Archive for 2010
As my APC jeans begin to approach the 10 month mark, the need for repair becomes more and more of a reality with each passing week. Luckily I’ve had a couple options on the back burner, and a pair that I’m waiting on Self Edge to get in stock for further investigation. Todd over at UNIONMADE, put me on to a pair of Carhartt Roper Pants, a 14oz selvage denim from Carhartt’s Heritage line. Most are used to the bulkier, slightly lower quality materials of Carhartt’s normal workwear lines, but I can assure you that they sparred no expense with these. Slim fit, cinch-back, leather square label, button fly, the ropers are a pair of denim that would easily stand against the competition in its price range. At this point I’m sure your next question is whats the fit like? Well, I’d is along the lines of a New Standard, but slightly slimmer. Its by no mean skinny, and as far as sizing; if you intend to pummel them before washing, go one size down, otherwise stick with your true size. These, as well as many other pieces from the Carhartt Heritage collection, are still available in limited quantities over at UNIONMADE.
Being the shoe addict tha I am, I try to cover all my bases with purchases throughout the year. Living in San Francisco though, you tend to forget that there are actual seasons. That confusion sometimes means that a category of footwear may manage to be overlooked, in my case it was that of a rugged outdoor/hiking boots. With my yearly return to the east for winter quickly approaching, I quickly turned to my twitter fam for suggestions. While there were a ton of beautiful suggestions, some of which may require a second look when I have a little disposal income, I came across the new Timberland Abington release.
Brown drab brushed suede, GORE-Tex lining, Vibram sole, red laces, forget what others may tell you, these are probably one of the best hiking boots Timberland has released this year. The suede is extremely soft and displayed its water resistance rather well while I was photographing. The GORE-TEX lining combined with the Vibram sole makes the boots feel more like a pair of slippers then something you would seriously hit the trails with. With its 200$ price tag, I’m hard pressed to think of a pair of boots I’d consider over them right now.
If you are interested in picking up a pair, Bows and Arrows in Berkley CA has you covered.
The family-owned Quoddy, has been producing some of the highest quality handmade footwear since 1909. Each pair is made by a single set of skilled hands, with generations worth of knowledge running through their veins. This history of craftsmanship echos with each new piece they put out, showing an extreme attention to detail and selection of some of the finest materials. To prove their confidence in quality, you can get your shoes refurbished by the craftsman that originally put the shoes together. How many companies in the world can actually say they do such a thing? I’m sure you have more fingers then companies you can list.
Leffot recently had a fire sale of sorts to clear some room for their incoming F/W stock and this lovely pair of black Bluchers was something I honestly couldn’t turn a blind eye to. As with most handsewn mocassins, these shoes seem to just wrap themselves around your foot. The outer is crafted beautifully in Horween Chromexcel leather, which with care and aging, will only look and feel better over time. The interior is leather lined, with a footbed padded with memory foam, making these perfect for going commando with your feet. With its white camp sole and contrasting white cross-stitched moccasin toe, these can be worn with just about any outfit year round. If you ever find yourself in a postion to pick up a pair of Quoddys, regardless of the silhouette, its an investment you won’t regret.
