Denim Maniac has a nice interview with the people behind Mister Freedom. “The concept behind Mister Freedom is the brain child of French expatriate Christophe Loiron. Since 2003, MF’s brick building at Beverly Boulevard is filled with a huge inventory of vintage clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women from the 1850’s to the present alongside Loiron’s original creations. The 3200 sq ft retail space also offers rare textiles, vintage books as well as antique props for deco. This extensive eclectic collection of vintage items is collected around the world and updated regularly with new finds. Oh, and let’s not forget Mister Freedom also collaborates with Japanese manufacturing experts “Sugar Cane & Co” (of Tokyo based “Toyo Enterprises”) for a full line of clothing, made in USA and Japan.”

Read the full Q&A at Denim Maniac.

It has been close to a year since I last ran a story related to an auction result. Then it was a truly remarkable object – a 19th-century Vampire Killing Kit. This baseball bat might not have the same sensational appeal as the killing kit, but it is nonetheless remarkable as a piece of American history. Used by the great Babe Ruth on his way to a World Series win, the bat was swung not for the pinstriped Yankees of New York, but the hated Red Sox wearers of Boston.

After use the bat was returned to Louisville, where it became a model for all future Ruth signature bats. Having sold for $537,750 it’s the second highest rate paid for a baseball bat. The highest price? The bat used by Ruth when he hit the first home run in Yankee Stadium history. That bat went for over a million.

Does that sting a bit Red Sox fans?

The whole story at the Bee.

Pierre Hardy is bringing the D-ring back. The sharp among you will have noted that D-ring boots have been making inroads into the mainstream for a bit now, but Pierre Hardy is the first big name (and by that we mean the first ‘fashion’ designer, we know other brands have been doing it for a while) to really jump on the look. Colours vary from navy to a light pink and there’s even some D-ringed loafers in the mix. Elsewhere the song remains the same: high tops in suede, leather and the trademark Hardy trim.

Take a gander at the rest of the collection after the leap.

Still can’t get enough Steve McQueen? Well, you’re in luck. In a savvy move, My Wardrobe have brought in Taschen’s ‘idol’ series, which celebrates the life of several movie and music icons through photographs taken at separate stages of their career. The series has books on Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood, Bob Marley, Sean Connery and the face of Americana, Steve McQueen. Best thing about these books? They’re only £6.99 each. (My Wardrobe)

Take a look at some shots from the books after the leap.

Previously, scholars have assumed the unique history of the American West ended at 1900. Earl Pomeroy, however, finds that the post-1900 was influenced by the rest of America, but continued to forge its own identity separate from both the East and the World at large. His new book, The American Far West in the Twentieth Century, draws from extensive research to form the most nuanced view of the transition from agricultural to urban region. He also illuminates the contributions of minority racial and ethnic groups that help shape our vision of the American West.

The book is out now from Yale University Press. The Studebaker on the cover will remain on my “want” list for some time.

Available now from Amazon.

Winter’s here and you know what means: it’s time to bring out the chunky knits. There’s no shortage of chunky cardies this season, but this one is one of our favourites. For one, it’s not as slim-fitting as other knits out there, meaning you won’t feel too hemmed in. It’ll also be easier to avoid that annoying too cold outside/too hot inside thing you get with some knitwear. And to top it all off it’s handmade in Belgium, which should ease the minds of the detail fanatics amongst you. (Tres Bien)

The O.C have been on a roll on the collab front, teaming up with the likes of Timberland, Billykirk and (obviously) Pendleton. This particular piece isn’t ‘new’ in the blog sense of the word (meaning it didn’t come out five minutes ago) – but we’re still fans. The elbow patches are what drew us in; they work here without giving off vibes of  ‘geography teacher’. As checks are so ubiquitous these days, we’d either wear this check on check or clash those patterns. Basically anything that isn’t the usual plain shirt-check cardy combo. (Oki-Ni)

Take a look at detailed shots after the leap.

They have dropped. Opening Ceremony keeps rolling with the collaborations – this time we get some work with Timberland. Two models get the work through and are available now as part of a two day special pre-order. “For this limited capsule collection, we customized two different signature Timberland styles. The first is a spin on Timberland’s familiar 6-Inch Boot featuring an unexpected and sporty elastic lacing. These Convenience Boots come with two sets of interchangeable laces: one version matching the boot, and a second neon version.”

More looks at the Opening Ceremony for Timberland Boots after the click.

I do not think we’ve ever had a post title with 4 “S” words in a row. Another INTERBIKE find were these Brooks Spring Saddle seats stools – at the Brooks booth. They’re not for sale but we’re sure you can cook them up yourselves with some local builders. Most important of all is that they’re a comfortable custom option for your bar. Drink beer.

Another view of the Brooks Spring Saddle Seat Stools after the click.

GQ steps up their web game with the launch of their new GQ.com property today. Te standout feature at the moment would of course be the January Jones photoshoot by Terry Richardson for the latest cover of the print GQ. #woah. Congrats to GQ for a fine launch and site.