By Michael Nolledo
Casual fridays just got a whole lot more casual. Epaulet has taken their Rivet Chino and retrofitted it with a classic 5-pocket design. Is it a chino? Is it a jean? Whatever you want to call it, I like it. Constructed in the USA from stoned-washed 8 oz. cotton duck, these guys have a super clean slim-straight silhouette that’ll take you (slim-)straight into the weekend. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
There’s nothing like a good comeback story. Back in 1983, a made by climbers, for climbers Montana-based gear company goes bankrupt. 35 years later, the founder’s son resurrects the brand, reintroducing all of the original designs. The Kletterwerks Kletter Day Pack is a simple panel loader built just like it used to be, except for the addition of a laptop sleeve, lining and more comfortable padding. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Don’t worry guys, these are nothing like those Billy Reid dad jeans that a certain editor posted a couple months back. No, these Jack Chinos are a lot more palatable. Made in the USA, and available in both classic dad-approved and dad-hesitant colorways, these 5 pocket chinos feature soft washed, slightly distressed cotton in a trim straight fit. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
When I was in first grade, I had a backpack that looked like a Game Boy. It had huge buttons and a see-through plastic screen forever frozen on level 7 of Tetris. I’m still scarred by the garishness of that thing, and that’s why I now go for much simpler portage, like these new duck canvas Day Packs from Archival Clothing. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Could this Spring Faded Oxford Shirt really be “the one”? WHARF seems to think so. Made in New England, it has all the details you’d want from a warm weather staple, including soft washed end-on-end cotton, corozo nut buttons, and a split yoke, box pleat and locker loop in the back. And, it’s on sale for $112. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
If you’re the kind of person who likes exclusive collaborations that result in dope bags at affordable prices, then this post is for you. Fair Ends has teamed up with Drifter Bags for a range of brightly colored, vintage-style packs. Made in Ohio out of silky parachute nylon, ballistic cordura and durable suede, and priced at well under $100 each, the bags offer great looks at an even greater value. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
I’d like to be anywhere but here right now. The weather is getting too nice to stay put. All I need is a change of clothes, a pair of sunglasses, a book, and a bag to pack it all in. Preferably one of these Joshu+Vela Duffle Bags. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
I’ve decided not to go out for lunch this week. Why? Because then I’ll be able to cop one of these $75 Craftsman Woven Shirts from Almond. Available in blue or red, they’re made in California from 100% cotton chambray and feature single needle construction and nifty stitched elbow pads. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Rule number one of farmer’s markets: don’t stuff fresh produce in a plastic bag. Come prepared with a reusable tote, like the made-in-USA ones from custom bag maker Port Canvas. Start with any of their six styles, then pick the canvas color, webbing color, lining color, handle length, monogram it, add pockets or key lanyards – go buck wild or keep it simple, you decide. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Take a step back, menswear world. Back from the crazy tropical prints, the too-bright florals, and the non-camouflaging camos. All things in moderation guys, even trends. And with that said, I present to you the Pointer Woodland Camo Jacket – a perfect example of camo in moderation. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Don’t mistake Shelter’s Prickly Mountain Bag for just another backpack – since it’s actually a shoulder bag (yeah, I totally thought it was a rucksack when I first saw it too). Fashioned from waxed canvas, veg-tanned leather and brass hardware, the bags – which are named in honor of a counterculture architect-hippie community in Vermont – are just as well suited for foraged foodstuffs as they a store-bought sandwich and MacBook. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Some of my favorite British imports: the Beatles, Harry Potter, Doctor Who and these Fred Boots from Grenson. By slapping a Vibram wedge sole onto a brogue upper in a not-so-subtle nod to American workwear, the world-class shoemakers have created a boot that’s comfortable, casual yet classy and fit for everyday wear. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
In the name of the Poplin, the Tweed and the Holy Corduroy, Amen. Don’t mind me – I’m just doing a quick sign of the cross for the holy trinity of textures found on these Sunny Sports Fisherman Jackets. Made in Japan, the jackets combine a poly-cotton poplin shell, corduroy collar and tweed pockets for quite the saintly effect. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
Two things to keep in mind when traveling abroad: don’t drink the water, and don’t lose your passport. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken, like stocking up on bottled H2O, and getting yourself one of these Travel Wallets from Corter Leather. Intelligently designed to keep you organized, the wallets feature a main slot for your passport, another for your travel documents and two more for credit cards. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
As far as affordable US-made button downs go, these Candy Stripe Oxfords from Individualized are some of the sweetest. Made in New Jersey by a company that’s been doing small batch custom work since 1961, the slim-fit shirts have all the trimmings, including a button-down collar, v-stitched chest pocket and box pleat and locker loop on the back. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
You know that awkward moment when you’re out with friends and realize everyone is wearing denim? Or worse, you’re all rocking cuffed selvedge, looking like a herd of indigo-dyed sheep. Well, here’s your chance to distinguish yourself. These US-made West is Dead Slim Chinos are cut like jeans, but fashioned from 100% cotton duck canvas, and feature details like belt loops sewn directly into the waistband and a riveted button fly with custom hardware. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
“Heritage” sweats, ie, sweatshirts that are made like ones from the 1950s, might seem commonplace these days. But, I like to think they’re making up for years of corner-cutting, cheaply-made substitutions. These Double V Sweatshirts from National Athletic Goods are cut and sewn in Canada out of mid-weight cotton terry. Read More
By Michael Nolledo
You don’t need to grow a beard, or chop down trees, or count a blue ox amongst your closest friends to wear these Eastland Wildwood Boots. But, if you do decide to do those things, these are great boots to do them with. Handcrafted in Maine, the archive-inspired stompers feature rugged Horween peanut suede leather and traditional moccasin construction. Read More
