NORTHERNGRADE: Chicago Edition

Ladies and gentlemen, NorthernGRADE is coming to Chicago. This edition of the legendary pop-up market will be produced by our friends over at Well Spent and Pierrepont Hicks, so if you're in town you've really got no excuse for missing out on the festivities.

Having been to Minneapolis, the place where it all started, we saw firsthand what all the fuss is about and we can tell you that NorthernGRADE is one of the gems of the Midwest. You can expect beer, camaraderie, and damn fine American-made goods. But don't believe what you're reading here: take our word for it. 

When: Saturday, Oct. 27 (10am – 6pm)

Where: Open Secret Studios (401 N Racine Ave)

Who: Made-in-the-USA vendors!

1. Penelope's (Sponsor) - Chicago, IL
2. Haberdash (Sponsor) - Chicago, IL
3. Red Wing - Red Wing, MN
4. Tellason - San Francisco, CA
5. Winter Session  - Chicago, IL
6. Pierrepont Hicks - Minneapolis, MN
7. Oak St. Bootmakers - Chicago, IL
8. Independence - Chicago, IL
9. Portland General Store – Portland, ME
10. Field Notes - Chicago, IL
11. Archival Clothing – Eugene, OR
12. MidNorth Mercantile - Minneapolis, MN
13. Stormy Kromer – Ironwood, MI
14. Sir & Madame - Chicago, IL
15. Locally Grown - Des Moines, IA
16. Corter Leather – Boston, MA
17. Inland Clothing – Chicago, IL
18. Heritage Bicycles - Chicago, IL
19. Drift Eyewear - Chicago, IL

True/False: Street Style (Part 2)

Last week, Jeff brought us a few prime snapshots of some of the more eye-catching ensembles in Columbia, Mo. Here now are a few more noteworthy blips on the radar...just to provide a little inspiration should you find yourself at a thrift store—or even for those spring sales when winter and fall wear is steeply discounted. 

Because, you know, one of the tricks to building an affordable wardrobe is to think ahead. Knock ya-self out.

Wool pea coat with naval overtones. If it conjures seafaring imagery, sign me up.

This is what an old favorite looks like. Buy one of these waxed Barbour Bedale jackets when, and you could be buried in it when you're old.

Here's David Wilson, one of the founders of True/False. He's a guy with immense personal style. And his clothes ain't bad, either. Dressing it down (and doing work) in this shot.

Blanket-lined chore coat from Sears. With the tucked scarf. Rural class.

The definition of affordable sharpness. Most of this came from the thrift store, but simple attention to fit makes all the difference in the world. Can't get over the texture and weave on that blazer. (On Tyler Koch).

Layering done right. And that Levi's jean jacket is prime for spring. Nailed it, David Hall.

The Steven Alan Parka: How about that burst of color? (On Cam.)

More layering and investment pieces from Buckshot Sonny's. Let me tell you: Put on that green chamois flannel shirt and the herringbone chore coat, and you'll never want to take 'em off.

Boots for years. (Red Wing on Oliver Drambour.)

Paparazzi effect: These guys directed Low & Clear, which was sponsored by Filson. It's a move about fly fishing. Check it out.

Unstructured J.Crew messenger steeze. (On Brandon Butcher).

Photos by Jeff Kieslich.

Woodland: Barbour & burrs

I love outwear pieces. They are some of my favorite to own, collect and swap. It's what you're throwing on over your cardigan, bundling up in when winter hits and anxiously waiting to wrap around your shoulders before you dash into the freshly fallen snow. It's also what most people see in when you bump into one another on the street all decked out to not freeze your ass off. So it doesn't hurt to own a few different options:

• If it's below 20, I'm wearing my down puffy coat and everything that traps heat.
• If it's around the 30s, I'm wearing my Barbour Bedale + Patagonia down sweater combo. 
• It it's around 40s, I'm wearing my Barbour Liddesdale + blazer. 
• If it's around 50s, I'm wearing a tank top.

It's a wise choice to invest in a nice coat (or two) (or five). I've thrifted a handful that I'm pretty stoked about. But you also have to remain open to throwing down the dough for a couple of lifelong pieces. It's outwear. You wear it a lot. That's okay. And it's better than freezing in a thin piece of cotton veiled as a jacket. I'm looking at you, Nathan.

When I was interviewing Jobs in Chicago in March 2011, I thought: "I don't need a coat." Seth watched, cackling, as I got off the El and made a fast break for the Patagonia* store to buy a red down sweater jacket. This has been such a staple in layering, traveling and everyday use. It's windproof, lightweight, packable, and it regulates your body temp so you're not boiling. When I trekked to Europe a few weeks ago, I knew I was taking this get-up: Patagonia down sweater and my Barbour. Both can be folded up into a tote and stowed upon entering a building, and when used together, they're an unstoppable combination for winter. 

I also dig these new trousers I picked up from Barney's this winter by Gant Rugger. Great slim fit, medium rise and trouser pockets. I'm a sucker for those. Also, they are hella long for these lanky legs of mine.

On Jeff: Waxed "Bedale" coat with copper wire hood attachment by Barbour; red down sweater by Patagonia; thrifted red plaid shirt; slim fit grey trousers by Gant Rugger; trusty brown suede "8878" boots by Red Wing; black framed eyeglasses by Gant Rugger; burgundy beanie from Target; natural leather belt from Urban Outfitters.

Photography by Grant Heinlein

*One of my favorite outdoor performance gear brands is Patagonia. As a certified one-time YoungLifer, I'm an expert in outdoor performance gear and have a collection that would make you think I'm outdoorsy. However, dear readers, it's merely a facade. I like the idea of camping, pooping in the woods and not showering than the actual act of camping, but I've got a sufficient amount of equipment that would permit an impromptu weekend getaway. Plus, it's not like I need to go camping to avoid  maintaining general hygiene practices.

The Good Guys: Grant Heinlein

Meet Grant.

A born-and-bred Midwest boy ripening out on the East Coast, Grant is the guy to keep your eyes on in the coming years. Rather than getting snared in the talons of the Kansas Jayhawks, he opted out and fled the state for art school.

He's mad talented—far more than we ever were in undergrad—and earned his spot at RISD. It's no surprise that he's at one of the top schools for design studying graphic design and photography.

When I asked Grant about his style, he reflected on stories of high school habits we can relate to. You know: the standard slouchy basketball shorts, Jordans and hooded sweatshirts. Like us, he was that guy.

"Between my freshman year uniform of basketball shorts and hoodies and the over-saturated preppy, country club wannabes, I had to break out and develop my own sense of style."

But he didn't quite feel the jam of having reptiles, wild game or flying critters plastered over his heart...

"My whole thing is simplicity. I think that also stems from my artwork, but it's definitely what I would describe my style as if I had to choose a word. It's this relatively small mix of simple items that are going to last, like my denim, boots, Barbour, etc. I definitely don't wear many bright colors. I'm a neutral guy, keeping it simple with browns, greys, and mostly navy blue."

Someday, Grant would love to be an art director. His passion and creativity for seeing the bigger picture of how each art form is used and displayed stimulates him like nothing else. If the opportunity arises one of these summers, he'd love to intern for Kinfolk or Inventory. He recently accomplished quite a feat that many photographers attempt but never complete: the 365-day photography blog.

"The whole point is to get better, push yourself and your creativity. Once I got into it, I got addicted to it. The feeling of capturing a photo a day that portray emotions on what I was feeling that day, or hell, even a cool thing to look back on, was enough to keep me going. I was tested in my patience to take the time to do it each day and try new concepts that I developed."

I don't even have the dedication to shower once a day for a year. Let alone dream a concept, put it in action and publish the results every single day as a tool to grow, learn and push myself.

You can find Grant and view his stunning flickr account over at flickr.com/grantheins, on the Tumblrs at formelle.tumblr.com and on the Twitterwebz at @grantheinlein.

On Grant: quilted navy vest by J.Crew; wool crew neck pullover by Gant Rugger; button-down by J.Crew; navy wool trousers by Pendleton; Iron Ranger boots by Red Wing.

Photos by Jarred Donalson.