STP Finds of Today

Trust me, I usually do not plant myself in front of my computer and browse the ultimate clothing outlet Sierra Trading Post, but I am riding a wool kick. (I can't even begin fathom the decision making behind what goes in their mail catalog.) Some standout finds in the first 10 pages:

Wigwam Lite Hiker Socks. Merino Wool. Everyone needs a pair of eggplant purple hiking socks! This company has been churning out socks since 1905. Made in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA. $8.95
Smartwool Cuffed Beanie Hat. Merino Wool. Made in China (b00). $14.95
Smartwool Roundabout Scarf. Merino Wool. Made in Vietnam (boo). $24.95
J.G. Glover English Wool Sweater. 100% Wool. For you Anglophile trads out there. Made in England (where else?). $52.46

YOKOO

playful life. images from yokoo's etsy shop

Super chunky knitted hats, scarves, and other head-neck accessories. I first found out about Yokoo via the NYT article on making a living via Etsy (conclusion- it's rewarding but hard). Although it's not exactly my style, I am tickled by her vibrant, avant garde flair. Last winter I remember seeing a listing for a plain winter hat that I loved. Hope she will bring it back soon! Edit: She brought it back today: The Circumpolar Hat. So cozy! Peruse and purchase her knitted accessories at her Etsy shop.

Made in: Atlanta, Georgia

Handmade? Yes!

$60 ($10 S&H)

Fidelity by Gerald and Stewart Duffle Coat

straight off a navy ship. image from penelopes

Let me start by saying that I am not a huge fan of toggle coats or slim-fit outerwear for women. Yet this simple duffle coat jumped out at me and snuggled its way onto my wishlist. The brushed gray wool is so lovely, reminding me of the stuff of the Birkenstock Davos Clog and byrdandbelle's felt cases. The jute rope is a nice touch, and the roomy fit is classy, but not masculine. It truly is my definition of the perfect cut for a short winter coat. Funny enough, both Fidelity and Gerald and Stewart have very lo-fi websites, adding some enticing mystery to the collaboration. See Commerce with a Conscience's post on the men's long version.

Made in: USA

Handmade? No

$268

Liberated Wool Peacoat

where is this gent going in these clothes? images from outlier

Bicycling in style has seen a momentous resurgence here in the US. While urban cyclists in Europe have probably never stopped being classy, we have select brands like Rapha and Outlier here to dress us up (and make us broke). They are probably going along with the assumption that most bike commuters hold: that it is perfectly alright to shell out for premium bike parts and accessories since you are saving so much by not driving or owning a car. This week, Outlier had the gall to introduce a semi-stretchy wool peacoat the price of an iPad. It gets me riled up and I almost can't take so much sartorial brilliance on a sweaty cyclist! At least I can find some consolation in the fact that I don't live in New York and have to be around so many well-dressed lads, unlike this poor woman.

Made in: NYC

Handmade? Yes

$575

Winter Cycling Caps

Regarding bicycling, is it the gear or the rider? I have to remind myself often that all my components and parts are good enough and it's up to me to push harder and go further. However, some gear really does enable you to stay on your bike longer. One accessory that sets the dedicated cyclist apart from the seasonal one is the winter cycling cap. I have a soft spot for the ones with ear flaps. It's never too chilly to ride, especially in Texas!

Fabric Horse's Winter Cycling Cap. These guys made it big with their mini u-lock holster and they have since expanded into making other useful accessories. Handmade in Philly $40
Czech Army Rail Hat. When in need of any technical accessories, aim for the military surplus store. Wool. Best part: $7.99
Another place to look is Etsy. Usually you can sift through the wild and kitschy designs to find something tasteful, like this cycling cap by galstudio. Handmade in Vancouver $35

A.P.C. Marl Crewneck

it looks sparkly from far away. image from endclothing

Here's a high quality wool sweater to keep for life. The marl knit is my absolute favorite type of knit, as it creates some visually appealing texture without being too busy. As I always say, if I had 10x more money, I'd make my wardrobe all A.P.C. and be done with musing about clothes. I really think they should make this in woman sizes. Last winter I picked up a similar, more affordable version from UO in mens XS; the boxy shape left something to be desired though.

Made in: Tunisia?

Handmade? No

159£ (~$242 USD)