Articles – Well Spent

The Hunt: Canvas Sneakers

May 22, 2013

Rounding-up the best eco / ethical kicks for spring, summer and beyond.

Kamakura Tokyo Slim Fit Shirts

May 20, 2013

Have you ever had a dream in which something really good happens, and then you wake up and keep thinking that good thing is real, until, like, five minutes later, when you suddenly realize you dreamed it, and then you get really bummed? Well, these Tokyo Slim Fit Shirts from Kamakura are sort of like that, except without the dispiriting realization in the end. Read More »

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Beams Plus Denim Button-Down Shirt

May 2, 2013

By Nick Grant

Nobody should have a denim shirt in their wardrobe. They are the worst. Especially this Beams+ Denim Button-Down Shirt. The indigo-dyed, cotton-linen blend goes with nothing, and is an awful fabric for spring / summer. And Beams+ isn’t one of the best Japanese brands around. Read More »

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Beauty & Youth TH-S & Co. Sneakers

April 23, 2013

By Nick Grant

If you aren’t familiar with Japan’s Beauty & Youth, now’s your chance to get acquainted, with their 5 Eyelet TH-S & Co. Sneakers. Using what are arguably the best fabrics from The Hill-Side’s SS13 collection, these spring-ready “beauts” (get it?) are made in the oldest sneaker factory in Japan. More like Beauty & Mature, amiright? Read More »

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Nanamica Reversible Varsity Jacket

April 16, 2013

By Nick Grant

There’s only one drawback to this Japanese-made Reversible Varsity Jacket from Nanamica: and that’s having to choose which side to wear, every time you put it on. One is an all black 65/35 poly-cotton blend with leather trimmed pockets and brass snap closures. The other is a 65/35 poly-cotton check with zip closure and ribbed collar. Read More »

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Anonymous Ism Stars & Stripes Socks

April 9, 2013

By Nick Grant

When was the last time you showed some pride in your country? And I’m Sorry, but sitting through an entire country music video doesn’t count. What does, however, is rocking these sweet ass Stars and Stripes socks from Anonymous Ism. Sure, they might be made in Japan, but they’re done so using a “US Eco Yarn” cotton/polyester blend. Read More »

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Sunny Sports Fisherman Jackets

April 4, 2013

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 »

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Ogaki Kaban Lightweight Tote Bags

March 18, 2013

Chances are, these Lightweight Tote Bags from Ogaki Kaban will already be sold out by the time you read this. That’s partly because they’re made in Japan. And, partly because they’re dyed using the fermented juice of unripe persimmons, which is not only anti-bacterial, but also has water-proofing qualities. But mainly, it’s because they’re only $16. Read More »

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HeadPorter Plus BM Check Shirts

March 11, 2013

I’m not sure what the “BM” in HeadPorter Plus BM Check Shirts stands for, but it certainly can’t be the one thing I can think of, as these shirts are anything but crappy (yes, that was a poop joke). Painstakingly crafted in Japan from 100% cotton oxford, the slim fit shirts will last for years and years, so they’ll never make you feel like you flushed your money down the toilet (that’s two). Read More »

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HeadPorter Plus Duck Baker Pants

February 27, 2013

By Michael Nolledo

Why pick up a pair of Duck Baker Pants from HeadPorter Plus? Because they’re made in Japan, of course. Crafted from 100% cotton duck canvas, the Bakers have that military-meets-vintage-meets-workwear aesthetic the Japanese do so well. A slim straight fit leaves room for comfort, and the stitch work down the seams and front and back patch pockets balances the worn-in look with enough detail to keep it interesting. Read More »

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Nigel Cabourn Reversible Shirts

February 25, 2013

For as long as Nigel Cabourn’s been making these Reversible Shirts, Cabourn stockists have been justifying their cost by claiming that it’s like you’re getting two shirts in one. And while that’s basically true, it doesn’t take much of the sting out of their $450 price tag – two shirts or not, that’s still a hell of a lot of money. Read More »

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The Superior Labor Engineer Totes

February 11, 2013

I probably shouldn’t be posting these Engineer Totes from The Superior Labor, ’cause they are expensive. Like, really, ridiculously, in no way “obtainable” expensive (though they are “honestly crafted”). That said, they look incredible, they’re exceptionally well made, and, they’re on sale (30% off). Read More »

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Shoes Like Pottery Low Top Vulcanized Sneakers

February 7, 2013

By Nick Grant

Not all canvas sneakers are created equal. These Shoes Like Pottery Low Top Vulcanized Sneakers are not only sewn and assembled entirely by hand in Japan, they’re also put through a highly specialized and meticulous rubber vulcanizing process called ka-ryu, which basically involves firing the shoes in a kiln the same way you would pottery (hence their name). Read More »

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The Friday Find: Unionmade Fall Forty Sale

January 18, 2013

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

I don’t want to oversell it, but the Fall Forty Sale currently underway at Unionmade might just be the greatest sale of all time. Countless brands (Gitman Vintage, New England Shirt Co., Post O’Alls, Filson, SNS Herning, Howlin’ by Morrison, Unis, The Hill-Side, Quoddy – just to name a few). Hundreds of products. And all of them 40% off. Read More »

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The Friday Find: Hickoree’s Outerwear + Unis Winter Sale

December 21, 2012

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

You’re getting two for the price of one today, kids. First: 25% off all outerwear at Hickoree’s (plus free next day air on orders over $250). Second: 25% off select pieces at Unis. Hickoree’s sale ends on Christmas, Unis sale will go until the sale items are gone (which shouldn’t take long at all). Read More »

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Southern Field Industries Waxed Hats

December 18, 2012

By Nick Grant

Looking to add a little awesome to you life? These Southern Field Industries Waxed Hats are hand-sewn in Saikama, Japan (awesome), and feature a water-repellent waxed cotton outer and soft plaid inner (also awesome). Get ‘em now from our good friends at FREE / MAN (because they’re awesome too). Read More »

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Good Giving: 50 Under $50

December 3, 2012

Welcome to the 2012 Well Spent Holiday Gift Guide. Like the 40 Under $40 guide from last year, and the 25 Under $25 guide from the year before that, the following is a collection of goods that are not only affordable and US / first-world made, but also offer some utility, and will last. Hopefully it’ll help you cross a few people off your shopping list. Here’s to a healthy and sane holiday season.

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Good Giving: 50 Under $50, Pt. 5

November 30, 2012

The fifth and final installment of the 2012 Well Spent Holiday Gift Guide.

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