Not So Plain (Toe Blucher)

We made a trip down to the Chicago Collective today – there was lots worth seeing (and plenty not worth seeing…).  We spent some time talking with Floyd, Barry, and Bob of Alden Shoe.

Alden PTB in Natural Chromexcel

Faces and Names

Ortega (29 years experience), Cordovan Dept.

Here are just a few of the tremendous guys that allow us to do what we do.

Restock – Makr Flap Wallet

We’ve received a restock of the Makr Flap Wallets in our Genuine Shell Cordovan.  These are available to ship next week, and only in very limited quantities.

Clockwise from the top right - Gunmetal, vintage brown, green, navy, ravello, and color #4.

The Leather that has 3 Names

One of my favorite leathers, that sees relatively little production, is an article that we call Huntsman – or Waxed Flesh or French Waxed Calf.  I would define it as high performance suede, but it’s not suede at all.  This leather is made almost exactly the same way as our Chromexcel, instead we finish it on the flesh (or suede side).  This colors, waxes, seals, and lays the nap of the flesh flat.

Upgrade: M & W Traveler

Sometimes you just have to see a product in person to do it justice.  I recently purchased a Laptop Briefcase from M&W Traveler, and this is an example of that scenario.  I’ve seen some pictures – both on their website and on some style forums – and the case definitely looks nice, but in person it’s really nice.  Rugged, refined, and really well built.  It’s big, almost too big for me, but only because I tend to fill up carry-on bags without fail.

Upgrade: Gabarro Straps

I was in sore need of a new watchband recently, which is one of the reasons that I was glad to see Nick Gabarro.  I should say more glad than usual, we like Nick, and try not to appear too self-serving when possible…  Metal bracelets on watches, while arguably dressier for some, have never been a preference of mine.  They can be clunky, noisy, and potentially destructive to cuffs and keyboards alike.

Feature – Sense Magazine

From the latest issue of SENSE Magazine – “The Text in Visvim: Part 2 – Focused on Horween Leather”

Too Much Information: Goodyear Welted Footwear

From the July/August 2009 SATRA Bulletin, by Lynne Brent.

The densest read of the day - click to download the .pdf

Upgrade: Wallets from Makr

From time to time we’ll put together an order of small leather goods.  For this latest round, we sent a a handful of leathers down to Jason at Makr.  I’ve been carrying the “flap wallet” for a while now, and I really like it – although it did take some getting used to.  It’s slim and secure and different, so let the Costanza wallet go.  We have a select few available for purchase, details can be found at the end of this post.

Counter-clockwise from the top left: Natural Essex, Brandy Shell, Dark Brown Shell, Color #4 Shell, Green Shell, Navy Shell, Black Shell, and Tan Chromexcel.

The Beltman

I recently received a belt from Jim, “The Beltman.”  I have to say, it’s really stiff, but really well made.  This particular model is made from our natural horsehide strips – a fully vegetable tanned product.  The leather is hand-stained and stitched in the US in Apex, North Carolina, and after just one full day of wear I can already tell it’s going to break-in and soften beautifully.

Tan Horsehide Belt with a Round Powder-Coated Black Buckle