Articles – Well Spent

Happenings: C.H.C.M. Shop

January 26, 2011

It’s a funny thing, the “Heritage” trend. As anyone in the fashion industry (er, I mean ’style’ industry – got to keep it menswear blog appropriate) will tell you, everything that’s old will eventually be new again. And so, the current popularity of utilitarian garments from the 1930s – 1950s amongst the modern non-utilitarian set isn’t all that shocking. What’s funny, though, is that the items that make up the trend were never intended to be fashionable. They were designed and built purely for functionality. That’s why they’re still around, decades after their inception. That these items are now a part of a trend, and, as such, suddenly have a shelf-life – well, it entirely defeats their purpose.

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The Friday Find: Lumina Short-Run Sale

January 14, 2011

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

North Carolina’s Lumina Clothing Co. is clearing the way for its soon-to-land spring 2011 collection of lovingly handcrafted neckwear, and that means markdowns. Act now to pick up some of the company’s so-waspy-it-hurts classic and bow ties for a handsome 25% off (which is pretty huge considering how low the label’s prices are to begin with). Styles range from bright cottons to understated wools, and every one comes in a multitude of widths (2″, 2.5″ or 3.25″ at the widest for the classics, 2″ or 2.5″ at the widest for the bows). Read More »

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Being There: Epaulet Manhattan

January 12, 2011

I finally had a chance to visit Epaulet’s new Manhattan location while I was home for the holiday, and I decided to bring my little sister along to take some pics. Unsurprisingly, the store is brimming with covet-able goodness. From the Canadian-made shawl collar sweaters, to the vast in-house shirting collection, to the just-dropped Epaulet suiting, to the exclusive Alden collabs, to the new CPO Shirt Jackets – well, let’s just say there’s a lot that I wanted. If you’re in NYC, and you haven’t already stopped in, add it to your to-do list. You’ll be glad you did. More pics after the jump.

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Good Giving: 25 Under $25

November 28, 2010

Welcome to the 2010 Well Spent holiday gift guide. I’m trying something a little different this year: 25 gifts, all socially responsible, and all under $25. Small things, but (hopefully) a bit more substantive and enduring than your typical stocking stuffers. Here’s to a healthy and sane holiday season.

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Instead of Rent: November, 2010

November 3, 2010

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

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Cordial Churchman Velvet Bow Ties

October 19, 2010

When it comes down to it, there’s at least a dozen excellent reasons for me to feature The Cordial Churchman. Between every tie being individually handcrafted in South Carolina, the label’s extensive use of repurposed and recycled materials, and the bow’s unbelievably low prices, the company is clearly prime post fodder. But, I’ve decided to go ahead and focus specifically on the brand’s Velvet Bow Ties because, well, I just really, really like them. Read More »

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Instead of Rent: October, 2010

October 6, 2010

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

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Being There: NorthernGRADE

September 15, 2010

As great as the clothing and wares were at this past weekend’s NorthernGRADE – and they were great – for me, the event’s real highlight was the people there. It’s not often you find yourself surrounded by so many like-minded and genuinely kind folks. Perhaps it’s just another testament to the intrinsic kindness of the Midwest and those who dwell within it, or, perhaps it was the shared excitement of finally being able to interact outside of an @ context, or, perhaps everyone in attendance knew they’d have to contend with some pretty major blog blow-back if they copped an attitude. Whatever the reason, I didn’t shake a hand that wasn’t offered in earnest, or share in a conversation that I didn’t enjoy. Thanks to all the browsers, buyers, bloggers and brand owners for making it such a fun and memorable day. I’m already looking forward to next year’s. Scroll down to see some of the people and products that made NorthernGRADE great.

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Instead of Rent: September, 2010

September 8, 2010

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

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Pierrepont Hicks Autumn Bow Ties

August 16, 2010

Yet more reason to be hyped for fall: the Pierrepont Hicks AW10 bow tie collection is now available for pre-order. Comprised of an array of English wools and Italian silks, the entirely NYC-made collection further concretes the brand’s reputation as one of the best neckwear makers in the biz (and has furthered my shopping list for the season by at least 3 lines). In addition to a bevy of new models, PPH have also brought back some favorites from their inaugural collection (Reversible Field anyone?), meaning a second chance for any who may have slept on them the first time ’round. Read More »

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The Friday Find: Hill-Side Sale at Bird

July 9, 2010

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

While I usually try to make a point of not doing back to back posts about the same category of clothing, it just wouldn’t have felt right not mentioning a Hill-Side sale, what with they’re being one of my favorite brands and all. Brooklyn’s Bird has two styles – a dobby check chambray, and the previously fawned over colorgrown organic canvas – both made in NYC from slow-production Japanese fabrics, both 25% off, and both likely to be gone before the weekend’s end. So get clicking. And have a great (and temperate) weekend. Read More »

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Lumina Clothing Co. Ties

July 7, 2010

Taking its cues as much from the old guard as the new, North Carolina’s Lumina Clothing Company makes ties for the modernist, the traditionalist, and everyone in between. Producing its full range in the Tar Heel sate, the brand combines classic southern fabrics (madras, gingham, seersucker) with contemporary, slimmed-down widths (classic ties come 2″, 2.5″ or 3.25″ at the widest, bow ties come 2″ or 2.5″ at the widest), to create a collection that truly has something for everyone. Read More »

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Happenings: Pierrepont Hicks

June 23, 2010

We should all be so fortunate to have a year in our lives like the one currently being enjoyed by the tie makers at Pierrepont Hicks. Faster than you can say “made in the USA,” the two-collections-old label has built itself a devoted – if not cult-like – following, counting many of the menswear blogosphere’s top names among its loyal customers. “It’s completely humbling and emotional for me,” says brand co-founder, and lead designer, Kat McMillan. “I am in love with this path I am on and feel really happy. And it’s completely a result of the menswear bloggers who are so passionate and creative.”

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Label Spotlight: Epaulet

June 16, 2010

It’s always the brands I feel I can’t say enough good things about, that I wind up having the most difficulty posting on. It’s because I like them so much. I wind up feeling an intense pressure (self-imposed of course) to get my writing as close to perfect as I’m capable. Unfortunately, that pressure more often results in my composing bloated, seemingly endless passages of hyperbolic praise, that I then have to cut and whittle down, so as to not look like a total shill (or pretentious bombast). In the end, what should have only taken me a matter of minutes, will have dragged on for hours – if not the whole day – and I still won’t feel as though I’ve managed to convey all I hoped to. In case you haven’t already figured it out from the title of this post, Epaulet is one of those brands. And this paragraph has taken me a very long time to write.

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Label Spotlight: Baron Wells

May 19, 2010

As I see it, the best designers aren’t the ones who try to reinvent the wheel, they’re the ones who keep coming up with new ways to make it interesting. It’s a feat that’s all in the details; subtle singularities that make the well-worn welcome again, without detracting from the broader qualities that made the item well-worn in the first place. It is this balance between unique and familiar, between old and new, that enables goods to transcend trends and eras. And, it is precisely this balance that makes the newly launched Baron Wells such a stand-out. Live as of last month, the label’s inaugural range is undeniably of the now in both form and fit, and yet, its appreciation of – and respect for – its roots and points of inspiration are enough to maintain its appeal long after current tastes have changed.

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Pierrepont Hicks Hatteras Bow Tie

May 10, 2010

Maybe I’m going a little overboard here (not that this would be the first time), but I feel like with their Hatteras Bow Tie, Pierrepont Hicks’ have managed to cram everything that’s good and comforting about summer clothing into one tiny, perfectly executed package. Deadstock cotton seersucker on the one side, repurposed plaid cotton shirting fabric on the other, light as a feather and airy as an ocean breeze (yeah, way overboard). Read More »

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FIGS Ties

April 20, 2010

An accessory brand and philanthropic venture rolled into one, California’s FIGS produces ties that look good and do good. Operating under the motto ‘100% Awesome,’ the company uses profits from the sales of its handsomely styled neck wear to help kids in developing nations get an education. As it turns out, many of the world’s impoverished children are unable to attend schools in their regions, because they cannot afford the attire required by the exceptionally strict dress-codes. Read More »

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Pierrepont Hicks Bedford Classic Tie

April 5, 2010

I know what you’re all thinking: “it’s been over a month since your last Pierrepont Hicks post, what gives?” You’re right, and I’m sorry. I have no excuse for my behavior, and can only hope that you will see fit, in your infinite wisdom, to forgive me (more like Comedy with a Conscience!). Anyway, the Bedford Classic Tie is yet another bang-up piece from PPH’s [insert gushingly hyperbolic synonym for "great"] SS10 collection. Expertly crafted in NYC’s garment district from deadstock cotton shirting fabric, the BCT is exemplar of the design and quality that have made PPH the kneckwear brand of the moment (get it?). Read More »

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