This is a comment more than a question. I recently did a fitting in Denver with Sid Mashburn, and I highly recommend guys trying that out, because that was one of the best retail experiences I’ve ever had. I went there with a friend who needed a whole new wardrobe and I was just there to support him, I ended up buying a pair of their jeans and their canvas Chino. There was no pressure and the guys were a lot of fun. I also had a really great experience at the Buck Mason retailer in Denver. Their pants and jeans are great quality and fit. They have a full bar to wet your whistle while you shop. Really great experience, not just cause I got lit up on some good whiskey! ;-) Just spreading the love!
That’s great to hear. They are doing a pop-up here in Nashville this week and I am going for a fitting so I can order without the pain of having to return things if they don’t fit.
I don't have any questions but wanted to let you know we enjoyed a few of your recommendations this past weekend in NYC. We made it to both Frenchette and I Sodi for dinner, both were terrific, as was Via Carota for lunch one day. In discussion with a client a couple of weeks ago who is local, I relayed your recommendations and she noted "sounds like you're in good hands." Thanks again, Pat
Hi David! Thanks so much for opening up the floor for questions. I have really been enjoying your writing lately!
As my personal approach to men’s style has been heavily inspired by your works and wisdom over the past year, my wife has also been searching for a similar source of counsel. Are you aware of any writers in the women’s style arena that are doing similar things as you and folks such as Michael Williams and Matt Hranek?
Well my better half Emilie Hawtin has written very well about women's style for Esquire, Drake's and Permanent Style. She wears a lot of tailoring (her company Clementina sells tailored clothes for women), and she's a big advocate of uniform dressing. So I'll suggest her!
+1 for Emilie. I don’t have Instagram but my partner does. I logged into her account and followed Emilie and liked a bunch of photos to adjust her algorithm 😂
Hi David: I picked up a couple of items from your Quaker Marine capsule collection. They should be coming today!
Just genuinely curious, not being in the industry -- how do these partnerships (eg QM, Drake’s, Rancourt, etc) come together? How do you participate in the process?
Hi Matt, thanks for the support! Well I usually start with something a company makes well and something that I need and then see where they overlap. Could they make an existing shirt in a heavier fabric, or with bigger pockets for fishing. Could the make a new version of some vintage jacket I have. Then we go from there. Sometimes they do most of the design but incorporate my suggestions. We usually look at a sample then refine it from there. I really enjoy the process. And it's good to work with good people who know way more about production than I do. Thanks!
Good morning! I have a question about layers with a suit.
I wear a suit and tie to work everyday, but my desk is next to a drafty window and directly under and AC vent (I am also required to walk a short distance between two buildings a lot). As winter approaches, I’m thinking about ways to stay warm while still looking nice. Does a sweater over a collared shirt and tie under a blazer work? Am I missing a clutch option? Thanks!
You might try the big drape approach. Bring a big cardigan or any large sweater and drape it over your shoulders when the draft is high. Otherwise a sweater under a jacket is great (Drake's styles many looks that way)--the trick is that the sweater can't be too thick or it won't fit under the jacket. Good luck!
Hi David! What are your thoughts on ironing Oxford shirts? When I wear them casually, I'm not bothered by the rumpliness (is that a word?). But when I wear them with tailoring, I worry that they should be crisper. Any thoughts?
This is so funny Drew. I think about this a lot! Totally agree on an easygoing amount of rumpliness (we can agree that's a word) when casual. Sometimes I'll try to graduate them to a suit and they'll smooth out after an hour. But other times I just have them pressed.
Thanks! I try to wash and iron my shirts as much as I can, so I an thankful for shirts I don't have to iron. But I think I may start to give them a quick press without worrying about arm creases going forward.
Thanks for your insights. Heading into the summer I splurged on a Sid Mashburn "ghost blazer." Had a bit of a hard time letting go of my middle class values and shelling out for the jacket. But have loved it and feel like the ROI is justifiable. What do you think about a companion piece for the fall and winter months? A versatile jacket that wears well during these seasons? I live in Texas so it doesn't get terribly cold and frigid temperatures are not a consideration. Cheers!
The ghost jacket is great. I think a lightweight tweed/wool blend is nice. It's not too heavy, but you can still wear it at night as a jacket. That's probably what I wear the most in New York winter, an unstructured jacket, tonal herringbone. Mine is from J. Mueser, but you could get one from Ralph Lauren or Drake's or anywhere else. Just not Harris tweed, that will be too heavy. Good luck!
I am curious on your thoughts of the buttons on the Ghost Jacket. They look unique and sturdy, but I worry that they might be a bit flashy for me--metal buttons in general.
I love the concept of a uniform. I don’t know if you consider yourself as having one but it appears you flow seamlessly from one part of your life to the next with the same style, eg NYC to upstate fishing.
I struggle trying (probably over thinking it) to be in the office doctoring then going to the golf course for example. I don’t want to look like a golf pro in the office! RLL maybe starting to help me with that. Do you have maybe a piece or two that anchors you?
Well I think it's better to bring the fancier clothes to the golf course as opposed to bringing the golf course to the doctor's office! I'm very interested in where two worlds can come together. I've found that a chore jacket and cords are good for the country and if I add a knit tie then it can be alright in the city. I think an unstructured sport coat is ideal for going to and from any place. You can mess around with the fabric, like a cavalry twill will feel nice and heavy and is less formal but still looks great in town. Jake Mueser has a lot of that sort of thing. But there are also chore jackets that are a little more formal and look great in the city with a tie. And will still work at the club or seaside. Good luck!
What are your go-to socks in the winter time? I'm needing to work on a "sock re-set" in my wardrobe and need to find some good daily drivers for the office, maybe a few different neutral colors?
Bombas for sure. I really like the marl. But mess around on their site and you'll find great options for winter and can decide if you like merino wool or cotton.
Well Drake's makes great patterned scarves. They became famous for that. Johnston of Elgin makes great cashmere scarves if you're looking for something more tonal and traditional.
I'll put in a plug for Elizabetta USA. I highly recommend their wool-backed silk scarves, made in Como and just the thing for a Chicago winter. Great selection of some pretty dashing patterns.
Cuba is a really hard place to advise people. It's an exciting but intense place. There's a lot of poverty. Some people will want to stay in the more refined settings, while others want the fuller experience. I think one key is being prepared for a complicated place and embracing that.
It's called The Outsider boot. And the idea is that it's what I would wear on a fishing trip. At home in the field and in the lodge. A little narrower than a Blundstone, but not as refined as a Chelsea boot. I'm really happy with how they turned out. They're coming soon. Will let you know as soon as we have an exact date.
Hi David, thanks for taking questions! Last week I went to see Nick Cave and had no idea what to wear. As a younger man I wouldn’t think twice about this, but as I get older I think I struggle with wanted to dress my age but also still look “hip” in the right circumstances. Thanks!
Wow Nick Cave. Concerts are always funny because there's something performative about the setting. I think for somebody like Nick Cave you get dressed up. He's stylish and theatrical so why not get in the mood? I mean, dark jeans and a dark jacket and a white dress shirt? Sounds good to me.
This is a comment more than a question. I recently did a fitting in Denver with Sid Mashburn, and I highly recommend guys trying that out, because that was one of the best retail experiences I’ve ever had. I went there with a friend who needed a whole new wardrobe and I was just there to support him, I ended up buying a pair of their jeans and their canvas Chino. There was no pressure and the guys were a lot of fun. I also had a really great experience at the Buck Mason retailer in Denver. Their pants and jeans are great quality and fit. They have a full bar to wet your whistle while you shop. Really great experience, not just cause I got lit up on some good whiskey! ;-) Just spreading the love!
That's great to hear. Sid's staff is really good. Stylish, friendly, genuinely good company and never any pressure. Great stuff.
That’s great to hear. They are doing a pop-up here in Nashville this week and I am going for a fitting so I can order without the pain of having to return things if they don’t fit.
David -
I don't have any questions but wanted to let you know we enjoyed a few of your recommendations this past weekend in NYC. We made it to both Frenchette and I Sodi for dinner, both were terrific, as was Via Carota for lunch one day. In discussion with a client a couple of weeks ago who is local, I relayed your recommendations and she noted "sounds like you're in good hands." Thanks again, Pat
What a great read David. Thanks for occasionally doing this.
Hi David! Thanks so much for opening up the floor for questions. I have really been enjoying your writing lately!
As my personal approach to men’s style has been heavily inspired by your works and wisdom over the past year, my wife has also been searching for a similar source of counsel. Are you aware of any writers in the women’s style arena that are doing similar things as you and folks such as Michael Williams and Matt Hranek?
Well my better half Emilie Hawtin has written very well about women's style for Esquire, Drake's and Permanent Style. She wears a lot of tailoring (her company Clementina sells tailored clothes for women), and she's a big advocate of uniform dressing. So I'll suggest her!
Perfect! Many thanks
+1 for Emilie. I don’t have Instagram but my partner does. I logged into her account and followed Emilie and liked a bunch of photos to adjust her algorithm 😂
Even when I miss your question sessions, I always pick up something great in the threads. Love it and thanks for doing this!
Do you ever secretly wear sweatpants when no one is looking?
Absolutely not. They are the single worst thing a man can put on his body.
Karl Lagerfeld used to say : “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
That is hilarious!
🤣🤣🤣
In a daring color of course.
Hi David: I picked up a couple of items from your Quaker Marine capsule collection. They should be coming today!
Just genuinely curious, not being in the industry -- how do these partnerships (eg QM, Drake’s, Rancourt, etc) come together? How do you participate in the process?
Hi Matt, thanks for the support! Well I usually start with something a company makes well and something that I need and then see where they overlap. Could they make an existing shirt in a heavier fabric, or with bigger pockets for fishing. Could the make a new version of some vintage jacket I have. Then we go from there. Sometimes they do most of the design but incorporate my suggestions. We usually look at a sample then refine it from there. I really enjoy the process. And it's good to work with good people who know way more about production than I do. Thanks!
Good morning! I have a question about layers with a suit.
I wear a suit and tie to work everyday, but my desk is next to a drafty window and directly under and AC vent (I am also required to walk a short distance between two buildings a lot). As winter approaches, I’m thinking about ways to stay warm while still looking nice. Does a sweater over a collared shirt and tie under a blazer work? Am I missing a clutch option? Thanks!
You might try the big drape approach. Bring a big cardigan or any large sweater and drape it over your shoulders when the draft is high. Otherwise a sweater under a jacket is great (Drake's styles many looks that way)--the trick is that the sweater can't be too thick or it won't fit under the jacket. Good luck!
Hi David! What are your thoughts on ironing Oxford shirts? When I wear them casually, I'm not bothered by the rumpliness (is that a word?). But when I wear them with tailoring, I worry that they should be crisper. Any thoughts?
This is so funny Drew. I think about this a lot! Totally agree on an easygoing amount of rumpliness (we can agree that's a word) when casual. Sometimes I'll try to graduate them to a suit and they'll smooth out after an hour. But other times I just have them pressed.
Thanks! I try to wash and iron my shirts as much as I can, so I an thankful for shirts I don't have to iron. But I think I may start to give them a quick press without worrying about arm creases going forward.
David,
Thanks for your insights. Heading into the summer I splurged on a Sid Mashburn "ghost blazer." Had a bit of a hard time letting go of my middle class values and shelling out for the jacket. But have loved it and feel like the ROI is justifiable. What do you think about a companion piece for the fall and winter months? A versatile jacket that wears well during these seasons? I live in Texas so it doesn't get terribly cold and frigid temperatures are not a consideration. Cheers!
The ghost jacket is great. I think a lightweight tweed/wool blend is nice. It's not too heavy, but you can still wear it at night as a jacket. That's probably what I wear the most in New York winter, an unstructured jacket, tonal herringbone. Mine is from J. Mueser, but you could get one from Ralph Lauren or Drake's or anywhere else. Just not Harris tweed, that will be too heavy. Good luck!
Hey Jonathan-
I am curious on your thoughts of the buttons on the Ghost Jacket. They look unique and sturdy, but I worry that they might be a bit flashy for me--metal buttons in general.
Thanks for this opportunity, David-
I love the concept of a uniform. I don’t know if you consider yourself as having one but it appears you flow seamlessly from one part of your life to the next with the same style, eg NYC to upstate fishing.
I struggle trying (probably over thinking it) to be in the office doctoring then going to the golf course for example. I don’t want to look like a golf pro in the office! RLL maybe starting to help me with that. Do you have maybe a piece or two that anchors you?
Well I think it's better to bring the fancier clothes to the golf course as opposed to bringing the golf course to the doctor's office! I'm very interested in where two worlds can come together. I've found that a chore jacket and cords are good for the country and if I add a knit tie then it can be alright in the city. I think an unstructured sport coat is ideal for going to and from any place. You can mess around with the fabric, like a cavalry twill will feel nice and heavy and is less formal but still looks great in town. Jake Mueser has a lot of that sort of thing. But there are also chore jackets that are a little more formal and look great in the city with a tie. And will still work at the club or seaside. Good luck!
Fantastic! Thank you.
What are your go-to socks in the winter time? I'm needing to work on a "sock re-set" in my wardrobe and need to find some good daily drivers for the office, maybe a few different neutral colors?
Bombas for sure. I really like the marl. But mess around on their site and you'll find great options for winter and can decide if you like merino wool or cotton.
Best dashing scarves? Ie / eg something for style with a tweed jacket
Well Drake's makes great patterned scarves. They became famous for that. Johnston of Elgin makes great cashmere scarves if you're looking for something more tonal and traditional.
I'll put in a plug for Elizabetta USA. I highly recommend their wool-backed silk scarves, made in Como and just the thing for a Chicago winter. Great selection of some pretty dashing patterns.
Bigi has very nice scarves, as does Begg.
Hi David. Do you think you might write a Cuba guide sometime? The recent Central Division about your trip has given me the itch.
Cuba is a really hard place to advise people. It's an exciting but intense place. There's a lot of poverty. Some people will want to stay in the more refined settings, while others want the fuller experience. I think one key is being prepared for a complicated place and embracing that.
Can you please tell us anything about the Viberg collaboration and when it drops? Thanks!
It's called The Outsider boot. And the idea is that it's what I would wear on a fishing trip. At home in the field and in the lodge. A little narrower than a Blundstone, but not as refined as a Chelsea boot. I'm really happy with how they turned out. They're coming soon. Will let you know as soon as we have an exact date.
Will there be a brown? 👀
Hi David, thanks for taking questions! Last week I went to see Nick Cave and had no idea what to wear. As a younger man I wouldn’t think twice about this, but as I get older I think I struggle with wanted to dress my age but also still look “hip” in the right circumstances. Thanks!
Wow Nick Cave. Concerts are always funny because there's something performative about the setting. I think for somebody like Nick Cave you get dressed up. He's stylish and theatrical so why not get in the mood? I mean, dark jeans and a dark jacket and a white dress shirt? Sounds good to me.