5 Things I Want October 2022

Welcome to the October 2022 edition of 5 Things I Want! So what’s this post about? Basically it’s my public wish list. A place to share some incredibly cool things that I’ve found during my wanders around the internet searching for affordable alternatives. Five things that made me shout, “I WANT!” as soon as I laid eyes on ’em. They won’t always be style icon related. But I think they’re definitely worth a look!

Steve McQueen’s Fire Fighter Coat

The changing colors of the leaves doesn’t only mark the approaching end of fall. It also signals the start of my annual hunt for unique, obscure and sometimes just plain weird style icon inspired outerwear! This year I’m kicking things off with that Steve McQueen coat you see in the pic above. Clearly based on the protective outerwear worn by fire fighters of the era, it has more than few distinctive design details: the wide storm flap which closes on the left, those metal clasps and hooks, and the large collar in contrasting fabric. McQueen was also photographed wearing the coat on the set of 1969’s The Revievers (see this post’s Featured Image). And then there’s the fact that McQueen would play Chief O’Halloran (an actual fire fighter wearing actual fire fighting gear) some six years later in 1974’s The Towering Inferno. I think all that gives this coat a worthy style icon connection!

Fay Archive 4 Ganci Jacket in Blue: on sale for $769.34

Fay has been making coats and jackets in this style since the 1980s. So they know a thing or two about the design. And while this isn’t an exact match for McQueen’s coat, it has plenty of the same details and certainly captures the right spirit. It’s also an incredibly well made piece of outerwear, with a 100% ottoman cotton shell, leather trim on the pockets and cuffs, a velvet corduroy collar and a diamond quilted lining for extra insulation. Italist currently has sizes small to XL on sale. But you can also purchase it directly from Fay for $1425.00. It’s also worth talking some time to peruse the Fay website to explore some of their other variations on the 4 Ganci model.

If that price is feeling a little too steep, check out this coat on AliExpress for $103.80. It’s missing some of the features we want. But it’s not a bad option for the price. And I’ll also note that Ralph Lauren was a fan of that fire fighter style once upon a time. So there are plenty of vintage Polo jackets and coats out there with a similar design.

And McQueen’s The Cincinatti Kid Corduroy Jacket

I’ve shared this sport coat (and alternatives) a few times on Iconic Alternatives. And there are some good reasons why I keep coming back to it. The corduroy fabric and olive color are about as “Autumn” as it gets. And the “blazer meets field jacket” design, with the four flapped pockets and higher buttoning stance, makes it an easy piece to wear with everything from grey flannels and brogues to jeans and work boots. It’s stylish, versatile, comfortable and inspired by McQueen. What more could we want in a fall jacket? You can read more about the complete look and the jacket’s details on BAMF Style.

Tellason Cord Huting Jacket in Khaki: $370.00

As the name suggests, this is more field jacket than sport coat. However it absolutely delivers the right tailored workwear vibe. Cut and sewn in Italy with a Germany corduroy from heritage mill Kindermann, it features four button-through flapped patch pockets, a button-on throat latch and a rear “game pocket”. It’s definitely an “inspired by” piece. But it could also easily become my go-to fall jacket. Tellason has sizes small to XXL in stock.

If you’re after more of a true sport coat, try the Alex Mill Rugged Cord Blazer in Dark Olive ($195.00). It’s missing the four pocket design of McQueen’s jacket and uses a heavier wale corduroy. But it’s still a very sharp piece. And if a chore coat design is more your thing, the OOBE Brand Corduroy Chore Coat ($298.00) is definitely worth a look!

Some Bond Inspired Style from the Original Maker

Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat in Black: $698.00

What more is there to say about James Bond’s Skyfall peacoat? Alabama based designer Billy Reid put a tailored spin on the classic heavy wool outerwear. And it was a hit with fans of 007 style the minute it showed up on screen. The only drawback to the original is that it was really only suitable for colder weather. But this season, Reid took steps to address that limitation and introduced lighter weight version of the Bond Peacoat, making it a true 3 season piece. The shell is a black 100% waxed cotton from the renowned Halley Stevenson mill in Scotland. It’s also lightly insulated to add some warmth. And then there are the little details Reid includes to elevate his pieces: genuine horn buttons and leather tabs at the pockets. It’s a great interpretation of an already great coat and adds a level of versatility a lot of us will like. They have sizes small to XXL in stock on their website.

An OHMSS Style Anorak

One of my favorite Bond jackets from one of my favorite action scenes in a Bond movie. An anorak (or cagoule) might not be for everyone. They can be a pain to pull on and off. And since they lack a front zipper, it can’t really open them up to adapt to warming temperatures (or show off any cool layers you’re wearing underneath). But if you plan on spending all day outdoors in windy, rainy or cool conditions, it’s a supremely practical piece of outerwear. There’s also a certain retro-cool rugged character about the design that’s difficult to find in other jackets and coats. The anarok may not get as much use as some of your other outerwear. But it’s still great to have one hanging in your closet!

Joe & Co Dalton 6 Waxed Cagoule in Navy: $371.00

Let’s start with what makes it practical. Joe & Co make their cagoule in the UK with a medium weight 100% waxed cotton from British Millerain. They’ve used genuine leather for the drawstring keepers and corozo nut buttons for the collar, cuffs and pockets. And there is no shortage of pockets! One at the chest and two handwarmers up front and an extra one near the hem at the rear. And now the fun touch: they’ve lined the jacket in a heavy duty Union Jack printed fabric which reminds me of a parachute once deployed by a certain other Bond. It’s an anorak that’s all business on the outside with some playfulness below the surface. Sounds like Bond to me! Sizes medium to XXL are in stock on the Joe & Co website.

Daniel Craig Style Kicks

Daniel Craig’s love of unique Nike sneakers is well known. We even have a whole article about the connection, written by our friend Jesse MacLeod (@jesse.iain.macleod on Instagram). Around 2019, Craig was frequently spotted sporting a new model from the famous footwear brand: the Nike SFB 6″ NSW in the black/mushroom colorway.

Originally released in late 2017 and designed to be a weather resistant, all purpose sneaker boot, the SFB featured a higher collar, a canvas and suede upper, and a high traction sole. You can see more photos of Craig and his SFBs on the great Instagram account What’s Daniel Wearing. Unfortunately that black/mushroom colorway is long sold out. But now we can find something very close!

Nike SFB 6″ Sneaker Boot in Black and Light Taupe: $155.00

The new SFB (“Special Field Boot”) from Nike has many of the same features as the original version: the higher collar, weather resistant nubuck and nylon mesh uppers, and the high traction sole with that aggressive tread. And the current Black and Taupe colorway is a darn good match for Craig’s Black and Mushroom pair. Of course there are some differences: the white label on the tongue is gone, as is the gumsole color on the outsole. But overall, it should do a fine job if you’re looking to recreate some Daniel Craig airport or gym looks. Sizes 6 to 15 are available on the Nike website.

Bonus: McQueen’s “Out There” Shirts!

Some more McQueen to wrap things up. Normally when we think of the King of Cool’s style, it’s all shawl collar cardigans, Harrington jackets and chinos. But the man definitely wasn’t afraid to take a walk on the fashion wild side. Especially around the late 1960s and early 1970s when he was neck deep in the production of his passion project Le Mans. It was an era of pretty crazy shirts for McQueen. And while I can’t say these are my favorite looks, they are proof that with the right attitude you can wear almost anything and get away with it!

Orlebar Brown Club Tropicana Ridley Shirt ($375.00) or Paisley Ridley Overhead Shirt ($375.00)

Maybe searching for all that corduroy and waxed cotton has affected my judgement. But I’m almost starting to believe I could pull off a fit with these shirts. Worn with some faded jeans, a pair of sabahs and aviator sunglasses? It could actually look kinda cool for a 70s inspired “hanging at a Mexican resort” sort of vibe.

Above I’ve used the Orlebar Brown Ridley Overhead Shirt in “Day In The Ocean” (on sale for $187.00), Todd Snyder Classic Fit Selvedge Jeans in Lakeside Wash ($198.00), Sabah Toas Sabahs in Cinnamon ($195.00), bleu de chauffe Manille Braided Leather Belt ($114.59), Ray-Ban Aviators in Tortoise ($145.00), and a leather Bund strap from Etsy ($90.00). So what do you think? Does it work? Or have I finally completely lost my mind?

Know of something great we should of added to our 5 Things I Want October 2022 edition? Tell us about the cool things on your wish list in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more style inspiration, check out Iconic Alternatives on  Facebook Page, our NEW Instagram Account and Pinterest Boards!