Bad Brain t shirt

I know it is not a smart idea to buy a band t shirt if you are over thirty. But I can't help...

Vintage French Work Shirt

This one is rather new. I just got this piece at Quality Mending Co in NYC this weekend. I had a similar one (It was an Italian work shirt, I think) and liked that so much. $68 is not bad, not cheap though. The detail I like is the thin material (good for late spring/summer) and the pockets. Can be a good travel jacket.

L.L. Bean tote bag

This is the classic summer bag. Nothing can be compared with this simplicity and versatility. The mid size is good for me.

 

J press x Urban Outfitters shorts

I am not such a great fan of UO, but this collaboration was nicely done. Camo shorts with narrow leg opening are rare and actually nice.

 

Brooks Pure Flow

These are for my run. My Nike just retired after 4 year service. I got a blister when running 4 mile race, but now my feet are getting used to its shape. Hope it will work out.

 

Mr Freedom's P coat

I got this at J Crew three month ago or so, but did not have a chance to wear this winter.

I know almost 600 bucks for a denim coat is ridiculous, but could not resist. Made In Japan of course was one of the reasons, but not all. The craftsmanship and details nailed it.

 

Maratac Mid size pilot watch

This watch, is rather new. Just got this a week ago. My Explorer needs maintenance now so I needed a one for spare. The simple face and price tag really attracted me and made a quick decision. Not perfect, but a 195 dollar watch, I can't think of anything better.

 

Nike Old Sneaker for My Run

This post is to remember my first marathon on last Sunday. I ran with this pair. This is old. I've been running and jogging with this for almost 5 years. It is considered too long for a running shoes since the cushion of soles is deteriorated. I tried to changed to a new one, but I've always got problems like blisters, ankle pain, etc...

So I ended up running 26 miles with this old one and did not have any serious problem (forget about a small one it's 26 miles). 3:41. Do you now call me a runner?

 

Allen Edmonds suede brogue

This pair was the first shoes I bought in the U.S. when I started living here 5 years ago. 250 or something. Allen Edomonds might be a secondary option next to Alden for men's shoe maniacs, but they are just different and did a decent job IMHO.The shoes are quite versatile and best rainy-day dress shoes.

 

Tods slip on

Another summer shoe. I am not that into Italian shoes which are easy to wear but not necessarily durable.

That said, In summer, we all usually appreciate such characteristics anyway. Seems I need to polish this piece before summer...got these 6 years ago, somewhere in Italy.

 

Brooks Brothers Made-to-measure Shirts

I have been a great fan of BB Oxford shirts for almost a decade. Their made to measure shirts are 50 percent of my business shirts (and 40 is BB's ready to wear...). I keep these three as inventory for the time when my older ones are worn. But all of the shirts are so durable that I don't need to replace them for. Years.

 

Mansaw two-fold wallet

I guess not so many people, even in Japan have heard the name of this brand. But this brand of leather products carries various bags, wallets, etc. with amazingly superb quality. Look at this thinness of the wallet. Can not believe this is cordovan, One of the most durable leather, but it is... The color and touch is the proof. 28000 yen or so 5 years ago. Not cheap, but stands the test of time.

 

Brooks Brothers Cordovan Belts

I wear these belts probably more than 200 out of 365 days. Mostly on business, but can be used for casual as well. I noticed a lot of scars on the brown one after taking this pic....so worn.

150 bucks each after discount 4-5 years ago. Must-have items for a man.

 

Oak Street Bootmakers Oxford

This pair is one of my favorites for weekend. it can go with jeans, chinos, shorts...Horween leather has nice texture and nuances. The look has become stronger with aged. $250 or so a year ago. Ultimately, this is another Clarks Wallabee with more characters.

All Black Embassy Pen

I am not that into stationary stuff, but I like the beauty of this pen and couldn't resist. US embassy pen. Not particularly easy to use, but has authenticity in its design which I embrace.

Crockett and Jones suede slip-on

I just opened the shoe box and the has become this cold in NYC.... Anyway, this pair of suede is pretty wearable with any types of spring/summer attire. Can go casual even with shorts and also with summer wool pleated pants. This wide coverage is precious.

Engineered Garments

This is basically a summer version of the one I posted before. Well tailored yet casual. Quite versatile for my private trip. Can wear this casually or a bit formally. 250 bucks or so at Nepenthes New York. The shop is now regarded as one of the 50 best clothing stores in the US by GQ.

 

Church's Consul

This pair is the perfect shoes for business. Sophisticated enough yet sturdy and durable. In the US it is over 600 bucks and in Japan 70000 yen. But online, I could purchase at less than 300 pounds which was 450 bucks then. Plus, due to a slight defect on inner socks, I got 50 pounds discount. Net 250 pounds was a bargain, considering the quality.

Tomorrowland summer jacket

This jacket is a must for my late spring/summer business attire. Got this at around 500bucks at Tmorrowland in Yokohama 6 years ago or so. I know it is difficult to capture the right look of the fabric, but it has a linen look though it is wool and the endurance of it, which I like.

Pierrepont Hicks ties

They really should have considered a different brand name, can't spell it... Anyway, this is my current favorite tie brand. The fabrics have great textures and subtle/understated touch. I became a fan after I got the red one at Pop Up Flea last year. 3 inch width is also nice. Not too wide not too narrow for current trend. 90 or so for both.

Polo Ralph Lauren cotton sweaters

Time has come for cotton sweaters like these. Well, it might be too warm already this year. Anyway, I got these in 2008 right after Leman Bunkrupcy when everything was on sale. Each was 30 or 40 ducks. The cotton is thin and shinny Italian yarn, quite suitable for late spring or early summer.

Lloyd Footwear Quarter brogue

This pair was one of my earliest quality shoes I got 10 years ago or so. Lloyd has been doing a great job to introduce British high end shoes to Japan. I remember I owned Dr. Martin soled chukka boots they had back in the 90's. That one was great and I wore them everyday when I was in high school. Anyway, this pair, not sure who actually made these, but the leather still has a nice touch, almost like a vintage shoe.

Old and New

As posted before, l lost the left shoe of my Vans Authentic at my trip. After the quest of another pair of summer shoes, I ended up with another Authentic with the same color. Keds, converse, Tretorn, Top Siders were candidates, but nothing really beatened this pair...

Alden tussle loafer

Here's my best summer shoe. Just opened the shoebox for this temperature at 80 F. Can wear these with suits, chinos, or even with shorts. That's the way I like these.

Zazous leather jacket

Another long lived item in my wardlorb. Bought this leather jacket in Tokyo circa 2000. At tha time, it was quite an investment for me, around USD700, but was worth it. Zazous is a clothing store for mods, so the fitting is tight, I mean, slim fit in 2000 is still wearable as regular fit in 2012. That's one of the reasons why I can wear this even now.

 

Brooks Brothers knit ties

These knit ties are really versatile regardless of season. Made of silk so you can wear in summer or winter. I like this 2.75" width, which is more appropriate for business attire than 2 or 2.25. Bought these 3-4 years ago at BB store NYC when on sale. I might need more colors.

 

Hermes cashmere scarf

I know the season ended for this, but will post anyway.

The photo taken by blackberry didn't capture the beauty precisely, but this cashmere is one of the kind type of quality.

 

Got this in Paris circa 2003. Considering exchange rate back then, it was way cheaper than now. It was something like 250 bucks. It's expensive as a scarf but it's Hermes so can't complain?

 

Ray Ban shades

I am now in Sao Paulo on business, but it does not matter to this blog and I like it. These glasses are quitoessesntial for my spring/summer days. Sadly, I forgot to bring these with me this time. It was around 120 bucks at Club Monaco. The did a good choice.

 

Dior sweater

The silhouette of a man.... Got this Dior sweater at a high end shopping mall in shanghai circa 2004. Yes, shanghai....

It was the end of winter plus not so many people bought these kinds of clothing back then there. Consequently, the price was significantly marked down. Don't remember exactly, but was like 150 us dollars. Just a wool sweater but still cool enough. Magic of a brand?

 

Duluth Pack's bag

I got this one right after I read an article from Inventory Magazine about this company. It was reasonable, cost 70 bucks or so with so much character. The canvas has nice texture that will be better when it gets old.

 

Fusaro cashmere sweater

When my wife and I went to Rome a year ago, we came across this shop. Not sure if it is famous in Italy, but selection seemed good and reasonable. I bought this sweater at 100 euro,considering the quality of cashmere, it was a good buy. I wear this with my casual or semi business attire.

 

Rolex Submariner

When I turned 20, my parents told me that they would buy some stuff for me, something that would last for long. I chose this and my decision was right. After more than 15 years, I still wear this every weekend. For me, this is not for business since the face is too large for business attire, but for casual clothing, it gives a decent touch which I really like.

 

 

 

Loro Piana ties

I used to go to Italy often, circa 2003-5 on business. I encountered Loro Piana ties during on of those trips. These three are all blue/navy, but they had a tons of choices within the color range and I wanted all. I couldn't of course, but tried to one or two at every trip.

 

Since these ties are wide considering current trend. I don't wear them much these days. But am sure I will when the trend turns and I know it will.

 

Dockers

I got these for free. Yes for free. Dockers sent this pair from nowhere as a present for my loyalty to them. Even apart from the story, this chino is great. Not too skinny not too wide or boxy. So versatile tha you can go casual or a bit formal with.

 

 

Patagonia capilene 4

This is, for me at least, a Patagonia's masterpiece. I always carry this when I travel. Light, washable, warm enough and quickly dried. Unfortunately, Patagonia changed the fit and the current one is too tight. It might be ok for a base layer, but I wear this as a regular clothes, so I prefer the old one.

Filson Bridle leather Satchel

No need to explain due to its outstanding character, but this is filson Satchel. The look has an absolute authenticity, embodying the image of a leather bag.

 

Mind you this is heavy without anything inside... Yeah I knew that when I got this bag, probably too heavy. But I could not return just because of the weight. The beauty stopped me from going so. It was 795 bucks and still is.

 

 

 

Lacoste L1212 polo shirts

Since I started to purchase L1212, I don't remember how many I've ever owned. First one was made in France and then in Japan. Now I'm in the U.S. so Peru or El sarbadol made prevails. Some say Franch made was the best, others, Japanese made. But I don't care much and actually quite ok with Peruvian. The quality is not as good, so it shrinks, which give it a good fit, at least for me.

 

 

Vans Authentic Sneaker

After having tried different pairs of canvas sneakers, I now give these a high credit as a perfect summer shoe. I do not like wearing sneakers with socks in summer. So cotton should be the material. Jack Purcell is good, but a bit too classic. All Stars, too versatile...

Sadly, I lost left shoe during my trip in Galapagos.... I liked third pair's rugged outlook, but I need to buy another pair and to start from scratch...

 

 

 

J W Hulme Co bag

I got this one at Pop-up Flea in NYC in 2011. Imited one only with only 10. Yes only 10 of these bags in the world, which sounded cool to me then I bought this though it was ...450 bucks. I know it's a good brand, but a bit too expensive for a tote. Anyway inner material is nice. They told it was from vintage curtain. That's sweet and I like it.

 

Alden blucher Modified Last

I purchased this pair at Moulded shoe which has the best selections of Modified Last shoes from Alden in the U.S. Modified last, unlike Japan and France, not the most popular last among the rest of Alden`s lasts. Barrie, Aberdeen or Plaza are more available here. Anyway, since I am from Japan and like the strange shape and comfy fit, I own several or more shoes with Modified Last.

This shoe is a special order by Moulded shoe so I waited LONG after I had ordered and paid 100 bucks as deposit, probably more than 6 months. Overall, I am satisfied with this, but the fit is a bit tighter than the other Modified lasts I own, still good enough though. The price was 480 or something like that.

I thought Japanese fashion mags know every premium shops in the U.S., especially in New York, but I have never seen any mags talk about this shop. A bit pricey, even considering the price hike of Alden, but the selection of this shop is great.