winter Archives - WORDS FOR WEAR

Did you know smart phones are designed to be replaced every couple years or so? Think about it. They release new phone models every year with the hope that we as consumers will replace our old models with the new ones. This is a real thing and it’s called planned obsolescence. A policy of doing business where the design of the product has its obsolescence built in, meaning the product will be obsolete (not usable, neither in form nor function) before long. This principle pervades many companies in many industries, even fashion! Crazy, right?

Now we don’t want to bore you (or enrage you for that matter) with economic policies such as this. We simply want to open your eyes to the fact that this happens, and it happens a lot. At some point in your life you’ve come across a pair of cheaply made boots or purses that fell apart in a flash, no? Or maybe those same boots or purses even went out of style too quickly. That’s not by accident.

In an age where products in both fashion and technology are intentionally built to be replaced within a matter of years we at The Stockist have always aimed at securing the highest quality, long-lasting brands in our store. To stock brilliantly made products is an honor. In fact, that’s one of the tenets we were founded on.

Take Red Wing for example: they’re a proud and iconic brand that we carry in store. And they got that way by producing quality bootwear for over a hundred years. After you’ve worn your Red Wings every day for years on end, and after countless summer camping trips and myriad winter hiking excursions along the way you can rest easy knowing that even if your boots are starting to show a little wear and tear just send them off to Red Wing, Minnesota for careful restoration.

Then we’ve got Baggu, a fast-growing bag and accessory brand – based out of San Francisco and Brooklyn – known for its simple, timeless aesthetic. And believe it or not it all began with one bag back in 2007: a classic, clean nylon tote styled after a plain ol’ grocery bag.

What do they have now? They’ve got everything from leather purses, clutches and backpacks to ripstop nylon and canvas versions of the very same. Simple designs and quality construction ensures Baggu bags stand the test of time both in fashion and durability.

We’re in the thick of the holidays. We know it’s easy to get caught in the mindset of buying a gift just to buy a gift. But think about it for a minute first. If we purchase well-made, environmentally friendly products then that puts these kinds of products in higher demand. Simply put when you’re gifting this season, take your time, and get to know the brand you’re courting. Or in other words opt for a bag o’quality, not a bag o’junk.

Another brand you’ll want to know is Aesop, a company with a firm focus on skin, hair and body care. While products like these aren’t built to last, at least not in the same way as a pair of boots should, they still last. (C’mon, we’re talking balms and conditioners here; they have to run out someday.)

Still Aesop is a brand built on sustainability and the importance of self-care. More than that they listen to you. Many times over they’ve developed new products for skin, hair and body simply out of genuine response to their customer’s needs. In other words, they do their research people. What’s safe. What’s effective. What’s needed. These are all important objectives for them in the development of their complete body care line. If you throw an Aesop product in someone’s stocking they’ll know you really, really care about them.

Wow, does time have a tendency to creep up on us or what. It feels like we just barely laid out our 2016 summer collection but here we are talking about the holidays. Before we know it it’ll be spring. But that Baggu purse or those Red Wing boots you got your bae for the holidays will still be in tip-top shape. And your skin and hair and your dog’s fur (we sell Aesop wash for your animals, too) from those stocking stuffers you got will be marvelously lush for the oncoming warm.

There are plenty more brands in store that equal the caliber of the ones described above, too. Though it’s nearly impossible to sufficiently describe the greatness of all the wonderful brands we carry in one blog post. It’s honestly better to just come in and explore the shop yourself, to see the quality gifting possibilities right in front of your very eyes.

Oh and to put a little spring in your step this holiday season we’re putting on a festive party/pop-up trunk show this Saturday, December 17^th. You’ll get 10% off throughout the store plus there will be delicious food to eat and tasty drinks to imbibe. So come mingle and celebrate. And remember that Helen, Brett and the rest of the team are always here to help you pick out a gift that will last.

For some people winter means a few months of bearing the cold until spring pops up again. For others winter means fashion. We fall in the latter category. Why shiver from November to March when you can clothe yourself warmly – and in style? Perhaps if you change your mindset, the winter won’t be a barren landscape. Instead it will open up into a winter wonderland where your closet becomes your sanctuary and the snow-laden streets become your runway.

If you’re anything like us you find it difficult to pick the jacket that’s just right for you. We don’t mean that somehow, somewhere right off the factory line there’s a jacket with your name emblazoned in bold across the breast pocket. What we mean is it takes a while to find a brand you like, to find a fit you like, all the while snagging one that’s en vogue, too.

This goes for both men and women. Ladies…guys struggle with this, too. They don’t want to be walking around with a jacket that’s too big, too small or even so last season. Really, it can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on these three tips and you’ll be golden…and warm…and fashionable.

Quality matters

This is perhaps priority numero uno when buying a jacket. A lot of us have no doubt locked eyes with a coat we love from across the room but once you get up close you see that it will barely last a few washes, maybe barely a season.

A good marker for finding quality outerwear is both in brand and material. When in doubt, always remember that Helen and Brett and the rest of our helpful staff are in store to make sure you stay warm on top of looking good. Just ask us. Other than that, be sure to check the tags. See if cheap acrylics make up the bulk of materials. If they do, steer clear.

Save room for layering

You bought that sleek jacket as bespoke as possible but you can’t fit even a thin sweater underneath. What’s the point if you can’t layer in the middle of winter? Now you’re going to freeze your butt off in subzero temps because you couldn’t do without that ultra form-fitting jacket. Trust us, people will notice your uncontrollable shivering long before they notice your fashion sense.

There’s a way to be warm, comfortable and timeless. Make sure there’s some wiggle room not only in the torso but in the arms as well. Nothing is worse than having your layers twist and turn underneath your coat until once you get home and you’re nothing but a giant Chinese finger trap.

Warmth>Fads

This last tip kind of completes the two we already outlined above. Give in to quality, save room for layers, and lastly make sure that the outerwear you buy is going to be warm enough – layers and all – right out the door.

Easier said than done seeing as how we’re not in thick of winter yet. But use your best judgment. Feel the fabric and feel the consistency, if you think you can brave the coldest of days in your hometown then you’re set. (Luckily we have outerwear that addresses all the above concerns plus is guaranteed to stay timeless and fashionable for years to come.)

Now to what’s new in store this season. We’re introducing Snow Peak outerwear to the shop, a Japanese lifestyle clothing line dating back to 1958. Interestingly enough, an accomplished mountaineer created the brand – so you know it’s good.

The brand’s primary aim is to “seek harmony between people and nature…to manufacture with such high quality standards that you’ll pass them on to the next generation like a great wrist watch.” Excited? We are! (In fact, get excited for spring already, too, because we’ll be doing a shop in shop with Snow Peak for the sole purpose of giving you a refreshing take on camping and the outdoor lifestyle.)

Next up we’ve got Nau where being better exists more than just in their outerwear, it’s their philosophy, too. They’re a brand bent on sustainability. They examine the environmental impact of every fabric they choose as well as everything that goes into the final product, often using recycled materials along the way. Not only that they make certain every last stitch will stand the test of time.

Sorry fellas, the Nau pieces we have in store this season are only for women. Don’t fret though. All our other great brands – in addition to Snow Peak – are still in shop. Come in to see what’s new in Penfield, Filson and Dark Seas.

And remember, stay warm out there, friends.