roundup Archives - From Squalor to Baller

The Joys of Wool Socks

January 10, 2023 No Comments

“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. […]

Editorials

A Starter on Skincare – My Routine

September 26, 2022 No Comments

skincare routine cerave the ordinary neutrogena

If you’re anything like me, you have a crystal-clear memory of Patrick Bateman’s morning routine from the 2000 film American Psycho. On top of giving us some unforgettable discourse on business cards, Oliver Peoples glasses, and Huey Lewis & the News, it put the idea into a generation of young men’s minds that skincare was actually kind of…badass. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: Tassel Loafers

April 23, 2019 No Comments

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. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: the Contemporary Chelsea

October 29, 2018 No Comments

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. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: Shetland Sweaters

October 16, 2018 No Comments

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. […]

Editorials, Reviews

For the Love of Longwings – a Comparison

August 28, 2018 No Comments

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. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: Knit Ties

August 22, 2018 No Comments

The role of the necktie in modern dress has waned significantly, even with the resurgence of classic menswear in the past ten years. Even so, it’s worth having a solid understanding of different types of ties so that when you do choose to wear one, you know that you’re doing so to your full potential. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: Penny Loafers

April 19, 2018 No Comments

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. […]

Editorials

Buying Guide: The Wild West(ern shirt)

July 31, 2017 12 Comments

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.

Editorials

Buying Guide: May is for Madras

May 24, 2016 6 Comments

I’ll be honest, spring is probably my least favorite season. First, it means that we’re still half of a sun orbit from autumn, which is clearly the superior season. It also lacks the vacation-ness that summer provides, or the cozy, holiday vibes of winter. So yeah, not my favorite. There is one thing that spring does well, though – it’s a great time for wearing madras. […]