Watchbands from O'Connell's Clothing

O'Connell's Clothing is an institution. They're one of the very last true suppliers of trad and preppy garbs in the US. Which is probably why I sometime find myself spending hours upon hours browsing their huge assortment. You'll find everything there from good "shaggy" shetland sweaters to Harris Tweed blazers, and thank God they're based in the US and not some place closer to me, as I would be spending more money, that I don't have.

These watchbands are both fun, wearable, not-Nato and affordable. Oh, and they're made in the US.

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Ideas for Styling - Workers

Workers out of Japan is such a cool company. I'm addicted to their monthly news mails. One thing I particularly enjoy is their way of styling the models. So simple, so easy, so Japanese, so masculine and just inspiring.

Take this example from this month

* The moccasins are almost certainly made by Russell Moccasin.

Here are some older ones, that I were storing in a folder on my computer.

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Something About Sunglasses and Wes Anderson

I've got one pair of sunglasses, that I wear all the time during the summer, however they are a deadstock model from Anglo American Optical, which means if I loose them, then I'll probably never see another pair like them. Quite a scary thought. Therefore I'm always keeping a lookout for other alternatives. Of course there are plenty of good classics, that would make do, but I'd really like to find something really special in case I'd have to be without my beloved shades.

Some days ago I came across these Shuron sunglasses on Oi Polloi and I'm pretty sure, that they'd make a great substitute. They are a bit harder to pull off, than the typical "Wayfarer"-varieties, that you see all over the place and from the looks of it, It'll be another masterpiece.

Shuron makes great glasses and great sunglasses and they've been doing so since 1865. They've made them for the common man (their Ronsir model was a huge favourite during the 50s and 60s) and for the American army, so you know, you're getting a quality product. Furthermore production is still based in the US and the price is great. What more can you ask for?

What makes me want them is also the fact, that they remind me of the sunglasses worn by the character Richie Tenenbaum (played by Luke Wilson) in one of my favourite movies, "The Royal Tenenbaums" by Wes Anderson. Wes Anderson is probably my favourite living film director and if you haven't seen his films, then I suggest you do so straight away. His latest movie "Moonrise Kingdom" is out in theatres now or will be soon.

The sunglasses worn by Richie Tenenbaum however were made by the French company Vuarnet, which was a preppy favourite back in the 80's. As far as I know, the model is a deadstock model and I haven't been able to find them in retail, but they do pop up on eBay sometimes.

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A New Friend - Sergei Sviatchenko

Today I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a man, who I have admired tremendously through the project Close Up and Private. I've mentioned it before and I've even made a post with some pictures, that he took just for this humble blog - you can see them here. Today however we let the Internet be Internet and we met in Person in my backyard to discuss an impending project, and just to have a talk and a cup of coffee.

I was a bit nervous or rather excited about meeting this man, whom I had idolized for his impeccable taste, style and general view on fashion. Here he was in my backyard because he wanted to meet me and talk about, what I do. So I gave him a tour of my small workshop and tried to introduce him to, where I want things to go with After the Denim and my crafts. We also spent some hours talking about other - future - projects, The Doors and ties.

After the initial greetings and small talk Sergei cleared his throat and told me about an Ukrainian custom of thanking someone for being an inspiration or for doing something good and shortly hereafter he handed me a small, rectangular, white box with the words "Close Up and Private - Look" engraved on it. I opened the box and discovered the most beautiful tie wrapped in white silk paper.

This tie was commissioned by Sergei himself and cut and sewn here in Denmark. It's constructed of a very nice silk twill, it's backed with some very nice grosgrain (which my poor pictures don't show) and most importantly the width is just perfect - especially for a four in hand knot.

This amazing present came out of the blue and of course I wasn't prepared at all. Had I known about this, I would have made something out of leather for him, but instead I tried to return the favour by letting Sergei pick from my many vintage ties, which hardly came close to this tie. However I'll come prepared for our next meeting.

So Sergei, thank you very much. The tie is perfect.

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Want - Crockett & Jones Boston

This spring and summer I want to be wearing loafers, penny loafers to be exact, and I want to be wearing them sockless - or perhaps with white socks. I have been looking for the right pair for a long time. Of course I would prefer some in shell cordovan, but I also want them with a rubber sole because I'm not the biggest fan of leather soles - don't ask me why.

I considered the iconic Alden loafer, but they almost always come with a leather sole. I then thought about the "Howard" model by Cheaney, which I still haven't written off, but I always seem to be ending up where I started, the Boston model by Crockett & Jones. Crockett & Jones makes some of the best footwear in the world and it's a of a consistent high quality. I just wish they would make their Harvard (unlined shell cordovan) with a Dainite sole. They probably would, but then it would be a custom order, which my budget doesn't allow at the moment.

If you don't believe me, then take Heavy Tweed Jacket's word for it.

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Want - Gitman x Opening Ceremony Shirts

I'm hoping for the arrival of spring - and summer. Therefore I feel like getting some more casual shirts, that will go well with shorts and khakis. Recently I also discovered, that Gitman's updated fit is perfect for me, so I'm thinking about replacing the huge amount of Brooks Brothers Black Fleece shirts, that I already have.

Some days ago I came across these shirts, that Gitman produced for Opening Ceremony and I seriously want all three bad. Probably because I have a soft spot for all things maritime.

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