Bonobos: My Favorite Knits Sweaters

   The forecast on Groundhog day was six more weeks of winter. That can be either good or bad news for people. As we head into the coldest month in New York City February. I'm eyeing two sweater options from Bonobos that will keep me warm. Green sweaters are a weakness of mines. The Alpaca Blend Fisherman Crewneck is on sale for $108. The sweater is made from Tonal marled yarn in a fisherman rib stitch,high crew neck raglan sleeve. Offered in marled grey,burgundy and forest green. Turtlenecks are always kept in rotation in my wardrobe. The Donegal Cable Turtleneck is another winner. Very beautiful sweater with Donegal flecks and cable knitting, that will definitely get you compliments.Potentially someone might want to take your photo. A very thick and toasty sweater that is 80% Wool/ 20% Nylon available in navy blue and grey. The sweater is on sale as well for $118.00. Stay crispy and cozy with these awesome sweater options.

Donegal Cable Turtleneck

 Alpaca Blend Fisherman Crew

Alpaca Blend Fisherman Crew

Layering with L.L. Bean Norwegian Sweater Crewneck Lattice

My Barbour coat has a beautiful patina!

    Anyone that is a true L.L Bean fan have certain staples, which are usually a L.L. Norwegian sweater and a pair of L.L.Bean boots. It's usually the same story every time either they purchased the items five years ago or it was inherited from someone. All true L.L Bean fans own the same stuff. Reason why because these items have stood the test of time.

Southern Proper Gentleman's Jacket Green Tweed

   For this fall, Southern Proper has you covered with spectacular blazers option. One blazer I have been wearing frequently is the Southern Proper Gentleman's Jacket  in Green Herringbone colorway.

Freeman x Crescent Down Works Italian Vest

$260.00

       Another collaboration between Freeman and Crescent Down Works. I will keep it short because in the previous Crescent Down Works posts I have mentioned how awesome is the brand. Crescent Down Works has been in the outerwear industry for over 40 years. This collaboration features the Italian vest. The exterior shell is 60/40 cotton-nylon blend shell, which makes it water resistant and does pretty well against the wind. It's filled with 5.5 oz. of premium 700-fill European goose down that definitely will keep you warm.

Gucci Canvas Web Belt Bee Buckle

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

        Aside from Burberry I don't put a lot designer brands on the blog but I have a weakness for belts especially leather belts with equestrian hardware. I tend to keep leather belts on rotation and my canvas belts in the recent years have been getting less wear time. Lately I keep seeing on magazine advertisements Gucci Canvas Web Belt with the Bee Buckle. This belt is a perfect combination of the uniqueness of the leather equestrian belts that I usually wear with the comfort of a canvas web belt. Signature Web canvas belt with a unfinished faded leather trim and our plaque buckle with embossed bee detail.Green/red/green cotton canvas Web with brown faded leather detail. The belt is made in Italy.The belt looks great when worn with solid colors in my opinion.The belt retails for $395.

Crescent Down Works x Freeman Seattle: Italian Vest

    One of my favorite outerwear brands made in USA Crescent Down Works earlier did a collaboration with Freeman Seattle.Crescent Down Works I have huge admiration and respect for. They make their down jacket the highest quality possible. The good news that I have is that the down vest are on sale only thing you have to hope that you can fit a extra small or small. Freeman Seattle  used the classic The Italian Vest from Crescent Down Works.

LL Bean Fall Catalog 1941

In the L.L.Bean Catalog since 1925

 
    Looking at an old L.L. Bean Catalog before going to sleep. I came across to what's left of LL Bean 1941 Fall Catalog. The highlight has to be the Hudson's Bay Blankets. The Hudson Bay Point Blanket has been in the L.L. Bean catalog since 1925. This heritage striped wool blanket is practically windproof and water-repellent to keep you warm and dry. It will last a lifetime, according to Leon Leonwood Bean himself, who always kept one on hand (even in his car). Back in 1941 we were in the middle of a war, L.L. Bean was aware of a shortage since the wool came from England. L.L. Bean was carrying large quantities to protect its customers.

WOOLRICH X Topo Designs Duffle Bag Made In USA

What happens when Woolrich and Topo Designs get together?Total Awesomeness! The Made in USA Wool Duffle is perfect when you need to carry more. Simple on the outside, beautifully lined with coated nylon pack cloth on the inside. Comes with a detachable shoulder strap, inside zipped pockets and a natural leather handle. Made in Colorado. Available in the Original Buffalo Check plaid, created by Woolrich in 1850. The classic Buffalo red check pattern was inspired by blankets provided by Woolrich to soldiers during the Civil War. The duffle bag goes for $198.00

Duluthpack 2 Original Duluth Pack - Canoe Pack

   Why not start the year right with durable, quality canvas canoe pack from Duluth? Duluth is a familiar name at the wonderful StayCrispyMyFriends website. The original #2 Original Duluth Pack canoe pack has been the time tested favorite for discerning individuals who demand rugged durability and uncompromising value. Made in Olive Drab or Waxed Canvas. All other colors made to order. Made for the rugged trail, yet elegant enough for a complete different environment. The canoe back makes a great backpack if you work in an office. I really like the design of the canoe back because of its simplicity, it doesn't have all the additional pockets compare to backpacks.

Wey Hill and Wharf: The Preparatory Oxford Shirt

   I'm happy with the resurgence of Made in USA goods in the past years. I also enjoy the neoprep movement as well. My style is best described as preppy.When I think of classic American style preppy is the most appropriate term. Preppy style originates from military, hunting and school influences. Wey Hill and Wharf has a awesome oxford shirt perfect for the all the preppies return back to preparatory schools.The shirts are designed and hand crafted in the USA. Inspired by classic American style and built with the highest quality materials.What makes the this oxford from other shirts is that it's beautifully decorated collar detail that reminds you of a vintage Brooks Brothers or J.Press necktie or bow tie.

L.L Bean Signature Leather Duffle Bag

     I find it pretty ironic that this post relates to my previous throwback Thursday advertisement. One of my favorite accessories in the L. L. Bean Signature catalog is the Signature Leather Duffle. An all-leather version of  the classic 1934 Bean's Zipper Duffle. This luxurious bag is perfect for your Jetset lifestyle. The bag is crafted with the  finest oiled cowhide leather, destined to age beautifully. Single interior zip pocket. Rolled carry handles, removable leather shoulder strap. Fully lined in 16-Oz. Cotton canvas. Top zipper closure.  The bag goes for $279.00, start traveling.

Fully lined in 16-Oz. Cotton canvas.

EFM and Donrad Duncan at C'H'C'M

Founder of Habiterra Kenny Lee, Designer of EFM Donrad Duncan, and Celebrity Stylist and CYC Fitness ambassador Jasmine Caccamo,

    Last week, I attended a cocktail event and model presentation at C'H'C'M' on 2 Bond St hosted by EFM. Designer of EFM Donrad Duncan, Celebrity Stylist and CYC Fitness ambassador Jasmine Caccamo, and Founder of Habiterra Kenny Lee spoke with guests about modern urban living and design while enjoying refreshments courtesy of Heineken and Svedka. Technical outerwear is becoming more involved in our lives, many of us exercises before/after work and want to wear comfortable clothes. Also with the bad weather that New York City has been experiencing in the past years technical jackets have been the choice to protect you from the inclement weather.EFM stands for Engineered For Motion which is perfect if you're an active person. Designer Donrad Duncan gets the advance and technical fabrics from the Trinovation Lab in Hefei, China, which is a global leader in apparel development utilizing advanced technology. Trinovation Lab was founded to create a structured laboratory environment that pushes the boundaries of what luxury sportswear can become. Donald Duncan objective when designing the apparel is comfort, functionality and style. Donal and I were talking about how menswear has evolved, technical outerwear is becoming more apartment on fashion blogs. Gentlemen are layering their down vest with their blazer jackets. Who would of thought that  10 years ago? One my favorite piece of the collection is the trench coat which clearly on the picture I'm drooling while checking it out! The trench coat is made from cotton that is lightweight and waterproof. This jacket includes mesh vent inserts at the front and back flange to ensure breathability. The Spring Pea Coat provides versatility with its removable hood and adjustable waist. The trench coat demonstrates a great mix of military outerwear with 21st century modernization. Make sure you check out the rest of the collection!

Love the trenchcoat!

L.L. Bean Signature Cotton/Linen Sportcoat

$159.00

    If you're searching for a great fitting blazer for the warmer weather then, I'll suggest checking LL Bean Signature. LL Bean Signature linen sport coat is perfect for staying stylish and cool since it's made from cotton and linen. Being since, its unstructured earns this blazer bonus points because no one wants to be feeling all the unnecessary stuff like shoulder pads and linings in warmer weather. This is even twice as annoying if you're wearing a structured blazer with a short sleeve shirt. The lining will definitely get on your nerves. The blazer is fitted closer to the body and slim through the sleeves for a modern streamlined fit. It's two-button style with notched lapel. Three patch pockets with tonal pick-stitch detailing along edges, two inside welt pockets. Corozo nut buttons. The blazer should be must buy on your list when upgrading or updating your warm weather wardrobe. Looks great worn with chinos, penny loafers, boat shoes or canvas sneakers, preppy style at its finest! The blazer is available now

Johnston and Murphy Callihan Wingtip Oxford

     Sorry for the delayed my beloved viewers. I have been pretty busy with learning the real estate industry. By the way, if you need help finding an apartment in NYC feel free to contact me, click the link and check out my listings. In the past weeks I have been becoming more and more interested in wearing oxfords. If you follow me on instagram or know me personally you know that I'm not an Oxford kind of guy. I'm usually wearing penny loafers or horse bits. After a night of having a couple of drinks, I decided I need to get my act together and write a post. Before, that I was keeping up with my social media platforms instagram and twitter. Curiosity struck me and now I'm on the pursuit for the ideal Oxford for moi. First, is Johnston and Murphy. One of the Oxfords that caught my attention was the Callihan Wingtip Oxford. An archive design built using softer leather for a more casual, updated attitude. Hand burnishing gives each pair depth of color and individual character. For a decent quality oxford wingtip that should be able to last you a couple of seasons it's reasonably priced. It has a genuine Goodyear welted construction which can be refurbished and if taken good care would a long lasting shoe. The Oxford meets most of the requirements that I'm looking for in an Oxford from a being reasonably priced, Goodyear welted construction and a leather heel. I absolutely wouldn't wear a rubber sole Oxford.The wingtips are available in a Mahogany Calfskin and  go for $195.00.What do my menswear enthusiasts think?

Lavenham Jackets Mens Autumn/Winter 2015

My Favorite from the Collection!

   What I like about Lavenham is that they maintained the authenticity of brand alive, which is the equestrian lifestyle. The equestrian lifestyle is a year around sport in which you need be prepared to battle the inclement weather ahead. Sometimes the nylon quilted jacket isn't enough, or maybe that Harris Tweed blazer needs additional layering. No need to look for another brand offering a warmer alternative equestrian outerwear because Lavenham has you covered. Everything is made in the U.K, compare to the declining quality of Barbour in recent years. Some of the jackets are being outsourced fyi read the label before you buy a waxed canvas jacket. Anyhow, getting back to the main idea.

Lavenham Cockfield Waistcoat

   While a tweed or herringbone sports-jacket is pretty warm, sometimes a wool blazer need additional reinforcements. I think I came across to the perfect solution. I totally need this waist coat to accompany my Harris Tweed Blazers. Lavenham usually gets covered on my blog because I usually love their quilted jackets. However, if you're looking for stylish waistcoats please check them as well. Lavenham has this gorgeous quilted waistcoat called the Cockfield. The Cockfield is a classic 2" diamond quilted waistcoat made up in a patchwork of wools and British wool, simple collarless style and leather button fastening. This quilted jacket is a wonderful layering piece with a patterns and texture that will definitely catch the eye.The waistcoat retail for 185 pounds which is equivalent $285.00, get it here

Ohio Knitting Mills History

  

 Ohio Knitting Mills was one of the most technically sophisticated textile design houses in the world. Like the Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club story that I wrote a couple of months ago, this another story everyone should know about. Harry and Walker began their knitwear careers working for Rich-Sampliner Knitting Mill; which was one of the largest factories in the world only devoted to knitwear in the middle west. Walker was the production manager, and Harry was in the field as one of the salesmen. Rich-Sampliner Knitting Mills was forward moving and made plenty of contributions to knitwear. This explains why Ohio Knitting Mills was so sophisticated since its owners/management came from the school of Rich Sampliner. Ohio Knitting Mills was established in Cleveland, Ohio in the year 1927 by Harry Stone and his business partner, Walker R. Woodworth. It's astonishing that Ohio Knitting Mills factory manufactured garments for brands like Pendleton, Jatzen, Sears and Roebuck & Co.

When It Comes to Knitwear Rich Sampliner was a leader knitwear patents

  The knit trade was a booming business in which I will not fully discuss in this blog post, stay tuned. The need for labor was high or at its highest point. The amount labor matched the availability of material, which is a problem that we currently face in the 21st century. Many of the other mills face problems that they were behind in deliveries. Rich-Sampliner Mill was lucky and didn't fall victim. In fact, the brand launch a bathing suit line in which proves the success they were having. However, this statement became reversed as more companies were falling into the hands of backorders and supply problems many targeted bathing suits or accessories. Many of the knitwear brands that survived this depression secret was expanding to other accessories. Sportswear were the biggest consumers of the knitted sweaters, especially of cardigans and big V-neck sweaters. If you don't believe me then think about the super old baseball cards or football yearbooks of the 1920-30s, those athletes were crispy they had big wool shawl collars cardigans and real big capital V neck sweaters.

Expanding to accessories

 The two fellow workers started Ohio Knitting mills around 1926 because Rich Co fell on hard times. This happen to other knitwear brands in the area many of them close their doors. True risk takers, their only resources were Harry's automobile and Walker's $500 which they used to set up a knitting mill called Stone Knitting Mill. Even during the Great Depression, the Mill was employing close to 1,000 workers.

   Researching Ohio Knitting Mills was such a delight because it help me untapped a lost chapter in fashion history. I am blown away to discover how immense the knitting industry was in Ohio. This brief article honestly doesn't do justice. Ohio really needs to get back in the mix and reclaim its position in the heritage market. The city was once home to over 25 knitting mills, like H.Friedman & Company, Keetch Knitting Mills, Central Knitting Mills, and obviously Sampliner Knitting Mills. Ohio Knitting Mills would be the right foot start support and shop!

 

Ohio Knitting Mills Shetland Wool Crewneck Pullover

   Ohio Knitting Mills is one of the brands that I'm glad that came back from the past. The iconic knitwear brand makes some of the finest quality knitwear here in the United States that sweater aficionados can get. The Shetland crew-neck is a preppy classic, long worn by the Ivy Leaguers as the piece of knitwear keeping you warm and stylish. The denim blue is an excellent shade of blue that works well with neutrals. This sweater will last forever, buy it now for $198.00 and your grandchildren will thank you!

The Brothers Crisp Holiday Chukka Get Your Stomp On!

$398.00

    I have been following The Brother Crisp for while on social media like I said the last time when I covered them on the blog. Each month the brand releases a limited collection of footwear, which means each month you see this brand the blog, yet I haven't been disappointed with any of the boots releases from the brand. In my opinion, they're the best kept secret. While I was watching one of my favorite New York City real estate show "The Stoler Report" I decided in between commercials to check out the website. I fell in love with the rugged appeal of the "Holiday Chukka"The holiday chukka is another solid boot by the brand. It has all the goodies that make the menswear enthusiasts dream of like, vegetable tanned, 7 oz.Horween leather in a nut brown derby and lined with honey selling that will keep your feet cozy. They are finished off with a 10 iron Italian leather midsole and a black Vibram Christy sole perfect for stomping on the concrete streets. The boot retails for $398 and is limited in sizes. The Connecticut is on a roll with these monthly limited edition styles. If you want to break necks when you walk, then click here

Visiting the New York Transit Museum in Preppy Style

   

These rocks are lightwork

 There's plenty of tourist attractions outside New York City. I highly recommend visiting the New York City Transit Museum. The museum is located in downtown Brooklyn to be exact court street. The museum displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, bridge and tunnel systems under the administration of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). What makes the museum  interesting besides the historical artifacts is the museum was an actual subway station, it used to be the Court Street station and it didn't have a long run in service as a station only ten years April 1936-June 1946. The Court Street station was built along nearby station Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts by the Independent subway system built by the Board of Transportation.

City Hall Station is a New York City Hidden Jewel

Tools!

Interesting facts!