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.

Fall 2008: B. Son

We always look forward to San Francisco-based B. Son's collections; blending fashion-forward design with luxurious fabrics, they put out a uniquely Bay Area kind of clothing. Made right in San Francisco out of locally sourced and organic fabrics, it's easy to look as good as you feel.

Mock neck pullover hoodie in heather, $143

Don't let the fleece fool you, this hooded pullover is nothing but sophisticated. Fully lined and constructed out of ultra-soft combed fleece, this sweater is perfect for when you need something thick to keep out the cold. A side-button mock neck lets you wear it anyway you want, from open and draped to buttoned-up and snug. 100% cotton, 4 buttons, kangaroo pocket, pieced back construction.

Shawl neck jersey pullover in charcoal, $95

Meet your favorite new layer. 100% certificated organic Supima cotton makes for the finest jersey out there. The sophisticated shawl collar detailing and long, lean silhouette will make sure you look you best even at your most casual.

Shawl neck jersey hoodie in black, $103

A classic with a twist. This hoodie gets a fresh update with a shawl neck that gives it an architectural drape when the hood is worn. 100% certified organic Supima cotton, kangaroo pocket.

Fall 2008: Artificial Flavor

Flak jacket, $155

Taking their cue from military flak jackets, the guys at Artificial Flavor have stripped away the bulk for a simple, clean look. Snap-covered front-zip, rivets, 4 front pockets, wrist strap, cotton/spandex shell, cotton/nylon lining.

V-neck in grey, $39

V-neck in black, $39

When it comes to basics, Artifical Flavor goes for the "less-is-more" approach. Simple v-neck t-shirt made from 100% cotton with faux-raglan seaming.

Waffle knit T-neck long-sleeve, $75

This long-sleeved tee, done a soft cotton waffle knit, has an extra-long button-up neck for bundling up when it's cold. But the moment it warms up, undo them for a relaxed, sleek angled collar. Extra button detailing.

2 Kinds of Converse

New interpretations of Converse classics have arrived in the store, one by the Converse mainline and one by John Varvatos.

Converse by John Varvatos Rubberized Hi-Top, $125

Click here to purchase.

While the silhouette might be familiar, the material and treatment makes these high-tops completely new. John Varvatos has taken the standard Chuck Taylor sneaker and rubberized it, making for a totally new texture and shine that's totally new. Comes with two sets of leather laces in white and black. Get these quick, as we have a very small size run.

Converse Wingtip Oxford Sneaker, $85

Click here to purchase.

The lo-top shoe grows up, but just a little. The treated leather upper has wingtip brogueing on the toebox, along the side, and at the heel for a combination of casual and classic. Fully lined.

Fall 2008: Sameunderneath

Since 1999, Ryan Christensen's label Sameunderneath has set out to make clothes that looked good, felt good, and did good all at once. Committed to being sustainable and responsible, not only does Sameunderneath produce comfortable classics, but they also spend their time educating the nation's youth. So every garment you buy is another step forward for their Sameunderneath Foundation and a great new piece for you.

Knit blazer, $218

The Ivy League goes sustainable with this relaxed fit knit blazer. But don't let the comfy exterior fool you; one-button closure, functional surgeon cuffs, interior chest pocket, exterior flap pockets, and carved buttons. What else would you expect from such a thoughtful brand? 75% organic cotton, 25% polyester.

Argyle rugby, $96

Using their signature bamboo-derived fabrics, Sameunderneath reinterprets the staple rugby shirt in a mellow brown. Instead of printing or weaving, the argyle pattern is sewn on as a series of colored patches with contrast stitching. Embroidered logo on back collar.

New Name: Schmoove

Schmoove has been making sneakers sleeker for years and we're glad to bring them into the store for everyone. Their signature fusion of dress shoe style with sneaker sensibility (with a definite sense of wit) makes Schmoove one smart-looking shoe.

Unboxing our shipment.

Barocco Hi Collar Lambskin Black $198

The high-top receives the royal treatment in a supple black lambskin. It might be minimalist, but it's definitely not boring. Vulcanized rubber sole, padded ankle for comfort, velcro strap over lacing, and signature elongated silhouette.

Jamaica Easy Derby Chicken Brown $165

Schmoove's classic shoe, the Jamaica, comes to us this season in a more relaxed version. Done in a wrinkled brown leather, the Jamaica Easy Derby takes the detailing of your favorite leather derbies and combines them with a vulcanized rubber sole for a look that's classic and new, all at once.

Barocco Derby Tumble Navy $178

Even the classic chukka boot shape gets a facelight for the modern day. Vulcanized rubbed sole meets pebbled navy leather upper with welt detailing at the heel for a shoe that looks as natural with your skinny jeans or some straight leg trousers.

Fall 2008: Converse by John Varvatos

Double face tuxedo jacket, $395

A 100% cotton jacket that's perfect for dressed up casual looks, this blazer shows off Varvatos' craftsmanship: partially trimmed peak lapels, full lining, one-button closure, chest pocket, three outer flap pockets, two internal chest pockets, and double vented for a comfortable fit.

Double face waistcoast, $195

Peak lapels and an elasticized back give this waistcoat a refined edge. Four button front and two pockets. Wear it with the jacket for a complete look or without for a look that's effortlessly sophisticated.

Double face tuxedo pants, $185

The last piece to finish the ensemble. These slightly tapered cotton pants feature two front pockets, two back welt pockets, notched waist, and silkscreen detailing inside on the pocket bags. A classic trouser if there ever was one.

Bar stripe shirt, $125
(sold out)

Another great button-down, with a similar fit to the micro check shirt we got in our last shipment, but this time in a rich, striped pattern with shades of brown, olive, and pale taupe.