Shinola, the Ultimate Watch for an American President

Yesterday, The New York Times ran a piece in the Style section about the disappearance of the political “power watch” – a watch that seemed to really suit a world leader. Dwight D. Eisenhower wore a Rolex, Franklin D. Roosevelt wore a Movado, John F. Kennedy had a Cartier and an Omega, and Lyndon B. Johnson had a collection that included a Patek Philippe, a Vulcain Cricket, a LeCoultre and a Rolex.

Such displays by an elected official in today’s America, where absolutely everything is scrutinized, would be criticized as un-American, out-of-step with the average working man or too flashy. Even if a candidate or elected official is well known to be wealthy, like Mitt Romney, George Bush or Bill Clinton, he is expected to play it down to something with which his constituents can identify, especially in times of great economic inequality.

Read more

Supporting My Preferred News Resources

I don’t expect to get anything for free (though I’m delighted on the rare occasions when I do). As someone who appreciates quality and standards, I fully understand that worthwhile things cost money – money that enables the creator of worthwhile things to continue producing and uphold quality and standards. I gladly pay for my clothes, my entertainment and, of course, my news.

Read more

A Subtle Sartorial Halloween Flourish

Through my early thirties, I would get really into Halloween. I’ve been a vampire, a zombie, a mummy, Mr. Spock, a Hooters waitress and, yes, a bloodied Drew Barrymore from Scream (complete with a cordless phone in one hand, Jiffy Pop in the other, and a knife in my chest). I even once had a pair of black contact lenses that just covered the iris, which were wonderfully and eerily off-putting at parties. When I went out, I went all out, as one should when you want to do it right.

As I ease into my mid-forties, I’ve toned it down considerably. Since Halloween and its ghostly, ghoulish splendor remains one of my favorite holidays on the American calendar, I still enjoy a little sartorial flourish to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve.

Read more

The Importance of Cedar Shoe Trees

You cannot underestimate the importance of shoes. They say a lot about us. And it’s not about expensive shoes versus inexpensive ones. It’s about well-chosen shoes that are well-tended. I apply the same degree of care to my Florsheims as I apply to my Aldens.

In addition to regular leather conditioning and shine, and maintenance and protection of the soles with taps, I also preserve the appearance and longevity of my shoes with cedar shoe trees.

Read more

My Cordovan Chukka Boots from Alden

With many things pertaining to smarter modes in menswear, I’m often late to the party. I didn’t fully understand the pleasure (or importance) of a well-tailored suit or what went into a well-made shoe until my late 30s. When I “discovered” things like Warby Parker, J.Crew’s Ludlow suits, Kamakura or The Tie Bar, I learned that other smartasses in the menswear ether had known about them for years. I don’t claim to be inventing any wheels here, and I will never pretend to be an expert. We get there when we get there.

Another party to which I arrived late is Alden. To be clear, I’ve certainly been aware of Alden and their gold standard in American shoe and boot making for a long time. In fact, I’ve been coveting a pair of Alden’s cordovan chukka boots for several years. My new arrival to the Alden party comes in the form of actually owning a pair.

Read more

If I Were to Get an Apple Watch…

When it comes to accessories and jewelry on men, I’m a less-is-more kind of a guy. In a land of sartorial screamers desperate to be noticed for something… anything… I think understated is underrated. For me, the understated beat is doubly true when it comes to tech-related accessories.

Read more
Back To Top
Search