Articles – Well Spent

Seven Questions: Jed & Marne

May 8, 2013

It’s hard not to gush when writing about the shorts from Jed & Marne. As the proud owner of three pairs, I can honestly say they’re some of the best I’ve ever had. The fabrics are great: soft, lightweight and absolutely beautiful. The fit is aces: not too tight, not too loose and just the right length. And, that they’re well under $100, but still provide gainful employment, and various other benefits, for the Mayan artisans that make them is like the feel-good icing on an already-awesome-feeling/fitting/looking cake. As far as warm weather wear goes, it really doesn’t get much better. (Like I said, it’s hard not to gush.)

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Seven Questions: New England Outerwear Co.

April 10, 2013

At this point, you’ve heard the story before. Small American start-up, making shoes and boots in Maine, using Horween leather and Vibram soles – well worn territory, to say the least. However, to write New England Outerwear Co. off as (yet another) late jumper on an already on-the-way-out bandwagon is to miss the point. For NEOC, selling “rugged” and “heritage-style” footwear isn’t some attempt to cash in on an ailing trend. Rather, it’s a way for them to help reinvigorate the economy in their hometown, keep centuries-old manufacturing traditions alive, and, lay the foundation for something that will last – all goals that are actually included in their business model.

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Seven Questions: Juniper Ridge

February 13, 2013

I love Juniper Ridge. Like, almost to the point of obsession. My use of their products is so profuse, that at any given moment, you’re guaranteed to smell at least one of their fragrances wafting through the air in my home, though usually it’s more like two or three. I’ve simply never come across another brand that does what they do as well. The company’s incenses, soaps and room fresheners – all of which are made using sustainable ingredients from in and around the Pacific Northwest – capture the essences of those areas with such accuracy, that they’re basically the next best thing to being there.

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Seven Questions: Corter Leather

January 23, 2013

Eric Heins, aka Corter Leather, is an easy guy to like. Affable, unassuming, and as down to earth as they come, he’s one of those people you just can’t help rooting for. That he’s also insanely talented doesn’t hurt either. Over the last three years, Heins – a self-taught designer, maker and company owner – has grown his one time bedroom-based business into a full-on, and highly respected, brand. And yet, despite his myriad achievements, he remains just as approachable as he ever was.

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Seven Questions: Pella

December 19, 2012

For over 100 years, Pella has been making outerwear that’s as long-lasting as the company itself. Founded in 1907 in Pella, Iowa, the brand specializes in clothes that take a while to break in; jackets and coveralls that practically stand on their own when they first leave the factory. But, the harder you wear ‘em, and the more hell you put ‘em through, the more amenable they get, until, eventually, they become trusted go-tos. Garments you count on, and care about, and happily return to year after year. Pieces you form a relationship with.

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Seven Questions: Inland Clothing

October 24, 2012

Let’s face it, buying American rarely means buying affordable. Due to our country’s (very necessary) laws and regulations regarding compensation, factory conditions, environmental impact, etc., producing goods here costs more, which means the products do too. Add to that the expense of quality materials and fabrications, and prices can go from high to downright prohibitive. However, there are still bargains out there. Durable items that are made in America by workers paid an equitable wage, but don’t require a bank loan to buy. And now, thanks to the newly launched e-tailer Inland Clothing, those items have never been easier to find.

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Seven Questions: S.E.H Kelly

June 27, 2012

S.E.H Kelly is not just another capital H Heritage brand, although it’s understandable if you mistake them for one. Between their emphasis on classic design, exclusive use of natural materials and steadfast dedication to keeping their production local, all the requisite H-tage (I just coined that) elements are there. However, if you look a little closer, you’ll see that S.E.H isn’t simply mining the manly annals of work and military wear’s past in order to appeal to the chambray-clad masses of today. They’re up to something far more genuine, far more permanent, and a lot better looking.

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Seven Questions: Stanley & Sons

June 13, 2012

It’s been a little over a year since I last caught up with Stanley & Sons founder / maker Chris Grodzki. In that time, he’s moved into a larger workspace, taken on a full-time sewer, participated in a handful of high-profile collaborations and relaunched his website, all while continuing to put out some of the most beautiful and hardwearing bags and aprons money can buy.

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Seven Questions: Dolbeau

May 16, 2012

Of the seemingly countless number of “handcrafted” men’s accessory brands that have popped up in the last few years, Canada’s Dolbeau is definitely one of the standouts. Founded in 2009 by unabashed #menswear junkies David Gross and David Caplan, the co.’s limited edition ties, pocket squares and scarves are not just sold on the internet, they’re inspired by it as well. Taking design cues from their favorite Tumblrs and blogs, the two Davids strive to create stylish goods for the online community from which their inspiration comes. And, as a quick perusal of their impressively robust website will show, they’re pretty damn good at it.

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Seven Questions: Oak Street Bootmakers

April 18, 2012

Photos by Nathan Michael.

It’s hard to believe it’s been less than two years since George Vlagos launched Oak Street Bootmakers. In that short time, his label has accrued an impressive line-up of high profile stockists, developed a fervent, near cult-like fan base, received countless glowing blog and forum mentions, and, sold an absolutely ridiculous amount of shoes. Though rapidly achieved, OSB’s success is still well deserved. Combining classic design, top-notch materials and impeccable construction, Oak Street’s range is an easy one to like. Add to that tasteful branding, and a price-point that’s $20 – $40 less than most comparable brands and that like can quickly turn to love.

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Seven Questions: Owner Operator

January 22, 2012

There’s no denying that the technical properties of modern outerwear is leaps and bounds above what was available decades ago. However, while functionality has increased, aesthetics, unfortunately, seem to have decreased. To put it plainly: the majority of contemporary performance gear just looks bad. For all their breathable / waterproof / moisture-wicking qualities, many of today’s garments still leave much to be desired in their appearance. Brooklyn’s Owner Operator is trying to change that.

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Seven Questions: Canvas Society

August 24, 2011

You may have noticed a new advertiser in the upper right corner of the homepage. They’re called Canvas Society and they have a very specific goal: to change the way you think about hemp. Personally speaking, I’ve never been a fan of hemp (in any form, thank you very much). I’ve always thought of it as the least desirable of the sustainable fibers (not to mention the hippiest). However, after perusing the Canvas Society e-store, I’ve started to realize there’s a lot more that can be done with the plant than I previously thought.

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Seven Questions: WHARF

May 25, 2011

Opened in late 2010, Rhode Island’s WHARF has quickly established itself as one of the country’s better menswear shops. Founded by RI native Rob Babigian, the store operates under the belief that, “everyone should have access to the quality goods they want and the craftsmanship they demand.” To achieve this, WHARF carries a wide variety of brands, styles and price-points, so no matter what your budget, or taste, there’s a good chance they’ll have something you like. Along with their extensive stock, the store also offers an impressively accomplished in-house shirting collection. Designed by Babigian, and crafted in New England, the shirts nicely encapsulate all that WHARF stands for: good looks, quality construction, and a fair price. Not surprisingly, they’ve already garnered a loyal following amongst many of the menswear bloggerati.

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Seven Questions: Onia

April 6, 2011

[ed note: I decided to launch a new interview feature, in addition to the Label Spotlight and Happenings posts, because it felt like the site was lacking a simple, straight-forward Q&A. So, with that said, welcome to the first edition of Seven Questions.]

There are certain articles of clothing that no one can ever seem to get just right. They’re the pieces that compel us to exasperatedly exclaim (usually while in a dressing room somewhere), “why can’t someone make a decent ______ for once!” They’re the garments that drive us to message boards and forums, seeking out advice and recommendations. They’re the ones that we buy anyway, knowing they’re not ideal, but hoping we can still live with (which we then almost always can’t). For me, the king of those items is – and has been – the swimsuit. Either they’re too baggy, or too tight, too long, too short, too sporty, too sloppy – there’s always something standing in the way of their being perfect. Fortunately, it’s looking like I won’t be having that problem anymore, thanks to New York’s Onia.

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