Main collection aside, the thing we spotted from the Woolen Mills stand was these desert boots. Available in sand, navy and olive green, they look like, you know, a pair of desert boots. That is, until you spot the small vent, which we haven’t noticed on any of McNairy’s shoes before.

Photography: Selectism.com

Take a look for yourself after the leap.

01. Woman goes for a walk, finds prehistoric bison
“Wow! I love this story of how Nature Conservancy program coordinator Lisa Wrinkle stumbled across a fossilized bison while on a hike with her mother and her children. Seriously, this is the sort of thing I dreamed might happen to me when I was 5.” (boingboing)

02. MAD Magazine: A Semi-Secret History (above)
A beautifully done photo walk through the history of MAD Magazine. (life)

03.The Stockholm Syndrome Theory of Long Novels
“We’ve all been there; we’ve all fibbed our way through a “What have you read lately?” conversation at least once in our lifetimes, replacing Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” with George Eliot’s “Middlemarch.” Mark O’Connell from The Millions describes this experience in his recent essay “The Stockholm Syndrome Theory of Long Novels” (6thfloor)

04. Tombow Mono Zero Stick Eraser Review
“The shortest review ever on DMP? Well, I could just leave it there, and I have found the Tombow Mono Zero 2.3mm diameter stick eraser so useful I am very tempted to do just that for maximum impact, but that would make me a plagiarist, and not really provide some information that folks might find useful.” (davesmechanicalpencils)

A quick look at a pair of Rx eyeglass frames from the Giuliano Fujiwara Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The half-rim frames will appeal to those (like myself) that prefer a bulkier take on the acetates. The temple looks to be double thick and brings a fresh take to the classic half-rim look. We think they’re excellent. #want

Here’s another look at the forthcoming Hedi Slimane coffee table book set, Anthology of a Decade. As we mentioned earlier, “As Hedi Slimane: Anthology of a Decade reveals, Slimane’s photographs, which traverse the music scene, the New York art scene, street fashion and haute couture, are as fresh as his groundbreaking work in fashion. Drawing on photographs taken throughout the past decade, this volume records Slimane’s early years in the fashion industry, before, during and after his tenures at Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior.” Divided into four different volumes, the Anthology books focus on specific aspects of Slimane’s photography and style. The anthology arrives July 31, 2011.

Available from Amazon.

Photo: 2nd Blog Cafe

Without blowing out the full collection in a quick post, we stick to a few looks at Yuketen’s work with rattlesnake skin against their chukka, deck, and slip-on loafers. We love them. Patterns on the feet are turning out some aggressive takes that any daring gentleman could pull off.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

One thing is for certain at Pitti: some brands are working to separate their looks from the encapsulating reign of heritage by bringing forth patterns (sometimes splatters) against well cut and quality made garments. Monitaly brings things to new bolder grounds with a series of shorts and blazers that clearly force the wearer to stand out. While the looks may not be for all, at least the attempt is there to separate the brand from the crowd. Check the leatherworks on their shorts as well (in the gallery).

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

Oh, look here! Alden previews some new color -ways from their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Peruse the looks for some new and carry-over takes from one of New England’s most famous footwear makers. Some possible EU looks in here? We hope not.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

Working their presentation to the theme of “West Side Story,” Band of Outsiders showcased their Spring/Summer 2012 collection as the special guest designer showcase during Pitti Uomo. Mr Fischer gives us his take from the show: “Scott Sternberg put together a remarkable show, that was much more entertaining than what you usually get to see on the runway. Taking place at an old tabacco factory in Florence, the show was a mix of classic runway walking, dancing, and theatric performances, all while playing Westside Story as a background theme and music. Both the mens and womens collections for Spring/Summer 2012 were shown at the presentation, which was crowded with buyers, press and celebrity guests.”

More looks after the click.

(Above: Haversack designer Koji Norihide)

Here’s a look at Haversack’s spring collection. Like pretty much every Haversack collection lately, it’s a great collection. To pardon the cliche, there’s something for everyone, plain navy blazers for the sprezzy and patterned shirts for the fashion folks. We caught up with Koji Norihide for a couple of quick questions about the brand, which you can see after the leap.

Photography: Selectism.com

We got a sneak peek at one of the jackets from Arc’teryx Veilance’s spring/summer 2012 collection. We also managed to catch a jetlagged Conroy Nachtigall for a few quick questions, see his answers after the leap.

Photography: Selectism.com