IN CONTEXT | MARK MCNAIRY TWO TONE SADDLE SHOE IN NAVY

If Menswear had its own Chinese new year style calendar (now there's an idea...), this would most definitely be The Year of the McNairy.  After garnering notoriety as the respected lead creative director of classic American label J.Press, the past couple of years have seen Mark McNairy collaborate with some of the most prominent brands in the industry such as Engineered Garments, Bass, and Pro-Keds. Most recently he's recently taken the helm as creative director of Woolrich Woolen Mills.

These Two-Tone saddles are hardly new - for that you should check his Kilte Loafers for Bass Weejun - but they've have had quite a run as one of this year's most recognizable models. Made for his own line New Amsterdam, these suede saddles are crafted in Northamptonshire, England, using traditional American and British cobbling techniques. Typical to McNairy, the attention to detail is fastidious resulting in a top quality shoe. Plus, while they look substantial they're surprisingly light and supple.

Despite their Internet fame, I've barely seen these on the street and when I have it's been in a pretty standard fashion, (with a navy suit or rolled chino).  As it's spring-ish now, I've been fixated with the idea of seeing them with shorts, (oh, c'mon live a little!), and threw together the below as a bit of insipiration in that vien. Purchase the shoe at MarkMcnairy.com (US) or End Clothing (UK) and if you're a lady, they're available (in store only) at Epaulet in Manhattan. - M

[IN CONTEXT]

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle Loafer for a Rainy Spring

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle in Navy
Our Legacy Chambray Shorts
Folk Clothing Light Rain Mac
APC Short Sleeve Madras Shirt
Left Field Deadstock Crossgrain Sweatshirt
APC Woven Belt
Illestiva Lennox Tortoise Frames (removeable shades)

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

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

A WEEK'S SVPPLY | No. 03: FEB 19 - FEB 25

Things that caught my eye this week, (from left to right):

1. Eland Pants, Wood Wood
   I had the pleasure of checking these pants out last time I was in Denmark and can report that they're incredibly soft, well made and come in a ton of colors. I'll admit they're a unique fit - very generous up top and tapered at the ankles - but I find it refreshing; somehow they just work.
2. Hunting Overshirt, YMC
   Indigo dyed cotton with tan leather elbow patches. Plus contrast buttons of any kind really get me, especially when fully buttoned, and this shirt does it particularly well.
3. Tote, Chester Wallace
   Hand made in Portland by a dude. Apparently, the inspiration for this bag was to have something big enough to carry two six packs.  I'm sure it does that very well, but it also just looks mighty fine.  These come in a huge amount of colorways, too, makes me want four.
4. Herringbone Necktie, Ernest Alexander
   There's everything to love about a good herringbone/plaid combo.  Especially if it's hand made in NYC, which this one is.
5. Crosby Shoe, Common People
   Most shoes of this ilk can come off as kind of clunky, but these manage to be elegant. They look like they could be the best spring shoe ever and comfy as slippers.  Complete steal, at about $100/£85.
6. MacBook Pro Sleeve, Charbonize
   Obligatory nod to the most talked about product this week. This is an Etsy find unearthed by my coworker Mara. It's wool, leather and can be monogrammed. $67 is a better price than whatever Jake Spade nonsense most people are buying.
7. MK II Vantage Watch for Epaulet
   This came out a month ago, but somehow I just found it last week. MKII is a Swiss watch manufacturer that made this especially for Epaulet in BK/LES. It's a 'real' watch (read: not just a pretty Timex) so it's pricey, but very reasonable given other watches of its kind.
8. Shopper Tote, Common Projects
   Just a simple leather tote for spring. It's got well situated pockets inside, too. Made in Italy, found via Selectism.
9. Coaches Jacket, McNairy for Run Of The Mill
   While the rest of the world was focused on the ROTM double monks, I was quite taken with this jacket. Described as "a less rugged take on the classic Barbour jacket", I like it for its understated-ness. Color is great for spring and/or fall, too.

Clearly, gray and tan were out in full force on the internet this week (or maybe it was just me?). I've also noticed things took a turn from rugged to finished, (or at least a little more finished). A very, very welcome change and one which is reflected in this week's collection. Way to grow up a bit, interwebs, more of that please. - M

Found after posting: Looks like Bill Cunningham also noticed the gray and tan palette this week on the street. Funny how that works.