I. The Search for Shokunin

You might remember my trip to Japan in September. I was there to make a film for The Old Ghosts, the golf editorial site that I edit. I went with Eric Stepanian and a few of the guys who run The Fliers Club. We traveled to Japan with a mission to simply understand a golf destination better. What we uncovered was so much deeper. Guided by a Tokyo man (who is originally from North Berwick), we explored one of the most spectacular golf courses carved into the volcanic cliffs of the Izu Peninsula. We spent time with two creatives crafting meticulous golf accessories in Tokyo. Then we followed the trail south to Osaka to better understand the Japanese concept of shokunin through the eyes of the incredible denim maker Boncoura. The journey that followed became our first film, The Search for Shokunin, which Titleist presented. This was a dream project to help concept, write, and produce with Eric, Omar Rawlings, the crew from The Fliers Club and the Director Andrew David Watson (who I have worked with for over a decade). The film is below and I hope you like it as much as I do.

II. A Case for Plaid

The Original Madras Trading Co. collaboration shirts I have been wearing all summer were such a key part of my wardrobe; it got me thinking. What I was going to do when the temps got cooler? The answer was there on my visit to the OMTC archive in New York. I found a few great earth-tone driven patterns which could be done in a heavier weight and still made with the same handloom process. These shirts feel sort of like a traditional flannel but also have a depth of texture due to the handloom nature of the make. I think they turned out incredible and there’s just something easy about these shirts. These shirts are officially launching today and we will rush them if they are gift. That’s it — I’m just making stuff I personally want to wear.

ACL FLANNELS

III. It’s a Major Award

This year I passed one million miles on both Delta and United. It took me almost 25 years of flying United (and Continental) to cross this threshold. It only took me 12 years to make it with Delta thanks to all of my California to New York transcons. United sent me this goofy plaque that really gives serious Motel 6 vibes to celebrate all of the time I have wasted being trapped in a metal tube at 30,000 feet. These, ah, milestones also come with lifetime status for me on both airlines. That’s the good news since I feel like my time as a member of the status game has officially come to a close. This is due to several factors, but I think it’s worth talking about as we all reflect a bit on our travel for the year.

Over the past five years I have slowly come to the conclusion that status is a trap. It’s just a program to get you to pay money and the airlines don’t even try to hide it anymore. (The primary tracking device for Delta is Medallion Qualification Dollars.) Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the airlines and understand the realities (and complexities) of operating a business at this scale. I just want to say the romance of travel is at all time lows. Everything now is just a sliding scale of pain. The more you can endure the less you need to spend. That’s the awful truth. Business Class to some is the representation of money well earned. Or its an apology for the amount of corporate pain hoisted upon you. To others in the points world it’s a game to be played. Finally some people just value comfort and would rather spend the money.

Delta — Great on the ground product. The Delta One lounges in the US are really solid and the staff is by far the most friendly of any domestic carrier. Operationally it performs very well and I have only encountered a handful of issues over the years. The planes can be old but they are getting better. You can actually get upgrades on Detla and the vouchers you earn from status are actually useful and valuable. Delta has good hubs in the US, solid service across the Pacific and to the UK. I find the route network to be extremely frustrating and you get so much less credit for flying on other partner airlines they really force you to pay for their limited schedule and expensive seats on long hauls. Overall I like everything about Delta except JFK being it’s hub in New York and the premium pricing for basically the same product across all classes.

United — To me United is a downgrade from Delta, but I find myself flying it more often than Delta based on the route map, partners and schedule. I have had so many more delays and issues with United flights (which is why I left for Delta when I did), but in the past few years I’ve returned because it’s just a lot less expensive and generally more convenient. I also find the load factor on United to be less aggressive than Delta which means often this year I found myself in economy with an empty seat next to me (which on anything but a red-eye is perfectly fine). United has a business class fire sale leading up to every departure so if you want to get upfront then the best thing to do is pay for that upgrade. Don’t expect to ever get a natural upgrade on United and even as a 1K or using the Plus Points shell game. I did somehow get upgraded to Hawai’i once this summer randomly as a lowly gold, but generally I would never even look at the upgrade list.

On my path to lifetime status to both of these carriers I did manage to maintain my Diamond status on Delta through some conversion thing that happened around the Skymiles program change. When I look at what I would need to spend on flights to maintain that status next year I just can’t justify it. I would rather gut it out in economy and pay for a nice hotel, or redirect that money to other hobbies or things in my life. This year I refused to buy business class seats and used just some of that money to get a ton of sessions with my trainer.

Having some level of baseline status is helpful with customer service and not being nickel and dimed with bags, seats, etc. Everyone can basically achieve some status through a minimal amount of credit card strategy so I’m not saying you can’t be a part of this on any level. If you fly a decent amount you can also just buy a subscription to United Economy Plus which does offer value for what it costs. All I am saying here is that it feels like the right move to meet these programs on your own terms and not theirs.

Look, I love Delta One and generally would kill for a lay-flat seat, but I have to remind myself that getting wrapped up in the game of status just makes you the product. If you can game the system through credit card spending or playing the points game I’m all for that. If the money doesn’t matter to you (because you have enough) then by all means fly as comfortably as possible. It’s cool that both Delta and United acknowledged me at a million miles, but it’s important not to lose the thread about what we are doing here. There are dozens of things in our lives that matter more than airline status. The only one who cares about that is you and I guess the corporate gift guy who supplies your million miler plaque.

IV. Links

• Yolo Journal asked me to talk to them about travel gadgets. Here are some of my favorites from 2025. [Yolo Journal]
• Last week I roasted a whole chicken and yesterday I made Beef Bourguignon before the kids Christmas performance. My dutch oven is working overtime and so are my cooking social media feeds. So here are some comfort food Links:
  • Beef Bourguignon
  • Yorkshires
  • Potroast
  • The Best Roast Potatoes
  • Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
• Rivay hung out with my pal Marco to highlight the new waxed canvas woodland field jacket. Marco has great style and impeccable taste. This is a fun Q&A and nice photos from Glen Allsop as usual! [Rivay]
• Speaking of Rivay. We have a few sizes back and available in The Drop Off Jacket collab which sold through quickly last month. They are available here so grab one if you missed out. [Drop Off Jacket]
• My pal John Peabody shared this link this week and I found this article about sleep to be fascinating. [Atlantic]

Mornings with kids are always a frenzied affair. I rush to get lunch ready and out the door, and my outfit is always the last consideration. I wanted something I could throw on quickly and get out the door without looking like a total schlub. (It also has hand pockets for the semi-awkward moments running into parents you only know by their kids.) I wanted something with the shape of a Moleskine shirt, but more structured and made from canvas. The Drop Off Jacket is the perfect layering piece for people who want to look good and do it quickly.

In my mind, this is an essential item. The rigid canvas looks clean, and the shirt silhouette is perfect for layering. This is the thing I will throw on as I rush out the door for a quick errand, or I will wear it on a trip further afield, knowing its versatility.

It’s great to get to continue working with Rivay, and we are thrilled with this jacket. I expect it to go into daily use immediately.

The Drop Off Jacket

While we were working on this jacket, we were deep in the series Lioness and couldn’t help but notice Dave Annable and his character, Neil, who runs a tremendously strong dad program. We thought, who could be better to model the Drop Off Jacket? Lucky for us, Dave is one of the greatest guys we have ever met, and he graciously spent the day with us around Austin for the launch of this collab.

Most of the year, I am shopping for specific things I need — new t-shirts, a bathing suit, tennis shoes— and I never venture into the new arrivals tab on websites. Come October and November, even if my local weather isn’t quite cold, my curiosity drives me to explore what new things are out there. I noticed the other day that I had ~12 tabs with clothing websites open, and thought I should get all of this together for a newsletter. So here are some things I have my eye on this fall.

Dehen Skyline Overshirt

Rivay x Alden Bedford Boot

Finisterre Cabet Jumper

Quaker Marine MacArthur Shirt

Crockett & Jones Boston Loafter

Trunk x Begg & Co. Wool Scarf

Hamilton Tiny Cord Shirt

Filson Waxed Down Vest

RUBATO “R” SHIRT

Wythe Canvas Barn Jacket

Sunspel Lambswool Polo Shirt

Anonymousism 2Tone Sport Socks

Todd Snyder Italian Cashmere Shirt Jacket

Imogene + Willie Hank Jeans

Freenote Cloth Bodie Brown Twill Shirt

Sabah Alto Boot

Outerknown Craftsman Pant

RM Williams Gardener Boot

Junior’s Oatmeal Donegal Fishing Sweater

Campbell’s Lambswool Knit Hat

J.Crew Secret Wash Cotton Poplin Shirt

Boncoura Selvedge Denim

Original Madras Trading Co. Shirt Jacket

Tom Beckbe Piedmont Jacket

Imogene + Willie Boot Socks

Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans

Alden Penny Loafers

J. Mueser Neapolitan Pearl Snap Shirt

Imogene + Willie Griffin Workshirt in Orange

ACL Shetland in Oxford

Wallace & Barnes Selvedge Officer Chino Pant

Filson Tin Cloth Field Jacket

Drake’s Red Gingham Check Linen Market Tote Bag

Red Wing Heritage Pecos Boot

Kamakura University Stripe Button Down Oxford

Lowland NYC Raven Cargo Pants

Florence Marine All Purpose Trunks

Market Tote Temba

Freenote Cloth Rancho Check Shirt

Tanner Goods Classic Belt

Wallace & Barnes Japanese Selvedge Chambray Workshirt

Wythe Raglan Wool Overcoat in Malted Barley Slub Donegal

De Bonne Facture Balloon Wide Wale Corduroy Trouser in Brown

August Special Augie Type S

Tailor’s Keep Navy Silk Tie

Wythe Bedford Cord Five Pocket Pants in Off White

Patagonia Light Gust Down Jacket

810s Trasden (Moonstar)

Outerknown Utilitarian Shirt

Jack Donnelly Original Twill Straight

Manresa The Lachlan Shirt

Easymoc Mill Moc

Buck Mason N-1 Deck Jacket

Duck Camp x Ducks Unlimited

Finisterre Changing Robe

A light jacket is the most essential piece of my wardrobe. With the cool mornings and evenings in California, I wear them almost daily. To me, a chore jacket feels like a suit of armor: it has pockets for everything you need to carry, it adds that little extra something every outfit needs, and it helps you feel your best. Rooted in workwear, chore coats bring a sense of effort and purpose to anything we do — even if it’s just catching a flight for a fishing trip or an expedition abroad. It’s an essential that everyone should have in their closet, even if the only adventure it sees is a school drop-off.

ACL x RIVAY

When we considered who would best embody this jacket, Jon, Katie, and I immediately thought of our friend Jake Lacy. He has played numerous roles as an actor, but in real life, he is a dad, a frequent traveler, and an aesthete with an obsession for details. We couldn’t think of anyone better to bring our new jacket to life — we only wish we looked as cool in it as he does.

Photos by the talented Glen Alsop.

(Gift guides from the ACL archives are here: the 2023 gift guide, 2022 gift guide and the 2021 gift guide. The 2020 gift guide felt a bit different and the most recent Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gift guides.)

KITCHEN & COFFEE

Balmuda Brew Coffee Maker — Balmuda is the company that makes the crazy Japanese toaster — so you know they are going to absolutely dominate the elite coffee maker space. I freaking want this thing. [Pictured]

Trade Coffee Gift Subscription — Give the gift of good coffee from speciality roasters. I am a subscriber to Trade and love everything about it.

Birdie Cocktail Shaker — This is hyper-nerd level cocktail equipment. Look at the guy on the package — he seems like he knows a good martini doesn’t he? Or he needs one!

Bitters Bottle — Elevated barware is a good gift because it’s not always the first thing we want to invest in, but also a place where we appreciate good quality. That’s what makes this a great gift.

Japanese Knife Set — A great set of Japanese Damascus steel knives from one of my favorite companies, Made In.

Kaico Coffee Kettle — An aesthetic and functional coffee kettle that will look good in anyone’s kitchen.

Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron — Buy one good apron and they’re set. Classic and made in LA, what’s not to love?

Sean Brock Heritage Cookbook — I went to one of Brock’s Nashville restaurants, Audrey, a few weeks back and knew instantly I needed this cook book. The perfect book for those of us who love updated southern classics.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker — Yes, another coffee maker. I couldn’t choose which one I liked more. This thing from Fellow is a particular level of interesting and insane that anyone who is into good coffee would definitely appreciate.

SMALL AND GOOD

For a lot of companies the holidays are just a time to hit the e-com manager’s revenue targets. It’s the fun game where everything becomes a game to get us all to spend money. In my opinion it is better to buy from places where our support means a little bit more. With this in mind, I put together a small list of brands that make great things and will actually appreciate your patronage.

Junior’s — It’s a blessing to have a new men’s shop emerge. Order online to support Glenn Au’s excellent curated collection or visit in person in Philadelphia. This is one of the good ones.

Oxford Pennant — These folks are the real deal and everything you could ever want out of an American company. Integrity, civic pride and creativity all converge to create one of the most fun and interesting companies I have come across. These guys are worthy of our support and then some. The pride of Buffalo!

New England Shirt Co. — A long-standing maker of woven shirts in Fall River, Mass. Great people who are still doing it the old way in America. I can’t think of anyone who would appreciate an order more than these hardworking folks. The shirts are great too, so it’s really a win-win!

American Trench — Great brand in so many ways and categories — from socks to sport coats, these guys do it all. On top of that, no one has done more to promote and encourage American manufacturing than founder Jacob Hurwitz. A true mensch!

Billykirk — Brothers Chris and Kirk continue to make great bags, leather goods and accessories with an obsession for quality. I consider these guys good friends and am just so impressed with their longevity and commitment to doing things right.

Artifact — The pride of Omaha! These guys really care and it shows in everything they make. Also, the 215 Lunch Bag is still a favorite!

Pinebury — Beautiful wool cycling and outdoor gear that’s all made in the USA. The new sun-protective active hooded shirt is super solid.

WATCHES

Unimatic Classic Military Watch — Pound-for-pound this could be the best aesthetics for the money. [Pictured]

RRL Nato Strap — My buddy Russell (who represents the cool side of the watch nerd universe…if such a thing exists) keyed me into this perfect RRL woven strap. These types of things are surprisingly hard to find good examples of, but leave it to Ralph to do it in a great way.

Hamilton Khaki 38mm Field Watch — Any level of watch-person will appreciate this watch. Simple, understated, classic and for a good price.

Rapport London Watch Box — This longtime London watch company makes some of the nicest watch accessories, including these handsome watch boxes. Anyone with a few watches would be delighted to keep their collection in one of these.

A Vintage Rolex — This might be a rare thing, but if I were to recommend a place to buy a vintage Rolex is would have to be Bob’s Watches in Newport Beach, CA. They are just the gold standard for transparency and integrity in what can be a complicated world.

Rickshaw Watch Travel Case — Anyone who travels knows about the desire to keep our watches scratch free and protected. These Rickshaw watch cases are a great (and affordable) option for protecting your timepieces while in transit.

STYLE DAD

Wythe Boom Cat Peacoat — Every man needs a good peacoat and Wythe’s outerwear is really tastefully done. Can’t go wrong with this brand. [Pictured]

Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Flannel Workshirt — I picked one of these up a few weeks back and they are excellent. Anyone can wear an overshirt and these great flannel plaids are comfortable and look great.

Easymoc Trailside Chukka — Easymoc excels at putting a small twist on the classic made in Maine aesthetic.

ACL Shetlands — Have to plug my most-worn sweater of the fall and winter. These made in Scotland Shetlands are an everyday driver for me. If I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t sell them. Simple as that.

Rivay Wool Flannel Overshirt — This brand is so underrated it’s crazy. Everything Rivay makes is great. This overshirt is casual but still looks elevated — which is the exact balance Rivay manages to strike with its collections.

Polo Ralph Lauren Edric Penny Loafer — I’m really into Polo Ralph Lauren right now. These loafers have just the right amount of design to make them fun and different.

Sid Mashburn Wool Paisley Scarf —Everything Sid does is great. There’s so many gifts I could pick, but these scarves look good and are a solid value. All the cool guys wear these scarves and they go perfectly under a sports jacket.

Drake’s x Rocky Mountain Featherbed — RMF is a classic and the collab with Drake’s just hits all the notes we want. I would be absolutely thrilled to get one as a gift.

TRAVEL

Ghurka Express No.2 — This is exactly the type of thing to give as a gift. This bag sees heavy use from me all year. Doesn’t matter if I am going to Europe or Japan or to Buffalo (yes, especially to Buffalo!) the Express No.2 is crucial to my travel happiness. Those side pockets are actually huge and can hold a good amount of gear. I would cry with happiness if someone gave me one of these — and I would then proceed to own it forever. [Pictured]

Billykirk Camera Strap — A good camera deserves a proper strap. Billykirk offers a wonderful USA-made option from Horween leather.

Wild Sam Magazine Subscription — A great new adventure mag from the good people from the Wild Sam Field Guides.

Battenwear Packable Tote — This is the bag I bring with me everywhere. It packs up so you can throw it in your suitcase or car. The perfect lightweight tote for near or far.

New York Nico’s Guide to NYC — A rare good travel book for NYC filled with picks from locals.

Ace Luggage Pocket Liner 2 Luggage — This is the Rimowa alternative for me. Good quality. Not some weird DTC start up. Made in Japan.

Buck Mason Wool Hoodie — All planes must have a gauge with the choices of FREEZE or BOIL. More often than not it’s set to freeze and if you don’t have a good layer you are in big trouble. I freaking love wool and love this piece from Buck Mason for travel.

Aged & Ore Bottle Flight —TSA compliant travel cocktail kit for the (enlightened) degenerates among us.

American Weekender Field Guides — Awesome digital travel guides from people who really know what is good.

Peak Design Tech Pouch — A travel pack to keep small cords and tech essentials organized.

OUTDOOR LEISURE DAD

Tom Beckbe Canvas Tailgater Bag — Bottles sold separately! A purpose built bag for game day. [Pictured]

Ember Kitchen Open Fire Cook Kit — Simple, portable and good quality make this outdoor grill the perfect thing to cook out on an open flame.

Ghurka Market Tote — Farmer’s markets are outside and this is a great bag for a run to the market or for a cross country trip.

Snow Peak Titanium Mug — No one needs these yet everyone needs one!

Cape Cod Beach Chair — My favorite beach chair, still made in Massachusetts.

Nest Pour Over Coffee Kit — A great self contained pour over coffee maker for those of us who need good coffee.

EVERYDAY CLASSICS

Items I wear often and will appreciate for years to come.

Filson Tin Cloth Field Jacket — An American alternative to the classic outdoor jacket. These things are good for work or just a simple coffee run. This is a gift that will last for a long time. [Pictured]

Sunspel Lambswool Polo Sweater — One of the sweaters I wear the most. Looks great under a sport coat. Good for a chilly plane or for a Zoom call. The collar adds just a bit more formality which makes this jumper get even more air time. Highly recommend.

Aether Cashmere Beanie — I have owned this hat for nearly a decade (I did lose one and replaced it along the way) and still continue to bring it out each winter. The perfect weight for cashmere. Not overly delicate and super warm. Very much worth the money.

New England Shirt Co. Wool Overshirt — I’m big into the overshirt game. In California, this is almost all we need for most of the year.

Rose & Co. Eyewear — Rose & Co. is one of my favorite brands. I love everything they make and have had the sunglasses in my daily rotation for a few years. This fall I had to get reading glasses for the first time (because I am old) and the silver lining was I get to bring a new pair of Rose & Co. into the mix. Great glasses.

Donegal Shawl Collar Cardigan from Campbell’s of Beauly — What more needs to be said about Campbell’s. It’s just a fabulous company with so many lovely things. They ship to the US so that’s no issue (especially in Nov with a lot of time before the holidays). These cardigans are just the perfect thing for sitting by a fire or taking your dog for a walk. Everything is great at Campbell’s and I highly recommend you poke around — there’s so much here that will make a good gift.

MISC.

Sterling Silver Zippo — An heirloom quality piece of iconic American design. [Pictured]

Sidio Crate Stacking Storage System — Every guy secretly wants to upgrade from the milk crate to something more technical. Enter the Sidio Crate system.

Ask Someone Else Cardigan — Let your knitwear do the talking.

Taylor Stitch Robe — Everyone likes a good robe and they make great gifts. This one from SF-based Taylor Stitch is especially good.

Formawerx Vintage Car Key — A good gift for the vintage Porsche lover who is difficult to buy for and appreciates all of the details.

Grease Point Hauler Tote Bag — Everyone needs a good bag to carry stuff around. This tote is also good to stick into your luggage in case you need extra bag space when you return.

Imogene + Willie x Crescent Down Works — A lovely CPO style quilted jacket from the greatest in Nashville. This is all you might need for winter if you live in California or the Southeast.

Leuchtturm1917 Notebook and Kaweco Pen (or Pencil!) — Everyone can appreciate a good notebook and writing utensil.

Wood Tool Box First Aid Kit — Perhaps not the best omen, but this thing would look great in a workshop or for someone who makes things and suffers the odd scrape.

Puebco Basket — Get this basket and fill it with good stuff they will like. Snacks, PRO-V1s, magazines, a hat, peanut butter cups, good coffee, instant lottery tickets, wine, etc. No one would not like that gift.

KIDS

Snoopy Cassette Player — I saw these at MoMa in NYC and fell in love. [Pictured]

Kitpas Bath Crayons and Kitpas Little Artist Kit — Great art kits for the kiddos.

Hitotoki Journal Set — Our children love notebooks and I am always looking for good ones for them.

Tonie Advent Calendar — The whole Tonie universe is a big hit at our house. Highly recommend for families with little kids.

Vintage Trico Field — A vintage assortment of potentially the best kids clothing brand of all time.

GOLF

Sentinel Field Socks — Made in Japan socks from one of the most interesting brands in golf. There’s nothing quite like a new (good) pair of socks. [Pictured]

The Foundations of Winning Golf Book — This is a gift for a golfer who wants to take a strategic approach to improving their game. There’s a lot of noise in the golf space and this is sound advice that won’t offend anyone.

Northwind Supply — This Etsy seller makes some really nice personalized headcovers that would make a great gift.

Holderness & Bourne Lawson Hoodie — This hoodie is great for golf, but also just good to wear everyday. I picked one up at Caterbury GC in Cleveland and have been wearing it all fall. Super soft with a nice fit. Everyone will like one of these things.

Bluegrass Fairway Golf Accessories — The pride of Louisville! My favorite leather goods and USA-made accessory company. So much good stuff here. I always want one of everything.

GIFTS FOR WOMEN

Last and perhaps most importantly: some gifts for the women in our lives. Obviously, I have limited authority in the women’s gift buying universe, so I asked my Creative Director and former Fashion Director friend Laurie Trott to lend her expertise again.

It’s that time of the year, and gifting can be so overwhelming. Seems like these days, the majority of the best gifts are only available online, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, shopping online can feel like staring into a digital black hole. I’ve done the initial legwork for you and scoured sites — some very obvious, others pretty obscure — but all have a good track record of delivering in time for the holidays. Below, you’ll find a cheat sheet of beauty, fashion, home, sport, books and jewelry that is sure to score points with even the pickiest of giftees. 

BEAUTY

Something for everyone here, from Prada lipstick (note the signature saffiano texture on the actual stick – Miuccia 4-ever!) and Hermes blotting papers to bath salts sourced straight from the Japanese Alps. 

• Ilia Beauty of Balm Lip Set [Pictured]
• Hermes Blotting Papers
• Prada Monochrome Hypermatte Lipstick 
• Tata Harper Multi-Masking Set 
• Jinen Japanese Hot Springs Hinoki Bath Salts 
• Higher Dose Infra Red Mat 
• Therabody Sleep Mask 
• The Beauty Sandwich Facial Set 
• Dries Van Noten Fragrance Set 

FASHION

Quiet luxury is so boring. Enough already. Time for color and print! Case in point – a bright red mesh bag from Alaia, giant lemon yellow mohair Phoebe Philo scarf and a very cool And Daughter cardigan in wool spun from a nature reserve in Scotland. 

• And Daughter Wool Cardigan [Pictured]
• Chloe Bracelet Bag 
• Khaite Silk Satin Slippers 
• Max Mara Wool Mittens
• Phoebe Philo Mohair Scarf 
• Celine Clutch
• Alaia Mesh Shoulder Bag 
• Coyuchi Alpaca Robe 
• Comme Si Starter Set 
• Emme Parsons Folded Slide 
• Kule Polar Fleece

HOME

Wine glasses that make even the tappiest of tap water taste better. A portable lamp to make anywhere a room of one’s own. Does anyone need a mother of pearl caviar set? No, but it’s pretty fabulous to have at the ready.

• La Double J Murano Wine Glasses [Pictured]
• Verner Panton Portable Lamp
• Hay Sowden Citrus Juicer
• Frederic Malle Rubber Incense
• Unwilted Paper Flower Bouquet
• Completed Works Pearl Embellished Vase
• Brunello Cucinelli Scented Candles 
• IVI Hollywood Gold Matchbox Set 
• Ulla Johnson Mother of Pearl Caviar Set 
• Prada Stainless Steel Cutlery Set 

JEWELRY

Jewelry can be so personal. Some women layer necklaces, others have perfected the art of earscaping, with a passion for piercing that could be a candidate for My Strange Addiction (though, not strange). Here’s a mixed bag that, in my opinion, covers all territories.

• David Yurman Renaissance Ring [Pictured]
• Sophie Buhai Shoelace Choker
• Bottega Veneta Knot Stud Earrings
• IVI Aurelia 18K Gold Plated Signet Ring 
• Yvonne Leon Stripped Heart Bracelet
• Sophie Bille Brahle Single Pearl Cluster Stud 
• Stone And Strand Gold And Diamond Initial Necklace 

BOOKS

A lightweight curation to read, recreate the Big Ass Salad, and revisit the ‘90s ads we all hung up on our dorm room walls. 

• 90s All American Ads [Pictured]
• Didion And Babitz by Lili Anolik 
• All Time Cookbook
• David Zwirner Books To Inspire Travel Collection

SPORT

Sport and sport-adjacent are key here. Aside from the ski goggles and the pickleball set, everything below can function as everyday gear too. 

• Prada x Oakley Ski Goggles [Pictured]
• Tory Burch Pickleball Set 
• Play Comme Des Garcons KWay Nylon Anorak 
• Goldbergh Flared Ski Pants
• On Running Waterproof Hiking Boot 
• Bogner Balaclava

You can subscribe to the ACL newsletter at Substack here. Launched in 2020 as an extension of this blog, the subscriber supported newsletter includes weekly posts and an ongoing podcast called Central Division with David Coggins. You can access the entire archive including hundreds of new stories and 125+ podcasts.

STYLE DAD

• Campbell’s of Beauly Land Rover Jumper — This doesn’t need to be explained. Campell’s is one of the great shops and these wool sweaters are just fantastic.
• Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Oxford — These shoes are highly versatile without trying too hard to operate in the fashion zone. OSB suede shoes occupy more space in my brain then what many physicians would admit is healthy.
• Rivay Correspondent Jacket — Every man will appreciate this jacket. Every man needs this jacket. This is a sure thing. Rivay has it dialed.
• Western Sea Washed Chambray Shirt — If nautical Western isn’t already a huge thing it will be. I want my personality to be inspired by Western Prep, like if Owen Wilson bought a sail boat and split his time between El Paso and Deer Isle.
• Ghiaia Safari Cotton Jacket — The safari jacket should be the thing that every man buys this year and wears relentlessly. No one does it cooler than Ghiaia.

GOLF DAD

• Holderness & Bourne x Pine Crest Inn Banker Bag — A deep cut from Pinehurst. This is the type of golf flex we need in our lives.
• Bluegrass Fairway Leather Scorecard Holder — Handmade in Vintage Tobacco Tan.
• Terrapin x ACL GOLF — Goft-centric notecards printed by our friends in New Haven.
• Ben Hogan’s Modern Fundamentals Book — Leatherbound and personalized.
• Sun Mountain Clubglider Meridian Travel Bag — The best golf travel bag out there.
• Hudson Sutler Shoe Bag —This is the highly functional, good looking shoe bag that every Dad golfer could use in his program.
• Forewind Golf Drawstring Pouch — Awesome made in USA bags made from recycled sails in Maine.
• MacKenzie x ACL GOLF — The perfect golf bag. Made in Oregon.

KITCHEN DAD

• Laguiole Steak Knife Set — Laguiole is one of the all time great brands and these knives are delightful.
• Durand Wine Key — The best wine opener for old corks.
• Ooni Electric Pizza Oven — Everyone wants these Ooni ovens and for good reason, they are awesome. Why buy a pizza for $20 when you can spend $1000 to make it at home! Haha Seriously though, these are awesome.

• Yeti Rambler French Press — No one needs something is overbuilt, but that’s every piece of Yeti hardware. Yet, every dad wants these things. This is an automatic home run gift for anyone who likes coffee.
• SlotDog — In keeping with my one absurd hot dog gift idea I present the SlotDog. You’ll have to click the link on this one to find out more.
• Made In Knife Set or Griddle Kit — Made In is my new favorite kitchen brand. Everything I have from them is top quality and well considered. This griddle set is highly versatile for inside and out, a perfect father’s day gift if I do say so. [Perennial Pick]
• Draft Top Beer Can Opener — This thing cuts off the entire top of a can of beer in a highly enjoyable operation.

ADVENTURE DAD

• Hamilton Khaki Field Watch — Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the best watch out there.
• LL Bean Warden’s Tote Bag — I love everything from the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife that LL Bean sells. Also, this color-way is just perfection.
• Blue Ridge Chair Works Wood and Canvas Camp Chair — The camp chair, perfected. [Perennial Pick]
• Travel Writing Portfolio — As we all know, being unnecessary is much of what elevates a gift from good to great.

• Luxury Key Holder with Carabiner — Just because.
• The Believer by David Coggins — A wonderful book about travel, life and the challenges of catching fish the hard way.
• Titanium Canteen and Mess Kit — This is overbuilt and checks all of the dad boxes. Function, high specification, paracord vibes and cool factor.
• Tennis Ball Saver — Made in USA and such a fun tennis gift that most people don’t have.
• Travel Leather Backgammon Board — A highly considered piece from the very cool Riley Harper.
• Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Backpack — Have gear, will travel. If you have to use a backpack, Mystery Ranch is a good bet. This tactical black bag fits many personality types and styles.

FIXIT DAD

• Steel Tool Box Made in USA — Garrett Wade is one of my all-time favorite shops. It’s the American Manufactum!
• Chapman Manufacturing Screwdriver Set — Every time I use this thing I think about how much I freaking love it. There are so many uses for this one set it’s incredible. This is my favorite thing on this list of favorite things. [Perennial Pick]
• Gerber Armbar Trade — I can’t allow myself to get too deep into the every day carry world, but this seems like the correct amount of multi-tool that we all could use in our daily lives.
• Opinel DIY Knife — A genius update to the classic French knife.

VIBES DAD

• Museum of Peace and Quiet — Cool casual clothes from Costa Mesa. It’s a vibe.
• Leica D-Lux 8 — The point and shoot is officially back.
• Bill Evans Sunday at the Village Vanguard Vinyl — This music on vinyl is pure gold.
• Dave Matthews Band Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95 Vinyl — I couldn’t resist throwing this one in. Tim Reynolds on the guitar at Colorado’s CCC-built historic amphitheater. LOL
• Ghurka Leather Folder — It’s a manila folder made of leather! I don’t know why I need this, but I do
• Kermit Lynch Dad Hat — If Dad likes wine then this is the ultimate hat for him.
• Zwitscherbox Sound Therapy Machine — Sound healing with a motion sensor from Germany, what else could Dad want?

Take care and happy Father’s Day!

In the book American Flannel, writer Steven Kurutz finds the people who care so deeply about where and how their clothes are made. At the center of the story are a few characters from domestic manufacturers who have made the decision to do the impossible and continue to make clothes domestically.

If I had a pull quote in support of American Flannel it would be this: “I f/cking love this stuff.”

That was my genuine sentiment as I read the book. I have dealt with the issues of American manufacturing so much in my career, I would go so far as to say it’s my calling. Reading these stories brought out all of the emotional baggage and pride of what made in the USA means to me. It’s a beautiful and troubling story of the harsh realities of globalization.

Telling the stories I have with ACL have been the most emotionally and creatively important thing I have done in my career. I hate to get into the personal stuff in a post that I am making public, but I have struggled with the inherent conflict of my work. I hate marketing and think it sucks. I never wanted to be a part of that machine. The only way I could justify it was to work for brands I loved. Marketing feels different when you are incredibly proud of the product.

How could you not love companies who did the impossible everyday by continuing to make beautiful things when the entire town, the total industrial-base got eviscerated. Working with Red Wing, J.W. Hulme, Levi’s Vintage Clothing, Crockett & Jones, Buck Mason, Lotuff, Filson, Faribault, Viberg, NWKC, Sunspel and so many more manufacturing companies (here and abroad) has been a dream. Everything I own from these brands remains cherished and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’m drawn to companies that only care about quality. It’s not a race to the bottom to get margin so the company can pump-out the performance marketing. This is Field of Dreams type sh/t right here — if you build it they will come. In 2024 this is a risky and rare way to exist commercially. Red Wing bought nearly its entire supply-chain in order to continue to exist. Alden has to build a huge additional warehouse so it can stockpile materials to give it time when the next supplier goes under. These companies aren’t normal because nothing about making things in America is normal. These businesses are special. The people who continue to obsess over quality, who resist the easy and expected path of offshore everything are a different breed. I’m thankful for Steven and American Flannel to tell the stories of these amazing people.

I’m thankful for American Flannel so people can better understand the realities and the passion that is still out there — despite all of the challenges. We have the rare opportunity as consumers to do something powerful with our money. We can cast aside impulse and boredom to buy things with intention. We can reward the crazy people who still care about how and where something is made. We can buy something with real value. When we do this we get rewarded twice. We buy something made with passion, determination, decades of knowledge and by doing so we support our community. We also get something of true quality that will last. It’s crazy to think we would consider any other way.

Like Steven I’m nostalgic. I want Woolrich to still be making wool cloth in Pennsylvania. I felt legitimate sorrow when Cone Mills closed the White Oak plant. I was lucky enough to have visited the mill while it was still in operation and will never forget those machines, that wood floor and the sound of the production floor. With each plant closure the emotions come flooding back and I’m reminded to appreciate what we have while we have it. That’s my take-away from American Flannel. These people and these companies are special and should be celebrated. I’m incredibly proud to have played a small role in advocating for American manufacturing. This isn’t about politics or nationalism, this is about the preservation of a craft and a way of life. I’m grateful that Steven told my story. Most of all I’m glad to know that because of this book more people will understand what it truly means to carry the words made in the USA on a label. It might be a sweatshirt or a pair of socks to us, but to others it’s their entire life.