The ‘Common Ivy’ collection from Stephan Schneider for Spring Summer 2012. As usual, the fabrics and details are what set Stephan apart; some fantastic shirting, lightweight outer wear and slim tailoring.  A designer very much committed to the getting the quality of the basics just right, steering away from gimmicks with this collection has created something simple and understated.  “I spend half of my time with the textile and half with the silhouette. When your textile is strong, you don’t have to invent trousers with three legs.” Via 189

Is it just us or are the sales beginning much earlier this year? Most of them started up in late november instead of the usual January sale. Maybe they’re getting a jump on those folks who avoid pulling the trigger finger in december. Maybe the sheer amount of stores selling the same or very similar goods has gotten to be too much to the consumer. Whatever the reason you can find this Stephan Schneider at a knocked off price, which is a good thing. The fact that you can buy it from the store which was mentioned in “How to Make it in America” is an added bonus. South Willard has it.

We love a bit of Schneider here. And why wouldn’t we? It’s well done, unfussy pieces that we’d happily fight a donkey for. Don’t ask us why we’d fight a donkey for a jacket, we just would. Especially when it’s a jacket as handsome as this one. (South Willard)

We never thought we’d see the day when we get anally retentive about crewneck jumpers. It’s a simple enough formula to get right (in the grand scheme of things of course – we do appreciate that all fashion is hard to get right) so why are so many people overdoing it with the elbow patches? We liked it in moderation but too much of anything can hurt you. This jumper’s a tad more tasteful than most elbow patch ridden numbers and it’s still got that crewneck thing going on that everyone loves. It’s a win win. (Opening Ceremony)

You know what this coat reminds us of? Bruce Lee. Think about it – how many times have you seen Bruce wear a coat similar to this in a film. Well, we say wear it, but he’d usually take off the coat before beating some dude up. In fact, the only difference is that the coats Bruce adorned usually had toggles. And now looking like Steve McQueen isn’t cool anymore, isn’t it time you stole another dead actor’s style? (South Willard)

We’re not sure exactly when it happened, but a search through the archives will show that we’re quite the fans of Stephan Schneider’s jackets. What can we say? They look darn good. For instance, we’d never have thought that a grey and green striped jacket would pique our interests, but whaddya know?  (South Willard)

We’re all for pieces like this. Mainly because we’re into hooded jackets right now (saves us carrying an umbrella – something we’re sure a warlock wouldn’t approve of). The fact that it’s a good looking jacket doesn’t hurt either. (B Store)

Are mens’ waistlines expanding? We ask because there seems to be a large amount of designers making trousers with elasticated waistbands. Stephan Schneider is the latest designer to throw his hat into the ring with these denim trousers. While we like the look of these (anything that edges away from super skinny leggings if fine by us) we are slightly worried about the lack of fly – either button or zip. We understand that some folks like to suffer for fashion, but we’re not one of them. (Opening Ceremony)

Take that leap, see those detailed images.

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)

Believe it or not, but there’s still some crazy folks out there who don’t like duffle coats. They usually mumble something about it ‘not dealing well with the rain’  – a fair point. But the defining feature of duffle coats is their toggles, so what if you took those and applied it to a hooded canvas number? Well, luckily enough, Stephan Schneider’s done just that. The charcoal colour and asymetrical toggle placement make it a perfect candidate for a solid, everyday winter coat – and a worth alternative to the duffle coat. (South Willard)

Take a look at some extreme close up shots after the leap.