Two US powerhouse lables, Levi’s and Brooks Brothers, have collaborated to create an range of denim made in the USA. In an effort to support and promote home industry and reaffirm America’s familiarity with the look of a Brooks oxford and a pair of Levi’s – a favorite amongst many.

The range will consist of the 501^® jean, 505^® (the zip-fly “sibling” of the 501^® jean) and the modern 514™ Slim Straight cut.  Each pair is crafted in a factory in LA [using imported materials] and will retail for $148.  These jeans will be available at Brooks Brothers boutiques nationwide and online after July 29, 2010.

What a clever way to reestablish a brand by using a cooperative effort between two houses – time will tell if this becomes a promotion trend, like the pop up shop.

For a pair of boots that started with Jack White, the Idols are still going the distance.  These are the Idol Jagger ankle boots, which are officially the must have men’s boot of the FW10 season.

The straps and studs make for a sleek look, and the Cuban heel provides an androgynous twist to a classic boot shape.  The Idol Jaggers are just what the man bored with conventions needs for the coming chill.

The Jaggers are $449 per pair, though anyone who has owned a pair of Fluevogs knows they last decades when taken care of.  Available in sizes 7 through 12.

Shearling is coming back full force, and none are so beautiful as Burberry menswear’s FW10 pieces shown below.  The defining style for these pieces [brown and black] is the sheepskin blended with with military styling – double breasted buttons, epaulets and buckling.

It doesn’t appear that the high street has taken up the concept of shearling and leather (or even faux fur) at this point, though one can see how it would be easily mingled within concepts brands like Topman already employ.  TopShop already has a few sheepskin designs that are fairly asexual; the black flying jacket and contrast white version, both $600 US.

Sheepskin is not only on trend, but has been praised for its warmth and lasting wear, which makes these pieces heirloom investments.  I just received a fatigue jacket of my grandfather’s from the Canadian military that has held the test of time – imagine if a jacket like that was made from leather and sheepskin instead of cotton!

Let’s hope the high street has some shearling surprises ready for us… the public is ready and raring for it.

There’s nothing tricky about putting together an outfit with a brogue boot – you take the outfit you were ready to wear a sneaker or regular brogue with, and you’re ready steady.

The points that make these boots are its use of colored leathers.  They aren’t obnoxiously colored, yet the colors speak for the design of each boot, especially due to their 2010-perfect in between pastel hues.

Trickers (exclusive to ASOS) would be responsible for the brogue Chelsea with the purple elastic insert ($497), while ASOS’ house brand is responsible for the coral red tumbled leather boots ($304).

These boots are versatile in the way that they can not only be worn during hot, color friendly months but during the winter chill.  One way this is done by styling a largely neutral layered look which features only the brights on the brogues; you not only feature attention to your investment colors, but they have you shining.

The question is this: are you bold enough for the brogue boot?

Prints by Doug Coupland on Roots gear are the order of the day, and here are a few preview images to whet your whistle before you see the whole collection.

There are some pretty rad things amongst the collection; the Test Pattern dress ($68), Motherboard leggings ($48), Crest messenger bag ($58), Electric passport wallet ($48), Motherboard scarf ($48) and the Test Pattern arm warmers ($28).

The collection features quite reasonable prices; something rather unexpected and pleasantly surprising.

These de-lightful flag scarves aren’t only patriotic, but they look as if they’ve been ripped right from the textiles of the actual flags waving from posts.

Both of these flag scarves are done by Faliero Sarti, champion label of all things scarf like.

Both are £200 (approx. $323) which means a hell of an accessory investment, though you could take the DIY approach and actually tear up a vintage flag that’s falling apart to begin with.

A chukka boot!

They’re the ideal summer footwear hybrid for those looking for something more than what either separate designs can’t provide alone.  These particular chukkas are for the ladies, which feature a black sequin toe cap.

The men have a particular design advantage – Sperry Top Sider has collaborated with Band of Outsiders to create six distinct chukka boots, and some are even on sale at the moment.

Chukkas are excellent for running to and from pre-fall patios, and much better than a pair of ratty tatty Converse.

Rene Gurskov is one of my favorite menswear designers, who helms Dutch label In Circus.

The thing one can love about Rene’s work is while these pieces are menswear, they could be mingled within any androgynous wardrobe.  Check out the printed trousers and Americana imagery – it’s quite something!

Now these are quite sharp, aren’t they?

These are like a hybrid of the much loved Aviator, but with a mash of incredibly hot metal and acrylic.  This particular shade is available at limited Saks 5th Ave locations, and retail at $435.

Just another thing to love about the Canadian Dsquared2 duo.

A weekender is a necessary bag for both men and women, and Ben Sherman’s canvas and faux leather bag is something you’ll want in your casual arsenal.

This particular bag is 50% off, which makes it a reasonable $60.  That and a host of other Ben Sherman accessory pieces are available at Hautelook; if you need an invite, get it here.

Can I get an ‘it’s about time”?!

Luxury giant Net-A-Porter has announced a menswear site, Mr Porter.  The site will launch in time for the SS11 season, and will provide everything women have come to expect from the site – styling advice, editorial content and varying emerging and established designers.

That likely means that sister site The Outnet will soon have a male version – what great news for fashionable boys the world over!

It’s official: Fluevog has created their first bag home run.

While I was visiting the Granville Street Fluevog , my lovely friend Justin introduced me this amazing bag. This is the 40th Anniversary 4 in 1; a beautiful accessory and one of only 40 made.  These bags are handmade in  Mexico by Saddleback®, which makes them incredibly strong, durable and thick (the bag won’t pucker if you have something like a camera or a laptop edge fitting snugly inside).

These bags are made with 4-5 oz American leather, coated with a UV resistant, stitched using marine grade thread (sails ain’t got nothing n you) and comes with a 40 year warranty.  You may be paying $699, but Fluevog has your back.

Printed lace ups are one of the best flats one could hope for during colorful summers, and Alter Brooklyn has a crop of fancy new flats from Osborn Designs.  The shoes you see below are all $90, while one pair (the blue and green African – I’m not sure which one that is; there’s many on the Alter site) are $99.

It’s a pretty damn good deal, especially since these are incredibly limited run in both print and sizes.  If you’re into any of these kicks, call Alter and see if they have your print/size combo before they’re gone!

Creative Recreation sneakers are some of the snappiest and sleekest casual men’s shoes around, and they just happen to be on sale right now at Gilt.

A neat collection of both boots and sneakers are on sale at Gilt Man, with sales reaching 68% off.  demiCouture picks include the taupe and gold Milanos ($68 from $176), pebbled leather Pontis ($68 from $165), purple hi top Pontis ($48 from $143) and the patent leather Dio boots ($78 from $230).

Gilt is a private shopping website where you can get new, authentic items for sick deals.  An invite is free, so get it here!

Will.I.Am has very recently released his streetwear label I.AM Clothing, and as we’ve so recently seen it released to many notable boutiques (including L2 Leone in Vancouver), we now see the fledgling collection on for sale at Beyond the Rack.

These pieces are of high quality; especially the leather accessories.  I’ve seen the bags and clothing in person at L2′s Will.I.Am meet and greet, and they are magnificent perforated leather pieces you would never guess to live under the label ‘celebrity designed’.  Will.I.Am actually created all of these pieces, and went to school for fashion design – this is the real streetwear deal, folks.

demiCouture picks include the Letterman jacket ($89, from $190), Funkshine band-style jacket ($89, from $190), beige shell Only Jacket ($120, from $255), black leather book bag ($170, from $340), perforated leather Weekend bag ($229, from $455) and the perforated leather day bag ($229, from $455)

Beyond the Rack is a private sale shopping experience… get your invite to BTR here, it’s free and fabulous!

Alter is one of my favorite boutiques in Brooklyn, and they just happen to be having a super sick menswear sale going on right now.  The sale is wrought Cheap Monday’s memorable duct tape line, including a denim button up ($69 from $85 and jeans ($69, from $85).  Cheap Monday’s fabric motorcycle vest is also ($79, from $105), and the US Rags patchwork leather jacket ($165 from $220).

While Alter does not yet have an online site, they do accept orders via phone or text which they will post to you – check out the details on their website.  Don’t pay any attention to the mid-May date on the sale blog; I contacted Alter and their menswear sale is still going strong.

Dsquared are some of Canada’s most celebrated design expats, and now you can grab their current collection threads for 30% off at their online shop.  To grab the deal, enter promo code “PRIVATESALESS10US“, and you’re off to the races.  The discount does not apply to ‘permanent collection items’, and is valid until June 2nd, 2010. Prices shown below reflect approximate discount.

demiCouture picks include the short sleeve patched shirt ($434), lace up patent ankle boots ($400), leather boat shoes ($293), crazy high spiked peep toe boots ($1,483), striped blazer ($935) and the military pocket miniskirt ($389).

From Wednesday, May 26 to June 1, John Varvatos is holding an invite only sale.  The sale involves 40% off the entire current SS10 collection, which means that all of the designs that are new, shiny and perfect for summer.  To get the rad discount, enter promo code “SP10PRS” at checkout.

If you’re curious as to have JV has to offer, know that his label is one of the most sought after for rockers and those loving the rock look.  Gavin Rossdale digs JV and oodles of other noteworthy celebs don the brand for its signature ‘devil may care’ effect.  Prices shown below include approximate discount.

demiCouture favorites include the double trim tank ($41), limited edition Bowery boot ($387), shaped collar trench ($477), double breasted peak lapel sports coat ($957), skull cuff links with onyx eyes ($126), asymmetrical zip leather vest ($778) and the Murray messenger ($718).

If you’re one down with the Wayfarer/circular frame hybrid, Illesteva Leonard has some sunglasses to court your attention.

These are the three creams of the crop from the IL collection; the tortoiseshell and golden Leonards, silver and black Friedas.

Each pair of sunnies range from $180 – $200, and with them comes the subtle snap effect of each Leonard design.

The seasons are rolling towards the sun and swim season, which means that like the ladies – you’re going to need a new pair of swim shorts! We know that not everyone is down with the super junk huggers, so we’ve got a bunch of options ranging in price for the boys.

These fun, loose shorts are hits because of their colors, prints and length (since you’re going to want to avoid manpri swim shorts).  Getting the right swim shorts is about setting your look and tone to a fun, personal expression… even if it’s only covering your junk.

It may be more of your thing to have a print style over the pattern; in this case, Topman’s postcard and Realtree’s black and white shorts are both super rad choices.  Now tie dye may not be a print, but it’s an incredibly hot summer look – get it with Ralph Lauren’s East Hampton shorts.

For the pattern crowd, you’ve got some s-i-c-k summer choices, starting with Paul Smith’s stripes (which also comes in a variety of different colors), Ralph Lauren’s skinny Molokai stripes, Franks wide stripe and block print shorts, Parke & Ronen’s dots and finally Old Navy’s tried and true stripes.