San Francisco

11.4.08

People's Market

Available at Azalea; 411 Hayes St, at Gough; Hayes Valley; 415.861.9888

As a kid, it wasn't the gloomy cold that made winter suck, but the way your mom handled it, by bundling you up like a fat little snowflake. This winter, rebel against mom by bundling up like a globetrotting poon handler, in People's Market.

Designed by nightlife-minded Parisians, PM's forte is classically inspired outer garments, steezed up with wide-ranging utility features to facilitate smug smoking even when it drizzles. Winter starts with the sharp-lapelled/zip-up Bali in coated twill; the double breasted herringbone Ku w/ zip-vented collar and belt straps; and the moto jacket-styled Helmet sweatshirt outfitted w/ a snap-up collar and zip-splittable hood, because during brain surgery it's important to stay warm. You can also trench out in the cotton/twill Friday in black, with a detachable hood, so you can look like a flasher, and a mugger; or the thick black, wool/twill trench called "Jail", with multiple pockets in odd locations, providing a thrillingly different way to frisk yourself for your keys.

PM also hawks not-so-warm numbers like the woven cotton/pin-striped Aprie vest and the mini-collared/elbow-pocketed Cid button down, with straps to keep your sleeves rolled up -- enabling the ultimate rebellion against mom, having your frostbitten forearms amputated.

Get the gear in store; or Tobi.com's stockin' up later this week