Today was one of those glorious autumn days, crisp clear air and brilliant blue sky. Perfect day for suede jackets and corduroy jeans, so I decided to head to John Simons to fulfil my latest part in the transatlantic ivy exchange with Fred in LA. He'd ordered a bunch of stuff from JSA and I usually …
Recent Finds: 1950s Deadstock Montgomery Ward Suede Bomber
Every now and again it's possible to come across something extraordinary when searching for vintage American clothing. Suede jackets are something I've always loved but vintage suede can be very funky in the worst possible sense and the vintage aroma can take months to clear. Some items are better …
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The Return of SERO of New Haven? Kind of.
Imagine my surprise today when I came across a link to an image for a new Sero 'shambray' (sic) shirt on Google. A bit more digging around and with the help of Google's translation service it appears that someone has resurrected the Sero name for Japan. It's probable that the brand being out of …
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Vintage GANT Chambray Popover
Just picked up this interesting 1970s GANT chambray popover from Zach at Newton Street Vintage. A slightly odd mix of 60s style S/S pullover shirt and chambray work shirt, but nevertheless one that looks like it works. 1970s GANT collars were usually great, and this one has the requisite third …
Update: Hollywood & The Ivy Look – Reel Art Press
Update: Last night I sent a spy to the book launch party at John Simons. Well, not really a spy, I was invited. Having had a quick look through the book at midnight, it really is pretty damn special. I'll post a proper review of it on Sunday. Meanwhile, copies pre-ordered are due to be sent out next …
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One You Can Buy: J. Keydge Slack Jackets For JSA
There has been an incredible buzz online around John Simons' latest delivery of J. Keydge slack jackets - one it seems that has translated into real sales. Keydge is an odd brand. They make a number of deconstructed jackets that appear to be aimed at 65 year old French lotharios with Rod Stewart …
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The 3/2 Roll Patch Pocket Ivy League Blazer
Not much to say about these really, except that you can be sure there's plenty of Dacron in the mix being from Sears in 1964. And I'm not sure about the collarless example in the centre. Pendleton made a similar casual jacket in various plaids in the 60s. Once upon a time FLIP in Long Acre sold …
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1966 Sears “Sporty Boots” Playboys
Showing their apres-ski roots, these Sears branded playboy chukkas with 'Searofoam' soles and 'plush' lining are almost certainly rebranded Bates Floaters. One can only imagine how hot feet must have got in these babies. From page 252 of the 1966 Christmas Sears Catalog Disclaimer: The boots …
The Ivy Shearling Car Coat. Sawyer of Napa for LL Bean circa 1969.
The Shearling Coat. Where do we begin with this? The shearling or sheepskin coat has a checkered history on the Anglo side of the pond. A post war staple worn by the Chelsea set in their Austin Healeys with suede chukkas and a windowpane check viyella shirt (also worn by the girls - think …
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Levis Stretch Jeans. Unnatural Fibres in 1963
Here's something to ponder. Most of us who buy 'the look' these days will insist on natural fibres, cotton oxford, cotton corduroy, chinos, real suede, and so on. But back in the days we hark to, technology heralded a brave new world of mixed and distinctly unnatural fibres. Many of these products …
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