Advent Calendar | #24 Alexis Mabille - Bow Pocket Jacket

First of all, merry Christmas! Secondly, we'll bring you our last calendar object for those last minute present thoughts.

This jacket from Alexis Mabille might look quite ordinary at first glance, just another nice jacket with standard details like flap pockets. But looks can deceive. If you study it closer you'll notice that it's actually more like a dinner jacket with the shiny peak lapels, the single button. And that's not all; if you look real closely you'll also notice that the chest pocket is made to look like Mabille's signature bowtie. That's called attention to details.

In my opinion this would be the ultimate jacket for new year's eve, and if I hadn't gone broke buying Christmas gifts to everyone I would have gifted myself with this beauty. Well, guess I'll have to hope santa really likes me this year.. (Buy)

Advent Calendar | #23 Patrik Ervell - Fair Isle Pullover

As has been well documented by now, this is truly a good season for fair isle. We have already featured a number of items in the famous pattern, but the year isn't over yet so we've still got time for one more. Especially when it's as beautiful as this pullover from our current favorite designer Patrik Ervell. It comes in various colorways including blue, red/pink and this beige one which is our favorite. Have your pick. (Buy)

Advent Calendar | #22 Mr. Hare - "Fitzgerald"

Another label making a reappearance on our Christmas calendar. This time it's the debuting Mr. Hare who, dare we say it, has made the ultimate black tie shoe, "Fitzgerald". 

Apart from the beautiful, perfectly rounded silhouette, what sets this one apart from the rest of the pack is that it's made in three different materials; the toe is shiny patent leather, the middle section of suede, which cleverly helps preventing the creases that usually appears on leather dress shoes over time. Lastly the upper portion is made in of white leather, proving why black and white is the most classic of pairings. If you don't feel like making quite such a large statement (though there's no reason you shouldn't) the Fitzgerald is however also available in a more discrete all-black.  

 

Advent Calendar | #21 Dries Van Noten - "Preston" Wool Pants

The belgian master of tailoring strikes once again. Dries Van Noten brings us these exquisitely tailored wool pants called "Preston" via Scandinavia's finest, Très Bien Shop. The only problem with these beauties is that they're no longer available in my size. Bummer!

Advent Calendar | # 20 Band Of Outsiders - Schoolboy Tweed Blazer

If there's one thing I've always dreamed of having but never actually dared try to pull off, it's the tweed blazer. Seeing as I'm in my early twenties, the risk of looking way too old for my age has always seemed imminent. The fact that most tweed blazers out there actually are made with an older audience in mind, resulting in an uninteresting fit and model, hasn't exactly helped either.

But that might be about to change this season as Band Of Outsiders has decided to take it on. And they've certainly excelled in their attempt at this classic; the details of this blazer is amazing. The buttons, the flap pockets and the collar are all superb. As for fit, Band Of Outsiders are notoriously tricky, but I'll be sure to try it on if/when I get the chance. 

Advent Calendar | # 19 Unis - "Tom" Plaid Shirt

Though the whole americana-aesthetics is becoming a bit tiresome (come on, there's good products made outside of the U.S., and Japan..) there's no denying that a good checked shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. And you don't even need to look like your a lumberjack who's lost. 

My favorite one this season is without a doubt Unis' shirt "Tom".  The grey-white check is genius, the fit is comfortably relaxed and the flap chest-pocket is subtle. In other word's this is the perfect relaxed shirt for days when you wan't to be comfortable without looking schlubby. Need any more convincing? Just look at the picture.

Advent Calendar | # 18 Nigel Cabourn - Sir Edmund Hillary Everest Parka

We've featured a few parkas on here this fall, but when it comes to weather protection and, in my opinion, looks this one takes the number one spot.

Nigel Cabourn is famous for his pieces inspired by old garments and this one is probably the best one yet. Named after sir Edmund Hillary who climbed Mount Everest, this one would certainly protect you quite well against even the most extreme conditions. 

Style-wise it's got no flaws either, from the shearling lined hood to the big flap pockets. As I've said before I'm a huge fan of the drawstring concept on a parka, and this one is a great example of that. Tie the drawstrings as a ribbon and you've already got this one looking gift-wrapped already.

Advent Calendar | # 17 Martin Margiela - Cable Knit Scarf

Second to the coat, the most important piece of the winter for me is the scarf. After all those are the garments people will see the most.

Therefore I'm always on the lookout for a nice scarf. Last year it was a tartan one that mysteriously appeared in my wardrobe and I wore it basically every day. Unfortunately it turned out it belonged to a friend's girlfriend so I had to return and so I'm once again on the hunt for the perfect one.

Martin Margiela has done one that's, if not spot-on perfect, at least pretty close to being just that. Hand-knitted in a cable pattern with long fringes at the ends, this is a true piece of craftmanship. And it would fit great with any jacket or outfit. Apart from the blue one which is my favorite, it's also available in beige.

Advent Calendar | #16 Patrik Ervell - Overcoat

It's very rare that you fall in love with a wool coat. The best ones are usually the dull looking ones, unfortunately, as any experimenting tends to feel very gimmicky. Leave it to one of the most inventive designer's of modern menswear, Patrik Ervell, to make one that is far from gimmicky but still will set you apart from the pack.

Funnily enough, coming from the master of modern, these have the look of something of days of yore. It might be the large pockets or the club collar that might seem better suited on a shirt that does the trick, either way this coat oozes a type of elegance most people, including myself, thought died a long time ago. The buttoning is slightly off-centered, which kind of throws you off at first 'til you get used to it. Though the fit is roomy, it's also, true to Patrik Ervell's aesthetics, perfectly tailored. I prefer the brown version, but it's also available in grey.

Advent Calendar | #15 Opening Ceremony - Quilted Dress Shirt

I've had my eyes on this beauty for quite some time, since it took a while for it to find it's way onto the internet. It first caught my eye when it was featured in Men.Style's "Buyer's Club" guide which is always sure to contain a few gems. And now it's finally available at Opening Ceremony.

Though it's made in the style of a formal dress shirt and listed as such as well, it's more appropriate in a more outdoorsy outfit or as an overshirt, which means that there's no harm in going up a size and make it a bit oversize.

External | Keeping Up With The Jones

GQ interviews Kim Jones, the creative director of Dunhill, who recently was awarded the British Fashion Award for Menswear Designer of the Year for his work renewing the classic label. It was a surprise pairing when the designer mostly known for his streetwear aesthetics took over the helm at a label heavy with tradition, to say the least. Check out the piece to hear his own thoughts on Dunhill and the direction he's taking it in. (GQ)

Advent Calendar | #14 Wings + Horns - Melton Wool Award Jacket

Though the weather is way past varsity jackets by now it's never wrong to plan ahead and think of next fall. And this year's best offering, Wings + Horns' "Award" Jacket, will look just as good next year, trust me.

The design is impeccable, made in a melton wool with leather sleeves and detailing and available in grey/black, black/black and navy/brown.

Even though, or maybe because, it quickly became a hit at various blogs it has been surprisingly difficult to track down, but we found one available at Memes.

 

Bonus: Wings + Horns also did a special limited edition of the jacket together with Cool Cats which is available at Colette.

Advent Calendar | #13 Mr. Hare - 'Thompson' Boot

As I was looking through the site, thinking about what pieces I should feature in this calendar, I realized that we'd missed something. Something very important. Except for a reference to an article on Selectism, we'd completely neglected to mention Mr. Hare, which possibly is our favorite footwear label.  Serious slip-up, so I thought I'd try and repair my misstake.

Featured in the debut collection "Purest Form" are these boots, called "Thompson" after the famous American author. They're button-up, something you usually don't see when it comes to boots. They're made from Italian calf leather on a Blake last and the leather soles are reinforced with nails and rubber insets. As for looks you could try and come up with enough superlatives to describe it but Mr. Hare did a pretty good job summing them up himself: "The Thompson is angular and suave."

P.S.  Be sure to check out the limited grey edition that was only made in 3 pairs. The lucky man of 00o00 managed to get his hands on one of them. Jealous? Just a little. (Here)

Advent Calendar | #12 Tim Hamilton - Lounge Loungjohns

Well, the cold has struck for real now. It actually snowed a little here today. Dare we hope for a white Christmas this year maybe?

Either way, the arrival of the cold means it's time to get serious with the best weapon against it, layering. Usually when talking about shirts, jackets, sweaters etc. They are seriously forgetting that other half of the body. 

Now, some people hate longjohns for reasons I don't really understand. Childhood traumas, perhaps? Whatever it is, they're seriously missing out. They are a great way to keep warm when the quicksilver drops and it doesn't even have to show you're wearing them unless you want to, an idea I've been toying.

I realize most of you reading have run away screaming from the screen by now, with terrifying pictures of runway shows or street style photos featuring meggings burning on your retinas. Be calm. That's not what I'm proposing. In fact, I hate that concept (Which is part of the reason why I changed the producttitle in this post from tights to longjohns. Men doesn't wear tights.). But, as those of you who have skied before might agree with me on, there are few things as good as coming home from a day on the slopes and strip from your outerwear and lounge around in your cabin in longjohns. So maybe as loungewear on lazy stay-at-home sundays.

And now to the actual product. If you're into the whole idea, like me, you realize that those ordinary all-black longjohns in functional materials won't do as loungewear. You need something a bit more aesthetic, like these Tim Hamilton "Lounge longjohns". With contrasting white-detailing, button-front wait and lacing in the back these are definitely a statement piece, and more stylish than those beat-up sweater pants you usually lounge around in. So if you want a bit of that wonderful alpine feeling at home, these are for you. Also available in black.

The Style Is Right | Selectism x Oki-Ni - Style Take-Over

The people over at Selectism recently hi-jacked british store Oki-Ni's style section and put together four outfits from what's in store. I can't say I'm a fan of all their pairings, but this one comes off as pretty on point in my opinion. 

I've always been a sucker for grey wool pants this time of the year and these Jil Sander ones are no exception. The Alexander McQueen boots look pretty magic as well while the black contrast-collared shirt from Lou Dalton adds the spice to this look that pretty much could be my standard uniform at the moment. And, yes, the tie stays.

Advent Calendar | #11 A.P.C. - Padded Down Parka

While we have discussed a lot of jackets and coats for this fall, there is one kind we have failed to mention; the down jacket. So naturally, we give you our favorite option this season when it comes to those. 

This A.P.C. one not only stands out because of the unusual beige color but also because of a few other tasteful details that makes this a stand-out piece, such as the style of the flap-pockets, the leather insets, the funnel neck and the contrasting white buttons.

When it comes to keeping warm, nothing beats a down puffer and with this you don't risk looking like Bibendum.

Advent Calendar | #10 Bleu De Paname - 'Snow' Pullover Ecru

We forgot to mention one type of Christmas pullover when we discussed them the other day. We're talking of course of the "relative sweater". You know which one.

Either you're mother bought you it at that lovely local knitting shop or some well-meaning older relative took the time to knit it herself (It's always a female, men don't do that kind of stuff). And even though it's horrible, to say the least, you don't have the heart to say that to your beloved aunt Edna, so you're stuck wearing it for the durations of the holidays.

Bleu De Paname's "Snow" pullover is kind of like that, only the opposite. The cozy feeling of the knit is there but instead of Christmas motives in the craziest of colorschemes, this has a simple snow-flake pattern across the chest in either ecru/navy or navy/ecru. Eye-catching, yes, but in a much more subtle way. And the fit actually resembles the shape of your body. So as soon as you've left the comfort and company of your family be sure to switch to this one instead. Sorry, aunt Edna.

External | The Documentary And A Dream

Swedish label J. Lindeberg recently released their bi-annual book for autumn/winter 09, titled "The Documentary And A Dream". The large format book displays their influences and thoughts for the seasons through notes, interviews and photographs as well as sketches and lookbooks. The edition is limited to 400 copies but can also be viewed online.

This is a great way to add some value to the meta-product of your brand and connect with your customer, creating a deeper relationship. In these days it's not enough just to make good clothes, you also have to convey the image of your label. This is just one way to do, and a great one at that. More brands should do things like this.

(Check out the book here) 

Advent Calendar | #9 Dries Van Noten - 'Robbins' Wool Coat

As many options as there are out there when it comes to outerwear, if you wan't to look truly sophisticated and grown up,  there's no way around it, there's only one option: the wool coat. The mother of all outerwear. The classic.

And since it's a classic you should try and keep it that way. That means no crazy experimental details and stick to basic colours like dark grey,navy or black. 

My own personal favorite comes from the noted minimalist Dries Van Noten who definitely has got it nailed down. Small notched lapel, single-breasted, three buttoned. Two jetted pockets, one breast pocket and three internal. A slim silhouette and a single vent in the back. That's all it takes to perfect a classic.

Advent Calender | #8 Hope - Black Denim Shirt

I've been obsessing over denim shirts this whole fall, searching for the ultimate one, and it doesn't look like I'm gonna stop anytime soon. My obsession has taken such great proportions it's starting to affect my relationship with my girlfriend, who's kind of fed up with my denim-nerding (is that even a word?). The upside is I've learned a lot about denim and found a number of good offerings out there. Raw denim, faded, acid-washed. You name it.

But I hadn't seen a black one until I laid my eyes on this one from Hope. I dunno why. It looks great, doesn't it? The faded black, almost grey color is great looking with that denim structure and the great-looking chest pocket is spot-on. At the risk of antagonizing my better half, I'm seriously considering adding it to my collection.

Inspiration | Meditation

© Photo by John Rusnak

Advent Calendar | #7 Lanvin - Leather/Wool Ankle Boots

Remember that military look we talked about a couple of days ago? If you want to be real serious about it you have to complete the look with a pair of lace-up boots. No other kind of footwear will do. Fortunately we've got you covered here as well.

Lanvin might be as far from the army as you can get but that doesn't mean they can't make a pair of pretty mean looking boots. Just the right height, these leather boots with wool insets will make you look tougher than Rambo in no time. It's all in the lacing.

Advent Calendar | #6 Arne & Carlos - Christmas Knit Cardigan

As we approach Christmas the inevitable patterned sweater is sure to become a more and more common sight. But don't worry, it doesn't mean it have to be an orgy in Cosby sweaters out there. There are actually a number of tasteful options, as the patterned sweaters have become a must-have in many designer's collections.

One label that not only features it but has built it's entire brand around it is Arne & Carlos, founded by it's namesake  duo consisting of a swede and a norwegian (Everybody knows that the patterned sweater originated from Norway, right?  Which makes this authentic right here.) The duo draws inspiration from their Scandinavian heritage, using century old techniques and have the pieces made by artisans in Peru, much of it hand made.

This cardigan is a nice example of what results from that mix of Scandinavian tradition and design and Peruvian craftmanship. The reindeer pattern gives it a nice holiday feeling and the quality is evident. The only question is Christmas appropriate red or eye-popping blue? 

Advent Calendar | #5 Burberry Prorsum - Fair Isle Snood

Burberry have combined two of the biggest trends this season and the result, I have to say, though simple is pretty darn good: a fair isle snood. I prefered the grey version, but I only seem to be able to find it in blue online. Oh, well. Either way it's still beautiful and it will keep that increasing cold out. Win-win situation.

Video | The Life Aquatic

by Lukas v.Monkiewitsch for Ucon

Advent Calendar | #4 Patrik Ervell - Formal Pants

When it comes to online shopping, pants are tricky. Often they don't have much design-wise that distinguish themselves from another similar pair, so what it all comes down to is fit and the feel of the fabric. Unfortunately, both are hard to say anything about until you are face to face with the product. That's probably why we haven't written very much about pants on here. There just isn't that much to say about a pair of pants.

With that said these ones, from Patrik Ervell, looks perfectly nice to me. The fit is slim without being claustrophobic and knowing Ervell this is definitely a quality product through-and-through. Dark grey pants are always welcome in the winter and the melange effect adds some interesting texture to the garment.

Advent Calendar | #3 April 77 - Def Tank Jacket

As we've mentioned before, the parka has seen an upswing in popularity in the last couple of seasons. But as the weather gets colder, the thin layered parkas, altough windproof, might not always do the trick to keep the cold out. Where should you turn to then? Why, the lined parka of course.

While April 77's "Def Tank Jacket"'s  faux-shearling lined might be limited to the hood it will probably still suffice when it comes to keeping you warm, not to mention good-looking. The streamlined shape, hidden button-closure and olive khaki colour gives you that military air without making you look like G.I. Joe. And it has two front pockets that you can shove your hands into if you've forgotten to bring your gloves.

Advent Calendar | #2 Nigel Cabourn - Everest Knit

Patterned knits have really exploded this season, with fair isle as the poster example. But there's also a number of really nice knits that aren't in fair isle, like this one from Nigel Cabourn done in an 'Everest' pattern with a red accent.

 Done in alpaca wool with a shawl collar and Corozo buttons, this could very well become your go-to winter knit. 

Also available in blue. 

Advent Calendar | #1 A.P.C. - Jodphurs

First out of our goodie-bag with things that should go straight to your wishlist are these jodphurs from one of our favorite labels; A.P.C.

I did a lot of searching this season after the perfect pair of winter boots. I looked everywhere. Until I found these. Then there was no need to search any further. I can honestly say that these are my perfect day-to-day winter boots. Unless you spend your time with snow up to your chest; in that case you should probably go with something else. But if you're not, then there's no excuses.

I've always been fond of the jodphur-style of boots. Something about the buckles and the wrap around straps makes it look so much more refined than an ordinary boot. And these in black leather with a rubber crepe sole is as good as it gets. They're also available in chestnut brown but I prefer the black version. 

Editor's Note | Advent Calendar

Christmas is closing in, so in an effort to improve our post rate we figured we'd do something everybody else is doing too these days; a christmas countdown. Every day, from now until Christmas Eve, we will feature an object that is on our respective wishlists. Of course we will keep up our regular posts; this is just a little holiday bonus from us to you. Enjoy!