YES, PLEASE | DRIFTER DAY PACK

A few days ago I tweeted about a pack very similar to this one. It looked right and cost right - just 50 bucks! - but after a discussion with a few of my favorite ethically sound gents, Ted, Ryan, and Jason, it was determined to be a (poorly) Made in China junker. Bummed, I was determined to find an equivalent pack that was ethically made and at a decent price. 24 hours later I hit the jackpot when I discovered this one from Drifter.

These packs are made from ultra durable Cordura fabric (also used by brands such as the great Topo Designs), feature two compartments and zippers by the ever reliable YKK. They're designed to keep water out and unlike the aforementioned crap-pack, are all USA made with a lifetime warranty. In fact, as a brand Drifter is dedicated to made in America products that support American workers, materials and resources. As they say on their site, "Our entire product line is handcrafted in the United States by workers who take pride in knowing that their craftsmanship is backed by a lifetime warranty." All this, and the price tag won't kill your wallet at $55 a pack. Purchase them at the new promising shop, Neigbour, who carry them in five color ways as well as a number of other Drifter items. - M

// Drifter
// Neighbour

YES, PLEASE | ILLESTEVA EYEWEAR

Leonard, in Half tortoise

Although April showers are aplenty this spring, it's that time of year again to begin sunglasses hunting.  Enter, Illesteva a fairly new brand in the eyewear scene but one that has entered with a warm welcome and to many accolades. In my eyes, rightfully so. Since the introduction of their first line in 2009, founders Daniel Silberman and Jus Ske have come through with classic silhouettes in a range of high quality and distinctive materials ranging from bamboo and buffalo horn to titanium and acetate.   All the pieces are designed stateside by the New York based duo and hand made in Germany and Italy.

I'm a fan of the Leonard model (above), and now that round framed glasses are a big to-do these days, it's no wonder they're becoming more and more difficult to find as Summer draws nearer.  Although the Leonard is the stand out, the whole, versatile range is something to consider if you're looking for an alternative to the Persol/Ray Ban/Oliver Peoples staples. I've had several owners tell me they're the best pair they've ever bought, and I can vouch for their attractiveness in person as well - the photos, as lovely as they are, actually don't do these pieces justice. Plus, with a price point between $160 - $225 they'll afford you a quality pair of sunglasses without completely breaking the bank.  See more models after the jump and find where to buy online and off, here.  - M

// Illesteva.com

Leonard, in Half Tortoise

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 | WOOD AND FAULK CARPENTER BAG

Made proudly in America by Heritage Leather Company for Wood&Faulk.
Size: 20in x 6in x 16in, Weight: 5.5 lbs.

This bag is only $85. I repeat: This bag is only 85 bucks.

If the picture and the price tag aren't reason enough, here are some details: The Carpenter bag features No.10 cotton canvas with top grain moccasin leather bottom,  saddle-leather handles and straps, plus steel d-rings sewn into the handles, so you can add your own strap. It certainly appears sturdy enough for tools, but from the looks of it the bag has serious potential to translate well for the functionally-minded urbanite. The shape and colorway make it an especially nice option as a spring weekender.

The piece is part of a private label created by Wood & Faulk, a Seattle based project that documents one man's experiment in craft, woodworking and style. The W&F line is made in partnership with the Heritage Leather Company, a leather and work wear supply company, which crafts all their goods in America.

Whether or not the bag strikes your fancy, I suggest you check out the Wood & Faulk site.  Mike, the man behind the project, runs one of the best blogs I've had the pleasure to stumble across. I spent 40 minutes on it today and learned about everything from one man's vintage Barbour, to how to re-furbish a kitchen, to a really fantastic band called The Middle East.  Did I mention the bag is only 85 dollars? Hurrah for creative, crafty, stylish people.  - M

YES, PLEASE | RBY45RPM WINTER LOOK-BOOK

I've become enamored of Rby45rpm over the years and this collection is only increasing that trend. After 10 years, they're masters of marrying so many influences without seeming schizophrenic or overly trendy. Raw textures, beautifully dyed textiles, tailored and unstructured silhouettes, asian and western details - it's all expertly controlled, harmonious, simple.  The look-books are also impressively beautiful in and of themselves and this one is no exception.  The company recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary and I can't think of a brand with a more original and timeless aesthetic.  See more below the jump and at their online shop. - M