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 | #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.

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.

Style | Blue/White Plaid Shirt

This is one of my absolute must-haves for this fall/winter season. The blue and white plaid shirt. Not that it's strictly a winter piece, it works just as well in the summer but because, well, it's about time.

I was looking at some options this summer but as always didn't really realize I wanted/needed one until it was too late. And then it dropped into the back of my head for a while until I saw this picture from Peak Performance's upcoming premium collection Black Casual which launches in January. Unlikely source I know, but whatever.

Ever since then I've been looking for something similar. And while there seems to be no shortage of blue and white plaid shirts no one seems to be on pair with this one except perhaps the Lanvin one, which is kind of pricey. Maybe I'll just have to wait until January but until then the hunt continues. Below are some examples of what available, if anyone happens to know any more options hit me up.

Gitman Bros

Margaret howell

APC

Our Legacy

Lanvin

Object | Junya Watanabe - Quilted Nylon Jackets

Among all the trends, I predict that the "quilted shirts that also functions as outerwear"-one will become the really big one. At least it's my favorite one. We featured a plaid one by Band Of Outsiders earlier on and Opening Ceremony did a really nice one in grey.

But the absolute example of this trend however, must be this one from Junya Watanabe, available at Browns. Made in a shiny black nylon it has all the quirky trademarks of a piece from the japanese designer, yet it's still a very wearable garment that would probably fit right in in most wardrobes. It has two breast pockets, and nice touches like the corduroy collar and the tartan detailing at the sleeves and shoulders. It isn't exactly cheap, but then again who said it would be.

Object | Band of Outsiders - Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket

Well, it seems like summer is already over. Had a discussion about that with a friend recently; it's all gone so fast. The sun might be shining outside at the moment, but there's no use in denying that fall is approaching. Might as well embrace it, make the best out of it and start searching for some decent fall outerwear. South Willard is already one step ahead of you on that one though as they've picked up what might be one of the most essential pieces of the upcoming season; this plaid Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket from Band of Outsiders.

This might very well be the ultimate transitional piece: You can wear it righ now on chilly evenings, come fall you can use it as a jacket and later on it might be worn as a layer under a winter jacket. The outer is 100% flannel in a buffalo-esque red/navy check, with a quilted inner lining. Slim, darted fit typical for Band of Outsiders, two chest pockets plus two diagonal ones.

The only problem with this piece is that I'm not a huge fan of the Band of Outsiders-fit. For me the fit is too boxy, something that isn't exactly improved by the relatively high gussets. Am I insane for considering this one, even though I know I'll hate the fit? Still, if you don't have the kind of body-issues I have, then this shold definitely be on your list.

Object | A.P.C. - Western Shirt

I know Eric featured this denim western shirt from A.P.C. back when he wrote a post on western shirts but I rediscovered it the other day. And, it's on sale these days so I think that a repost is justified.

As a stand-alone shirt, this probably isn't the best option out there, and it isn't even on my top three as such. But worn on top of another shirt/t-shirt, as a jacket, the way that A.P.C. styled it on their website, it's unequaled. So if your looking for something casual to throw over any outfit when the evenings get chilly, look no further.

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 | Opening Ceremony - Édifice Striped Linen Shirt

Once again we turn our attention to Opening Ceremony for some great styling. While some might think that the styling there often comes off as too "hipster-ish", I think it gives you a refreshing perspective on pieces and brands that you've grown used too seeing in a special way.

This time it's Édifice who've gotten the special OC-styling treatment with their Striped Linen Cut-Away Shirt. In a blue/white stripe with white contrast-collar and cuffs, this could be just another banker's shirt that you usually need to be Gordon Gekko to rock. But the hat, the necklace and the general devil-may-care attitude of this styling makes the shirt look more relaxed summer at the beach than Wall Street.



PS. Can't figure out if it really is linen. I mean, it looks the part but the description says 100% cotton?