nice gear

I really like this shirt/jacket by Post Overalls. The Cruzer shirt could be worn as a single layer or as a lightweight jacket. I heard from a little birdy that girls like to steal their boyfriends' jackets and blazers to wear as oversized looks. If your girl stole this from your closet I bet all the hipsters in the world would hit on her...It's on sale at superdenim.

Chambray is a popular guy lately. This waistcoat by Kato is really nice. Plus, girls like guys who wear three piece suits and what not. Rock this over a nice white oxford and a good pair of chinos or denim- we can't all wear three piece suits around everywhere. Again, on sale at superdenim.

Of course I'm going to put the new standards on here. The color is dark enough to work with a chambray shirt (or vest) without looking too much like a texas tuxedo (or canadian tuxedo depending on which one you're closer to). Get them at the h(y)r store.

These Fracap mountaineering boots are awesome. Everybody's on the Red Wing tip, but for me, these would be the boots I'd buy. Get them at Oki-ni quick.

spot check

Promise, last post about h(y)r. Their online shop just opened its doors and the stock is pretty spot on. You can get all the major wardrobe staples in one stop. Grab one of the few remaining oxfords, a pair of new standards and common projects, and you've got an outfit that is pretty much apropos for anything. Throw in THE duffel or a porter tote and you're killing it. If you pick up the candles, I'm telling you, girls might actually call you.

I think it's awesome that these guys are able to have an online store. Stay smart and support the small shops. You know that if The Shop is successful, the h(y)r crew will for sure be able to keep bringing us awesome stuff. Buy a bunch and tell them I sent you.

nice shirt

So before this blog turns into complete sycophancy, I promise I'll keep it cool on the praise for the h(y)r collective crew. But I really do think that if you're in the market for a shirt this season, THE oxford by h(y)r and Gitman Bros. is the one to get. Gitman Bros. are known for their quality and workmanship-they also make shirts for Thom Browne. I really like the high gusset on this cut. A higher gusset normally looks better when worn untucked. This shirt could easily become the shirt that never really leaves your rotation year-round. If funds were unlimited, I'd cop all 3 colorways. But if you put a gun to my head, I'd pick the gray. But it's a tough one between gray and red.  

The best window into someone's sense of style is always in the details. For me, small subtle details are the way to go. The red contrast stitching on the back of the collar is so choice. Now, when you step in front of her to open the door she'll notice that you have discerning taste, and it may just make her smile.  

Seriously, girls really like oxfords. I think. I'm pretty sure. A solid oxford may be the closest thing to girl-kryptonite. It's not going to completely win her over (even with kryptonite Lex Luthor never won), but it does make it that much more possible. And we could use all the help we can get. 

For more detailed shots and sizing info go here.

Get them at Roden Gray, Nom de Guerre, or Tres Bien. 

nice read

It's no secret here that I'm a huge fan of h(y)rcollective and all they do. The daily blog is probably the best practical mens' wear blog out there. Ryan always presents wearable, relevant options at all sorts of price points. On top of it all, they have good taste.

The real highlight is THE magazine. Especially this edition. For sure a great read for anyone interested in fashion in general. The interview with the designers behind Ralph Lauren's Rugby line is really interesting. To hear designers' real feelings on blogs is certainly a must read. Another favorite was the feature on Red Wing shoes and a tour of their factory. I could go on and on.

Make sure to check it out for more info on THE duffel too. An interview with the designer as well as more insight into how the bag was created. There's only 25 of these beauts. So if you want one, you better move fast. For a limited edition,hand made bag, $300 bucks isn't so bad.

Also highlighted is THE oxford by Gitman Bros. This is the shirt you drop hints about around anyone who remotely may give you a present in the near future. Say you're out shopping with your girlfriend. You'll say things like: "You know what every guy needs? A good oxford. Which is hard to come by these days..." Then just trail off wistfully. A few hours later, at dinner, bring it up subtly again: "A solid oxford is the male equivalent of a little black dress. You can dress it up under a suit with a tie, or wear it with denim." If you don't think they're getting the hint, just hurry up and buy it yourself, they're gonna go quick too. For my two cents, this is the shirt to get this season.

I'm really excited to see that the h(y)r crew are opening a store and branching out into making product. It's good to see their focus is almost entirely on construction, materials, and usability. They are making stuff that you could keep for a long time. Jump over to their spot and let them know what you think.

nice bag

My family used to tease me that I had way too many sweaters and bags for my own good. Perusing my stash, yes, they are right. How I know I have a problem? I know I have too many and I still want more. The guys over at H(y)r Collective aren't making things any easier. Although ryan has been a little coy with us, from what I can glean, THE collection by (y) is looking like a heater. Their first preview is this duffel. Sourced almost entirely in Vancouver, the duffel is hand made by Tannis Hegan with 10 oz. canvas, brass hardware, and leather straps. Available at a who's who of men's boutiques: roden gray, nom de guerre, nomad, and tres bien. At $290, I guarantee it goes quickly.

The one thing that is readily apparent about the h(y)r crew is their good taste and demand for strong construction and quality materials. If I got one bag for traveling, this would be it. Perfect for carry-on, ideal for those top secret documents you romanced away from that kgb agent.

h(y)r collective magazine

h(y)r collective is like your cooler friend. Somehow, they're always one step ahead of you, but never condescending. Like when they see your devin the dude cd and then next thing you know they hook you up with the Odd Squad album. 

The h(y)r collective blog is certainly a daily read for me. Tightly edited, with great information, photos, and sources, ryan really does a great job. I have no idea how he comes up with so much content to post. 

A real highlight of every month (now 2 months) is the magazine. The magazine highlights the real potential of the internet as a media outlet. The photography is top notch and rivals most print magazines. An added bonus to every episode is an excellent playlist. Never overpowering, I really enjoy listening while I read. h(y)r highlights the best in the menswear industry. The interview subjects are spot on; featuring interesting, extremely influential individuals. The best thing about the magazine is that it seems a natural extension of their personal styles. It seems effortless. H(y)r Collective is probably one of the better magazines out there period. 

h(y)r collective.

nice jeans

Good denim is an essential. It's not even an option. Everyone should have a go to jean. You can wear them anywhere, now. But don't. Lately, I've seen some really ridiculous denim. It seems as if too many guys are letting their girls pick out their jeans. True Religion jeans are full of the wackness fellows, no matter what she says, bless her heart. And always wear a belt.

I'm a huge proponent of maintaining a close relationship with a good tailor, but there's something about tailored jeans that I don't really like. So, unfortunately, girls, I don't think you'll ever get us to wear our jeans properly. I like a slouchy jean. So if you're looking for some tighter fits, I'm not your guy. It's not that I'm opposed, I just don't have any picks. (although don't tapered jeans make your nerd alert go off?)

Although you'll probably always catch me in Levis 514s of some sort, I have been looking for something a little different. Much thanks to ryan willms from h(y)rcollective for sharing these A.P.C. jeans. I think if I do get a pair it'll be the rescue jean in raw denim.