Issue #7 | The Not-a-Gift-Guide Gift Guide
Or, stuff I want for myself
Building a great wardrobe takes time, money, and consideration. It’s not an overnight job.
Sure, there are items that will cycle in and out of your closet: T-shirts, workout gear, items you grow out of in terms of fit and style. But ideally, you want to build a wardrobe around some high-quality, foundational items that will last for years, that won’t go out of style, and that will allow for evolution without reinvention. A navy suit, for example. A great winter coat. A pair of boots and dress shoes. A selection of well-made shirts, jeans, dress pants, and knitwear.
A lot of publications do gift guides this time of year, and that’s understandable. But while you might pick up a few good deals on Black Friday and beyond, creating and building upon a wardrobe is an ongoing project.
So for Front of Book’s first Not-a-Gift-Guide Gift Guide, I’m highlighting some items I’ve got my eyes on for, well… me (and you). And not just for the holiday season, but anytime.
Desmond & Dempsey Cuban Long Sleeve and Trouser Pajama Set
Pajamas that don’t make you look like Hugh Hefner? That’s the idea behind Desmond & Dempsey. I love this Cuban pajama set for a few reasons: I’m a linen fanatic, for one, and this pairing looks good enough to wear around the house and outside the home in the warmer months.
$245, desmondanddempsey.com
Rimowa Original Suitcase
This is on my not-anytime-soon-but-you-never-know list. Yes, Rimowa is expensive, and yes, once you pay attention you notice them everywhere, but my girlfriend has one and it’s undeniably superior to my Away carry-on. I also love the classic aluminum look. If you travel a lot, a Rimowa roller might be a worthwhile investment.
$1,430, rimowa.com
Garrett Leight Sunglasses
Garrett Leight founded his eponymous company in his twenties to make eyewear influenced by a classic California aesthetic, sustainably made and decently priced. (Sunglasses run in the family; Leight’s father founded Oliver Peoples). Leight’s designs aren’t super flashy; they’re about complimenting the wearers’ personal style. The frames don’t even have logos. There are a lot of beautiful designs to choose from, but I gravitate to the Royce Sun in Prosecco (above). Perfect for driving the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible.
$360, garrettleight.com
J. Stark Totes
Not only are tote’s useful day-to-day, they are also a great way to incorporate a splash of vibrant color into an outfit without overdoing it. I like a lot of options from J. Stark, a small Charleston, S.C.-based brand, particularly the orange Woodbine Zip Tote Bag pictured above, which has a beachy vibe that would pop on a wintery street.
$145, starkmade.com
The Armoury by Ring Jacket Model 15
A few weeks ago I mentioned I’ve always struggled with blazers or sports coats. That has me excited to figure them out. As I said, I’m looking for a fall-winter jacket and a summer jacket. The wool-silk Model 15 sports coat from The Armourey is a perfect cool weather sports coat. The unstructured shoulders, shorter cut, and patch pockets make it casual enough to wear with jeans or chinos while still looking a bit dressed up. The tickle of purple in the beige glen check is also a nice touch.
$1,550, www.thearmoury.com
Alex Mill Corduroy Suit
I saw this suit on mannequin in the Alex Mill store in Soho styled with a cream alpaca sweater and a royal blue beanie. I remember thinking you could have a lot of fun with it. It’s inexpensive, the right amount of rumpled, and would look better over time. I’m also always looking to get the most wear as possible out of the clothes I buy, and this is designed for the jacket and pants to be broken up. You can also never go wrong with browns and olive greens in fall/winter.
Jacket $225, pants $145, alexmill.com
Wythe New York Barleycorn Tweed Polo Coat
I had a look at this tweed polo coat at the new Wythe shop a few weeks ago, and damn, it’s nice. Polo coats are timeless and awesome—they have a big, bulky 1980s Ralph Lauren vibe and are warm as hell. This would be a great addition to a winter wardrobe.
$1,798, wythenewyork.com
David Yurman Necklaces
I’ve never really figured out how to wear jewelry. But I do love the look of a subtle necklace, particularly when several are layered together. David Yurman’s sterling silver chains are low-key enough for guys like me who aren’t super comfortable with anything too ostentatious.
Sterling Silver Box Chain necklaces start from $170, davidyurman.com
Alden Unlined Penny Mocc in Snuff Suede
What does everything on this list have in common? Each item would all look amazing with suede loafers from Alden. That’s because practically everything does. Every great wardrobe should have a pair (and mine still needs one).
$663, aldenshop.com
Hawkins New York Linen Duvet Cover
Finally, something for the home. I discovered linen sheets a few years ago and they’re a revelation. The constant shedding can be annoying, but they are so comfortable, soft, and breathable they’re worth it. I love Hawkins New York for all kinds of home decor and their linen sheets are supposed to be amazing.
$365, hawkinsnewyork.com
Weekly Inspiration
Hey Cal Geary, nice coat! (I reached out to him, and it’s from the Korean brand Document.) Cal has great everyman style. Each item from his wardrobe is quality stuff, easy to wear, and super versatile. There’s nothing in his closet I wouldn’t wear myself. He’s also further evidence that tattoos are the best fashion accessory.
Thanks for reading and see you next week!
Mitch
Question? Comment? Suggestion? Caught a typo? Email me at mitch.moxley@gmail.com
