Articles – Well Spent

The Hunt: Canvas Sneakers

May 22, 2013

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

Inspiration is Where You Find It: Sidney Poitier

May 15, 2013

By Jake Gallagher

There are few true cinematic legends. And I’m not talking about the self-proclaimed “legends” of today’s bland blockbusters, but rather, those mythical figures that changed cinema forever. One such luminary, is Sidney Poitier. In 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement, Poitier made history by becoming the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. From there he became one of the highest grossing actors in Hollywood, with such films as To Sir, With Love and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. During the prime of his career, Poitier was not merely a star on the screen, he was also one of the town’s best dressed leading-men. Read More »

Comments (1)

Nisolo Wesley LE Oxfords

May 14, 2013

Remember Wesley Willis? That was such a bummer when he died. “Take your ass to the barber shop / Tell the barber you’re sick of looking like an asshole.” So good! Anyway, these Wesley LE Oxfords from Nisolo have nothing to do with him, but we don’t have to hold that against them. Read More »

Comments (1)

Instead of Rent: May, 2013

May 1, 2013

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

Comments (1)

Due North by Kyle Rancourt, Vol. 1

April 24, 2013

Words and photos by Kyle Rancourt

Last week, the daughter of a member of our product development team joined her mother at work for the day. As part of the experience, the teenage girl spent a couple of hours observing and lending a hand in our finishing room, where one of the veteran finishing team members said to her, “make sure you go to college so you don’t have to work in a factory.” When I heard this, I experienced an immediate and intense gut reaction, “what’s wrong with working in a factory?” I said. “What does a college degree guarantee you?”

Comments (10)

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 »

Comments (2)

The Friday Find: Allen Edmonds 91st Anniversary Sale

April 19, 2013

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

You’ve got to hand it to Allen Edmonds. 91 years in business, and still going strong. That’s a hell of an accomplishment. It almost makes me feel guilty for taking advantage of the 15% – 30% off sale they’ve got going on right now; kinda like I’m making my grandparents send me money on their birthday. Read More »

Comments (0)

Inspiration is Where You Find It: Joy Division

April 17, 2013

By Jake Gallagher

Despite only releasing two studio albums, Joy Division’s influence can still be seen today. Favoring thoughtful introspection and moody atmospherics over the traditional three-chord blast of punk, the band helped usher in – and eventually became the poster children for – the post-punk movement. Though their run was cut short by the untimely suicide of front-man Ian Curtis, their legacy as one of the most groundbreaking acts of all time lives on. And that legacy isn’t just due to their music. If there were ever a band that could be described as “cohesive” it’s Joy Division. From their album art, to their press photos, to their clothes, their visual side always matched their audible one. Read More »

Comments (0)

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.

Comments (2)

Grenson Fred Boots

April 8, 2013

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 »

Comments (6)

Instead of Rent: April, 2013

April 3, 2013

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

Comments (0)

Inspiration is Where You Find It: Alton Brown

March 20, 2013

By Jake Gallagher

Not only is he a walking, talking encyclopedia of all things food, Alton Brown is also one of the best dressed “real people” on television. From his elbow patched tweed blazers, to his window paned linen suits, to his blue oxfords, to his signature bow ties, the Food Network star rarely appears in front of the camera looking anything less than his best. What particularly makes Brown a neo-icon in my eyes, is that he has an enviable grasp of his own style. After his very public choice to lose weight a couple years back, Brown really pegged down what he likes and what fits, and he’s stuck to it ever since. Read More »

Comments (5)

Eastland Made in Maine Wildwood Boots

March 19, 2013

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 »

Comments (0)

Instead of Rent: March, 2013

March 6, 2013

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

Comments (4)

New Balance 990 Sneakers

February 25, 2013

For non-sneakerheads like myself, keeping track of all the different New Balance styles can be a bit daunting. Especially when you factor in the limited edition reissues (which these are), exclusive colorways (also applies here) and myriad other variations. So, I say screw it. Read More »

Comments (0)

Allen Edmonds Montecito Penny Loafers

February 14, 2013

Penny Loafers are kind of like that one girl you sorta dated but never really got serious with, and now you always wind up texting / emailing / calling when you’re alone after a few drinks. In other words, they’re something you always come back to. So, it makes sense to get yourself a pair that’ll last, like these Montecito Penny Loafers from Allen Edmonds. Read More »

Comments (0)

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 »

Comments (3)

Instead of Rent: February, 2013

February 6, 2013

The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.

Comments (2)