the Father's Day Gift Guide: No Dad Left Behind!

My father likes to joke that Father's Day is "nine months before Mother's Day." It would be a little weird to shower your father with gifts on that anniversary, so I'm glad we've settled on a universal date to celebrate fatherhood. This is the very first Dappled Waistcoat Father's Day post, and I've worked hard to search out classy, sassy, wallet-friendly, and slightly left-of-center gifts to please your pops. And of course, I've sourced these goods from classic brands, most of which make their goods in the USA.

PINO Portland ties, bow-ties, and pocket squares/rounds are all handmade in Portland, OR. Their web store is fresh and new, and soon after seeing it I got to talking with founder Crispin about the story behind his brand, his fabrics, and the collaborations he's doing with businesses in Portland. Stay tuned for a PINO feature post very soon! The raw silk and bright Imperial Blue color of this tie ($98) has great texture without being too busy, and the pocket round ($48) complements it perfectly without over-matching. To bring it all together, the Timex Weekender ($45, available online at www.trovegeneral.com) adds a fun pop of color. The straps on the watch are interchangeable as well, giving dad endless options for classic style. 

For those who didn't know, Dubarry of Ireland doesn't just make great boots. Their deck shoes are phenomenal too, with non-slip, non-marking outsoles and their trademark Dry-Fast/Dry-Soft leather that will stand the test of many beach trips, car washes, fishing voyages, and fatherly episodes of moral support. Pair up the Windward decks ($159) with the fresh navy and white striped Kilkee polo ($89) and dad will thank you for the new weekend staples. The folks at Leatherworks Minnesota, from whom I recently got a fantastic black/red camera strap, know their way around rugged leather. Their classic belt ($60) is made of heavy 8/9 oz. leather, and available in five different color options. Beautiful leather goods are always appropriate gifts, and never, ever go out of style. 

For the dad who feels more comfortable shirtless than in a polo, we have some more gnarly gift ideas. Biker dads will love the Venice Address Trucker hat from biking gods Deus Ex Machina ($30). It will keep that perfect dad hair from getting too windswept, or keep that perfectly bald dome from getting sunburn, (either way, it's great). For the hair on dad's face, Otter Wax Beard Oil ($26) is about as manly a gift as you could find. It's made in Portland of the finest base and essential oils, to keep dad's prize beard soft and healthy. Burly dad's will appreciate Izola's sassy "Put Some Hair on Your Chest" flask ($25, at www.petalumasupplyco.com). For a finishing touch, buy him a bottle of his favorite whiskey. No dad should have an empty flask.

Maybe your dad was a hippie, and maybe he's nostalgic for the riotous days of his youth. Show dad that you actually listened to all his stories (that he may or may not have repeated a thousand times). The Locally Grown tee ($39, at Trove General) is retro and suggestive, without the risk of turning too many heads at the next family barbecue. STRONG Brand's "Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em" Zippo lighter ($50) is inspired by hand engraved lighters from the Vietnam era, and comes with a handmade pouch. To complete your dad's trip down memory lane, Karlheinz Weinberger's book "Rebel Youth" ($45) is a collection of photographs of working class youth rebels and style icons of the late '50's and early '60's.

Being mindful about what goods you buy doesn't have to be insanely expensive. Most of these items are under $50, and the few that are more expensive are well worth it. Dads recognize quality and appreciate good style more than they like to let on. 

Lucky for me... General Knot &Co. took over my Father's Day shopping for me. I won their Father's Day giveaway of a GK x Ursa Major gift set. It was only made in a limited run, but is still available on their site for you last minute Father's Day shoppers! (Don't worry... my dad doesn't really know how to use the internet, so there's no risk in spoiling the surprise.)

SHOP!

PINO Portland

Trove General Store

Dubarry of Ireland

Deus Ex Machina

Petaluma Supply Co.

The STRONG Brand

Leatherworks MN

Otter Wax

General Knot &Co.

Say Hello to Hank!

If you haven't already acquainted yourself with the Hank brand, I'm pleased to be the one making the introductions. A few Michigan natives started developing the brand this past fall, and in April they finally launched. I discovered Hank through Twitter, and soon recognized the same enthusiasm for good gear, and quality > quantity mindset that I have myself. Co-founder Adam Rice and I were able to connect over the phone a few weeks ago, and he gave me the scoop on the philosophy behind the Hank brand and what developments are to come.

Adam emphasized that in getting their Spring 2013 Collection together, consistent price points were a priority. The shame about the "made in USA" movement, he explained, is that customers have grown so accustomed to price gouging that they assume all fine quality American goods have to be expensive. When these customers see something more reasonably priced, they automatically assume that the quality isn't there, and that's just not correct. According to Adam, it's really not as expensive to manufacture here as people think. That being said, the Hank folks collaborated with some favorite American brands (Parrott Canvas Co., Pointer Brand, Ebbets Field, etc.) to create some exclusive items. Through their debut collection, Hank has established itself as a marketplace for thoughtfully curated American goods. The people of Hank are interested as much in the story behind a brand as they are in the goods themselves. This emphasis on people and stories turns their collection into a narrative that reads as much more than just a shop with some hats and shirts... it's a conversation about the American experience.

The move that Hank aims to make, however, is becoming a distinctive BRAND all on their own. While the Fall collection will include more collaborations with Pointer Brand (look for a few new Chore coats tweaked just for Hank), they're looking to put out their own shirting and chinos as well, and are enjoying going through the design process for the first time.

The folks at Hank have the right combination of ambition, integrity, and passion for fine men's goods. The Spring Collection includes a bunch of classic must-haves, and as the brand comes into their own I'm sure they'll come out with plenty of new favorites. As an un-femme lady, I have a few Hank picks of my own.

SHOP HANK

An Inside Look at the Strong Brand

I first stumbled upon the Strong Brand several months ago on Instagram, where I've found many new brands and shops. It's really proven to be a great outlet because you don't just see the product, but also the story, the vibe, and the people behind what they're selling. The Strong Brand particularly touched me with their mix of old trucks, shooting photos, outdoorsy scenes, and their hats worn by people in various acts of all-American good fun. From what I can tell, they more or less invented the hashtag #strongsled and now field photo submissions of old beat up trucks from around the country. Why? Because, why not? It's cool, it's what they like, and it's this attitude that made me fall in love with their small line of hats and t-shirts. They're proof that this generation of young, brand-conscious sartorialists isn't dominated by precious hipsters in thick rimmed glasses. Oh no, there are some real, thorough dudes at work here.

I approached Don for an interview piece because I wanted to get to know what this young, small brand is all about. What I inferred from Instagram is that they are proudly American without being cheesily patriotic*, and they don't take themselves too seriously. This is a brand I wanted to know more about, and I figured you'd all feel the same. 
*(see: Dads in tube socks, dirty white Reeboks, baggy jean shorts and an Old Navy t-shirt with the American flag on it, holding a Bud Light in a koozie)

Read the interview after the jump...

Mother's Day 2013 Gift Guide!

I always have a tough time shopping for my mom, because she likes to play the martyr and pretend that she doesn't want anything. Assuming that many of us have similarly selfless and humble ladies as mothers, I offer you a few ideas for whichever vibe your mom likes to exude.

I've seen the Dubarry Tuskar shirt in person, on a lovely lady who is, in fact, a mom, and it's unbelievably flattering and well tailored. Honestly... just a gorgeous shirt. It comes in red as well. As for the bag, I have an older model Dubarry handbag similar to the Ballymena (which also comes in Walnut), and it's the perfect size for the no-frills kind of gal that doesn't need much with her aside from her wallet, keys, phone, and some lipstick. If you like the saddle bag style but want something a bit bigger, try out the Clara from Dubarry instead. 

The classic American style of the Jones St. Stripe from Tradlands will please even the pickiest mom, PLUS it's made right in San Francisco. The Woodwear Malibu sunglasses are also made in California, of eco-friendly sustainable bamboo with polarized lenses. Do I sense a California themed Mother's Day? 

Finally, every mom could use some time to relax, and I can't see a better shirt to do it in than the Mae Nighshirt from Imogene+Willie. It's a roomy silk/cotton blend that puts the silky part on the inside (where it counts). Long enough to wear alone but stylish enough to wear with a pair of jeans if mom is forced off the couch and out on the town... this shirt is so cool that realistically, you may end up stealing it from her. Just make sure you don't get caught. P.S. Don't make mom squint... hook her up with cute reading glasses!

Oh, you're probably going to need to get her a card as well. The baby-bump Mother's Day card from Terrapin Stationers is the obvious choice. The inside reads: "AREN'T YOU GLAD I MOVED OUT? HAPPY MOTHERS DAY." 

WHERE TO BUY:

Dubarry

Tradlands

Imogene+Willie

Anthropologie

Woodwear Sunglasses

Terrapin

Field Trip: Brooklyn Botanic Garden!

In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, -- no disgrace, no calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, -- my head bathed by the blithe air and uplifted into infinite space, -- all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part and parcel of God. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintences, master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature.
-- Emerson,  Nature 

PREFACE: Life and style are interchangeable; your personal style is influenced by and is a reflection of the life you lead. My preference for rugged goods and timeless design is very much connected to the fact that I'm an active person who's happiest doing things outdoors. Being mindful about what you buy and how you dress goes hand in hand with being conscious and aware of the world around you.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places in New York the world. This year I was fortunate enough to go when the cherry blossoms were just about in full effect. It felt great to get out and walk around and take in all the beauty.

HIS Vans Classics, HERS Minnetonka from TROVE GENERAL.

AG Jeans, Free People tank, JCrew cardigan

What are some of your favorite Spring spots to explore?

Proudly Introducing: the DUBARRY Longford Boot!

As a longtime friend of the Dubarry team, I am honored and privileged to help give their newest boot a proper US debut. The Longford boot has all of the classic Dubarry elements as the Galway boot, but with a sleeker silhouette and some beautiful new detailing. A double buckle adorns the top, with the signature Dubarry script logo subtly embossed into the smooth leather. The boots, in true Dubarry form, are made in Europe of Dubarry's DryFast-DrySoft™leather and fully lined with GORE-TEX® from bottom to top, making them completely waterproof but also lightweight and breathable. The Black and Walnut color options (shown below) will initially be offered in European sizes 37 to 43 (up to USW 11.5, USM 10) and will retail at $529. Apart from the obvious practical appeal, the boots are simply beautiful.

Dubarry LONGFORD boot in Black.

Dubarry LONGFORD boot in Walnut.

Nothing better embodies the spirit of the Dappled Waistcoat more than Dubarry boots: they are hard wearing, well crafted, but still effortlessly stylish and timeless. I've been steadily wearing Dubarry Galway boots since 2005, and from October through March you really won't see me in anything else. This year they kept me dry through Hurricane Sandy and helped me shovel my driveway out of snow three feet deep during the crazy blizzard in February. Oh, and a little trade secret.... my boots have lasted so long because I take proper care of them! I hose them down if they get muddy or dirty and let them air dry, and I regularly apply Dubarry Leather Cream to the foot part so they don't dry out.

A rainy Galway day in February, paired with black motorcycle jeans and a North Face parka.

For those of you lucky folks who will be attending Rolex Kentucky this year, a limited number of Longford boots will be available for sale at the show, so absolutely stop by the booth and slip a pair on. By the looks of them, you won't want to take them off......... ever. If you're an Instagram user, tag any Dubarry related photos #dubarry #dubarryboots #rk3de #roadtorolex2013 @dubarryofireland @rolexkentucky, and if you want to make me envious you can tag me @aezeum!

As for the rest of us, Dubarry is running an exciting social media contest through the Rolex Event in which one US resident can WIN a pair of Longfords and thereby increase their quality of life a hundredfold. Click here or on the image below for details on the competition!

I may have to wait until the Hampton Classic Horse Show this year to get my hands on a pair, but please believe I will -- in Black -- and I'll spam photos of them on Instagram to make you all insanely jealous until you can't help but get a pair of your own. I dare you to beat me to the punch!

Field Trip: the Great Pennsylvania Adventure!

The Great Pennsylvania Adventure, (or GPA, if you wish), was pretty phenomenal and exciting. As a result, this post is pretty long. There are lots of pictures though, so look at those and scan through my rambling as you please!

After living in Pennsylvania for two and a half years during the time I attended Villanova for my Masters, I haven't once returned back to visit. When I moved home to Long Island in October of 2011, I was very frustrated with Pennsylvania. I hadn't been able to find a job there that I could support myself on, I was far away from my family, and it was perplexing to me to live somewhere that's so hot over the summer without any beaches to go to. It sort of seemed like a lonely, landlocked hell. A year and a half later, I find myself waxing poetic about my time in PA. I miss living down the block from Milkboy Coffee and being able to walk up the street, get a cup of coffee and some food, and sit, people watching in an artsy Laptopistan. I was lucky enough at the time that my other half was willing to move his life down to Pennsylvania and have that adventure with me. He too, had become disenchanted with Pennsylvania and the struggles of starting over somewhere new, without the comfort of family and old friends. We made new friends, though, and we've only realized how important they are to us after so much time being away from them. Last week, we decided it was time to take a mini-vacation and revisit our old haunts along the Main Line and spend some quality time with good friends further south, in Oxford.

yours truly, in heaven.

Our first stop was Villanova, where I fulfilled my Alumni duty of spending money I didn't have in the bookstore. The campus looks wonderful with the many changes they've made to further "beautify" it since I graduated. Check that off the list. Next up we headed to our former home of Ardmore and had lunch at Milkboy Coffee. I was disappointed to not see any of the baristas I remember from when I was a regular there... but alas, times do change. 

PHASE TWO after the jump....