Now that skinny ties have ‘jumped the shark’ so to say, it’s time to start looking at alternatives. If you don’t think bow ties are for you, then knitted ties are a good halfway house. These Margaret Howell knitted ties have a mini-check pattern that’s invisible from any kind of distance and the colours available would work well with any number of outfits. Get it from Margaret Howell.

Shofolk’s Armstrong shoes get a lot of blog love – most will have noticed the suede boots that were featured all over the internet last week – but their ‘magic’ boot is overlooked. The only problem with the ‘magic’ boots is that they’re more suited for early spring than the heat of summer but if the weather’s right, then these would make a great addition to your wardrobe. Get these from Coggles.

Take a look after the jump for detailed pictures.

We like Kitsune. No doubt. “Exclusive video directed by Mark “The Cobrasnake” Hunter When the most famous photoblog in the world meets the nicest music label on Earth…”

These two hats from the Standard California Company look to pull inspiration from the conductor caps found on the rail lines. They built on the 5 panel cut and look great with their mid length bill and colorways. (ark)

More views of the Standard California Caps after the jump.

Mix a little elk leather with some tape strapping and you get these vintage style Levi’s suspenders. Now, not all suspenders are made equal as we have discovered from our friends at Billykirk, but these do catch the eye. Elk is not your everyday leather, which is probably why you’ll only find this pair via the Japan Levi’s store. A pity. 

More views of the Levi’s Japan Vintage Elk Leather Suspenders after the jump.

We love this suede green woven belt from Mauro Grifoni. It’s a proper alternative to the brown leather weaves that carried the prep look through the end of the last century. Check the d-ring closure which is aged finished in heavyweight metal. A great belt. Available now from Fever for 52€.

More detailed views of the Mauro Grifoni Suede Belt after the jump.

01. In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars

“Residents of this upscale community are suburban pioneers, going where few soccer moms or commuting executives have ever gone before: they have given up their cars.” (nyt)

02. Songzio Fall 2009

“he monochromatic layering of black and gray are perhaps at their best when paired with mystery and intrigue as seen in the latest from Korean label Songzio.” (fashionisto)

03. Veritas RS III Makes Debut at Salon Prive in London

“The first Veritas RS III is going to star at this year’s Salon Prive in London in July. It’s a German supercar that reaches to the past for inspiration. Unconfined by electronic driving aids, the modern day Veritas will offer the option for two BMW M-sourced powertrains…” (stylecrave)

04. The story of ANVIL…fucking metal on metal.

“ Last night, we went to the Nuart Theater to see the documentary, “The Story of ANVIL”…it’s possibly the best music documentary ever made. It’s a story of hope, dreams and perseverance.” (fuct)

05. Weezer cover MGMT (video)

“A very synthesized Weezer put their fingerprints on “Kids,” inserting Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface” into the mix. Rivers goes it without a guitar but with very big sunglasses and some very big hand gestures.” (stereogum)

Right to the point to close off an awesome Friday of sun and fun. A nice simple, to the point, chambray oxford twill shirt form the good people at Gitman. A nice cut on this piece and when modeled, looks to have a hlem line which allows for you to wear it out without scraping your ass. (blackbird)

More views of the Gitman Chambray Oxford Twill after the jump.

Karl Lagerfeld, the shutterbug, shoots a few for VMAN Issue 14. The essay, entitled, “Legends of the Fall” “harks” back to the covers of The Saturday Evening Post as done by legendary illustrator, J.C. Leyendecker.

Preview more of issue 14 at VMAN.

You might have noticed by now that we are big bag fans and in recent years the tote bag has become especially successful, also for men. Today we came across these great new United Bamboo canvas tote bags. They come in two sizes with navy and red prints, thick rope handles and just the right details. In our mind the perfect casual tote bag. Image via Tetsuya Suzuki.