CHAD'S STORE LOCATER THE STRONGHOLD - VENICE,CA

A few months ago The Stronghold store on Abbot Kinney had some major changes. The building was more or less split in half and is now occupied by The Stronghold and next-door neighbor Shinola.

I visited the store 5 years ago but, I must say that in this new settlement the products are better presented and the store gives you a cozy feeling. The Stronghold Denim is the focal point of the store but it is surrounded with great brands like: Pendleton, Filson, Alden, Stetson, Lewis Leather and many many more. This store is a must see when you are in LA.

The Stronghold

1625 Abbot Kinney BLVD

Venice, CA

THE PERFECT BUDDY FOR YOUR ALDEN

Anderson's belts are the perfect buddy for your favorite Alden shoes.

Given its Parma, Italy origin, Anderson’s may not be the most obvious name for a belt maker, but for Carlo Valenti it was an honor. When Valenti launched his company in 1966, he named it for an English tailor whose work he admired. The commitment to the then-aspirational name has led to a nearly 50-year history of belt-making expertise and made Anderson’s synonymous with high quality design and manufacturing. Today, the experience and traditions of this 50-employee operation combine with modern techniques to create each Anderson’s belt. Buy your Alden and matching Anderson's @ Supply & Advise Miami

THE FRESH PRINTS ARE NOT FROM BEL-AIR

Steele Canvas bag, Miansai Bracelet, Soludos Espadrilles, rest J.Crew

New Balance Sneakers, Miansai hook bracelet, rest J.Crew 

Alden for J.Crew shoes, rest J.Crew

Alden for J.Crew Shoes, rest J.Crew

Vans sneakers, HAN KJØBENHAVN sunglasses, rest J.Crew

The Fresh Prints are not from Bel Air, but they are from J.Crew. You need to have prints for this summer and no worries, these prints last more then just one season. I saw a lot of prints during the Pitti Uomo and Bread & Butter Fair. So put your money in something fresh and it will last for at least one season more.

STORE LOCATOR - FRANS BOONE, SLUIS

Tucked away at the border between Belgium and The Netherlands you can find Frans Boone, Sluis

Frans wasn't in today, he was in Italy on a business trip selecting some products and brands which can fine tune the collection for Fall 2013. I was welcomed by Menno with a hot coffee and a nice chat. The store is separated by a big red cabinet into two different rooms. At the entrance you feel the rough outdoors with collections like RRL, Pendleton blankets, Red Wing, Gitman Vintage,  & Howlin'. The other room has a yellow sofa as a great eye-catcher, here you find a Salvatore Picolo shirts, Boglioli, Alden, Tricker's just to name a few brands. Frans Boone is cherry picking in every collection, and create special editions as well. You may call it "Very Frans Boone"

CHAD VISITED UNIONMADE, SAN FRANCISCO

On my last trip to the States, I paid a visit to Unionmade, which was high on my "bucket list"

I was welcomed by John, who showed my around and introduced me to Erin, the Manager and Todd Barket the owner. Todd started Unionmade in 2009 on Sanchez Street after working 18 years for GAP.       

In September 2011 the store was expanded to house a growing collection, here you can find excellent brands like Filson, Alden, Pendleton, Gant Rugger, Beams+, Barbour, Gitman Vintage, Quoddy, Redwing, Howlin' by Morrison etc. all under one roof. For F/W Todd introduced his 2nd Unionmade Indigo Collection bringing in favourite labels to work their magic in blue. My favorite spot of the store is the fitting room, nicely decorated with Pendleton blankets. Thanks guys for your hospitality.

IS IT A SUIT OR IS IT A SHOP?

Yesterday, J.Crew opened The Ludlow Shop @ 50 Hudson, New York, This store is named after the Ludlow suit the company introduced in 2008. The store is well stocked with it, Frank Muytjens says in an interview with GQ, that they over 19 fabrications in fabrics from the best European Mills. Furthermore you can find Thomas Mason shirts, Alden and Crockett & Jones shoes. Drake's scarves and pocket squares, Mackintosh raicoats and Barbour jackets. The interior inspired by "atelier live/workspace," is a serious mix of flavors from 19th century antiques to a Mies van de Roha sofa. Plus at the workshop corner some vintage Alden lookbooks, did you know that you paid  30 bucks in 1959 for horsehide shoes? (pics via getkempt, GQ and selectism)