Feature – Well Spent

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.

Comments (1)

The Hunt: Swimwear

May 9, 2012

Getting a jump-start on summer with a round-up of the best American-made swimwear.

Comments (5)

Instead of Rent: May, 2012

May 2, 2012

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

Comments (1)

Seven Questions: russell+hazel

April 25, 2012

Pierrepont Hicks co-founder Kat McMillan is a woman of many talents. She designs great ties. She makes beautiful kids. And, as anyone who’s been to one of her co-curated NorthernGRADE pop-ups can tell you, she’s got a hell of an eye for quality brands and products. So, when Kat emailed me to tell me about the latest label to pique her interest, I knew, even before clicking the link, that my interest was about to be piqued too. They’re called russell+hazel, and they’re a Minneapolis-based paper goods company whose US-made offerings combine “pleasing design with loads of functionality.” This weekend, russell+hazel, along with Pierrepont Hicks and other MN locals Faribault Mills and martinpatrick3, are holding a men’s accessories event at the r+h flagship store. Wanting to know more about what the two brands had cooked up, I asked McMillan if she’d be game for interviewing r+h founder Chris Plantan. And, lucky for us, she was. Here’s what she turned in.

Comments (0)

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.

Comments (0)

Introducing: Confirmed Stock

April 12, 2012

Move over Pop-up Flea. Take a seat NorthernGRADE. Keep on being in Canada Gentleman’s Reserve*. There’s a new US-made menswear pop-up in town, and it’s called Confirmed Stock. Launching at the end of this month in Baltimore, MD, Confirmed Stock promises “an expertly curated and gentlemanly selection of high quality (and mostly American-made) goods from some of the best brands around” (seriously though, the brand list actually is pretty fantastic). Figuring this would be right up the alley of most of you readers, I’ve asked the event’s co-founder, Chris Walbert, to give us the seven vendors / products he’s most excited about. Check out his picks after the jump.

Comments (5)

Instead of Rent: April, 2012

April 4, 2012

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

Comments (5)

The Launch: Archival Clothing Roll Top

March 29, 2012

As regular readers of this site already know, I’m a huge fan of the Portland, OR based blog-turned-brand Archival Clothing. So, when they asked me if I would premiere their newest offering here on Well Spent, my answer was a very honored and enthusiastic yes. Wanting the introduction to be a good one, I’ve asked AC co-founder and lead designer Tom Bonamici to answer some questions about the release, which, all fanboy-worship aside, is looking to be one of the co.’s best yet. And now, without further ado, it’s my great pleasure to introduce you to the brand new Archival Clothing Roll Top.

Comments (3)

A Closer Look: Ratio Clothing Custom Shirts

March 21, 2012

Photos by Nathan Michael.

When I first came across the Ratio Clothing website, it seemed too good to be true. A made in USA custom shirt for under $100? How was such a thing possible? So, when the label offered to send me one of their shirts for review, I was happy to accept, if only to put my curiosities about the brand, and their product, to rest. Having had the shirt for a few weeks now, I can tell you, despite my earlier skepticism, Ratio’s shirts are actually pretty great.

Comments (19)

Post Riposte: Messenger Bags

March 14, 2012

Reader Raul recently wrote:

“I always see a lot of totes and backpacks on your site, but never any messenger bags. Is there a reason for that? Are there any messenger bags your recommend?”

The reason, Raul, is that I’m just not a messenger bag guy. That said, I’m happy to offer a few suggestions.

Comments (4)

Instead of Rent: March, 2012

March 7, 2012

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

Comments (4)

A Closer Look: Freeman Seattle Freeman Jacket

February 22, 2012

Photos by Nathan Michael.

Remember that T-Pain song about being in love with a stripper? Replace the lil’ mama that’s poppin’ and rollin’ with a Seattle-made, vintage-inspired rain coat, and that’s exactly how I feel about my new Freeman Jacket from Freeman Seattle. Read More »

Comments (9)

Post Riposte: Underwear

February 8, 2012

Reader John recently wrote:

“Underwear? That’s probably tricky to write about in an informed way, since most of us just choose one style of underpants and go with it. However, have you given any thought to posting about ethical/sturdy underwear?”

I hadn’t thought about it. But for you John, anything. Some suggestions after the jump.

Comments (14)

Instead of Rent: February, 2012

February 1, 2012

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

Comments (9)

Why Clothes Cost What They Do

January 25, 2012

A little over a month ago, newbie direct-to-consumer e-tailer Everlane, posted the below infographic on their Tumblr.

Comments (48)

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.

Comments (10)

Post Riposte: Slippers

December 14, 2011

Reader Michael recently wrote:

“I have a tradition of getting slippers for my brother for Christmas – it’s a long story. Anyway, I have never seen slippers on your site, but I thought I would see if you had any good suggestions.”

Indeed I do, Michael. A handful of options after the jump.

Comments (5)

Instead of Rent: December, 2011

December 7, 2011

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

Comments (4)