Shopping from Arnys

by Tom Bonamici

Lesli has a nice little stack of Arnys catalogs that I can't put down. It's a mile apart from our usual shopping - nothing in here could be found at a thrift store, logging camp, or Cyclist's Special. The prices are... aspirational? Improbable? Beyond our reach, at any rate. But that won't stop me from longing for a Forestière jacket, or a massively-pocketed trench, or trousers with integrated spats.





The patterns and colors are subtle, the materials are gorgeous, and the styling is distinctive, but generally trend-resistant. No skinny jeans, thank God, no desert boots, no buffalo plaid - Arnys is operating at a different plane. However, there are plenty of details that could translate nicely. Many of the jackets seem to be available with or without sleeves - why couldn't Filson make a sleeveless Mackinaw? We're both especially fond of the consistent use of a contrasting lining in cuffs and collars. And the introduction to one of the more recent catalogs has a terrific call-to-arms for the stylish gent, bemoaning the fall in standard of men's dress and, essentially, telling men to step it up. I'm working on translating this piece, and will post it soon.



Honestly, even if I could afford it, I couldn't wear most of this stuff, given how rarely I wear even a tie, let alone a suit. It's just a lot of fun to browse the catalogs and admire a job done perfectly well.