Doing the impossible

©The Impossible Project

Pictured is the Impossible Project founder Dr. Florian Kaps.

I love the defying-all-odds story here, the bringing a product offering back from the edge of extinction. I’ve been a fan of Polaroid cameras for a long while, having used them years before they became a trendy staple of a hipsters arsenal. I’m conflicted though by my affection for the unpredictable and painterly images one can create and the concern I have for the chemicals involved in making it happen. The biggest plus for going digital is moving away from all the sketchy toxic elements needed for instant film and traditional lab work. In any event, the Impossible Project is a cool development, and shows that insurmountable odds can be overcome with passion and determination. Plus their stores are bright, modern and actively engage their customers and fans.

Arc 572/582

Titanium watch by Jacob Jensen Design. Seemingly very simple and clean, but with a large amount of thought behind the design. There is a clever hinged cover hiding a crown…

I once had the privilege of visiting the Jacob Jensen design studio to meet up with Timothy Jensen. I spent a beautiful summer afternoon at their gorgeous studio, and it proved to be very interesting and inspiring. I quickly realized Tim was whip smart, funny, and an incredibly gracious host.

Hawaiian Print BD Shirts

I will probably get some “oh, no he didn’t'’s from my next statement, but I’m just not feeling the madras and seersucker this Spring. It may be that I have too much of it in my closet already, but it just doesn’t seem bold enough for me right now. Which is where these two items come in. My gut tells me this could be something I will regret seeing myself in some day, but I really can’t help liking both these navy and white printed BD shirts from WWM and Epaulet.

And this is coming from a guy who doesn’t have one short sleeve button shirt in his closet. I just don’t see the sense in buying or wearing a shirt in a traditional print with short sleeves. I tend to just roll up my sleeves if I’m hot. But with a Hawaiian or tropical print that logic no longer stands. It’s the only way to make or wear one. And these are made that much better by adding buttondown collars. I think this is a perfect shirt for some weekend outdoor fun sipping cold drinks in the shade.

Wings & Horns Spring… nonnative-lite.

Wings & Horns. It’s like nonnative but Canadian? Not really, but maybe more like nonnative-lite. In a season when nonnative goes black with bright color pops for Spring, Wings & Horns went super washed-out with a soft color palette. Essentially what you would normally expect this time of year from nonnative.

Although I wasn’t overwhelmed the W&H’s Spring showing there are some very nice items sprinkled throughout the collection.

A polo can easily make a guy look like a complete tool if the fit isn’t just right. These appear nice and trim which should help, but color and nice detailing will go a long way. And these have both of those as well. Heather grey, heather blue, and white (no hot pink and green stripes) and a subtle gingham button-down collar will help separate you from the average Joe.

I’ve gotten a lot of crap, even here at ND from Ninski, because of my endorsement of The Sweat Pant. But I’m sticking to my guns on this one. Just to be clear, I have never endorsed wearing this out and about casually everyday, and definitely do not do this myself. But I think there are completely appropriate times for this look… while traveling on intercontinental flights like I have previously stated, while hanging around your house, while taking out the trash, playing ball at the park on a cold fall day, etc. There are plenty of occasions where they are useful and stylish. But I do not endorse a hoody with the pant, go with a button up or sweater and anything from sneakers to Bean boots depending on the weather work fine. And if you do not own a pair, why not go with W&H’s recycled fleece version (above left), they look great on the body and I love the pocket stitch detail.

Everyone is going crazy over the field pant right now but I think W&H’s ventile version (above right) is a perfect alternative to the flap pocket versions flooding the market. It keeps your profile slim without adding any unnecessary bulk to your silhouette.

And finally, their Chambray short (left) and Gingham Cargo short (right) are perfect for a hot summer day. I personally don’t have many opportunities to wear shorts outside of the weekend and while on holiday, so I don’t have a need for more than a few in my drawer. But if you live in Aruba or the like you can pick up both.

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Deluxe Baccara

I’m thinking it’s time to start putting away your wool bandana and start bringing out the lightweight colored ones like these.

Polo Kalahari Oilcloth Vest

As you can tell by now, I did a lot of shopping while in LA. It’s sort of my job sometimes. It’s terrible. I tried on the Polo Kalahari Oilcloth Vest at their Robertson store. I don’t think I need to go into detail of why this thing is so cool. I mean, it’s made with heavy British waxed oilcloth and it comes with it’s own tin of oilcloth dressing. Enough said.

Martin+Osa Boating Anorak

After what has been (and still is) a very long and harsh winter in New York City I need a little color in my life. I’m ready to put away the pea-coat and start layering up some light jackets. I’ve already pulled out a crazy black engineer jacket from defunct brand Uppercut I’ve had forever and my worn-in denim jacket, but that doesn’t get me the color I’m looking for. While shopping in LA I came across a b&m Martin+Osa in Orange County. It was unexpected because I hadn’t realized they even had any b&m’s. I was interested to see what the store was all about despite who their parent company is - American Eagle (I know, ugh!).

I have to admit I was very impressed with the overall presentation. The space was tasteful and the product had a very clear vision. It was much more focused than J.Crew, Gap, or any other of it’s competitors have ever been. The store was stock full of their versions of classic American staples. But most impressive was the clothes have very modern cuts and great colors. Not what you’d expect from a company that has mastered the art of frat-boy douchery.

But probably my favorite piece of all was their bright orange anorak. I was drawn to it the second I stepped in the door and immediately tried in it on. The fit was trim but still allowed room for some layering, perhaps my afformentioned denim jacket, and the color was a great pop for the season. Definitely a good way to spice up your palette as you transition to summer without breaking the bank. I ended up not buying it that day but I ordered it last week so should be in the mailbox soon.

Now I know I have heaped the praise on Martin+Osa over the course of this post and I want to make sure I clarify myself and not over do it. It is a really nice start but I think the biggest positive is that men have another good option amongst the chains (J.Crew, Rugby, Club Monaco) that are bringing tasteful styling and well tailored clothing to the marketplace at accessible price points.

Rugby Snorkel Cotton Fatigue Pant

I can’t jump on this frat-boy baggy cargo trend but I’m always down for a trim pant with a nice taper which is why I really like Rugby’s Cotton Fatigue Pant. They’re a bit trimmer than your average cargo pant which is harder to find than you would expect. One of my pet peeves is faux distressing and brands like Rugby just can’t seem to leave a good pant alone, but I I think I could live with it on a pant that fits this good.