my stuff

Hong Kong has some of the best shopping in the world. There are way too many places to check out in just three days (don't worry I plan on looping back through before heading back to the states). I wish malls back home were even a fraction of the quality here. After pining over Porter bags, Visvim shoes, and countless others, I spied these guys on the 4th floor of the Sogo shopping center. I was always curious about Edwin denim, but had never seen them in person.

I went for the red selvage 503s. Straight leg, one wash. Now normally, I'd say just go raw/dry, but I really liked the fit and hand of these. And they were a good deal.

The fit on these jeans is perfect. Not too tight, not baggy at all-this Goldilocks has found her porridge. I think these will definitely give my new standards a run for their money. In general, I'm not the biggest fan of pocket embroidery, but this detail isn't too much for me at all. I also like how the center back belt loop is slightly off-center.

All in all, I'd say absolutely zero buyer's remorse. My only regret? Not enough time and money for all the precious treasures I've been seeing.

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)

my stuff

cap:can't remember, glasses:my grandpa, shirt:hanes, jeans:apc new standards, shoes:clarks

On monday, barney's co-op had a 40% off sale on pretty much their entire inventory. The first thing I thought of: a.p.c. new standards. APC rarely goes on sale. Their denim never does and for a good reason. It's probably some of the best denim your money can buy. It comes highly recommended by bloggers and random hipsters alike. I was never really into the raw denim thing (only because of my pocketbook), but I jumped at the chance to get a pair of new standards for under 100 bucks. Now I don't think I'll ever go back. So if you see me this summer, I'll most likely be wearing these jeans. 

A few sites suggest sizing down a few inches to allow for stretch. I bought mine pretty much at my exact size-there would be no way I could bear stretching out a pair that were a few inches too small. Plus, I don't really rock my denim very tight. I haven't had a lot of experience with 'quality' denim but honestly, these are best fitting jeans I've owned.  

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?

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.

nice pants

Never was a fan of the really tight skinny jeans on guys. But I am down with these Levi's 514s. Not too skinny and not too baggy these are the everyday jeans. Ignore the model and always wear a belt.

Get them here.