Of Young Men and Heroes, lifestyle, current events, outerwear, coats, jackets

Of Young Men and Heroes

2008-12-18T06:34:00.016-05:00

There is a year in a young mans life when he becomes a man. Modern American culture suggests that this year might be 16, the year in which you are legally eligible to drive a car. Other American pop culture rights of passage similarly point to the age of 18, the age in which you are eligible to vote or 21, the age in which you are finally old enough to drink alcohol - legally. But no. Although young men may swagger with campy bravado among their friends and on stage for the girls, these noted years are not the true age of male youth passing into manhood but a salutary foot hold in the climb.

To find the true right of passage, the age in which a young man passes into manhood, we must consult the elders of the village. The village of all men, from the beginning of recorded time indeed, from the myths, the legends. From the very iconic stories of men from time immemorable. For the iconic stories of great men give us a clue.

Just as we can watch the the 1961 movie classic, 'West Side Story' and see Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet, so too can we extrapolate the iconic stories of the Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad and even Superman, yes the story of Superman, to find this age we seek.

The commonality between the stories of great legendary men of history is what binds the message and ensures a deliverable truth to young men through all the tests of time.

The story begins with a boy. A spirited boy. Not a perfect boy but a boy without malice or harmful intent. A boy with a feeling from the quiet depths of somewhere inside that he could be great. He grows playfully but not shielded from the fears of life. Now he's 18 years old and our story begins. Let's use the American icon to illustrate the passage. Superman.

At the age of 18 the young Kent (ken, noun, one's range of knowledge or sight) is drawn to the wild, to the unknown and without hesitation leaves his home; leaves everything familiar to his life. His quest leads him to his fortress of solitude and for 15 years he studies all the knowledge of the Universe and he emerges the Uberman....Superman. He can fly, like the Buddha who can walk above ground or Jesus who can walk on water. His powers are superhuman and the body of humankind call to him for truth and justice.....and in Superman's case, the American Way. So it is on the 33rd years of age that young men emerge from their fortress of solitude and become real men, men of the village.

The important message for young men is the fortress of solitude and the years leading up to their 33rd. The time spent and experience gained between the ages of 18 and 33 are critical to the growth and strength of your character and indeed critical to the way in which you will be judged. These 15 years are the most important years of your life.

When I was young I imagined a village. In this village was a building, a lodge where the men of the village congregated from time to time. And only the men were allowed. At the meetings the village Elders, white haired and wise with age, sat at the front of the hall facing all the men. When a young man reached the age of 33 he was escorted to the front of the room and stood alone before the elders backed by all the men of the village. He was asked by the Elders, 'What knowledge do you have, what have you accomplished and what good have you done for the Village'. His answers were heard by the Elders and all the men alike. If his answers were satisfactory he was instructed by the Elders to take his seat, on the last row of the great hall and to thereafter go forward into the village and do good. As the years passed, and new men attained their seat among the other men of the village, the older men moved forward, ever closer to the front of the Hall where the village Elders sat. Nine years pass and our hero, now 42, is called to the front of the Hall once again to stand alone and once again be judged before the village Elders. 'We have instructed you to go out into the village and do good. What have you accomplished?', says they. Our hero reports to the Elders and to all the men alike. If the report is satisfactory, the Elders proclaim for all to hear. 'You have done well. For your accomplishments we grant you this measure of Power. Now go forward, out into the village, and do good.'

This process, these rights of passage continue for all men through all the days of our life and from time to time, we are evaluated and judged. It would be fun to continue the story of our hero. To talk about him in more detail. To illustrate the life of men through the light of his eyes. But this post today is about the young men. Men who are still outside of the great hall. Those young men full of adventure and facing the unknown with only their spirit and the light of their life. Experience is your treasure, your desiderata.

For the young women, be advised, these formative years in a young mans life are not exclusive of love, loyalty, commitment and obligation but don't expect a young man to behave like a grown man in all things. Young men are reaching, exploring, collecting the experiences of life that will make them better men. As an aside, on a personal note, when choosing your mate for life look for the man who is comfortable with the babies, who wants to be a parent, who wants to be a hero.

A favorite quote of mine is from Adam Bede, by George Elliot. 'I've noticed it often among my own people around Snowfield, that the strong, skillful men are often the gentlest to the women and children; and it's pretty to see 'em carrying the little babies as if they were no heavier than little birds. And the babies always seem to like the strong arm best.'

Over 40 the Mid Life Crisis

2008-12-16T15:45:00.002-05:00

I am over 40. I have seen the mid life crisis and it was I.

Today's post explores the mid life crisis. I speak to this issue from a first hand, past tense male perspective. I am 55. I also speak to the issue as a partner to a beautiful woman now in the midst of her early 40's mid life experience.

Mid life is real and the experience does have the character of a crisis. In a nut shell, when you turn 40 you realize that if you live to be 80, you just used up half of your life and you realize how fast the first half went by. And if that wasn't bad enough, you also look back on your youth and realize a) just how lucky you were to survive those 'close calls' where you probably should have been killed or died, b) realize how poorly you have been treating your poor metabolism with junk food, bad habits and a passive or inattenive lifestyle and c) start to examine in retrospect all of those opportunities missed or opportunities you never had in the first place. Of course, we blame our parents for all of our short comings.

Do not despair. All of those little aches and pains you are having are not tumors. They are from some strenuous activity you did three days ago. Some activity you use to perform as a younger soul without thinking, without any consequence what so ever and Oh, did I mention the grocery store glasses (you can get a 3-pac at WalMart for $8) Here's the test. Never wore glasses you say? Turning 40? OK. Get out the 'ol phone book and see for yourself. You will become acquainted with the terms .75's, 1.25's etc, as the years go by.

Listen, there's good news. The crisis passes and everyone goes thru it. Talk to older friends and family who have been there and don't take it personally when they laugh or giggle when they respond.

The bad news is that it happens. The good news is, it happens very slowly. The metaphor for mid life is seen as a rocket trying to escape the earth's gravity. The rocket expends most of its fuel during take off and through the initial phase of its journey. That's the youthful phase of life. If all goes well, the further out into space get, the less fuel you need. That's the mid life. Finally you reach orbit and free from the earths gravitation. Once there, you don't need much rocket fuel at all. Just enough to keep you in orbit.

How does the US economy affect US fashion?

2008-12-12T06:23:00.008-05:00

It's no secrete now to anyone, even the most unwitting among us. The world economy is in a tail spin. It started with the sub prime mortgage melt down and has now spread into what economists call the real economy. That means you, anyone who has a job or must work for a living.

If you've ever seen a tail spin you can sense what will come next. Eject.......Crash! Eject=Bailout, we are seeing that now with government (taxpayers) bailout of the largest US banks and the largest US insurance company - AIG via the TARP fund. This might save the pilot but the plane is probably going to crash and burn. You will recognize the crash when you witness what happened during the last 'great depression', the failure of insurance companies and then the pension funds, leaving a great population of Americans who have saved all their lives, with next to nothing.

Sorry for such an unhappy introduction to fashion post but there is no sense in pretending that everything is OK and this is just another bump in the American dream road.

So how will fashion reflect these economic changes? Will fashion reflect these economic changes? It usually does. Will the hem lines go down. Will dark colors be in. Will the fedora make a come back?
Will fashion lead the new reality or will it follow? Does anybody know?

I'm a guy. A straight guy. I don't live for fashion but, like most men, I like to look good. Here are my outerwear fashion predictions for men in 2009. 1) The baseball jacket, the insulated ones, like the old spring training Starter jackets, ribbed around the waist and cuffs. My favorite is the old NY Yankees navy blue letters on white. 2) Continuing with a similar look, the old school letterman jacket....without the letters. and finally, 3) all outerwear that has a rural lifestyle working man bent.

I think we are going into a period of our national history that will for a time, result in a less wealthy consumer population which will result in a more conservative lifestyle which will be reflected in a more rugged durable fashion plain and simple. Wealth will be down played and fashion will reflect happiness of the good man, of everyman.

Bob Ward and Big Sky Country

2008-12-10T08:30:00.010-05:00

If you are from big sky country in the United States you will know the name Bob Ward & Sons. As the name implies the vistas of the northern central US are full of snow topped mountains and big blue sky. Rugged country living and long cold winters are the way of life in this part of the United States.

Bob Ward set out from Minnesota at the age of 15 to seek the riches of Klondike gold. He got as far a Montana. There he settled, found work at a local jewelry story. Over the years he mastered his skills and raised a family. He opened his own watch repair shop in 1917 and over a lifetime and with the help of his sons, his shop evolved into one of the nations largest sporting goods retailers. Bob is gone now but his sons have carried on a devotion to quality and service which is apparent in the merchandise they carry and the service offer. Now you can enjoy their offerings from the comfort of your own home. Their online web site is extensive, comprehensive, intuitive and user friendly.....and the prices are good too. Enjoy.

Walking Coat

2008-12-08T08:13:00.007-05:00

What is a Walking Coat? I've searched the internet over.....nothing. I've searched Wikipedia....nothing. I suppose there is nothing mysterious or difficult about defining a walking coat. You're going for a country walk on a cold, snowy winter day and you grab the coat that makes the most sense to you. If it is a sunny day with a lite breeze you would grab a warm jacket that is snug around the waist and wrists. The one with a fur or fleece collar that turns up high around the neck. If the wind was blowing with snow in the air, you would grab a longer coat. One that covers the waist below your pants pockets. The one with a hood.

OK. That was a country walk but how about the walk from work to lunch, downtown, 3 blocks away or to the parking lot or train station? Well, you can't just look on your coat rack a pick out a coat for the occasion, you're at work. No, you throw on the one you wore to work. Your standard work issue waist long or over coat, hat, gloves and scarf; and out you go.......for a walk.

When you're shopping this year for coats, keep those walks in mind. Your country casual walk. Your going to work, going to lunch, going home walk. Keep winter weather in mind. Snowy windy days and early nights. Sunny but bitter cold days and early nights. If you can afford it, have several. Don't fall short with one all purpose winter coat.

Working Outside

2008-12-07T07:16:00.010-05:00

They are not the center of fashion. You wont see runway models in New York, Paris or Milan sporting their wears. But if you have to work outside in the winter you might want to check out Reids Safety Outerwear and Workwear Online Store. They don't mess around with fashion, yet the garments they sport look good on you. They don't brag about quality, yet their garments are built to take a beating and last for years under the toughest wear and tear conditions. The cold weather clothing you'll find at Rieds has been thought through for WORK. Nothing dangles, the fits are snug, the insulation is top of the line and extraordinary body movement is never a problem. If this sound like a tribute to hard physical outside working men and women, it is; and it is also a tribute to how good men and women look in well made rugged outerwear. Now get back to work.

An 'ol favorite J CREW

2008-12-04T06:52:00.004-05:00

An 'ol staple, an 'ol favorite.....J Crew. I don't seem to hear as much about J Crew any more. It's all about Urban Outfitters or American Eagle or Areopostale. Has J Crew become old school? Or worse, have I become Old School! eey Gads!

Well, it is what it is, yes, the models use to be younger and much more collegiate looking. Now they're 30 something and professional and wearing outfits the average college student can only dream of affording. And so it goes. Here's to you J Crew.

MRJACKET.COM NEEDS HELP

2008-12-03T08:01:00.005-05:00

During the first week of EVERY MONTH I will be posting a blog or two to promote the cause of MrJacket.com. Just to keep the cause fresh and available to new readers. For as all blogger know, many readers come and go and attracting a consistent following is a challenge and who goes back through all the archive posting to get a complete overview of a bloggers writings anyway?

So here it goes. MRJACKET.COM NEEDS HELP. I'm looking an 'angle' funding partner to develop the site, or someone (+) who will partner with me and do the technical work in developing the web site www.MrJacket.com. I do not have any partners at this time (or money). I have owned this URL for 10 years (been sitting on it because I have been too busy with other matters in life).

There is a demo posted on the URL to give one an idea of the concept. It's an Outerwear Portal. The revenue model is based, initially, on affiliate commissions. 75% of revenue will be reinvested in advertising to promote the site use and as the site matures other site appeal aspects can be added such as product reviews and live style issues. With increased traffic other revenue streams can be captured.

And with success I would eventually like to create a MrJacket brand apparel label.

Well, I could go on and on but this is not the place. This is just a teaser notice. Thanks and spread the word. P.S. sorry for the fashion faux pas photo. I'm not very photogenic or good looking for that matter but I thought I'd post this picture to make this plea more personal.

Country Lifestyle - Orvis

2008-12-03T06:37:00.007-05:00

Today's pic is from Orvis. Too often over looked by the fashion world and most of the teens and 20's. Pity. Orvis is a standard in the universe country lifestyle and hardy apparel. Well constructed and enduring quality has kept Orvis an American country lifestyle staple since 1856. Here's an abstract of the Orvis Story as told by them.

For thousands of our customers, Orvis represents more than a country lifestyle company. We are an integral part of the history and lore of fly fishing in America. A small business that began with a love of fly fishing on the banks of the famed Battenkill more than 150 years ago, we're the longest running fly fishing company in the United States. Our rod developers and builders are the only ones to have worked with every material from lancewood to bamboo, fiberglass and graphite, to carbon with thermoplastic resins. That makes for a lot of great stories. Many of them are told here, in the Orvis Story, for the first time ever. This book will give you an insider's look at the people and products that have made Orvis the leader in the fly fishing and sporting lifestyle world for more than 150 years.

Loro Piana

2008-12-02T17:45:00.005-05:00

If you want to treat yourself to real luxury and an education take a look at Loro Piana's web site. Luxury goods extraoridanair. Look at The Excellence section on the web site, there are some cool videos discribing the raw materials that go into the Piana line. Vicuna, Cashmere, Baby Cashmere, Extra Fine Wool and Pecora Nera. See for yourself. Hats off to you Mr. Piana.

Justin Charles Outerwear Collection

2008-12-02T09:15:00.004-05:00

Justin Charles announces its new outerwear collection with $50 off and free shipping on orders over $100.
At the center of the new outerwear line of men's outdoor clothing is the Justin Charles 3-Piece System that starts with the windproof, waterproof and completely breathable Black River Jacket. The Down Under Jacket -- with 60 grams Primaloft insulation -- layers under the Black River for a remarkably warm and weather-proof combination
"One of the unique aspects of the Black River jacket is that it is waterproof, breathable and still contains stretch fabric, making it extremely comfortable and functional for all kinds of activities," said Joe Campisi, Director of Product Development for Justin Charles.

TERRITORY AHEAD

2008-12-01T07:06:00.005-05:00

I wonder if Territory Ahead women customers have things in common with Territory Ahead men customers? I mean, there is a certain look and feel to the wears in this catalog. I guess that's the idea in branding your name and merchandise. What you wear says a lot about who you are.

All of these items, and more, are on SALE.

TERRITORY AHEAD

2008-12-01T06:53:00.004-05:00

Found these goodies on the SALE page of Territory Ahead.

SELF REFLECTIONS

2008-12-01T06:35:00.004-05:00

I am a bit of a news blog junkie. World view, international economics, foreign affairs; things like that. I've noticed that my MrJacket.com blog has been looking something like some of these news blogs I follow. A chronicle of other people's news. In doing this, I review lot's of Google Alerts every morning relative to fashion, outerwear - mens and womens....stuff like that and then repost the ones I think relative to what I'm trying to accomplish on this blog. But then I thought....is this what I am trying to accomplish with this blog? Will this draw an audiance to my blog? Would I come back often to this blog for this? News? Probably not, unless I had a very narrow focus which implies a very small readership.

So I'm going to change up my format. Get back to the original intent of MrJacket.com To promote the sale of good looking coats and jacket. To display apparel and promote good merchants. Keep it simple and visual with minor editorializing.

Maybe Emme's got it right.

2008-11-30T07:37:00.006-05:00

Maybe Emme's got it right. The new fashion is the old fashion. Do we look back in time for comfort, to a time when the world around us seemed more sure, more stable, more comfortable? Will this drive the new fashion trends? Or do we just keep blazing a trail into our future? One thing is for sure. The changes that are occurring in our economic lives and in our political lives are coming about faster than they have in living memory. Brace up. Work hard and be happy. ......and turn your collar up!

Black Friday Sales Rise 3%

2008-11-29T17:07:00.004-05:00

Preliminary reports are starting to come in. Black Friday was not as bad as first thought. Read this article by Lauren Coleman-Lochner, on Bloomberg.

U.S. ‘Black Friday’ Sales Rise 3%, ShopperTrak Says

U.S. consumers spent $10.6 billion on holiday purchases yesterday as shoppers anxious for bargains flocked to stores.

Sales rose 3 percent from the same day last year, Chicago- based research firm ShopperTrak RCT Corp. said today in a statement. The increase was highest in the South, with a gain of 3.4 percent over 2007 and smallest in the Northeast where sales jumped 2.6 percent.

On the way to a better world

2008-11-29T12:52:00.003-05:00

I've been keeping an eye out for the signs of up coming fashion. Fashion trends that reflect the new austere circumstance national economies both here in the US and around the world are beginning to reflect. That's right, its here everybody. The tipping point has tipped and the future trends in fashion and the way we live and consume are morphing into new designs and new patterns. Will the fashion be a more rugged stoic appearance that bear down on reality or will the new looks take on a playful, more fanciful why should we care attitude? Time will tell.

Here's an article from Cosmoworlds, shedding a little light on the subject. CIFF Trends: On the way to a better world! (CIFF: Copenhagen International Fashion Fair, Feb 5-8, 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark)

Coats 30% Off at New York and Company Through Dec. 1

2008-11-29T10:27:00.003-05:00

The Lowdown: Now through Dec. 1, get 30% off coats at New York and Company, meaning you can get yourself bundled up for the winter without spending a bundle, natch. It doesn’t hurt that New York and Company coats are totally cute and stylish.

Black Friday - data is coming in

2008-11-29T08:04:00.004-05:00

The Black Friday news is not really telling us anything we did not already know. Money is tight and the consumer-retailer drama unfolds. Will the retailers drop their prices low enough to get shoppers to spend? I think further price reductions are coming. Merchant inventories are high and they are worried. The early signs are coming in and they are not good. Prices must come down further. I will be keeping an eye out for good deals from merchants and good-deal reports from other blogs. Stay tuned.

Shoppers still turn out
Across the Area

Black Friday

Grace Leong - DAILY HERALD

Who Could Resist a Deal on a $46,000 Jacket?

Kenneth Cole Men's Coats from $93

American Eagle Better World Gift Cards

2008-11-28T20:08:00.003-05:00

American Eagle today announced the AE Better World holiday gift card program to benefit the company's three premier charity partners, Jumpstart, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Student Conservation Association. Ten percent of the purchase price of each AE Better World gift card will be shared equally among the three organizations.

Beginning today through December 24*, the AE Better World gift card is available in AE stores across the United States and Canada, as well as online at www.ae.com. Specially designed packaging will include information about AE Better World and the details about the organizations benefiting from the purchase of the gift card.

"American Eagle Outfitters is a model of corporate philanthropy and Jumpstart is proud to be a partner and beneficiary of the AE Better World gift card campaign," said James Cleveland, president of Jumpstart.

"We applaud American Eagle Outfitters for partnering with charities in this way," said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America president and chief executive officer, Judy Vredenburgh. "This is an example that there are many ways to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters network and to make a difference in the lives of children, improving their odds for succeeding in school and in life."

"We are so pleased to have the on-going support of American Eagle Outfitters," said Valerie Bailey, executive vice president of the Student Conservation Association. "We are impressed by the creative ways that the organization taps the good hearts of its customers and reaches out to organizations that care about making this a better world."

*While supplies last.

Clot Pea Coat

2008-11-28T16:55:00.003-05:00

Hat tip to L&F for this fashion find. Not clear though.....SoHo only?

2008-11-25T07:05:00.002-05:00

Reporter, Jenn Breckenridge, writing for Greenloop, posts this article:

Top 5 Eco Winter Coats: North American Designers Bring It For Winter 2008

BLACK FRIDAY....GET READY

2008-11-25T06:53:00.001-05:00

J.C. Penny
JCP 17.62, +2.48, +16.4%) today announced that its Black Friday sale will offer the largest, most desirable gift selection at the most compelling Black Friday prices ever offered in the Company's history. With more than 400 Black Friday specials - an increase of 20 percent over last year - customers will find a broad array of stylish, high-quality gifts - at the Company's most affordable prices - for every person on their shopping list, making JCPenney the shopping destination for customers this Black Friday.

Hammacher Schlemmer

2008-11-24T18:35:00.005-05:00

There is a certain art pertaining to the description one can give to a piece of outerwear. Some merchants do this work better than others. From time to time on this blog I will showcase some of the more talented descriptions I run across. Here's one from the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog. They work hard at it and they are good.

The Gentleman Rancher's Leather Jacket.Made from 100% nubuck top-grain leather, and favored for its lightweight, supple hand and durability, this leather jacket is suitable for clearing brush or semiformal gatherings. Lighter than most leather apparel, the jacket has a relaxed cut without excessive bulk, resulting in a fit that ensures freedom of movement when hauling branches. The coat drapes to the mid hip like a blazer and has a suit coat's notch lapel and tail vent--ideal for business casual attire. The tanning process not only lengthens the life of the leather and enhances its color, but also gives it a lush, pebble-grained texture that is buffed to create a slight nap for a velvet-smooth surface. The jacket has a breathable polyester and mesh lining that prevents overheating. With four interior pockets, one exterior breast pocket, and two deep hand pockets. Marble button front and elbow patches. Imported. Men's sizes M (36-38), L (40-42), or XL (44-46). (3 1/3 lbs.)

Item 75453 ................... $299.95

On Sale is the new black.

2008-11-23T06:27:00.004-05:00

Black Monday is approaching and every retailer in America is acting like the start of an old fashion horse race. No starting gate and a lot of pent up energy. Every where you look online you see the same two words: ON SALE. It would take to0 much time to show them all. Take your pick and see for yourself.

And don't forget, go through your coat closet this year and clean it out. There is an organization in your area that will collect donated winter wear for the needy. Please give.......and then go shopping.

500 YEARS OF DUFFLE

2008-11-22T12:13:00.009-05:00

Think European winters and freezing cold. Think 500 years ago in the countryside of Belgium. Germany to the north, France to the south and England across the channel to the west. Hills dense with ancient black forests and cities bustling with the utility and the wealth of a landed gentry and laboring peasant class. Clothmaking is the new technology and competition for the best looms on the continent drive burgeoning cottage industries. From this time in history the cloth know as duffel was made.

Duffel, named in the mid 1500's, after a fashionable township in central Belgium, is a coarse, thick nap, woolen cloth. Popular for its superior warmth and rugged durability.

The finest made duffel country coats, even today, still have traditional wooden buttons and leather loops. The duffel coat is an apparel tradition that has surely stood the test of time. Still rugged, still fashionable, still warm and all the while, still good looking.

Above are a few MrJacket online sightings.

OVERSTOCK.COM $30 COATS & JACKETS

2008-11-22T08:23:00.003-05:00

MORE GREAT DEALS on the internet. Overstock.com is sweetening the holiday shopping season with this deal on winter coats and jackets for both women and men.....and kids. Check it out.

Winterize you pet - FASHION HOUND

2008-11-22T08:07:00.003-05:00

Bill Ward is a writer for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, Star Tribune. Hey Bill, is it cold up there?

Something for the Summer Winters

2008-11-22T07:33:00.006-05:00

MrJacket finds another find. For all of you out there that go south for the winter or have given up winters all together. Here's a good looking web site for you....and all jackets are on sale 20% off. A SWELL deal!

FOOTLOCKER JACKET SALE

2008-11-22T07:09:00.007-05:00

OK, the Footlocker is not what I would call an outerwear merchant but they're have a sale on their Colorado Jackets that looks pretty hard to beat. They're selling for $9.99. Regular price $49.99....I had to mention this one.

Internet Sales UP

2008-11-22T06:43:00.008-05:00

MrJacket.com not only brings you outerwear fashion from around the country and around the world, it brings you enthusiasm for internet marketing. I look at a lot of news coming from the apparel merchants I follow and almost without fail I'm reading the same song. Internet sales are up. Here's another article from: The Internet Retailer, Gap fills the financial gap with higher web sales.

"It’s the same financial scenario at Gap Inc. with e-commerce generating the only growth in quarterly sales. For the quarter ended Nov. 1, web sales rose by 15% to $284 million......."

Urban Outfitters Blazes New Trail

2008-11-21T06:55:00.005-05:00

Urban Outfitters released their 3rd Quarter earnings last week, a 31% gain over last year. That's pretty good considering the state of the US economy. Of particular interest to me was the increase in online sales, up 41%

Even though online sales were still a small part of the company's over all revenue, it was the largest % increase among all the different revenue sectors of the company. Quality merchandise and exceptional marketing. Go Urban Outfitters.

Here is an example the company's talent for success. Alana Semuels reporting for the Los Angeles Times chronicles a new shopping concept that may just give the old mall experience a wake up call. Check it out and if you live in the LA area......go shopping.

From the Collegian

2008-11-20T08:30:00.003-05:00

Julie Holbrook rings in the winter with this entertaining and informative article in The Collegian, New England's largest daily online collegiate rag: Cure you winter fashion woes. Stay warm Julie.......go shopping.

Pulling out the Big Guy

2008-11-20T06:26:00.000-05:00

Some like it hot, some like it cold. Here's a tale from a soul that does not like it cold. His name is Charles Laroux and he writes for the Chicago Tribune in the Windy City and in the winter, I can tell you, that wind is COLD! His article is well written and enjoyable to read. It's titled, 'We shiver as we shirk our winter coats'. We hear you Charles and feel your pain. Bundle up..... go shopping!

Cold Weather and a Warm Coat

2008-11-19T16:50:00.000-05:00

Here's an article by, Sarah Rosenberg writing from Hamden, CT in The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Wrapping up in Winter Fashion. She highlights cold weather, warm outerwear and a few great merchants: Forever21, American Eagle and Urban Outfitters.

An Army of Fashion Mavens

2008-11-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

As I work myself away from a person consumed by the habits and hustle of business life and corporate obligations toward a more self fulfilling life of personal reward and self employment, I am finding a very interesting niche of like minded people. I'm speaking specifically about that small army of fashion mavens, men and women, who love clothing fashion. Here's one from Houston. A writer named Laura Milligan. Besides posting a well written article in the Examiner.com - Atlanta, of note to me was her by line: a complete fashion junkie who loves dressing for cold climates and is known for ferreting out fabulous deals. Here's my sympathy. I too live in the south but love dressing for cold weather. Anyway, here's her post, check it out. Nice job Laura.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1250-Houston-Shopping-Secrets-Examiner.html

Well, it seem this link does not work. So check out Laura's web site instead: FashionSavedMyLife.com

Angle Funding

2008-11-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

I have not said much about the work on my new web site. MrJacket.com. As part of this web site building process, I have enjoyed a unique opportunity to look at over 1,000 good looking coats, jackets and outerwear in general from over 70 online label merchants. Now I'm going through all of the online apparel web sites to see who offers Affiliate commissions because that's initially how MrJacket.com will earn its money. Looks like about 20 so far. All of the others have received an email or letter from MrJacket asking if they offer any affiliate programs and if not will they be considering them in the future. I think affiliate commissions are a great way for online merchants to increase traffic and sales. I'm waiting for replies.

I anticipate other revenues streams to develop as the popularity of the site spreads. To enhance the sites popularity I plan to encorporate this blog, coat and jacket reviews, lifestyle and fashion issues. I'll reinvest the lions share of all of the initial revenues to advertise MrJacket.com in as many collegiate newspapers in the northern US and Canada markets as money provides. If I'm lucky I'll be able to take advantage of this winter season sales but that might be wishful thinking, it's already November and although the web site is somewhat simple, there is a lot of programming work to do.

Right now, I'm looking for a partner who will either do the programing or someone to invest some angle funding. So, if anyone out there is reading this and can help. I'd love to hear from you. I think it is a great project and has legs. I've owned this URL for about 10 years but never had the time to make it happen. Now I do, so here I go.

2008-11-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a great article by Kerri Jarema, in The Ticker, Baruch College, The City University of New York.

Look great on the first date

http://media.www.theticker.org/media/storage/paper909/news/2008/11/17/Lifestyles/Look-Great.On.The.First.Date-3546466.shtml

2008-11-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here an article from Wendi Culverwell, business journal staff writer for the Portland Business Journal,

Columbia plots ambitious growth

Company will open 21 new stores in 2009 as part of a strategic shift

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2008/11/17/story5.html

Look At My Outerwear!

2008-11-14T10:09:00.000-05:00

LOOK AT MY OUTERWEAR!

She thought I said, 'look at my underwear'. I said, No! No!...my outerwear, we laughed. OMG, I am Mr Jacket. All I do is outerwear.......coats,coats, jackets, jackets.

It does make my neck feel warm, like on a cold day with your collar turned up - James Deany ....all those warm jackets, so little time. I spend a lot of time every day at the computer looking and thinking about outerwear. Hopefully MrJacket.com will be up and running soon. You'll be able to zip through over a thousand coats and jackets, as fast a you can click if you like; and look, there is some beautiful fashion and heirloom quality apparel out there. GO SHOPPING.

2008-11-13T14:01:00.000-05:00

Just picked this tidbit on the internet:

This Old Navy canvas peacoat is perfect for today's rainy, dreary weather on the East Coast. If it's particularly chilly, the coat is roomy enough to layer under, and then you can just add a scarf on top.

While we chose the neutral bone color, there are also fun options like purple and green if you're looking for something more bold.

The best part? Right now it's only $25. Old Navy has up to 50 percent off all outerwear this week, and we're guessing prices will remain low once the cold snaps really hit.

If your part of the country is already snapping - there's wool versions of the peacoat under $50 as well.

2008-11-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder to everyone. It's that time of year. A lot of local communities and organizations host coats for kids and other outerwear donations drives. If you can, please donate. Clean out that closet. You'll be helping out .....and giving yourself a good reason to go shopping.

2008-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

MATTHEW SCHNEIER posts this on his Mens Style.com blog. Check it out. A collaboration between Operations and Levi's only makes sense: The latter all but invented workwear, and the former's been cranking out a stylized, New York version of it since 2004 (that is, before the likes of Bottega Veneta caught on). Now the brands have joined forces to offer a capsule collection of outerwear and blazers that look, well, exactly as you might expect. Think sturdy, function-driven apparel done up in fabrications luxe enough for those who won't actually be joining the labor force anytime soon. (Then again, with the economy still melting down, you never know.) Our pick: the Italian wool Woodsman jacket, inspired by a Canadian hunting coat of the forties. It'll serve you well before you hit the woods—and, given its pedigree, likely after.
$298, available at Levi's stores nationwide

Let the sales begin

2008-11-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

Old Navy is selling all their outerwear for 50% off this week, and there's $7 flat shipping, if you order from their website. If you or the kids need new jackets, this is a good deal for you. Here's their link: Old Navy website.

A Jacket on Every Back

2008-11-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm constructing my new web site, MrJacket.com. The site is a portal, a central internet location. MrJacket.com is an outerwear portal for both men and women outerwear apparel. So far I have collected over 75 brand label apparel (internet) merchants displaying over 1000 winter coats and jackets. It sounds overwelming but it is not and frankly there are more merchants to find and thousands more apparel to display. MrJacket.com is an intutive, user friendly, web site and it is fun to use. It eliminates the trouble of finding and searching the web site of each individual merchants for a winter coat or jacket.

When you see a coat or jacket you like on MrJacket.com simply click on the picture and go directly to the merchants web site to learn more about the item and perhaps make your purchase when you find the coat or jacket you like best.

As my blog matures I plan on reviewing various brand labels and their seasonal line up. I will be looking at individual apparel items more closely. Hot items. I will be looking at quality, pricing and fashion issues.

Please help me with this nich market endevor. If you know of apparel merchants that have a nice selection of outerwear apparel that you do not see on MrJacket.com, let me know. If you have posting ideas or comments, please let me have them. Thanks for your support.

MrJacket