Mister Freedom Deck Jacket

The Mister Freedom Deck Jacket N-1H, from the 2008 winter collection straight blew my mind. It dropped at the end of 2008, and for a year, I talked myself out of it. Finally, in December of 2009, I snapped, and ordered one - from the J.Crew SoHo Men's Shop, of all places. It was the best winter jacket purchase I. Have. Ever. Made. First, let's talk about the fact it's based on two timeless U.S. Navy styles.

This, which has a knit bottom, and hooks, but no zipper (pictured is the Buzz Rickson model):

Deck Jacket - early model

And, this, which has no knit bottom or knit collar, or hooks, but it has a wind flap and a zipper (also Buzz Rickson model):

Also, a Deck Jacket - this one from say 1943 or so

To form, like Voltron, this wonderful jacket. Note it has the knit collar, but no knit bottom, and has both a zipper AND hooks, as well as wrist knits:

Lined with wool blanket material, and sandwiched between the wool and jungle cloth outer shell is organdy, which is windproof. When it was new, it crinkled, now I am as silent as the ninja. And just as deadly. The jacket has a wonderful heft, as though you're shrugging on armor to protect yourself from the elements. As it's February, this is a good thing. There are elements about to protect against! 

If you can find one, get it. If you can't I feel bad for you son.

More jacket porn:

Label Info

Clasp says he's ready for his close-up, director.

Wool lining - pet hair sold seperately

Welcome to the party, Mr. Windflap

Zipper says, "Rivet".

Don't fear the wind with this woolen knit to protect your neck!

Zipped but not latched, the wind can get ya!

But not now!

Lost at sea? No, it's just a close-up of the Jungle Cloth. But it looks like the ocean.

Check out this totally rad time-lapse video of photographer Cory Piehowicz (you can read his blog here) waxing his Mister Freedom Deck Jacket.

Mister Freedom N1-H waxed from Bandit Hunter on Vimeo.

Only Now Did I Discover Nau Clothing

I thank my good friend Mark for any and all awareness of Nau. Why it took me 6 months after he first mentioned them to actually look 'em up is anyone's guess. Sufficient punishment has been the winter I've gone through without a proper coat, something a quick look at their website could have long ago alleviated.

Nau describes their aesthetic as "sustainable urban + outdoor apparel". If you break those down to individual pieces, you quickly see they achieve each. Their slim, unfussy designs, bereft of unnecessary edifice has an sleek look that is sophisticated without taking any utilitarian elements away from a design. Each piece has a litany of design features which make a compelling case for outdoor use. There are other brands which combine these two elements, but what really sets Nau apart is their dedication to sustainability. Peruse their "business unusual" section of the site, and you'll quickly see it's not simple lip-service to environmental concerns. They explain what fabrics they use and why, what type of shipping they prefer to use, where they manufacture, what standards those manufacturers must adhere to, and so forth.

All of that would be so much window dressing - but they also deliver the goods:

Synfill Sweater - $100

Rheostat Jacket - $255

Succinct Trench - $280

Each of these jackets (and there are many more on their site which are also lovely) has a full featured list of technical specs - waterproof, compressible, utilizing a multitude of insulating methods, yet each jacket looks clean, minimal, modern - yet classic. Do yourself a favor, upgrade your seasonable apparel at Nau Clothing.

Taylor Stitch, Let Me Into Your Pants

Maybe it's the fact that the last two days in Chicago have inspired many a Hoth joke (tip of the cap to all your Empire Strikes Back, SW Ep 5 nerds out there), but of late I have been preoccupied with how one goes about dressing in a thoughtful and stylish manner during cold snaps. 

I've gotten a lot of miles out of a pair of flannel-lined J.Crew khakis, but what about when I'm not commuting to work (don't get me started about a jeans-less dress code), how do I stay warm then? I think Taylor Stitch has provided me with an answer, and something new to crush on, to boot: flannel-lined jeans. Behold: 

Flannel Lined 13 oz. Denim

Flannel Lined Interior

These lovely jeans have been produced as part of a special project, Taylor Stitch for Solitary Arts.  Solitary Arts is a skate company which makes it's products - boards, hard goods - in California. Flowing from passion for skateboarding, their functional, yet artistic expression blends nicely with Taylor Stitch, who most of us know primarily for their excellent shirting. At $128, their jeans are a steal. Snatch a pair up today; I bet they'd go great with a pair of Vans and a skateboard. Just saying.

Duck, Duck, Boots!

I've lived in Chicago my entire life. When I was a kid, I couldn't wait for winter so I could wear my moon boots - elastic topped affairs with removable warm foam inserts. I felt like an astronaut. Fast forward to adulthood, and winter has become a dreaded affair. Cold winds, dirty brown-black salt water filled puddles and icy sidewalks await my morning commute. After years of dealing with it - the wet sock, salt stained jeans and cold ass feet, I decided to strike back. I bought these:
Simply the best money I've ever spent. The shearling lining (and Thinsulate insole) keep my feet warm, and the dark brown color is much preferred to the normal. The 10 inch height allows my pants to stay salt free and the bottoms do actually provide traction. They even look something (at least I can imagine there is a resemblance) like WW2 era high altitude boots:
Bring it on, snow!