Alter takes stock of a fine pair of First by Jeffrey Campbell Combat Boots. “The all new Men’s combat boot from First by Jeffrey Campbell. These heavy duty leather boots (made in Spain) on thick rubber soles will be perfect for Winter in the city. Boot features a side zipper so you don’t have to unlace every time.”

More looks at the First by Jeffrey Campbell Combat Boots after the jump.

Shophound rounds up images of some of NYC’s Bleeker Street shop windows outfitted for the holiday of the devilish. They post a bunch of looks but seem to think the end game lands in the hands of two shops. “Lots of Bleecker Street’s stores make an extra effort for Halloween windows, but it basically comes down to a battle between Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs to see who can concoct the spookiest display.”

More at Shophound.

A very aggressively priced puffa downer from the +J collection at UNIQLO. It’s priced so well that they limit one jacket per person for pruchase. Must be something in that padding I would say. While the hype has been insane around the +J collection, this piece shines as an example of simplicity done right. Nice +J hit on the zip-up. (UNIQLO UK)

Another look at the UNIQLO +J Light Down Jacket available in navy or black after the click.

Canada’s Viberg Boots moves its way into a slightly more “fashion forward” category with the help of the Japan market. A new collection, which looks to be exclusive to Superdenim (outside of Japan) at this time, employs Japanese based designers to “reappropriated the Viberg aesthetic yet stick to the functional principles of the brand.” The collection is still made in Canada and will continue to work all 218 steps in the Viberg Boot building process.

More looks at the Viberg Boots for Japan collection after the click.

This is a big one. A nice oversized Italy made man tote from the Daniel & Bob company. Thick as hell canvas with leather details and finish. Absolutely beautiful piece for your day to day runnings. Rock it well. (museumark)

More looks at the Daniel & Bob Eddy Orteoil Man Tote Bag

Valet checks in with looks and words on the new Lincs collection from David Chu. “Lincs, the new venture by David Chu, the founder of Nautica who, after selling his stake in the brands, traveled the world golfing. Confounded by the lack of stylish clothes for his latest lifestyle, he went back to the studio to start a line that mixed classic Americana with performance technical fabrics … the look is pretty sharp.”

Growing up, the highlight on any visit to my grandfather’s home in West Hartford, CT was a tour of his collection of antique toy cars and trucks. These pieces of Americana were among the objects that spurred my own interest in history and above all the history of things. Donald Kaufman, the founder of K-B Toys, passed away on October 12. During his life as a toy giant, he amassed a legendary collection of toy cars and trucks. His was the type of passion that leads a collecting circle and helps to preserve history for later generations. In my life, there are several folks like Kaufman, albeit in different fields, and without them much of my work would be impossible.

Last March, Kaufman brought the first portion of his collection to auction at Bertoia in Vineland, NJ. The sale brought in $4.2 million. The second portion was similarly successful bringing in $2.9 last month. The numbers are meaningless really, but do indicate the wealth of exceptional pieces within the collection. Given a shared interest I believe we all have in these objects (or at least in Americana and the toys of past) I wanted to share a few gems in Kaufman’s memory.

The Bee published an obituary yesterday, so for those wishing to learn more about Mr. Kaufman follow here.

Head to the jump for a few favorite pieces of the Kaufman Toy Car and Truck Collection.

The New Yorker has called Albert Oehlen, “the most resourceful abstract painter alive.” Taschen’s Albert Oehlen, Art Edition covers the full span of the artists career. He was born in Krefield, Germany in 1954, and entered the international art scene soon after graduating from Hochshule fur Blidende Kunst in Hamburg in 1978.

Along with essays and a comprehensive selection of Oehlen’s body of work, the edition of 100 also included an original piece from the artist. The art edition carries a hefty price tag of $4500. Two more price effective options are also on the cards, an edition of 1000 at $1000 and an abbreviated volume at $500. Well, not more cost effective perhaps, but certainly cheaper.

Head to the jump to view select pages.

From our brothers at Highsnobiety. “Beyond the approach and conception of its collections, the unique identity of Maison Martin Margiela is clearly recognizable in the spaces it occupies (stores, showrooms…). In the midst of the development of the architectural project, the Maison created a collection of White Objects (Line 13). This collection is part of the global project of interior design and architecture that the Maison is developing for the near future.”

We have stated our boredom with check shirts before, but it’s hard to deny a piece when it’s done like this. More of an overshirt than something you’d wear under a cardigan, this Uniforms piece is quirky enough to catch our attention. We love our ‘classics’, really we do, but sometimes we feel that people are just too scared to take a risk. Our advice? go on, take a chance. You might like it. And if not, just don’t wear it. That’s the beauty of clothing. (Fever)

Detailed shots after straight after that leap.