Summer Tote Bag by Double RL

Double RL is a mystery in the business. Because of a strict 'no-online' policy the vintage label by Ralph Lauren is only available in an exclusive number of stores around the globe. Nothing of the 'Ricky and Ralph Lauren' goods will be distributed through official web-stores, but of course we will provide you with the best Double RL must-haves every once in a while. Have a look at this thick canvas tote bag by Ralph Lauren. This Double RL accessory is made from rough denim-like cotton canvas with a white sailor print on both sides and vintage leather handles. This is the perfect carrier for your laptop, newspaper and other basic needs on a lovely summer day. Available at the Red Wing Shoes store in Amsterdam in three different designs.

Wm. J. Mills Co. Laptop Bag

Wm.J.Mills is one of the brands we would love to team up with soon. In new York we came across this lovely blue canvas laptop bag with a tone-on-tone heavy zipper and the characteristic white logo patch on the side. Stay tuned for more great Wm.J.Mills Co. accessories.

Bike Spoke Ring

There is no need to always use precious metals for jewelry. The implementation of a recycled wheel spoke is ingeniously inventive. It has a form that is almost immediately recognized and the soldered edges give the ring an industrial look. Available here for $55.

Eat Dust Wallet

Yesterday I had a drink with the guys from Eat Dust Clothing. Keith and Rob are genuine motorcycle fanatics and have a lot of experience in denim. These passions are clearly visible in the denim brand they started last year. Eat Dust Clothing is about good quality jeans and apparel with details inspired by classic motorcycle and their culture.

A month earlier I noticed on their blog that they were releasing a limited edition, hand made wallet.  It is made by Chris Earhart from Holliday. The combination of natural tanned leather and the Japanese 13 3/4 oz. ringspun denim instantly caught my eye. K&R were kind enough to send me some good pictures for our blog. Imagine how the denim will fade and the leather will obtain a rich dark brown patina. The wallet comes with special packaging and includes a t-shirt. Release info and price will be added to this post asap.

Melt Me Ring

Silver is one of my favorite materials for jewelry. I am not an accessory addict, but I do like to wear rings and stuff that remind me of special moments or people close to me. This way accessories can be so much more than a form of personal decoration.

The EM Melt Me ring is a design I like. The silver rings are manipulated in a molten state. This method creates an effect that makes every ring unique. Available here for approximately €100 euro. (via trendhunter)

HBH Bandana

Hummingbirds' hill is a USA style restaurant and bar in Tokyo. I stumbled upon their website while searching for some jewelry that I found earlier in the Free & Easy. I instantly noticed the HBH bandana which stands out from the rest of their HBH Goods.

I really like the design and they are surprisingly cheap. A bandana costs only 840 yen (which is roughly €7.20) and 3% of their revenue will be donated to the Japanese UNICEF.

Camouflage Tie

A tie can spice up your appearance. It provides your outfit with a touch of sophistication when you are dressed casually. The 100% cotton ties from The Hill-side are great for this. The camo print is a bit unusual for a tie but that is a good thing. The fabric is sourced from Kojima, Japan. Made in the USA.

'Overdressed' is an alien concept to this tie. Available for €79,90 in Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam.

The Hill-side for Japan

The Hill-Side has created a pcoket square and has pledged to donate all profit of this item to the International Rescue Committee.

According to my source: "The character printed on the square reads "Wa," which is actually an 8th Century written name for Japan. Having a unique, hand carved woodblock made for this project, only adds to the special feel of this pocket square. Today, the idea that Japanese culture is based upon "wa" or harmony is a source of faith and pride for Japanese people." (via FREEMAN)

Great to see this kind of initiative to help Japan and the victims of the earthquake.

Self Edge Navajo Bracelet

One of the latest copies of Free & Easy got me interested in Navajo jewelry. A short search on the internet did not really match what I was looking for, but this bracelet from Self Edge is to my liking. It is a very simple single-grain leather band, with 925 sterling silver hand cut S-hook.

It is made by Jeanette Dale, who has 45 years of silversmith experience. She still follows her first mentor's advice: "Leave some mark, a saw mark of something to show that the jewelry was handmade." Beautiful with a rough edge. Available in two colors at Self Edge for $70 dollar. (via Hypebeast)

Saint James Watch Cap

About ten years ago I had the best woolen hat you can imagine. Thick, navy blue and 100% wool. Worn with an edge folded twice. When I decided to grow my hair the hat became too small. I gave it to a friend who decided to put it in the laundry and shrink it to minuscule proportions. I still miss that hat..

The problem is I forgot the brand. My search for the ultimate beanie - I already had - continues. Not the best, but one of my favorites is the Watch Cap by Saint James. A striped classic that is an accessory to highlight a basic outfit. (picture via Cotton Duck)

Cordovan Wallet

Barrett Alley from Texas has added Horween Shell Cordovan leather products to his collection. Shell Cordovan, made of horsehide, is one of the most expensive leathers. It is made from the subcutaneous layer of skin under the hindquarters of the animal. The two sides of the rump, referred to as shells, are the parts famous for their softness and durability.

Its tanning process takes a long time, but the result is beautiful. A dark, rich, burgundy color which is really specific to this type of leather. Seen on the picture are the Shell Cordovan Disciple Wallet, the Devilish wallet and the Valerie bracelet. All are far from cheap, but they do look priceless.

Model A Bag

W Durable Goods is a small company owned by Daniel Wright. He is based in Forth Worth, Texas. For over 5 years he has been making goods that live up to his company's name. This Model A bag is his signature bag. Each one is made from 30 oz. canvas, which is derived from transport bags that were used for carrying parts for building Bailey Bridges. Ideal for carrying my lunch or my smaller bits and pieces.

Extra Rugged Boot Laces

Laces are decoration for some, and necessity for others. Fact is that a combination might be the best option. This Extra Rugged Boot Lace or "replace-a-lace" by Sierra Lace will give you something to talk about with your friends. They are guaranteed to outlast your boots. They will not outlast mine but at least I can ask a replacement if they do not.

The package contains 144 inches of lace and four permanent lifetime tips. You cut the lace to the right length, heat-shrink the tips and you're all set. The best solution however might be to tie a small knot and burn the end. Hook me up with info if you know the company that could supply our shop. In the meanwhile you will have to get them via McGuckin Hardware. (via Menno - Tenue de Nîmes)

Archival Clothing Musette

Check out this Plain Musette from Archival Clothing. This type of bag is normally used in cycling to give food or drinks to racers. They grab the bag, hang it around their neck and take out the contents before discarding it.

I find it very useful when I'm out and about without my scout pack but carry a little more than the pockets of my jacket can hold. The version from Archival clothing closes with a snap button and has a short 41" fixed shoulder strap. It is made from waxed cotton with military-grade cotton webbing. It also fits my iPad. Wow. Available here in dark brown, navy, grey and tan for $40,-.

Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen

I found this article on "tactical pens". Personally I do not need a pen for a self-defense tool, but I did like the designs. They were very clean, heavy and industrial. My favorite is the Tactical and Police Pen by gun manufacturer Smith&Wesson. It is 15.5 cm long and made from T-6061 Aircraft grade Aluminium. Not sure what it weighs but it is strong and light. It costs only $23 dollars. (imagges via GearPatrol and FusionGear)

Woolrich Beanie

A new addition to our accessories of the season are the Rib Hats from Woolrich. The soft fabric is very comfortable. Hardly a surprise, considering it consists of 95 percent wool and 5 percent cashmere. You can wear it US Navy style or like Rene, if you want to hide your lunch. Available in navy, grey and black for €49,90.

Pendleton Motor Robe

Winter is kicking in for real in Amsterdam. A warm companion in the form of a woolen blanket is alway welcome in my house. Suitable for a watching a DVD on the couch or a cold picnic in the park. Just arrived in our shop is a small selection of the famous Pendleton blankets.

One of the blankets we carry is the Motor Robe. Also called steamer rug, it will be your best friend on every occasion where you can use a bit of warmth. Made in the USA of 100% pure virgin wool. It will be yours for EU 109,90. We carry these in blue and red plaid.

Disciple Wallet

Texas based Barrett Alley makes leather accessories by hand. Production begins with the selection of organic materials. Whenever possible the use of American raw materials is preferred. Every products is hand-cut and sewn and produced in limited supply.

Cool detail is the signature hand-stitching. It is even stronger than machine-stitching. When a machine stitch breaks it falls apart but a saddle stitch by hand won't because it will be held together by one of the two treads. This best and most affordable item is the Disciple Wallet. It looks like a small envelope and is ideal for your cards. For coins you already have the fourth one on your jeans right?

WW2 Ski Mittens

In my childhood I really enjoyed my mittens. I had a pair that was attached by a cord. This cord would go through your sleeves and made sure you would not loose them. I needed this badly because I always lost everything.

What to do if you still like mittens but do not want to look like a child? For $25 you can buy this pair of vintage WW2 Ski Mittens. It comes with a metal adjustment buckle and the inside of the palms are made of leather. It looks cool and kinda matches my cameraman jacket.

Philosophy Bracelet

This leather signature bracelet from Royal RepubliQ is embossed with an ''aims of life'' text and is 1 cm wide. We cary the dark brown version (picture) and the cognac, both available at Red Wing Amsterdam