Ok so let's get this thing going. My area of expertise is that of the function. I love clothing that serves a real world purpose but at the same time is observant of current trends. I think an appropriate place to start is in the area of old clothing companies and why you should patronize them.
Let me start by saying companies that have been in business for more than 50 years have been successful for a reason. They make great quality items that stand the test of time both physically and in the realm of currentness, if you will.
I'm sure Ryan could see this post coming from a mile away but my main focus of interest in today's post is going to be L.L. Bean. What a great example of how a style of clothing can stand the test of time. If you've never had the chance to look at their "Signature" division of clothes I highly recommend it. Sweaters that keep you warm and snap necks when you walk around campus.
So let's build this from the ground up. I'm going to assume, since this is the first post, that your current collection of clothes includes nothing from any brands like this. (L.L Bean, Levis, Carhartt, Red Wing, Filson, Barbour, just to name a few) The best place to start and in my opinion, stay, is with these brand's original items. The items that they built their respected empires on. Great designs like these are timeless and they are and will forever be good looking.
Ok, so I think the next step would be to create a sort of "buyers guide" to these brands. I'll give you a couple of items from each brand and let you explore the rest. This is the best way to build your own mental file on what you like and what looks best.
Let's start with L.L Bean. Leon Leonwood Bean built one of the biggest distributors of outdoor clothing on two items, the Maine Hunting Shoe and his Original Field Coat.
1.) http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/71105?feat=775-GN1&page=12-leather-maine-hunting-shoe&attrValue_0=Brown/Brown&productId=1193039
2.) http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/65099?feat=778-GN1&page=bean-s-1947-field-coat
The next company I want to outline is the ever so familiar Levi's Denim brand. The success of Levi's can be pretty much reduced down to a single pair of pants. The Levi Strauss original 501 selvedge pant. A completely raw, unwashed piece of pure denim that can be left unwashed and will fit accordingly to the customer after a few days worth of wear. Selvedge denim is always a good choice no matter the brand. Although it can get rather pricey, companies like GAP offer a comparable pant for a mere $88.
1.) http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10948887
Next on our list of essentials is Carhartt. Built out of Detroit, a traditionally blue collar city, Carhartt, specifically their WIP line, is a perfect example of the fusion between form and function. (http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3rqidt/)
1.) www.carhartt-wip.com
Third on our list of Form and Function essentials is the Red Wing boot company. First started as a company aimed specifically at the blue collar skilled worker, Red Wing has skyrocketed in recent popularity with their products being included with some of the most respected high end fashion brands as being the new trend. Red Wing boots still manufactured and sold as they were in the 1850s are available for purchase now on their heritage website.
1.) http://www.redwingheritage.com/legend
Fourth on my list is the heavy hitter, Filson. Known for their signature "Tin Cloth" pieces, Filson brand offers some of the most durable and at the same time fashionable clothing on the market today. With recent collaborations with brands like Burton Snowboards and Levi's Denim, theres no denying that this stuff is worth its weight in gold. And looks great too.
1.) http://www.filson.com/products/tin-cruiser.10005.html
Lastly, Barbour of England. Founded in 1894 Barbour set the standard of what a classic Wax Jacket should be. Still hand-made in England, Barbour only churns out a little over 100,000 jackets a year so expect to pay a little more. But like most everything I have and will cover over the course of this blog, you will get what you pay for. No shoddy craftsmanship, just well made, fashionable items that will continue to stand the test of time like they have all the years before I sat down at my kitchen table to write this entry.
1.) http://www.barbour.com/us/mens-clothing/jacketscoats/heritage
This is what the hell is going on,
Nathan
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