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Showing posts from January, 2016

FOOTWEAR FALLS BACK-Heritage Hybrid Hikers Winter 2016/17

TIMBERLAND, KAMIK, MERREL  Versatile good looks-with crossover appeal...several heritage brands including the aforementioned...celebrated the well designed lace-ups  that got the whole company started... new colors on the lace-ups-waterproof styles...shades of booze (Wickett&Craig collections), wheat and dark chocolate add up to tasty modern options... on the subway-his and his son's- matchy matchy Timberlands-in the original 'wheat nubuck' boot- with Primaloft Eco insulation, seam sealed waterproof construction, rust proof hardwear and anti-fatigue construction for on the feet all day comfort, padded collar... TIMBERLAND throws back to it's classic styles with more comfort inside for today's casual wearer -who needs some weather protection...like the father -son duo-we saw on the #1 train... FUN-A head to toe capsule collection inspired by what we wore-back in the day... TIMBERLAND SIENNA $119.99-KAMIK- fabs -this cold weathe

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-Knits

Part 8 Knitwear apparel for the outdoors often combines natural and synthetic fibers-as well as just  the 'plain ole' wool...for high performance pursuits. Insulating, anti-odor, warm when wet, and quick drying properties are  natural ...and then some. New-using the same visuals- vintage patterns- of Scandic and traditional designs in sleeker silhouettes made from tech fibers-  that are ideal for layering. From Pendleton... AVALANCHE -fitted WARMLUX turtleneck has fitted silhouette...flat seam construction and thumbholes for the closest fit. Made of polyester/spandex. Primo sustainable wool from Fjällräve n's own farm...OVIK wool knit sweaters in Swedish folk heritage patterns for men and women...hem, sleeves, neckline with rolled edges. Fjällräven -is not patterned Cap Wool fabrication but has a very interesting texture...full length zip sweater/jacket hybrid is like a 2L.. .almost ...with moisture wicking interior...insulating exterior...

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-OuterWear PART 6

Outdoor Retailer Mountain Khakis, White Sierra,  Roark Revival, Avalanche,  Lightweight layers and outerwear that multi-tasks for global winter weather patterns...like the Spring worthy temps on Christmas Day to the Blizzard  SNOWPOCALYPSE  -a month later experienced in the Northeast...outdoor people are re-jiggering their wardrobe needs+purchases. IMO at least with all the folks we know-everyone already had the burly outerwear from the past two  frigid winters and didn't need new jackets/coats anyway. Like fashion fashion  -accessories are increasingly the key to yearly seasonal-profitable- sales-or collabs with mass merchants. Or growing kids who always need something new ... KEY PIECE -Shirt/Jacket Hybrid More Highlights: Always a mountain lifestyle brand -launching in 2003 with those rugged handsome khakis (classic style in every guy's wardrobe) - now with plenty of home on the range-or on a street clothes... Mountain Khakis ("MK") "Built F

OLD SCHOOL STYLE NEW SCHOOL FABRICS: OR Winter 2016/17

Part 5 ADIDAS, THE NORTH FACE, COTOPAXI Lightweight, functional high performance wear---for a variety of activities...including the everyday kind that doesn't challenge or try to "conquor' the outdoors-wearers are just in it . ADIDAS TERREX AGRAVIC PRIMALOFT JACKET jacket...has that elastic cuffs on sleeves/hem of varsity-bomber jackets that been around for dozens of years BUT-all 21st century state of the art everything else...  weather tough Pertex Quantum® GL- DWR lightweight strong fabric holds in Primaloft Gold (80g) insulation allow for durability, stretch and warmth. Interesting color too....and that stitch pattern made from reflective yarn providing 360º of visibility !!!!   With pack it pocket. Men's version joined now with women's ($299)-new for F/W 2016. AHHHH .... Adidas Outdoors-Gym Wear-harks back to the fab 80s tracksuits with the iconic double side stripes.  Surprised more of the outdoors collection does not incorporate this signatur

OLD SCHOOL STYLES- NEW SCHOOL FABRICS:F/W 2016/17 PART 4

SLC FJÄLLRÄVEN, UNITED BY BLUE The outdoors industries-apparel+footwear- is held accountable more and more -by the way it sources materials and manufactures good-with sustainability-cruelty free production, non-toxic treatments/finishings (textiles), and fair labor wages paid-a stated MO of most companies in that industry. We'd say that is a New School approach we favor. Big Time. A standout---  Fjällräven  -(corporate responsibility statements ). The Swedish brand has a lot of eco know-how built into its entire line of outdoor attire/gear - beyond their Kanken (day worthy backpacks)-that are urban fashion statements. With stuff made to last (stays out of landfills) plus its iconic wax to (re)weatherproof it's signature G-1000 textile, and fluorocarbon-free water repellent...this label is also- it seems - one of the VERY few that can actually- reliably  trace it's down supply chain. (READ:  article from The Guardian on 'Ethical Sourcing et al...'). Fjäl

OLD SCHOOL STYLEs/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS Pt. 3 OR Winter 2016/17

SIERRA DESIGNS, HELLY HANSEN Sick of the 60's-70's retread style-wise- in apparel and footwear? Mostly the fashion editorial side and some retailers seem to be the most vocal on the  'there's nothing new.' IMO-tech-smart wearables and consumer discretionary products (IoT cars, home appliances etc....), personal electronics, yada, yada, yada - are developing at such a rapid pace....all that stuff seems to satisfy the newness craving by consumers-dolllar for dollar. Big time. And it's not just there's an app for everything...including ad-blocking...it's the whole tech landscape impacting everything. When Gen Xers we know don't get SnapChat which is a pretty easy to understand entity...antidotal proof -of the digital dizzying pace and attempts to stay relevant. So why not stick with some tried and true looks-silhouettes...the tech part of the outdoors clothing/shoes world=the tricked out fabrics...keep it all fresh enough!  More Highligh

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-Production Part 2

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016/17 WOOLRICH, NAU, FLYFLOW Notably, many outdoor apparel makers showed off  classic parka jackets with big front flap exterior pockets, and attached hoods... CPO shirts styles (the dark navy wool versions of yore-inspired by the USA Navy ones)-but beefed up with down or synthetic insulation,  and variety-baseball jacket silhouettes ---but this time made from modern textiles and/or DWR treatment for better warmth-weatherproof wear-and breathability...than what was worn in say Shackleton's time...but interesting...lacking the state of the art body mapping designs...that are popular selling points. New additions are found in some of these jackets=more interior pockets...for all the personal electronics we live with... velcro closures (patented in 1955)...and cutting edge synthetic insulation that rivals down for warmth. SOME of OUR FAVS... Woolrich ® parent has several labels-including their premium collection- John Rich&Bros. --named after