Lifestyle

How to Dress Minimal this Autumn

We have already introduced the idea of minimalist fashion in the previous article. And it’s worth a while to talk about how to dress minimal and light in this Autumn. Check out our mix and match and inspiration from the Scandinavian clothing labels.

Looking for something smart casual? Check out the outfit from Filippa K. With a classic Scandinavian minimal design, they are subtle and neat. And you can enhance the layer by putting a scarf on. And don’t forget to check out different ways to tie a scarf.

Filippa K Jean-Paul Linen Shirt - Off White

NN07 is another Scandinavian brand that elaborates minimalism in a more playful way. This season, they have the Ed Block Wool Sweater that is made with three different colors and texture.

NN07 Ed Block Wool Sweater - Navy Block

Moreover, their Bumber Jacket with Boiled Wool is also light and clean enough for a minimalist Autumn.

NN07 Boiled Bomber Jacket

Looking for sneakers with minimal designs? Check out the eco friendly footwear from Good News.

Our Best Crew Neck Sweaters Collection

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Lifestyle, Product Reviews

What’s better than wearing a crew neck sweater in Autumn? Let’s check out our best crew neck sweater collection, which include minimal, vintage and street styles.

Let’s start with the minimal designs from Copenhagen. The Phil sweater from NN07 has a neat outlook with regular fit. Instead of catching your attention with exaggerated designs, NN07 did that with soft color and texture. Their Phil sweater is tightly knitted with 100% soft melange cotton yarn.

NN07 Phil Sweater - Kit

NN07 Phil Sweater

Also from the Scandinavian countries, Polar Skate also has their street style sweater this season. The boxy fit, drop shoulder design and elastic thread give it more flexibility than the others. Check out our previous article to know more details about it.

Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Black

Polar Skate Co. Polar Sweater

And don’t forget the special “Shaggy” sweater from Monitaly. It is literally made of shaggy fabric from their partner company in Osaka, where they conduct the whole process of sourcing and manufacturing. Also refers to our previous article to know more about the shaggy collection.

Monitaly Shaggy Crewneck Pullover - Solid Navy

Monitaly Shaggy Crewneck Pullover

Editor’s pick – Polar Skate Sweater Online Now

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Lifestyle, News, Product Reviews

Our FALL 19 collections from Polar Skate Co. is here and we have their classic Polar Skate sweater online now. This sweater has both streetwear and vintage touch. And it has a classic ivory “POLAR” logo on the chest.
Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Dark Green

Dark Green

Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Black

Black

The reason it has a vintage touch is the ivory “POLAR” logo. It is made with 8 bit font in classy ivory color.

Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Dark Green

But not forget Polar Skate is a skateboarding brand. The functionality of the sweater is very important. It is made with single face Jaquard knit and the ribs contains elastane. Therefore, it is very flexible and you can wear it to do some tricky moves on your skateboard. Furthermore, it is seamed with Ivory thread to enhance fabrics’ durability. And you can see the ivory thread in between the sweater if you take a closer look.

Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Black

Besides, it has ribbed crew neck and hem, which keep you warm in winter. Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Dark Green

And the sweater’s boxy fit with drop shoulder cutting match Polar Skate’s streetwear style very well.

Polar Skate Co. Polar Knit Sweater - Black

Interested in more streetwear item? Don’t forget to check out our previous article about oversized sneakers.

Rivets on Jeans – From Functional to Decorative

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Denim, Lifestyle, Product Reviews

You may spot the little copper rivets on jeans or other denim products. In fact, these metal rivets on jeans were designed and patented by Levi Strauss. As workers wore jeans to work, rivets were being widely applied on jeans’ pocket corner to enhance their durability. They reinforce the denim and prevent them from ripping apart.

Stevenson Overall Co. La Jolla 727 One Wash Jeans - Indigo

Stevenson Overall Co. La Jolla 727 One Wash Jeans

However, with the advancement of technology, modern stitching can also provide the same function. Moreover, with the rising trend of minimalism, manufacturers try to eliminate unnecessary details on their designs. As a result, you seldom find rivets on jeans nowadays. Yet, it doesn’t mean that rivets should be gone completely. Putting rivets on jeans is a salute to the tradition and they are the perfect decoration for vintage denim lovers.

Stevenson Overall Co. Deputy Denim Jacket - Indigo

Stevenson Overall Co. Gambler Jeans - Indigo

Stevenson Overall Co. Gambler Jeans

The Gambler Jeans from Stevenson Overall Co. uses detailed stitching instead of rivets to enhance the durability.

Stevenson Overall Co. La Jolla 727 One Wash Jeans - Indigo

Apart from the rivets, Jacrons is also a must on jeans. They are the label at the back of the waist. Their function is to show the brand and size of the jeans – which they still do now. Yet, many of the Jacrons are now made of faux leather instead of real leather.

If you want to know more about denim, don’t forget to check out our previous article about Selvedge Denim and our quality Japanese vintage denim for sale.

Our Crew Neck Tees Recommendation

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Lifestyle, Product Reviews

Crew neck tees refer to those with a round neckline that surround your neck snugly. And even crew neck tees can vary a lot, depending on the materials and cutting. Crew neck usually serves as a good base layer and you can easily match them with an overshirt or jacket.

forét Log T Shirt - Black/Brick

forét is one of our favourite Scandinavian brands. They use organic cotton on their products. Thus, their crew neck tees are thicker and softer. More than that, they keep a consistent minimalist style. And their signature tees come with forét’s logo in terry fabric.

forét Log T Shirt - White - Blue

Another Scandinavian fashion label Filippa K uses tencel and cotton blend. Tencel is another eco friendly fabric which is extremely soft and light. Furthermore, they are all garment dyed plain tee with a soft color tone. Why not stay minimal and colorful at the same time?

Filippa K Tencel Cotton Tee - Lichen

Filippa K Tencel Cotton Tee

Filippa K Tencel Cotton Tee - Frosty Pink

If you are not into relaxed silhouette, take a look at the vintage crew neck tees from Stevenson Overall Co. The Japanese brand pay great attention to details and craft their t-shirt seamlessly. A seamless tee is more durable and will not deform easily after washing. They also have a good slim fitting and features a vintage diamond shape logo.

Stevenson Overall Co. Graphic T-Shirt Diamond

If you are more into street fashion, then you will love the graphic tee from Polar Skate Co, another Scandinavian brand. Their graphic tees are all screen printed and they have a boxy fit.

Polar Skate T shirts

Polar Skate Co. Trashcan Tee - White

Polar Skate Co. Trashcan Tee

What is Minimalist Fashion?

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Lifestyle

We love Scandinavian designs and the minimalism involved. But what exactly is minimalist fashion?

There is no a straight guideline to define what exactly it is. The idea is to keep your outfit simple and clean. You will look for outfit that doesn’t has an exaggerated cutting or patterns. However, some may have the perception that minimalist fashion is equal to getting rid of color. But you can actually still be minimal and colorful at the same time. Simply choose color with neutral or softer tone to create a subtle look.

Filippa K Leon Cardigan - Navy

Filippa K Leon Cardigan – Navy

In fact, minimalist fashion is not only about the minimal outlook, but also quality and details of the garment. They have to be fabric that is both sustainable and very comfortable to be carried. Another idea of minimalism is to reduce any waste produced. It takes 2,700 liters of water to grow cotton that is only enough to craft one shirt. And there is a lot of chemical waste produced. Thus, a lot of Scandinavian brand has been using organic cotton instead. More importantly, Minimalist fashion is another word of slow fashion – which means the style of the clothes seldom change. As a result, you don’t have to update your wardrobe every season. Having said that, these clothes also have the quality and capability to withstand time.

The Trend of Oversized Sneakers

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Lifestyle, News, Product Reviews, Sneakers

When we talk about oversized sneakers, it doesn’t mean to wear sneakers with a few sizes up. They refer to sneakers with an exaggerated sole to create a larger silhouette in visual. These shoes usually have upper and insole just like your normal sneakers. Yet, the sole is “enlarged”, both in height and width.

oversized sneaker

Photo Source: Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is the pioneer of oversized sneakers. In 2015, they launched their first oversized shoes with exaggerated rubber soles. The design revitalized traditional leather trainers with modern technology. The sole makes a contrasting look on the sneakers and serve as a very comfortable cushion. As a result, it become a great hit.

triple s trainers

Photo Source: Balenciaga

After 2 years, Balenciaga also launched their own oversized sneakers with even bolder designs. The sole is larger and combined with 3 layers. It requires more procedures and skills to mold the sole. The vintage effect and color combination also makes it one of a kind.

In fact, the huge sole of an oversized sneaker can create a visionary impact to make you look taller and slimmer.

PREGIS Ainsley Leather Runner Sneaker - Grey Beige

Feeling interested in oversized sneakers? Don’t forget to check out our latest arrivals from PREGIS. A contemporary footwear brand from London. Read our previous articles to know more about their designs and collections.

PREGIS Shoes – Futuristic Sneakers from London

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Coming Soon, Lifestyle, News, Sneakers

PREGIS shoes is a new footwear brand from London. It was launched in 2018 and offers premium sneakers at a more affordable prices. PREGIS stands for the core values of the brand – Premium product created with precision without pretence or prejudice.

All PREGIS shoes are made in Portugal. And the production factory has more than 40 years of experience in shoes making. Furthermore, all materials are come from Portugal and Italy. Perhaps you will recognize PREGIS’s designs by their futuristic look and the oversized sole. In fact, the sole is so special that it is made with 3-parts mold unit with three composite materials.

PREGIS Aster Leather Runner Sneaker - Beige

Aster is a classic and signature item of PREGIS. Their upper is made of patented technical fabrics and calf leather. For design, Aster features a zip and velcro closure. Thus, you can put it on and off easily. Moreover, it has an ankle socks for greater comfort.

PREGIS Ainsley Leather Runner Sneaker - Grey Beige

Ainsley is a new collection from AW19. It has the same technical fabrics and calf leather just like Aster. Yet, the upper is also covered with suede. And it has contrasting color to make it even more eye-catching. No matter it’s grey and beige or navy and pink, they are all the perfect color combination for the oversized sneakers. Both Aster and Ainsley features the signature oversized sole from PREGIS.

PREGIS Levy Leather Sneaker - Grey

YKK Zippers – World’s Most Used Fastening Products

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Lifestyle, News

We believe YKK zippers is no stranger to you, as they appear on a wide range of products, including backpack, trousers, and jeans. Indeed, a lot of brands and designers love to use YKK zippers. As using them is a symbol of quality. Zippers are usually the most unnoticeable part on a garment. However, a malfunctioning zipper can destroy the whole garment and make it unwearable. Thus, brands and designers usually use zippers from trust-worthy manufacturer.

The YKK Group

YKK group is a manufacturer from Japan. It is now the world’s largest fastening products manufacturer. Also, it produces other fastening products apart from zippers, including architectural products, plastic hardware and industrial machinery. The name YKK stands for Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushiki gaisha.

Photo Source: YKK showroom

Founded in Tokyo, the company has a long history dated back to 1934. At the beginning, all zippers were hand made until 1950, when a chain machine was imported from the U.S. Hence, it allowed automation in the production process and enhanced the quality and quantity.

In 1959, they opened up their first oversea factory in New Zealand. In 1966, a new product YZip was introduced, which is stronger and more durable. It gave them good reputation and they expanded the factory to Canada in 1968. And til now, they are running business in 71 countries.

Want Les Essentiels Lifestyle Mobile

YKK zippers are being widely applied, from small to large brands, such as, Uniqlo, NN07, Monitaly, WANT les Essentiels and Filippa K.

WANT Les Essentiels Dresden Structured Tote - Silt

Quality and Reliability

The reasons of using YKK zippers are their durability and high quality. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles. For example, the two color tones zipper for WANT Les Essentiels Dresden Structured Tote. Moreover, they never compromise on quality to meet lower price. In fact, they change their company structure to meet their aim – to produce quality zippers with cheaper price. YKK is completely vertically integrated. It means they have control on every aspects and cost of the business, from smelting the metal to package the end products. As a result, they always ship their orders on time without failure.

Monitaly Drop Crotch Pants - Lt Linen Stripe

Monitaly Drop Crotch Pants

Interested to know more about the suppliers behind the clothing brands? Don’t forget to check out our previous article about Vibram – the Italian sole makers.

Vibram – Outsole from Italy

Posted by By andjoystore

Posted in Brands, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Sneakers

You may have spotted the logo Vibram on different shoes‘ outsoles, especially on boots or premium sneakers. Vibram is actually an Italian company that is specialized on producing rubber outsoles. Their rubber outsoles are extremely lightweight and anti-slippery. Moreover, their materials provide good protection and still give you great comfort at the same time. You will find Vibram’s logo on a lot of shoes, including Maison Margiela, Nike, Visvim, SUICOKE, UGG and many other brands.

vibram blog

Photo Source: Vibram

The hardy and abrasion-resistant sole can give you better grip on concrete and other hard surface. They also feature heat-resistant compound to protect your feet. Thus, they are also a good choice for wild exploration. In fact, Vibram has a lot of different products for different occasion and purposes. Yet, the most common one we see on boots and sneakers are usually the double ring shape.

The history

The history of Vibram dated back to 1935, when its founder Bramani was developing climbing outsoles for his friends. 2 years later, he patented his invention and launched the first rubber lug soles called “Carrarmato”, which means tank tread.

After that, he developed many other different kinds of soles for mountaineering boots, casual sneakers and other shoes for specific sports.

vibram

Photo Source: Vibram

In 2012, Vibram launched its most significant design ever made – the FiveFingers. It can reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles.

Nowadays, Vibram’s soles are manufactured in Brazil, China, Italy, the Czech Republic and the United States. Moreover, there are over 1,000 shoes manufacturers using their products. And shoes with Vibram’s outsoles are considered to be superior.

PREGIS Levy Leather Sneaker - Tan

PREGIS Levy Leather Sneaker

Interested in a pair of premium sneakers with Vibram sole? Check out our latest arrivals from Pregis, a contemporary sneaker brand from London. They are made in Portugal with patented technical fabrics. With the Vibram sole, these shoes are fashionable and able to provide good protection as your daily kicks.

Don’t forget to check out our previous article about how to wear a scarf in winter!