SassaFras Japan comes through with a strong pair of “Standby” work pants made from 14oz cotton. Now, what makes them special is the utility pockets that look like they could hold a small bottle of bourbon or even a garden ho. They come in either grey or denim. We prefer the grey. Wear them as they should be worn – to work. Trust us, they’re heavy and rugged. (utilitycoop)

More looks at the SassaFras 14oz Standby Pants after the jump.

Here’s a 3000$US overcoat from Jil Sander. Sure, it is tipping the scale but Mr. Simon’s gets it right with this one. “One of the most important pieces in this highly regarded collection is this overcoat, due to its degree of completion and persistence. Three different layers of fabric are pressed together to create an intricate woven pattern. Each specific panel of fabric is used for each coat, which gives each piece its individual uniqueness. It is easy to add to any winter ensembles. Fully lined.” (aloharag)

More looks at the Jil Sander Overcoat after the jump.

Well for the Euros at least! Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair has just opened their online shop. Shoppers in the EU now have the opportunity to pick from the full range of “Only at Shoerepair” – a line of limited articles only available for sale in our own stores. The first articles will be launched this fall online, containing small leather goods made of finest Italian calf skin and produced by a small family owned vendor in Portugal.”

Weighing in at 68$US is a nice pair of side zip, mid-top canvas trainers from the Zuriick family. The “Kettle Mid” is a black canvas finished, possibly slip on sneaker with just a hint of touches around the vulcanization. A simple and to the point treatment. The price point is proper. Available at Need Supply.

More looks at the Zuriick Kettle Mid Sneaker after the jump.

This magazine works. As we reported back when issue #1 launched, It’s Nice That is a collection of good stuff from the London based web site. “Following the success of our first sold-out printed publication, we are pleased to announce Issue #2 will be released on Thursday 1 October. Inside the publication you’ll find 128 pages of advertising-free content, documenting the best of the work we’ve featured on the site in the past six months…and features written by current practitioners that have never been seen before.”

To celebrate the launch of the issue, It’s Nice That is previewing the issue with their first ever exhibition at the White House in Portobello as part of “The Dock” as part of London Design Festival 2009.

More views from the exhibit after the click.

Orange and Brown, one of the UK’s leading midcentury modern stores, has given the Ercol Quaker chair a playful twist of colour.

The result is a vibrant piece that seamlessly blends a contemporary colour palette with the elegant simplicity of this much-loved British classic. Designed in the mid-fifties by Lucian Ercolaina and handcrafted without screws, the Quaker design comes in a choice of high and low back chairs and armchairs.

Now on offer from Orange and Brown, these original chairs have been professionally restored and are available in seven striking colours – red, yellow, blue, pink, purple, black and white – with prices starting from£220. Colour matching is also available on special orders, creating a true one-off.

Founded in 2004, Orange&Brown offers an antidote to mass-produced disposable furniture. Reflecting owner Lee Russell’s belief that great design not only stands the test of time but improves with age, the store offers the best of Danish, British and American, midcentury design.

The pop-up shop is dead. Long live the shop world tour. In an effort to separate themselves from the hordes of pop-up shops, Kitsune have started Boutique Kitsune maison, a traveling shop-in-shop. The aim of the store is to promote their Autumn/Winter 2009 collection, ‘The Graduate’, which takes inspiration from the 1967 namesake film. Launching in conjunction with fashion week, the stores will also include CD’s from Kitsune’s music division, magazines and specially designed E15 tables.

The store will be popping up in London and Paris at first, with spaces opening at The Shop at Bluebird and Colette. Pop up dates: Shop at Bluebird: 22nd September – 12th October, Colette: September 28th – October 3rd.

More view from the Boutique Kitsune Maison pop-up after the click.

We know that our readers tend to enjoy the finer details in the products we cover but they may not always be happy with the pricetag. The problem is quality does not come cheap and that goes double if it considered “handmade.”

“Handmade” footwear, for example, will tend to run you a grip of bills, but not in every case. Take New York’s Thorocraft – a footwear maker launching their first collection for Spring 2010. Alex James, creative director for Thorocraft, believes he can offer the consumers top quality “handmade” footwear without breaking the bank.

Producing the line in Vietnam and Italy allows for the pricepoint to stay within 140$-220$US range, which covers a fair scope of budgets. The models – Trevor, Xanders, and Ross, hold to Thorocraft’s continuous commitment to craftsmanship, quality, durability, and comfort” while refining classic looks for today’s contemporary gentleman – and we love the pricing.

More looks at the Thorocraft’s footwear after the jump.

One of our favourites from NYFW, Patrik Ervell’s collections are always reliably desirable. Take this printed shirt for instance. The knock against printed shirts is that, well, they’re printed shirts – the height of busy overdesign. Our thoughts? Ignore the naysayers, team it with a plain cardigan (any colour will do), dark denim and you’re good to go. (South Willard)

File this under ‘reporting not recommending’. We’re intrigued by this sleeveless chunky cardigan. It’s as close to a knitted gillet as we’ve seen and we kinda like it. We wouldn’t bet our houses on a piece like this, but it could easily work if done right (like in the picture above). [Style Cruise]

More pictures after the leap to help make up your mind.