More on the 1400s

Check out this piece on NB's website about the collaboration between the iconic shoe company and J. Crew.

Kudos to the American Worker!

Meet the New Balance for J. Crew Collection

Back to '94

I distinctly remember back in high school...after 1987 I could not, for the life of me, find a pair of kicks I liked. So I went without sneakers until 1994 when I finally found a pair of New Balance that I really digged. They were grey, blue, and white, with a touch of red. I have a picture of me proudly displaying them, but I can't find it (like everything else in my life).

I probably got rid of those babies in 95 or 96, but I never lost the desire to score another pair.

Well, who else but J. Crew would put forth some classic NB's, made in the USA, and make me sit up and take notice again?

Saw these in person tonight and must say they are truly instant classics. Both the green and the blue are sharp. Tried on the green and they seemed comfortable and supportive, which means the world to flat footed people like me.

As you probably know, everyone seems to talking about these out in the blogosphere.

Believe the hype.

Chromeo funks it Up....

Not only does this Montreal-based duo bring the funk, but they indeed bring the moves too.

They're currently on tour. Catch them Jan 20th 2011 in Montreal and Feb 4 2011 in New York City.

Best of all, I think Dave 1 is sporting some Moscott Lemtosh frames.

The Chamois Shirt

Seems everywhere I looked this fall, somebody was hawking their version of the authentic Chamois Shirt. I really didn't pay much attention to it at first, as the thought of a shirt that resembled a piece of leather didn't do much for me.

About a week ago I gave the J. Crew version a try-on. Maybe it was the color, maybe the feel of the cotton, but it did nothing for me.

So I started reading up on the shirt. The ultimate outdoor and hunting shirt it seems. Ok, then, makes sense that all the hipsters in the big cities on the coasts would want to be sporting one. Not a big fan of flannel shirts, but I decided to give another look.

There were no shortgage of options out there. Here's just a few:
J. Crew

Orvis

LL Bean Signature

Cabela's


I decided to give the LL Bean Signature version a try. Didn't expect much, except to be sending it back.

Ironically, I received it today and I couldn't be happier. The Adobe Orange color is the perfect shade if you dig Orange (and I do). Fit is just as you'd expect from LLBS. Must say I'm really impressed. The throwback to the 1933 archicves makes this one a great classic addition to the Fall wardrobe.

Best of all, you'll get no Kurt Cobain comparisons when wearing this beauty.

Evidence

I realized that my rant is of no use without the evidence. The proof is in the pudding.

Time for a Rant

I’m a big fan of the Crew and often sing its praises here. Thought I’d relay the other side of the coin, concerning their in-house branded shoes.

J. Crew used to sell shoes Made in Italy 5 years or so back for a reasonable price…$100 or so. Then I noticed the wing tips being made in Romania around 2006. And the price jumped up to over $160.

Then this year the Gifford collection was introduced, touting the Made In Italy tag. This time, the shoes retailed at $285. Ouch. I inquired on a well-known forum what people thought of the shoe and I was told in quite plain terms, don’t waste your money.

Just last month I noticed the Gifford Wing Tips were re-marked to $225. I had a 20% off coupon so I decided to give them a shot. Out of the box, they looked great. Loved the shape. Leather seemed good quality. Very comfortable from day 1.

But, after just 5 wears, the damn sole started to come unglued from the welt on the instep of the shoe. Majorly disappointed. Took those suckers back right away.

This is the third pair of J Crew shoes that have given me problems in recent memory. First, my Macallister boots leather lining totally came undone after a handful of wears. Then, the classic loafers sole came unglued. And now these.

All of these defects came with little wear on the shoes ! Granted, J. Crew took these shoes back no questions asked, but still…

I have to say, from my experience, the quality on these shoes is poor. I was warned, but I had to learn the lesson on my own. I think I’m done with J. Crew branded shoes for good.

Hope this helps someone out there who is on the fence about buying J Crew Shoes.

Save up a couple more pennies and give Allen-Edmonds a look...

Once a decade

Good things come to those who wait. And wait. And wait.

After expecting a tour this past summer to support Soldier of Love, and being disappointed, I didn't think there was much chance of seeing the Lady again in concert.


Today Sade surprised us by announcing a summer 2011 tour. Tix go on sale in a few weeks. I'll try to take her in, both in NJ and Montreal. Gotta get as much of the Lady as I can, seeing that she only comes around once in a decade.

The magic begins on June 16, 2011 in Baltimore.

Quote of the Day

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society" - Mark Twain

Comfort Clothing

You know this workwear/heritage clothing revivial is huge when the Wall Street Journal runs a feature story on it.

It's a great article on the shifting of men's tastes to more authentic USA-driven casual wear, and the growing number of new-school designers teaming with old-school brands.

Check out this cool Heritage-Hipster matrix they put together.

Some of our favorite brands get featured, such as Levi's, Filson, LL Bean, Red Wing, and of course J. Crew. Check out the whole article HERE

Misters Brooks and Strauss

You've probably heard by now, but the fine gentlemen at Brooks Brothers are offering 25% all merchandise for the next 5 days, via their Friends and Family discount. On-line shoppers who don't have a BB retail joint nearby can use the code 03friend at check-out.

I kind-of broke up with Brooks Brothers for a while in the mid 2000s. I really should have been more loyal, given the fact that my wife tells me the reason she ever talked to me in the first place was that she loved the scent of my Brooks Brothers cologne. (I still keep a bottle handy next to my Varvatos Vintage).

Aunty-way, a month or so ago I received the Back to Campus/Back to Town Brooks Bros. catalog. This is easily the best clothing catalog I've seen in a long time. Vivid photography, beautiful scenery, and expertly presented product. Almost every piece grabbed my attention. I've been perusing the catalog at least 2-3 times a week, still digesting it all.

I know that this has gotten a lot of eye-rolls and smirks from the denim-heads out there, but I'm really diggin' the Levi's Made-in-the-USA collection for Brooks. There is no way you can tell me that these Levi's are not noticeably different from the $36 jobbers in Sears. Ever reallllly look at pair of those jeans? Made in Egypt, or Haiti, or Lesotho, or Latvia, or wherever else Levi's thinks they can get away with. The inconsistencies in washes, fits, stitching, and back pockets should make the company brass hang their heads in shame.

I've taken a long look at the Brooks' models (what the hell is that guy doing for so long in the dressing room?), and I'm thoroughly impressed. The back pockets fall so nicely. They actually look like Levi's are supposed to look. The denim is a lot more substantial (although the dark 501s seem a bit light). The Flint wash on the 514s is the perfect blend of dark denim and slight distressing. Ditto for the 505 Dark Warn Wash, except with some subtle fraying on the back pockets and hems. The 514s fit superb. I know, I know, the 505s are a bit high-waisted, but nostalgia gets the best of me and I can't turn my back on my high school 505s that used to make me feel like a superstar.

To be fair, there are a few things that would have made these a 10: a chain-stitched hem, a selvage offering, and some Cone Denim.

All in all though, these are solid. Throw in the 25% F&F discount, and you're looking much better than you did in those Guess "premium" joints with the crazy back pocket stitching and the acid washed thighs.

The classics just seem to get better with age.

EG Scarves

Knowledgeable style dude and all around good guy Shimon S. recently made the move over to the new Engineered Garments shop over on 38th St here in NYC.

Haven't been able to get over and check out the new space yet [you can see a nice review at Selectism] but I did spy some great looking scarves for the upcoming colder weather on the Context website.

You can see the whole collection HERE.

Don't let this week's 80 degree temps here in NYC fool you. You'll need one of these before you can say TRICK OR TREAT

A Visit to Bond Street

With everyone and their Uncle Milton buzzing about Billy Reid's collaboration with Levi's, I knew I had to visit Billy Reid in person to check out the goods.

Took a trip to Billy's NoHo shop on Bond St. yesterday. At first sight, you don't even realize you're at the right place. Walking up the steep steps from the sidewalk, you're greeted by the large, heavy wooden doors. Quite impressive and almost intimidating.

Walking in, the space is quite open and welcome in feeling. High ceilings, lots of rustic wood-work...almost like a log-cabin feeling. The Levi's collection was in plain sight right when you walk in.

To me, the most striking piece in the collection is the denim work shirt. More like a jacket than a shirt, this is a substantial piece. If you're used to slipping on a light chambray, this will be quite a surprise. When you're wearing this, you're gonna know it. And so will everyone else. I tried on the Large, which fit perfectly. The indigo die was bleeding already just from my brief handling, so careful if you're considering this piece. Looks like everyone is loving this, as it seems to be sold out on-line already.

The 501s were pretty much as expected. Raw selvage, made in the USA, though not of USA-sourced denim. Would have loved to see these made with Cone Denim. A lost golden opportunity here, in my opinion.

The 505s were more interesting. Quite heavier than what I expected after seeing photos. I didn't expect the large patches on the front thighs to be attractive, but they actually work well on the pants. I really like the color on these.

White oxford: quality piece, but clearly takes the back seat to the denim work shirt.

I couldn't decide if I liked the Wool trucker or not. If you're gonna be needing a wool jacket, are you really gonna go for a trucker style? Interesting concept, but I don't know about its real-life wearability.

The blogs are thick with positive chatter about these pieces, so better move fast if you're heading off to the mines soon and need some new threads

Bring a light jacket...

Fall is not even here yet, says Mr. Calendar. The early bird gets the selvage, so I made sure to get a little ahead of myself and plan now for the future.

Here's how I plan to protect myself from the elements this Fall. Some new pieces, some classics.
Tellason denim: USA, through and through


J. Crew Woodland Jacket

Old faithful

Channeling Morton Downey Jr.

Square Bottoms

Optical Pleasure

47s

Going Green

Supporting my Selvage

Keepin' it Heel

You're gonna need firm footing this Fall....Over-Active hurricane season, pastors threatening to burn holy books down in Florida, and the House of Reps up for grabs.

Try these on for size:








Spied a dope pair of chocolate brown suede Red Wings at the J. Crew Men's Shop in Paramus, NJ last week. Seeing them in the Paramus usually means they're about a month away from the rest of retail. Keep an eye out. These were standouts.

Why to buy American Made Jeans

A bit of truth in every joke???

Elements of Travel

I've read countless times how when folks traveled via airplane in yesteryear, they always did so in style. Men in suits, hats, and proper shoes. Ladies sporting their best threads. You get the picture.

We know this element of civility and class barely exists today. No need to get hung up on that unfortunate point.

When I think of how to capture that simple elegance again today, a travel bag like this comes to mind: The Floto Venezia Leather Duffel, made in Italy.

11" x 10" x 21"
Italian Polished Calf-Skin Leather
Double Stitched Seams
Thick Khaki Stitching
Reinforced Handles
Detachable Shoulder Strap
Brass Hardware
100% Cotton/Denim Lining
Floor-to-floor Zipper for Easy Packing

Packing just became a whole lot more enjoyable.
Happy trails.

Fall Brings...

We all know about the loads of fine goodies from our design friends for the season. The question is, what are you gonna do once you put on your new green chambray and slim fit khakis?

Just in time for Fall, a treat is delivered from an old patriot friend in Boston. It's a taste of Germany, via Boston, but it tasted so damn good in New Jersey last night.



A semi-thick malty taste, without being overbearing. Carmel colored. A hint of spice at the end, but not the bitter after-taste that some lagers can bring.

There were probably 5 different labels offering a Oktoberfest when I went looking. A bit confused, I went for my old faithful, Sam. Very glad I did.

Here's hoping that your fall comes in just as spicy.

Take Amazon

A heads up to all the style-heads out there:

The much sought after Take Ivy is now being offered by Amazon for the nice price of $14.97.

Even nicer if you have Amazon Prime, which ships it 2-day for free.

Jump on it. Looks like J. Crew's inventory is already depleted.

Phone Geek

If someone would have asked me 5 years ago what I'd blog about, if I ever did blog, without a doubt my answer would have been cell phones.

From 96-2005 I was the ultimate cell phone geek. I literally used to change my phone every 2-3 months. I was on HowardForums.com non stop. Friends of friends of friends would call me for buying advice. Somehow, I knew every model on every carrier, every plan, and every coverage map. For many years I had both a NYNEX, make that Bell Atlantic, make that Verizon line , AND a VoiceStream, make that T-Mobile line cuz I couldn't make up my mind which I liked better.

My phone loving days waned when I picked up my first Blackberry. Finally, I had found a device that satisfied me in every way (get your head outta the gutter!). I did go back and forth between T-Mo and Verizon twice, but I stayed with the Blackberry. Till today.

I had been totally out of the loop with the smart phone craze outside of Blackberry devices. Even last year when a family member picked up the first Moto Droid, I was mildly interested.

Then over the past year my antennae went up, little by little. I finally had to go back and check out what all the fuss was about. I wasn't used to the position I was in...behind the times with technology and not sure where to even find the ON/OFF button. I eventually got my chops back and I became obsessed with the Google Droid devices. The HTC Droid Incredible and Motorola Droid X were the first to wow me. I'm not a iPhone dude so I really wasn't ready for the supreme capabilities.

I decided wait it out a bit and go with the Moto DROID 2 since I need the physical slide out keyboard as my security blanket. Been playing with it for the past 4 hours. Managed to toally tune out two kids screaming while watching Sponge Bob and a wife madly vacuuming.

My wife predicted I'd find something wrong with this and return it in a few days. Let's see.

For now, it's a fun new toy.

Can you feel it?

Been a long time. Gotta lotta random stuff in my head.

Summer is yawning. Getting ready to say Goodbye. Fall is in the air...Can you feel it? The extreme heat is flying south for the winter I think. I hope.

Spent a nice week at the beach last week and have to say that after 7 days in the sun (okay 6, 1 was rainy), I love my Randolph Engineering Aviators to death. The clarity and color on these babies are incredible. If you're in the market for some real-deal, high quality shades you gotta give RE a look.

And now for a nice trip down memory lane...In the 80s, when I was teen, my family spent many a summer in Lavallette, NJ. Used to be a bakery there on Rte 35 called Kay's. I have great memories of my father returning with his morning coffee and the best FRESH jelly donuts and crumb buns. Well, 25 years later the bakery is still there (no longer Kay's, but now named Colonial) and the donuts and pastries are even better than I remember. If you're down near Lavallette, do yourself a guilty favor and pick up a dozen jelly donuts. Trust me, you'll eat 5 before you realize all the powdered sugar all over your shirt.

On a sad note, where are you Helen Folasade Adu? I expected a tour to follow the CD this year, but I guess you're keeping us waiting yet again.

Did ya see the J. Crew chambray shirt in green yet? Excuse me, I meant, DARK FERN. Found one today in real life. It's even better than the red. That's right, I just said it.
It's gonna look superb with khakis this fall.


What I'm waiting for and saving my pennies for now: J. Crew x British Millerain Woodland Jacket. Killer. 2-3 weeks says my source.

Why I keep making Mickey Drexler's pockets fat: This is how you do customer service the right way: Hello J Crew, my Alden long wings that I bought 2 months ago are just beginning to have some stitching come loose. I'm concerned.

J Crew: We're quality obsessed. Bring them to a store. Exchange them for a new pair. No questions asked.

DONE.

My son, 4 years old, got his new sneakers for school this week. They light up when he runs. He loves them, but we told him he can't wear them till school starts. So every night he goes and gets the box under his bed to check on them. Then he kisses them both goodnight. My wife thought that was so strange. As you can guess, I never handle my Aldens in front of her.

Think I'll stop now. It's 1:07am on a Wednesday night. And if I'm not up at this hour with a drink in my hand I think its time to hit the sack.

First lemme check my Indy boots under the bed...