Trav: I’ve always had a fondness for items that sport the tag “MADE IN U.S.A” because with outsourcing now heavily at hand, there are not many things that are actually made in America. When i found this vintage LEE denim jacket on eBay I just had to get it, not only because it was surprisingly made in the America but also because there is a strong history behind the brand that frequently goes unrecognized. Check out the video below for some history on the classic brand. While preparing this post I couldn’t help to wonder where LEE is now, there is virtually no LEE products in stores that i come into contact with. Their U.S. online store carries very ordinary, bland items, clearly catering to the older, more traditional audience. The weird thing is that the apparel on their UK site caters more to younger, more trendy individuals. They actually have some pretty dope items on the UK online store and even a “coming soon” blog. Companies catering to different targets markets in different countries is surely not a new thing but that is a much bigger topic to be discussed. It would be interesting to know why there are such brimming differences between the two lines. Why not give Levi a run for their money here in the U.S.?

Fit Details- Vintage LEE denim jacket, Uniqlo oxford shirt, Nudies, Polo Boots. After wearing my black polo boots all last winter I got sort of bored with them so i cut the straps off and replaced the laces with some old timberland laces. I like them a whole lot more now.

Check out this very interesting time line video below that gives a nice rundown of the History behind the LEE brand.

Concept Animation: Nicola “DeeMo” Peressoni
Music: Stefano Calzolari Dan Mela
Agency: Sartoria.com
Client: Lee Europe

JKISSI : Specific textiles and materials are sometimes deemed more acceptable to wear in certain seasons.  The durable textile corduroy is one of my favorites by far compared to other materials. Corduroy is made up of twisted woven fibers aligned in a parallel pattern. I can even admit that I went as far as wearing corduroy pants rolled up during this summer just to fulfill my pre-fall corduroy crave.  The comfortable and soft fabric believed to be first produced in England shares a similar preppy connotation as madras, the previous  fabric that we touched on. The only obvious difference apart from texture is that madras is much more appropriate in warmer climates. For a long time corduroy was just known to be used on pants, but now it’s being used on everything from blazers to hats as the perfect fall/winter fabric.

JKISSI – Vintage WOOLRICH Hunting Plaid jacket |  Topman Black Shirt |  Uniqlo Tan Skinny Corduroys | Clarks Desert Boots

Fit Description – The woolrich jacket was purchased on my usual  thrifting sprees. It still holds up as a great wool jacket could definitely keep you warm on fall/winter days. I have been a fan of plaids and black/red is a color palette that always compliment each other nicely. The uniqlo  corduroys fit great and quality seems like it would hold up for a good amount of time. The new black beads I have are definitely my favorite right now, with a combination of different finishes such as matte and glossy.

I was forced to dig in our archives for one of my favorite post to date. It seemed my nephew was already on his way as far as having a great corduroy piece to play around with. To purchase a similar blazer the good people at J.crew released a perfect substitute to go with this fall and winter.  Corduroy provides the perfect versatility that can be worn in a more casual setting to even a more formal setting.  The rich fabric is now produced by many designers and retailers to now include a more slimmer cut from previous designs.  I was ultimately going to pass on doing a list of where to purchase different cords, but I felt it would eventually become beneficial to everyone including myself.

TOPS

1. Jcrew Corduroy workwear sportcoat – $158.00

2. Our Legacy Corduroy blazer – $358.00

3. BR Cotton corduroy two-button blazer – $198.00

4.  * Jcrew washed cord sportcoat – $98.00 *

(The best deal to go with if you are looking for a great sportscoat concerning price point /  quality)

5. Levis Cord Trucker – $89.50

BOTTOMS

1. RUGBY Corduroy jean – $89.50

2. Jcrew Classic fit cord- trouser – $49.50-69.50

3. RUGBY Slim pant Corduroy – $79.50

4. UNIQLO skinny stretch cords – $39.50

Trav: I am loving this new popularity and variety in men bags. These days men can get away with a lot more. I personally have come along way from the typical backpack. I’m now usually never seen without a messenger bag strap around my shoulder but sometimes more space is needed and that’s where duffel/weekender bags come in. For those who carry quite a few things on a daily basis and need that extra space, a duffel is one of the best ways to go. The weekender is the best bet for those quick overnight trips but they can also be used as an everyday bag, that’s what makes them so unique.  Most menswear brands have at least one of these bags as a part of their accessories so finding a large variety to pick and choose from is a fairly easy task.

Fit Details: GAP cardigan, Banana Rep shirt, Uniqlo plaid tie, acid wash jeans from UO, BKc denim duffel and Clarks Desert Boots. The GAP cardigan is actually pretty old, picture it with sleeves, you’ve probably seen me in it previously on the blog. I took it to the tailor and had him cut the sleeves off, a very tedious task with it being knitwear and all. At first he said it could not be done but I begged and he succumbed. He said  it took him forever but it turned out great. I love it.

Below is the very well made BKc denim duffel bag. I love the raw feel of the denim and the solid, thickens of the leather. Anyone that knows me know that I am big fan of anything denim. There seems to be quite a few denim bags on the market, this BKc one is honestly one of the best I’ve come across. It’s not too heavy and unbearable and not too light and flimsy. Keep a close eye on the guys over at BKc as they unveil a couple well anticipated surprises for the upcoming season.

Just a quick list below of some of the bags that caught my eye.  Personally i prefer bags with a shoulder strap, they just seem more practical. Most bags have them but I’ve seen a couple without it. It’s always good to be able to use both hands without laying the bag on the floor. Aside from denim, I also love wool and that Pendleton bag below is one of the dopest I’ve seen. Filson also uses the wool nicely.

1. Pendleton Rob Roy Weekender Bag

2. Mulholland Flourish Small Hippo Duffel

3. Saddleback Leather Co. Duffel/Overnight Leather Bag

4. Filson Small Wool Duffel Bag

5. Billykirk X Opening Ceremony Medium Carryall