Monday, March 26, 2012

Gotta Have Room for the Shoes

So a while back I posted a few duffel bags that I liked.  One was from Filson and was quite expensive, and the other was from Knockaround and was super cheap -- see Weekend in the Pacific Northwest.  I think I've found a few options somewhere in the middle.

I actually spotted this first bag on a blog by Portland Dry Goods.  Ever heard of them?  Its a new store out of Portland ME, and its actually just one of three amazing men's stores that have teamed together in this small (but great) city.  Check out the their whole story here:

Store Spotlights: Portland Dry Goods Co

But now back to the bag by Herschel:

Ravine Duffel $65


At $65 dollars you're not killing yourself, but most likely still upgrading.  This is also more age appropriate than a really expensive bag, and the sneaker pocket is a nice touch.

I found this second bag on Uncrate - see link above.  In a similar price range, this bag might be better for a longer weekend with its ample size - 26 inches long.  Maybe even a camping trip. Check out this bag by Poler:

The Duffaluffagus $80 Weird name huh?


Don't get me started on bringing a skateboard into the woods, but I'll let it slide. You can wear it as a backpack too, making it both stylish and functional.  I usually use an old Nike gym bag for weekend trips, I want one of these bags instead.  

DB

Versatile Shells

I needed a new ski jacket last season and was looking through some pricy models from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Cloudveil, and a few others.  But since I wear my ski jacket less and less these days, it seemed more than ridiculous to spend $500 dollars on one of these high-end heavy-duty jackets.

Instead, my brother told me to get a shell.  A shell you say?

For about $200 dollars you can get a stylish shell thats functions just as well on the mountain as it does on a cold spring day.  Which is exactly what I wore yesterday while I was watching the Redbull home opener (Major League Soccer). Take a look:

Atom LT Hoody $200


I really like the bright orange trim matched with the more relaxed base color.  And once layered properly, this water-resistant jacket works just fine on a chilly ski mountain.  If you prefer a flashier style, take a look at this shell from Analog:

Analog Acetate Jacket $195


Perfect for Spring skiing in Vail, just don't be this guy.  Or should you be that guy?  I can't decide.


And once your done with a few afternoon beers (and most likely a nap), then you can try heading into town wearing something a bit more grown up.  This jacket from Filson for example:

PORTAGE BAY JACKET $365


Although the Arc'teryx jacket would be a good choice at the locals bar too, maybe better.  

DB

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Steven Alan

Steven Alan is more than just expensive flannel shirts for rich hipsters.  Take a look at some other things I found on their site.

DESIGNERS

1943 PATTERN USAAF WATCH $160


Make sure to click the link to see the other watches they have too.  And if you haven't yet, take a look at My 2nd Post, Three More Watches, for other similar items.

Moving on.


I found these in a Steven Alan outlet store near my house.  I've gotten mixed reviews, but I love them.  If you want to find them online, just google Nike-Lava-Dunk-High-Vintage.  Stupid sounding, I know.

STRIPED JERSEY POLO $198


And if you're sick of wearing Polo/Lacoste Shirts, this is a good alternative by Relwen.

I'm pretty tired, so I'm keeping the talk short in this one.  Basically, I like Steven Alan because they're always trying to add new brands to their family.  Here's a list of them

DESIGNERS

DB

Friday, March 23, 2012

Pendleton Style, Fun Socks

I posted a while back about Pendleton Blankets.  But thats not all they make.  I went to Opening Ceremony the other day to pick up a gift for my brother, but ended up buying this T-shirt for myself as well.

The Tee With Socorro Logo in Black $30


Same style as their blankets, I really like this shirt.  This other color is cool too.  I can't decide which one I like more, but since I have the one above, you can get the other.


The model looks great in both.

After deciding to post these shirts, they reminded me of these other socks I had recently seen at West 72.  Fun socks seem to be in these days, and these are without a doubt the funnest.

SUNCHILD $12




Can't really wear these to the office, so I'm trying to think of a good time to show them off.  I think their stylish nonetheless, and so is the store I spotted them in.  The Upper West Side of New York is not exactly the coolest place in the world, but its getting better, and West 72 is a good start.  If you’re in the neighborhood, definitely try to pop in.  Here's a link to their blog/website.


DB

All Business?

I like wearing nice patterned ties that upon closer look, are actually lined with dogs, bears, or some other animal.  This isn't a unique style, I'm looking at you vineyard vines.  But this is different.  I'm not at a gala in Cape Cod, and I don't play lacrosse.  I want a serious tie, but with a lighter touch.

Now I can't decide if I feel vindicated, or if this is a little weird.  But as I was about to post a few ties and give my spiel, I stumbled upon a blog post by "Ms. Glitzy".  She killed it with this Hermès tie and blurb:



"It started like this… I was in a really serious meeting and this colleague was giving a really serious presentation. I was paying a lot of attention to this very serious discussion. Then I caught notice of his light blue tie. And to my surprise, the tie was woven with a multitude of cheery penguins." -- Ms. Glitzy

Thats the desired effect, although personally its not my favorite tie.  Unfortunately, with most of these high end brands - Hermes, Ferragamo, Zenga - a silk tie will cost $150 dollars or more. If you want the look without the price, this isn't a bad option:




This design isn’t quite as disguised as the other one, but I still think it works.  Although it might be more appropriate for a dinner party than the office.  Either way, everyone knows that the Weiner dog is straight business.

And in case you were curious about the rest of Ms. Glitzy’s article (Who is this dream woman?), check it out here.


DB


One Size Fits All

I think I may get some grief for this.   Not from everybody of course, but I'm definitely ready for a "This is inappropriate." from my Dad, and an all-too-familiar eye roll from my mom.   But being the rebel that I am, I think these are pretty funny.

Signature Lace Original Rise Thong Rose $250


That bouquet costs about $250.  I dont know who actually buys that, or who needs that much red underwear.  But you can buy just one of these lovely "flowers" for only $25 -- see link above.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  Its kinda funny, and sort of thoughtful.  Just like many of us.

DB

PS.  I think that bouquet could actually make the Bachelor watchable...

Have a Knit Yet?

Now I feel like this is a little late in the game, but all winter I definitely had my eye on getting a knit sweater.  I balked on more than a few at the CO-OP (Barney's of course), but never pulled the trigger.  I like this one on Oipolloi - see link above.

Waste Twice / Nordic Sweater - Navy $126


I can't decide if this is still cool.  Its definitely attractive, but I think it might come off like you're trying just a little too hard.  Might be worth having one in your arsenal though. Up to you.

DB

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Strapped (for cash)

As the Knicks blew a ten point lead to the Sixers, I found this amazing TSOVET watch on ManMade.com.  If you're unfamiliar with TSOVET, make sure to look at their site.  


SVT-GR44 Limited Edition $3000+


I love the face of this watch, but I'm not completely in love with the strap.  I've never liked those two silver studs, and I think the red trim is gratuitous.  We can agree to disagree on that, but either way its a sexy watch.  Unfortunately, only 51 were made, and it isn't cheap.  

However, it reminded me of the Tissot Sports collection.  Take a look at this similar piece:



I think I'd rather have the face of the TSOVET, but I love the strap on this one.  I actually have a much older and lesser version of this, but it did come with an identical strap.  The open holes make the entire watch seem sporty and unique.   But again, this is expensive.  If it were me, I would buy the watch below and switch the straps.



At $450 we start to get closer to reality.  Add the unique strap, and I guarantee that you'll get more compliments than the guy next to you.   

DB

 PS. Knicks won by 3

Still Use a Backpack?

Now I'm not sure if I'd ever actually buy this backpack.  For one thing, I pretty much never use them anymore.  And I also feel like this bag is trying too hard.  I get it, you're alternative and into cool things.

Mills Bag 121 $165


But for some reason, I keep coming back to it.  I'm trying to think of a time where I'd actually wear it, but I'm just not buying it.  I think it would however make a pretty good gift for a girl.  If I needed a pack though, I'd rather go with something like this:



And while I was wearing that pack, which is quite versatile, I think it would look great with this watch (not that I match backpacks with watches, its just a cool watch... although they do match...):



This watch also comes in a ton of colors which is nice.  I own this color, which seems to be the most popular choice, but I like their dark green version as well.  Some of the brighter colors would also look great on your future blonde surfer girlfriend.  Could be a cool gift.  Nixon has some other watches worth looking at too if you like this one.  

DB




Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring is in the Air

Today was the first day of the year that I wore shorts around town.  It also happened to be the first day of Spring.  And with shorts, often come boat shoes.  If I were in the market for a new pair, I think these would be on the top of the list:

03/66. sloop moc $128


Maybe next year...

DB

Monday, March 19, 2012

Get a New Crew

I said earlier that I've tried to steer clear of JCrew, but a classic is a classic.  Having forgotten a pair of dress shoes when visiting my grandma in Chicago, I knew I had to do some day shopping before dinner.  This grandma once made my french cousin cut his hair before she would take him to dinner.  So I went to the Crew, and picked up these:



Can't really go wrong with them, and I actually like the mid-level look better than the normal boat shoe when paired with pants.  

But to my dismay, I wore them a week later to a christmas party and quickly realized that I was wearing the same shoes and JCrew corduroys as my friend.  The worst.  So I went looking for a new shoe and found just that at Generic Surplus (Same company as the Duck Boot in an earlier post).  These are more casual, but just as handsome:



Now unfortunately Generic Surplus no longer offers this color, but you can find them (and others) at plenty of other sites.  And lastly, the white sole does make this a sneaker.  So if you're going to Vegas for the night, or some other snooty bar/club, you might want to throw on something else.

DB

Get your Jam on

I actually saw this on Uncrate (see link above), so I can't say that I scouted it myself.  However, I did go halfsies on it with my mom for a family friend's birthday.  And having played with it myself, this thing is great.  Its simple, small, and loud.

Jambox by Jawbone $200


Also, if you're an entrepreneur on the go (wouldn't that be cool?), this device can also turn your iphone into a conference call machine.  The speaker listens just as well as it plays music, making for a pretty cool addition to a normal bluetooth speaker.

I got mine on amazon for much cheaper than advertised, just a heads up.

DB

Blankets for Men (and Cool Women)

Now I know that a blanket doesn't always sound like the manliest thing to be concerned about, but I think Pendleton changes the game.  These Native American inspired blankets can turn even the rattiest couch into an inviting place to lounge.  I'd say more about them, but I think their blog does it best:


And just so you can see what I'm talking about, check this out: 



The only downside is the price.  Expect to pay at least $200.

DB

Duck Boots

I mentioned in an earlier post that I like finding alternative brands when I see a mainstream style that I like. Having gone to school in Maine, I've become quite fond of L.L. Bean.  I prefer some of their other items (such as flannels and sweaters), but their most popular item is undoubtedly the "bean boot".

I've always had trouble finding a boot that I like.  Im not a guy who wears "Tim's", interpret that as you may, and I've always wanted something besides this:

Men's Bean Boots by L.L.Bean®, 6" $90



Not bad looking, but I've always hated the knotted rubber soul.  Personally, I think this is a "safety in numbers" situation here.  Although I personally don't own these next boots, they look like a less practical alternative from Generic Surplus:


Unfortunately however, I hate wearing boots.  I always feel stupid in them, couldn't tell you why. With that in mind, I bought these for the winter.  Water proof sneakers from Tretorn:



Not as fancy (or warm) as most boots are, but they will keep your feet dry and its a much easier and unique style.

DB

These Won't Last Long...

You've seen by now that I have a certain proclivity for wasting time on the internet looking at watches.  I spend more time looking at watches, but I probably spend more money on sneakers.

I like having a pair of relaxed white sneakers, and after St Paddys Day in NYC, my white kicks are about as scratched up as they can get.  Thats the one problem with shoes like this, after 3-4 months, your gonna have to upgrade.  This is what im thinking about now...

Dunlop / Volley Injection (White / Green) $57



Simple, attractive, and no one I know owns them.  Fits the bill for me.  And size 12 is in stock.
Now lets just hope they have my actual size too.

DB

A Weekend in the Pacific Northwest

My older brother lives in Seattle, about 3,000 miles away from New York.  It can be a tough trip for just the weekend, but I try to get there whenever I can (which isn't often).  For Christmas last year, he gave my middle brother a duffel bag from Filson, a classic outdoors outfitter from Seattle.  I was more than jealous. Check it out:

WOOL DUFFLE BAG WITH WOOL SIDE PANELS $270


Everyone wants to travel in style, but we don't always want to pony up for an expensive duffel. Thats what makes it the perfect gift.  Either find someone nice enough to get you a real weekend duffel, or start saving up...

Feeling really generous? Fill this gift with a bottle of Lagavulin Single Malt, and you will be the nicest man in the room. Or the best girlfriend...

Just don't go with this bottle unless your palate appreciates the smokier things in life. 




And if you're going on a more rugged excursion, either to your alma mater for the weekend or a ski trip "with the boys," then I think this isn't a bad option from Knockaround:




You probably know their sunglasses, but for $17 bucks, why not?

Oh, and before I go, if you can pull this look off then I commend you.  And let me know you if you ever want to go Skeet Shooting.



I think that buying this Filson vest online is a bit dangerous.  A vest needs to fit correctly, especially one like this.  So if your ever in the Seattle neighborhood... why not take a look?

DB

My 2nd post, Three More Watches

I like watches, always have.

Recently, I've been eyeing the classic Timex watch that you see every time you head into a JCrew.  Its a classic look, and its usually fairly well priced.  You can find it here for around $150, although $40 dollar versions do exist:

TIMEX® MILITARY WATCH $150



Now even though I do think its a good look, I hate wearing a watch that someone else might have (which is actually a big reason that I've gone anti-JCrew/Polo in general).  So for the past couple weeks I've been trying to find an alternative.  I like this piece by Bertucci, a handsome military watch in the same price range.  The leather band is also a nice addition here:

Bertucci A-2T Vintage Watch - Leather Strap $150


Can't really go wrong with either of these, but last night as I was watching my bracket get busted by Cincinnati, I found this gem (the link may go dead, as its an ebay auction):

RARE FINE VINTAGE TISSOT NAVIGATOR SEASTAR T-12 WORLD TIME MEN'S WRISTWATCH $716


Now I don't always think a watch should be overly messy, but I think this Vintage Tissot makes it work.  But alas, I've been keeping an eye on it on Ebay and the price has gone from just $30, to over $200.  I've never bought anything this expensive on Ebay, so I'm getting nervous, but only time will tell.  Wish me luck...

DB

PS. Just sold for $716... yikes.

Razors or Watches? Both

Well, as I often spend most of my procrastination time looking around Ebay and a variety of gadget and clothing blogs, I recently stumbled upon this gem:

Braun / BN0035 (All Black) $250

Now at first I was a bit surprised.  Ever since late puberty struck, I've been using a Braun razor to keep my neck beard in check, and I'm pretty sure they make toothbrushes too.  But who cares?  This watch is as sleek as they come.  And at around 300 dollars it means that your wearing a real watch, but not exactly breaking the bank (relatively speaking).



And lastly, if you haven't seen this site before, oipolloi.com, take a look around.

DB