Khaki by Storm


It seems like all week I heard about khaki’s. Everyone’s talking about them and you can’t open a fashion magazine, newspaper or blog without reading about them as the jean alternative in new washes (grey) and fits. WWD led its daily on Thursday with Khaki on the cover. Hell, even the New York Times was writing about khakis this week discussing the Dockers collaboration with Steven Alan. Apparently, khaki’s are the new jeans. Banana Republic and Gap, both famous for their khakis in the 90′s, have re-launched their khakis. People have been trying to make khaki’s cool again for a few years now, take the brand aptly named Save Khaki, or look at how Michael Bastian has incorporated them in his personal collection and his line for Gant for instance. And all of the cool kids were running around this summer in their khakis with cuffs turned up. Valet was able to get some info about Mr. Alan’s capsule for collection for Dockers, and it looks promising. These certainly won’t be your dad’s Dockers. By the way, Dockers current campaign slogan is “Keep calm and khaki on.” Seriously. Oh, and yes, I’ve gotten a few new pair of khaki’s myself lately.

Want More – Imogene + Willie & Emil Erwin for J.Crew tote bag

I must have this bag. My mouth literally started to water when I saw it pop up on my screen. But… its $800…. The folks at J.Crew describe the bag this way:

Imogene + Willie founders (and real-life husband and wife) Matt and Carrie Eddmenson set up shop in a converted Nashville gas station with a singular mission: to design, hand make and sell the best denim, chambray shirts and other classic American-made wares all in one place. Straight from their Music City mecca, this bag was meticulously handcrafted by local artisan (and I + W collaborator) Emil Erwin in premium native U.S. steer hide. Built to take anything you throw at—or in—it, it features leather handles and cinch strap, a large interior pocket (perfect for a laptop) and additional slots for other sundries. Quite frankly, craftsmanship like this comes along once in a blue moon (and it will last many more). 

Jack & Grey

Continuing the Jack Spade love this morning, and our previous post a few days back about our love for bulky grey boots we give you the gorgeous Industrial Canvas Dipped York brief from Jack Spade, which is on my wish list for some event (our anniversary, Christmas, Hannukah…Labor Day. Just a hint, babe).  This bag is so chic and versatile, and perfect for work.

Take Ivy Collaboration

Jack Spade has teamed up with K-Swiss to create a fantastic limited edition package of goods to celebrate the U.S. relaunch of the classic book, Take Ivy.  According to the Jack Spade site, “The heavy gauge crewneck sweatshirt has orange silk screened elbow patches and is cinched with the book by a custom bridle leather book strap made in NYC.” Available at Jack Spade.

Obsession – Big Grey Boot

I am all about big grey boots right now, and one of the things that I love most about fall is that we get to break out our favorite old (and stock up on new) boots. You may recall the runways for fall ’10 all showing big chunky military boots with the pants tucked in, well our friends at Banana Republic were paying attention. The Denver boot (above left and middle) is available online at BR.  Red Wing also has the gorgeous Classic Lifestyle boot (above right) at Piperlime. I have these in the “copper” and may have to own this version as well.

How to Wear Denim

Courtesy of The Sartorialist

Brad Goreski

Thank god The Rachel Zoe Project is back! I have been majorly missing my weekly fix of Brad .  I die.

For more on Brad click here, here, here and here, or use the search box up top.

Welcome to Maine – L.L. Bean Signature

Did you wake up this morning wondering what the fall L.L. Bean Signature collection had in store for us? Well I did.  And lucky for us it’s here.  Valet must have wondered too as they have a quick article with Alex Carleton about what we can expect for fall. Be sure to check out the great video for fall when you check out the collection, and also the bio page on Alex. I’m excited about the L.L. Bean archive inspired collection, including Bean’s Stag Jacket (circa 1965) and Bean’s Vacation Bag (circa 1933). But I am most excited for the Saddle Shoe (circa 1940). Alex has done a phenomenal job of taking L.L. Bean’s heritage and making the brand relevant again to today’s man (and not just for those weekend trips to the country to pick apples, or hit a vineyard.). He says this about it:

The authenticity of L.L.Bean’s heritage. We have a unique methodology of juxtaposing L.L.Bean’s history – which goes back almost 100 years — with modern design ideas. And, of course, quality. Like all L.L.Bean products, L.L.Bean Signature combines style with quality and value. It’s built to last.

Keep ‘Em White

Valet has a great article with tips on how to keep all of your white shoes, well, white.  For example, who knew that hydrogen peroxide would fix the dark stains on bucks? Or whitening toothpaste cleans up canvas? I live in my white bucks and Jack Purcell’s, so this is quite helpful.

Suede: If you want to keep your bucks pristine, you’ll need a suede brush to erase scuffs. For darker or larger marks, dab hydrogen peroxide on the spot and continue until any unsightly stain is gone.

Gentry Fall 2010 Behind the Scenes

Gentry is a brand that’s about the details. Ties, tie clips, men’s accessories. They produce tie boxes, packed with a tie, pocket square, collar clip, tie bar, tie pin and the Gentry Handbook of Class & Distinction. They describe themselves as a “modern rethinking of classic men’s accessories inspired by the golden age of menswear.”

Gentry’s accessories have been worn by Zac Efron, Justin Timberlake, Kellan Lutz of Twilight and Kevin Alejandro of True Blood. Here, we have behind-the-scenes views of the Gentry’s Fall 2010 lookbook and advertising campaign photo shoot.

More at GentryMan.com.