the perfect fall

Wow, how can you even begin to answer a question that spans all my ideals! Just recently The Rustic Camp was asked by Katie Garton from Dream Till Green; "what my dream Fall would be?" In an instant, the picture of what began to appear was rather concise. Knowing it wouldn't be an easy answer as it would have to be more of a feeling than an experience, and it developed just like that. One place that stays picturesque all year round, but becomes even more so during the fall is Washington State. One place that would beckon the most pristine landscape would be Olympic National Park, Washington. Olympic National is located on the western shores nestled next to the ocean, with vistas over mountains, rivers, and a bay over looking Seattle. There, set up camp for the season in a luxury yurt from Pacific Yurts just outside of the park boundaries set with camp provisions such as Pendleton Camp blankets and half the catalogue from Best Made Co to stay warm during the early chill. During the day there would be little to do other than hike the scenic wonderland, canoe, and fish while leisurely reading The Count Of Monte Cristo, which was listed on The Art of Manliness's: 100 must-read books.   In the evenings there would be nothing better than to sit curled up around a campfire lounging in Slim Fit denim from Gap and a Quilted vest from Barbour to be slightly bundled up while roasting marshmallows and enjoying a bourbon. There couldn't be a better fall. 

happy labor day

In 1882 a machinist, Matthew Maguire, proposed a holiday for the Central Labor Union of New York. The same year another Maguire; Peter, proposed the same holiday in May for the American Federation of Labor, after observing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada. Regardless of whom first proposed the idea, Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on Feb. 21, 1887. By 1894 it was a federal holiday with thirty states observing. It was rushed into being a national holiday by congress, due to the Pullman strike of 1894. The Pullman strike was a bloodied massacre that occurred on the south side of Chicago, involving the American Railway Union, led by Eugene Debs, that was originally a peaceful protest where the workers refused to pull Pullman railcars, in exchange for lower rent worker housing, which George Pullman refused. The standoff became unruly and Debs ultimately lost control of the 125,000 workers who began to set fire to buildings, overturning a locomotive and spurring demonstrators across the US to block the flow of goods through the Midwest by blocking railways and job walk offs. President Grover Cleveland with US Attorney General Richard Olney originally obtained an injunction against the striking work force and its leaders from protesting, causing more boycotting, resulting in a total of 30 deaths and 57 wounded when a military attempt to control the situation failed, the total collateral damage amounted to over 80 million dollars. After Pullman's company's practices were considered "un-American," by the Illinois Supreme Court, Pullman was forced to give up the rights to his land and it ultimately became public housing ran by the US government. While labor forces were still a hot button topic, Cleveland and the US congress pushed through Labor Day as national holiday to quell the tensions between unions. Resulting in having every first Monday of September as a paid day of rest from the work force in America. Labor Day also unfortunately marks the official last day of Summer before the Fall season rolls around. So soak up what sun and fun you can get today; jump in a lake, bar-b-q outdoors, go for a hike, play a game of bocce, but just enjoy the last throughs of the season while you can! 

Happy Labor Day!

zara

Zara is a Spanish retailer that was founded in 1974 and strictly focused on fast fashion. It promised that it's in house tailors could produce fashions in a 2 week timeline. They spend zero to little advertising a year, and focus on opening on new stores. In the 1980s the industry lead to even faster turns on production times and provided the company the look of "instant fashions," even from the 80s they were considered copied fashions. Though this upcoming fall season continues to explode with style and masculinity. The brand focused on the modern woodsman with an olive and taupe color palette. Distressed jeans are combined with t-shirts and knitted vests. Olive tones become a favorite in coats and jackets while taupes find their way into shoes, accessories and pants. Check them out online and in a local  store. 

urban outfitters

Even though this week has been the nicest weather here in Chicago, and continues to be a beautiful Summer week, retailers  are already releasing their Autumn and back to school lines. I have to admit I'm not opposed to see the summer graphic carry over in to the fall collections. One major release stems from Urban Outfitters where the bridge between lighter fabrics, deeper hued colors and warmer tones have begun arriving at locations. A sneak peak of what is to come has been released this week on the website, and the full collection is not due in stores until the beginning of September. Check out the chunkier knit sweaters, that have Native American inspired patterns that mix cooly with fitted camouflage printed pants. Their accessories are spot on with nautical inspired bracelets and a black and tan faced Timex wristwatch.   

j. crew

Camp accessories. The latest season at j. Crew is just that, brightly colored accessories that hail from yesteryear. The hues in their accessories are earthy with pops of vibrant oranges and blues, colors that stem from native american tribes. They have great picks on what duffle to pack, to the additional nautical adornments. Some of the more rustic picks are above though if you are looking for preppy style check further through the site as they have a wide variety to choose from. 

welcome back

We are back from the spring/summer hiatus! And it feels so good to be back at camp. I know I have missed it. The regular rustic camp updates and activities will be returning to their normal schedule. Time to throw on the flip flips, grab a towel and head down to the lake for some rustic updates. 

will leather goods

Will Leather Goods is based out of Eugene, Or with their first flagship retail store in Venice, Ca. The brand focuses on leather and canvas goods are of quality issue. The style reflects a fun, youthful approach that keeps rugged and american. They create totes, backpacks, keyfobs, and belts for men and women of all ages. Check them out on their website Will Leather Goods. 

columbia sportswear

Columbia Sportswear originated as a small hat distributor and their name was coined due to the river nearby. In 1970 the company reinvented itself after a co-founder died of a heart attack. The company decided to start featuring waterproof jackets that were breathable and lightweight. In 1998 Columbia became publicly traded and it acquired Sorel footwear and later Mountain Hardwear. Columbia expanded its development program in 2001 when they moved to Beaverton, Oregon. The company has been prized for its ability to be extremely durable, utilitarian, and lightweight. 

ada blackjack

Available through Etsy, Ada Blackjack is an online retailer of handmade bags and goods. Ivonne Schippers the creator and curator of the company moved to Barcelona from the Netherlands to start a new life. The materials used are individually handcrafted and designed for simplicity and timelessness. Check out her Etsy site and see the classic style for yourself. And for a more in depth look at her line check out her Tumblr site. 

red wing shoes

Red Wing Shoe Company, LLC was established in Red Wing, Minnesota during 1905. The first 10 years, they produced more than 200,000 pairs of shoes a year due to the company producing footwear for US soldiers for World War I and II. The shoes are designed to be light weight and specially designed for heavy duty combat. They are built to be all leather and have a strong slip resistant heal. They are an american hand made shoe and produces under other brands as well. Check out their line on their website redwingheritage.

j. crew

Holiday maybe over and the winter is just coming in, though that does not stop retailers from pushing early spring lines into their stores. j.Crew's new releases are full of mustards, forrest greens and deep navies. These colors are usually reserved for the fall season, though this years early back to earth color ways and blending with the natural season brings out the terra firma color pallet. Check out some of their new seasons releases on their site j.Crew.

snow boots

Rugged, handsome and warm. These three boots come from good stock. Perfect for keeping your feet warm and dry when there is blizzard like weather blowing around you. Snow boots harken from ancient times. Ever since humans or more like homo sapiens found out that keeping your feet wet and cold for long periods of time is not only uncomfortable its dangerous, there have been some version of snow boot. Originally crafted from the hides of otter, beaver, and seal they were dried and tanned then reinforced with dried materials like reeds and soft woods. Later as shoes progressed they were made from leather and most recently became weather proof with the aide of rubber soles. Try the the Maverick by Sorel, the Hannen by Ugg, and the Bosey Boot by Converse. 

denim and supply co.

A division of Ralph Lauren Corp., Denim and Supply Co. Which is almost exclusively sold at Macy's or their online division is a harkening back to a roughed up vintage look, that remains extremely hip and affordable. The brand was launched in 2011 after Polo Ralph Lauren was unified under a larger subgroup of the RL brands. It is the considered the younger sister brand to Ralph Lauren itself and will maintain the outdoorsy fun aesthetic of its parent brands. The entire collection for the winter season is smeared in urban rustic; with smatterings of detailed plaid, native american prints, and army blankets. Most items like the Blanket Stripe Duffel coat have a slimmer fit and is not as boxy as their photos detail. 

gap

It's a blue holiday. Visiting Gap this holiday season they have focused on changing their gift-able color palette and the strongest color combination of the bunch would be admirable blue and neutral. Gap has recently released it in some of the darkest richest tones around. Paired with their sweaters and shirts  their Skinny Fit denim is form fitted to stay slightly loose through the thigh, and starts to nicely taper into the calf and ankle to give a modern camper feel. Their accessories in rich royal blue partner well with the over all look. Recommend a nice chukka boot to round out the equation and you have the perfect vibe. 

hickoree's

Shopping for the holiday season just became a bit harder. I stumbled across this fantastic website earlier today and started dreaming of everything. Hickoree's presents an incredibly edited modern, rugged man, view point. The clothing and accessories are sourced from multiple start-up American and Asian brands that are in their infancy. The curated website models the the 1950's throw back, camping lifestyle with a boyish twist. You can find everything ranging from beautifully hand crafted sweaters and vests, to slingshots, beef jerky, and soap. Most items are in limited quantity and bespoke, so get it while you can. Check out more on their website Hickoree's.com

jack wills

A year ago I stumbled on a brand that touts the trademark "University Outfitters." Jack Wills is a UK import that supplies fun, trendy, and style first wear, that is marketed for people in their 20-30's. The brand's fit is slimmer than most, but does give generous proportions (not designed so that an xl fits like a xs would), they modify the cuts. The wool plaid blankets and the the quilted vests are signature pieces that would become staples in your home or closet. They also have a sister brand that is a little more refined, Aubin & Wills. 

chukka

A modern boot for the modern man. The chukka was originally designed for usage by the British Armed Forces when the they were stationed in Northern Africa. The soldiers complained about two issues with their original shoe; 1. The weight was too heavy of the standard boot, and they would sink in the loose sand, prohibiting movement. 2. The boots were too hot, too much original insulation due to the use of heavy graded leathers caused feet to quickly overheat. This information came back with samples of what the current insurgency was using. They reverse engineered and retrofitted a few models to create the chukka that is known today. The lighter weight leather is usually unlined or has a simple cloth lining to help clean sand out of boots, and lowered the heat insulation of the foot. The sole was changed to a hard-wearing crepe sole, that lowered the weight of the shoe and improved grip in loose sand. The name of the shoe is derived from the game of polo where the periods of play are divided into chukkas. Some current seasonal favorites are Ben Sherman, Clarks, and UGG.

winter session

Of to work we go. With that we need to bring our lives with us. We as a society are engrained to bring everything we think that we would need every where. And Since we travel with our bags all the time, why not do so with a satchel that will hold just that. Winter Session is a upstart from the north side of Chicago and shows their wares in many outlets across the US. All of their totes are made from Ecotec untreated cotton-blend canvas that is 75-90% post industrial recycled content. Their leather is full-grain lester from Horween in Chicago. The remaining contents are sourced with the utmost care to ensure that they are quality. If you are in Chicago check them out on Broadway at Haymaker.

umbrella

Rain, Rain go away! Here in Chicago the weather did not stop all day! As the sky was bleak and dreary I couldn't help think about how I needed to upgrade my umbrella. The umbrella dates back to ancient mesopotamia where the umbrella was made from a reed tube and thatching for the shade. The umbrella was eventually turned to canvas, and then later poly vinyl. There is subtle touches that add to the quality of an umbrella; the grip of the handle should be wood, bone, bamboo or resin shaped in a crook for easy latching on an arm when carried. The tube should be graphite, wood, or stainless steel these add to a integrity of the structure. 

duffle coat

The duffle coat originally created by the British Royal Navy for World War I. In World War II there was slight updating to the original design. This update included larger flap pockets, a shorter length, new "walrus tooth" toggles, and pancake hood that sat flatter on the head. The coat was originally designed in camel, which eventually changed colors when popularized, current famous hues include black, yellow and red. Originally the jacket had leather straps that held the toggles, modern versions switch the toggle straps to rope, jute, or faux leather. The fabric on the coat is made of wool crepe and tends to be a lighter weight and roomier for when you need to place a suit under the coat.