Hands On: The Windmill Club

When I posted my interview with Kevin Burrows, owner and designer of The Windmill Club, I signed off saying how a hands on review of their neckwear was on its way.  Well the ties just came in today and I couldn't be happier.  Simply put, the neckwear is fantastic.  The huntsman club tie is the standout of the Fall '09 collection and its outdoors meets prep vibe is killer; we'll call it mutant Americana.  It should also be noted that this is a very slim tie, though still good for a four in hand knot.  I'm digging it for casual kits and you can see in the pictures that it looks real boss when paired with a chambray shirt.  The multi-check bow tie is no slouch either. It has this great structured geometric pattern that looks pretty neat when knotted "perfectly imperfect" (my rule of thumb for tying a bow tie is to go as quickly as possible).  What I like most about the bow tie is how it is sort of a hybrid between a slim "bat wing" and the often too wide "butterfly".  It is the perfect shape.

As far as fabric is concerned, the 100% silk is just beefy enough so that the neckwear has a nice heft to it, but is still easy to knot.  As simple as that may sound most of the ties I have owned in the past cannot seem to reconcile these two details.  Lots of silk ties also have this incredible cheap looking sheen to them, but The Windmill Club doesn't mess with any of that nonsense.

On top of Kevin's inspiring ambition and vision the products really speak for themselves.  The collection should be hitting TWC's online shop soon so be on the look out because now that these two are snatched up there are not too many more to go around.

 

-L.A.S

Multicolored Gingham

As S/S 2010 gear starts popping up daily it's important to separate what's just "cool" from what's absolutely necessary.  Gingham is absolutely necessary.  Brands tend to release a ton of gingham numbers, particularly shirts, in your typical blue/white and red/white looks which is totally fine (we all probably have a few) and most people are content with this.  Maybe it's time for something a little different, eh?  Enter Brooklyn's own Epaulet who is taking everything you know about gingham and tearing that mofo down.

Their just announced multicolored gingham shirt is exactly the kind of spring shirt you should be looking for.  A classic item for sure, but with just enough of a twist to not look like you walked out of a J. Crew dressing room.  The shirt, done in fine-gauge Japanese cotton, goes on sale in the next few weeks for $130.  Having seen Epaulet's shirts in person I know these guys deliver; the cut is slim and the fabric is always top notch.

Poised to do big things this spring, Epaulet should be dropping top-notch gear weekly.  Once I get the "a-okay" I can't wait to share with you guys some of the absolutely ridiculous Epaulet x Mark McNairy shoes that should be rolling out soon.

-L.A.S

Always Strapped Pt. II

As it turns out watch strap posts are so popular and NATO straps so coveted that my latest post on them was actually a rehashing of  Trip's work.  In that very same post he briefly mentions RLT Watches out of the UK as well, who I also had lined up for a post.  Without stepping on too many toes, I feel compelled to highlight the straps over at RLT.

I found RLT's impressive NATO selection (the majority of which are 18mm) via Nick who had located an image I had previously shown him while chatting about new straps for his awesome Bulova.  Some of the regimental straps on display are "one-of-a-kind-esque" (or at least until we all buy 'em up) and too good not to find their way onto your wrist.  Keep in mind, and just like Trip said, that while these straps may seem really cheap you need to factor in shipping costs and the current exchange rate.  If you happen to be reading Sart Inc in the UK at the moment then this is most definitely the route you want to take for some fresh new watch bands.  Our across the pond brethren need to stay strapped too ya' know.  Also, is it weird that the following excites me more than pretty much everything else I post on the blog?

-L.A.S

The Bean Boot Project: Apothecary Fox Guest Post

It's taken a little while, but The Bean Boot Project finally has its first female entry.  Mr. James Fox, of 10engines fame, took it upon himself to nudge his sister, Sarah, to send something over.  Sarah calls herself a "late starter" when it comes to the boots, but is now a "committed lover"; sounds like something I can work with.  She runs her own blog over at Apothecary Fox, which serves to "share the most creative, beautiful and quirky, vintage and modern designs"; that too sounds like something I can work with.  I usually see Sarah over in the comments at 10e, but have recently taken some time to really sit down and digest her work.  To say that I am impressed would be an understatement.  As I mentioned yesterday, I'm always on the lookout for new perspectives and Apothecary Fox is just that.  For example, just yesterday she posted this...I have no idea what purpose it serves, but it's awesome.  That being said I am happy to share with you guys a female perspective on the boots we nerd out on pretty much daily.

(Kinda) Late To The Party And Loving It

"I didn’t own a pair of Bean Boots until circa 1992. When I moved to Scotland in 1980 my shoe of US heritage was the Penny Loafer, black and brown (new penny tucked into the front for each new pair). This was one of the items that marked me out as American at my British boarding school, where the uniform was a kilt during the winter and magenta and chocolate striped blazer and boater hat in the summer. They were a way of standing apart and reinforced my American-ness.

Later, I remember asking Pops (my Dad) for a pair of Bean Boots when I moved home to Vermont for a winter, after graduating high school. I saw them then as the defining item in my wardrobe that would identify me as American (well, a New Englander most certainly) whilst I had become more British over time. They were a quiet signal to others that I was one of them, that I belonged. That I understood the practical had to take priority when you live in the country, but that still leaves room for style when you go for the Bean Boot.  Classic, understated style of course!    

While planning to move back to Vermont in 2009, I got down to priorities. Before I had bought my ticket, organized the packers or even quit my job for that matter, I had to order my new boots to cope with the harsh winter I would soon call my everyday. “Ooh it’s warm today” (only -10!). I toyed with other choices, but was really just playing around. There was only ever one boot for me…the shearling lined 10” Bean Boot had my name on them. I prefer the dark chocolate brown leather to the tan, but it is a small detail. I figured I would need all the warmth I could get and this boot is perfect. I had them shipped to my brother’s place in Boston so I could pull them on straight off the plane.    8 weeks in to my move back, I have worn them every day and can’t wait for a reason to buy the gumshoe (when I don’t need to wade through feet of snow and just want weather proofing for my feet). And more than anything, they remind me that I truly am home."    

"My new boots….can’t wait to get that weathered and worn look to them." 

Picture courtesy of James Fox 

-L.A.S 

[Note: Head here for the project's backstory. Also, If you are reading this and I requested a submission from you or if you would just like to participate please feel free to submit (contact via email). Your participation, as always, is still much anticipated and appreciated.]

Wednesday Morning Inspiration: Hall & Oates

If you don't like Hall & Oates you either 1. Have no soul or 2. Are a robot masquerading as a human which would actually qualify you for option 1...anyway I'd like to put serious style on hold for a second to shout out one of the most enjoyable musical duos of all-time.  While their Canadian tuxedos, leopard and leather suits and patented mullets might not be up your alley these guys sure knew how to make hit music.  With six #1 hits singles and twenty eight, yes that's right, Top 40 hit singles, Hall & Oates absolutely shut it down in three separate decades.  I'm partial to "Rich Girl" and "You Make My Dreams" myself, but the totality of their discography is pretty dance party ready.  All snobbery aside I find it real hard not to dig these dudes especially when they are in their element...

-L.A.S 

From The Inbox: Taylor Stitch Hi-Res Pics

Back when I did my hands on review of my Taylor Stitch custom grey oxford the only pictures I had were from my miserable point and shoot (new camera in 2010 I promise).  Thankfully Mike just sent me over some professional shots to help supplement the initial piece.

-L.A.S

The Bean Boot Project: Dry Goods & Assorted Sundries Guest Post

Ian, one of our northern blogger brethren who runs Dry Goods & Assorted Sundries, flies a little under the radar, but that doesn't stop him from having one of the best blogs out there.  I love getting an outsider's view and Ian is one of a few of my Canadian go to's who I turn to for a different perspective on all this menswear stuff.  As a plus, outside of commenting on the requisite gear, he drops some serious musical knowledge that comes with the territory of being a DJ.  Did I mention he also knows he way around the lens too?  DG&AS is truly something special.

For his guest post, Ian provided a much needed perspective on what it's like to own and rock a pair of Bean Boots north of the border.

"Living up here in Canada, there’s never really been the same sense of legacy surrounding LL Bean as there is in the US. So from that perspective, all the recent attention being paid to Bean Boots had a different appeal for me. I had just been tipped off to something completely classic, but was yet to see another pair of them in Toronto this winter…so how could I not get a pair?

My made in the USA 10” Bean Boots with Thinsulate lining were a hundred bucks and they’re some of the most practical shoes I’ve ever owned. It’s really cold and wet out right now, but as I type this my feet are perfectly warm and dry. As a bonus, I stand out from most of my fellow Torontonians, who are either dragging their feet around in insanely heavy and too hot for the indoors Sorels (which are now being made in Vietnam, by the way) or trying to make do with an unlined pair of Red Wings (which I love, but aren’t so good for when it gets really cold out).

That’s an unbeatable bargain if you ask me."

-L.A.S

[Note: Head here for the project's backstory. Also, If you are reading this and I requested a submission from you or if you would just like to particiate please feel free to submit (contact via email). Your participation, as always, is still much anticipated and appreciated.]