Meet Your New Spring Sneaks: PF Flyers 1949 Freemans Sporting Club Editions

I often lament the fact that it's difficult to find mens stuff that's not festooned with too much doodadery, and tend to gravitate towards pared down simplicity, which is why I love the new PF Flyers 1949 editions designed for Freemans Sporting Club. The collection features two clean, canvas styles -- a boot and saddle, resuscitated from the archives, whose names hearken back to favored recreation spots of yore). In slightly sunbleached hues, they couldn't feel more right.

Fellas, I think we've found your go-to shoe for Spring/Summer. You can thank Selectism for the tip.

The Taghkanic (bottom row) and the Mohonk (top row) are available now at Freemans and other select retailers.

Photos:
1) www.selectism.com
2 & 3) www.pfflyers.com/freemans

Menswear Obsession: Clae's Spring 2011 First Delivery

Clae just released some new snaps of their first Spring delivery, arriving in stores now. A few faves:

You can check out the rest on their Facebook page.


Photos: www.facebook.com/pages/CLAE-Footwear/216550520609

Holiday Gift Finds: Luxe Leather Lifestyle Accessories

Whether it's an English hunting flask or a fancy passport holder, there's something so luxurious about well-crafted leather goods. They're often the kind of little indulgences we wouldn't buy ourselves, which makes them perfect to give as gifts.

This pebbled leather English hunting flask comes with two aluminum cups that neatly tuck away into the cap. $48 @Apartment48.

If English hunting flasks aren't really your style, here's a more traditional one from J.Crew, embossed with a fun phrase. Let the mischief begin. Leather flask, $34.50.

I love the rich, caramel leather of this laptop sleeve. It seems so much more grown up than the bulky ones you've been toting around in college, and the more scratched up it gets, the better it looks. Wood Wood Laptop Sleeve, $138 @UrbanOutfitters.

Delvaux's intricately woven passport holder has a beautiful, vintage charm about it. $204 @ the Monocle e-shop.

Photos:
1) www.apartment48.com
2) www.jcrew.com 
3) www.urbanoutfitters.com
4) www.shop.monocle.com

Cyber Monday Sale-ing

Of the Cyber Monday sales in progress, here's what looks most promising so far:

See deals and steals after the jump

Holiday Gift Finds for Him: Pendleton's Tartan Robe

Most guys I know don't own a bathrobe and are therefore (lamentably!) oblivious to it's warm, cozy charms. It makes me sad that they're missing out, and nostalgic for the days when a robe was a mainstay in a proper gentleman's wardrobe, allowing him to shuffle about the house on a lazy Sunday morning or step outside to fetch the paper without appearing entirely unkempt or slovenly.

That sense of sartorial decorum may be all but lost on the modern dude, but I have a feeling this Pendleton topper might make him reconsider his stance on robes. The tartan print lends it a rugged feel while the slim fit hearkens back to the crisp, gentlemanly silhouettes of yore.

Pendleton Lounge Robe, $198 @ Blackbird.

Photo: www.blackbirdballard.com

City Stories: The Ghost That Wore a Stylish Trench

After a bleary-eyed peek through the blinds this morning revealed a moving canopy of umbrellas floating above rain-slicked pavements, I sighed in relief and happily threw on a comfy non-outfit consisting of black leggings, long cardi over black tank, and black rainboots (which I planned to keep on all day in order to avoid having to deal with pairing shoes to said non-outfit). As I've gotten older (read: sartorially apathetic), I've started viewing inclement weather as an excuse to dress like a slob. 21-year-old me would have fussed and fretted all morning trying to devise a cute outfit, insistent on braving the storm in 5-inch heels. I swear that the ghost of this 21-year-old me visited me this morning in an effort to save me by showing me what I've become.

As I sloshed my way to work through lake-sized puddles, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of an immaculately dressed young man crossing Lafayette at Houston. Said young man wore a beautiful, perfectly fitted trench-style coat with loosely wrapped scarf showing through just so, his dark jeans tucked casually into duck boots. As I watched him effortlessly maneuver his way through a minefield of umbrellas, I was suddenly struck with shame. While it's not uncommon to see women in New York who somehow manage to look amazing in the thickest of blizzards, its not as often that you see a guy don the dapper-est of duds to go dashing through the snow.  That's what it took for me to realize that I was approaching a slippery slope -- one that could only end in Spanx, mom jeans, and sensible heels. So thank you, ghost-of-21-year-old-me-in-form-of-stylish-young-man, for punching me in the face. We'll see if the next rainstorm prompts me to make more of an effort, or at the very least, change out of my rainboots once at work. In the meantime, I'm going to try to track down that amazing trench, which looked a bit like this:

Kai-Aaakmann Grey Wool Trench, $325 @ Gargyle. It features horn buttons

Photos: www.gargyle.com

Found: The Perfect Winter Shades

Sunglasses are a year-round staple for me. Just as they protect my peepers from the blinding brightness of a summer's day, they also prove to be an effective shield against biting, tear-producing winds come winter. Finding a pair that looks cold-weather appropriate, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Ironically, Super's "Summer Safari" Basic is just what I was looking for. I have a pair in grey and can't tell you how many times people (both men and women) compliment or ask me about them. They're a great shape and a steal considering they're hand crafted with Zeiss lenses. The unique print adds a touch of fun to your outfit on a dull, dreary winter's day.


Super Summer Safari Basic Wayfarer in Multi, $153 @ NeedSupply. Unisex.

 Photos: www.needupply.com

Fall Obsession: Herschel Supply Co.'s Little Red Backpack

I love the popping red on this backpack from Herschel Supply Co. It has an adorable candy-stripe lining and padded computer sleeve to keep your laptop safe. Sadly, it's out of stock everywhere, but I'll keep an eye out for new shipments.



Herschel Pop Quiz backpack, $65.

Photos: 
1) www.needsupply.com
2) www.herschelsupply.com

Menswear Obsession: J.Crew Vintage Utility Fleece Fireman Hoodie

Fall has announced itself with a most unfriendly nip in the air, forcing us to draw our collars up and pull the covers tight at night. Before you get to grumbling about it (it's a loooong way to spring), check out J.Crew's amazingly comfy fleece hoodies for a warm distraction.

The supremely durable Vintage Utility Fleece Fireman Hoodie is outfitted with vintage workwear-inspired accents. $88 @ J.Crew. Available in heather flint and black.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Eyewear Obsession: Han Kjobenhavn

While perusing the men's offerings at Blackbird, I fell hard for these brown gradient frames by Danish eyewear and apparel label Han.


Han Wolfgang Frames in Cola, $175.

The Wolfgang also comes in several other colors, including a really nice Tortoise . . .

. . . and is also available as sunglasses, which make an excellent alternative to Ray Bans.

Photos: www.blackbirdballard.com

More from Dunderdon: A Dashing Sweater

Another winner from Dunderdon -- I love the dashed stripe pattern on this crewneck sweater. $165 @FrancesMay.

Photo: www.francesmay.com

Menswear Obsession: Surface to Air Sailor Sneakers

Part boat shoe, part sneaker-boot, Surface to Air's Sailor Sneaker is the perfect shoe for making the summer-into-fall transition in style. The sandy hue and nautical lace-through detail is appropriate for the still warm days but the boot styling gives it a more substantial feel than your summer Sperrys. $220 @ Frances May.

Photo: www.francesmay.com

Menswear Must-Have: The Dunderdon Jacket

Sigh. I love this brand (and perhaps all Swedish brands, I'm beginning to think). Dunderdon's outerwear for Fall 2010 perfectly exemplifies former carpenter/founder Per-Ivan Hagberg's guiding philosophy:

“Honest, simple designs are timeless. Our products should represent the highest craftsmanship and innovation, while never compromising on fit and style. We respect the past, but we don’t rely on it." 

Is it just my imagination, or have their price points dropped a bit from previous years? I don't remember it being this affordable. Whatever the case, snatch up one of these before you're left out in the cold:

Dunderdon Short Parka in Army, $195 @FrancesMay.

Lined in a cozy faux-sherling . . .

Dunderdon Outdoor Jacket in Navy, $186 at Frances May. This one takes you from fall to winter and back to spring with a button-out lining and button-off hood. UPDATE: I took bf to the Dunderdon Workshop and he left with this one in black. Looks so good on :)

Photos:
www.francesmay.com

Menswear Obsession: Wings + Horns Fall Winter 2010

My theory about a summer of bad menswear yielding an autumn teeming with good taste seems to have been proven true, if the Wings + Horns Fall/Winter '10 collection is any indication of what's to come. Among its offerings, I've found more than a few covetables to stalk. I've got my eye on the coats and jackets in particular, which are rich in texture and feature interesting design details without drowning in excessive doodads. You can check out the lookbook at the W+H site, but Blame it on the Bogi also has some great product shots:

 Beautiful, beautiful shirts, but alas, they bear the cursed button-down collar. WHY???

This lattermost is the blue I so badly want bf to wear. It would look so great on him, but I think he might have an aversion to it due to the fact that it resembles the hue of hospital scrubs.

Photos: www.blameitonthebogi.tumblr.com

New Gilles + Maurice Tees Pay Homage to French Culinary Contributions

It's been a minute since a graphic tee caught my eye (I usually cringe or sigh at their awful attempts at irony with idiotic slogans or faux-vintage junior high school mascots), but French design duo Gilles and Maurice recently released a collection of tees bearing gorgeously rendered illustrations of classic French pairings. Featured combinations include wine and cheese, coffee + a Gauloise, and a baguette with saucisson.  The best part? You can enjoy them without the calories (although looking at them may trigger cravings). Available for 39 euros a pop, they're currently only available at Auguste, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for stateside arrival.

Photos: www.augusteparis.com

Feeling Minnesota: J.W. Hulme's Bags Are Fit for a Rugged Outdoorsperson (or Just Looking Like One)

It's been an age since I did a men's post and a few of you have called me out on it, but the plain and simple explanation is that I just haven't found anything worthy of sharing. There was nothing particularly new or exciting in the world of menswear to inspire me, and I refuse to recommend stuff I'm not in love with just for the sake of posting. After a summer of inexplicable blandness (or just plain ugly) in the mens department, I'm really hoping this fall will be full of crush-worthy covetables. While catching up on A Continuous Lean, I came across a glimmer of hope in the form of J.W. Hulme, a century-old Minnesota bag company. A long-time ACL favorite, the heritage brand is back on the rise after nearly going under during the downturn.

Could this be my Fall weekender? My heart says yes, but the price tag says no. Medium Weekend Satchel in Graystone Canvas, $640 @J.W. Hulme.

The Sporting Originals collection is apparently just rolling into stores now (Steven Alan and Barneys). Classic Field Carry On Suitcase in Untraveled Canvas, $435 @Steven Alan.

Bottle guards, $100-340 @J.W. Hulme.

They also have this great little saddle bag that can be embossed with your initials. The leather is gorgeously rich and will probably age like a dream.  Legacy Handbag - Heritage Leather, $390 @StevenAlan.

Photos:
1-3) www.acontinuouslean.com
4) www.stevenalan.com

Autumn Calling: Falling for Fischer

Happy Monday (groan).  If you're feeling as bleary-eyed as I am this morning, here's a jolt of fresh, inspiring imagery to help banish the foggies. I came across these lovely looks from Fischer's Fall 2010 collection via Pia at the thinking tank, who very keenly observed that the model looks a lot like Julie Delpy. Love.

Designer Kristina Angelozzi studied menswear at Parsons so she's got the boys covered too:

More photos are available on the Facebook page, and from the looks of it, there's lots more to covet. 

UPDATE: I just heard from Kristina and she let me know that Thistle and Clover (a Shoptometrist fave!) will have 2 tops and the shorts and a few pieces will also be available online come October at The Clothing Menu, which will be launching it's webshop then, too.

Photos: Edwin Tse

Fantasy Friday: I Dream of Persol Rattis

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

The sunglasses of my dreams are $695 away. Of all of Persol's iconic designs, the Ratti in dark tortoise is my absolute favorite. Oh, how I'd love to hide behind those dark brown lenses.

Available at Silver Lining Opticians (who also have an awesome blog, by the way).

Photo: www.refinery29.com

Style with Purpose: Apolis Activism's Philanthropist Tote Gives Back

To my great dismay, I have yet to convince any of my guy friends to splurge on a gorgeous Billy Kirk travel bag (they stubbornly refuse to own a “weekender,” and thus, I am prevented from “borrowing” it). I’m guessing I won’t have much luck talking them into shelling out for Apolis Activism’s everyday Philanthropist tote either. Perhaps I can appeal to their charitable sensibilities by discussing the noble cause their dollars would support. The bag is part of the socially-conscious label's Uganda Project, and utilizes Ugandan army canvas in an effort to rebuild the country's cotton industry, which has suffered since the 1970's due to the civil war in the north.

Apolis Activism Philanthropist Tote, $296  @ Need Supply.

Photos: www.needsupply.com

Hit the Deck: Sperry's Spring Sneaks

The dense cloud stratum currently blanketing NYC is supposedly going to give way to sunny skies and 70-degree temps. It might be a little too early to bust out the flip flops and rejoice, but boys should seize the opportunity to break in the deck shoes. Sperry continues to make good use of its resurgence in popularity by churning out perfect classics. My latest favorite is this minty green canvas pair, trimmed in navy.

Sperry Canvas Deck Sneaker, $78 @ Need Supply.

The unobtrusive, vintage topsider logo, still workin' . . .

Also available in birch.

Photos: www.needsupply.com