Hello friends; it’s Monday night, I’m working on new content for you, and it’s been a few months since we’ve had office hours. So ask me whatever the fuck you want!
Hahah, ON is some good stuff. I don't happen to like how their shoes look, but that doesn't mean they aren't comfortable! having said that, they're slowly weaving their way into the right collab circles and i imagine the perception will shift soon
Depends on whether you're looking for raw denim or just comfort denim. APC, 3sixteen, anything from SelfEdge (retail site for denim) is a great place to look. Also recommend reading up on Heddels, the best coverage denim of all kinds. https://www.heddels.com/2023/01/affordable-selvedge-denim-five-plus-one/
This brand is so underrated. You can grab a pair for under $200, and it's made in Japan on brand's own factory. They specialize in vintage replicas, but Regular 50s is just a regular cut straight jean with medium rise. It has amazing fabric reminiscent of the mid-century Levi's, cardboard label that wears out beautifully and even branded buttons that get patina over time.
I like that they stay away from blows and whistles that other, more expensive Japanese denim brands are all about.
Yeah, it's the real deal. It might seem too much if you've never tried Japanese denim, but it's totally worth it. But you don't have to go full repro. At the end of the day it's just a straight cut blue denim, very similar looking to basic Levi's but incomparable in terms of quality
Been a big fan of Resolute 710 for a little over five years now. The cut is just right to wear with a lot of styles, and the abundance of inseam options means you always get exactly what you want without having to think about hemming. The denim ages great and has a really nice color to it both when new and after fading.
I keep buying white shoes: Chuck Clark’s white, Nike Killshot, and now Rothy’s RS01 white sneaker. Any recommendations for a different color? I’m interested in wearing loafers for the first time but can’t decide on a chunky one or more of a driving shoe? Wearing to a very casual office place or out to lunch or dinner. Weejuns? Hmm
So Weejuns are a good place to start, along with Todd Snyder loafers too. I am a huge believer in the Blackstock & Weber loafers, they've just made loafers fun again in my view, now people are mimicking that playbook. A few others to consider would be Paraboot or JM Weston if you want something more premium
Hmmm are you open to a particular style? Slip on loafers, Fisherman sandals, or moccasin shoes could be fun if you want to deviate from the classic dock shoe / Sperry vibe
Hi Victor, I have, I actually just arrived and my wife has bought me a pair of Sebago Boat Shoes. I do like the ALD ones but I also felt they looked a bit tall. And I really would not want to get them wet.
Oh boy, haha the million dollar question. What do you think his style is? Hard to know what I should recommend without knowing him or the interest level of how crazy vs conservative he'd want to be. Fill me in!
Been trying to figure out a way to organize my closet and style to be more uniformed and aware of what looks good and what doesn't. (1) Do you have a system for keeping track of your outfits? Pictures, written out lists, etc. (2) Do you have a system for fashion inspo? Pinterest, etc.
For me, I try to snap a full mirror pic if I'm wearing a fit I love, then usually "favorite" it in my phone’s Photos app to reference later. I wish there was a better system though.
For other fashion inspo, I have a folder in my computer's dock that saves any screenshot I take of other people's style I like on IG or other sites online. It's not a perfect method, but it’s private and ad-free. :D
Oh gosh, I don't, but my buddy Peter Nguyen, a stylist who runs https://www.theessentialman.com/ would definitely have ideas about organization side of things
oh this is fun! I'm on a more colorful, funky streak lately, but I'm enjoying stuff from London-based retailers like Goodhood and Earl of East, both of which carry awesome kitchenware, home goods, accessories, blankets, fun coffee books, incense and room sprays, etc. I've found that the more statement / staple pieces are harder to recommend to people, so it's easier to start with smaller purchases like a pitcher, a pourover coffee kit, a blanket, a set of books, etc etc, because that gets you in the mood more easily. does that make sense?
It's definitely a problem, and something I think about a lot. And it's part of why I try my best to not recommend flashy, fast shit that will lose its shine and style all the time, because I'd rather people invest in and purchase products that are made with quality and intention. Over time, though, I think we'll see consumers purchase habits catch up and they'll shift to investing more in those pieces that are made with quality instead of trendier stuff. And that, I think, is the silver lining
Tbh, I'm enjoying the resurgence of Nike Cortez (Georgetown color), the Vomero 5s, and you can never go wrong with NB 993s or 990v3, or a pair of ASICS gel kayanos, which are starting to blow up. I also felt the Gazelles never got their full flowers this trend cycle, which I was bracing myself for. What are you wearing these days?
I hear ya. Important to remember that classic shoes are classic for a reason, the trends eventually shift to something else, and if you like something because you're comfortable in it, nothing wrong with that
Hi guys, I tried to reach out in Dec when you asked for tech help– but you didn't leave any contact info. I'm a software engineer/founder in silicon valley. Not sure if you have access here but shoot me an email!
Thanks for asking. Got 3 runs in this week, avg around 1.3 miles per run. Slowly but surely, very sore, but we're building that core up again, and it feels nice. I haven't used Strava yet, I decided to try Any Distance, a newer app that some of my friends have been using, and I like it so far!
Are you still a hard pass on On Running? Seem to be working hard to step outside the airport & country club set. Seeing some fun collabs...
Hahah, ON is some good stuff. I don't happen to like how their shoes look, but that doesn't mean they aren't comfortable! having said that, they're slowly weaving their way into the right collab circles and i imagine the perception will shift soon
Where the hell can I find good jeans that aren’t Levi’s and don’t cost $400+
Depends on whether you're looking for raw denim or just comfort denim. APC, 3sixteen, anything from SelfEdge (retail site for denim) is a great place to look. Also recommend reading up on Heddels, the best coverage denim of all kinds. https://www.heddels.com/2023/01/affordable-selvedge-denim-five-plus-one/
TCB 50s are my favorites: https://tcbjeans.myshopify.com/collections/jeans/products/tcb-50s-jeans-one-wash
This brand is so underrated. You can grab a pair for under $200, and it's made in Japan on brand's own factory. They specialize in vintage replicas, but Regular 50s is just a regular cut straight jean with medium rise. It has amazing fabric reminiscent of the mid-century Levi's, cardboard label that wears out beautifully and even branded buttons that get patina over time.
I like that they stay away from blows and whistles that other, more expensive Japanese denim brands are all about.
These are gorgeous, honestly can’t believe they’re that good for the price. Doing a deep dive on the rest of their site , thank you!
Yeah, it's the real deal. It might seem too much if you've never tried Japanese denim, but it's totally worth it. But you don't have to go full repro. At the end of the day it's just a straight cut blue denim, very similar looking to basic Levi's but incomparable in terms of quality
I also just love the man behind the brand and his story. Here an amazing interview with him https://www.japanalogue.com/in-deep-with-tcb-jeans-hajime-inoue/
Orslow or Nudie Jeans.
Damn, Nudie Jeans changes everythint
Yeah the stores have a cool pre owned section and you can get some really nice worn jeans for 1/2 price.
Orslow 105
🙏 I would’ve never connected the dots on these, this might just be the one
Yea have the used 90s wash and the 1 wash 105’s. Perfect fit, amazing quality and reasonably priced. Enjoy!
Been a big fan of Resolute 710 for a little over five years now. The cut is just right to wear with a lot of styles, and the abundance of inseam options means you always get exactly what you want without having to think about hemming. The denim ages great and has a really nice color to it both when new and after fading.
Do you have any favorite zines right now to recommend?
I'm a big fan of zines like L'etiquette, Go Out, and 2nd Mag (last two options are Japanese ones)!
Gentlewoman, Neptune Papers, ODDA, and Popeye are other good ones
I get Go Out via Zinio here in Amsterdam. Worth the money.
If you're into soccer and art, then the zine to check out is OOF out of London. Incredible stuff.
I keep buying white shoes: Chuck Clark’s white, Nike Killshot, and now Rothy’s RS01 white sneaker. Any recommendations for a different color? I’m interested in wearing loafers for the first time but can’t decide on a chunky one or more of a driving shoe? Wearing to a very casual office place or out to lunch or dinner. Weejuns? Hmm
So Weejuns are a good place to start, along with Todd Snyder loafers too. I am a huge believer in the Blackstock & Weber loafers, they've just made loafers fun again in my view, now people are mimicking that playbook. A few others to consider would be Paraboot or JM Weston if you want something more premium
Alden Penny Loafers are also a great option to check out, either in Snuff Suede or Brown Suede. They're both casual colors but are slightly more elevated than a chunky loafer or driving shoe. https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-6243f-upl-handsewn-on-the-last-flex-welt-snuff-suede/
Heading out on a sailing yacht for a few weeks in September, looking for a pair of boat shoes, any suggestions that don't look hugely "boaty".
Anglo Italian?
Nice, always worried about if the shoes will wear well for boating.
Hmmm are you open to a particular style? Slip on loafers, Fisherman sandals, or moccasin shoes could be fun if you want to deviate from the classic dock shoe / Sperry vibe
I will be sailing the boat so want something practical but fashionable and good for evening dinners.
Have you checked out the Timberland x ALD 3-eye lug soles? I think they look great in the black or green: https://www.aimeleondore.com/products/ald-timberland-3-eye-lug
Hi Victor, I have, I actually just arrived and my wife has bought me a pair of Sebago Boat Shoes. I do like the ALD ones but I also felt they looked a bit tall. And I really would not want to get them wet.
Oh awesome! Sebago's are nice. Totally understand that bit of feedback around them looking a bit tall. Hope you’re liking your new boat shoes. :D
Check with the owner of the boat first - I've never spent time on a sailing yacht where outside shoes were actually allowed.
What kind of brands should I buy for my husband who doesn’t like fancy / trendy clothes?
Oh boy, haha the million dollar question. What do you think his style is? Hard to know what I should recommend without knowing him or the interest level of how crazy vs conservative he'd want to be. Fill me in!
Depending on budget and if you only want to shop in one place:
- Smaller budget ($500 and under): Uniqlo (https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/)
- Medium budget ($1,000 and under): J.Crew (https://www.jcrew.com)
- Biggest budget (over $1,000): Drake’s (https://us.drakes.com)
For each brand, you can buy an entire outfit that looks classic or timeless.
It can consist of:
- White or blue Oxford Shirt
- Navy or Khaki Chinos
- Denim Jacket
- Suede Penny Loafer Shoes
- Optional: Pair of sunglasses or a hat
Hope that helps!
Been trying to figure out a way to organize my closet and style to be more uniformed and aware of what looks good and what doesn't. (1) Do you have a system for keeping track of your outfits? Pictures, written out lists, etc. (2) Do you have a system for fashion inspo? Pinterest, etc.
For me, I try to snap a full mirror pic if I'm wearing a fit I love, then usually "favorite" it in my phone’s Photos app to reference later. I wish there was a better system though.
For other fashion inspo, I have a folder in my computer's dock that saves any screenshot I take of other people's style I like on IG or other sites online. It's not a perfect method, but it’s private and ad-free. :D
Oh gosh, I don't, but my buddy Peter Nguyen, a stylist who runs https://www.theessentialman.com/ would definitely have ideas about organization side of things
Stylebook App
What are your go to stores for decorating your home?
oh this is fun! I'm on a more colorful, funky streak lately, but I'm enjoying stuff from London-based retailers like Goodhood and Earl of East, both of which carry awesome kitchenware, home goods, accessories, blankets, fun coffee books, incense and room sprays, etc. I've found that the more statement / staple pieces are harder to recommend to people, so it's easier to start with smaller purchases like a pitcher, a pourover coffee kit, a blanket, a set of books, etc etc, because that gets you in the mood more easily. does that make sense?
How do you think the rising cost of living/lack of disposable income is going to affect what people will wear out?
It's definitely a problem, and something I think about a lot. And it's part of why I try my best to not recommend flashy, fast shit that will lose its shine and style all the time, because I'd rather people invest in and purchase products that are made with quality and intention. Over time, though, I think we'll see consumers purchase habits catch up and they'll shift to investing more in those pieces that are made with quality instead of trendier stuff. And that, I think, is the silver lining
Who is your favourite comedian?
I'm embarrassed to say I don't really watch comedy, but I do have a nostalgic place for Brian Regan in my heart! (from growing up)
What's next after the Samba for a relaxed sneaker?
Tbh, I'm enjoying the resurgence of Nike Cortez (Georgetown color), the Vomero 5s, and you can never go wrong with NB 993s or 990v3, or a pair of ASICS gel kayanos, which are starting to blow up. I also felt the Gazelles never got their full flowers this trend cycle, which I was bracing myself for. What are you wearing these days?
I'm thinking of getting some all-white ASICS, but they're always sold out it seems. Love my Sambas but it's time to retire them.
I hear ya. Important to remember that classic shoes are classic for a reason, the trends eventually shift to something else, and if you like something because you're comfortable in it, nothing wrong with that
Hi guys, I tried to reach out in Dec when you asked for tech help– but you didn't leave any contact info. I'm a software engineer/founder in silicon valley. Not sure if you have access here but shoot me an email!
How’s your running journey? Do you have strava?
Thanks for asking. Got 3 runs in this week, avg around 1.3 miles per run. Slowly but surely, very sore, but we're building that core up again, and it feels nice. I haven't used Strava yet, I decided to try Any Distance, a newer app that some of my friends have been using, and I like it so far!
Awesome. Glad you’re enjoying it so far. Usually that first month or so is brutal. It’ll only get better from here
thank you! hoping to make incremental improvements