Fall Wish List

With Fall just around the corner, I have been taking stock of what’s in my closet, as well as what’s in storage.  Over the next couple months, I will begin the transition of bringing all my cold weather stuff out of storage and packing my warm weather stuff so it can hibernate for the winter.  This is also when I do a purge.  This years’ purge will be biblical.

It’s this time of year that I look for holes in my wardrobe; pieces that I’d like to add to round out not only my closet, but to keep up with my slowly evolving style.  Right now I’m really excited about adding texture to my fall and winter wardrobe.  Oxford cloth and wool trousers will be a major part of the rotation, but there are a few key pieces I’d like to add.  Here’s what I have my eye on:

From top left:

1. Solid Brushed Dress Shirts (Ledbury):  I have one brushed cotton shirt from New England Shirt Company and I absolutely love it.  Sure, it’s a form of flannel, but it’s cut like a dress shirt.  I’d like to add a couple more this year.  These are dressy enough to work under a tweed jacket, and thick enough to go without a sweater.  No starch…that would defeat the purpose.
2. Natural Cashmere Sweater (Johnstons of Elgin):  Mrs. RCS got me a medium grey cashmere v-neck from Sid a couple years ago, and I wear it all the time.  It’s a very versatile piece that goes with almost everything.  I actually found myself dressing it down with a beat up oxford, jeans, and boots more often than not.  I’d like to add a natural colored cashmere sweater this year.  Maybe a cable-knot option like this one from Johnstons.
3. Solid Tweed Wool Jacket (Drake’s):  I have so many tweed jackets, but they all have some sort of herringbone, windowpane, or funky design.  I love all of them, don’t get me wrong, but this year I want a solid wool tweed jacket.  Something that I don’t mind wearing over a plaid shirt.  This jacket from Drakes may be the perfect option.
4. Green Wool Trousers (Sid Mashburn): I have plenty of grey and blue trousers, but no green.  Why?  I don’t know, as it’s a great Earthy color that can spruce up a winter wardrobe.  Pair these with a blue oxford, #2, and #7 and you are in business.  Remember: dark green is a neutral.  It goes with almost everything.
5. A 1″ Alligator Belt Strap (Trafalgar):  I have the Trafalgar monogrammed buckle, and my current strap has just about had it.  I want to upgrade to an alligator strap, but only want a 1″ job.  Sure, it can accommodate a 1 3/8″ strap, but I want something a little more streamlined.
6. A Shooting / Commando Sweater (Ball & Buck):  I saw this last year at Ball and Buck’s pop up in Atlanta, and am kicking myself for not picking on up.  I have plenty normal sweaters, but want to add something a little more rugged.  I’m wearing jeans a lot more, and this hunter green option from some of Boston’s best is right up my ally.
7. Chocolate Suede Tassel Loafers (Sid Mashburn):  I don’t think there is a better dress shoe for Fall and Winter than a chocolate suede tassel loafer.  And I haven’t pulled the trigger on a pair. Big miss.  They look great with almost everything, a pair of jeans (blue, tan, cream…), any grey or navy (or green!) trousers, or any well cut chinos.  Being that I’m such a tassel loafer guy, these may make it into my closet before long.  Don’t forget shoe trees, and a suede brush.
8. A Quilted Pullover (Patagonia):  I’m a huge fan of the Better Sweater (as is just about everyone else), but this quilted snap-t is a great vintage look for weekend casual.  To any owners: how is this cut?  Is it wide (like most Snap Ts), or is it a little on the slimmer side?
9. Medium Brown Chelsea Boots (George Brown BILT):  I’ve got two pairs of Chelsea boots now, and I wear them both quite a bit.  The problem is that they are both dark brown, and look pretty formal.  I’d like to add a pair of medium/snuff brown suede chelsea boots to the line up.  I like the look with jeans and #6…  These George Browns are great, and so are the R.M. Williams option, if I could find them in the states.

That’s my list…what’s caught your eye?  Anything good?