Object | Our Legacy - Pocket Tee

All due respect to button-downs, but sometimes nothing beats a plain t-shirt and no season is more appropriate for rocking a t-shirt than summer. White is always a classics, but other solids like black, navy and grey are also good choics. There's two major things to consider when it comes to choosing a t-shirt though; fabric and fit.

The swedish powerhouse that is Our Legacy has perfected both qualities with their pocket tee. The fit is perfect, albeit pretty slim/tight so there's no harm in going up a size if you feel like keeping it a bit loose. The fabric is amazingly soft, the grey color is perfect and the pocket is all the detailing I need, adding just the right amount of spice to the shirt.

This picture does not come close to doing it justice. I bought it myself a couple of weeks ago and I've been literally wearing the hell out of it ever since. Best buy so far this season, no doubt. This is the perfect chickenhead shirt, as Ryan over at h(y)r would put it.

Object | Anderson's - Braided Cotton Belt

Summer is the season for keeping it simple. A pair of shorts, a t-shirt or a buttondown and a nice pair of shoes is usually enough. There's not much room for playing around with layering when it's ninety degrees and the sun is blazing. That's where accesories come in handy. Without increasing the amount of extra heat you need to endure it provides you the opportunity to play around a bit and give your outfits that special edge.

This D-ring braided belt from Anderson's is perfect for adding a splash of color to a palette that usually consists mainly of khaki, white and navy blue. Red can be tricky to pull off, but done right it can work wonders and usually it works great as an accent color. The white complements the red and subdues it just the right amount. This is definitely a strong contender to our previous favorite cotton belt.

Video | Melinda Arrive Ce Soir

Yves Saint Laurent Collection Homme SS10 by Samuel Benchetrit

Object | A.P.C. - Cricket Pullover

Another day, another find. This time it's A.P.C. who brings us this lovely cricket-style pullover. The v-neck cricket sweater might not be an essential but it's still relevant in any wardrobe, and this fine cable knit in a soft wool fabric is sure to keep you warm but still thin enough for you to wear it on warm summer nights. The striped sleeves are a bit longer and folds up to adjust to your armlength and preference. And when you're not wearing it you can always throw it over your shoulders.

Inspiration | The Kennedys

John F. Kennedy & Jackie Kennedy

Object | Moncler - Reversible Nylon Parka

French brand Moncler is mostly known for their classic down jackets & parkas which has become a staple for the jetset of the Alps because of it's clean aesthetics and great quality.

Here's something a bit more apropriate for the summer heat. The reversible nylon parka is a lightweight jacket, perfect for windy days Usually I'm not a big fan of reversible jacket as it seems 1+1 often equals 0,8 when it comes to jackets. But this one does the trick by keeping it subtle, with both sides being in a earthy khaki hue, one of them a bit darker than the other (check the link for more pictures). The darker side also features a few additional breast pockets on the outside. It's still pretty pricey even though Brown's got it marked down but since it's a quality product so you're bound to get your moneys' worth out of it.

Object | Our Legacy - Deck Shoe Blue

Both the boat shoe and the classic white sneaker has gotten their due attention this season, and even the loafer is brought forward by some as the summer shoe. Sadly, the deck shoe hasn't got nearly the same attention. Luckily, we're here to correct that misstake.

Our Legacy (you didn't think we were gonna forget our weekly dose of them did you?) has you covered, as always. Our french friend Who's Ali swears by them as the definitive summer shoe of this season and there's not much left for us to do but to join in on his claim. Simple, elegant and with that marine vibe that's always essential for your summer outfits.

The blue is a classic but for those of you who prefer something else, they're also available in white and red.

Object | Stephan Schneider - 'Ellips' Rain Jacket

The Royal Academy of Antwerp has brought out some great designers like Dries Van Noten, Kris Van Assche and Martin Margiela. One designer who might not have made just a big a name for himself as these yet is Stephan Schneider.

Stephan Schneider has since graduating from the academy and starting his eponymous label in 1994 become famous for creating classic clothes with a simple yet cool silhouette and, like Margiela, the true craftmanship can often be found in the details. All his creations start by creating custom made fabrics and everything is manufactured in a special dedicated factory in Belgium.

This rain jacket called "Ellips" is a typical example of this attention to details with the diagonal cut, the funnel neck and the exquisite button detailing. It also has a detachable hood to protect you from the rain. The light sky blue color is a welcome alternative to the usual colors for outerwear (black, navy etc.) while still keeping the piece versatile. This is, without a doubt, one of the most clean and well-designed rain jackets out there. Perfection.

Classic | Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

Though some people might view it as something only old people who are out golfing wear, nothing signals summer to me quite like a polo shirt. The timeless classic is perfected by Ralph Lauren who carries several different models, available in a wide range of colors, everything from deep lilac to a pristine white which means everybody can find their own favorite no matter if you want to keep it subtle or seek something more attention-grabbing.

For chillier days, you can try the double polo-look. Admittedly it takes a bit of confidence to pull off, but done right it can look great. And when the sun is burning, remember to fold up the collar to protect your neck. However you choose to wear it, this is a summer essential.

Object | Ralph Lauren - Vintage Varsity Shorts

While we're on the subject of great basics, few people does them as good as Ralph Lauren. These vintage varsity shorts are in a classic shape that will never get old or out-of-style and the quality is reliable as always when it comes to Ralph Lauren. The fit is pretty loose and comfortable which is perfect for shorts and the external branding is kept minimal with just the classic polo player embroidered on one of the legs.

Oi Polloi's stock of these is low at the moment, with only the XL available but they will get a re-stock on the 20th, including the khaki version. Consider this a friendly heads-up.

Object | Freeman's Sporting Club - Blue Cardigan

Summer can be tricky. Even though the sun is shining, there can be a lot of wind that keeps chilly and the difference is often big between being in the sun and in the shade. Still it's too hot to wear a heavy sweater over your shirt or tee, or whatever you prefer to wear in the summer. The solution? A cardigan.

Often deemed something that only librarians and old college professor wears, the cardigan has gained a rightful upswing in popularity in recent years and nowadays there are a number of alternatives out there that looks nothing like the ill-fitting stereotypes your used too.

One of them is this blue cardigan from Freeman's Sporting Club, made from baby Alpaca. The colour is great and so is probably the feel of the fabric. This is a piece that would give any outfit a welcome color injection. Perfect for layering or just to carry with you in case of that sudden drop in temperature. Not much else too say, except that this is a great versatile basic, that you will get a lot of wear out of and would easily be an essential part of anyones wardrobe.

Inspiration | Garden Party Rebels

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Object | Our Legacy - Summer Check Flannel Shirt

I lost one of my favorite shirts recently and it felt like I'd lost a part of my body or something. It was a special kind of shirt, you know the one that you can wear just as easily on a night out as on the day after. The one that you'll love and wear until it's nothing but threads left. So. I need a new one and I need it now.

When I visited Stockholm a while back I went to Our Legacy's first, and so far only, flagship store. Needless to say, it was practically heaven for somebody like me. Among the numerous things I found there was this checked flannel shirt. It was perfect; the soft feel of the fabric, the slim yet generous fit and the buttondown collar. For some reason I didn't pull the trigger back then, and I've regretted it ever since. Fortunately the swedish store Fever's got it, on sale (in addition to the VAT-tax deduction for non-europeans). Trust me, this time I certainly won't sleep on it.

The Style Is Right | Pitbull Mansion

As good as something looks on it's own, you never know it's full potential until you see it in a context. That's why the lookbook is so important to me. It really gives you the opportunity to both gain some insight into the designer's vision for the collection but also the collection's possibilities for combining, mixing and matching.

Something I find strange is the absence of lookbook's from stores. I mean, they've got all these amazing pieces from great designer's but choose to show them spread out by themselves or, in best (or maybe worst) case, combined insanely on a lifeless mannequin doll. Don't get me wrong, getting to see the the garment on it's own, in detail, is very important but you also need to see how it works with other pieces, right?

Fortunately some out there have gotten the point. We showcased Studio Homme's masterpiece a while back. Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean posted the spring 2009 lookbook from japanese store Isetan back in may. It featured some truly great looks (if you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you check it out) which really made me want to buy the clothes which, I might add, should be the whole point of stores styling efforts.

More recently, The Fashionisto brought us some pictures from the lookbook that australian retailer Pitbull Mansion had compiled (the picture above is one of the photos from it). I must admit I never heard of most of the brand, but the lookbook sparked my interest and thanks to their effort I will definitely check them out. Another clear case of styling done right.

Object | Surface To Air - Classic Trench Coat

Today has been a windy day with some irregular showers. In other words, a perfect day for a trenchcoat. Created by Burberry in the first half of the 20th century, the trenchcoat became widespread when the military started using them (hence the name). Nowadays there are many versions out there and they're just as suitable for the modern urban lifestyle as they were for the World Wars.

I found a great one at End Clothing, a perfect double-breasted version from french label Surface To Air, in the most classic trenchcoat-color of them all, beige. It's made in a waxed cotton fabric which will get you some protection against the rain and also age beautifully and the buttons are made of horn. The pockets are great, the buttoned single vent in the back is great, and as always I really like the belt which gives you the possibility to adjust the fit a bit, to get it just perfect. Long story short, this is a great trench and if you're in the market for one, pull the trigger.

Object | Paraboot - Barth Boat Shoe

The boat shoe is without a doubt one of the most popular style for the summer. To realize that you just need to look at the fact that every brand possible seems to have their own version nowadays. But in my book there's a reason that a classic style is classic and therefore I like to stick with a version that stays more or less true to the original.

When it comes to boat shoes my money has long been on Quoddy, but these ones from french brand Paraboot has got my loyalty faltering. There's no denying that these look great, the brown leather is spot on and contrasts nicely with the white anti-slip boat sole. According to Oi Polloi these are made in Spain, but I believe that Paraboot manufactures all their shoes in France. Either way they're handmade, resulting in a beautiful quality shoe.

Just In | The Man With The Suitcase

The Man With The Suitcase by Max Vadukul
Coming Soon AW09 (via Selectism)

Object | United Bamboo - Seersucker Blazer

I spent most of my weekend at various garden parties and though the weather was unreliable I had a great time. I had a though time deciding what to wear, trying to combine a proper amount of formality and comfortableness (which is very dependent on the time of the day and the weather, of course). Fortunately these were later and as I mentioned the weather wasn't that great so I went for a grey blazer but I realized that I should get one that I can wear in the summer without risking suffering an immediate heat-stroke.

So today I browsed all kinds of shops, collections and lookbooks online, searching for good alternatives. The best looking one I found was by far this one from United Bamboo. Similar to last week's one from Dsquared this is also a true stand-out piece although maybe a bit more on the classic side while still maintaining it interesting with navy blue piping. Though I'm kind of skeptical to what looks like a cut that seems to be a bit on the short side, I really like the flap pockets. And since it's made of seersucker this is definitely summer-approved.

Inspiration | The Incomparable Mr. Irons

Object | Steven Alan - Rain Slicker

There are a lot of good options out there when it comes to jackets this season. Parkas, bomberjackets, baseballjackets, the list of the different styles this season is endless. There's one for every occasion and it helps you when trying to pull of different styles. But sometimes you just don't feel like making the effort. You just want a simple and clean jacket that you can throw on when it's rainy and windy and you're heading out to do an errand or something. You want something that says: "This is not a fashion statement. This is just me. I just need something to protect me from the weather."

I got just that kind of jacket ages ago from my grandfather, who is one of the most sensible men I know. Anyway, the jacket is a beautiful blue anorak jacket from the seventies or something. It's sleek, minimalistic and with strategic hidden interior pockets. It's one of my all-time favorite pieces. I usually keep it at our cabin and bust it out on rainy summer days.

If you're looking for a jacket just like that, perfect for walks in the countryside or promenades on rainy pavements Steven Alan has a really great offering, the rain slicker. I really like the slant pockets and the air vents, snap closure and detachable hoodie all adds to the functionality of it. Available in black and a light blue. Either one is a great option, though I prefer the light blue. Whichever you go for it will age beautifully, only becoming better with each wear. I promise. It's on sale at the moment so now's the time to get it.

Object | Filmelange - Conan Cardigan

One of the most underappreciated pieces is definitely the cardigan. It's perfect for layering with, or as something to throw on if it gets chilly and can lift any outfit one step further. I always carry my grey one with me in my bag when I'm not wearing it, just in case. But it has been with me for a couple of years, seen a lot of action and it's getting pretty worn out. As much as I hate parting with my beloved cardigan, I'm realizing it's about time I replaced it.

Luckily, I stumbled over this one over at Opening Ceremony. Made by the japanese Filmelange (a brand I must admit I don't know much about) in a 50/50 cashmere/linen-blend, I imagine it probably feels really soft and nice. The linen makes it pretty apropriate for the summer (especially the white version) which is always a good thing, even though most people usually think about cardigans as more of fall/winter-wear. It's also a bit longer, which is something I appreciate.

The more I look at it the more I'm getting obsessed with it. It looks like pure heaven. Unfortunately it's got a price tag to match it. Well, one can always dream... or wait for the sales to come.

Behind The Label | Richard Chai

It's always interesting to know a bit of the story behind the brand you're buying. It adds that special something to a piece and can help explain why it looks the way it does, the thoughts and visions behind it. Usually when I see something I like but can't really decide on, all it takes is that someone explains a bit about the piece and the brand behind it (just a tip for the salespeople out there). With our series Behind The Label we're gonna do the same for you, except we're not selling anything. We just want to keep you up to speed on some of the great brands out there.



For the inauguration we decided to feature somebody who not everyone might be familiar with, someone who hasn't catch the attention he deserves yet. And since we featured a cardigan from Richard Chai in one of our first posts ever, it seemed natural to begin with that one.

Richard Chai (yes, he is the brother of Eddy Chai of Odin) has a solid background in the fashion world. At age 13 he started taking night classes in graphic design at Parsons. By a lucky coincidence the young Richard got into fashion model drawing instead an from that moment he was on his way to become a designer.

At 18 he got an internship under Alber Elbaz at Geoffrey Beene and from there it continued. Since then he has moved on to working at Lanvin, Donna Karan, TSE and Marc Jacobs where he helped launching Marc by Marc Jacobs until he finally started his own label in 2004. Self-funded at first, he soon gained the attention of the fashion world with his highly tailored and in 2008 he launched his menswear line.

Although he seems too be a bit over-looked by the great masses he has had a lot of success; he won the Ecco Domani Award and has been one of the finalists for both the Rising Star Award and the CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Richard has also done collaborations with Target, Barney's and most recently, Topman.

The Spring/Summer 09-collection "good boy goes bad" (pictured above with Richard himself in the middle)melds punk with preppy and is only his second one doing menswear. It's one of this seasons best however, without a doubt. With great pieces like the trenchcoat, the long cardigan mentioned above and a few others, Richard Chai has pretty much nailed it and I would have no problem wearing outfits made up entirely with pieces from the collection.

For the upcoming fall collection (AW09) Richard Chai has been getting his inspiration from the photos of german photographer August Sander, which has resulted in what he himself describes as "cosy uniform". We think it just looks plain great, which is just what we expect from him. Check out a preview below.

Richard Chai AW 09

Richard Chai's website
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