YES, PLEASE | WINTERCHECK FACTORY DUAL USE SHORT

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than posting about a one of a kind item made by someone I respect as a designer and also consider a rad person. This week, the limited Dual Use Short by Kristen at Wintercheck Factory gives me the opportunity to do just that.

As the name would suggest, these are designed to be worn both as swim trunks and every day shorts. They were inspired by the fact that swim trunks, as a limited use item, often end up a difficult piece to purchase and not a particularly valuable commodity in one's wardrobe as a whole. As Kristen puts it,  "In order to expand the use of a higher quality US made swim trunk, we made the liner removable (it buttons into the waistband) so that a man could also work these into his regular summer wardrobe."

The Dual Use Shorts, which also come in black (below), are manufactured in Brooklyn and only 304 pieces were made for this first run. The outer fabric is milled in the state of Massachusetts with a Hydrowick coating (for maximum waterproofness) and the removable liner is made from high quality Toray Japanese Mesh. There is a double snap closure at the waist, no zipper, trouser pockets, back pockets with a metal ring to hold your keys.  Pretty much the picture of functionality. 

So, now imagine it's a sweltering 98 degrees on a summer Friday, the kind where you stop work at 2 PM and head out of the city immediately. Throw these on with a short sleeve button down, some canvas sneaks, cotton blazer, a pair of shades. Pretend to do some work at the office for a couple hours, hop on the train to the nearest lake, shrug off your blazer and you're ready to kayak, hike, swim, whatever. As much as I hate to be all lifestyle-rific about it, you have to admit, these shorts just made your summer. All for a cool $49.00. Hop to fellas. - M

// Wintercheck Factory

YES PLEASE | GRAHAM WITHERS S/S NECKWEAR

The fellas at Graham Withers Clothing Co. impress yet again with this new line of neckwear, bow ties included, for spring and summer.  As you would expect from Graham Withers, the designs are clean and classic, letting the top notch fabrics shine through unencumbered.  This line is in a seasonally appropriate range of linens, cottons, light flannel, with seersucker making a quick cameo as well. There's a nice balance of patterns and colorways this time too, and all sourced sourced primarily from the US. Each piece is hand made here in NYC, with the (joking) exception of one, which I challenge you to find in the delightfully cheeky product descriptions. This isn't the whole story though, be on the lookout for some pocket squares and a look book in the coming weeks. If this collection is any indication, we're in for a treat. - M

Graham Withers Chesterfield Tie

Graham Withers Kingsley Tie

Graham Withers Boat Keeper Bow Tie (front side)

Graham Withers Boat Keeper Bow Tie (reverse side)

Graham Withers Mongibello Seersucker Tie

Graham Withers DG Bow Tie

FOR GOOD | CORTER LEATHER 'FOR JAPAN' CUFF

Corter Leather, a small shop based entirely out of one room in Massachusetts, just announced they will be selling these cuffs with hand painted snaps for $20 to support relief efforts in Japan. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross. From the Corter journal about the bracelets:

I wanted to help, wanted to give back more than a reblog or retweet. So for the next week or two, I'll be offering a special "For Japan" edition bracelet ... The bracelet is a natural 9oz bracelet, available in sizes from 6.5" to 8.75", with a hand painted red button to show support. Each comes in a nice cloth bag. Out of respect, there is no branding, no fancy packaging- just a reminder to help and remember.

Read more about the For Japan bracelet here and buy them at the Corter shop. Best $20 you'll have spent in a long time. - M

YES, PLEASE | EPAULET SHIRTING

Epaulet Club Collar Shirt in Oxford Blue

So, yesterday morning I woke up and realized with horror that I'd never written a proper post about Epaulet and resolved to remedy the situation ASAP. Ideally, I'd write about some super epic and phenomenal Epaulet item, but honestly everything they do fits that bill. I've been led to believe this after about four years of having my socks wow-ed off by everything they do.

I'm fortunate that the proprietors, Mike & Adele, opened the first Epaulet location in 2008 just blocks from my apartment as it's afforded me the great pleasure of watching the shop and line grow over time. Shirting was their first in-house offering and it is as impressive today as on day one, if not more so. I thought it fitting, then, that their first staple item should be the topic for this first dedicated post.
 

Epaulet Club Collar Shirt

This season they've introduced some gutsier fabrics, including a mashup tartan number (below), that I'm very fond of. Not to worry though, the classics are all still accounted for, including some beautifully appointed club collars (above) and even a couple of french cuff options. As their website will tell you, all Epaulet shirts are hand crafted in small batches here in the US of A with painstaking attention to detail. I can vouch for the resulting quality as I've owned three.

Epaulet Tartan Mashup Shirt

More styles are below the jump, and each photo clicks through to Epaulet's storefront where you'll notice the details on each shirt are incredibly thorough. While you're there, make sure to take stock of the full range of Epaulet goods, as the line now includes the best pants made anywhere and certainly in NYC (hands down), knits, neck wear, and collaborations with Alden, Gitman Brothers, and Thorogood. If you're in the city, a visit to one of the Epaulet boutiques - in Brooklyn or Manhattan - is a must. Whatever you purchase or whichever store you visit, there is a 100% possibility that Epaulet is sure to impress. - M

IN CONTEXT | MR. HARE MAILER LOAFER

You'll notice that the image above contains ample negative space and one bombastic pair of shoes. Mind you, I know these aren't for everyone and certainly intimidate most, but they also promise to be the crowning sartorial glory of any man's shoe collection should he be ballsy enough to take the leap. These loafers just have that much gravitas.

This phenomenon is not unusual for Mr. Hare shoes. The company began as the mission of one man - yes, Mr. Hare - to create footwear that he, simply, liked. Nearly three years and four collections later, he's created a fleet of shoes, boots and loafers that a great many like, if not revere. Mr. Hare's offerings are distinct in almost every way that counts - in silhouette, manufacturing and materials making them some of the more unique pieces on the market. These are no exception.

The Mailer loafer upper and tassels - which appear more substantial than most - are made with Vacchetta leather, an untreated animal rawhide that is traditionally used for the trim of luggage and bags. Vachetta is susceptible to sunlight, which means care is important, but also that the shoe will darken in shade over time, creating a natural patina.  The lasts for the shoes - those old-timey looking wooden shoe molds - are crafted in Northampton, England and then sent to Italy where the shoe is then constructed over the last.

Available in Tan, Navy and Black they retail for a cool £405, or approximately $656 depending on the exchange. The Tan version, featured here, are a solid option for Spring if you want to class things up a bit; one that will surely hold its own amidst this, the season of ornate footwear, (read: an increasingly aggressive double monk takeover).

To purchase or for more info you can contact Mr. Hare directly by reaching out to the spectacularly helpful James Hayes [email]. For more about Mr. Hare check out this excellent interview with the man himself on Style Salvage. Cheers and Happy loafering. - M

[IN CONTEXT]

Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer + Dressy Spring Essentials

Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer
Seven Alan Spring Peak Lapel Blazer
Epaulet Tapered Rudy Trouser
Folk Clothing Buckley Belt
Ines Melain Solid Sport Shirt
Mismo Full Grain Canvas Carry-all
Stowa Marine Automatic Timepiece
Tom Ford Single Man Glasses

Previously [In Context]  :
Left Field NYC Ivy Crew Sweater
Nike Air Royal Mid QS 'Workboot' Sneaker

A WEEK'S SVPPLY | No. 04 FEB. 26 - MAR. 5

via svpply.com/thesigother

Things I fancied this week, (from left to right):

1. Royal Suede Sneakers, PRO-Keds x Mcniary
   Alright so these have permeated the internet and my brain for at least a couple of weeks. I think they're bordering on a season staple at this point. In four colors, including Kelly green, make them do-able for anyone.
2. The Anthem Baseball Blazer, Uniforms for the Dedicated
   A really phenomenal take on the classic baseball coat. Make it slimmer, refine the collar, axe the bungee bottom, and this is what you get. The detail work, closures and piping, really put it on the map for me. Beautiful piece.
3. Canvas Tote, Mismo
   Danish company, Mismo can do no wrong and it's been cropping up everywhere this week. This tote is perfect for every day; a sleeker alternative to Filson, that looks good in a more formal office too. If you like, check out the Mismo write ups on Free/Man & Selecism.
4. Cabinology by Dale Mulfinger
   Anyone who knows me is familiar with my obsession with cabins/cottages and according to the blurb "If you have a cabin dream, this book is your ticket to making it real." Where do I sign?
5. Franklin Chino, Vanishing Elephant
   Just a classic chino in a great color and something else to consider besides Dockers. I have not seen them in person but from the measurements it looks like these are a medium/slim fit.
6. Floral Button Down, YMC
   I've actually been eyeing this for a good month now.  Floral is a bit of a trend this season, and while it's not for everyone, YMC does it quite well here. Also, I don't think this company gets enough love given how awesome their offering is lately.
7. Marine Automatic Timepiece, Stowa
   German manufacture Stowa is one of the greatest mid-level watch companies I know of.  This is such an amazing piece for price, which is under $800. Those navy hands just kill me. Honestly, this needs a post of its own but for now, check out the Stowa collection here.
8. Organic Cotton Flax Stripe Pocket Square, The Hill-Side
   A whimsical little detail for spring that is just informal enough that you could wear it to brunch or a cocktail party.  Something tells me this will attract the ladies too - "oh your pocket square is just so charming!" - take my word for it.
9. Hooded Mac, APC
   APC is hit or miss with me but it is a consistently good brand when it comes to outerwear. This trench will take you through the transition of the seasons, with a 100% cotton outer and removable wool liner and hood. The silhouette on this one is hard to beat and the nicely over-sized buttons are a good touch too.

Must admit, this week was a rough one due to seasonal illness (oh, it wasn't pretty) which is why this is late to come. Despite that fact, it's been a strong weekend, this post included. Love everything here and the warm, if rainy, weather its heralding in. Enjoy the rest of Sunday everyone. - M

LOOKBOOK | L.B.M 1911 FALL / WINTER 2011

I'm not big on lookbook posting, but this collection is just too notable to pass up.  The L.B.M 1911 line comes from Italian tailoring house, Lubiam.  The company has been around since - surprise! - 1911, and has garnered a reputation for challenging the Italian norms. Even so, this collection takes on a more modern and casual approach than their traditional garb, (although I'd argue Lubiam suiting, especially in the way of jackets, tends to have a distinctly more relaxed silhouette). 

Sartorially Inclined is spot on in his review, framing the collection as the 'definition of dressed down tailoring', and noting the American heritage inspired styling, despite the Italian aversion to the trend.   The sport coats, bearing hints of deconstruction, are the grand centerpieces here, but those accessories are nothing to scoff at. Lubiam did good by providing high res images – it's the only way to fully appreciate the level of detail and quality materials that went into this collection. Fastidious. Spectacular.

On a personal note, a solid Italian x American inspired collection is one I've been seeking out and I'm so pleased to see the juxtoposition executed with such mastery here.  Also, I'm just thrilled to see something truly fresh come out of Italy, and equally thrilled to see it hailed in the states for its quality and worksmaship. Yes, good craftsmanship actually occurs outside of these 50 states; indeed, its been going on for quite some time now, (read: for centuries). Don't get me wrong, I am a 110% backer of American made pride; I practice and preach it flagrantly, but it's not the only pride I preach. Viva la tradizione Italiana. And viva L.BM. 1911 for putting together a truly beautiful and inspired collection. - M

(Lookbook and details after the jump.)