New Name: The Smooth Company

Another new brand for fall, The Smooth Company specializes in combining sharp tailoring with casual dressing. We subscribe to the idea that 99% of any look depends upon the fit and with smartly cut clothes like this, it's hard to not look good even when you're dressed down.

Spain jacket, $200

A cotton jacket for winter? Why not, when it’s coated and comes with a snap on/off hood? Zipper front with a storm placket, snap close neck tab, snap tab cuffs to keep out the cold, and four snap front pockets for all your things. Fully lined in 100% cotton with an inside chest pocket.

Axe shacket, $110

This thick and tough shirt jacket takes a casual dressing staple and does it up with refined tailoring elements. Epaulettes, barrel cuffs, back box pleat, and two front button-down chest pockets make it seem like just another shirt, but the button-down placket hides a zipper for an edge when you want it. Make no mistake, this cotton piece is thick enough to keep you warm on brisk nights and double-stitching all over makes this feel like the most substantial shirt you’ll ever own.

Castaway Peacoat, $220

It’s been a great season for coats and The Smooth Company’s peacoat keeps the trend going. A soft wool/viscose blend double-breasted coat comes loaded with all the little details that a guy needs: epaulettes, gun patch at the shoulder, snap tabs at the sleeves, button-down handwarmer pockets, single rear vent, and an interior chest pocket. The snap tab at the neck provides that extra little bit of coverage to keep you warm.

Gun jacket, $150

Thick herringbone twill gives this jacket equal parts texture and toughness. A button-down front meets a hook-and-eye closure at the neck and a strap closure at the hem for fit. Pieced shoulder construction, zippered waist pockets, and four flap chest pockets combine function with smart tailoring. Fully lined in cotton with an inside chest pocket.

Dapper short-sleeved button-down, $85

Imagine how pleased we were to see a shirt that shared out name! And it certainly lives up to our expectations with a button-down collar, pieced shoulder, back box pleat, functional sleeve buttons, contrast logo embroidery at the chest pocket, and an inner collar lining. A great piece to stay dressed down even as you’re getting bundled up.

Smooth jean, $98

A straight leg, five-pocket jean with tonal stitching all throughout for a sleek, understated silhouette.

Francine Trouser, $125

A classic trouser if ever there were one. Light grey cotton straight leg pants with 1% stretch for fit. Two front slash pockets and two back welt pockets, tonal logo embroidery at back pocket.

Fall 2008: Triple Five Soul, Part II

Nassau Bomber, $220

If you’re expecting some extreme weather, the Nassau Bomber has got you covered — literally. A double lined bomber jacket with an interior elasticized, snap hem, elastic shoulder straps, and double sleeve for the warmest, snuggest fit available. Add in a faux fur-lined removable hood, pockets for you pocket, earbuds, ID, and just about everything else you’d possibly need to carry for a jacket as useful as it is warm. There are literally pockets everywhere: six on the chest, one on the left sleeve, and two more inside.

Architecture long-sleeve polo, $108

Refined, but with an edge, the Architecture polo sweater has everything you’d expect (ribbed hems, three-button placket, raglan sleeves) and more. Variegated stripes at the arms add a cool graphic touch while a hidden buttonhole and button underneath the collar let you button all the way up for when it gets chilly.

Architecture sweater, $80

One of the coolest pieces that we’ve seen out of Triple Five Soul ever. A unique knit pattern produces squiggly ribbing all over that only emphasizes how well this sweater drapes on the body. Double neckline with hood. Given how stretchy this piece is, you can wear your true size if you want to wear it as an underlayer or size up for a cool, over-sized look.

Attitude track jacket, $120

No longer will the phrase “track suit” conjure up images of Boca Raton and bocce balls. This jacket is as slick as windbreakers come. Concealed chest and waist zippered pockets, full jersey lining, and interior chest pocket.

Attitude slim pant, $96

Matching pants for the Attitude jacket. Drawstring waist for fit with pullcords at the cuffs to keep you insulated. Partially lined to the knee in jersey with six concealed zip pockets: two at the waist, one at the right knee, and three on the back.

Frequency shirt, $84

This mid-weight button-down shirt is all about the little things. 100% cotton, reinforced gussets at side seams, bias-cut piece on back and across the chest, hidden seam zipper pocket at the chest, and adjustable barrel cuffs.

Right Angle shirt, $68

Triple Five Soul has managed to teach an old button-down a few new tricks with a 100% cotton button-down shirt whose gun patch cleverly conceals a pocket. Logo embroidery on the patch.

There are a whole slew of accessories; photos, descriptions, and prices to come soon!

Just In: Oakbook, Issue 5

We know a lot of folks have come to expect the Oakbook in the store and we're glad to say that the latest issue just arrived! And we got featured, too, on a piece about cool underwear. Stop by to take a look at fall arrivals and pick up your copy.

Holiday 2008: Converse by John Varvatos

Wool short peacoat, $395

Blending John Varvatos’s renowned tailoring with Converse’s athletic heritage produces one heck of a coat. A wool blend outer looks pretty standard, but Varvatos takes his cute from baseball jackets by adding a ribbed knit hem and interior sleeve. Epaulettes, contrast stitching underneath the collar, fully lined, two exterior waist pockets, two inside chest pockets, and signature eyelet detail at back of the neck.

Skinny stripe pant, $165

Tailored for a slim, sophisticated fit, these pants are made of a lightweight twill with a gorgeous weave pattern. Zip fly with two slash pockets at the hips and a buttoned coin pocket at the waist.

Skinny suspender pant, $185

These luxe wool pants come with skinny suspenders for a retro vibe; they’re fitted enough that you can wear the suspenders up for a retro-cool feel (a la Mad Men) or down for a more modern, unfussy look. Partially lined in cotton with two slash pockets at the hips, two back welt pockets, and a suede detailed coin pocket at the waist.

Fall 2008: Modern Amusement

1968 two-button blazer, $225 and 1968 trousers, $160

Slim up your suiting with the 1968 blazer and pant set from Modern Amusement's fall collection. This wool/poly blend suit is cut slim in a fantastic light pinstripe. Like always, the Modern Amusement designers use fun details to dress down a conservative suit for a refreshing take on tailored dressing. Dart run down the jacket front for a trim fit. Peak lapels, included pin at boutonniere hole, single rear vent and two front flap pockets. Pants have two slash  pockets at the hips and two welt button pockets at the back. Double bar closure and zip-fly.

Down the Street Special

Khleber, the director of Seven Salon down the street, just sent us an e-mail regarding an offer that we felt we ought to pass along to you guys:

presents

Men's Maintenance Tuesdays

Here's how it works: Either walk in or call for a same day appointment on a Tuesday - a haircut will cost you $45, and a cut with grey blending color is only $80. Our new men's grey blending color process looks natural and takes only 10 minutes. You save up to $65 on a cut and color!
It's a terrific deal for those who need more frequent haircuts, a great way to cover grey, and it's for men only. (Sorry ladies!) We sincerely hope you will take advantage of this special promotion (or encourage the men in your life to do so). Call or drop in on a Tuesday and get the maintenance you need to keep yourself looking your best. And be sure to get a shampoo recommendation to preserve that color!

Because of the special nature of this promotion, we may not be able to honor requests for a specific stylist. Same day appointments only, no pre-booking. Please mention this offer when calling.

How Dapper Does Fall

The days are getting shorter and cooler (if you haven't already noticed), and in the store we're all beginning to bundle up. Here's a selection of some of our favorite things for fall.

Layers

If we're obsessed with anything, it's layering. This fall, even layers go luxe with super soft fabrics and detailed construction. Artificial Flavor's T-neck ($75) updates the standard waffle knit henley with an extended placket and extra seaming. Take your favorite hoodie, add ultra-soft organic Supima cotton and you've got B. Son's shawl collar hoodie ($103). Or you can stand out in the crowd with Orthodox's Kipling shirt, a cool blend of soft knit and structure woven fabrics ($149).

Coats

There's really nothing better than throwing on your favorite warm, thick coat right before you head out into the cold. But if you're tired of your plain peacoats and ordinary overcoats, we've got plenty of new options. The first thing we noticed about Orthodox's Chaucer coat ($286) was the cool dip-dye treatment, but there's tons to this garment, including a one-and-a-half breasted front, zippered sleeves, and quilted lining. Or you can opt for something more rugged like the Converse by John Varvatos waxed cotton bomber ($295) lined in jersey with leather detailing. And Sameunderneath's knit blazer ($218) comes in a thick, comfy cotton/polyester blend with cool details like functional cuff buttons and contrast buttoneire stitching.

Extras

Don't forget the little things! These Converse by John Varvatos rubberized hi-tops ($125) are perfect for rainy days; it's like water off a duck's back — literally! Keep your head warm in Urban Legend's beanie ($30), with a special stitch in the back for the perfectly slouchy look. Plain Gravy's cotton flannel scarf ($58) combines comfy, casual fabrics with sophisticated patterns. And don't forget that winter wind can dry your skin out, so keep Baxter's Oil-free moisturizer ($18) on hand to stay moisturized.

In Store Now: Kids' Art!

Anyone who has passed by recently will have noticed the wonderful paintings by kids for the "Kids Paint by the Town" art event sponsored by the Rockridge District the Museum of Children's Art. We invite parents to take their kids around for this Saturday's Art Stroll (find more information on the event website regarding participation and check-in) and to stop by the store, where you can check out new fall arrivals and where we'll happily stamp your children's art passport, which they need to complete to be eligible for that day's grand prize. We hope you see you this weekend!

New Name: Plain Gravy

New label Plain Gravy is all about taking the plain and making it something special. These are some of the softest and coolest prints we've come across.

Mockneck hoodie, $180

Sure, it might look like "just another hoodie", but look closer. Two types of speckled grey fabric on the outside with soft fleece lining inside, a button-over neck strap for a mockneck look, and multi-colored zipper teeth make for a smartly understated hoodie.

Wisily tee, $53

Soft 100% cotton tee with abstract Kandinsky-eque graphics in bright primary colors.

Avant tee, $53

Cotton tee with elongated lettering printed using a glossy, rubber-like fabric inks.

Letter tee, $53

Cotton tee with wraparound blue printed stripes and front-printed handwritten letters.

Geometric V-neck tee, $60

Abstract, geometric patterns in a soft grey ink wrap around the body of this charcoal v-neck tee.

Flannel scarf, $58

Long soft flannel scarf done in a black, white, and grey buffalo check for you to channel your inner Portland grunge rock god.