Category Archives: Shopping Advice

Hanger Project Sock Review

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A few months back while at MRket I finally got the chance to sit down and chat with Kirby Allison of the growing online luxury clothing accessory mecca Kirby Allison’s Hanger Project.  Perhaps overdue since I have reviewed his wooden hangers before (and they are very nice hangers, in case you are wondering).  But anyway, during our meet Kirby was extremely excited and passionate about the sock collection that was soon to debut on the Hanger Project.  And I in turn became excited because he said the socks would be of high quality and over the calf.  Two claims which … Continue reading →

Underrated: Uniqlo Down Vest

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Few articles in my closet have gotten more wear this fall and winter than my Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vests.  I originally purchased the beige one to wear under my suit jackets on days that it was not cold enough to merit an overcoat because it is a very thin and warm garment (such as the day I visited SuitSupply); a more contemporary look you could argue.  However, I now wear them with almost everything; sweaters, t-shirts, dress shirts, suits etc.  They are a fraction of the cost of similar pieces, $50 compared to $150, and perhaps of more importance … Continue reading →

My Thoughts On Suitsupply, Finally…

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suitsupply suits

I have perhaps received as many inquiries on Suitsupply as I have on any number of the made to measure brands I have discussed, and not discussed.  The question is oft worded like this “[in regard to my recommendation to go made to measure] Okay, but what about Suitsupply?”  A simple enough question.  So I try to keep my answer equally as simple.  My response is often something like this, “I full heartedly recommend going made to measure, whether at Suitsupply or elsewhere.  I am not familiar with Suitsupply’s made to measure operation, however, based off of their off the … Continue reading →

Austen Heller Shoe Review

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Austen Heller Driving Loafer

I seem to have chronic difficulty finding reasonably priced casual shoes.  There are nice looking options, but they are $300-400; but nothing that aesthetically pleasing in the $150-200 range.  As a result, I find myself wearing Top Siders almost exclusively. Enter Austen Heller.  A company that is only a few months old but is showing some promise.  The company is based here in the States but has its production in Portugal, which to my knowledge has a decently well established shoe production industry. Austen Heller came out with a line up of 10 shoes.  All of them are loafers, some … Continue reading →

Passaggio Cravatte Tie Review

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passagio cravatte tie

I have in the past referred to Vesper Lynd’s statement that ‘there are dinner jackets and then there are dinner jackets’ in Casino Royale.  The latter being something worthy of admiration and recognition.  Well, Passaggio Cravatte is one of the tie makers that make ties and not ties.  In fact, the nicest tie that I, and probably any man in my family, has ever owned (with Louis Walton and Arnys ties not far behind).  A bold statement, you might think.  And as a logical question you might ask, what makes the Passaggio Cravatte tie so nice? The answer is can … Continue reading →

A Few Words On Steven Hitchcock…

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Steven Hitchcock tailor

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be put in contact with Steven Hitchcock by our mutual friend Rose Callahan.  Up until that point I had only heard of Steven, I had never seen him or his work in person.  And by his work I mean his bespoke suits; he is a tailor, mind you.  He champions what he calls the ‘soft drape,’ a cut that he has developed.  And he has worked on or around Savile Row for his entire career.  Needless to say, the quality of his pedigree is not in question. Some of you regular … Continue reading →

The Paul Stuart Christmas List

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phineas cole tux

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend an event at Paul Stuart that commended the unveiling of the newest set of window displays, which were done in collaboration with Town & Country (images can be seen below).  But my visit got me thinking of my previously released Christmas list.  Namely, the last item which was ‘anything from Paul Stuart.’  Well, I did some browsing and narrowed down ‘anything’ to a favored 15 items that span the entire Paul Staurt range minus suiting (we will cover their bespoke suiting in the near future).  So, if any of you readers have … Continue reading →

Shoes: Edward Green Trunk Show At Leffot

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Few ready to wear shoe companies are as revered as Edward Green.  And for good reason, for both the style and quality of the shoes are excellent.  Anyway, the good people at Edward Green had a trunk show at Leffot last Friday (nov 30) where they had many of their models on display.  They were also taking orders for made to order shoes.  the ready to wear models start just over $1,000, and the made to order can run considerably higher.  But the emphasis should be on the shoes, not my words, so enjoy. Cheers, JLJ Note: FYGblog did not … Continue reading →

‘Tis The Season: Menswear Christmas List

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Christmas is upon us (or Haunnukah if that’s your jam).  Cookies, ugly sweater parties and gifts proliferate almost all aspects of life.  You’re on your own for ugly sweaters.  But I do recommend you get cookies from Hope’s Cookies of Bryn Mawr.  And I obviously have suggestions on the gifts; both to give and receive.  Many of the things have been mentioned previously on the blog, some as reviews and others as generally good products.  But either way, they will all make good gifts. – Shoes from Meermin (review), Septieme Largeur (review) and J. Fitzpatrick (which hasn’t opened for business … Continue reading →

Going Green With Your Wardrobe…

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Being the accountant that I am (by day I am an auditor) I often think of the cost of an item of clothing being depreciated over a span of time.  And everything I buy I buy with the intention to use it for years, not months.  The longevity of a garment is one of the strongest arguments for buying quality goods.  Practically speaking: allocating the cost of something over multiple years.  For example, I purchase a nice pair of shoes for $500.  I expect the useful life of said shoes to be 10 years.  The cost per year would be … Continue reading →