my stuff

After a friend's art show my parents and I decided to stop by the local mall for some ice cream. Having a few new babies in the extended family always gives my mom a reason to just 'stop by' a few stores. So while they were in the baby gap, I decided to peruse the Gap to see if any of the raw selvage had trickled its way into middle america. No luck. Until I hear my dad say "These look a lot like those APC's you just got." My dad had found the one pair in the store. Apparently an internet return they just happen to be the right size. For 90 bucks, I couldn't pass up at least trying them out. Yes, my dad found them and he knows about APC. Maybe he should have this blog...

top:gap bottom:apc

Like everyone else, I was curious to see how a $90 pair of denim compares to $155 denim. The fits are certainly different, with the APC being a bit slimmer with more of a taper than the Gap. I've worn the APCs for about two months now, so comparing the hand of the two jeans is a bit off. They both feel substantial-the Gap denim is not significantly lighter and I can't really tell if the weaves are very different. The conversation around these gap jeans has centered around how long they will last and if the construction is up to par. Not being an expert, it's hard to say. Generally details like construction take a few weeks to present themselves through wear and tear.

I guess only time will tell if there is a significant difference between 'premium' denim and denim for the teeming masses. Stay tuned for updates on both jeans. (I know you all are on the edge of your seats waiting to see what kind of whiskering takes place)

nice denim

It's no secret that mall powerhouses like the Gap and J.Crew were, for a little while, well, a little bland. I never really was into the Gap brand (especially after they murdered banana republic-remember when it was all Hemingway and safari?) and J.Crew was a popular choice in high school. Both brands have recently shown signs that they are really stepping their games up. J. Crew with redwing collaborations and a refocus on quality material (selvage chambray shirts for $98 anyone?). Now the Gap brings us a resurgence of their '1969' premium denim line. Normally this means expensive jeans that aren't really much different than their regular line. Not so this time you jaded hipster. Medium-weight raw selvage denim? For around 60 bucks? 60 bucks?! Check out men's style for more info on the new denim. 

For some bloggers out there, it's no secret that I lament the dearth of diffusion lines for men. H&M, topshop, uniqlo, etc. all normally have a whole slew of pretty cool designers for their womens' collections. But now I'm happy us guys don't get the same treatment. I'd rather get raw denim, quality linen, chambray, and other materials at my mall stores. I think if that's what qualifies as 'disposable' fashion for men, then I can't really complain, can I?