Searching For: Retro Shirt Collar

Yes, my list of "to get" items has gotten even longer.  As of late, I've really been liking shirts with extended retro collars.  I may have to search the few vintage stores around the city, but nonetheless I'd really like to get my hands on one.  I saw Public Enemies a few days ago and I would be lying if I said Johnny Depp's outfits in the movie didn't partially inspire this post. As always, I'll keep everyone posted as my search progresses.  

Thinking About: Tattersall

There a few shirts on my want list and one of them is a tattersall shirt. Named after Tattersall's of London who made blankets to cover race horses. Tattersall is a basic plaid pattern usually consisting of 2-3 colours, which cross to form squares on a solid, usually light background. You can find them at lots of shops but here is a few options.

Beams Plus

Nigel Cabourn

SassaFras

Engineered Garments

L.L. Bean Fly-Fishing Handbook

I was browsing my family's bookshelf for a book on do-it-yourselfs and found this old L.L. Bean Fly-Fishing Handbook. From what I can tell it's from the early 80's. I can't wait to use some of the tips come this summer.

SassaFras

I thought I would start to highlight some of my favourite brands and first up is SassaFras. Most of this info is taken from Japanese websites so the quality of it is based on my limited ability to read Japanese.

Based in Japan it's not your typical work-wear inspired brand as it takes it's inspiration from gardening. I've always been interested in gardening and the outdoors in nature so this brand fits into my interests perfectly. The brand was launched in 2004 and can now be found in a few Japanese shops. They utilize a variety of fabrics and features that are functional but look very unique. The features may be a little too unique for some people but I'm a fan. All the products appear to be made in Japan and I can't wait till I am able to see some of their pieces in person. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I'll highlight some pieces and details I like. All the pictures are from MAPS, Doo-Bop, and Utility Coop. You can purchase SassaFras in North America from the latter two to the best of my knowledge.

Jackets:

Garden Cruiser Coat - This coat comes in a 60/40 fabric in a few colours or in an indigo denim. The 60/40 is handy for all sorts of weather and the denim would fade beautifully over time. It also features large flap pockets and triple stitching throughout.

Transplant Jacket - Made from a wool/nylon blend in both a black and an olive colour. This would be perfect for all sorts of weather. Whether it be a light jacket in the spring, or a layer under a duffle coat in the winter.

Fall Leaf Jacket - This one is more blazer-styled but it still has lots of functional features. Large pockets, triple stitching, pen insert in the right pocket, and reinforced lining in the pockets.

Green Thumb Jacket - This one comes in a hickory stripe fabric which is still one of my favourite fabrics. It has a extended collar band or a "chin-strap" if that's what you want to call it.

Shirts:

Fall Leaf Shirt - This chambray has large wrap around pockets, a hammer loop, and little holes in the yoke to improve ventilation.

Feel Sun Shirt - Available in a L/S or S/S option. The L/S red one comes in 60/40 fabric and would make a great overshirt. Whereas the madras check one comes in a 75% linen, 25% Dhangarhi cotton mix more suited for the summer. 

Band Gardener Shirt - This one features a band collar shirt and the usual pockets for all your gardening tools.

Plant Hunter Shirt - featuring a hunting inspired breast pocket it comes in a white or red plaid corduroy.

Gardener Shirt - one of their yearly pieces is this heavy weighted hickory stripe shirt. Some of the features include reinforced elbows, tool pockets and metal buttons.

Feel Sun Vest - made in a navy cotton but with large 60/40 pockets.

Pants:

Fall Leaf Pants: One of SassaFras's most recognizable pieces, these pants featuring large pockets overlaying the front pockets, a hammer loop, pen pocket, and snap buttons. There is a lot going on with these pants which may turn some people away but I personally want a pair. They come in various weights of denim and other assorted colours in different cotton fabrics such as corduroy.

After 2.5 years of wear

Plant Marker Pants - these are more of a military style of pants. They come in a green twill and a 10.5 oz denim. Hip pockets with flaps house all of your goodies.

Sprayer Pants - SassaFras's take on the chino. It's one of their slimmest pants.

Selvedge lines on the Standby Pants

Shorts:

Fall Leaf Shorts - the shorts version of the Fall Leaf Pants. This particular model comes in a grey corduroy.

Gardener Pants - SassaFras puts out these shorts every season with a different material every time. These two come in a hickory stripe and another version with a single 60/40 pocket.

Details:

The SassaFras Tag

Striped Oxford Cloth

Size Tag

Wallets

One of my friends recently asked for my advice as he is looking at getting a new wallet. I am more partial to a lighter leather wallet as I look forward to watching it age and develop a nice patina over its lifetime. Here are some of my favourites.

Property of - Ben Dualholder Wallet ($65.00)

Billykirk - Trifold Wallet ($95.00)

also available in a natural or tan leather

Tanner - Utility Bifold ($58.00)

Makr - Horween Flap Wallet ($120.00)

Engineered Garments 19th Century BD Shirt

I mentioned this shirt earlier but it's now for sale over at Odin. The only problem with the 19th Century shirts is that the last button is still fairly high up so I would think about adding another button. I'm hoping it will still be there during sale season.