The Joys of Wool Socks

wool sock chup overview

“Do you wear wool socks?” my doctor asked me skeptically. After briefly reflecting on the question I had to admit that I, a self-proclaimed expert in men’s attire, wore cheap cotton socks basically every day despite any variations in the weather. “Well, you need to start wearing them. They’ll keep you warmer and wick moisture better.” I already knew these properties of wool, of course, but hadn’t really applied them to my own feet. He began to list off some options for wool socks but I had already stopped listening, and was making a mental shopping list of how I was going to elevate my sock game – per my doctor’s orders. […]

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Buying Guide: Alpine Boots

Boots are one of those few pieces of menswear that we can all appreciate – whether ivy prep or goth ninja, everyone can get behind a good pair of boots. And truly, there seems to be a boot for every occasion. Chelsea boots for sleek contemporary clothing, service boots for workwear, balmoral boots for the […]

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Buying Guide: Cuffing Season

mens cuff bracelet jewelry buying guide

About one year ago I tried a little experiment – I started wearing cuff bracelets instead of a watch. I had always been interested in men’s jewelry, but only from a distance. Perhaps it’s because there are very few “rules” to follow, and also lots of societal connotations to be aware of – it felt risky and complicated, so I didn’t do it. […]

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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: Shetland Sweaters

shetland sweater buying guide

Well, it’s that time of year again – when San Francisco enters its second summer while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere gets our their scarves and pumpkin carving kits. My body and soul are already deep in autumn, though, as I sit in my apartment with a bad cold making chicken soup for myself. So even though the weather is against me, my thoughts have turned to fall and one of my favorite fall pieces – Shetland sweaters. […]

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For the Love of Longwings – a Comparison

If you read my recent shoe collection post you know that I like longwings quite a bit. They’re an incredibly versatile shoe style, and over the years I’ve collected four pairs from four prominent brands. Since I know I’m not the only one interested in this style of footwear I thought I’d dive in to the details and compare the various aspects of each one – each have their little nuances that make them unique in their own way. […]

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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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Buying Guide: The Wild West(ern shirt)

Perhaps it’s because I just got back from a week in Montana, or possibly because I haven’t been getting dressed up much lately, but I’ve developed a hankering for denim and chambray shirts. Not the kind that you wear under a blazer – I’ve got those – but something deeply casual, well-worn, and with a bit of an “Old West” vibe.

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