Dappered | What I Wear to Work: Brandon, Government Trial Attorney

[Dappered | What I Wear to Work: Brandon, Government Trial Attorney]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [What I Wear to Work: Brandon, Government Trial Attorney](#1) - [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop](#2) - [Quick Picks: Mr. Porter Summer Sale 2019](#3) [What I Wear to Work: Brandon, Government Trial Attorney](r/Dappered/~3/uHNyoB4xGWE/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 29 May 2019 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Welcome to “[What I Wear to Work](.” A series on, you guessed it, who wears what to work. Would you like to be featured? See the bottom of this post for instructions. Brandon D. is [a recently married]( trial attorney living in Houston, TX (but will forever be a New Yorker). Brandon has been wearing suits and sportcoats to work for the better part of a decade, so he appreciates the insights into quality-yet-affordable style options for which Dappered is known. When not at work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, lounging with his dog Charlie (she’s half-Chihuahua/half-Dachshund, which has the added bonus of being known as a “Chiweenie”), and the weekly trip to Costco. [What I Wear to Work: Brandon, Government Trial Attorney | Dappered.com] The Sportcoat: [Lands’ End Tailored Fit Comero Italian Wool Navy Blazer – $179.40](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-tailored-fit-comero-italian-wool-navy-blazer/id_307554) when 40% off. When I’m on trial, I of course wear a suit. But when I’m not, and most days I’m not, this is the move. [Well-reviewed as a workhorse blazer](, it fits off-the-rack better than most do after tailoring. Since many attorneys [just don’t know how to dress](, getting the fit right sets you ahead of the pack. The Pants: [Banana Republic Aiden Slim Core Temp Chinos – $58.80](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=core+temp+chinos) when 40% off ($98), or [J. Crew 770 Straight-fit Pant in Stretch Chino – $68]( or [Lands’ End Tailored Fit Wool Year’rounder Dress Trousers – $53.97](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-tailored-fit-yearrounder-wool-trousers/id_200237?sku_0=::DKC) (when 40% off) (several colors). I only need a jacket for court or witness meetings, so I can get away with wearing the same one for several days since my jacket spends most of the day [on a suit valet](. But pants? Yeah, I have to (and am happy to) wear a different pair every day. The Shirt: [Lands’ End Tailored Fit Solid No Iron Supima Pinpoint Spread Collar Dress Shirt in White or Light Blue – $32.97](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-solid-no-iron-supima-pinpoint-spread-collar-dress-shirt/id_257371?sku_0=::WHI) when 40% off. You can’t go wrong with a [Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit option]( but these fit me best and can be purchased in bulk without requiring me to throw my credit card out the window. The Tie(s): [The Tie Bar Solid Texture Ties – $19.00](//www.thetiebar.com/product/32387) (several colors). Boring? Sure! But if a government attorney is supposed to be boring, lean into it. And if you prefer more variety but want to stay on the conservative side, start here. The Socks: [Brooks Brothers Merino Wool Ribbed Over-the-Calf Socks in Navy, Grey, and Brown – $10-$14](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Merino-Wool-Ribbed-Over-the-Calf-Socks/051D,default,pd.html?dwvar_051D_Color=BK contentpos=2 cgid=) (when on sale). In my personal experience, these are hands down superior to their Nordstrom counterparts. But they’re also much more expensive except during Brooks’ Semi- Annual Sales (around Christmas and Father’s Day). The Shoes: [DSW Aston Grey Leu Oxford – $71.99]() (when 20% off). You’ll be on your feet throughout the day, so invest in a solid pair of Goodyear welted shoes when you can. But since you’ll need many pairs of shoes to avoid wearing out the ones you have, DSW is a strong place to start. And don’t forget the Dr. Scholl’s inserts! The Belt: [Johnston & Murphy Dress Belt – $69.50](. Presently, I have three belts from J&M. I’ve had each of them for almost a decade. And they still look great and do the job. Don’t forget to match your belt to your shoes. The Watch: [Casio DW-290 Sport Watch – $31.99](. If it’s good enough for [the best trial attorney in the world](, it’s good enough for you. The Bag: No bag! In law school, they tell you that you need a bag to get around. Where else will you put your files? Well, if you work for the government, your office and the court(s) you appear before are probably in the same building. If you happen to forget something you need, it’s a minute away. So save the money you’d spend on [that Filson bag]( for when you get to private practice, then you will need a bag. A huge thank you to Brandon for submitting his What I Wear to Work. [Head over to LinkedIn]( to discuss this with your coworkers or follow Dappered if you want to see these in your feed. If you want to take this for a spin, send an email to joe@dappered.com with who you are, what you do, and what you’d like to submit. To be featured, we’ll need a picture of you at work, as well as the details on what you’re wearing/usually wear on the job. Final image will have to be cropped down to 1500×840 pixels, so, keep that in mind when shooting. Landscape mode please, and let’s keep anything from the chin up out of it. Note that sending an email with your picks and a pic doesn’t guarantee publishing. Be yourself! And get your employer’s permission if you’re gonna get specific with your place of work. ff/Dappered?a=uHNyoB4xGWE:3YFkiFt3hOI:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=uHNyoB4xGWE:3YFkiFt3hOI:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=uHNyoB4xGWE:3YFkiFt3hOI:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop](r/Dappered/~3/vN9ixNKMaoM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 28 May 2019 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [In Review: Drop / Massdrop Carmina Oxfords – $350*]( FINAL ($500) *NOTE: Massdrop doesn’t run these in perpetuity. On original publishing date, they aren’t currently available. Also know that there’s often a long lead time between plunking down the cash, and getting your shoes. That’s how Drop works. Money first, then they make the things, then they send you the things. Background As [Dappered’s resident shoe snob](, I recently found myself oddly melancholy as I boxed up my favorite pair of [Allen Edmonds Strands]( and sent them off for a new sole. [The AE recrafting process]( is estimated to take 4-6 weeks. Thankfully, just as I had finished addressing the box my Strands were in for their return “home,” the flame of a new fling was sparked. The doorbell rang, and [this beautiful pair of Drop x Carmina Semi-Brogue Oxfords]( was in my hands. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( Oh. Hello there. Details - Brand: Carmina - Style: Semi-Brogue Oxford - Last: Rain - Construction: Goodyear Welt - Leather: Tannerie D’Annonay French calfskin in marron (brown) - Sole: Channeled, beveled, oak bark–tanned sole from Joh. Rendenbach Jr. - Details: Hidden metal eyelets, cork/ground leather filler, and a brass nail-reinforced toe and heel - Also ships with a pair of cedar or beechwood shoe trees - Country of Origin: Spain - Price: $350 USD* *Note: Drop sent this sample pair for testing and evaluation at no charge. Joe said [if we could get an address for their offices, we’d have to send them back. On Dappered’s dime no less. Because, no freebies.]( And we got the address. So I did send them back. Bummer. About Drop Drop, the website formerly known as Massdrop, is a unique company that uses data and customer insights from enthusiast communities to offer bulk buy discounts on a wide variety of products ranging from electronics and outdoor equipment to apparel and shoes. They also regularly team up with well-known brands like Naked & Famous, Darn Tough, and Allen Edmonds to offer special pricing on one-off models for their enthusiast communities. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( See that nifty engraving? Massdrop helped make ’em. Just like Costco offers you bulk buy deals on [Parmigiano Reggiano cheese](2C-72-lbs.-.product.100096211.html) and [boxer briefs](, Drop offers discounts based on how many units it can sell. Due to this unique ordering process, most orders through Drop are final sale. For ink pens or headphones, this isn’t such a huge issue. However, when you’re dealing with shoes or clothing, it’s much easier to order the wrong size if you’re not familiar with that brand. With this in mind, [starting January 1, 2019](, US customers will get free returns and exchanges on select Drop-branded apparel and accessories. Make sure you pay close attention to the details of the item you’re interested in prior to ordering. I’m pretty sure these were final sale during the last go-round. Ordering/Delivery This sample pair of the Drop x Carmina Semi-Brogue Oxfords was ordered and shipped on a Wednesday. They arrived on my doorstep the following Wednesday. To be frank, this sort of delivery time frame is practically unheard of from Drop; most product runs can take weeks or even months to be manufactured, shipped, and finally delivered. For reference, I’ve personally used Drop over eleven times prior to this review and most of my orders averaged just shy of a month from order to final delivery. Patience is a virtue. Be prepared to wait! Score: 5/5 Packaging Like James Bond pulling up in his sleek Aston Martin, the Carmina Oxfords arrived in a surprisingly luxurious burgundy cardboard box with gold foil lettering. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( These shoes have a very nice “ride.” After popping the hood, you’re greeted with the shoe snob’s version of designer lingerie – lasted twin-tube cedar shoe trees, [red cotton flannel shoe bags](, spare waxed cotton laces, and some of the most beautiful shoes I’ve ever seen. Bravo, Carmina. Score: 5/5 [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( Even the shoe trees look great. First Impressions “WOW!” Right off the bat, my wife and I are both taken aback with just how gorgeous these shoes are. The calfskin leather upper is crisp and firm with no visible defects such as loose grain. The punched brogueing, stitching, and staining/dye work are almost flawless with only a few very minor flaws. The left shoe has some excess dye at the toe near the welt and the right shoe has a leather “planchet” from the brogueing still in place. Only the pickiest of shoe snobs would notice or care. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( I repeat: Wow. The Joh. Rendenbach Jr. oak bark-tanned leather soles are world renowned for being super durable. I’d wager half of my shoes have a JR double leather sole and I’ve only needed to resole one pair over years of regular wear and tear. Carmina takes it a few steps further by channeling and beveling the soles. Closed channel soles are not only beautiful to look at, but they’re arguably functionally better than open channel soles as the stitching is better shielded from water damage and debris. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( Closed channel sole. Imagine Luke Skywalker flying his X-Wing fighter through the gulch on the first Death Star. Had the gulch been covered, Luke couldn’t have shot those proton torpedoes into the reactor core’s exhaust vent! Finally, brass nails structurally reinforce the heel and toe layers. Score: 5/5 Fit, Sizing, and Comfort The Rain last is a fairly sleek, slightly narrow fitting dress shoe last. It features a snug heel, slightly wider toe box, and a subtly squared-off toe. Carmina, Drop, and most shoe nerds agree that you should try one full size down from your US dress shoe size. For example, a size 9.5EE UK feels somewhere in between a 10 and 10.5 in Allen Edmond’s 65 lasted shoes. For reference: I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5E in [the Allen Edmonds 65 last](, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( Last is sleek, and fits slightly narrow. Those with wider fittings or high arches (like me) may feel slightly cramped in these. I did notice that the laced “throat” wasn’t closing as tight as I’m used to with Oxfords, even with thinner than usual socks, but I chalk that up to my high arches and these being new shoes with very firm leather. I would recommend a few days of wear around the house for the leather insole and cork filling to break in and mold to your feet before they’re “all day wear” comfortable. [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( Those with wider fittings or high arches may feel slightly cramped. Speaking of comfort, it’s entirely subjective. While this pair of Oxfords is probably on the smaller side for me personally, especially around the arches, I’d say that given a few days of break in, they should conform to your feet and feel much more comfortable. The leather lining and insole are top notch. Score: 4/5 Final Thoughts I highly recommend you look into this pair of Carmina Oxfords. If you’re looking for a beautiful pair of shoes in the $300-$400 ballpark, don’t mind waiting a while for a deal, and intimately know your dress shoe sizing, I’d encourage you to buy them through Drop. For roughly $350, I don’t know of ANY other shoes that can meet or exceed what you get from Carmina. Avg. Score: 4.75/5.00 About the Author: [Adam Terry]( is a thirtysomething Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, and raw denim. He’s also a new dad! [In Review: The Carmina Oxford from DROP aka Massdrop | Dappered.com]( ff/Dappered?a=vN9ixNKMaoM:Z7GpDNth3Bw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=vN9ixNKMaoM:Z7GpDNth3Bw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=vN9ixNKMaoM:Z7GpDNth3Bw:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Quick Picks: Mr. Porter Summer Sale 2019](r/Dappered/~3/yq6gF8g8TLk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 28 May 2019 02:59 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Mr. Porter Spring/Summer 2019 Sale](1100l4KZw/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2F) Mr. Porter can get… strange. I’m not trying to rip on them, but a lot of us who prefer a more classic, down-to-earth (but still sharp) look will cast a pretty strong side eye to some of their bold, loud, expensive stuff. But hey, if you wanna drop six bills on slide sandals, it’s no epidermis off my proboscis. Just don’t ask me to understand the “why” behind your purchase. THAT SAID… there are a few pieces in their just launched sale that belong on this website. Brace your checking accounts for big numbers. This ain’t Target or H&M. So even the more conservative stuff on the lower end of the Mr. Porter price point scale can get spendy. Also, know that stock can move fast. So if sizes are short or gone, know that it wasn’t our intention to send you on a wild goose chase. [Common Projects Achilles Retro Leather Sneakers – $325.50](1100l4KZw/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fcommon_projects%2Fachilles-retro-leather-sneakers%2F1116411%3Fppv%3D2%23) ($465) 1100l4KZw/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fcommon_projects%2Fachilles-retro-leather-sneakers%2F1116411%3Fppv%3D2%23 Just because [I don’t “get” it, doesn’t mean some of you guys don’t love it](. And I need to understand that. So. Here. Sizes are going fast. Don’t expect these to last long. [Common Projects Achilles Retro Leather Sneakers – $255](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fcommon_projects%2Foriginal-achilles-leather-sneakers%2F1116413%3Fppv%3D2%23) ($425) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fcommon_projects%2Foriginal-achilles-leather-sneakers%2F1116413%3Fppv%3D2%23 Kinda digging the taupe color (not digging the price of course). But hey, [they say taupe is very soothing](. And [there’s plenty more Common Projects on sale](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fsale%2Fdesigners%2Fcommon_projects). For now. [Golden Bear Virgin Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket – $255](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fgolden_bear%2Fleather-panelled-melange-virgin-wool-blend-bomber-jacket%2F1126469%3Fppv%3D2) ($450) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fgolden_bear%2Fleather-panelled-melange-virgin-wool-blend-bomber-jacket%2F1126469%3Fppv%3D2 Good grief that’s gorgeous. I understand it’s not exactly wool bomber season, but, that’s why it’s on sale. Pretty sure these things are made in the USA? Sizing seems to run small, so, size up. Leather accents are full grain. This is a perfect visualization as to why some of us don’t like the warmer months. [adidas I-5923 Suede-Trimmed Neoprene Sneakers – $78](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fadidas_originals%2Fi-5923-suede-trimmed-neoprene-sneakers%2F1063070%3Fppv%3D2) ($130) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fadidas_originals%2Fi-5923-suede-trimmed-neoprene-sneakers%2F1063070%3Fppv%3D2 Would absolutely wear these. And if I hadn’t put myself in a personal spending timeout, would totally pick them up. Love that 70s style sole. [Club Monaco Grey Grant Slim-Fit Unstructured Puppytooth Woven Blazer – $164](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fclub_monaco%2Fgrey-grant-slim-fit-unstructured-puppytooth-woven-blazer%2F1189167%3Fppv%3D2) ($330) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fclub_monaco%2Fgrey-grant-slim-fit-unstructured-puppytooth-woven-blazer%2F1189167%3Fppv%3D2 A wool blend blazer for the price of a J. Crew un-suit sportcoat? That’ll do. 54% polyester, 44% wool, 2% elastane. Would look great with white jeans or off white chinos. Would also look great with darker jeans or chinos once it cools off. [Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short and Long Sleeve Tees – $49 – $56](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fmens%2Fsearch%3Fkeywords%3DMetal%2BVent%2BTech) ($70) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fmens%2Fsearch%3Fkeywords%3DMetal%2BVent%2BTech To quote Macklemore, “Yo, that’s fifty dollars for a t-shirt… that’s getting tricked by business.” And that very well may apply here. But the problem with lululemons excellent metal-vent-tech material is that… it really is excellent. Like, you’ll gladly trade in 5-10 cotton or cotton/poly tees for one of these things. And they are really, really hard to get on sale. [Timex Navi Harbor in Black – $70](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Ftimex%2Fnavi-harbor-stainless-steel-and-nylon-webbing-watch%2F1125992%3Fppv%3D2) or [Blue – $94.50](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Ftimex%2Fnavi-harbor-stainless-steel-and-nylon-webbing-watch%2F1125993%3Fppv%3D2) ($135 – $140) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Ftimex%2Fnavi-harbor-stainless-steel-and-nylon-webbing-watch%2F1125993%3Fppv%3D2 One of the newer retro (is that an oxymoron?) designs from Timex. Black is half off, blue not quite as much. [Oliver Peoples Boudreau L.A D-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses – $228](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Foliver_peoples%2Fboudreau-l-a-d-frame-tortoiseshell-acetate-sunglasses%2F1123327%3Fppv%3D2) ($320) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Foliver_peoples%2Fboudreau-l-a-d-frame-tortoiseshell-acetate-sunglasses%2F1123327%3Fppv%3D2 Those are pretty rad. I don’t know if they’re two hundred bucks+ rad, but they’re pretty rad. Some people are into designer sunglasses, some of us are not. Like I said. Mr. Porter is NOT Target or H&M. [Club Monaco Suede Trucker Jacket – $347.50](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fclub_monaco%2Fsuede-trucker-jacket%2F1085629%3Fppv%3D2%23) ($695) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fclub_monaco%2Fsuede-trucker-jacket%2F1085629%3Fppv%3D2%23 Oooh. Okay. Leather is a little tough for some of us to pull off, but suede? A bit easier. Less gloss for one to floss. Half off now. [Grenson Joseph Cap-Toe Burnished-Leather Boots –  $219](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fgrenson%2Fjoseph-cap-toe-burnished-leather-boots%2F1100465%3Fppv%3D2) ($365) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fgrenson%2Fjoseph-cap-toe-burnished-leather-boots%2F1100465%3Fppv%3D2 Sheeeeeiiiiiiiiaaaaaatt Kickers. Goodyear Welted. Runs large by half a size, so, size down just a touch. [Mont Blanc Meisterstück Rose Gold-Tone Mother-Of-Pearl Cufflinks – $171.50](1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fmontblanc%2Fmeisterstuck-rose-gold-tone-mother-of-pearl-cufflinks%2F1119475%3Fppv%3D2) ($245) 1011l4KGk/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrporter.com%2Fen-us%2Fmens%2Fproduct%2Fmontblanc%2Fmeisterstuck-rose-gold-tone-mother-of-pearl-cufflinks%2F1119475%3Fppv%3D2 Father’s Day? Graduation Gift? Wedding Present? It’s that time of season after all. Made in Germany. The Mr. Porter Sale usually runs a few weeks and if memory serves, they do more drastic discounting as time wears on. But stock goes super fast. So, be warned. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming, during which we won’t cover $300 sneakers. Yikes. ff/Dappered?a=yq6gF8g8TLk:TOjp65LGdjc:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=yq6gF8g8TLk:TOjp65LGdjc:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=yq6gF8g8TLk:TOjp65LGdjc:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States