Personal Uniform

Do you have a personal uniform?

I've been spending the last few years building a personal uniform and paring my wardrobe down to a smaller number of items.

Here are some of the decisions I've made.

+ My personal uniform is built around the color navy
+ Allen Edmonds shoes - Fifth Ave and Suede shoes
+ Levis 501 CT - the closest thing to Sid Mashburn style jeans
+ Brooks Brothers button down shirts shirts - white and pale blue
+ Brooks Brothers Regent Jackets
+ Patagonia
+ Sid Mashburn Belts
+ Filson
+ Blue socks
+ Brooks Brothers polo shirts

Filson 256 in Blue

For the last several years, I've wanted to purchase a Filson 256, but could never choose between the various colors.  None felt right until last weekend.  I saw the 256 in blue and decided I had to own it.  The shade of blue is awesome.  Love it.

My visit to the Smart Turnout retail store in London

I recently stopped by the new Smart Turnout shop in London.  Smart Turnout is located near Jermyn street close to Picadilly Circus.  This is the first store for Smart Turnout and they opened about a month ago. The store is small -- maybe 300 square feet of retail space.  The nice lady running the shop was very knowledgeable.  An gentleman walked into the store while I was there because he recognized the colors of the British military unit he had served in.  Definitely worth a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Survive the Winter with Wintersilks Long Underwear

I hate the cold and rain, but super lightweight long underwear from WinterSilks has made the cold winter bearable.  The are sold in five "warmth factors."  I like warmth factor 1 - super thin, but they only lasts two - three years before they start tearing apart.

 

Allen Edmonds Kings Point

I really like the new Allen Edmonds King's Point designed by Parsons graduate Melanie Berger.  I plan to order a pair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy_GXen94Ck
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF9081_1_40000000001_-1

 



WSJ: Business Casual Gets a Makeover

Good video from WSJ:

Discussion on the sweater jacket or shirt jacket.

http://live.wsj.com/video/business-casual-gets-a-makeover/2DDD0AEE-FF9E-4B57-B38D-EE527A8BC92E.html

 

Introducting Filson 256 in black with Harris Tweed and Tin Cloth!

Wow - just announced!  I'm getting one for Xmas.  I love the design.  It's black, and it's not stupid Tumi black.  Congrats to whoever designed this at Filson - I'm really impressed!

"This updated version of our Original 256 Briefcase features handsome Harris Tweed wool accents"

"Our classic original 256 briefcase style now in our famous oil finish Tin Cloth"

Awesome

$295

Black/Otter + Harris Tweed/Tin Cloth commands a $70 premium over standard Filson 256.

Links:
http://www.filson.com/products/original-briefcase.70256.html
http://www.filson.com/products/twill-and-tweed-original-briefcase.70066.html
http://www.acquiremag.com/style/bags-accessories/filson-twill-and-tweed-origina.php
http://www.filson.com/products/tin-cloth-original-briefcase.70016.html



Filson 256 in Black Tin Cloth

Filson 256 in Harris Tweed

 



 

Black Filson 256

Newsflash - Filson had introduced two black 256 briefcases.  See: http://neoivy.blogspot.com/2012/11/introducting-filson-briefcase-in-black.html

Original post:
Not happening unless Filson wants to produce an item that at least one customer really wants to own. It's beyond obvious that the 256 would sell extremely well if they offered a version in black with brown leather trim as shown below.  There are other obvious tweaks they should make to fix little design problems.  A guy that I work with showed me two improvements he has made to his 256.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, the shoulder strap doesn't feel right - they need rubber underneath so it doesn't slip off your shoulder.  The Filson designers are such purists.  It would be sacrilege to produce a 256 that was not gold rush era worthy. 

 

On my shopping list: Barack Obama watch

I've added the Barack Obama watch to my shopping list.  Available for around $200 on ebay.  He received it as a gift from his security detail.  This watch will come in handy when I time myself for my next speech to the nation.  I think it's a lot of watch for $200 - very handsome.  Going forward, I will only buy quartz driven watches.  Never again purchase a wind up watch.

JORG GRAY 6500 BARAK OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CHRONO WATCH $395
Watch Features :                
•Case Size: 41 MM
•Water Resistant: 100 Meters
•Case:  Stainless Steel
•Dial: Black with White Luminescent hands and Markers
•Caseback: Stainless Steel with Special Edition Number
•Hardened Mineral Crystal
•Band: Black Leather with Stainless Steel Buckle
Packaging  Jorg Gray Box with Factory Supplied Booklets
Brand New Sealed Package

 

 

 

 

GQ The Style Guy Special Edition - But it now!

Good read - it will eventually sell out -- so buy it.  I wish GQ would publish more of these Special Editions.