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GetSmart and I took our man-date on the road and visited Secret Service this past Saturday. SS is owned/operated by Nate and Chad of Crate and their store is one of several shops in a remodeled ex-toy factory near Downtown LA. They carry all that Crate has to offer as well as other SF-loved brands such as Band of Outsiders, Nice Collective, Surface2Air, B Son, BBlessing, etc. SS is currently small and nicely stocked, as it also serves as Crate's office, but is going to be soon remodeled to be about double its size. They're open 12-6 on Saturdays and during the week by appointment.
Secret Service
1855 Industrial Street
Los Angeles, California
213.402.1531
Photo from Factory People's description (which seems outdated as there was far more stuff in there than in this photo):
Now that the particulars are done, the details/impressions:
I'll let GS chime in, too, but I think I can safely say we were completely blown away. Nate and Chad really know their stuff and aren't shy about chatting it up. Since their interests match up with those of SF, there's no BS. Quality guys.
The September shirt is awesome in person (would have been awesomer if they hadn't sold out of my size) and only gets fuzzier when washed. They're looking to make a flannel copy of the shirt soon with nice large buttons. I can see it being a hit on SF.
Something that isn't all that advertised is their bespoke jean service. Prices go around $200 or so depending on what you want done in terms of detailing but we are talking of using selvage older than most of us on this forum. I'm looking into getting a selvage version of their Sally cut made while I'm in town. I'd recommend the Sally for those of you who want something along the lines of a Thin Finn that doesn't taper so much at the hem (8.5" but it fits very well over your shoes).
They had a lot of Nice Collective which I had seen before from the affiliates but the models/dummies do no justice to just how well this stuff looks and fits in person. GS needs to go back and buy the NC leather jacket he had on. Talk about badass.
Something to look forward to in the spring from Crate will be their take on the chino. Slim, jean pockets, large belt loops, and a nice heavy cotton fabric.
Didn't ask about phone orders as I didn't get the impression they were set up for that.
There you have it. I can't recommend visiting SS enough for those in the Southern Ca. You won't be disappointed.
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I'm really excited about these chinos. Too bad all these cool stores don't have websites to view stuff. Just another one of those california stores to add to my list to visit when i make it across the country.
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They're pretty much doing the store as a sort of "hobby" I guess and don't want to take away business from their friends and dealers.
While I'm no expert, the chinos are far better than any pair I've seen. I'd listen to GS' take on them but he seemed pretty stoked, too. Pricing figured to be around low-mid $100. They also had models in khaki and black.
Another thing I forgot to mention was the Crate denim jacket. REALLY cool and all done with selvage.
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This store is LA's hidden secret. It's impossible to find accidentally, you have to be going there on purpose as it's in the middle of literally nowhere. Not a soul in sight, it's so industrial that there's no bums even.
The store is like the West Coast version of Famous Friends. Not a huge store but really well editted stock. All killer, no filler.
Some of the stuff Whodini mentioned:
-denim jacket....if you're into dj's theirs is really badass. nice cut and details, doesnt look like the typical Levis type II/III clone. Minimal and unique looking.
-chinos....I think these will be the shit. Will be avail in black or tan (the tan ones were MUCH better looking) and the fabric is thick and sick. Looks like it will have more of a jeans cut with jean style pockets. They cut a coin pocket into it that is really clean and a nice detail. IIRC he said these will retail around $150, made from vintage fabric. It's nothing like any chino material I've seen. Should be available beginning of Jan....ima pick up a pair when I get back from Europe so we'll see what's going on at that time.
-Nice Collective leather jackets. wow. I'd never really been into this brand as it never gets my attention on the racks but when you put it on it really looks good. The leather jackets Who mentioned were amazing. One was a Barbour Intl style but in leather with a detachable hood. The other was more of a cafe racer style but probably the most sickest jawdropping piece I'd tried on in a long time. It looks bland on the hanger, but when worn it's shape really comes to life. If I have any $ left over from Europe and that jacket is still there, I'm defo picking it up.
The guys are really into what they sell. There's def no pressure to buy anything and if you just wanted to try everything on they'd be more than happy to find your size.
Apparently their shop will also become Band of Outsider's headquarters for BoOs MTM suit service.
highly recommend anyone in LA checking this store out. Nate and Chad are really cool to just talk with too, not just about clothes. It'll be worth your time to find it. (off the 101 at Alameda, near Alameda & 6th)
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Is that the Toy Factory Lofts building? I've read avout those lofts but didn't realize that there was retail in the ground floor. I'll have to go by there on Saturday.
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There's quite a few shops (maybe 5 or 6 storefronts) and a restaurant. You're driving down a deserted street then suddenly you see all kinds of cars parked along this one section.
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For some reason, people like to rip on Crate's quality, but in my one experience with the selvage James IV's, I was very impressed with the styling and materials at the price point (BNWT around $140). The cut wasn't for me but I've always wanted to see some more of the brand. Plus I had a quick back-and-forth with the owners on email which was great; I like the idea of being aligned with a design group moreso than just wearing their clothes.
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Actually the Royal Clayton bar/pub is in that building. I've been there a few times. That would make a good S&D meet-up spot on a Saturday someday - beer and burgers and denim.
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Was that what that was? I wouldn't mind hitting it up after New Years before i skip town.
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I know where I'll be going on Saturday.
PN
