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WOOL= HIGH PERFORMANCE FASHION/ACCESSORIES-TECH FABRICS F/W 2015

Fairly obsessed with American brand Stormy Kromer...offers up slew of  hats to wear anywhere-all rifts on its Original iconic storm proof style. Pictured-for women the Button Up ($44.99) wool/nylon blend, 100% cotton flannel lining, Made in the USA






SLC/OR


Highlights from: Stormy Kromer, Wolverine, Woolrich, Smith, Filson, Tilley, Icebreaker, SmartWool, Chaos, Vibram FiveFingers, Chaco, Timberland, Fjällräven, Toad&Co., Bergans of Norway, Sherpa Adventure Gear, Mountain Khakis, Krimson Klover


WHAT:

For nearly a decade-clothing/accessories exhibitors at Outdoor Retailer (since we've been going)... have always purveyed technically proficient apparel, socks, hats, shoes (etc)...to fit individuals enjoying mountain trail/lakeside/camping  to urban byways-places--particularly labels aimed out the 'adventure' travellers.
Original and Mercantile Peninsula Hat
Stormy Kromer Mercantile collabs with Wolverine= Peninsula Cap (bridging the Upper and lower Michigan Peninsulas---fyi) the burnished Horween leather lid on a wool/nylon blend hat-ear flaps- with paraffin wax cotton trim...a mixed textile take on the Original Made in the USA...100% cotton flannel lining $69.95

With athleisure now -  a so very common trend.. with every celeb, model, or fashion designer conjuring up their own...what's next for the 'original' active outdoor lifestyle marketplace brands-to stand out?


Filson-another USA heritage brand-acclaimed for its use of tough materials for outdoor pursuits....here a weather tough classic 6 panel cap style-in warm+water repelling plaid wool -adjustable at back, pre-curved bill for added protection
Especially given the 'lumberjack' thing peaking in NYC last year...the question is how to get those consumers committed to (hopefully) valuing the outdoors (environment) and in turn- permanently embracing companies (heritage or new) who value sustainability and ethical work-labor practices...think cradle to cradle traceability, non-toxic dyes, and fair wages to the adults who make their stuff....and verify it. Something a lot of the fashion/garment industry does not exactly place prime importance on (yet) imo-unless regulators crack down on them-or activists reveal...


VANTAGE-a SMITH helmet-with WOOLICH. Top of the line AEROCORE™ construction features Koyroyd® protection+airflow, lus Boa® F360 Fit system, AirEvac flawless goggle integration, 21 vents, Nanosilver anti-microbial lining, hybrid SL shell construction, removable ultra-light goggle lock, adjustable dual regulating climate control.PLUS style too. Nice.
 

SMITH MAZE helmet-gets Woolrich trim-super lightweight. with AirEvac 2 ventilation, removable goggle lock, beanie compatible, snapfit SL2 ear pads, airflow climate control, self adjusting lifestyle fit system, 9 vents,  lightweight in-mold construction

For Fall 2015...at OR Winter-we saw even more emphasis on practical stylish clothing/accessories...and notably, since this is aimed at folks livin' cold weather temps, a natural embrace of wool-a sustainable material...often blended in with performance textiles...for added durability and easy care. Opinion---everything pictured here is as worthy of consumer attention as much as any fashion label...sportin' good looks and functionality. And better prices...too.

BONUS: Heritage brands from lower and upper peninsulas-Michigan-Wolverine and Stormy Kromer... Smith Helmets and WOOLRICH ...collaborating on some nifty one-offs
Wolverine and Stormy Kromer-in a hiker hybrid...with iconic wool upper, durable rubber treaded outsole and welt construction for years of wear.
Wolverine x Stormy Kroner...LOVE THIS!
TILLEY...sun protection in city silhouettes that can go from casual to dressy...pretty trim ribbon details...VINTAGE CLOCHE has tuckaway ear warmers and rayon bemberg lining to help prevent static-secret pocket too. 100% wool felt-wire brim keeps it all in shape. NICE. $109


classic fedora -by Tilley also with tuckaway ear warmers, millinery ribbon trim


ICEBREAKER is a New Zealand based company-deftly uses the naturally performing Merino Wool (water tough, warm when wet, naturally anti-odor, UV protecting, breathable, moisture wicking-and ez care) for its outdoors, sport and we'd say very handsome city looks...pictured -the compressive Ski+ Over the Calf sock (comes in light and medium) and compressive run/lifestyle---all day comfort in merino wool/nylon/Lycra blends. Versatile Flexi Chute neck warmers and  hats-come in a bunch of thicknesses-and blends-including Merino Wool and TENCEL®.


Chaos hats, gloves/mittens and scarves----there so many styles from their LUX and Worldbeat collections- that it really is impossible to select a few fab ones.  The Skyline beanie...unisex


chunky knits...by Chaos


CHAOS -this bunch of -chunky knits...have very ethnic hand made appeal...INEZ , JONNY, ROCHE, RICHE- wool/acrylic and fleece lined



LEDA hat , LESCAULT scarf  wool/acrylic blend
great print...LAKME


Chola-hunter style with poly/wool blend with faux fur



VIBRAM Five Fingers get wool uppers and a street snazzy higher kind of chukka upper -with metal eyelets-for Fall 2015....grippy rubber pods outsoles, zero drop-barefoot style for everyday wear.

Vibram Five Fingers-wool blend upper


Vibram Five Fingers-lace-up chukka look




River sandal specialists CHACO -made famous with outdoors minded types-for their durable all-day comfort and arch supporting (removable) LUVSEAT™ footbeds-certified by Podiatrists (APMA)--- introduces some very colorful (and fun) Mountain Lifestyle water-tight footwear for Fall'15---featuring (depending)-uppers made of quality primo full-grain leathers, distinct treatments and  vintage hardware buckles, ombré wool side panels, and bonus points-outsoles with the grippy + non-marking EcoTread™= 15%-25% recycled rubber content... and 3-3.5 millimeter lugs for great traction.
women's Barbary-with a cute wool fold - down collar-water tough, full grain leather upper-nice lace-up web patterns - warm with plush fleece lining-$150
Timberland-goes retro with this wool Harris Tweed vest...insulated vest...aimed at the Nordstrom shopper imo.
SmartWool®-the name takes out the guess work-uses sustainably sourced Merino Wool from Uruguay and New Zealand-and blends its with performance yarns for its fab constructed collections of apparel +accessories. Propulsion 60 Merino blend-nylon insulation... pictured the Propulsion 60 Jacket...mix insulating core...and very eye-catching  tweedy-sides, arms...one very functional jacket combined with a lot of style.
SmartWool men's-version of Propulsion 60 jacket...like the mix of fabrics and the color pop of the zipper and pocket pulls.





 SmartWool Propulsion 60 Jacket.-women's
Printed Courbet 120 Jacket

made for active types...120 series and 6 series (above pictures)...more or less warmth depending on activity output.





Fjallraven-classic Fair Isles knit pattern-100% lambswool VIKA SWEATER (post review)


Revamped and rebranded.Toad & Co. devoted its entire Fall 2015 collection to #ModernTravel...one of our favs...the SHADOWSTRIPE SWEATER DRESS $129 blend of wool and eco-friendly TENCEL® and cotton comfy and warm, rib knit collar+cuff, and short tail curved hemline, alternating textural knits adds a lot to this wear it anywhere dress. Pictured in Falcon Brown
TOAD & Co. another fav -button+double leather strap of ALMA LONG CARDIGAN...made from B'Wool Fine Gauge-100%boiled merino wool-double layer collar, drop-in patch pocket...34" long in Falcon Brown Heather  -over 100% organic cotton mid-weight flannel shirt.


TOAD & Co. Men's Outbound Fleece Poly/wool hoodie-w/ zip chest pocket, 3 piece hood w/ collar. handsome-more sophisticated clean lines, welted hand pockets, drop tail hemline-in Falcon Brown $139


Bergans of Norway IPSOP Lady Jacket-Technowool® poly/wool blend-repels water and wind...great coat for Fall and layer for winter. Love this!




retro patches...on Kollen Wool Lady Dress -a recycled wool knit blended dresses...zip back.


Reminds of boiled wool---but 21st century BETTER-and nice touch-the retro patches...old school zip Bergflette Lady Jacket is made of soft technowool blend- never goes out of style...with attached fixed hood, front pockets and extended back.
Bergans Akeleie half zip made of two-layers of 220-gram, 80% Merino Wool/20% Polyester and 100% Polyester fabrics=retains more air for enhanced insulation...moisture wicking poly&wool layer aids evaporation helping to regulate body temperature. Athletic fit , flatlock seams, machine-washable. Super soft too- $75.00.
Akeleie base layer $65---love the bold stripes



MK-Mountain Khakis---Mountain Lifestyle Clothing...also re-vamped-with new owners...and a more focused line of clothing with a lot of lifestyle in the style part. Pictured above...men's Powder 8 Merino Sweater brings out the Jackson Hole ski heritage $200 over Peden Plaid flannel shirt
MK's - def a best seller-Christi Faux Fur Fleece Lined Shirt and there is a guy version Christopher this season $110 over Annie stretch denim shirt in floral
MK'sJackson Insulated Hoodie $130  over Belgium Crew Neck
Def. old school but meets 21st century needs ICEBREAKER high performance Men's Zone One Sheep Suit $200 with unique heat dumping zones and balancing insulation with ventilation. 4% Lycra™ for increased athletic fit and mobility, attached hood for head to ankle prtoection, Comes in half zips and leggings for men and women too.






Sherpa Adventure Gear -hand made and that includes hand knitting-in a village in Nepal -gorgeous gorgeous---ethnic patterns, lined with primaloft one insulation. Takes four days-to make these knockouts-the Kirtipur Sweater also has super cozy fleece lined hood, pockets and collar. Stunning.
 hand assembled luxury in finest form 


the label says it all
love the mountain top pattern...can see how cuffs seal in warmth
details-ethnic patterned drawstrings for adjustable hood



no cold spots
FILSON-water repellent MACKINAW Wool Vest Alaskan Fit vest is so handsome- functional -wear fly-fishing...dress it up with a bowtie for parties. 100% virgin wool from the USA-made in the USA $135 w/ chest utility pocket, slotted utility pocket, 2 hand warmer pockets, button front closure
It does not get much cuter than this-and easy to wear-Hopscotch reversible skirt from Boulder based Krimson Klover. 
Krimson Klover hopscotch reversible skirt-is a 50% prima cotton/silk, 50% ultrafine merino wool blend...pictured in charcoal/aluminum
love the bold modern splashy flower print...Heart Breaker lightweight 1/4 zip pullover is viscose blend