Yep, we’re already looking at gloves. You can take this post as one of two things: either we’re crazed fashion idiots or we’re being extra smart about our autumn wardrobe. We prefer the latter option (obviously). However at £405, we might have to look into a layaway scheme. (Oki-Ni)

You know when it’s your last week of a job and you’ve already mentally left the place? That’s how we feel about summer. We know it’s still going on, but our minds are already in Autumn. Which would explain our current penchant for boots, especially the vibram-soled kind. Trend hoppers would say that these are already Kwame’d but let’s face it, most men’s clothing is far too expensive for anyone to be caring too much about whether it’s ‘in’ or not. (Tres Bien)

01. The East Anglians (above)

“It is now ten years since I began photographing in rural East Anglia, and during that time I have made thousands of photographs. It started in 1999 when I moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to train as a folklorist. I became immersed in the academic thinking about traditional culture and learned the skills of ethnographic fieldwork. I was inspired by the work of John Cohen — a photographer, sound recordist, filmmaker, folklorist, musician and a champion of vernacular culture. I was excited to discover Cohen’s groundbreaking work, Mountain Music of Kentucky, an LP released by Folkways in 1960, which combined sound recordings, photography and text to produce a fascinating assemblage of art and document, its contents haunting and intriguing. Cohen used music, images and words to tell the story of the coal miners’ communities of eastern Kentucky. His work became for me a model of how to explore a sense of place. I began looking for my own story to tell.” (Design Observer).

02. Charlie Chan: A Stereotype and a Hero

“To many Asian-Americans, Charlie Chan is an offensive stereotype, another sort of Uncle Tom. Chan, the hero of six detective novels by Earl Derr Biggers and 47 Hollywood movies between 1926 and 1949, not to mention a 1970s Hanna-Barbera cartoon series, is pudgy, slant-eyed and inscrutable, and he speaks in singsong fortune-cookie English, saying things like, “If befriend donkey, expect to be kicked.” The California-born author and playwright Frank Chin, who has written essays denouncing Chan, would like to see him disappear altogether.” (NYT).

03. Bentley Creates Continental Flying Spur Arabia and Flying Spur Speed Arabia for Middle East Customers

“Bentley sales are no longer limited to wealthy Europeans and Americans; the company reports that ten percent of new Bentleys are purchased by customers in the Middle East. And just as the company built special-edition cars for China, Bentley is launching 50 Continentals customized for the Middle Eastern market.” (Car & Driver).

04. A Redskins-centric Overview Of Madden NFL 11

“Madden NFL 11, the latest iteration in EA Sports’ ultra-mega-bestselling football videogame series, was released yesterday to general enthusiasm and acclaim. This happens every year, and is reaching the point where it’s hardly worthy of note. Like every year, the game features a number of changes to the gameplay and interface, from major (no turbo button!) to minor (the throwing animations have been changed!). And, also like every year, some of them are successful and others are not.” (Redskins Blog).

Surrender takes some pretty pictures of these “in store now” Band of Outsiders 5 Hole saddle shoes. The contrasting white laces on the pair above have inspired me to do the same on the very few pairs I have. Its a fresh take with almost no work involved. Try it yourself.

A few more looks at the Band of Outsiders 5 Hole Saddle Shoes after the click.

Totes are in order today! Andreas Murkudis drops the “Felisi Bag” on y’all. The Italian made totes feature leather straps  (common) against hemp canvas (less common). It will set you back $640 or so. We didn’t say this would work for everyone…

More looks at the Andreas Murkudis Felisi bag after the click.

Remember when we wrote about the fashion line created by Cornell University students? Well, it turns out they aren’t the only members of the student body that have produced inventive design work. Curated shares this news -

A submission to 2009 solar decathlon, the Silo House was developed by Cornell University Students. Their aim – to build and maintain the most efficient (and attractive) solar powered house possible, with view to besting entries from an international group of fellow decathlon contestants. Inspired by local, upstate New York, vernacular forms, the Silo House also places emphasis on local sourcing and engaging local business and craft in overall aesthetic and construction.

Head to Curated for a full tour of the Silo House.

The Levi’s Workshop blog has a short one with Levi’s designer, Aylin Beyce on their locally made, bags and aprons. Three non-profits in the San Francisco area will benefit from the sales of these goods which are all made from “excess” Levi’s stock. Props for mixing up short run products and local causes.

More looks at the Levi’s Workshop bags and aprons after the click.

Tired of those $5 Trader Joes or Whole Foods reusable bags? Looking for something a bit more in line with your carry-all habits? Consider this 100% jute version from Apolis Activism which adds some. Looks like a paper bag. Feels like a burlap sack with all the strength and durability you would expect. Did we mention it has leather pulls?. It is even waterproof incase that Volvic bottle erupts all over your frozen edamame. $58. They should make them in three-packs. (acquire)

Panerai preps another limited run of the Luminor Marina. The PAM 366 “Fu” is issues in 1,500 units and priced at $4,400 for those looking to add or complement their collection. Perpetuelle finds it all a bit “questionable.” “The reason for this watch seems to be that, after five successful years in the market, Panerai wants to show that it respects and understands the Chinese culture.  Or something like that.  I fail to see the connection, but it is entirely possible that I in fact do not understand the Chinese culture like Panerai does.”

More looks at the Panerai PAM 366 “Fu” China Watch after the click.

Long time readers will be familiar with our long standing CdG quota. It is all done in good fun of course (for the record, we simply love the brand, especially their work in the women’s market). I think today, I’ll put the in-joke to a rest as it may be convincing some that we are acting “snobbish” on the matter. Truth be told, we could be covering more and hope to.  Today we’ll start off by sharing these lovely brooches – in vintage flower form – that are easily wearable by both the girls and boys. In the the words of LCD Soundystem, “the time has come, the time has come today.” (ts)

More looks at the Comme Des Garcons Vintage Flower Brooches after the click.