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This week’s wear&carry is all about sweater weather. But the sweater doesn’t have to stop up top! We’re going to take a look at some fuzzy options to keep you and your gear warm and looking great this coming winter. To kick things off, let’s look at a no joke sweater that is the product of collaboration between the fine craftsman of Best Made Co. and the American-as-apple-pie knitting company, Dehen.
The Shawl Neck Sweater Coat is made up of over three pounds of 100% worsted wool. It features an extra heavy four end jersey knit, hidden red welt front pockets, and hidden interior elbow patches. This sweater/jacket hybrid is fashioned in a style made popular in the 1940’s, yet remains timeless today in its dark grey color way as it can be dressed up or down. Particular attention to detail was paid in the beautiful stitching, brown buttons, and as mentioned before, subtle red welt front pockets. It’s sure to keep you looking good and feeling warm as the temperature drop this winter. Made in limited quantities and sold online through Best Made Co. for $395.
It might be coincidence or it might just be brands realizing they can work well together, but the collaboration fad continues. Our last wear&carry featured a high profile shoe collaboration between two brands that seemed natural for one another, but this week’s pick might take the cake. Outside of a few boot brands/styles we might deem American fashion institutions, no other American shoe has found itself unchanged and paired well with so many things. The Converse Chuck Taylors are perhaps the most classic pair of kicks to grace the feet of grunge rockers, athletic superstars, fashion icons, and your every man. Mix that iconic form with Italian fashion house, Missoni’s, famous colorful patterns and material and you get this handsome shoe that I’ve appropriately deemed, “Sweater Chuck.” Be warned though, this amazing duet is pricey with pairs selling for much more than the standard canvas models at $200.
The great thing about the previously mentioned shoes and sweater is that they work well with super casual or a little more dressy attire. If you do opt for the latter, consider tying the whole ensemble together, literally, with a Bespoken Wool-Felt Tie. The hand-crafted in England, dark green tie works great with jeans, chords, or even dress slacks and might make for a conversation piece as you’re drinking your spiked eggnog and schmoozing at your office holiday party. Available online exclusively for Mr Porter for $135.
With a heavy duty sweater, a dapper wool tie, and hot kicks to keep you warm, let’s shift our attention to dressing up your gadgets and gear. The Pack & Smooch family of handmade Hampshire wool sleeves for laptops, tablets, and smart phones is a great place to start. Match all of your gadgets in their different shades of 100% Merino wool, 100% vegetable tanned leather, and Prym made snap and rivets color ways. These 100% German made cases strike a balance of form and function as they keep your pricey gadgets safe and looking good too. All cases are priced from $65 and up and available on Amazon. iPad Macbooks iPhones
You’ll need a place for all of those gadgets when you’re navigating the chilly streets and for that, there is the Estate Top Zip Work Bag from Fossil. Made of 50% wool, 40% Viscose, and 10% Polyester, it’s a vintage inspired briefcase with handsome looks that doesn’t break the bank. Priced at $248 and available online and Fossil shops, the 16″L x 5″W x 11.5″H bag is perfect for lugging your gear to and from the office. Not to mention it’ll match those warm fabrics you’re wearing quite nicely.
That’s it for this week and remember, your wallet may be lighter, but you’ll be warm and look good!
By, Tom Caruso
