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!

But first: iPhone cases that don't suck

So, everyone has an iPhone, right?
Well, you need to protect it, so you might as well dress it with style.

I'm a guy who likes to have unnecessary multiples of practical things. You know, like multiple iPhone cases. One is just fine, but it's fun to have another! This obsession or desire could also be the same condition that most women face regarding handbags, eye makeup, high heels and anything else that women buy...

(See also, my collection of totes of varying handle lengths, multi-colored watch straps, various shoe lace colors, different colors of Field Notes, the list goes on...) #hoarders.

Why own one, when you can own two? GOTTA CATCH 'EM ALL. Here are our picks for the best cases of the season.

First batch: Wallet + iPhone case.

Pros: Everything all together, convenient, less to carry. You can watch it age and brag about how much it's changed since you bought it. Cool, cool.

Cons: You get mugged or you lose it, you're done-zo.

Clockwise: Natural leather iPhone wallet by Kenton Sorenson; "Madison" iPhone wallet in cognac with green stripes by Landmarks & Lions; "Little Black Book" iPhone case by Pad & Quill; "Book Book" for iPhone by Twelve South.

Second batch: Obviously, the fun ones.
Pros: Hello, everyone needs a Marauder's Map.
Cons: Nothing. You win—you just win.

From top left: Harry Potter "Marauder's Map" iPhone case by Warner Bros; "Canal Street" iPhone case by Jack Spade; "Ping Pong" textured iPhone case by inCase (on Gilt!); rubber camouflage iPhone case from J.Crew; "Pantone" iPhone case by Pantone; silicone cassette tape from Amazon; basket weave iPhone case by Chilewich; cork iPhone case by Case Mate; old-school calculator iphone case from Perpetual Kid.

midweSTYLE: Dad jeans

Have you ever seen something so ugly that you had to have it?

A good handful of my purchases turn out like this.

If it's ugly, no one will buy it.
If no one will buy, it will get marked down (sooner).

If no one will buy it and it's ugly, there will be a full size run for me to sift through.

Like these dad jeans. A baby blue denim from the archive of the 70's, so faded in color. Surely a dad from the '70s wore this same style and cut. Moderately awkward fit and color, kind of rigid and damn near impossible to match with anything.

Of course, I wanted them. No one else did.

On Jeff: Faded navy military jacket by J.Crew; indigo striped shirt by Club Monaco; grey crewneck sweatshirt by Jack Spade; baby blue denim by Club Monaco; desert boots by Clark's with grey laces from J.crew; speckled boot socks from Target; black framed glasses by Gant Rugger.

Photos: Carolina Mariana Rodriguez

Friday Wrap-Up: October 21

A splendid week is ahead of us up in Chicago. It'll be a weekend of pumpkin-patching, porched-in-beer-drinking and shenanigans around the city.

• Also: Seth and I got invited to gab about #menswear and #blogging by the rad people of Laundry Magazine at the Grow Here Workshop. We'd love to see you there!

Here's a batch of things that I've been enjoying lately.

Clockwise: Bob's 47 Oktober Fest by Boulevard Brewery; "The Seven" Winter Gingham button down by Wharf; Woody iPhone 4 case by Jack Spade; Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay; The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 by Dave Eggers; Down Sweater in Fire Red by Patagonia; The Walking Dead on AMC; PORT Magazine; grey crewneck by rag & bone; Baltic Amber candle by Voluspa.

Noteworthy:
If you're in the Midwest, drink that beer.

If you've got Hulu or DVR, watch that show.

If you're in Barnes & Noble, buy that magazine.
If you get dragged into Anthropologie by your girlfriend, buy that candle. (I go willingly, whatevs.)

Links Abound:

• Buy your girlfriend a nice iPhone case, jewelry or vintage Coach satchel. Why? You shouldn't need a reason.
• A Pantone way to decorate your Christmas tree. Early? I know, right. (via Selectism)
• Mr. Porter wraps up the key trend items for Fall. I want 'em all, especially the fox sweater.

What's happening in the style commune:

• The These Are My Shoes, These Are My Socks Project. We've been wishing someone would talk more about socks lately. (via The Momentum)
• Ties. Ties everywhere. Silk knit ties. SALE. We're shouting. (via Well Spent)
• This pinwheel pocket square is dope. (via Mister Midwester)
• Style choices that won't help your chances of making it home. (via Fresh Every Day)
• The Fall/Winter '11 details from Need Supply as shot by Ryan Plett. Cut that shit out, Ryan. No, don't. Never stop. (via [you_have_broken_the_internet])

eBay Snapshot

• Woolrich blanket pullover - M
• Gant Rugger vertical stripe shirting - M
• Red Wing chukkas in Blueberry - 11
• Fair Isles (1, 2)
• Engineered Garments flannel work shirt - M
• If these fit you, you need to buy them.

THRIFTY THURSDAY: A. P. (pre) C. (iate)

Guess who finally bought his first suit? This guy.

Your first suit should be one that fits you. That's first and foremost.

Your first suit should be altered to your body with the help of a tailor.

Your first suit should be probably be grey because you can dress it up and dress it down with separates. Black is always formal—think: weddings and funerals—and navy may be a little too casual for a black-tie event, because we all know I'm invited to black-tie events so often...

Well, I bought a midnight navy one, and it fits me perfectly off the rack. Hat's off to you, A.P.C., for making such a finely tailored suit that fits a 6'2" man with a 36" chest, girlishly small arms and a terribly long inseam.

Seth's note: Uh, Jeff, where are the photos of the suit?

Jeff: Wait, you thought after all that talk I was actually going to show you photos of the whole thing?

midweSTYLE: Yves dropping

Anthony: "Okay, this pose is good, Jeff. You look like a tool, and the city looks dope."

Anthony: "Good, now go ahead and step forward, and let me grab a shot of Seth."

And apparently, I look my best post-nut-tap gasping for air and making sure nothing ascended into my stomach.

A magical Saturday roadtrip

June 4 was a busy day. Like a driving-across-the-state-of-Missouri kind of day with lots of stops along the way and a little hop over to Kansas. (Map of our gallivanting and peregrinations.)

9 a.m.:
Jeff: Wake up in Columbia from wedding-dancing-coma and shacking at 1613 for the last time. I call my mother because I'm a good son (that, and I'm driving—you always gotta make those check-in phone calls when you've got a good commute). She tells me that she and Bill (step-dad) are going to NASCAR like any good Midwestern, blue-collar family does on a Saturday. They have extra tickets. I say, "Hell yes."
Seth: Wake up in Joplin and ignore Jeff's phone calls and demands. (Editor's note: because he is legitimately busy with reporting on tragedy and devastation.)
Cam: Sleeping.

11 a.m.:
Jeff: Stop by my favorite place in Independence, Cargo Largo. It's the island of misfit toys with sweet finds, like Sperrys, Jack Spade dopp kits and Clarks.
Seth: Car troubles. Turns out his car just needed a little T.L.C. Come on, Seth. Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Cam: Sleeping.

12 a.m.:
Jeff: Go back to my homestead and consume various forms of food that I won't buy for myself.
Seth: Back on the road.
Cam: Still sleeping.

1 p.m.:
Jeff: Hop in Seth's car.
Seth: Let Jeff hop in Seth's car.
Cam: Get up to go pee and then go back to bed.

2 p.m.:
Jeff & Seth: Arrive at Kansas Speedway and drink beer.

My thrifted brown woven and wine fringe leather loafers by Allen Edmonds.

At the end of the race, the winner does a little dance.

4 p.m.:

Drive to Columbia, surprise our friend Kimberly at "the Winery." We sneak out back and romp around in the vineyards.

Straw fedora with chambray trim ($14) by Target; thrifted shirting; khaki shorts by J.Crew ($20); thrifted woven loafers ($4) by Allen Edmonds; thrifted woven leather belt ($1); watch ($18) by Timex.

Shirting ($30) by J.Crew.

5 p.m.:

Eat a pint of Lavender Honey from Sparky's. Lament the fact all the cicada ice cream would be gone. (But not to worry; there would be plenty of cicadas later.)

This is the only ice cream you need to eat. Lavender Honey. It will change your life.

7 p.m.:

Leave Columbia and head to a pool party.

9 p.m.:

Arrive in St. Louis. Hop in the pool.

10 p.m.:

Someone pushes Seth over the edge and he eats a cicada.

11 p.m.:

To Duffy's! Kirkwood's frattest finest.

The early-morning hours of the next day:

@katiestipo and @emlew: "What are you doing, Jeff? Carrying your shorts like a school boy?"

@jeffkies: "Yeah...."

Thrifted shirting ($3); floral board shorts ($40) by EVER; blue lobster shorts (gift); thrifted woven belt ($1); canvas tote by Filson; waxed dopp kit ($50) by Jack Spade.

midweSTYLE: Tribal

I've been looking all summer to find a pair of tribal shorts. Sure, I could make a pair from some thrifted deadstock Zubaz, but I've yet to get my hands on a sewing machine in Chicago.

Instead, we stumbled across these from FLC International. Limited edition and handmade? Do I have your attention?

HOW TO: WEAR TRIBAL SHORTS

• Shoes: Pair them with a summery shoe, like an espadrille or a boat shoe. Hell, even a moccasin.
• Shirt: Go neutral with this one. A nice oxford button down goes a long way in your closet. Mix it with denim because...well, you can.
• Accessories: Leather belt, canvas bag, maybe something with hemp if you're feeling liberal.

One of my favorite accessories is this scarf that my friend, Marta, gave me from Italy on her travels. It's a great summer weight that breathes and adds a little punch.

Jorge Shorts: We're excited about these bad boys. A great fit for the slim or regular build. They've been rolled twice and will really fit on any build. Seth tested them on his soccer player thighs. I tested them on my runner's thighs. Also, the Jorge Shorts have a nice medium rise so you can kick coin slot dryness to the curb.

A new bag, Jeff?

I never got around to finding my summer bag with obnoxious colors, like yellow or orange. So, I pulled the trigger on this Jack Spade tote. I'll make it festive with scarves or something candid like that.

If you don't have a Timex Camper watch by now, you should think about sacrificing three Chipotle burritos and going for it.

It's amazing. It's classic. I wear mine everyday. The face is neither too big nor small, even on my scrawny wrists. A nice olive does the trick all year round.

• Want more summer accessories? I cut and braided some faded yellow leather into strips and used my big brother skills. Summer zest.

• Don't have scrap leather laying around the house? Ask your friend who's a textile major for some extra fabric, canvas or string. Scraps, yo.

On Jeff: "Jorge" tribal shorts ($78) courtesy of FLC International; canvas wax-dipped tote (Ebay, sale $100, reg. $200) by Jack Spade; "Terracotta" T-shirt ($15) by J.Crew; white espadrille chukka shoe ($30) courtesty of Topman; my favorite leather belt that I've had since sixth grade by Fossil; indigo denim shirt ($60) courtesy of Topman; Camper watch (Amazon, $18) by Timex; scarf from an Italian street vendor courtesy of Marta.

Photos by Seth Putnam.

Thrifty Thursday: "Hunter" Wellington Rainboots, belt, backpack & blue jacket

I've wanted a pair of rain boots for while and this past fall, it finally clicked: Wellingtons.

I know Wellies are an England dig (Seth's edit: Yeah, and what exactly is wrong with that?!), but I was tired of slopping around in a pair that I picked up from the thrift store that were too big, too clunky and didn't mesh well with my slim-cut jeans. Nordstrom and Halls weren't picking up Wellies this past fall/winter season because "it's not for the target market in the Midwest." Lame. File under: Reasons why I dislike the Midwest.

eBay anyone? $30 bucks sound okay? Sounds good. SOUNDS GREAT.

Factory defects like blooming & scratches? That was going to happen anyway...

I pulled the trigger on a pair for 30 bones and have been a happy camper ever since. The backpack was a great find in high school (yes, five years ago) for $3.

The belt I picked up at Urban Outfitters this past winter for $4.99. It's also 100 percent real leather. Urban. Come on, you're killing me. Just when I threw you on my shit list for "this place is trashed, literally" and "I can't find anything that fits me..." you go and surprise me with a real leather belt that matches my Baldwins. Thanks, guy.

Matching natural leather belt with the natural leather from the Baldwins, huh?

You know I love that pop of color/flannel.

I know Cam got that badass Steven Alan Parka, and well, I'd like to think he got the itch from me. Flannel lined, kinda cool. Picked it up for $5 and it surprisingly fits very well for being made in Taiwan and from a brand I've never heard of called "Repage."

Wellington rainboots (eBay, $30) by Hunter, size 10UK; grey Burkee slim-fit sweatshirt (retail, $62) by Jack Spade, extra-small; "The Henley" 14-ounce dry selvedge (Standard Style Boutique, $198) by Baldwin Denim, size 28; backpack (thrifted, $5); natural leather belt (retail, $4.99) by Urban Outfitters; blue parka with flannel lining (thrifted, $5) by Repage, size "perfect for me."

Jobbing it in Chi-city, part two

For my second day of interviews*, I didn't wear a tie or a dress shirt. It was cold, and I wanted to be warm yet still professional....looking....sort of. The day before, I picked up the perfect sweatshirt from Jack Spade and I really wanted to wear it on this dreary day. Why not be comfortable and stylish, so I pulled an "easy card" and threw a sport coat over it. Really, that's all it takes. Just put a freaking blazer or sport coat (that fits, mind you) over your top.

It was a drab day in the city with my concrete camouflage outfit.

I think what made this outfit work was the slim fitting sweatshirt under the sport coat. The shark socks were a nice little touch to let you know that in fact, I do have a soul and a sense of humor. Sharks are always funny, right?


Billtornade grey wool sport coat, Marc by Marc Jacobs slim fit trousers, Jack Spade "Burkee" sweatshirt sale $62.50 reg $120, Nordstrom 1901 blue suede bucks sale $44 reg $99, Merona for Target shark socks $2.50 (you can get these now at your local Target, along with spiders, skulls, shamrocks and flamingos.


*These weren't really interviews. These were more or less prearranged times to informally meet important people, smile and match my face to that resume as I handed it over. Brownie points awarded to make note on the color of my resume.

Friday Find: Jack Spade Under $150 bags

I've had the number dialed into my phone before, seconds away from calling to order this bag:

jack spade bag in navy/green was $225, now $97.50

jack spade bag in red/purple was $195, now $136.50

Why you need a bag like this: You're not in college anymore. I've always liked tote bags and hated carrying a messenger bag/crossbody. I never liked TimBuk2 bags when it comes to the commuting supplies. I'm sure they are totally worth it, but not my style. My Filson Tote can be a little drab with the colors and I like a pop every once in awhile, plus these would look dope in spring & summer.
And if you're not ready for some color, then grab one of these:

jack spade bag in brown/black was $195, now $136.50

3 Jack Spade tote bags for under $150 bucks a pop? Deal.