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.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Shirt

Now BB has 'Extra Slim' option but up until 2010 or so, Black Fleece was the only BB shirt that worked for me. This one I got on sale, a couple of years ago. 50 bucks or so with huge discount. The stripes are not too bold and the cuffs are cut nicely, which I like. Good for a solid suit and a tie to give the look a character.

 

Tomorrowland Jacket

As for jacket and suit for business, I strongly believe Japanese ones are the best in terms of the balance of price and quality. Italian is of course great, but good Italian jacket easily can be 1000bucks, while good one made in Japan can be purchased at 500.

This jacket made by Tomorrowland, one of my favorite apparel chains in Japan more than 7 years ago. The look of the fabric is quite likable with 70/30 cotton/wool. Fit is perfect for me. I like this so much that I still wear this after elbow was torn by putting suede patches.

Church Chetwynd

I bought this pair online at Herring Shoes, UK, a few years ago. Chetwynd is one of the most long-listed Church`s shoes. The last is 173, modenized version of its classic 73. I like the quality of leathers used for every part. Upper leather is strong and has decent shine. I mainly wear these with suits or jacket/wool pants. Classic/slim wingtip like this works good for business attire. Do not remember the price, but was like 250 pounds excl. VAT. Online is much cheaper when buying Church`s (comparing with the retail price in US or Japan, as far as I know).

Engineered Garments Jacket

Got this one at Engineered Garments Store in NYC in 2010. Very unique yet versatile. Of course can't wear this as formal attire, but can be used for business casual. Has eight pockets on front, which is quite useful when you travel. They always have similar jackets and I have been checking since i got this piece, but this one so far the best at least for me as for autumn winter jackets made by them.

Alden Cordovan Medallion Tip Blucher Oxford

I bought this pair at Citi Shoes in NYC 2 years ago or so when I got DM of $50 discount. They gave me shoe trees for free. It was a good deal considering the fact that it is rare for any retailer to discount Alden shoes, especially Cordovan.
The last of these shoes is Aberdeen, which fit me very well. I have tried various Alden with different lasts, and in my opinion, Aberdeen is the most balanced last (at least for my feet). Not too bulky yet hefty enough. It`s a great choice for heavier winter suits or Jackets.

Rolex Explorer 1 1964 old model

It is obviously the most expensive item I currently own (I mean, to wear). 1964 Explorer 1. I always, always wanted to have this even when I was a teenager. The design is quintessentially authentic, aesthetic and classic. You can wear this with ANY clothes from suit to casual. I finally bought this in Japan 6-7 years ago, online. Yes, I knew it was not the best option to buy vintage watches, but I did online, since the price was very competitive and they accepted a bid, which ennded at 450,000 Japanese Yen (120 yen/dollar at the time). I rushed into a Rolex store for overhaul, but the main purpose is to make sure if it is not a fake. Fortunately, it wasn't. Since then, I wear this 5 days a week. I have not checked the price of vintage Explorer 1, but guess it should be around USD7,000-10,000, depending on conditions and year when a piece is made.

APC New Standard Jeans

I have always owned apc jeans since 19. This pair was second one and 1st generation of New Standard. Surprisingly, it is made in Japan (my newer pair is made in Macau). For jeans, I would give It a credit. Do not remember when I actually got this one, but guess about ten years ago. The color is nicely faded with a proper vintage touch. I did not do any special care like some demnim heads do. Just washed them when needed.

Barbour TOKITO Jacket

This one is rather new. Dropped by newly opened Barbour shop in SOHO last fall, NYY, it caught my eye. $450 is premium price,  considering regular Barbour quilted Jacket (around $150?), but I couldn`t miss. This was a perfect jacket for this mild winter. Wearing this on jacket just worked well and gave me a decent warmth.

Prada zip front knitwear

Bought this in Milan probably almost 10years ago. Except for the stable like bag or shoe, this piece is one of the longest lived items I own. It's thick enough to be an outer for shirt and thin enough to be an inner for jacket. Pretty versatile. I think it was less than 300 euro at that time. I saw similar one at Prada in NYC last winter, but the quality was not as good and price tag was USD500 or more.

Whitehouse Cox bag

I bought this one more than a decade ago in Japan. Still use them occasionally on business. This is a perfect bag for me because it has all the elements I need for business bag.1. It stands on the ground. 2. Very light. Only 800g.3. Made of leather. 4. Side pockets that can carry newspaper, mags.5. Not flashy, but decent design. I liked this so much that I got brown one as well. Not sure if it is still available. If it is, it's worth the investment.

Alden 990

Well, without any particular reasons, I decided to start posting the quite essential men's clothes, shoes, bags, etc. I've got and worn in my life. hope you enjoy. Alden 990 burgundy is one of the most iconic American shoes. Made of cordovan leather. I bought the pair 7 years ago in San Francisco. That time, these were still below 500. Now it's over 600? Boy, time flies.