Gear Patrol

In Biella, Italy, is situated a textile mill that first opened in 1663, where 3 generations of workers still strive to make the best fabrics in the world. It’s fitting (tailoring pun!) then that J. Crew sources material for its Ludlow suits from Vitale Barberis Cononico, where 7 million meters of hand-inspected fabric are produced each year.

Topo Athletic Running Shoes Topo Athletics thinks your body is a temple. Their shoe appropriately looks to “amplify” biomechanics through split-toe design (a Vulcan Salute creates a “unique anchor point”), open-toe box for comfort and stability, a zero-drop heel and lightweight welded seams. topoathletic.com Rollnband Last-minute packers, take heed: these elastic bands save space and…

Wallace & Barnes is a vintage-inspired capsule collection from the minds at J. Crew. The newly released Camp Shirt ($168) is made from a marled Japanese Jaspé cotton blend that provides a rustic tweed look without the itch. Firmly grounded in the work wear aesthetic, the Camp shirt sports adjustable cuffs, fade-resistant Corozo buttons, and…

Workwear durability? Good. Summer heat? Bad. Enter the Wallace & Barnes collection for J.Crew, and particularly, the fishtail short. With its heavy cotton-linen blend and sawmill-meets-modern looks, the short dresses up handsomely without looking like you’ve walked right off the pages of Cliché Weekly. The fishtail detailing, originally designed for added comfort when wearing suspenders…

Bringing back memories of surfing’s explosion from fringe extreme sport to mainline hobby: Quiksilver for J. Crew has come ashore just in time for summer. Hit the surf in a dash of retro style harkening memories of time when long boards gave way to short fish and single fins evolved into twins, triples and quads….

Give your iPad 2 a touch of preppy protection with this collab between J.Crew and DODOcase. Taking the already popular DODOcase, J.Crew has added a touch of their signature style with two combinations of contrasting sailcloth lining and contrasting spine (navy and orange, or grey and blue). And of course the wood and linen case…

When we first got wind that two GP fashion staples, J.Crew and Billy Reid were teaming up for a small collection, we couldn’t wait to lay eyes on the results. With the collection landing just this week, we’re pleased to see Reid’s signature Southern workwear look further galvanized. It’s spot on. The small collection delivers…

Treat your inner dandy to some new flair in the form of these J. Crew Spring 2011 Collection Pocket Squares ($40). Each option in the set is distinctively masculine (re: no paisley) while still adding a bit more pop than your classic Don Draper white. There’s even a couple produced by Hill-Side. Add one to…

When you think of the term “workshirt,” your mind conjures up images of greasy, less-than-savory, unkempt garments used for tasks in the garage or under the engine compartment of your IROC-Z Camaro with Def Leppard playing in the background. Just don’t try that with the new Heller’s Cafe by Warehouse Sturdy Oak Workshirt ($335) sold…

Wintertime embraces the inevitability of frozen extremities accompanied by the drop in temperature. With this notion in mind, and the significant outburst of rugged boots, your cotton tube socks simply won’t suffice in this regard. J.Crew’s Camp Socks ($16) provide a better option to keep your feeble appendages warm throughout the bitter months. Manufactured in…

This past weekend, NYC saw the annual Pop Up Flea, a collective display of over 25 menswear brands and their goods. The flea, organized by Michael Williams and Randy Goldberg was an orgy tableau of leather and heritage. Between our weekend with motorcycles and the shooting range (stories you’ll hear about soon), we made sure…

If you know your New Balance history you’ll recall that the 1400′s, originally released in 1994, have previously only been available in Japan – making them a covet for enthusiasts (this guy). J.Crew has collaborated with New Balance to bring back an exclusive run of the New Balance 1400 ($130) in two exclusive Fall-ready colors:…

Riding on the open road with a half-ton piece of metal between your legs demands the proper attire. Problem is, it’s hard to look sharp stepping off a bike and into the bar wearing a ballooning protection jacket. Take a cue from the style icons of yesteryear and lay your eyes on the Belstaff Panther…

Mixing elements from a typical pair of flat front khakis shorts and a bathing suit, the Lightweight Beach Short by J. Crew ($60) works just as well on the sand as it does driving around in your TLC Icon CJ3b. Made from lightweight cotton, these shorts feature a Zip Fly, 10 1/2″ inseam, and convenient…

No, it’s not too early to get your summer gear on, and what better way to take it with you than a new bag. Totes are in, and this version of J.Crew’s popular tote has just the right touches to give it a masculine feel. Made of Italian rubberized canvas to create a more durable,…

Stylish lumberjack may not be the look you’re going for (or maybe it is), but the J.Crew Denim Workshirt is one of the better choices for laid-back work garb I’ve seen in a while. Dare I say, it’s the perfect shirt to wear when you’re chopping down a tree. With a turn of the century…

A coat that will take you from workweek to weekend is essential for any guy to own, especially when you’re looking to stretch a dollar. J.Crew’s newest outerwear addition is as versatile as it is well-priced. The laid-back look is structured enough to go over a shirt and tie but pairs with a t-shirt or…

Wherever your political credences reside, it’s undeniable that our new Commander In Chief can also command a suit. At the Inaugural Ball on January 20th, Mr. Obama paired a bowtie along with his tuxedo and, though little is special about a bow tie+tuxedo, this wasn’t just any old bow tie.

12 Months Of Prep This past weekend Anthony made an appearance at a prep themed MBA party in Chicago. Ironically, he’s not pursuing an MBA but that’s neither here nor there. Regardless, while packing he seeked out prepster sartorial advice in me. Long story short, Anthony went dressed as Eric Yang, or what he claimed…

A New Sartorial Destination For Men A view of the Tribeca Men’s Shop circa 1968    [click on image to enlarge] Today, J.Crew opened their first store for men, and men only – The Tribeca Men’s Shop. The outfitting destination is a collection of unique men’s items, foregoing the massive retail chain look for a…

I’m nearly certain this J.Crew Jersey polo will take you into your summer evenings in style and comfort. It has for me. The extraordinarily soft cotton jersey shirt is garment-dyed for a vintage look and tailored with a slimmer tennis cut (longer in the back) with side vents. Buttons are also real South American Corozo….

By Guest Writer Mark Arevalo So you’ve supplemented your summer wardrobe with a linen shirt and a good pair of flip flops. And I’m sure you already have a pair of shorts, but I bet you haven’t thought about formal ware. Yes, formal ware. I’m talking seersucker. Whether you summer in Cape Cod, the Outer…

Amp up your wardrobe with one of J.Crew’s new slightly preppy, but laid back Italian silk knit skinny ties. About 2 inches at it’s widest point, the Italian made ties will pair with your white oxford shirts and a pair of chinos. Throw a blazer and sockless wingtips with it and you’ll slide right into…

A certain cachet factor lies in products that age well. Somehow they justify the barrier of entry that oft lies in the price. The J.Crew Cotton-Linen Artisan’s Duffel bar is a sophisticated bag waiting for your overnight or weekend trip. The leather is vegetable-tanned and hand-finished that will patina nicely and the double-layer heavyweight linen/cotton…

The term chino is thrown about far too easily. Often confused with khakis, chinos are actually lightweight cotton pants made of Chino cloth similar to that of suit pants. The fact that so many clothing companies dye them khaki doesn’t help the confusion. J.Crew’s new Premium Officer’s Chinos delivers the goods. It’s based on the…

Fall is just around the bend and with fall comes fall attire. Consider yourself ready with a good vest. This herringbone vest from J.Crew is made of English lambswool sourced from the Abraham Moon mill. They use a ‘super-secret’ wash that gives it a softness without detracting from it’s casual feel. Two piece suits aren’t…

A supersoft blend of linen and cotton, made with weekends in mind. Specially washed for a vintage look. Relaxed cargo fit. Zip fly. Off-seam pockets, large side cargo pockets, back pockets. 10″ inseam. What this means to you: Cargo shorts are one of the single most versatile casual-wear items of clothing you will ever own….

Every guy has to walk out the door with his stuff in tow. Stop looking like you just landed from Norway carrying a man-purse (unless you actually have) and make an understated statement with a bag like the Great Point messenger bag from J.Crew. It’s a piece-washed cotton canvas bag constructed with a worn-in look…