A strong case for chambray

I couldn't resist reposting this right away. Saw this featured on men.style.com. This is the Woolrich Woolen Mills' trail shirt, available on Context Clothing.

Designed by Daiki Suzuki, this chambray shirt just can't have one pocket too many. With detailing, what's ordinary becomes sublime.

Everyone is on the hunt for authentic Americana these days. Woolrich Woolen Mills designer Daiki Suzuki could be credited with starting the fire. Cut and sewn in the USA, Woolrich Woolen Mills rip-stop jackets, chambray shirts, and cotton vests are highlights of this season's collection. These garments are inspired by vintage Field and Stream and are created with the rugged man in mind - wear, wash, and hang them to dry.

Three patterns, three thrifted shirts

What attracted me most to these shirts were the fabrics and patterns, each with its own unique character.




I don't think I've seen houndstooth this creased and crinkled.




I actually just noticed the frayed collar when I got home. Not so bad, I say. Not only is it on-trend, it seems perfectly natural that the fabric would end in loose thread.




Do you see fishes? Slivers of the moon on water? Like the houndstooth shirt above, this has light enough fabric for the hotter summer weather. Both flow and swim with the breeze.




This last one is not that interesting, and a bit structured. Would require a wide tie/tie knot.




But I like the dizzying checkered pattern, and the french cuffs. Though I've yet to find an acceptable pair, ahem.




The three stooges, laid down like True Grit corpses, ready for a long soak.

Thrift shopping Tuesday

It must have been months since I last visited a thrift shop. Almost always, it is the unexpected visits that yield little treasures.




This particular trip has rewarded me with a wonderful range of patterns and fabrics, starting with this faded army green shirt with diamond clusters of little specks. There is still some sheen left to it. I also love the pointy collar.




The second shirt I got comes in a delicate cotton weave.




Reminds me of blankets, and weirdly, tire tracks. Spread collar also works well. The good thing about such loung-ey and flowing fabric on shirts is that you don't have to tuck them in, and they also look well unbuttoned with a tank underneath.




The following two ties were a surprise. Was supposed to have left but suddenly noticed the rack near the shop entrance.




More than the paintbrush pattern, I love the mesh weave.




Up close the second tie looks quite similar.




Except there are polka dots instead of holes, and cool emblems in rows — a wholesome touch to an otherwise uneventful pattern, or even color combination.




These last two items I got since my Bosquejo pouches are running out. Will have these cut up and reworked with string. I know, a pity. This first one is the back portion of an old kimono.




This one is an obi. And I'm one happy bee.

Hectic: Oxford shirt meets cycling jersey

They may look like uniforms at first (they are after all, oxfords), even with these added pocket details, but just imagine the stylistic possibilities with these Hectic Back Pocket Oxford Shirts.

Instead of simply placing your hands at your back, while pacing, you can put them in these pockets and still appear poised while your fingers do the fidgeting.




Like cycling jerseys, there are also pockets on the sides.

I love how the shirts are presented with the sleeves tucked in. Somehow reminds me of nuns.




Great logo. Likewise functional, circa 1950s.




Check out the fine seems.






The side pockets are more pronounced in white.




I find this shade of gray interesting. All the more to be nondescript in.




Gray trousers with this, better in plaid and with a bow tie. Though it would be hard not to be noticed even with your hands in your back pockets.