Well Spent

Campbellsville Apparel Undershirts

Brad — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:12 +0000

A: One of the best damn t-shirt deals, ever. Q: What are the Undershirts from Campbellsville Apparel? The details: made in Kentucky from 100% combed cotton. Built to the same exacting specifications as the undershirts issued to the US military. Available in two colors, and in both crew and v-necks. And, only $12 for a three pack. Go get ‘em.

For price and purchase info, visit Campbellsville Apparel.

Seven Questions: Dolbeau

Brad — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:20 +0000

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.

Dolbeau co-founder David Gross recently took some time out to discuss the power of bloggers, running a company in his grandmother’s living room and hunting down the best fabrics in the world. Here’s what he had to say.

Well Spent: Give us the Dolbeau origin story.
David Gross: Dolbeau started out as a sort of experiment. Before Dolbeau, co-founder David Caplan and I would spend countless hours talking about web start ups and entrepreneurship. We were super passionate about tech and design, but, we had never created a physical product before. Then, in the early months of 2009, I started obsessively following fashion blogs. I was living in Oslo, Norway at the time. They have a real sense of design and style, which had a huge impact on me. Those websites inspired David and I to try and turn our obsessive compulsive design ideas into something we could share with the online menswear community.

Caplan and I knew we wanted to produce everything in Canada, right here in Montreal’s old garment district, and that we would be designing and developing all of our own products and website. We are serious control freaks and everything we do has to be at a high level of detail. For example, we’ve relaunched the website three times since the beginning. If we see an area for improvement we go for it, regardless of the hours needed.

Anyway, back to the start, in late 2009 we launched Dolbeau 1.0. It was a shop that allowed customers to customize bows and ties. We had a pretty great response, but we knew that we wanted the products to be made of much higher quality components. We were also running the business out of my grandmothers living room – not an ideal workspace.

In late 2011 we decided to rent our own studio space and redevelop all of our product from the ground up. We redid all of our patterns in-house, started sourcing our materials from Japan, Italy, UK, USA, and Canada, and we even began training our own production seamstresses. I’m not sure anyone our size and in our market is putting as much work into each product as we do. Crazy to think that our team of just a few dudes has done all of this.

Tell us about the products.
We make handcrafted, made-to-order ties, bows, pocket squares, pocket rounds, lapel flowers, and jewellery. Everything is made right here in Montreal.

Our fabrics come from some of the best mills in the world. A lot of companies say this, but most of them never really go into detail. Our fabric sources service bespoke tailors on Savile Row and some of the top brands you see on menswear blogs around the net. We take this very seriously, and believe that the best products are made from the greatest components. We even go so far as sourcing the best thread in the world made by Gütermann, and having our own custom bone buttons made in Italy.

Tell us about the business model.
First of all, we release our products by edition. We sell extremely limited quantities of each tie, between 5 to 20. This allows us to keep the inventory fresh and relevant. Secondly, we only sell online via our website. This allows us to control the entire shopping experience and brand. We wanted to compensate for the lack of a physical store by presenting our products in a way that people are already accustomed to, which is to say in a blog/magazine-like style. Our “editions” let us do just that. We take the time to put together each edition in order to bring out the best qualities of each product that we sell. It gives readers a chance to learn about things that they might not have thought much about before, like why some thread brands are better than others, what makes a high quality fabric, and what makes a proper buttonhole. Lastly, because we’re selling directly to consumers, we can offer unbeatable prices for the quality level. Some of our ties would go for upwards of $175 if they were sold at a normal menswear boutique. We’re selling them for between $70 and $100, which is pretty remarkable. It’s the web that makes this possible.

There seems to be a glut of “handmade” ties and pocket squares these days. What sets Dolbeau’s apart?
Our attention to detail and our uber obsession with design. A lot of companies making these kinds of products outsource production in the US or overseas, but we do everything from the ground up. We develop the patterns in house, we make each limited-edition tie by hand, and only after they’ve been ordered. And we use only the highest quality components, from the thread to the linings. We seriously don’t fuck around when it comes to our products!

On your site, you say that “we believe that bloggers are at the core of fashion and culture on the internet.” Can you expand on that? What are some of your favourite sites?
Bloggers have a major impact on what is made and bought online. When it comes to the web, everything else (read: printed magazines) seems outdated by the time it gets out to the public. I would say that 90% of everything we make and design is inspired by what we see online. This is the essence of Dolbeau, and we passionately watch and support this community. We want to be a part of it and we want to actively engage it. We just hope the menswear community embrace what we do.

Some of our favourite sites include Valet, This and That Style, Men of Habit, The Dandy Portraits, [Y_H_B_T_I], Tetino-tete, Well Spent (obviously) and The Midwestyle.

Any new items coming out that you can tell us about?
We are doing mens jewellery, frayed edge pocket squares, a slew of new ties and bows, more summer scarves, cases, bags, and knit accessories like hats and gloves for the winter. We’re excited for next fall and winter because we’ll be using some extremely high end wool/silk blends for ties and bows.

What would you say to someone who’s still on the fence about buying from Dolbeau?
We deeply care about design and doing things right. We train our own production workers. We source artisanal fabrics from the top mills. Our products are designed to last a long time, because that’s what you get when you invest in the best materials.

For price and purchase info, visit Dolbeau.

Juniper Ridge Backpacker’s Cologne

Brad — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:44 +0000

And now some exciting nose news. The nature-philes at California’s Juniper Ridge have just added a small range of limited edition men’s fragrances to their online store. Dubbed the “Backpacker’s Colognes,” the scents are wildcrafted entirely from natural ingredients using a converted whiskey still (seriously). There are two smells-like-camping-but-better fragrances to choose from (Winter Redwood, and Desert Cedar), and quantities of each are extremely limited.

For price and purchase info, visit Juniper Ridge.

Epaulet Oxford Cloth Rivet Chinos

Brad — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:58 +0000

Ya crazy for this one, Mike! Because why the hell not, Epaulet is now offering their iconic Rivet Chinos in 100% cotton oxford cloth. No less tough than the other Rivet Chino models (thanks to their made in USA construction and slew of make-em-last details), but far better suited for warm-weather wear (because oxford cloth), the OCRCs will keep you looking good and feeling good all summer long.

For price and purchase info, visit Epaulet.

IOU Project Real Madras Espadrilles

Brad — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:25 +0000

In so summery it hurts news: madras espadrilles. The Real Madras Espadrilles from IOU Project are made in Spain out of handwoven, 100% cotton madras from India. Light, bright and affordable as a… thing that rhymes with light and bright, the RMEs combine two summertime standbys in one great looking pair of stand-ins (swing and a miss). Lots and lots of patterns are available.

For price and purchase info, visit IOU Project.

Air Weave Rain Jackets

Brad — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:43 +0000

This, my friends, is the only (I repeat, only) yellow rain jacket on the internet, that’s made in the USA, PVC-free, and, costs less than $55 (can you guess what I spent the weekend searching for?). Fortunately, it’s pretty alright looking. Waterproof and flame resistant polyurethane-coated nylon body. Attached hood with draw strong. Raglan sleeves. Storm flap with non-conductive snaps. And perfectly sized to fit over a jean jacket (which is exactly how I’ll be wearing it). Size down one.

For price and purchase info, visit Gempler’s.

The Friday Find: Choctaw Ridge Thermal Sale

Brad — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:14 +0000

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

Some of you might remember Choctaw Ridge from that underwear round-up I did a few months back. If so, then feel free to skip ahead. For the rest of you: the label was started by Left Field NYC founder Christian McCann, and makes extremely high-end – and extremely beautiful – men’s undergarments. This weekend, CR is taking 20% off its entire range of thermal underwear, all of which is painstakingly handcrafted in the USA out of burly 100% cotton waffle-knit and 100% cotton chambray. Enter code WSTHERM20 at checkout to get the discount. Sale ends May, 14th at midnight.

For price and purchase info, visit Choctaw Ridge.

Rowena Sartin Buckleless Belt

Brad — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:00:29 +0000

Look ma, no buckle! A belt for anyone who didn’t grow up wanting to be a cowboy (or, in Texas), the Buckleless Belt from Los Angeles based designer Rowena Sartin is fastened by a hidden stud on the tip, which connects to holes on the belt’s opposite end. Made from heavy pull-up cowhide, and measuring a nicely versatile 1.25″ in width, the belt is a uniquely low-profile way to prevent low-hanging pants. Woof. Get it at Neighbour.

For price and purchase info, visit Neighbour.

Unis Harrison Shorts

Brad — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:26 +0000

I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes: Unis’ shorts are just as good as the their pants. Wait, what? That’s not what you were thinking? Well, either way, the Harrison Shorts are expertly crafted in Los Angeles out of 100% cotton rip-stop from Japan. Tough yet refined, like a book of poetry bound in brass knuckles (what?), the shorts’ details include patch pockets on the front, flap pockets on the back, and contrast lining on the inside.

For price and purchase info, visit Unis.

The Hunt: Swimwear

Brad — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:55 +0000

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

LINED STYLES

Xelos Classic Swim Trunks

Stats:

Sanded microfiber outer
Mesh liner
Elastic waist
Side-seam pockets
Made in California
Available in three lengths and dozens of colors / patterns

Best Price: $59.99 and up (PRE-SHIPPING) at Boardshorts World

Sauvage Euro Beach Shorts

Stats:

100% nylon outer
Mesh liner
Elastic waist
Side-seam pockets
Made in USA
Available in seven colors

Best Price: $66.00 (PRE-SHIPPING) at Sauvage

Wellen Volley Trunks

Stats:

Garment-dyed, 100% nylon outer
100% polyester liner
Elastic waist
Cotton drawstring
Side-seam pockets
Single rear pocket with Velcro closure
Made in USA
Available in four colors / patterns

Best Price: $68.00 (PRE-SHIPPING) at Wellen. Additional colors / sizes here.

Katin + Apolis Swim Trunks

Stats:

100% cotton or 100% nylon outer
100% nylon lining
Contrast drawstring
Snap-button fly
Single side pocket with key loop
Made in California by Katin
Available in five colors / patterns

Best Price: $108.00 and up (PRE-SHIPPING) at Apolis

UNLINED STYLES

American Apparel Polyester Micro-Fiber Board Shorts

Stats:

100% polyester micro-fiber
Cotton drawstring
Velcro fly
Single rear pocket with Velcro closure
Made in USA
Available in fifteen colors

Best Price: $34.00 (PRE-SHIPPING) at American Apparel

Birdwell Beach Britches

Stats:

100% nylon Surfnyl
Nylon drawstring
Velcro fly
Single rear pocket
Handmade in California
Available in seven styles and over 20 colors

Best Price: $61.00 and up (PRE-SHIPPING) at Birdwell

Lightning Bolt Pelican Boardshorts

Stats:

100% cotton or 70/30 cotton-nylon blend
Contrast drawstring
Velcro fly
Single rear pocket with flap
Made in USA
Available in seven colors

Best Price: $66.00 (PRE-SHIPPING) at Lightning Bolt. Additional colors / sizes here.

Outlier Three Way Shorts

Stats:

80% nylon, 10% polyester, 10% Elastane
Button top
Zip fly
Internal draw cord
Front trouser pockets
Back welt pockets
Made in New York City
Available in three lengths and four colors

Best Price: $128.00 and up (PRE-SHIPPING) at Outlier

This is an update of a feature from 2011. To check out the original post, click here.

Got something you want hunted down? Send an email to brad[at]well-spent[dot]com

Gloverall Garment Dyed Duffle Coats

Brad — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:00:20 +0000

Ever wondered what it would look like if ’60s mods designed outerwear for the British Navy? Probably a little something like this. The Garment Dyed Duffle Coats from Gloverall are cut and sewn in the UK out of 100% cotton twill. The jacket equivalent of a scooter parked on a battleship, the thigh-length GDDCs feature an elasticized hood, two pockets on the front and wood and rope toggle fasteners. End Clothing has them in three colors, and they’re currently 35% off.

For price and purchase info, visit End Clothing.

Corter Double Bottom Weekend Totes

Brad — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:29 +0000

Ace leathersmith, and all around awesome dude Eric Heins, aka Corter Leather, has just unveiled the latest addition to his highly covetable range of handcrafted goods: bags. The new Double Bottom Weekend Totes are made on a vintage industrial Singer sewing machine out of mid-weight waxed canvas and veg-tanned leather. Hearty, handsome and sure to age beautifully, the DBWTs are another impressive notch in Heins’ design belt (pun intended), and another item on the list of Corter products I can’t wait to get my hands on.

For price and purchase info, visit Corter Leather.

Ibex Shak FZ Classic

Brad — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:19 +0000

And now one for the cyclists (and other appreciators of high-quality, low-weight warmth). The Shak FZ Classic from Vermont’s Ibex is meticulously crafted in the USA out of sustainably and ethically harvested New Zealand Merino wool. Thinner than a sweatshirt, but no less warm, the performance-fit SFZC features a full zip front, single chest pocket and flatlock seams throughout (it’s also machine washable and pill-resistant). Five colors are available.

For price and purchase info, visit Ibex.

Industry of All Nations Kenya Vintage Sneakers

Brad — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:53 +0000

Since launching in 2010, California’s Industry of All Nations has sought to “take manufacturing back to the regions where products and materials are inherent… [and] introduce basic everyday goods that are developed horizontally in collaboration with local communities.” In other words, the co. establishes mutually beneficial relationships with indigenous makers around the world, and then brings their wares to the masses. The Kenya Vintage Sneakers – IOAN’s latest facilitated release – are made in Mombasa, Kenya out of African cotton and natural rubber. Simple, durable and affordable, the shoes are a great option for summer, from a company you can feel good about all year long.

For price and purchase info, visit Industry of All Nations.

The Friday Find: 3Sixteen Annual Sale

Brad — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:20 +0000

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

The title of this post alone should be enough to get you clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. But, if for some strange reason you need of a little more persuasion: 3Sixteen’s jeans are some of the best on the market. The shirts are kick ass too. All their stuff is painstakingly crafted in the USA out of top quality fabrics. And the current mark-downs are massive. Now, are you ready to click? Sale ends TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT, so get on it.

For price and purchase info, visit 3Sixteen.

Goodwear Long Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirts

Brad — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:00:54 +0000

What’s good about the Long Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirts from Goodwear? Well, they’re made in the USA from a medium-weight 80% cotton – 20% poly fleece. They’ve got a handful of handsome design details, like raglan sleeves, side panels and natural cotton drawstrings. They’re available in five colors. And, they only cost $50. Goodwear? More like Greatwear. Sorry.

For price and purchase info, visit Goodwear.

Gitman Vintage Polka Dot Chambray Shorts

Brad — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Yeah, I agree $175 is bit much for a pair of shorts. But, just in case any of you are feeling the urge to splurge: the Polka Dot Chambray Shorts from Gitman Vintage are cut and sewn in the USA out of printed 100% cotton chambray. Light on details, and heavy on quality, the slim fit shorts feature a watch pocket in the front, slant pockets on the side and welt pockets in the back. Get ‘em at Unionmade.

For price and purchase info, visit Unionmade.

Instead of Rent: May, 2012

Brad — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:11 +0000

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

Columbiaknit Striped Crew Neck T-Shirt
7.5 oz, 100% cotton jersey
Double-needle stitching throughout
Woven, cut and sewn in Oregon
Best Price: $60.00 (SHIPPED) at Hickorees

Left Field NYC Cone White Oak Natural Selvedge Miner Chinos
Unwashed, 100% cotton Cone Mills White Oak Plant natural selvedge duck canvas
Sustainable Corozo buttons
100% cotton Japanese chambray pocket bags
Woven in North Carolina, cut and sewn in California
Best Price: $220.00 (FREE SHIPPING) at Left Field NYC

Shuron Escapades Sunglasses
Polarized glass lens with 100% UV protection
Plastic and metal frames
Made in South Carolina
Best Price: $138.94 (SHIPPED) at TheEyeDoctor.com

Baron Wells Studio Shirt
5.9 oz, 100% cotton oxford
Cream tint stub polyester buttons
Woven in Japan, cut and sewn in New York
Best Price: $88.00 (FREE SHIPPING) at Baron Wells

Archival Clothing Webbing Belt
Mil-spec, 100% cotton webbing
Horween Chromexcel leather tabs
Brass hardware
Woven in the UK, cut and sewn in Oregon
Best Price: $36.90 (SHIPPED) at Archival Clothing

Rancourt & Co. Ranger Moc
Horween Chromexcel upper
Rubber sole
Nylon Taslan laces
Antique brass eyelets
Handsewn in Maine
Best Price: $227.00 (SHIPPED) at Rancourt & Co.