RVCA Trooper II Bag

THE ASKMEN TAKE

We're fans of RVCA not just because it makes cool clothing that outlives trends and looks correct both in the office and on the street, but also because the company has a lifestyle vision that incorporates art and subcultures. RVCA’s Artist Network Program supports creativity and even publishes a quarterly magazine about art and community. It's this vision that gives rise to products like the Trooper II Bag. Perfect for a day hike, the bag also has a padded laptop compartment so you can stay connected on the move. This type of versatile bag at such a reasonable price is a smart purchase during uncertain economic times.

UNIQUENESS

While RVCA has a unique mission ("...redefining the way the market views art and fashion as represented through the balance of opposites and how they coexist: water, oil; air, land; destruction, industrialization; art, science; foreign, domestic; order, anarchy; past, present"), you won't likely attract a crowd by sporting the Trooper II Bag. As we know, however, the days of flaunting luxury and brand names are behind us, at least temporarily, and playing it cool is the name of the game. The RVCA Trooper II Bag will keep your belongings safe and let your personality shine.

DURABILITY

If the name "Trooper" is any indication, the RVCA Trooper II Bag is built to last. It's constructed of durable cotton canvas and closes with a no-nonsense combination of draw strings and buckles, which means no stuck zippers and easy access to the goods at a moment's notice. There's also plenty of padding on the back and a faux-suede bottom, so you won't have to worry about rips and tears in the important spots. Since RVCA makes apparel for skaters -- guys who are as hard on their gear as they are on their bodies -- the Trooper II Bag should hold up for the long haul.

Saint James Socks

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Nautical socks for the Francophile? Sure, why not? The Saint James Clothing Company, based out of Normandy, France began making knitwear over 100 years ago. Its sweaters were designed for deep-sea fisherman, and over the decades have become cult classics among the water-loving types of Europe -- and more recently in the U.S. To add a little breadth to its product line, Saint James is now producing nautical-themed socks that aim to give its wearers a little of that coastal French charm at a small fraction of the cost of the sweaters.

UNIQUENESS

Blue-and-white striped socks are nothing new, but perhaps few other companies in the world have as much right to produce them as Saint James. This company, unlike countless of other brands we see every day, is actually an authentic producer of original gear with a purpose. Saint James is not the pet project of two 20-somethings from New York with degrees in philosophy andfashion, funded by their parents’ friends, nor is it a tribute brand. This is the brand that inspires the tributes. Saint James didn’t design its original sweaters to be worn on Ivy League campuses (although they certainly are now), it designed them to be worn at sea. While these Saint James socks are late arrivals to the label's party, just bearing that name makes them more legitimate than all other nautical-themed footwear out there today.

DURABILITY

The design is very French Mediterranean, and if there is one thing that will never go out of style, that's it. These Saint James socks are made out of 85% combed cotton, 10% polyamid and 5% elastane fiber. While cotton is one of the more breathable materials, most adventurers know that any sock meant to be worn while fishing, hiking or anything more than 10 kilometers away from an baguette and espresso shop should be made of wool. Wool is used in real adventurers’ socks because it dries over twice as fast as cotton if wet, and the use of cotton here causes us to question if Saint James is now seeking to capitalize on its own heritage of authentic products for authentic people. That said, these socks are good looking and prime to be worn with a Sperry Topsiderout in the Hamptons.

Women’s robes come in a number of styles and colors

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- There are a number of women’s robes that are available online as well as offline. They come in a number lot styles and materials. The main objective of the women’s robes is to completely dry you off while keeping you warm at the same time. The women’s robes available can be washed in washing machines. The women’s robes (thick ones) are usually made of towel material and come in a variety of colors. The robes come with or without pockets.

There are a number of women’s robes that also come with an option of zipper instead of the normal sash around the waist. The materials that are usually used for the women’s robes are chenille, polyester, micro fiber, poly-cotton, terrycloth, cashmere, charmeuse, bamboo. The micro fiber robes usually come with terry lining for added support. Robes also come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, blue, prints, greens, and browns and in tan colors.


Some of the other embellishments that the robes can carry are the zippers. Some may also have embroidery on the front pockets and on the back, while others may have hoods. The good quality robes for women will usually start at $50 and they can be more expensive, depending on the materials and the use of embellishments on the women’s robes.


Another style of the women’s robes is known as the kimono robe and tends to be shorter than the regular bathrobes. They are also available in a variety of materials such as flannel, polyester and can be seen in a variety of prints. The sleeves are slightly different and generously cut. They can be wrapped snugly around the waist.



Another type of women’s robes is known as the spa robe. Both men and women use this when they sweating it out in the spa. These spa robes start at $80 but are easily available at discounted prices. They are also available in a number of materials such as Chenille, polyester, micro fiber, poly-cotton, cotton and velour. They are usually simple and are less embellished than the regular bathrobes. The advantage of using chenille is that there is no mildew smell.



Another type of women’s robes is known as the wrap. They come in a variety of styles such as velour towel wrap, cotton shower wrap and terry shower wrap. They look like short dresses that can be worn in the bath and are quite feminine to look at. Rather than hide the figure like other bathrobes, they accentuate the feminine figure.