Monday, December 27, 2010

ASSORTED | BOOTS FIT FOR THE SNOWPOCALYPSE

Stockbrokers in the blizzard of 1888

Look out the window. Now down at your loafers. Now back at the six foot snow drifts. Now back at your sopping feet. Now up at this post. Sadly, none of these boots are on your feet but they probably should be, given the 5' of snow that was just dumped on the East Coast.

There are plenty of attractive, well-made boots out there (read: Alden anything), but when it comes to actually trooping through snow, traipsing across black ice, hiking up slushy subway stairs who wants to risk it? In the name of preserving of your Indy boot and your pinky toe, I've collected a handful boots that are made expressly for Winter. Not just some pansy urban winter. An actual, shovel-yourself-out-your-front-door-like-a-big-boy Winter.

I also need to get this rant off my chest: HUNTER GALOSHES ARE NOT MEANT FOR THE SNOW. OR COLD WEATHER. THEY ARE RAIN BOOTS NOT SNOW BOOTS.  DO NOT WEAR THEM AS SUCH. I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD THEY LOOK. YOU WILL BE COLD AND SAD. Good news is, I have an awesome, cheap alternative below! Check them out, you'll be happy and warm, I promise.

Anyway, from my couch in Vermont to your iPad in some coffee shop enjoy this list of tried and true kickers to weather the storm. Nor'easterrific. - M

 BAFFIN HUNTER

As promised, this is the winter-ready alternative to Hunter brand galoshes, (ironically the style is called 'hunter'). They are created to stay comfortable up to -40C/-40F temperatures and with a removable liner they double as -yes!- spring rain boots. Details:  8mm 3-component felt liner designed to wick moisture away, EVA and Thermatuf insole, Premium Polar Rubber outsole, TPR/Rubber/PU base. $50 at Zappos

VIBERG 110 CRUIZER

I've blogged about Viberg before but they deserve another mention. Made for loggers, hunters and woodsmen, these are virtually indestructible. Plus, in extreme conditions they'll be just fine with a wool suit. Details: 10" Black full grain oiltan upper stock, double leather vamps, full snag proof seams, hard toes, solid brass stud hooks and eyelets, leather insoles and heavy leather counters, 12 iron loggers oak midsole, urethane outsole. See more and order direct at workboot.com

SORREL KINGSTON PEAK
Sorel says, "Modeled after our classic Caribou boot, the Kingston Peak features a waterproof, seam-sealed upper for total protection from the elements and a warm felt lining to insulate feet from the cold." Details:  Waterproof leather upper, felt collar, rubber outsole with herringbone design, rubber sidewall protection, durable welted toe rand. $180 at sorel.com



DANNER MOUNTAIN LIGHT II
Like Viberg, Danner has been well known with American workers for generations.  This boot is a classic hiker model, and one done right. I like these specifically because the buttery leather and contrast laces take down the logger-man factor and make them more versatile for an urban guy.  Details:  GORE-TEX® liner, Full-grain one-piece leather upper, Vibram® Kletterlift outsol. $250 at danner.com

NATIVE FITZSIMMONS

Sartorially Inclined reviewed these and made a good point: if you don't want to risk spending the big bucks on Danners these are a great starter option. I've been oogling these for months now so I'm really excited to have them in here (and will be finally purchasing a pair for myself thankyouverymuch). They're super light and, thanks to a removable liner, nice an cushy. If you don't like the brown color above, they come in an awesome range of colorways that make me want 10 pairs.  Details: Synthetic upper, neoprene liner, metallic D-ring eyelets. $70 at zappos.com

L.L. BEAN BOOTS 10" SHEARLING LINING
Classic made warmer. Yep. It's that simple. Details: waterproof full-grain leather,  steel shank and our original rubber chain-tread bottom. Top boot lined in shealing, Boot bottom  lined with 200-gram Thinsulate™ Insulation. $149 at llbean.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

ASSORTED | GIFTS FOR THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPER

1. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey, $49.99 2. Cremo Shave Cream, $8 3. Jawbone Jambox, $199
4. Areaware Medium Magno Radio, $175 5. Tanner Goods Havana Eyeglass Case, $70
6. Billy Reid Worsted Wool Socks, $16 7. Stanley Classic Ultra Vacuum Bottle, $37.95 8. Duluth Scout Pack, $85

If you're anything like me you're still running around, or clicking around, for holiday gifts. So while I'm at it I've thrown together some quick, universally appealing goodies for your father, lover, brother, or just for your fine, fine self. Plus, I can actually vouch for every one of these as I've experienced them all in person, (including the whiskey which is of the warm, caramel-y yet spicy variety if you're curious).  At the publishing of this post, they are all still in stock and available for expedited shipping, so get to it.  Here's to a stiff hot toddy after the shopping is over and the family time begins. Happy Holidays!  - M

Friday, December 17, 2010

COLLECTION | FREEMANS SPORTING CLUB F/W 2010


Yes, this outerwear centered collection promises to be quality –for when has Freemans ever done us wrong?– but it's the look book that has left be at a loss for words.  Photographed by Tim Barber, of Urban Outfitters and Nike fame, it's all satire meets stereotype and I love it. What better way to ring in the holiday than an Abraham Lincoln butcher apron? I'm not gonna lie, I kind of want a poster. Of every single one of these. More below with items for purchase at Freemanssportingclub.com. - M









Wednesday, December 15, 2010

IN CONTEXT | LEFT FIELD NYC IVY CREW SWEATER


Mosey over to Left Field NYC's online store for the complete trinity of sweaters, organic chinos, and some impressive Japanese flannel shirts  –all made in in Queens, NYC.


Winter is officially here and with it comes a great conundrum: needing to be as comfortable in front of the fire place as you are trekking cross the urban tundra. Enter the Left Field NYC crew sweaters. In three basic colorways, (Bark is pictured here), they instantly make me think of the tried and true classics my stylish grandfather swore by –right down to the no-frills stitched label. As Left Field deftly puts it, "think old ivy league, but without the big school letter on the chest."
Made from Canadian Merino wool these will layer up sans-bulk, keeping their wearer warm, ventilated and dry. It's likely you'll wear them with everything and anything so, for this first 'In Context' post, I've paired one with this season's other staples, just in time for wish list season... - M

[IN CONTEXT]
Left NYC Bark Ivy Crew Sweater + Fall/Winter Staples
Left Field Bark Ivy Crew Sweater
Garbstore Mountain Providence Parka
Alden x Context Roy Boot
J.Crew Secret Wash Button Down
Epaulet Slim Walt Trouser
Need Supply Blue Plaid Scarf
Tanner Goods Belt
Stowa Vintage Watch
Archival Clothing Field Bag