ralph lauren Archives - From Squalor to Baller

Two Suede Jackets

March 28, 2023 No Comments

Menswear guys like myself will utilize a considerable amount of mental gymnastics to justify our purchases. Most of it revolves around using quality and versatility as a rationalization for dropping a bunch of cash – it will last forever! You can wear it with anything! Just think of how low the cost-per-wear will be! But at some point, when the closet is already fit to burst, this logic breaks down and you simply have to admit the obvious: I want to buy this because I like it. […]

Packing & Travel

Snow in Santa Fe

February 15, 2023 No Comments

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. […]

What I Wore

What I Wore: California Cowboy

October 28, 2020 No Comments

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 […]

Editorials

The Menswear Map: Clothing, Accessories, and Services in San Francisco (Updated 2019)

January 17, 2019 No Comments

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.

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: 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.

What I Wore

What I Wore: Vegas Menswear Shows

February 24, 2015 No Comments

I’ve been traveling quite a bit in the last few weeks for clothing trade shows, and in doing so I’ve had the good fortune of spending more time with many industry veterans. For instance, my most recent trip to Las Vegas gave me another opportunity to catch up with the good folks over at Articles […]

Editorials

The Quest for the Most Versatile Shoe

February 10, 2015 2 Comments

Like many people that read this blog, one of my favorite pastimes is researching an item of clothing in search of the “perfect one” – the piece that will be the ultimate addition to my wardrobe. I do this in part because I try to keep my wardrobe relatively simple and utilitarian, but also because […]

Packing & Travel

Packing for a Thanksgiving Weekend Trip

November 27, 2014 No Comments

I’ll be out for a couple of days visiting family over the long weekend. Here’s what I stuffed in my overnight bag: Oxford and chambray shirts Shetland sweater Raw denim Cotton trousers M65 jacket Unlined suede bluchers Shell cordovan wingtips Cashmere scarf A good leather belt Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Editorials

Buying Guide: Loafers for Spring and Summer

March 17, 2014 2 Comments

After recently writing an article on my favorite spring items, I decided to delve in to a few specific pieces that are worthy of their own conversation. One of these items is the loafer, which can be an attractive and versatile addition to any shoe wardrobe. I generally wear loafers as a replacement for sneakers, when […]