If you’re looking for the most powerful hair dryer or the handiest chef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next status water bottle or hand wash, for instance? If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, Chris Black is here to answer it in a regular column.
Thoughts on tasteful — but not too expensive — Valentine’s Day gifts for him and her?
Valentine’s Day, a fake holiday invented by a greeting card company, is, well, pretty dismal. Every restaurant has a shit pre-fixe menu, so it’s much better to stay home with bae and exchange small gifts to show how much you care. No tacky red roses or cheap chocolates here!
Your man’s flophouse probably doesn’t smell exactly like you want it to. The Woods candle from Byredo is the perfect solution. Mr Porter describes it as, “Opening with Ambroxan and White Cedarwood, it reveals smoky Tuscan Leather blended with a pinch of White Jasmine.” I am salivating! It’s like being outdoors without leaving the couch. Perfect.
For all you skater daters, why not get your man a REAL belt? Something that will hold up those baggy Dickies. The shoestring ain’t going to cut it in 2020. Instead, I suggest this excellent, technical, utilitarian strap from Snow Peak. Looks cool and serves the purpose. Fashion AND function!
If bae’s all set with bath products, some simple and wearable everyday jewelry is always the right choice. Vancouver-based Wolf Circus does a cool pair of hoop earrings plated in 14-karat gold that are neither too fussy, nor too expensive. Right now, they’re almost 40 percent off as part of an ongoing sample sale. (A note that samples, according to the brand, “may have slight imperfections” — which, put another way, means they’re unique! — and are final sale.) [Editor’s note: Wolf Circus lists prices in Canadian dollars, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars.]
Can you help this aspiring Parisian Cowboy navigate the world of denim button-down shirts?
Yeehaw! I love a denim shirt. Maybe it’s my Southern heritage? Perhaps it’s Serge Gainsbourg (if only I could pull off white Repettos). Anyway, most of mine are vintage Levi’s, but they have taken years to accumulate. Luckily, there are a lot of good options available so you can get the look immediately!
Most of my denim button-downs are vintage Levi’s, but not all. I also own this, from J.Crew, which I am sporting here. And I’m not the only one — multiple Strategist staffers past and present also own the shirt, which former Strategist writer David Notis called “vintage-looking, but cut in a contemporary style so it’s still slim and form-fitting and cropped enough to wear untucked.”
Our Legacy did an excellent update on the classic Western style. The color is right (will age nicely), and it has snaps. It’s also 100-percent cotton, which will make it a little more comfortable.
I love the Japanese brand orSlow; they nail it. Like the one from J.Crew above, this denim shirt is really classic, with no extra details, single patch pocket, and mother of pearl buttons. It’s made in Japan, and the denim appears to be the lightest blue of the bunch.
Maybe you are SERIOUS about investing in a big boy, denim button-down. Let me introduce you to my luxe Italian king, Brunello Cucinelli. His denim western shirt is perfect, the cut is exquisite, and the price is astronomical. Put this on, and you will instantly be transported to Solomeo for an olive oil tasting.
What’s a nice Oxford shoe with a slightly beefy sole (for a more casual look) that doesn’t cost much more than Oxfords from Doc Martens?
Whatever, you ask, I answer! (But why not just cop Dr. Martens?)
Your best bet is the Gibson in hi-shine black from the OGs at Solovair. It has a thick, Goodyear welted sole and if you don’t like the black, the style comes in practically every other color (including green, dark plum, and purple). [Editor’s note: Solovair lists prices in British Pounds, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars.]
This tan leather pair from Grenson is a bit funkier than your standard Oxford, but still nice. The shoes have a chunky rubber Commando sole, and tassels, if you are into that sort of thing.
This pair from Ami is going to cost more, but the sole looks like it’s right up your alley.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
