Now that most of us are easing into the warmer months we’re beginning to once again hear quite a bit about classic spring/summer fabrics – in particular, popular plant fibers like cotton and linen. Since we’re now in the peak of wedding season prep (and many guys are on a hunt for tailored clothing that will keep them from sweating too much during all those outdoor ceremonies) it’s worth discussing how each of these fibers affects overall comfort, breathability, and appearance. […]
Buying Guide: Tassel Loafers
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. […]
The Problem with Excellent Products
We all have those products that we lust over for long periods of time. There’s the endless ‘research,’ the search for discounts, and, eventually, the hunt for something similar that doesn’t cost as much. If you finally buy that thing that is exactly what you want (and it hopefully lives up to your very high expectations), it can be a wonderful feeling. But there is an inherent problem with these great products, too. […]
The Menswear Map: Clothing, Accessories, and Services in San Francisco (Updated 2019)
A lot can happen in four and a half years. This was particularly apparent in the “Menswear Map” I made in 2014, which was in dire need of an update. Many new stores have appeared in the area, many have shut their doors, and a good handful have found new addresses in the city. With that in mind, I’ve refreshed this super cool interactive map that should help everyone out, whether you’re just in town for the afternoon or you’re a seasoned local looking for a new place to get a haircut.
A Holiday Gift Guide for the Menswear-Inclined: 2018
Here it is – my sixth annual gift guide. The frequent holiday sales make it too easy to focus on buying for ourselves and forget about the impending holidays; I’m here to remind you that it’s time to put that shoe purchase on the backburner and start planning out what you’re getting your loved ones. This list is for the men that deserve your gratitude this year – maybe it’s a brother, a father, a friend, a husband, or someone else entirely. No matter what relation, here’s your unequivocal menswear-ish gift guide for this holiday season. […]
The New Private White (and the New Twin Track)
“Direct to Consumer” companies are everywhere these days. Some are more effective than others when it comes to actually executing on this ideal – often it’s just marketing fluff – but the concept has become commonplace. By “cutting out the middleman,” many young brands are working to offer more competitive pricing than their more traditional competitors. But as common as these companies are, it’s not often that an established brand pivots to this model. That’s exactly what happened earlier this year when Private White V.C. (one of my favorite clothing companies) decided to change its business entirely. […]
Buying Guide: the Contemporary Chelsea
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. […]
Fall Favorites – 10 Essential Autumn Items
Five years ago I wrote a series on my favorite pieces from each season. A lot of those items are still near and dear to me, but I thought it would be worth updating things to reflect my current lifestyle and wardrobe. My fall favorites have changed a bit, but many of the concepts are still the same – textured materials, earthy colors, and a bit of protection from inclement weather. Here are my go-to pieces for the cool weather ahead: […]
Buying Guide: Shetland Sweaters
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. […]
DIY: How to Build a Coat Rack
San Francisco has a lot of things to offer, but closet space isn’t one of them. My apartment from 1912 has some lovely period details but very little storage space, so after grumbling about it for 6 years I decided to take matters in to my own hands. It’s been a while since I put my engineering background to use, but a bit of planning and a few hours of work resulted in my newest piece of furniture. Read on to see how to make a coat rack for your own home (dope outerwear not included). […]