Now I want to sound like an old man, but come on, this was when music was MUSIC.
Infectious! Just try NOT to dance.
1978.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Gettin thru this winter....
...is not easy when you're trying to rein in the spending.
My self-imposed no shopping ban didn't last long at all. I think it lasted 2 days, as a matter of fact. Hey, how can I let these incredible deals pass me by?
I've scooped up some really great deals over the last 3 weeks as some of my fave retailers have slashed prices to get rid of stock.
Have you been wathcing these Lands End Canvas sales get better and better? How much better? Straight Fit Khakis for just over $10. Poplin shirts for $8. T shirts for $4. Now how can a self respecting man let those bargains pass by?
J. Crew had some great items hiding in the 40% off Final Sale as well. Secret Wash shirts for $17. Chamois shirts for $12. Slim fit tees for $6. Are you kidding me???
Quality staples at prices you're probably not gonna see for a long time.
Charles Tyrwhitt is running a great sale on men's shirts. Quality slim fit shirts can be had for less than $40.
So with all of this GREAT SMART SHOPPING and generous saving, I felt obligated to do my feet a favor and treat them to these Alden shell cordovan #8 boots:
Hope you're winter is coming along nicely.
My self-imposed no shopping ban didn't last long at all. I think it lasted 2 days, as a matter of fact. Hey, how can I let these incredible deals pass me by?
I've scooped up some really great deals over the last 3 weeks as some of my fave retailers have slashed prices to get rid of stock.
Have you been wathcing these Lands End Canvas sales get better and better? How much better? Straight Fit Khakis for just over $10. Poplin shirts for $8. T shirts for $4. Now how can a self respecting man let those bargains pass by?
J. Crew had some great items hiding in the 40% off Final Sale as well. Secret Wash shirts for $17. Chamois shirts for $12. Slim fit tees for $6. Are you kidding me???
Quality staples at prices you're probably not gonna see for a long time.
Charles Tyrwhitt is running a great sale on men's shirts. Quality slim fit shirts can be had for less than $40.
So with all of this GREAT SMART SHOPPING and generous saving, I felt obligated to do my feet a favor and treat them to these Alden shell cordovan #8 boots:
Hope you're winter is coming along nicely.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Protecting the Brannock
A very interesting article in the January 11th Wall Street Journal about the infamous Brannock measuring device:
LIVERPOOL, N.Y.—Many have tried, but no one has ever come up with a more elegantly simple way to measure the human foot than Charles Brannock, inventor of that ubiquitous metal gadget found in shoe stores and known, fittingly, as the Brannock device.
Created in the 1920s, Mr. Brannock's tool is among the most enduring industrial designs ever. The company's original paperwork now resides in the Smithsonian Institution. Cameron Kippen, a foot historian and podiatrist in Australia, calls them an "icon of quality" that changed the way shoes were fitted.
But defending the Brannock legacy from competitors, who produce cheaply overseas, has become an uphill battle. Sal Leonardi bought the Brannock Device Co. Inc. from Mr. Brannock's estate in 1993 after the inventor died at age 89, and he promised to keep the factory in the Syracuse area for at least five years....
See the whole article here
Here is the man: (killer frames)
LIVERPOOL, N.Y.—Many have tried, but no one has ever come up with a more elegantly simple way to measure the human foot than Charles Brannock, inventor of that ubiquitous metal gadget found in shoe stores and known, fittingly, as the Brannock device.
Created in the 1920s, Mr. Brannock's tool is among the most enduring industrial designs ever. The company's original paperwork now resides in the Smithsonian Institution. Cameron Kippen, a foot historian and podiatrist in Australia, calls them an "icon of quality" that changed the way shoes were fitted.
But defending the Brannock legacy from competitors, who produce cheaply overseas, has become an uphill battle. Sal Leonardi bought the Brannock Device Co. Inc. from Mr. Brannock's estate in 1993 after the inventor died at age 89, and he promised to keep the factory in the Syracuse area for at least five years....
See the whole article here
Here is the man: (killer frames)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Overheard on the Street
Sometimes while walking down the streets of NYC you are privy to tiny bits of conversations that are very amusing.
Some snipets make no sense when heard out of context, but some are clearly understood.
Today, two women walking behind me were quite excited in their conversation and easy to hear.
Imagine this, in classic Staten Island accent (for those of you outside of NYC, you'll get the drift anyway)....
"I don't know what, but there is something about the light in my house that makes my nails look so good.....they look just like Kim Kardashian's".
Guess not everyone out there is walking around thinking about selvedge and crepe soles.
Some snipets make no sense when heard out of context, but some are clearly understood.
Today, two women walking behind me were quite excited in their conversation and easy to hear.
Imagine this, in classic Staten Island accent (for those of you outside of NYC, you'll get the drift anyway)....
"I don't know what, but there is something about the light in my house that makes my nails look so good.....they look just like Kim Kardashian's".
Guess not everyone out there is walking around thinking about selvedge and crepe soles.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Black is the new Black
After my first trip to Italy in '96 I vowed to keep black shoes off of my feet while in public. I always preferred the richness of the color brown, but witnessing how the Italian men made grey flannel and navy blue really POP with a pair of medium brown shoes made me realize I had been living in the dark ages.
Today on the way home from work I took a visual shoe-survey of the men I saw on the street and on the train. I'd say a good 85-90% who were wearing dress shoes had black. Now what the shoes looked like is a whole 'nother story.
I've been very partial lately to Allen Edmond's Walnut Color and Alden's #8.
However, the past month has me feeling I need to add one quality black pair to my rotation. This Alden beauty may just be the one:
What's your preference on mix of colors?
Today on the way home from work I took a visual shoe-survey of the men I saw on the street and on the train. I'd say a good 85-90% who were wearing dress shoes had black. Now what the shoes looked like is a whole 'nother story.
I've been very partial lately to Allen Edmond's Walnut Color and Alden's #8.
However, the past month has me feeling I need to add one quality black pair to my rotation. This Alden beauty may just be the one:
What's your preference on mix of colors?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
That's all you got?
Hey friends. A very Happy New Year to you all.
Back in my college days, the hip hop album of choice was usually Dr. Dre or Snoop Dog's 1st collection.
Let's not even get into what became of Snoop. Dre, on the other hand, I always held out hope for.
Dunno if you heard it yet, but Dre is back with a new CD. First single is called Kush. Not being down with the lingo, I watched the video and only then learned that the song is all about weed.
I sat there and watched the video and I all could think about was "after all these years, the best you can do is write another damn song about smoking weed?" Disappointing. Really disappointing.
If this decade's creativity is making new songs about smoking weed I'll stick to some Teddy Pendergrass circa 1978.
Back in my college days, the hip hop album of choice was usually Dr. Dre or Snoop Dog's 1st collection.
Let's not even get into what became of Snoop. Dre, on the other hand, I always held out hope for.
Dunno if you heard it yet, but Dre is back with a new CD. First single is called Kush. Not being down with the lingo, I watched the video and only then learned that the song is all about weed.
I sat there and watched the video and I all could think about was "after all these years, the best you can do is write another damn song about smoking weed?" Disappointing. Really disappointing.
If this decade's creativity is making new songs about smoking weed I'll stick to some Teddy Pendergrass circa 1978.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Damage Report
Looking back at 2010, I can say it was a year of damage. Much damage to my wallet for sartorial purposes, that is.
Taking the time to review the damage I think its time for a change. Not exactly sure how I can pull this off, but I got to try. After all, sometimes its better to window shop and leave the thirsts unquenched rather than totally indulging.
I've done a wonderful job this past year supporting the independent denim guys. I've always had a thirst for good denim, but this year made me an addict. 3Sixteen, Jean Shop NYC, Tellason...
These guys do it to perfection and make their wonderful product hard to resist.
Finally, as I close in towards 40, I've started to treat my aching feet right. The wonderful craftsmen at Alden and Allen Edmonds have received my support. I now know what I have been missing all these years.
LL Bean Signature and Lands End Canvas have become admired suppliers to my closet, no doubt taking some of my business from (what seems like) my family members at J Crew.
Even Brooks Brothers, who I broke up with in '02, came back into focus thanks to their selection of Levis "Made in the USA" and their superb cut Milano pants.
Speaking of Brooks Brothers, there is a great feature in the True Prep section of their website called ."Brooks Brothers Now and Now....Meet Tom Davis and Thom Browne." Basically what we have is a profile of a Brooks salesman named Tom Davis who was been an employee since '67 and the hot designer Thom Browne.
Tom Davis makes a powerful statement: "I don't have closets full of clothes. I buy out of need and the clothes last." That speaks volumes to me.
In 2011 my goal is to turn my psyche around and live by this philiosophy.
Less is indeed more, my friends
Taking the time to review the damage I think its time for a change. Not exactly sure how I can pull this off, but I got to try. After all, sometimes its better to window shop and leave the thirsts unquenched rather than totally indulging.
I've done a wonderful job this past year supporting the independent denim guys. I've always had a thirst for good denim, but this year made me an addict. 3Sixteen, Jean Shop NYC, Tellason...
These guys do it to perfection and make their wonderful product hard to resist.
Finally, as I close in towards 40, I've started to treat my aching feet right. The wonderful craftsmen at Alden and Allen Edmonds have received my support. I now know what I have been missing all these years.
LL Bean Signature and Lands End Canvas have become admired suppliers to my closet, no doubt taking some of my business from (what seems like) my family members at J Crew.
Even Brooks Brothers, who I broke up with in '02, came back into focus thanks to their selection of Levis "Made in the USA" and their superb cut Milano pants.
Speaking of Brooks Brothers, there is a great feature in the True Prep section of their website called ."Brooks Brothers Now and Now....Meet Tom Davis and Thom Browne." Basically what we have is a profile of a Brooks salesman named Tom Davis who was been an employee since '67 and the hot designer Thom Browne.
Tom Davis makes a powerful statement: "I don't have closets full of clothes. I buy out of need and the clothes last." That speaks volumes to me.
In 2011 my goal is to turn my psyche around and live by this philiosophy.
Less is indeed more, my friends
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Layer Piece
Wearing a down vest always reminds me of 5th grade, after school, outside, playing some football in somebody's backyard. The vest not only kept me warm, but also allowed me to throw a pass. Very important when you're 11.
The Lands End Canvas version this fall was fantastic, but I've been on the hunt for something a little less bulky and a bit more original.
I've been searching for that great layer under your jacket when you want the warmth, but want to forego the "my arms are so puffy I can't put them down" look.
The good folks at J. Crew must have heard me.
And with the numerous J. Crew coupons floating around this month, this one will leave you some extra loot for the wax to re-do your Barbour.
The Lands End Canvas version this fall was fantastic, but I've been on the hunt for something a little less bulky and a bit more original.
I've been searching for that great layer under your jacket when you want the warmth, but want to forego the "my arms are so puffy I can't put them down" look.
The good folks at J. Crew must have heard me.
And with the numerous J. Crew coupons floating around this month, this one will leave you some extra loot for the wax to re-do your Barbour.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Future of Alden
I'd like to introduce you to the future of the ever popular Alden Indy boots.
One of the first dudes to get my hand on these, I wanted to share them with my readers as soon as possible.
They have an inflatable insole which truly creates a custom fit.
Being quite expensive, I have only managed to save up enough money for one right now. No worries, I'll just wear one while the world looks on in envy.
Happy trails.
One of the first dudes to get my hand on these, I wanted to share them with my readers as soon as possible.
They have an inflatable insole which truly creates a custom fit.
Being quite expensive, I have only managed to save up enough money for one right now. No worries, I'll just wear one while the world looks on in envy.
Happy trails.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Love from Warby Parker
About a year or so back, GQ ran a feature about the new start-up glasses company Warby Parker. WP was out to make buying new stylish frames easy and affordable. The company would even send you 5 pairs of frames to try on at home, at your leisure.
Of course, the GQ-effect was huge, and when I tried to order some frames on line, all the best offerings were sold out.
Last week I was happy to see the fine Warby Parker folks at the Pop Up Flea. Their offerings looked even better in person than on line. Sadly, the kick-ass Fillmore in Sandalwood are still sold out, but a equally bad-ass Fillmore in Crystal, designed in collaboration with Steven Alan, are calling your name:
Can you think of a more stylish way to spend $95?
Of course, the GQ-effect was huge, and when I tried to order some frames on line, all the best offerings were sold out.
Last week I was happy to see the fine Warby Parker folks at the Pop Up Flea. Their offerings looked even better in person than on line. Sadly, the kick-ass Fillmore in Sandalwood are still sold out, but a equally bad-ass Fillmore in Crystal, designed in collaboration with Steven Alan, are calling your name:
Can you think of a more stylish way to spend $95?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
John W. Hulme
One of the best vendors for eye candy at last week's Pop Up Flea was J.W. Hulme's leather goods.
The company goes way back to 1905, when John Hulme got into the business of making tents for the upcoming war.
The century brought many direction changes and owners, but through good fortune the fine folks at J.W.H. are still making quality leather goods in Minnesota today.The collection now includes canvas sporting bags, hunting bags, business travel bags, as well as women's hand bags.
It was hard to get a really close look since lots of people were huddled around, getting a look at the goods. But the leather wallets, passport covers, and leather totes were a sight to behold.
How about this beauty for your next weekend getaway?
The company goes way back to 1905, when John Hulme got into the business of making tents for the upcoming war.
The century brought many direction changes and owners, but through good fortune the fine folks at J.W.H. are still making quality leather goods in Minnesota today.The collection now includes canvas sporting bags, hunting bags, business travel bags, as well as women's hand bags.
It was hard to get a really close look since lots of people were huddled around, getting a look at the goods. But the leather wallets, passport covers, and leather totes were a sight to behold.
How about this beauty for your next weekend getaway?
Monday, November 22, 2010
And the winner is...
After a long search for the King of Pennys, it came down to 2:
+Allen Edmonds Walden
+J. Crew x Bass Gordon
On paper, it looks like a tough battle. Both shoes are made in USA by storied shoe makers. Both shoes have the classic loafer profile, although the Bass model has the beef-roll detailing.
At the end, my foot liked the AE Walden best. Here's why:
+More support for my flat fleet
+Classic burgundy color over the Bass brown color
+AE's abilibity to be reconditioned at the AE factory after I put some serious wear on them
Welcome to the family Walden.
+Allen Edmonds Walden
+J. Crew x Bass Gordon
On paper, it looks like a tough battle. Both shoes are made in USA by storied shoe makers. Both shoes have the classic loafer profile, although the Bass model has the beef-roll detailing.
At the end, my foot liked the AE Walden best. Here's why:
+More support for my flat fleet
+Classic burgundy color over the Bass brown color
+AE's abilibity to be reconditioned at the AE factory after I put some serious wear on them
Welcome to the family Walden.
Drink the Root
This past week at the J. Crew holiday shopping event the fine folks at J. Crew offered Brooklyn Lager and a mystery brown liquor that looked like a bourbon, just a bit more translucent.
Being a bourbon fan, I skipped the beer and went for the brown mystery liquid in the rocks glass. When I asked the server what it was, he replied "Wood Liquor". This is the ultimate, I thought. J. Crew has taken the workwear thing to the final step and has started making and marketing their own moonshine!
When I asked for more clarity, the server directed me to the bartender. The bartender showed me the bottle. What he was pouring was a liquor named "ROOT". Reading the ingredients, its something you'd never dream of drinking, but this magical potion was damned good. Just to be sure I liked it, I had 2 more.
What's in it? Birch bark, black tea, sugar cane, sassafras, lemon peel, anise, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The origins date back to the 1700s when the Native Americans introduced it to the settlers as "Root Tea".
It's a taste that's hard to describe, but if you're looking for something off the beaten path this winter, I'd suggest you take a look at the history and how its made in this video:
CHECK OUT THE ROOT
Being a bourbon fan, I skipped the beer and went for the brown mystery liquid in the rocks glass. When I asked the server what it was, he replied "Wood Liquor". This is the ultimate, I thought. J. Crew has taken the workwear thing to the final step and has started making and marketing their own moonshine!
When I asked for more clarity, the server directed me to the bartender. The bartender showed me the bottle. What he was pouring was a liquor named "ROOT". Reading the ingredients, its something you'd never dream of drinking, but this magical potion was damned good. Just to be sure I liked it, I had 2 more.
What's in it? Birch bark, black tea, sugar cane, sassafras, lemon peel, anise, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The origins date back to the 1700s when the Native Americans introduced it to the settlers as "Root Tea".
It's a taste that's hard to describe, but if you're looking for something off the beaten path this winter, I'd suggest you take a look at the history and how its made in this video:
CHECK OUT THE ROOT
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Tellason
If you read Michael Williams’ (of ACL) guide to denim this past summer in Men’s Journal, you’ll recall Michael’s recommendation of Tellason jeans. I had come across the brand before, but never really did any homework on them. So I did some digging.
+Made in the USA? Check. San Fran, CA.
+Quality selvedge denim? Check, none other than Cone Mills.
+The right fit? Check, slim straight.
+Details? Check, Tanner goods leather patch.
The denim got high praises from the denim-heads across the blog world so I figured I had to give them a try. The fine gents at UNIONMADE GOODS were able to help with sizing and I had them in my hands in no time.
The first thing that struck me about these jeans is the extreme attention to detail. The chain stitched hem was so masterfully done that I didn’t dare shorten these jeans. The detailing on the back pockets and the extra reinforcement there was superb. The back pockets even have some stitching done with genuine indigo thread.
The fit was just as described. The only thing that concerned me was the rise. This was the lowest rise jean I had ever owned, so it took some getting used to.
The jeans were quite tight in the crotch area at first, so I emailed the folks at Tellason. I got a quick response from Tony Patella , one of the brand’s owners. Tony informed me that the fabric, 12.25 oz. sanforized Cone selvage denim, will stretch where needed, but won't overstretch like lesser-quality selvage. The fabric stretches where it needs to and will mold to your body.
Within a few weeks the jeans did indeed stretch out in the right places and the fit was just as I’d hoped.
I gave these jeans some good wear time over the last 3 months and they’ve become really soft. The rise still bothered me a little, but not enough to cause any discomfort.
Fast forward to this past week and I learned that Tellason would be one of the vendors at MW’s Pop Up Flea. I stopped at the Flea on Friday and had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Pete, the men behind the brand.
I spied some dudes trying on Tellason jeans and noticed something different from the jeans I had:
Tony explained that this was a new cut, designed in collaboration with ACL: A straighter cut, slightly looser in the top block and leg, with a higher rise. Long story short, 20 minutes later I owned my second pair of Tellason jeans, this time with a fit a bit more akin to what I was used to.
Looking forward to seeing what my Tellason look like next year this time. If you’re in the market for some new denim, the real-deal made in the USA authentic type, do yourself a favor and put Tellason on your short list.
+Made in the USA? Check. San Fran, CA.
+Quality selvedge denim? Check, none other than Cone Mills.
+The right fit? Check, slim straight.
+Details? Check, Tanner goods leather patch.
The denim got high praises from the denim-heads across the blog world so I figured I had to give them a try. The fine gents at UNIONMADE GOODS were able to help with sizing and I had them in my hands in no time.
The first thing that struck me about these jeans is the extreme attention to detail. The chain stitched hem was so masterfully done that I didn’t dare shorten these jeans. The detailing on the back pockets and the extra reinforcement there was superb. The back pockets even have some stitching done with genuine indigo thread.
The fit was just as described. The only thing that concerned me was the rise. This was the lowest rise jean I had ever owned, so it took some getting used to.
The jeans were quite tight in the crotch area at first, so I emailed the folks at Tellason. I got a quick response from Tony Patella , one of the brand’s owners. Tony informed me that the fabric, 12.25 oz. sanforized Cone selvage denim, will stretch where needed, but won't overstretch like lesser-quality selvage. The fabric stretches where it needs to and will mold to your body.
Within a few weeks the jeans did indeed stretch out in the right places and the fit was just as I’d hoped.
I gave these jeans some good wear time over the last 3 months and they’ve become really soft. The rise still bothered me a little, but not enough to cause any discomfort.
Fast forward to this past week and I learned that Tellason would be one of the vendors at MW’s Pop Up Flea. I stopped at the Flea on Friday and had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Pete, the men behind the brand.
I spied some dudes trying on Tellason jeans and noticed something different from the jeans I had:
Tony explained that this was a new cut, designed in collaboration with ACL: A straighter cut, slightly looser in the top block and leg, with a higher rise. Long story short, 20 minutes later I owned my second pair of Tellason jeans, this time with a fit a bit more akin to what I was used to.
Looking forward to seeing what my Tellason look like next year this time. If you’re in the market for some new denim, the real-deal made in the USA authentic type, do yourself a favor and put Tellason on your short list.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Pop Up Flea
Michael Williams, you are better than Santa Claus, giving us all an early Christmas present with the Pop Up Flea. I ain't never missin' one of these things again.
The place was buzzing really active when I walked in at 5:30 on Friday. There were with so many quality vendors that I could go on and on. I have to have to admit I've become a little bit too used to NJ malls where most of the people are not there because they want to be, but because they have to be--buying new shoes for junior, new socks for Daddy and a new vacuum for Mama. This was a refreshing break from that scene.
Some of the vendors who stand out in my mind:
-Levis Vintage Clothing: never seen more LVC jeans in one place.
-Gitman: the shirts are really that nice.
-Tanner goods: the leather bracelets were my favorite. Huge selection of goods.
-LL Bean Signature: The wool jackets were standouts.
-Warby Parker: How the hell do they sell such kick ass frames with lenses for that price?
-Billykirk bags: stunningly nice in real life.
-Oak Street Bootmakers: Their shoes/boots screamed quality. Bummer they didn't seem to have their Beef-roll Penny Loafers.
You know the deal.
The fine guys at Riviera Club gave me a Bud. Hit the spot. Thank you dudes.
I had the the extreme pleasure of meeting Tony and Pete from Tellason. (Nice to meet a fellow paesano who is passionate about espresso.)
Now, I've been waiting till my Tellason jeans were good and broken it (3 months and counting) before doing a feature on how much I dug 'em. Well, now I'm going to have to do a double post because I became a repeat Tellason customer with my purchase of the brand new Tellason x A Continuous Lean straight fit jeans. It's a new cut of their famous Tellason jeans, designed in collaboration with Michael Williams. These beauties aren't even advertised yet. More on Tellason and that purchase tomorrow.
What a treat to be within earshot as Tony and Pete explained the artistry behind their jeans to visitors to their table. You can see it all over their faces that they whole-heartedly believe in what they're doing. They're not here for the quick buck. It's the real deal. Besides, you know you're dealing with two quality gentlemen when they offer you a shot of Wild Turkey before you leave. Stright out of the bottle. My kind of guys.
Best part of the event? Easily, it was all of the people coming together for the one common theme of supporting these homeland craftsmen who put their 110 % into their products. If only I had a foot-high stack of benjamins to spend in that place to show my support.
If you're in the area, a visit to the Pop Up Flea is well worth your time this weekend.
The place was buzzing really active when I walked in at 5:30 on Friday. There were with so many quality vendors that I could go on and on. I have to have to admit I've become a little bit too used to NJ malls where most of the people are not there because they want to be, but because they have to be--buying new shoes for junior, new socks for Daddy and a new vacuum for Mama. This was a refreshing break from that scene.
Some of the vendors who stand out in my mind:
-Levis Vintage Clothing: never seen more LVC jeans in one place.
-Gitman: the shirts are really that nice.
-Tanner goods: the leather bracelets were my favorite. Huge selection of goods.
-LL Bean Signature: The wool jackets were standouts.
-Warby Parker: How the hell do they sell such kick ass frames with lenses for that price?
-Billykirk bags: stunningly nice in real life.
-Oak Street Bootmakers: Their shoes/boots screamed quality. Bummer they didn't seem to have their Beef-roll Penny Loafers.
You know the deal.
The fine guys at Riviera Club gave me a Bud. Hit the spot. Thank you dudes.
I had the the extreme pleasure of meeting Tony and Pete from Tellason. (Nice to meet a fellow paesano who is passionate about espresso.)
Now, I've been waiting till my Tellason jeans were good and broken it (3 months and counting) before doing a feature on how much I dug 'em. Well, now I'm going to have to do a double post because I became a repeat Tellason customer with my purchase of the brand new Tellason x A Continuous Lean straight fit jeans. It's a new cut of their famous Tellason jeans, designed in collaboration with Michael Williams. These beauties aren't even advertised yet. More on Tellason and that purchase tomorrow.
What a treat to be within earshot as Tony and Pete explained the artistry behind their jeans to visitors to their table. You can see it all over their faces that they whole-heartedly believe in what they're doing. They're not here for the quick buck. It's the real deal. Besides, you know you're dealing with two quality gentlemen when they offer you a shot of Wild Turkey before you leave. Stright out of the bottle. My kind of guys.
Best part of the event? Easily, it was all of the people coming together for the one common theme of supporting these homeland craftsmen who put their 110 % into their products. If only I had a foot-high stack of benjamins to spend in that place to show my support.
If you're in the area, a visit to the Pop Up Flea is well worth your time this weekend.
New for the Crew
I received the latest issue of the The Thread from J. Crew this week. The newsletter is essentially a big promotional flyer, but I found some good gems hidden inside.
1. Spring/Summer collection will include the New Balance 1400 sneakers in new exclusive colors. I emailed the folks at the Crew, but no word on the actual colors. I was told to keep an eye out for these new releases in the January/February 2011 catalogs.
2. A picture of the men's offerings for S/S 2011 showed a selection of men's glasses. The frames, to my eyes, looked like Moscot frames. A collaboration between Moscot and the Crew would be quite interesting. I myself have two pair of Moscot originals so I look forward to seeing if J. Crew offers the standard Moscot fare, or if exclusive collaborative pieces make their way to us. (I emailed the Crew to see if my eyes are right.)
3. 2011 will bring the first J. Crew store in Canada. Lucky for you Toronto. No details were available. Hopefully they add a Montreal location next for my good friends in Quebec.
1. Spring/Summer collection will include the New Balance 1400 sneakers in new exclusive colors. I emailed the folks at the Crew, but no word on the actual colors. I was told to keep an eye out for these new releases in the January/February 2011 catalogs.
2. A picture of the men's offerings for S/S 2011 showed a selection of men's glasses. The frames, to my eyes, looked like Moscot frames. A collaboration between Moscot and the Crew would be quite interesting. I myself have two pair of Moscot originals so I look forward to seeing if J. Crew offers the standard Moscot fare, or if exclusive collaborative pieces make their way to us. (I emailed the Crew to see if my eyes are right.)
3. 2011 will bring the first J. Crew store in Canada. Lucky for you Toronto. No details were available. Hopefully they add a Montreal location next for my good friends in Quebec.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Need a Cawffee, Need a Dollah
I'm really not a huge Starbucks fan. I'd just rather not stand behind 10 people ordering their venti skinny soy mocha lattes with a shot of hazelnut and extra foam while I look around at people with shiny laptops (laptops actually work-obviously they don't have kids) drafting anti-establishment poetry.
But I do like their Thanksgiving and Christmas coffee beans, which seem to have lots of spicy coffee flavors and none of the trademark Starbucks bitterness.
So I'm ordering a Christmas blend coffee today by chance, and the dude behind the counter, excuse me, I mean the Barista, knocks over a display with cards for a free weekly iTunes song. Boom, right at me. No big deal. So I help the guy out and start picking up the cards.
I take a look at the card as I'm waiting for my medium, excuse me, I mean Grande, Christmas Blend. The song is "I need a dollar", by Aloe Blacc, the theme song from HBO's series "How to Make it in America" from earlier in the year. I was a fan of the show (2 dudes in NYC trying to make a line of selvage denim jeans...how can you not?) but actually a bigger fan of the theme song. WHAT? I actually dig a jam recommended by Starbucks? Embarrassed, I slide the card in my pocket for later.
And there ya go...how a random trip to Starbucks makes it to Thirty Selvedge.
Enjoy the song.
But I do like their Thanksgiving and Christmas coffee beans, which seem to have lots of spicy coffee flavors and none of the trademark Starbucks bitterness.
So I'm ordering a Christmas blend coffee today by chance, and the dude behind the counter, excuse me, I mean the Barista, knocks over a display with cards for a free weekly iTunes song. Boom, right at me. No big deal. So I help the guy out and start picking up the cards.
I take a look at the card as I'm waiting for my medium, excuse me, I mean Grande, Christmas Blend. The song is "I need a dollar", by Aloe Blacc, the theme song from HBO's series "How to Make it in America" from earlier in the year. I was a fan of the show (2 dudes in NYC trying to make a line of selvage denim jeans...how can you not?) but actually a bigger fan of the theme song. WHAT? I actually dig a jam recommended by Starbucks? Embarrassed, I slide the card in my pocket for later.
And there ya go...how a random trip to Starbucks makes it to Thirty Selvedge.
Enjoy the song.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
J. Crew Holiday Event
A few weeks back I received a surprise invite to a Holiday shopping event at the new J. Crew men's shop @ 79th and Madison in NYC.
Tonight was the night so I headed uptown after work, not sure exactly what to expect.
Walking on Madison Ave, I saw a J. Crew storefront and a sign on the door that said "Closed for Private Event". This is it, I thought. I walked in, gave my name at the door, and stepped into the store. It was extremely loud and busy. I looked around and thought "this place didn't look like pix I had seen." Where was the men's clothes? Why are the walls white instead of wood? This is not what I expected. Just then I realized I was in the Women's store! Embarassed, I turned around and walked out.
Across Madison Ave, I finally found myself in the right spot. Immediately I could sense a different vibe. More laid back. More calming.
I was greeted by friendly staff, all exceptionally dressed. The store felt less chaiotic than the store at 484 Broadway, which I always find very busy and filled with tourists. The space is surely less cramped than the Liquor Store as well.
The layout is obviously the product of much deliberate planning. After one trip around, I felt the store easy to shop and navigate.
The selection was outstanding. The J. Crew Men's shops of today have come so far from the cookie cutter J. Crew Mall stores of the 90s. The selection of third party goods almost seeemed to overwhelm the actual J. Crew offerings. Tons of Belstaff, Thomas Mason, Imogene and Willie, and a few brands I had never heard of before.
The shoe section was downstairs. One word: unbeatable. The Crockett and Jones pebble grain boots killed me. Gorgeous cordovan wing tips and boots from Alden.
The selection of ties was impressive. Oddly, a lot of styles that I quickly passed on-line, looked much better in public.
Walking back upstairs, I sparked up a conversation with Mr. Frank Muytjens. First impression: Tall. Second impression: Impeccable style that comes off as being as easy as cake. We immediately compared Moscot frames. We spoke about the elevation of the brand, his excitement season to season, the re-development of certain mall stores men shops, and how he was very happy with the direction things are going. I congratulated him on his wonderful accomplishments over the last few years. A very pleasurable gentleman to speak with, indeed.
Got a gift bag on leaving that contained the book What a Man Should Know and a pair of two color tipped cotton socks.
An enjoyable evening indeed.
Tonight was the night so I headed uptown after work, not sure exactly what to expect.
Walking on Madison Ave, I saw a J. Crew storefront and a sign on the door that said "Closed for Private Event". This is it, I thought. I walked in, gave my name at the door, and stepped into the store. It was extremely loud and busy. I looked around and thought "this place didn't look like pix I had seen." Where was the men's clothes? Why are the walls white instead of wood? This is not what I expected. Just then I realized I was in the Women's store! Embarassed, I turned around and walked out.
Across Madison Ave, I finally found myself in the right spot. Immediately I could sense a different vibe. More laid back. More calming.
I was greeted by friendly staff, all exceptionally dressed. The store felt less chaiotic than the store at 484 Broadway, which I always find very busy and filled with tourists. The space is surely less cramped than the Liquor Store as well.
The layout is obviously the product of much deliberate planning. After one trip around, I felt the store easy to shop and navigate.
The selection was outstanding. The J. Crew Men's shops of today have come so far from the cookie cutter J. Crew Mall stores of the 90s. The selection of third party goods almost seeemed to overwhelm the actual J. Crew offerings. Tons of Belstaff, Thomas Mason, Imogene and Willie, and a few brands I had never heard of before.
The shoe section was downstairs. One word: unbeatable. The Crockett and Jones pebble grain boots killed me. Gorgeous cordovan wing tips and boots from Alden.
The selection of ties was impressive. Oddly, a lot of styles that I quickly passed on-line, looked much better in public.
Walking back upstairs, I sparked up a conversation with Mr. Frank Muytjens. First impression: Tall. Second impression: Impeccable style that comes off as being as easy as cake. We immediately compared Moscot frames. We spoke about the elevation of the brand, his excitement season to season, the re-development of certain mall stores men shops, and how he was very happy with the direction things are going. I congratulated him on his wonderful accomplishments over the last few years. A very pleasurable gentleman to speak with, indeed.
Got a gift bag on leaving that contained the book What a Man Should Know and a pair of two color tipped cotton socks.
An enjoyable evening indeed.
The Upside of a Flat Foot
See if you buy this: At age 12 I started wearing orthotics thanks to extremely flat feet. Pain in my arches and heels since I can remember. And this royally sucks, cuz I love to walk. Give me an open afternoon and I'd walk Manhattan top to bottom if I could.
I'm a bit older than 12 these days and the flat feet have now caused tendonitis in my ankles. Pain. Real pain.
What to do for tendonitis pain? RICE is the treatment. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Seeing that I gotta work to pay the bills (and a few treats me for as well), and I have two small humans, ages 5 and 4, extended Rest is more of a long shot than the Yankees landing Cliff Lee for $2MM a year.
Ice? Maybe one cube in my Knob Creek, please.
Compression? How do you compress the tendon, or keep it from moving around too much? Let's try a natural method: Boots! Boots would be a natural, practical way to do this. Now this can work.
After years of pain, I need the best compression device out there.
Tendonitis = Alden boots.
Thankfully my pre-order Alden Roy boots were shipped from the fine fellas at Context Clothing this week, after a long multi-month wait.
Last treatment step: Elevation. I'm hoping to kick these up on many a coffee table as I explain to folks my flat feet and tendonitis, hoping for some sympathy.
I'm a bit older than 12 these days and the flat feet have now caused tendonitis in my ankles. Pain. Real pain.
What to do for tendonitis pain? RICE is the treatment. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Seeing that I gotta work to pay the bills (and a few treats me for as well), and I have two small humans, ages 5 and 4, extended Rest is more of a long shot than the Yankees landing Cliff Lee for $2MM a year.
Ice? Maybe one cube in my Knob Creek, please.
Compression? How do you compress the tendon, or keep it from moving around too much? Let's try a natural method: Boots! Boots would be a natural, practical way to do this. Now this can work.
After years of pain, I need the best compression device out there.
Tendonitis = Alden boots.
Thankfully my pre-order Alden Roy boots were shipped from the fine fellas at Context Clothing this week, after a long multi-month wait.
Last treatment step: Elevation. I'm hoping to kick these up on many a coffee table as I explain to folks my flat feet and tendonitis, hoping for some sympathy.
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