Fall 2008: Triple Five Soul

Instead of their usual street-smart clothing, Triple Five Soul has decided to turn to the East Coast for inspiration. Taking their cues from prep school uniforms and American workwear, this fall's pieces settle on a great middle ground that combines the best of those heritages with Triple Five Soul's smart approach to casual dressing.

Debate club v-neck pullover, $88

Collegiate colors and extensive ribbing make for a great fit and look. A deep v-neck sweater in cotton, this is great over both t-shirts and button-downs. Comes with twisted gun pin at the chest.

Campus zip-up mockneck cardigan, $100

Plaid gets redone in a unique print over a fantastically comfortable zip-up cardigan. Raglan sleeves, zip side pockets, and reinforced zipper placket at the bottom. Comes with globe pin.

Drill shirt, $72

Done in a subdued grey, this button-down has pockets galore: three on the chest and one on each sleeve. Made out of a lightweight cotton with adjustable barrel cuffs. As detailed as the construction is, the soft collar and fabric gives it an easy, unstructured look.

Forestry sciences shirt, $72

Simple and sleek, this understated piece lets its plaid pattern of muted blacks, greys, and blues do all the talking. Single chest pocket, unstructured collar, and adjustable barrel cuffs.

Crazy print scarf, $36

Lightweight cotton scarf with distressed fringe in an all-over print. Unfolds to a large square.

Addict laptop/DJ bag in black, army, and navy, $52 each

These big bags have room for your laptop, your charger, your books, and even 12" vinyls for DJ's. With zippers, velcro closures, and a built in sleeve for your notebook computer, these bags have loads of room and then some.

Tech backpack in army, navy, and black, $72 each

Large kit-pack style backpacks with flaps, zippers, and velcro pockets practically everywear. The side buckles adjust for when you need more or less room and the elastic webbing on the front makes sure all your things stay in place.

Freestyle wallets in army, black, and navy, $12 each

Is your wallet turning into something George Constanza might be packing in his pocket? These tri-fold ones have slots, pockets, and even a keyring. Made out of super tough nylon with a contrast stripe running over the front.

Fall 2008: Converse by John Varvatos

The first pieces of our Converse by John Varvatos shipment have arrived. This fall's collection is all about tailored comfort and it certainly shows in the construction and detailing. As always, Varvatos works the Converse heritage into garments that showcase his eye for classic American sportswear.

Waxed cotton filled jacket, $295

If you're looking for that one jacket to last you through the cold season, this might just be it. The exterior is a quilted waxed cotton with a lightweight, but very warm, polyester fill. The sheer number of details on this jacket is ridiculous: customized zipper-pulls, front double-zip closure, two interior pockets, welt side pockets, zip and snap-closed front chest pocket, different lining for the torso and the arms, knit cuffs and side inserts. The arm has special construction to allow for full movement without pulling at the back. We've only got a few of these, so get them now before it's too late. Color is a deep, dark brown.

Twill jersey waist coat, $145

This fall, it's all about layers (but in the Bay, when isn't it?) and this vest is the perfect combination of thick, sturdy twill and soft, comfortable jersey. Features a distressed neckline and snap buttons at the back for an adjustable fit. Signature red star embroidery on the back.

Mini check shirt, $125

Ever the master of deconstructed cool, Varvatos rethinks the button down by doing in a great all-over check in cotton that looks great both perfectly pressed or rumpled out of the dryer. Grommets at the back of the neck and reinforced stitching at the cuff add subtle sophistication.

New: Turk + Taylor

We're happy to introduce Turk + Taylor, a line of hand-printed t-shirts made out of 100% organic cotton right here in San Francisco. The love and thought that goes not only into the graphics, but the production and packaging really shows and these have easily become some of our newest favorite tees.

Suburbs tee, $46

Each shirt comes with an extra-large tag that, as expected, includes laundering directions and fabric content, but also includes a graphic specific to the collection as well as hand-written numbering. Each garment is produced in only a specific run and this little touch lets you know where your shirt fits into the Turk + Taylor family.

Sweater tee, $46

Turkish tee, $46

Vertigo tee, $46

St. Bernard tee, $46

Unlike the other shirts we're carrying, the St. Bernard tee features different construction; whereas the other tees are made of a back and front panel that are sewn together at the side, this garment is made of a single tube of fabric, creating a seamless silhouette that hangs and fits wonderfully.

Frankly, It's Fall

The latest collection from Paul Frank is loaded with plaid and flannel and the signature humor that we've come to expect.

Convy flannel shirt in blue and orange, $68

Inspired by lumberjacks, built for you. Double button-flap chest pockets, barrel cuffs, and partial lining makes this a layering piece for fall. Whether it's still early September and you use it like a shirt jacket or it's late November and you're bundling up as much as you can, the subtle plaid on both colorways make them great wardrobe staples.

Horndog t-shirt, $27





Elwyn hooded jacket, $82

With detachable sleeves and arms, this number is practically four garments in one. Our favorite look so far is as a hooded vest, for an off-kilter approach to layering. The body is lined in fleece and the hood is lined with jersey for an ultra-comfortable fit. Double button-flap chest pockets, kangaroo pockets, and a secret pocket on the back make this as utilitarian as it is comfy.

Toby pullover, $58

This raglan sleeve sweater done in brown and grey is sure to be a fall classic. Kangaroo pocket in the center for utility and a labelled gromet at the neck for style and to show off your shirt underneath.

Pajama bottoms, $38

Now you can even snooze in style. Lightweight pajama bottoms done in an all-over print using Paul Frank's signature skulls.

Gold-Medal Fashion

If you've been watching the Beijing Olympics like the rest of us, you must have noticed the — dare we say it? — dapper outfits that the United States' Olympic team wore to the opening ceremony. Turning to the 20s for inspiration (the influence from Chariots of Fire is pretty clear), quintessial American designer Ralph Lauren was responsible for the team's clothing. Head over to USA Today for a great write-up about the look that Lauren created.

What We Read

Every now and then, we get asked where we find all our cool brands and where we go hunting for the latest in clothes, shoes, accessories, and grooming. For those looking to get a better peak in the retail industry, there are a couple great websites to help you keep up.

• Selectism: Run by streetwear gurus who started HighSnobiety, Selectism is a near-daily blog with a focus on breaking news with up and coming brands.


• Material Interest: Men.Style.com isn't just a resource for the latest menswear shows or updates on seasonal trends. Their blog is a guy's guide to everything, from food and art to tech and toys.


• Refinery29: Although they do cover women as well, Refinery29 is always a great source for fashion ranging from the down-to-earth to the avant-garde. Check the Pipeline, their blog, for the latest word on culture and clothes on the East Coast.

Make us the Best of the Bay

Dapper has made it to the Baylist of best men's clothing stores in the Bay, but we need your help. Head over to our page and leave a note, a review, anything. Show your love for Dapper help us rise above the rest! Also, the SF Chronicle is giving away a $500 gift card, so vote for us to be put in the drawing.

On the Thrillist: Tanner

The Thrillist has given us another shout out, this time for our line of Tanner leather goods. Click over for a quick read about the tradition and handiwork that goes into each Tanner product.

Dapper on Facebook

Dapper's now on Facebook! And show your love by becoming a fan of the store, too!

Cool Finds on College Ave

Our neighbor, Form Vintage Modern, just received a pair of beautiful mid-century platform benches designed by George Nelson, one of the founders of American modernism. Manufactured in 1950 by the Steel Frame Group, the black wood/steel frame has been meticulously restored by hand along with new white leather cushions.

First of Fall: Modern Amusement

Fall is right around the corner and the first part of our Modern Amusement shipment has arrived. This season, they've decided to adapt the easy California chic they've become so well known for with some preppy, East Coast touches.

Embroidered stripe V-neck, $55

The signature stripe gets a makeover in a tonal brown stripe perfect for the autumn months. 100% soft cotton.

Check shirt, $98

This fall, gingham is an option if it's done in sophisticated neutral tones like this brown check. With crazy Bay Area weather, this medium weight cotton is perfect by itself or layered. Two patch pockets on the chest.

Hunter shirt, $115

Long-sleeve button downs don't have to be boring when they come in a muted red hue. Details include double-buttoned barrel cuffs and button-flap chest pocket.

Estate trouser, $135

Swap your boring old black slacks for some brown pinstripe ones. Cut with a clean, modern silhouette in 100% cotton with subtle detailing, these pants look great dressed up or dress down.

Leather For Dummies

Given the recent influx of leather that we've received, we thought it'd be handy to give you guys a primer for all the leather lingo we sling around the store.




Full-grain leather: Also known as top grain; the top layer of animal skin, with only the hairs removed and no extra treating, preserving as much fiber strength as possible. Unlike treated leathers, full-grain leather develops a patina over time. Translation? The more you wear it, the better it'll look.

Items made of full-grain: Tanner wallets and cardholders




Latigo leather: A separated layer of leather, resulting in suede. Further treatment with glue and rollers produces a leather with full-grain finish on one side and suede on the other.

Items made of latigo: Tanner belts




Patent leather: Leather coated with plastic or oil for high-gloss. There are non-leather textiles that resemble patent leather, but don't be fooled. Over time, the coating will wear down, producing a matte, rubber-y finish.

Items made of patent: PF Flyers Glide in black, Albin in grey and in black


Aniline leather: Aniline is a chemical dye. Treatment with aniline produced a leather that is rarely dyed and has a soft, supple feel. Aniline leathers are particularly useful for their breathability, for materials that can be worn during hot and cold seasons.

Items made of aniline: PF Flyers Perrin in brown and in off-white, Albin in tan

'Round the Bay: Oakland Lakefest

Good food, good drink, good art? What more could you ask for? Oakland's Lakefest is coming up August 2 and 3. Located on Lakeshore Avenue the festival runs from 11 in the morning to 6 in the evening both nights and is an extravaganza of local food and art. Wine tasting tents will be set up and, for the kids, arts and crafts booths will also be available. Head over the Lakefest website to learn more.