.  Well, as many of you are pretty accustomed to by this point, I was wrong.  But, that's kind of a good thing in this case because now they are on sale over at Steven's site.  Surprisingly there is a decent grip of sizes available - if you're a 32 or 33, sorry.  $89 for pants that used to be $128 ($148?) is a pretty good deal especially considering this elusive type of "big boy cargo pants", as a friend calls them.  The Ranger Cargo was the slimmest pant offered in the capsule collection and the fit is similar as Steven's mainline Naval pant for those of you keeping score at home.  I doubt these are warm enough for February on the east coast, but they will make a great pant as winter transitions into spring and for fall.

-L.A.S

Attn: Steven Alan Online Sample Sale

You crazy for this one, Steven!  It's that time of the year again, folks.  The time when a certain server crashing, blood donating, wife and kids leave you, Gilt shaming (no shots) online sample sale hits the internet.   The steals and deals that abound here are borderline illegal and the fact that there is actually killer in season gear makes it that much better.  This sale is so comprehensive that literally any gap in your wardrobe can be filled without the fear of how selling your first born is going to tear your family apart.  I highlighted my favorites below so don't forget to Paypal ya boy a finder's fee after you pull the trigger.

-L.A.S

Steven Alan For Dockers Ranger Cargo

Slim cargo pants seem to have finally hit American shores for good.  Or at least for the time being.  This means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but I think we can all agree that they look much better than what was previous being offered in the not so hallowed halls of A&F.  I've been talking about front pocket cargos for a while in my own not so hallowed halls and it always pleases me when I see my favorite brands release their own take on this classic style - maybe "nuevo-classic" is a better way to describe it.  Bastian has been doing them for a "long time", but not everyone has the kind of money or resources to go out and grab a pair.  I mean, you want to have some money left over to put in all those extra pockets, right?  Anyhow, you might have noticed that Steven Alan's capsule collection for Dockers features their own take on the front pocket cargo.  These Ranger cargos are actually available now in the Dockers' webstore for $148.  The cool thing about these pants are how they walk the line between chinos and cargos.  They're much easier to swallow than a lot of other pairs out there and are a better transition piece for guys who want in on the style, but aren't really sure how to wear them (my advice - flip through a Cucinelli lookbook).  They're very similar to Bastian's own paratrooper pants, minus pleated pockets and a certain expectation of quality.  I have a feeling that while these pants might be popular now they are going to be hard to find in, say, a year.  Menswear, even the classic stuff, can be quite cyclical here in The States based on what's trending and more fringe styles, such as these, don't usually last for long durations of time.  They'll be back, of course, at some point, but who really wants to wait that long?  So, what's the moral of the story? Get 'em if you want 'em.

-L.A.S

Steven Alan F/W 2010 Outerwear

When I think of Steven Alan I don't normally think of outerwear.  Not that he doesn't do a fine job, but there are other things that seem to pop up first - the reverse seam, The Annex, etc.  F/W 2010 might just change all that as Steven has some really impressive outerwear pieces.  The thing that has always drawn me to Steven Alan is his simplicity - the guy just gets the concepts of wearability and functionality.  While other designers too often get hung up and bogged down with superfluous and unnecessary details, Mr. Alan knows exactly what his sweet spot is.  This ideal combined with a few signature tweaks is what makes his current crop of outerwear special.  Everything from a padded peacoat to a shawl collar deck jacket delivers just what you want from your classic pieces, while still giving you that little extra.  And it's this little extra that often takes a "I'll think about it" to a "done deal".  That right there is why Mr. Alan always seems to find his way into my wardrobe season after season, F/W 2010 being no exception.

-L.A.S

My Bad: Alden For Steven Alan White Bucks

I doubt this is going to become a reoccurring feature, but this is where I plan on righting some previous sartorial wrongs.  I'll be honest, a good amount of the stuff featured on Sart Inc doesn't get the hands on treatment from yours truly and I can see how that has the potential to create a disconnect here or there.  Cut me some slack, I live in Charlotte and we've got virtually nothing.

While in NYC a little while back I finally saw these Alden bucks at the Steven Alan showroom.  I had previously sung their praises and even went as far as to call them "some of the best looking shoes currently on the market." Whoops.  A friend put it best, "these look like nurse's shoes" and that's more or less the problem.  Also, the leather doesn't deliver in person and, while apparently calfskin, just feels and looks cheap.  So, yeah, I think you should pass on these badboys regardless of Steven's reputation and his other stellar Alden makeups - unless, of course, you're starting your residency this spring.  My bad.

-L.A.S

Tomato Soup

So it's more or less spring which means gingham, madras, seersucker and all the crazy patterns that come with them, but right now I am really feeling for solid red, tomato even.  It's not that red is my favorite color or anything like that (I mean, what grown man really has a favorite color or a style blog for that matter?), I just find myself strangely drawn to its boldness (some of those same grown men would call this "pop").  The two best instances of this I have seen come from the usual suspects - Steven Alan and Sid Mashburn.  Both of these guys make a killer shirt and while I haven't had the pleasure of owning a Mashburn original yet (that will be changing soon) I will vouch for Steven Alan's reverse seamers until I am blue in the face.  These shirts represent the same bold aesthetic equally, but are different in some respects.  Steven's shirt is a bold shade of red with his patented reverse seam, while Sid's is listed as a tomato red and comes with a great flap pocket.  As expected both are as awesome as they are "expensive", but when you think about it you only really need one shirt like this for your wardrobe so it's kinda like an investment - hey, whatever helps you sleep at night, right?  Try the shirt du jour.

-L.A.S

Attn: Steven Alan Baracuta Jacket

[Pictured: Steven Alan Baracuta Jacket available for $348.00]

With all the talk of light weight spring jackets going on I haven't really talked about the Baracuta jacket since everyone is pretty familiar with it at this point.  Well, Steven Alan has just released his take on the iconic piece of outerwear made famous by the likes of James Dean and Steve McQueen.  The red colorway is a favorite of mine and a version of it, while not exactly a Baracuta, can be seen in Rebel Without A Cause (read all about that here).  Most Baracuta's are pretty pricey, but the upside is that it is a 3 season jacket and can be worn practically year round depending on the weather in your neck of the woods.  Mr. Alan's version is pretty faithful to the original, which you can still buy today, and features his own shirting as a liner, contrast buttons and a zipper pocket over the left breast.  It's another reworked classic in the Steven Alan garmentography (copyright that term) and a winner as far as I am concerned.  Excuse me while I pour myself a glass of milk.

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Alden Bucks For Steven Alan

 

[Pictured: Alden white plain bucks for Steven Alan available for $353.00.]

These Alden bucks, specially commissioned by Steven Alan, have been around for a little while so they may not be new to you.  They are currently back in stock for S/S 2010 and are some of the best looking shoes currently on the market.  Granted they come with the standard Alden sized pricetag, but if you are looking for a shoe built to last (top of the line welt, leather, etc.) that's often the downsize.  What's eye-catching about these is what also sets them apart from the droves of bucks on the market.  First off, they feature calfskin as oppose to suede and ditch the standard red brick soul for a clean, crisp white one (not sure of this exactly, Vibram? Anybody?).  When it's all said and done the bucks almost resemble a white canvas sneaker that was sent to finishing school to clean its act up.  Another interesting aspect is the almost wedge like sole, which looks very "Japanese".  I normally am oppose to laceups that lack a solid, defined heel, but everything works well here.  Overall you're getting a unique looking version of a time honored classic made by the greatest shoemakers in the United States with the vision of one of menswear's greatest minds.  Now that I think of it, $353 seems like a bargain.

-L.A.S

Lusting After: Steven Alan Chambray Popover

 

[Pictured: Steven Alan chambray popover available soon. Picture courtesy of Selectism.]

Steven Alan, chambray, popovers: these are a few of my favorite things.  This shirt is a straight up Sart Inc no brainer.  Popovers are one of my favorite styles of shirting due to their vintage, old school cool and you already know all about chambray so I won't bother getting academic.  While the price point is still YTBD, I'm pretty sure this is going to be cheaper than anything available from Engineered Garments or Apolis Activism (though their F/W popover is currently on sale).

The best thing about Steven Alan is he knows that simplicity goes a long way.  His version of the chambray popover doesn't get too hung up on all the ridiculous archival details that mean next to nothing for the casual wearer.  Instead of unnecessary frivolity you get a great cut and some flap pockets.  Warmer weather style shouldn't be a thinking man's game.  Why bother worrying about layers and the like?  It all boils down to throwing on what's comfortable and what looks cool before you head out to enjoy the world.  Mr. Alan designs clothes for just that.

-L.A.S

Attn: Steven Alan For ACL & Co. Oxford

Another top notch collaboration finds its way to the ACL Shop today with the addition of a flap pocket oxford shirt.  I'm a huge Steven Alan fan, and while I prefer the reverse seam model, this shirt is based on his popular "single needle" fit.  The shirts are co-labeled and come with a flap pocket, button down collar and like all of Mr. Alan's gear it is made in America.  Mr. Williams, and his shop, may be loved or hated, but never ignored. Pick one up in classic black or white for $168.00.

 

 

 

-L.A.S

Hands On: Steven Alan Reverse Seam Shirts

[Pictured: Steven Alan reverse seam shirt available here.  Notice the twisting effect of the front shirt placket when buttoned up to the second button.]

Calling cards: villains have them as do lame dudes at the bar with no "game".  While I'm pretty sure Steven Alan is neither of these things he has one as well.  The reverse seam shirt is what Steven Alan may best be known for and for good reason.  It's not everyday that someone can take a piece of clothing as old as the sport shirt and do something completely original.

While you may have seen (or may not have have realized you've seen) pictures of the reverse seam shirt online or on Justin Long in an Apple commercial, it really takes an in person view to appreciate Steven Alan's genius.  As you can see in the above picture the reverse seam adds an extremely interesting twisting/bunching of the shirt placket when buttoned up to the second or first button.  While this may seem silly, it gives subtle character to the oft standard sport shirt.  This is a detail that will most likely get over looked in passing, as does most sprezzatura, but really empowers the wearer.  Like lots of details present in our favorite clothing, it's these little ones that make certain garments our favorites in the first place.  The reverse seam shirt is no exception.  Aside from the reverse seam on the front placket, the seams on the side of the shirt are reversed as well.  What Mr. Alan has done here is flip a finished seam inside out so that the sewn edges of the shirt fabric are facing outward (as seen below).  This is another detail in place for the owner and any keen sartorial observers who may notice.

You're never going to catch me paying exorbitant prices for any garment unless it is special.  The Steven Alan reverse seam shirt is special.  Made in the U.S.A with one of the best fits of any shirt I have ever owned, these sport shirts are easily going to become staples in my wardrobe.

[The exposed side of the seam on the outside of the shirt is reversed as well.  What is normally hidden on the inside is now on full display.]

-L.A.S

Steven Alan Sale Items

Hopefully you picked up some stuff at the Steven Alan Gilt sale.  I personally snagged two of his perfect reverse seams shirts thanks in part to the credit you guys have sent my way (if that's not a good cause I don't know what is).  Obsessing over my favorite brands is nothing new for me and some of the same names continue to pop up over here at Sart Inc.  Just because I am no longer flush with Gilt-backs doesn't mean I am not going to hit the Steven Alan online shop to see what other wears are available.  The older sale items are just as good as the newer pricey-er ones and when you're making timeless gear who cares when something was designed.  It's also pretty impressive when a certain brand's sale items are leaps and bounds ahead of a competitor's full price ones (you know who you are).  Just sayin'.

I know this is the time of year when you spend money on others, but since I'm more or less all good on the gift buying front a little browsing for myself can't do too much damage. Right?  Lots of my favorite items are finally making their way to the sale racks and I thought I'd at least post them if I'm not going to necessarily buy them.  All sale items are final, but I've never heard of someone not being completely satisfied with Steven Alan so maybe that's a moot point in itself.  Also, that red vintage hunting jacket may be the definition of perfection, in case you were wondering...

 

 

 

-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

Fall Looks: Update Your Gray Sweatshirt

It's difficult to find clothing more iconic than the gray sweatshirt.  It is a fall staple and should be in every guy's closet.  There are no shortage of options out there and I won't bore you by linking up to any number of them.  Instead, I thought I'd highlight a pretty cool alternative that, while not replacing your gray sweatshirt, can serve as cool alternative: The shawl collar sweatshirt.

J. Crew's fleece shawl-collar sweatshirt is a stylish bargain at $55 and can instantly update your sweatshirt collection.  Available in that classic heather gray or a black that resembles more of a dark charcoal, shawl collar sweatshirt serves as this interesting meeting point between the classic crewneck sweatshirt and the shall collar (most commonly seen on tuxedo jackets and cardigans).  I tried this on a while back when the J. Crew by me was stocking their fall inventory, and I'll be damned if this isn't one of the most comfortable things I've tried on in a while.

J. Crew Fleece Shawl-Collar Sweatshirt...$55 

Check out the versions below from Steven Alan and Ralph Lauren for guys with extra deep pockets.

Steven Alan Shawl Collar Sweatshirt...$198

Polo Ralph Lauren Fleece Shawl Collar Pullover...$145

If you're running out to walk the dog, throw this on and maybe top it off with a down vest or pair it with your best denim and a shirt and tie for a night out of casual drinking.  The key with all of these is that they are made of fleece which translates to insane comfort and an outward relaxed look (the same shawl collar design in wool loses lots of that understated charm associated with the fleece).  Ain't nothing wrong with the classics.  Ain't nothing wrong with switching 'em up either.

-L.A.S