Out & About: Filson SS15 Preview

 You guys... Filson invited me to preview their 2015 spring line. This may not be a big deal to you, but as a Seattlite, this is a huge deal for me! And even more so for my husband. He had a bit of a tantrum when I told him about it, because he thought he wasn't invited. He's lucky I included him as my "plus one" after that. I gave him a break, though, because I pitch fits about 1000 times more often than he does.

It's hard to choose between the Women's Explorer jacket I'm wearing in the first picture and this red plaid Seattle Cruiser. They both fit sooo well. Like, for once, I don't look like I'm drowning in coat. Right now, since it's getting chilly, I'd go for the red one, but I know the Explorer would be perfect for spring. It has a thin coat of soy wax, which is the old fashioned way of making something waterproof. It actually makes more sense than plastic raincoats. It's easier to repair if you get a rip and it doesn't feel all clammy. If you're in the market for a raincoat, definitely look into getting some waxed cotton!

The men's spring line.

Right: Men's Fashion Archetype from Fuck Yeah Menswear. Left: My husband, who owns all the shit to the right (except no Aldens. Yet.) He fit right in at Filson.

 On our tour, we also got to see an amazing collection of vintage Filson products. All well-used and much-loved. Most were sent in for repairs that couldn't be done, so the Filson archives became their final resting place.

This is more of a pile, and less of a fort made of Filsons (see my favorite tumblr ever)

What a treat, right? Amy and Travis, our guides, were completely awesome and so much fun to talk with. They love the brand as much as we do and treated us so well. The cherry on top was getting to take home this Market Tote in Red Plaid. If you'd like to learn more about the company's 117 year history in the Northwest, you can read up on it here!

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In Photos: Winter in Seattle

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Look of the Day: Street Style for Two

Isn't my husband handsom? And so well dressed! Sometimes he puts me to shame in my cheap-o Zara tops and American Eagle jeans.

Red Wing boots

Waxed canvas Freeman's Sporting Club jacket over vintage denim.

I bought this funny t-shirt when I was visiting friends in England. I have a hard time resisting anything with a pug on it. They're the most ridiculous looking creatures. I can't help but laugh every time I see this shirt in my drawer. The bottom of it says "Cool Look" which makes it even funnier. 

Sorry there's not much in the way of writing for this post. My wrist is killing me! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

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Look of the Day: Trevor

 Still working up the guts to take street style photos of people I'm not related or married to.

My husband is easy to shoot, though, because he doesn't get at all nervous. 

So much Filson! I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that my husband is much better dressed than I am. He looks so good in his Levis Filson collaboration trucker jacket, that he bought two.

On a side note, somewhat related to this post, I have had a pretty awful week. I'm not one to lose things, especially important things, but I managed to unconsciously empty my pockets on the plane ride between Houston and Denver. When we landed in Seattle, I realized my phone was gone. By the time we parked in front of our apartment, I had discovered that my license was missing. Thankfully, they were both together and the airlines called my husband to tell him they'd found them (I think they figured the number listed as "Love of My Life" was someone pretty important). Well, to add insult to injury, when I was going through my purse today, I realized my wedding ring wasn't in its usual place. Yup, I lost my wedding ring and we haven't even been married 2 years. I'll be honest, I've cried quite a bit this week, but this is the real kicker. I left a message with the airlines and sent them an email, but I don't know if I'll ever find my ring. Something that small, and made of gold doesn't always find it's way home. If someone dishonest found it, they won't be too pleased with the resale value. As pretty as it is, it's mainly of sentimental value. I couldn't care less about my phone and license, those are easily replaced. A second ring just isn't the same, though. Please, universe, I would like it back.

Levi's Filson trucker jacket - Imogene & Willie denim - Filson Briefcase Computer Bag - Filson Carry On bag - Lucchese 1883 Boots
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Filson Sale: Might as well have the best at a discount!

My husband and I are getting old. You know how I can tell? We're both in agreement on the sensibility of investing in "some good luggage." Also, we've been travelling so much lately, it makes sense. Since November, I've been gone for at least 23 days. This coming weekend we'll be in Houston for a wedding and in March my husband is going to D.C. for a week; a trip on which I may be lucky enough to accompany him. Which brings me back to luggage. As much as I love my thrifted floral canvas duffle bag, we're tired of big, awkward bags that may or may not make it through another handling at the airport. 

 A Filson, on the other hand, will last a lifetime and possibly longer. Their outdoors gear was originally designed to outlast the tough conditions of Alaska and the north during the Klondike Gold Rush, so an airport luggage carousel is nothing to worry about. Even if our bags do get a little roughed up, it will just look better. Like the Filson website says, "Comfort, protection, and durability never go out of style." 

 Like most stores, Filson had a post-holiday sale, so we jumped at the chance to get this carry-on bag at over 40% off the original price. The carry-on bags are unfortunately out of stock now, but their all-leather tote bag is still in stock, 43% off and, my goodness, is it gorgeous! I have my heart set on this classic Filson Duffle Bag in Otter Green, though. Too bad it's not on sale!

What are things you feel are a good investment, even if they are a bit boring and "grown up"?

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In Photos: California Christmas

Here's a photo recap of our holiday in California.

 We stayed in San Jose mostly, but not at this hotel.

My aunt said "Oh, they have homeless people in California, too." I replied "Yeah, this guy followed us around forever." It's my husband.

 We had pretty rainy weather for the most part, but it was warmer than Seattle, so I didn't mind.

 We did  stay in this hotel. It's called Andaz and it's in downtown Napa. probably one of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. Even had free stuff in the mini bar!

Christmas lights in Yountville

We spent a small fortune at Thomas Keller's bakery, Bouchon Bakery. He is a famous chef, or so I'm told. I'd never heard of him, but I had heard of his restaurant, The French Laundry, which is in the same town as the bakery.

 The raspberry macarons were delicious, but a little on the big side.

 If it hadn't been for Steven, I would have no pictures of me on this trip (as always).

My husband treated us all to a dinner at Ad Hoc, which is another one of Thomas Keller's restaurants. 

It was a four course meal, but I didn't take pictures of everything, since the cheese plate wasn't as interesting.

 Waygu beef pot roast

Toppings for our sundaes. I wanted to drink the caramel syrup.

Breakfast: Pain au Raisin from Bouchon Bakery

 Back in San Jose on Christmas Eve.

We were there for six days and this cat hissed at me the whole time. I've never had that much trouble getting a cat to like me. I even "cat sat" him once, but he just will not get used to me.

I felted this mushroom last year and brought it as a present for our hosts.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Guys

gifts for guys by fleur-d-elise on polyvore.com

I always struggle with what to get for the men in my life. Mostly it's just because guy stuff is kinda boring, so I am even more prone to buying something I like as opposed to something the man I'm buying for likes. "Enjoy your bubble bath set! Lemon Verbena is kind of a manly scent, isn't it?" It's either that, or they end up with the same thing every year (I always have to stop myself from buying my dad barbecue sauce every year).

I have this inkling that some of you might have the same problems, so I've come up with a short list of tried-and-true guy pleasers (my husband owns all of these things).

1. Tanner Lanyard
Made in the US from English bridle leather and tanned with natural vegetable dyes, this lanyard is perfect for keeping wallets and keys close to the body. It looks pretty tough, too. Available from Blackbird Ballard.

2. Filson Travel Kit
So $90 this isn't exactly a steal, but it sure is nice. These waxed-canvas bags are made in Seattle by a company with a long and interesting history. All their products are durable, high-quality, and super cool (at least according to the men I know). Check out the Blackbird website to learn more about the company and their products!

3. Stanley Thermos
Nothing says "tough and manly" like a Stanley Thermos! They come in quite a few colors now, are still made of high-quality stainless steel, and are great for keeping coffee piping hot.

4. LUSH Soak and Float Solid Shampoo and Tint
Cade Oil gives this solid shampoo its distinct campfire scent. My husband's favorite scent (and flavor) is smoke, so he was pretty thrilled when I found this shampoo bar. Every once in a while he gets very worried that they discontinue this scent and swears he's going to go buy 10 of them just in case. This one bar has lasted him for so long though, that I'm pretty sure 10 would last him the rest of his life. The bar is $10.95 and the tin was free with purchase. Make sure you get the tin or you will think your bathroom is on fire!

Saturday

Finally a Saturday off! My boyfriend and I went to our favorite Seattle neighborhood, Ballard, to check out the newly-remodeled Field House. They seem to have made it bigger, but I'm not sure how. Maybe just took down shelving. Also, I'm hoping their plan is to get more products, because it seemed kind of empty.

The concept behind the store is pretty neat. They carry a lot of things that an old general store would have; pipes, wool blankets, eggs and milk, penny candy, new and vintage clothing (mostly men's), and the wonderful mending kits shown below.


These mending kits are assembled by hand by the Field House employees and come with everything you need to keep your clothes tip-top. I have a thing for kits, and couldn't pass them up. My favorite feature is the pincushion affixed to the top of the lid. Such a great idea!

As for clothes at Field House, I have included a picture of my boyfriend, who could be a poster-child for the store. Levi's, Filson jacket, bandanna, vintage boots; he really should work there.

In These Photos:

J.Crew Cardigan

Thrifted top & scarf

Ray Ban Wayfarers

Zella Leggings

Chloe Flats

Aldo Bag