Well Spent

N’East Illustrated, Vol. 5

Brad — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:00:09 +0000

Hooray and hurrah, it’s time for another installment of N’East Illustrated. The supremely delightful Christine Mitchell of N’East Style has turned in yet another incredible batch of #menswear images. Check them out after the jump. Previous sets can be viewed here.

Eric Heins is a friend and incredibly talented artisan. His products are durable, practical and aesthetically pleasing. I love the shape of this tote and the stripes at the base. It transforms it into, “not your grandfather’s tote bag.”

Brad first introduced me to Jed & Marne on Well Spent with a post he did on them back in April. The brother and sister duo collaborate with Mayan master weavers in Guatemala to produce colorful and durable shorts that can be worn in the water and out. Each purchase goes towards providing fair wages and humane living conditions for the artisans and supporting an endangered cultural tradition.

The folks at Nepenthes have created some amazing photo series to highlight new products on their Tumblr, Nepenthes NY Presents. My favorite is the one starring their own Eri Shoji, who is absolutely stunning. This shot is beautiful, with her hair wild with motion and just a peek of her face.

My buddy Skip Brooks took this shot at The Hill-Side Co. preview this past Tuesday. I love the organic softer shapes of this print compared to the more traditional jagged edges of camo prints. And I love the paring with white Vans Lo Pro Sneakers. Be sure to check out Skips’ other style shots from the evening – a lot of good friends there.

I always appreciate Mordechai Rubinstein’s shots for their honesty. They aren’t posed, or promoting a brand, or trendy. Just real people and their personalities. This guy at the Brimfield Antique Show has on a lovely colored Patagonia (which, unfortunately, you can’t tell from this drawing).

To see more of Mitchell’s work, check out N’East Style or her portfolio site. You can also email her directly if you’re interested in having her draw something for you (very wise move).

AndreyAndShay Vegetable Tanned Leather Wallet

Brad — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:00:37 +0000

Looking for a natural leather wallet, that’s not just another natural leather wallet? The Vegetable Tanned Leather Wallet from AndreyAndShay is designed and handcrafted by two industrial design students in Tel Aviv. As functional as it is durable as it is handsome as it is affordable, the VTLW won’t just get better with age, it’ll start out great too.

For price and purchase info, visit AndreyAndShay’s Etsy Shop.

Senio Se-028 Jeans

Brad — Thu, 31 May 2012 11:00:43 +0000

And now, the most affordable pair of Japanese-made jeans I’ve ever seen. The brand’s called Senio. The jeans are made in Okayama Prefecture out of 13 oz., unsanforized red-line selvedge denim. The details include a button fly, copper rivets, contrast bartacks and stitched logo. The fit is slim-straight. And the price is a mind-bogglingly reasonable $150.00 per. Get ‘em at Okayama Denim.

For price and purchase info, visit Okayama Denim.

Owen & Fred Father’s Day Gift Guide

Brad — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:13 +0000

As I’m sure you already know, Father’s Day is rapidly approaching. And, since we’re all well past the age of giving dear old dad a clay handprint or tie from his own closet, the pressure is on to find a gift. With that in mind, I’ve asked Mike Arnot, one of the founders of the hardwearing yet affordable accessories e-tailer Owen & Fred, to round-up some of his favorite items for a Father’s Day Gift Guide. Not only did Mike put together a hell of a list (seriously, some of the stuff is so nice it almost makes me want to be a dad just so I can receive it), he’s also very generously decided to offer a free $10 O&F gift card on all orders over $50 that use code THANKYOUWELLSPENT (more like thank you Mike). Check out Mike’s picks after the jump.

Wm. J. Mills Waxed Canvas Dopp Kit

Before synthetic fabrics, waxed canvas ruled, covering boats and trucks alike. Wm. J. Mills has been making their waxed canvas dopp kits for “only” 60 years (the youngest of their products). Give your dad a shaving bag he’ll one day pass back down to you.

Ursa Major Grooming Products

Your dad may be unaware of the many all-natural shaving products available (particularly if he’s been using big name brands). Upgrade his shaving experience with products from Ursa Major Men. The Fantastic Face Wash, 4-in-1 Essential Face Toner, and super thick Stellar Shave Cream make shaving sheer joy.

Lamson & Goodnow Barbecue Set

Father’s Day is right in the middle of BBQ season, making it likely dad will actually use and appreciate this four-piece set of grill tools. Made in Massachusetts, the tools are crafted from stainless steel and feature oiled walnut handles. Comes with a knife, fork, spatula, tongs and storage bag.

Iacoli & McAllister Hex Bottle Opener

An essential piece of kitchenware for any dad with hosting sensibility. This heavy brass, bead-blasted work of art eats bottles of Sam Adams (or, depending on his tastes, Stella) for lunch. Beautiful enough to keep on a mantle or coffee table and consistently functional.

Custom Leather Bag Tags

We’ll stamp your dad’s name (or Twitter handle for hip dads) on a leather bag tag. Much better than paper tags from the airline, and affordable too.

Defy Horween Leather iPhone Case

Your dad may just be getting hip to the iPhone. If so, give him a case to hold his iPhone in that doesn’t resemble a mouth guard. Crafted using Chicago’s Horween Leather.

Material 6 Wood iPhone Backs

In an age of technology, it’s understandable if your dad misses the bygone days of handcrafted goods. These real wood iPhone backs beautifully merge the past with the present. Available in walnut, rosewood and maple.

Defy Shell Cordovan Card Holder

There’s nothing quite as durable as shell cordovan. Get your dad a business card holder that doubles as a credit card holder. Utilitarian, stylish, and long lasting.

Kiel James Patrick The JFK Woven Sailing Belt

This belt looks like it was made for the beloved American president: full grain vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass hardware, and skillfully hand-braided red, white and blue nautical cord. The perfect summer belt your dad can appreciate for years to come.

Wooden Pens

You dad will think of you every time he picks up one of these wooden pens to write a note. We carry four pens at two price points, and both styles are handcrafted in the United States.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Coffee mugs dream of being filled with Blue Bottle Coffee’s rocket fuel blends of African and Indonesian beans. An affordable indulgence, you can taste the difference between small-batch roasted coffee and the mega-brands. Use it with a French press, Italian Moka pot, or with a Blue Bottle dripper.

Order by June 7 for Father’s Day delivery, and get a $10 gift card on all orders over $50 with code THANKYOUWELLSPENT (code expires June 17). Happy Father’s Day!

Paste Swim Series

Brad — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:00:58 +0000

Remember those magic eye books and posters from the ’90s? Well, these are kind of like those. Except for your crotch. The Swim Series from Paste are made in the USA out of printed nylon-spandex fabrics that feature designs by artist Jason Laurits. Abstract from a distance, but cheeky up close, the fabrics are as fun as, well, a day at the beach. Use code SPENT at checkout to get 20% off. Code expires June 4th.

For price and purchase info, visit Paste.

Norse Projects Roeldal Blazer

Brad — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:00:02 +0000

The Roeldal Blazer from Norse Projects, a two part haiku:

Unstructured blazer
Floral print on the inside
Two trends in one piece

Made in the EU
From sturdy cotton canvas
Still affordable

For price and purchase
Info, visit End Clothing
Shipping is flat rate

The Friday Find: Jed & Marne at Huckberry

Brad — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:26 +0000

What’s on sale RIGHT NOW.

We’ve already been over everything that’s great about the Handwoven Gautemalan shorts from Jed & Marne, so I’ll skip all that and just get right to the deal. Huckberry’s got four patterns in two lengths (that’s eight pairs in total), and they’re all 20% off from now ’til next Thursday. Seriously, I can’t say enough good things about these shorts, so definitely take advantage if you can.

For price and purchase info, visit Huckberry.

Hav-A-Hank Bandanas

Brad — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:38 +0000

In one of each please news: these bandanas. They come from Hav-A-Hank. They’re made in the USA out of 100% cotton. They measure 20.5″ x 20.5″. They cost $20 a piece. And you can get ‘em at Chicago’s Sir & Madame. Dig in.

For price and purchase info, visit Sir & Madame.

Svensson Spot Sweaters

Brad — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Deeply discounted, Italian-made sweaters anyone? The Spot sweaters from Svensson are made in Florence out of 100% pure Merino wool. Slim in fit and light in weight, the handsomely textured toppers will make a great go-to for staying warm in the office air conditioning this summer (seriously though, why do they make it so damn cold?). British e-tailer Men of Ilk has both cardigans and crews, and code NQOUD48 gets you 20% off the already reduced sale price (code can be applied to anything in the store).

For price and purchase info, visit Men of Ilk.

American Apparel Tennis Shoes

Brad — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:00:54 +0000

These sneakers cost $32. They’re by American Apparel (I know we all have our opinions about them). They’re made in the USA. They feature a canvas upper, rubber sole and white laces. And they come in seven colors. Now you know they exist. Proceed how you see fit.

For price and purchase info, visit American Apparel.

Outlier Cali Short Sleeve Pivot Shirts

Brad — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:55 +0000

Leave it to Outlier to successfully un-Sipowicz the short sleeve button down. Their new for spring Cali Short Sleeve Pivot Shirts are cut in sewn in NYC out of sunwashed cotton chambray from Brazil. Engineered for movement, but still classic in appearance, the slim-fit shirts feature Corozo buttons, cuffed sleeves and Outier’s patent-pending Pivot construction. Three colors are available.

For price and purchase info, visit Outlier.

Gitman Vintage Ties

Brad — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:00:35 +0000

Ever wish Gitman Vintage would use some of their fantastic shirting fabrics for ties? Well, they do (and have been for a while, actually). So, huzzah. Slim like the shirts, tough like the shirts, made in the USA like the shirts – you get the idea. Get ‘em at Penelope’s.

For price and purchase info, visit Penelope’s.

Muttonhead Camp Shorts

Brad — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:40 +0000

Combing “classic shapes with season-less styles,” Canada’s Muttonhead strives to make wardrobe staples that you can (happily) return to year after year. Their Camp Shorts are ethically made in Toronto from an organic cotton / recycled hemp blend. High in quality and low in frills, the not-too-slim and not-too-short CSs are versatile enough that you can wear them every day, and sturdy enough to handle it.

For price and purchase info, visit Muttonhead.

Joshu+Vela Keychains

Brad — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:38 +0000

Guess what? Joshu+Vela is now making keychains. Guess what else? They want to give away three of them to Well Spent readers. Simply leave a comment below between now and Thursday, May 31st and you’ll automatically become eligible to win. They’re also giving away one of their knockout gorgeous XL Boat Totes (I guess that’s a little more exciting than the keychains). To win that, follow J+V on Tumblr or Facebook (or both, to double your chances). Again, you’ve got ’til May 31st. Good luck!

For price and purchase info, visit Joshu+Vela.

Taylor Supply Co. City Rider Jacket

Brad — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:59 +0000

The City Rider Jacket from Taylor Supply Co. is expertly made in New York City out of 6.5 oz. waxed cotton canvas. Tough as a tank, yet handsome enough for Hollywood (what?), the jacket features antique brass snap buttons, courdory lining in the collar and cuffs, adjustable tabs at the waist and Japanese cotton lining. Huckberry’s got it – as well as a whole bunch of other great TSC stuff – for 25% off. Sale ends Thursday.

For price and purchase info, visit Huckberry.

The Friday Find: Unis Weekend Flash Sale

Brad — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:32 +0000

That’s right, you lucky deal-hunters, you’re getting two Friday Finds today. Unis, a brand that should need absolutely no introduction at this point, is doing an online-only 25% off flash sale this weekend. Both new and old stock is included in the sale, as are all of the store’s non-brand items (Common Projects, anyone?). Enter code UNIS25OFF to get the discount. You’ve got ’til Sunday.

For price and purchase info, visit Unis.

The Friday Find: Archival Clothing Odds & Ends Sale

Brad — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:41 +0000

The good folks at Archival Clothing have just added a sizable selection of deeply discounted one-offs, samples and discontinued items to their online store. Included in the mix are US-made rucksacks, field bags, scarves, tees and more. Additionally, the brand is offering an extra 10% off storewide to all Well Spent readers with code WELLSPENT (can be applied to both full price and discounted products). Lots of good stuff here, so definitely not one to sleep on. Sale ends Sunday.

For price and purchase info, visit Archival Clothing.

Estribos Polo Belts

Brad — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:23 +0000

I hope you guys aren’t tired of reading about ethnic belts yet, ’cause I sure as hell ain’t tired of writing about ‘em. This week’s peppy-pant-keeper-uppers come courtesy of the 120 year old Argentinian company Estribos. Called the Polo Belts (like the sport, not the shirts), they feature an embroidered ‘Guarda Pampas’ pattern, which is designed to mimic the Andes mountains. British retailer Oi Polloi has them in four colors, and minus the VAT / plus the international shipping, each’ll run you just shy of $75.

For price and purchase info, visit Oi Polloi.