Actually, This Is My First Rodeo

I’m spending the week in small-town Montana, located a couple hours from the comparatively buzzing metropolises of Bozeman and Missoula. Though the total population may be less than the city block that I currently live on, the town takes the Labor Day rodeo and festivities very seriously. I’m sure I’ll stick out like the Californian […]

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Snow in Santa Fe

santa fe western packing list

Tomorrow my girlfriend and I are heading east to spend a few days in Santa Fe with my good friend Gus. We’ll be hunting for vintage apparel and jewelry, meeting with local artisans and collectors, and will undoubtedly be enjoying some margaritas and hatch chilis along the way. This feels like the ideal time to pull out all my western-inspired gear and go “full yee-haw” for a long weekend. […]

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What I Wore: Exploring Paris

what I wore in Paris

I had a great time relaxing in Paris earlier this month – I spent the week walking the city, eating and drinking with friends, and exploring the many opportunities that the weak Euro offered. I didn’t pack that much so my outfits were pretty simple, and this one was probably the one I reached for the most – denim, oxford shirt, and a flannel sportcoat. […]

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Back Across the Atlantic

packing for paris and london

It’s taken much longer than anticipated for me to return to Europe, but after five years away I’m about to head back. I’ll be staying in Paris for about a week, and will have a quick jaunt over to London as well. And while I always strive to only bring a carryon, this time around I had an additional incentive to pack light – both the Euro and the Pound are getting, well, pounded right now. […]

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What I Wore: California Cowboy

rrl belted handknit cardigan

The Bay Area had a brief taste of autumnal weather this past weekend, and I took full advantage of it by wearing a few of my favorite casual pieces. Although I have yet to go “full workwear” with my wardrobe, my Western-inspired garments have been a core part of the rotation for these deeply casual […]

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Buying Guide: Tassel Loafers

tassel loafer buying guide

Last spring I put together a buying guide for penny loafers. Since then my tastes in loafers have only gotten more wild, and I’ve started to spend a lot of time thinking about tassel loafers. While the penny loafer is a bit of an understated classic, the tassel boasts a similar pedigree but with a bit more of an attitude. […]

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Buying Guide: the Contemporary Chelsea

chelsea boot buying guide

When it comes to footwear, I have a pretty good understanding of what I like. My shoe collection is centered around classic styles that bridge the gap between casual and formal, in safe and conservative colors and materials. I love the shoes I have, but there are times that I wish I had something with a bit more of a punch to them – something a bit more interesting, a tad more ‘cool guy’ than my normal ‘grandpa’ vibe. Whenever I get that feeling, my mind turns to Chelsea boots. […]

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Buying Guide: Penny Loafers

penny loafer buying guide

In celebration of the good weather we’re having here on the West Coast I thought I’d write a roundup on one of my favorite shoe styles – the penny loafer. This list covers all of my favorite styles, as well as many other options at a variety of price points. […]

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Meermin’s Expanding Empire

Earlier this month I was able to catch up with the Meermin team when they conveniently hosted a trunk show in Amsterdam, just a few blocks from where I was staying. The brand has perhaps not received as much chatter as they did a few years ago when they were new to the market, but they’re still doing what they do best – making attractive, well-made shoes and selling them at a pricepoint that nobody can touch. […]

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