Will Power

It's not fair that women got to carry around everything conveniently in a purse, while men are resigned to stuff everything into bulging pockets.  When a jacket or blazer isn't enough, I need something more substantial to carry my book, Ipod, phone, wallet, sunglasses, umbrella, and occasional change of clothes.


Thankfully, today there are quite a few options for men's carry-all bags, and I especially like those by Will Leather Goods based in Eugene, OR, founded by former television actor Bill Adler.  The Western inspired styling, quality leather, and "Made in America" appeal, make the bags a good choice for that utilitarian, urban-cowboy in us all.

This bag was conceptualized specifically for the Tribeca Film Festival in March 2011.

Tote made from White Oak Cone denim. 

(The same used by MS & Co. Selvedge Denim Sleeves)

Classic Canvas Carry All for those heavier loads.

Will also specializes in bags made from salvaged Dhurrie rugs from Mexico for more colorful options.  Other than bags, Will offers some really cool tooled leather belts as well as leather bracelets, which are worth checking out.


Kind of surprisingly, Will also has a collaboration with venerable J. Press of New Haven.  It's basically just a Will Classic Carry All with a J. Press logo on the back.  Nonetheless, I'm always happy to see two great companies working together.

Holy Cow!: The Monk Strap

Sid Mashburn via GQ

I have always admired the simplicity and sophistication of the monk strap style shoe.  As its namesake suggests, it was modeled after a centuries old tradition of buckled footwear worn by monks in Europe.  According to legend, the first pairs were worn by friars in the Italian Alps during the fifteenth century.  Upon visiting his fellow clergymen in Italy, an English friar, impressed with their simplicity, took home a pair, where they became an instant hit.


Touted for their comfort, as a result of a wider tongue than traditional lace-ups and buckle closure on the side, the monk is the perfect shoe for day and night.  Made in both single and double strap, plain or cap-toe, brogued or burnished, I prefer the subtle flair of a double strap and capped toe in a versatile burnished brown.  It strikes the right balance, worn either dressed-up or casual, and personally, I think they're just nice to look at.

Image via JohnLobb

When it comes to monks, John Lobb, the revered English bootmaker since 1849, makes the crème de la crème.  When Hermès acquired the company back in 1976, it left the original John Lobb bespoke shoe shop intact on St. James St, London.  The shop continues to produce bench-made shoes for discerning clients from around the world one shoe at a time.  Thanks to Hermès, however, ready-made shoes by John Lobb can be found at any of their shops around the world.

Image via SidMashburn

While the John Lobb William II Monk leaves something to be desired, the price tag at $1275 is not as alluring.  Enter Sid Mashburn, the Atlanta based clothier, who brings the same English bench-made appeal and killer styling at half the price.  Pictured at top, these shoes are the Real McCoy of versatility and style.  With the dedication of Mr. Mashburn to quality with respect to tradition, it is no wonder why these shoes are one of his most popular items.  Check out his inspiration, and browse the site for many more goodies.

The Tale of Green Horn

There is no doubt I love vintage eyewear.  While in college I always enjoyed perusing the local antique and flea markets around rural Maine looking for vintage treasures.  On one occasion, while exploring my collegiate town, I stumbled across a hidden gem tucked away in a second floor apartment downtown.  It is called Ed Welch Vintage Eyeglasses and Spectacles, and I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely couple who run the business.  After chatting with Ed, I learned that after over twenty years of collecting, he and his wife have amassed a warehouse full of vintage eyewear and supply their glasses and frames to optical shops and specialty stores across the country.  
Eventually I came across a pair of mint condition horn-rimmed frames circa 1965.  Not knowing exactly what I would do with a pair of non-prescription glasses, I purchased them anyway and set them on my shelf.

Recently, I have been into collecting vintage GQ magazines, and a couple of months ago I got a 1986 Woody Allen issue from Ebay, which included a feature on New York City.  There were a lot awesome finds in the magazine, but for the purpose of this story, there was an article entitled "Here is New York," highlighting the best finds of Manhattan.  One of which was Morgenthal Frederics Opticians, noted for its vintage inspired frames and tinting services.  Although many of the businesses in the article have since gone out of business, luckily Morgenthal Opticians still occupies the same corner at W. Broadway in SoHo.

The store is a really fun place just to browse, and the service was such that I am not surprised the store has been in business for so many years.  They can tint any frames in practically any color imaginable.  The dapper and knowlegable salesman helped me choose a bottle green tint that would stay true to the frame's vintage.  Completed in only a few days, and customized for my eyes, I scored a pair of custom, vintage sunglasses for half the price of any designer brand.  Check out the editorials from Oliver Peoples site on their Gregory Peck collection - looks awfully familiar!


I wear them everywhere and always get a ton of complements.  So without further ado, my vintage horn-rimmed sunglasses by Morgenthal Frederics...

Creed 1760

Image via Creed

Opening it's signature black bottle, the subtle yet masculine aroma of Green Irish Tweed takes you back to the golden days when Hollywood was the epicenter of style and elegance.  Even though those times have sadly past, you can at least still smell like a true gentleman, as Green Irish Tweed was formulated especially for the king of class himself, Cary Grant.


The Creed family tradition of perfumery has been passed down from father to son since its founding by James Henry Creed in 1760.  Priding itself for its hand infusing technique and use of the finest natural ingredients, Creed fragrances have been prized for centuries by royalty and film stars alike.

George III c. 1800
Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images
 via Britannica

What I find especially awesome about the company is that it still produces every fragrance it has ever made, even its Royal English Leather commissioned in 1781 by King George III.  As the story goes, Creed was the royal tailor and scented the King's gloves with a signature scent.  The King enjoyed the smell so much, he requested a fragrance for the body and the Creed legacy was born.


I'm a huge fan of GIT because of its history, versatility, and subtlety, but instead of jumping head in and making the $285 investment (trust me it's well worth it), I suggest trying out one of their $35 sample packs of five featured fragrances.  Alternatively, you can experience for yourself at the Creed Boutique at 794 Madison Ave in New York.

"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant.  Even I want to be Cary Grant." --Cary Grant 

MS & Co. Selvedge Denim Sleeves

Throughout my everyday travels I come across many people, places, and things that inspire me.  To be sure I remember everything, I never leave the house without my Field Notes pocket ledger.  However, even after a few months of good use, the cover and binding begin to show obvious wear.


Lucky for me the folks at MS & Co. have solved this conundrum in a functional and stylish way.  Introducing the Selvedge Denim Field Notes Sleeve.  Using quality Cone Denim produced by the historic American White Oak Plant since 1905, the sleeve pairs supreme durability with a cool classic aesthetic.

Images via MS & Co.

The Portland based company doesn't stop there - they offer selvedge sleeves for all your most important accessories i.e. Iphone, passport, sunglasses, and Ipad.  Very cool indeed!

Jack Wills in America

jackwills.com

Recently I was walking down Main St. in Westport, CT on one of those aimless shopping excursions just to get out of the house, when I noticed a new addition to the variety of familiar shops lining the street.  The sign above the door read "Jack Wills University Outfitters."  Somewhat intrigued, I walked past admiring the preppy fall outfits featured on the mannequins in the display window.  I decided to venture inside and browse the merchandise...


I was greeted by a girl in a pleasant floral sundress and encouraged to look around the tiny retail space.  The selection somewhat puzzled and intrigued me - amidst tee shirts and hoodies with branding and logos galore (à la Abercrombie & Fitch) were iconic British heritage garments.  What particularly caught my eye was a pair of hand made Oxford Brogues amidst an array of vintage trophies.  Also of note were the wool blazers in collaboration with the venerable Fox Brothers & Co., purveyors of "the finest handmade woolen cloth in the world" and founded in 1772.  The traditional British clothier Cordings of London also collaborated on some of the pants and jackets, which I was impressed by.  Check out this cool production video at the historic NPS shoe factory making the brogues...




I began chatting with another employee, who fittingly had a British accent, and found out that the store had only opened the day prior and that the popular "Fabulously British" company had been making a push within the last couple of years to open to the American market in locations ranging from Nantucket to Charlottesville.


Claiming on its website to purport "excess, adventure, and sexiness," I'm not sure Jack Wills is hitting its demographic in Westport, nonetheless, with the array of interesting preppy inspired garments and brand novelty, I'm sure it will do just fine.  Here is the JW Back to School Preview.




Relying mainly on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising techniques, with only a handful of locations nationwide, the company's marketing platform relies on its printed catalogue and seasonal events called JW Seasonnaires, such as the Jack Wills Varsity Polo Match, which took place this past June at the Gaurds Polo Club.  Here are the 2011 highlights...




On a final note, check out Jack Will's older brother line called Aubin & Wills, a similar idea but geared towards an older crowd.  The blog on the website is worth a visit, and there are plenty of other things to explore on the site.  For the time being here in the US we'll give Jack a go.

Intellectual Eyewear

Oliver Peoples continues to impress me with their attention to detail and appreciation for classic design.  It's times like these that I seriously envy those with less than perfect eye sight!  

Oliverpeoplesvintage.com

If I were in the market for frames, I would pick up the O'Malleys in light tortoise.  Frames like these will never go out of style, so picking up a pair of these limited editions and using them as sunglasses until you need the real thing isn't a bad idea or investment.  The OP Vintage Collection is perfect, timeless, preppy, style. 




I'm dying to spend an afternoon at Dragon Books and pick up this $4,450 first edition "The Catcher in the Rye" from 1951.  One can dream...

Oliverpeoplesvintage.com

Wm. J. Mills & Co. Classic Duffel

For over 60 years, Wm. J. Mills & Co. has made the quintessential duffel perfect for days at the beach, at the gym, or for an overnight trip.  With a long history of use by boaters and sailers, Mills canvas has a reputation for quality and durability even in the harshest conditions.

Wm. J. Mills & Co. Classic Duffel

With more wear, the better it gets, and it's machine washable - score!  With five different sizes and a plethora of color combinations, there's one for everyone's taste.  


Personally, I'm partial to the Napthol Red with white trim for its authentic nautical appeal.

Ray Ban x Brooks Brothers

Check out these shades available on the Brooks Brothers website.  A new take on a classic shade with the tradition and style of a classic repp tie.  Pick up a pair at Brooks Brothers.com for $145!

Image via Brooks Brothers

These have a tortoise frame and they come in a black frame with yellow stripe as well.

Kiel James Patrick: Croffix Sailing Belt

As the days get warmer and the promise of summer quickly approaches, I usually browse around for my yearly braided rope sailor's bracelet - a summer tradition I've kept for years.  However, it has always bothered me how quickly they begin to deteriorate, not to mention how they tend to acquire a certain funk from never fully drying after a day on the water.  Thanks to Kiel James Patrick, you can have the best of both worlds with his removable woven sailors' bracelets hand woven in Rhode Island.  They are seriously awesome and come in a variety of styles. 


This past holiday season I got my hands on a KJP Croffix Sailing belt, which is a take of the classic braided rope bracelet in belt form.  It is one of their newer products and has quickly become a favorite of mine.

The craftsmanship is really superb, hand-crafted in Rhode Island of vegetable tanned leather and hand knotted nautical cord.  The reverse is reinforced with a preppy tartan fabric and has the option of a solid brass D-ring buckle as well.  It comes in a variety of cool colors, but I really like the versatility of the weathered blue.  I wear it almost everyday and its perfect for that year round punch of nautical style.

Red Wing Shoe Factory

The Red Wing shoe company has provided quality work boots since 1905 out of Red Wing, Minnesota.  Gaining initial recognition as the preferred footwear of American soldiers during both World Wars, the brand continues to manufacture hand crafted uniquely crafted shoes.  The production process is a testament to the dedication of the company to its long tradition of American style.



More than a century after its founding the brand began a collaboration with J. Crew incorporating both style and functionality into the Red Wing model.

Image via J. Crew

The Red Wing Wabasha Boot for J. Crew is a really handsome style with S.B. Foot distressed leather.  I think the lines and coloring of this boot are superb - a great all around working boot.

Image via J. Crew

The Wabasha chukka boots offer a shorter shaft and have this really cool waxed canvas insert that the J. Crew website assures will wear to a "beautiful patina with age."  It's less agressive boot with a unique style perfect for the campus to the streets of New York.


The Red Wing Heritage site has a lot more awesome videos about the company's history and news about upcoming collaborations and new styles.  Check it!

Orvis x Col. Littleton No. 1 Grip

Orvis is a family owned and operated business specializing in American made products for the sporting life.  In 1856 Charles Orvis began a mail-order business selling fishing equipment out of Manchester, Vermont.  Today the Orvis company has established a reputation as one of the foremost purveyors of American adventurer equipment.


Colonel Littleton, based in Lynnville, Tennessee, makes unique leather accessories steeped in American tradition.  Orvis has partnered with Colonel Littleton in providing the No. 1 Grip.  The bag is called a 'grip', the name for carry-on bags for train travel during the late nineteenth century.  Expertly crafted and American made, this bag will last a lifetime.

The bag acknowledges its American heritage, made from soft, durable Native American steer hide and vegetable-tanned to give it a rugged, yet sophisticated look.  It also features a solid brass plate which can be monogrammed - score!  It is the perfect travel bag to showcase your style and character.

Images via Orvis

Here is a video of the Colonel himself demonstrating the surprising amount you can fit into the No. 1 Grip bag.  Notable items include: GP1 shaving kit, long-johns, Acorn slippers.

Back in One Piece

This past weekend on my sojourn in California I was out with some friends at Playhouse in Hollywood, and we walked in on a dance floor full of people dressed in onesie sweatsuits like this:

Intrigued, I found out that the night was sponsored by a Norwegian company called One Piece.  Apparently they have gained popularity in Scandinavia and Britain and have become popular with celebrities and to wear at clubs as a fashion statement.  The suit was the brainchild of three Norwegians in their 20s, who simply wanted a comfortable garment to wear while relaxing at home.  The company's motto is,"Either it’s after work, while studying or on a hung-over Sunday morning, this is a garment with a real statement - Who cares!

I don't know if I'd have the nerve to wear it out in public, but they look super comfortable and I could totally see myself bumming around at home in one of these.  They are unisex, have a baggy fit, and come in a variety of colors.  Personally, I like their new 2011 Marius pattern inspired by the classic design introduced in 1953 and worn by the famous alpine skier, fighter pilot, model and actor, Marius Eriksen.

Images via OnePiece

So next time you're thinking about pulling on those old sweats, take it from One Piece - chill out and jump in!

Vers Cases

If you're like me, when it comes to protecting your ipod you want both durability and good looks.  However, too often is the case that one aspect is sacrificed for the other.  While my last case got the job done with its black hardshell plastic exterior, it seriously was lacking in its aesthetic appeal.  Thanks to Ver, the days of ipod homogeneity are over with their all wood ipod and iphone cases.

  
With choices of cherry, walnut, and bamboo everyone can enjoy the durability and simplicity of 100% real wood.

I chose bamboo because I liked the lighter finish and it doesn't hurts to save some trees along the way.  Like the BookBook it conceals your precious technology in something totally unexpected, keeping it safe and sound.  I love the Vers cases because they juxtapose something so modern with something so traditional.  It's a classic case that, like most of my favorite things, will never go out of fashion.


Visit the Vers website - right now they're having a 50% off sale!

Bass Weejuns: A History

In 1936 George Henry Bass, a bootmaker from Wilton, Maine, began making a loafer modeled after the popular footwear of fishermen in Norway.  He called them "Weejuns" to acknowledge their Norwegian heritage.  Bass added a signature leather band with a diamond cutout across the front of the shoe.  During the 1940's and '50's people began putting dimes in the slit - the price of a pay phone call.  Later the penny was added for aesthetic purposes, giving birth to the penny loafer.


Penny loafers continued to grow in popularity as celebrities like James Dean, JFK, and Michael Jackson all sported Weejuns on a regular basis.  Due to their prevalence among prep school and Ivy League University students throughout the years, they have become a true symbol of classic, casual American style.  Worn by both men and women, with socks or without, Bass Weejuns are a timeless piece of Americana. 

My last pair of cordovan Weejuns lasted for years, but finally kicked the bucket a couple of months ago - I wore them so often they were literally falling apart.  So, I headed back to Bass to pick up a new pair.

The vintage inspired packaging is pretty rad and this chestnut color should be a nice addition to the wardrobe - a true essential.

"Weejuns - a way of life since 1936."

Royall Lyme

Fifty years ago the Bermuda yachtsman Anthony Gaade founded the Royall Frangrances Company and developed Royall Lyme, a refreshing blend of lime and other rare essences inspired by the isle of Bermuda.  It was such a success that the British Royal Family brought it home from their visit to the island.  Brooks Brothers began selling the fragrance starting in 1960 and the store has carried the line ever since.

Over winter break I happened to be perusing around Brooks Brothers and came across the display of Royall Fragrances.  The unique packaging was intriguing, so I tried the original Royall Lyme.  It left behind a very limey and fresh aroma, reminiscent of tropical summer afternoon.  With the sub-zero temperatures looming outside, I was sold.

I went to the Royall website and found out that the company has been packaging its product the same way since its founding - in fine parchment with the English crown wax seal on top.  Everything from the wrapping to the bottle itself exudes classic, refined style.  Royall Lyme is the classic, but last November the Royall Company announced its collaboration with the Dartmouth Men's Rugby Team to develop a new fragrance - Royall Rugby.

Live like a Royall Man:

"A Royall Man is a gentleman who, above all, seeks quality and excellence in every facet of his life. His personal style reflects a discriminating taste, and appreciation of luxury."

BookBook

It's a one-of-a-kind work of art, its a tasteful coffee table accessory, it's also a laptop case.  I picked up this gem for Christmas and have been putting it to good use since - I am very pleased.  Twelve South makes this masterpiece in design and functionality.  The company is really dedicated to making innovative products for Macs stating on their website: 

"We plan to introduce 12 unique, must-have Mac accessories each year that will be as innovative as the Mac itself. Bold, new accessories that are designed to protect Macs, personalize Macs, improve Mac performance and enhance the Mac experience. Focused on design and function, each new product we develop will be for Mac only. Period. If a PC user wants to use our products, they’ll have to buy a Mac." 

Sorry PC users.  The case features a protective hard cover and sturdy zippers that resemble bookmarks.  It also conceals your computer protecting it from theft.  The inside is fully lined with soft fabric and there are elastic straps to hold the computer in place.  

They come in three different sizes and two different colors - red and black.  The cases are designed for the MacBook Pro, but my MacBook Air fits inside nicely with some room to spare.  

Overall, it's an ideal case for those who want functionality and protection with the added kick of understated, vintage style.  Get your BookBook now!

They also make cases for Ipads!