#jim ockert

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Ring Jacket shirts at the recent Khaki's of Carmel San Francisco Trunk Show. Also on display were some of their new Fall Drakes and Bigi neckwear. Their Carmel, CA store features 2,000 ties from over a dozen leading makers.

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Jim Ockert, owner of Khaki's of Carmel with a plaid Ring Jacket.  For more information on Ring Jackets or to attend the San Francisco Trunk Show and Styleforum Meetup, click here for details. 

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Holiday Gift Guide – Jim Ockert, Owner, Khaki’s of Carmel

 For over 20 years Khaki’s of Carmel continues to be one of the country’s leading specialty menswear retailers. Offering a tremendous variety of luxury products at different price points I took the opportunity to ask owner Jim Ockert for a few of his suggestions for Holiday gifts.

Made –To–Order Cashmere Sweaters–Handmade in Italy from heavy and luxurious 4-ply cashmere especially for Khaki’s of Carmel.  These are available in any fit, length and body style including cardigans, vests, zip front, button front, ¼ zip including any combination of over 40 colors as well as different exterior, interior, collar and trim colors. Shown are several button neck sweaters that are currently in stock. Call the store for pricing.

Donegal Wool Pants – “The ideal pant instead of flannel or khaki”, says Jim. “These are perfect with a sweater, leather jacket or vest. I love them with suede”. They are the J Lawrence brand, made in USA with full interior details. They come in a blue/grey and brown, lined, trim fit. Price $295 and are currently 20% off.

Cashmere Blend Socks- “With 100% cashmere you have to be careful in the wash so we prefer cashmere blends for easy care and durability. I especially like these cool colors and patterns. Why be boring when you can have fun?” Cashmere blend socks from Marcoliani and St. Croix  $29-$39.

Belts- “Kleinberg is the single best American resource for quality belts. Shown here is a burnished antique brown calf, black grain and a natural tan bridle leather all starting at around $150. We also offer their sharkskin, buffalo, snake, lizard, crocodile and other exotic skins in mutiple colors and textures.

Shirt, Tie, Pant – “Reflecting a more fashion forward fit and look we have our US made cotton flannel shirt ($225) cut in a shorter, trimmer fit with a higher arm hole paired with a 100% wool grey flannel, US made pant ($325) in a contemporary trim, but not skinny fit. Both are designed by us under the J Lawrence label and topped off with a tie by DiBi ($75).

Saphir – “This is the perfect product for our fine English and Italian shoes. There isn’t a better product made to maintain their look and color. And their suede cleaners are the very best.” Saphir products start at $18

Ties- “Our own ties are brand new. We located a source of fine fabric custom printed with our own colors and patterns. They are handmade for us in Italy and offer rich and distinctive colors.” $125

Khaki’s of Carmel is located on the corner of Junipero and Ocean Ave. Carmel, CA 93923. (831)-625-8106

-Gus Walbolt

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Spring Bow Ties 

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Khaki's of Carmel 

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J Lawrence Khaki’s – Khaki Pant Review

 Khakis have been a staple in most men’s wardrobes for generations. Yet, it has been a challenge for me to find khakis with a combination of fit, construction and quality fabric on a level to put them in the category of a true dress khaki.

 Jim Ockert, owner of J Lawrence Khaki’s of Carmel, provided me with a pair of his new private label khakis under his J Lawrence brand for review. When your store is known nationally as “Khaki’s of Carmel”, the expectations are going to be rather high regarding your khakis…so, you better be prepared to deliver.

 When picking up the pants the first thing that impressed me was the feel of the fabric. It is soft and comfortable yet densely woven cotton twill. They use a British dress twill of 100% cotton that comes in three shades of khaki. My review pair was an olive brown, an attractive shade that is especially nice to achieve mixed combinations of browns and blues that are currently popular.

 Next I noticed a unique detail- a gray flannel belt loop in the rear center of the waist. No particular function here, just one of those subtle signals to your fellow menswear aficionados that details count.

 The interior of the pants are made from fine poplin and heavy oxford cloth shirting material giving the pants a quality classic feel. This is often just the sort of the feature where brands cut corners and another example of the attention to detail in these khakis.

 When asked about the pants Jim Ockert becomes very passionate. “ We sought out one of the great remaining, old-school tailors back East. Sitting down with the owner we said, “We want to create a khaki like no one has seen in 30 years. What can we do to make these the best?” So, we went to extra lengths to create a khaki that will give a customer a premium experience, an updated fit that is trim but not skinny, top construction and fabric that feels great but won’t bag out in the knees or seat. This is a true dressy khaki that can be tailored.”

 Once my review pants were tailored I enjoyed their modern classic cut. The cuff opening on a size 36” is 8.5” and the rise just around 11”. The fit is comfortable but not full. Just right for a neat tailored appearance all day long.

 Khaki’s of Carmel will be adding a new model any week now. It will have a slightly trimmer fit and lower rise for a more fashionable look. For all-around use I prefer this modern classic fit and like them so much that I will be purchasing the other two colors to add to my wardrobe.

 I highly recommend these J Lawrence Khaki’s pants to anyone who is looking for a true high quality khaki pant. I’m sure you will be as delighted as I was to finally find such a comfortable and good-looking khaki pant.

 J Lawrence khakis are $199.00 each and available in three colors from Khaki’s of Carmel. http://www.khakisofcarmel.com/ They are not currently available on their new web store but I am told that they will be added soon. In the meantime you can visit the store (open 7 days a week), call them at 831-277-4975 or email Jim Ockert at [email protected]

 You can also read a review of J Lawrence Khaki's khakis by Kiyoshi AKA The SIlentist here 

-Gus

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Seaward & Stern- from Khaki's of Carmel

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Springtime Color -A few of  Khaki's of Carmel's 90 mannequins and owner Jim Ockert.   

Drawing from an inventory of 300+ global suppliers, this remarkable store offers a menswear experience that rivals retailers in NYC, SF and LA. Annually listed as one of America’s leading menswear stores by Esquire Magazine’s Big Black Book, Jim’s clientele includes leaders from Silicon Valley Tech, San Francisco corporate, Bay Area hospitality, as well as local, national and international visitors. This diverse audience allows Jim to bring together all new assortments of looks, styles and cuts each season. It’s no wonder Khaki’s of Carmel is referred to as a “sartorial playground”. 

www.khakisofcarmel.com