MIDWESTYLE PRESENTS: Jack Spade + Barbour

We're excited to announce that we're hosting a little shindig for Jack Spade's Barbour capsule collection  at the Oak Street store in Chicago this Thursday.

It's no secret that we're big fans of both companies. We've featured them on The Midwestyle before (below, you'll see the Barbour Jeff was lucky enough to score at a shop in London, and we posted a roundup of Jack Spade totes we were hungry for last year.)

 On Jeff: Waxed "Bedale" jacket by Barbour, bought in London. Photo by Grant Heinlein.

The Jack Spade + Barbour collection.

The Jack Spade team visited Barbour's headquarters on the English coast of the North Sea and thumbed through the archives to inspire this new collaboration, which includes two incredible jackets, a tote, a duffle, a briefcase, and a pocket messenger. Word has it that the Hopper design is inspired by a British Marine Captain who sent in his beat-up Bedale jacket to have it reinforced with cordura nylon to put up with his hardy wearing. And being the anglophile that I am, I'm geeking out over these updated designs from the one of the select companies that outfits the Royal Family.

Jack Spade shares my obsession with goods that are just as sharp as they are usable. If a jacket is tricked out but doesn't keep you warm and dry, what's the point? On the other side of the coin, there's no reason that function shouldn't have beautiful form. This collection took forethought and creative thinking, and now that it's finally here, it makes all the sense in the world. (In this gear, I can imagine   hunting pheasants in dewy Missouri fields just as well as trudging across soggy British moors.)

So! Come by and have a drink with us. It'll be an informal affair—and opportunity to connect over  damn fine products from two damn fine companies.

The vitals:

6–8 p.m. // Thursday, Sept. 13

Jack Spade (47 E. Oak Street)

RSVP: oakstreet@jackspade.com

See you there!

UNIFORM: Denim, stripes. Repeat.

Last fall, I talked a bit about the "uniform": your go-to outfit staple. 

You know, when you're in a rush and not sure what to wear before you head out the door for another mundane Monday. Your weekends should have uniforms too, so you can pack in five minutes, throw your toothbrush in your back pocket and skip town for a few days. The spring and summer seasons call for those spur-of-the-moment getaways to the cabin, countryside or lakeside. Be prepared.

My spring uniform consists of a denim shirt, a light-weight sweater and not-so-blue-jeans.

Layer and unlayer as needed until the temp hits that point-of-no-return muggy Midwest swelter we all know and love/hate.

On Jeff: waxed Bedale jacket by Barbour; denim shirt from Urban Outfitters; lightweight wool Breton-stripe sweater by A.P.C.;  "Max" slim-fit denim by Acne; heavy-duty wingtips by Walk Over (similar); dirty knapsack.

Photos by Cameron Neiderhauser.

midweSTYLE: Put a bird on it

Go ahead and get your comments out of the way with "Put a bird on it!"

Bring it on.

When I walked into the London store, I saw one of the sales associates wearing this shirt and asked if they had my size is stock.  Bummed that they didn't have my size to try, the guy took the shirt off his back and let me give it a go.

Talk about customer service, people.

The shirt has an interesting story behind it as well:

The Jackdaw print was created by Edwyn Collins, best known for his hit ‘A Girl Like You.' A former member of the band Orange Juice, Collins suffered from a double brain hemorrhage in 2005. As part of his rehabilitation, Collins created these individual illustrations. Having heard his story, Liberty immortalized his illustrations for SS12.

It's rad when brands develop product with a story behind it.

 On Jeff: "Jackdaw" shirt by Barbour, available at Need Supply; green cotton military blazer from Urban Outfitters; scarf from Italy; dirty grey beanie from Target; slim dark navy "Thunder" wash in "Max" fit by Acne, available at Opening Ceremony; beloved Plainsman's tan "Zachary" boots by Walkover Shoes; skinny railroad spike cuff by Giles & Brother; "Weekender" watch by Timex.

Photography by Yewon Kim

midweSTYLE: Camo, cuffed.

Spring is, well, nearly here. 

Time to ditch your socks, throw a cuff in your pants and get ready for the flood.

And those ankles? They'll always look pasty white unless you let 'em breathe.

The super helpful folks over at Levi's were kind enough to track down these pants for me. I called my local Wicker Park store, and they handed over the style number so I could call a random West Coast store to see if they had these camo-lined trousers in my size. Low and behold, they did and shipped 'em my way. 

Spring also calls for some light layering. I snagged this lightweight Barbour Liddesdale jacket while I was in London on vacation. A little haggling and £40 later, I was glad to take this jacket off the vintage seller's hands in Brick Lane.

On Jeff: Blue Liddesdale jacket by Barbour; purple pullover by J.Crew; blue button-down shirt by Gant Rugger; camo-lined cuffed trousers (sold out) by Levi's; Italian penny loafers thrifted in Andersonville, Chicago; blue "KC" hat by Baldwin Denim.

Photography by Carolina Rodriguez

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.

DETAILS Magazine: A Guide for Dreary Winter

Winter is depressing enough.

Don't be like those babes over there all dressed in black and gloomy. 

The great folks over at Details Magazine asked us to do a series of "Daily Details" posts this month. We gladly tightened our belts, wiped our eggnog-mustaches away, and accepted the invitation.

Seth kicked things off on a how to stand out in a sea of black North Face parkas and Moncler puffy coats with "How to dress for freezing-cold days." Keep an eye out for the next three.

On Jeff: "K.C." wool fitted baseball hat by Baldwin Denim; grey wool scarf by Pendleton; red puffer jacket by Patagonia; obnoxious plaid button-down by Gant Rugger; white denim by A.P.C.; neon-laced desert boots by Clark's. Above: "Bedale" waxed jacket by Barbour.

On Seth: thrifted black pea coat by Sterlingwear of Boston; striped shoulder-button sweater by ASOS; chambray trousers by Levi's; shearling-lined boots by L.L. Bean; yellow knit cap; plaid scarf; and his grandfather's custom-tailored chamois and leather driving gloves.

Photos by Carolina Mariana Rodriguez.

midweSTYLE: Renegade

Remember when you that uncool guy in your high school was, well, uncool until he turned 16 and bought an Acura and pimped it out with lights and shit and then became "cool"?

Well, that's not how I felt nor was I ever that guy. But I do want to just pimp out this jacket with hoods and zip-in vests. Ok, I've already said pimp twice in this paragraph. Let's pretend like I didn't and just watch another episode of "Pimp My Ride."

Breaking in the Baldwins.

Also, the best part about the hood is the copper wire that is embedded around the edge of the hood, so you can pry that puppy around your sweet little face and it won't fly back when the wind/haters are in your face.

Christmas came early with J.Crew's Black Friday sale.
As well as this past weekend's Renegade Craft Fair over in Wicker Park.
Loads of goodies to be found and bought.

Above: This summer, it was leather on the wrists. For now, it's metal.

On Jeff: "Bedale" waxed jacket with snap-on hood by Barbour; obnoxious button-down by Gant Rugger; glasses by Gant Rugger; the slim-straight "Henley" selvedge by Baldwin Denim; "8878" moc boot by Red Wing. Accessories: Canvas tote by Filson; Timex "Weekender" with bright yellow nylon strap; brass Giles & Brother railroad spike cuff; sterling silver arrow cuff; deadstock latch bracelet with holes.

Photos by Carolina Mariana Rodriguez.

Back to School....Or Work.

We Mizzou alumni (and current Tiger) are beginning to gear up for fall.
So, we rounded up some goods we wouldn't mind getting our paws on.

THE MIDWESTYLE'S
"BACK TO (WORK) SCHOOL FALL WISHLIST:"

Jeff's Back to School Work Wishlist:

Left to right: Vetyverio "Woodsy" scent by Diptyque, International Barbour Jacket, Assorted "Hat" Card Collection by Rifle Paper Co., and Railroad Spike Cuff by Giles & Brother.

Seth's Back to School Work Wishlist:

Left to right: Pilot G2 Ultra Fine Point Black Gel .38 pens, Ampad Recycled Reporter's Notebooks, Red Linen Tie by Apolis and Pocket Square by Hill-Side

Cam's Back to Work School Wishlist:

Left to right: Chief Joseph Blanket by Pendleton, sold out and last season's Gant Rugger Varsity Jacket, Handmade Buffalo Leather Journal from Etsy and Hoofpick Belt by Apolis.

What's on your Back to School Wishlist?

Or if you're in the working world, like Seth and I, what are you treating yourself to in celebration of fall?