Fingers Crossed

I am doing everything in my power to make the Mora a reality again for US based customers.  If you feel the same way shoot AE a tweet.  Or you could start a petition. Just make sure you let me know so I can throw my John Hancock on that.  [Editor's note: Updated with factory tour.  I hear the kids love those things.]

-L.A.S

Lusting After: L.L. Bean Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat

Well, I'm officially done shopping for F/W outwear.  It's a wrap. Game over.  See ya later.  My buddy Gabe alerted me to the coat to end all coats.  L.L. Bean's Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat is perfect - classic outwear silhouette, classic tartan.  Hell, the best tartan ever.  It's as bold as timeless gets, which as far as I am concerned is the definition of a must have.  This is a statement making coat, but that statement won't embarrass you in, let's say, 2 years.  The details are standard Bean fare.  The wool is of the Italian sourced 18 oz. variety and the jacket comes hooked up with Bean's Thinsulate insulation (as seen in their Bean boots) to keep you extra warm.  It's got traditional toggle closure, but also features a zipper (presumably YKK from previous experience) and backer buttons for when the wind really kicks up - that's a heavy dose of function to go with a full house of form.  Lots of brands seem to be on the cropped duffel tip these days, but for my money I want a 3/4 length to keep my ass warm - L.L. Bean hits you right above the knee.  If you don't trust me on black watch outerwear, and I know a lot of you don't, at least trust one of the greatest to ever do it.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Of course there is always an option for those of you who prefer to keep things stealth.]

Berg & Berg F/W 2010 Patterned Knits

Under the radar accessory brand Berg & Berg have just released some fantastic gear for F/W 2010, but I'd like to focus on their knit ties because, well, that's what I like.  Knit ties obviously work year round.  I don't think anyone is going to contest that statement.  You hopefully already have your silk knit game on lock, but do you have any cashmere or wool options?  Personally, I'm lacking heavily in this category.  Berg & Berg seems like one hell of a place to start from scratch.  Their ties are handmade in Naples, Italy and are 100% cashmere or 100% wool - no shortcuts. Can I get a "hallelujah"?.  At 2.4 inces the width is moderate and should appease a majority of the folks to read Sart Inc.  What really impresses me the most are the patterns and colors Berg & Berg is working with.  Intricate, detailed and engaging, these ties seem made to breathe life into your solid oxfords when the weather turns bitter.

-L.A.S

Duck Hunt

Would you like some duck pants to go with your duck boots? If you answered "yes" to this question please continue reading.  L.L. Bean is getting new F/W 2010 arrivals on the daily and some fantastic embroidered corduroy trousers just popped up.  These olive 100% cotton cords stand out thanks to their mallard embroidery and are your F/W answer to the plethora of critter gear available for warmer seasons.  These are easily some of the coolest pants I have seen recently, but take a certain type of guy to pull off.  Despite the slightly overstated nature of critter gear in general, there is something classic about embroidered pants.  If your cold weather kits are understated to begin with (solid OCBD's, peacoat, Bean boots) it never hurts to have one great statement item for those days when you're feeling it - can't say for sure what "it" is, but you know it when you wake up in the morning.  My only issue here is Bean's Classic Fit.  Yeah, it's "trim" by their standards, but that usually shapes up to around a 9" leg opening, which can feel pretty massive.  It's just right for some and pretty far off the mark for others.  I'm gonna grab them unfinished and hit my tailor for a quick taper and 2" cuff.  Of course, L.L. Bean will cuff them free of charge, but keep in mind they do a 1".  Hold up, I gotta go get my Zapper.

-L.A.S

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

3" Redux

I don't know how I missed this up until now, but O'Connell's Clothing (everyone's favorite Buffalo, NY men's shop) carries their own version of my favorite tie in the entire world - the 3" knit.  3 inches, of course, refers to the tie's width at its widest point.  I've already sung the praises of this specific entry in the neckwear cannon, but directed you guys to J. Press where their incarnation can be found for $79.50.  O'Connell's, not to be outdone by anyone, undercuts Press' pricepoint by about 14 bucks before shipping.  This is a big deal for someone like myself who pretty much wears these badboys 5 days a week, not to mention you can finally escape J. Press' ridiculous shipping costs.  Also, J. Press always seems to be sold out of the exact color you're looking for, but I don't think O'Connell's has any issues when it comes to their stock.  While J. Press' knit ties are made in Italy, O'Connell's has their ties produced in Ireland by the world famous Atkinsons Ties, who started making regimental neckwear in 1837.  If it's your first time you probably want to go with navy and build from there.

-L.A.S

Black Fleece F/W 2010

Oh man, what can I say about Thom Browne that hasn't been said hundreds of times already?  Forget it.  Thom falls squarely into the always interesting "loved or hated, but never ignored" sartorial category.  Yes, he's as important to menswear as anyone these days.  And yes, Thom's shit is quite often out of control.  His Black Fleece line for Brooks Brothers has always been easier to swallow (aka more wearable) than his eponymous line so it's something I at least pay attention to.  Black Fleece's appeal, in my eyes, has always rested firmly on specific pieces and not on overall collections.  There are always great shoes, shirts and neckwear - Brooks Brothers wouldn't let Thom mess that up.  Anyhow, Black Fleece's F/W 2010 looks have just popped up online and it's more of the same.  Killer pieces that when combines are a tad shy of overkill.  For example, doubling up on plaids is one thing, but rocking with three incarnations of the pattern is just plain ridiculous.  What can we take away from this? Shorter pants look best with boots.  Turtlenecks, when done right, can be extremely stylish.  And, patchwork flannel most definitely can look stupid.

-L.A.S