Object | Nigel Cabourn - Mandalay Jacket

I don't know what it is about yellow rain jackets, but they've been on my mind a lot lately. I don't think I would wear bright yellow on any other piece but they seem oddly natural on rain jackets for some reason. Maybe it's Take Ivy that has influenced me, maybe it's just some hidden urge to wear something a bit more attention-grabbing than my usual outerwear.

Whatever it is, I seem to be in luck as there actually is a number of options out there right now. My favorite so far is this one from Nigel Cabourn. Modeled after a vintage jacket from the british army, the jacket is made in a PU coated cotton and silk blend that is lightweight enough to be packed-away. It also features a foldaway hood, drawstrings, two flap wents in the front and a fishtail vent in the back as well as two front flap pockets. Now if only it was available in my size..
(Buy)

External | Why Does This Pair of Pants Cost $550?

Though we've recently experienced one of the biggest recession in a century it's still possible to find pants that cost as much as $550 or even more. New York Times investigates why the pants costs so much. Are the pants worth what the designers charge for them?

In the end they arrive at the maxim of fashion: clothes are worth whatever people are prepared to pay for them.
(Read)

Object | Band Of Outsiders - Cardigan

The time just between spring and summer can be tricky time. Often too warm for a regular jacket but sometimes too chilly to go without anything but a tee or a shirt. That's when a cardigan comes in handy.

This one from Band Of Outsiders comes in a super-soft cotton cotton/cashmere-blend and has some nice pocket detailing. It might not be time to skip the jacket just yet, but it never hurts to plan ahead.
(Buy)

External | "Go To Hell" Pants

Redingote has an article about the "Go To Hell"-pant, the embroidered pants that are a symbol of all things preppy. Maybe the perfect touch to re-new your wardrobe this summer?

And if your french's a bit rusty you don't have to worry. Just click the read more-button and you will find an english translation below. (Read)

It's time we get out of our long torpor. The world continues moving while we're absent. I'm sure you all haven't missed out on the opening of the new Ralph Laurenstore in Paris, an event that has titillated the entire internet-world of fashion for the last two weeks. We don't need to say anything more about that, except to advice you to go and take a look at 173 Boulevard Saint Germain. They've done a really nice job.

The opening also came at the right time, right in the middle of the craze for American clothing, for which Ralph Lauren

It is rather strange that the preppy wave that has been raging in France for quite some time hasn't yet reached into the corners of the upper-class world of clothing overseas. Even if they have paid into the false seersucker, heraldry and the more democratically college lettering, the collections of this movement have remained fairly conservative when it comes to pants. Chinos, denim, some velvet, but anything more daring than that has rarely been seen.

A real effort on the "go to hell" must have seemed a bit risky commercially but it would nevertheless have been a good way for a brand to get noticed, to affirm their understanding of this universe that's primarily composed of codes.

Obviously absent from Take Ivy, the bible of the genre (which will be reissued soon and which is available for pre-ordering), since the collection of pictures therein are from a university setting, therefore there isn't any question of finding one ounce of "go to hell", an attitude that is more country club or golf course, a kind of thumbing one's nose at the formal customs during the weekend.

It seems that opinions differ on it's true definition. Basically garish trousers, or even trousers made assembling various throws, it seems that today the name retains it's true meaning when referring to trousers adorned with small embroidered animals or objects, since the rest has become much more wearable and democratized.

First appearing in the 60's they can also be seen as one of the earliest examples of the humor of young WASPs wanting to mark a slight departure from the wardrobe of their parents.

Named by Tom Wolfe in an article for Esquire in 1976, Lisa Birnbach actually mentions them in "The Preppy Handbook" which she co-wrote. The specialist on the issue, Ivy Style, has an excellent and very exhaustive article on the "GTH"-style which will allow you to delve deeper into the subject.

In any case, it will be an excellent way to really push it to the limit this summer.

Object | Dries Van Noten - Patterned Silk Waistcoat

Remember the "Elegance"-cardigan by Dries Van Noten? This waistcoat has similar belt-detailing as well as a subtle pinstripe pattern in the front and a silk red pattern in the back.

Usually I'm not that keen on wearing waistcoats. In fact, I've never done it except as part of a suit on formal occasions. It's not that I'm opposed to the waiscoat as a stand-alone piece, in fact I find that it can look real sharp when done right. It's just that it never seemed like my stile. But this one's got me thinking that maybe I just hadn't found the right one, although I'd prefer if the front and back were uniform. (Buy)

External | Cinema À La Prada

We recently mentioned the increase of films made by fashion labels as means to promote their brand and collections. The Wall Street Journal has a longer piece on how the internet and digital technology has made films an effective and creative way to reach out to the customers. They also list a number of said films. If you've got some time over they're also definitely worth looking up. (Read)

Inspiration | The Terrace

Object | Umit Benan - Cotton Jacket

We featured this one in beige in our style-post on spring jackets a few days ago, but the blue version is nice enough to earn a post of it's own.

Umit Benan crashed onto the scene last season to much attention and appreciaton. This season his inspiration is Cuba and the resulting pieces are pretty spectacular.

This single-buttoned cotton jacket is one of the many highlights. The nicely done pocket detailing gives the jacket an adventurous feel and for the really adventurous there's even a pair of matching Cuban-style trousers to complete the look. (Buy)

News | The Documentary And A Dream

Once again swedish label J. Lindeberg releases their bi-annual book called "The Documentary And A Dream". Not only does it feature the lookbook for their SS10-collection but also art works, interviews, collages and a selection of other interesting images. 180 pages that are definitely worth flipping through. And if you weren't fortunate enough to get one of the 100 printed hardbacks, you can still check it out online. (Read)

Object | Kitsuné - Chino Pant

Few garments are as classic and versatile in the spring as a pair of khaki pants. It might seem basic, but with a pair of really nice khaki pants, you can combine them with almost anything and build your summer outfits around them.

There are a lot of options out there in a number of styles and price ranges. These ones are from french Kitsuné and are simple and clean in their design, just as they should be. No need to complicate things. (Buy)

Object | Vans - Rata

Lately (or rather since I saw the customized version in Patrik Ervell's SS10 show), I've really been into wallabees. The reason I still haven't pulled the trigger yet? Well for one, I can't decide whether they look good or are ugly. Secondly they're kind of clunky.

Vans might be the solution to my dilemma though, as they've made this wallabee-inspired sneaker called Rata. The same characteristic toe, but a slightly sleeker silhouette. (Buy)

External | The Bane In Vain Is Mainly On The Wane

The always eloquent Glenn O'Brien writes about the increasing vanity of the modern man. He finds it a very good epidemic and welcomes the arrival of the modern dandy. And don't forget to check out the slideshow of some of the finest examples of this new band of dandies. (Read)

News | Future Collectables

Celebrating their 40th anniversary british retailer Browns has collaborated with some of the world's top brands, including Dior, Dries Van Noten and Moncler, to make a collection of limited edition pieces based on the brands' iconic designs, called Future Collectables. If you need some basics, you could definitely do worse. (Check)

Inspiration | Stalker

Photo by Boyd Holbrook

News | Patrik Ervell Online Store

Patrik Ervell has launched an online store, making it easier for us to access one of our favorite brands. Most people is really loving the flash-based thing but personally I'm not crazy about it, though it does make for an entertaining watch as the models tugs and fiddles with the clothes. (Patrik Ervell)

External | Robert Geller x Common Projects AW10 Lookbook

Apparently the collection between Robert Geller and Common Projects wasn't limited to just footwear. The two brands each designed pieces that the other then produced. The full collection is pictured in this lookbook, done in the style of an actual book. It's probably one of the nicest lookbooks I've ever seen, and definitely sets a new standard. Good job.
(Read)

Object | Band Of Outsiders - Sweat Shorts

It's getting warmer by the day and it's time to start thinking about shorts. At least if you're not narrow-minded and refuse to wear shorts no matter what the circumstances are.

Band Of Outsiders have made a pair of sweat shorts this season. Not something you should rock on a daily basis, unless you're a college student on constant spring-break or something but definitely a nice piece to wear around the house, for when you go jogging or when you're fixing up that boat. (Buy)

Style | Sand Spring Blazer

Société Anonyme

It's spring and, as always, I'm on the hunt for the perfect lightweight sport jacket. This year I'm into the beige colorways, and the offerings seems to be plenty. Below are some of the ones that's been on my radar lately.

Maison Martin Margiela

Sabatino

Nigel Cabourn

Umit Benan

Object | Dunhill - Wool Jacket

The one thing you definitely need in spring is a go-to jacket for everyday use. The weather can be unreliable at times, and showers can come quickly and without warning, so you need a hard-wearing jacket that is still lightweight enough for when the sun is out.

Dunhill offers this wool jacket which is beautifully crafted, just the right length and has some nice detailing like the strap in the back. The only drawback is the price, which is kind of steep. (Buy)

External | Top 10 Fashion Films Of The Season

Fashion films have really taken off lately and have become a widespread method for fashion brands to get their image out there. Usually these efforts result in some pretty astounding imagery. For the second time The Business Of Fashion has rounded up their top 10 of the season's offerings. (Read)

Object | Opening Ceremony - Desert Boot

Opening Ceremony's desert boots are a classic fashion staple by now, that comes in slightly different versions each season and most of you are probably familiar with them by now. This season they've updated it with a white rubber sole that contrasts nicely with the suede. (Buy)

Inspiration | The Duke

External | Want Les Essentiels De La Vie: Dexter & Byron Peart

Limited Hype has a piece on Dexter and Byron Peart, the twins behind canadian accessory label WANT Les Essentiels De La Vie. The brothers talk about the brand, their collaborations and their globetrotting aesthetics.
(Read)

Object | Patrik Ervell - Flannel Shirt

Flannel seems like an odd material choice for a summer shirt but for some reasons designes, such as Our Legacy, has been doing flannel shirts in their SS-collections, often with great results.

Patrik Ervell doesn't want to be any less and has done his own version, in his signature club collar style. As so often is the case, the picture really doesn't do it justice. You need to check out the detail picture to get a feel of the sublime checkered pattern and you need to try this on to fully appreciate the super-soft, warming flannel.

This might very well become this summer's favourite shirt. And don't worry, you don't have to wear it when the sun is blazing. Save it for cool evenings and the colder months. (Buy)

Object | Lanvin - Denim Blazer

It's soon time to bust out your denim jacket and get some wear out of it, during that short, tricky period when it isn't really either cold or warm outside, that period called spring. That's when the denim jacket is ideal, but if you don't happen to own one yet or are just tired of having one that looks exactly like every on else's then you should take a look at this blazer one from Lanvin. 

Lanvin have been experimenting with denim for a while now, both on their own and in their collaborative effort with Acne, and have had time perfecting their designs. This blazer is a perfect example of their skills. It's single buttoned with standard slit pockets, though the subtle stitched detailing makes them look as flap pockets giving the blazer the right relaxed look.

I suggest you stay away from the canadian tuxedo-look despite what current trends might say. The denim pops better if you wear it with something a bit more contrasting. But you're free to do as you like, and with this kind of piece you really can't go wrong either way.  (Buy)

External | Retail Check Out: Nitty Gritty, Stockholm

Just days ago, we mentioned that the swedish store Nitty Gritty finally had re-launched their online store. We Are The Market recently caught up with them to see what's new and next. Check it out. (Read)

Object | Dries Van Noten - Elegance Cardigan

I think I've mentioned it before but I've got sort of a thing for purple clothes. Not the bright purple kind, but darker, more full shades of purple. In my opinion it's a really great accent color that compliments a lot of other ones. So, it's pretty much a no-brainer that this cardigan from Dries Van Noten is right up my alley.

It's a thinly knitted cardigan in a soft cotton/alpaca mix. Unlike most cardigans the fit isn't bulky but rather slim and a bit longer which I appreciate. The belt is also a nice detail that gives this piece an extra dose of that elegance the name alludes to.

News | Nitty Gritty Online Store

Stockholm's finest store finally are back with an online presence. Nitty Gritty has opened up their online store once again, after being away a while since their re-organization. The stock is impressive with labels such as Brooks Brothers Black Fleece, Mackintosh, Raf Simons mainline as well as many, many others. First Très Bien Shop and now this, Sweden sure is on top of the retail game at the moment. (Shop)

External | It Seems Like Everything Has Happened But Nothing Really Has..

One of our favorite bloggers, 00o00, who've always managed to keep things interesting and relevant, recently decided to take a hiatus. In this his last post (although scheduled posts are still published) he raises some thought-worthy points about his own motivation, the fashion blogosphere, and the very nature of fashion itself. Although we operate on a much more modest scale, these are exactly the same questions we've been asking ourselves in the past months. Hopefully the hiatus won't be permanent and he'll be back posting eventually. In the meantime, be sure to check out the blog and read some of the old posts. (Read)

Editor's Note | ...And We're Back!

Sorry for the (involuntary) hiatus. Somewhere at the end of December we encountered some computer troubles, resulting in a crashed hard-drive in which we lost a number of posts, pictures and documents, along with a bit of our motivation. The result is that we haven't posted anything since but that's about to change as, after three months of silence, we're finally back and more determined than ever to bring you quality content.

Behind the scenes our work on a project that will take this concept to new heights continues and until it's ready to launch we'll continue posting about our favorite pieces, news and thoughts here. So to those who have been patient with us so far, thank you!