Dappered | The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – September 2020

[Dappered | The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – September 2020]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – September 2020](#1) - [Most Wanted Affordable Style – October 2020](#2) - [In Review: The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II](#3) [The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – September 2020](r/Dappered/~3/5HM3mpN0gmE/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 07 Oct 2020 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. A wise man once asked: [“What the hell just happened?”](And for good reason. There is value in looking back. It gives us all a good gauge as to what is good, and more importantly, what is not good, going forward. Sure, the “[clip show](” is mostly a cheap (affordable?) device to create new content out of already published stuff. But it’s also a good way to catch up in case you missed something. So [cue the flashback music](. Here’s the very best from the month that was… [Best Sale: Banana Republic 52% off sitewide sale (expired)]( [Banana Republic menswear]( Banana Republic continues to look terrific. They might not make the money that Old Navy makes, but? They sure do look the part. BR looks, well, money. Often for steal-alert prices. Like when they go more than half off every now and then. Which was quietly the case earlier in the month. Meanwhile, working on a review of those boots. Standby for that. [Best Steal Alert: Upgraded Leather Stan Smiths for $30 (expired)]( [Adidas Stan Smith sneakers]( Thirty dollars. Those sold out FAST. Not the base model line either, but instead the soft with a bit of texture upgraded leather options. Big thanks to Charles C. for the style tip on that one. [Most Wheelhouse Post: Target Goodfellow Fall Round-up Review]( [Target Goodfellow Fall Round-up Review]( Remember when Target launched Goodfellow & Co. a few years back and we were all wondering if it’d stick/be a success? Pretty sure it’s here to stay. Yes, they still sometimes have sizing inconsistencies, but you’re gonna get that with hyper-affordable clothes. Otherwise, it’s usually a home run from the bullseye folks. [Most Welcome New Arrival: Spier & Mackay’s New Goodyear Welted Shoes – $248]( [Spier & Mackay's New Goodyear Welted Shoes]( Those whole cuts. Yeeeeah. [Most Pleasant Surprise: The Tie Bar does Merino Sweaters](//www.thetiebar.com/sweaters) [The Tie Bar merino sweater](//www.thetiebar.com/sweaters) They’re good. They’re very good. Standby for a full review. But in case you can’t wait: They’re good. Who knew that a shop dedicated to ties could nail the retro-merino sweater look… and more importantly, nail that feel too? [Most concise argument for dressing well: “Is the Suit Dead?”]( [Man in suit jacket]( “The purpose is to project competence and power. Fairly or unfairly, that’s how it works. Clothes are a conduit. Learning how to deploy that conduit requires [practice](. And [practice]( leads [to fluency](. Projecting competence and power is a skill that can help prevent you from being held back, as well as [give you an edge]( over [competition]( and adversaries.” That’s it. That’s the thesis statement. And I can write it 95 more times in slightly different ways (oh and I will, mark my words)… but that’s the reason why you and I and everyone else reading this goofball website seems to give a crap about how they present themselves. [Most convincing VISUAL argument to dress well: Avoiding Pink Eye]( Go ahead. Try not to touch or scratch your eyes while watching that. [Most Christopher Nolan like Watch Photos: Lorier Review]( [Lorier Falcon watch]( Our guy Aaron K. can shoot a photo. That’s for sure. And these things have that dark, menacing look to them to the point that I feel like Christian Bale is gonna step out from behind a lamp post and growl at me. [Crankiest/Most “old man yells at cloud” post: Allen Edmonds new Park Avenue and Strand Sneakers]( [Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Sneakers]( I feel like a lot of the point(s) were missed here. I’m not saying sneaker/traditional shoe hybrids are all bad ([I wear some myself!](). I’m not saying Allen Edmonds shouldn’t do this ([they already do!](). What I AM saying is that the proportions are all off, the price is way too high, and if these muck it up for their classics (like [the actual Strand]( and [Park Ave]() then it’s another step in the wrong direction for a company some of us, frankly, flat out love and respect. But that doesn’t matter! I don’t think they care. And that’s fine! [Most Honest Assessment of Trousers use in Lockdown: Ryan’s WFH Video Call Style Scenario]( [Men's suited outfit]( Seems ’bout right. [Best Photoshoot Location: The Moon]( [Hamilton Murph watch]( That picture was not taken on the moon. Also, Interstellar is not about the moon. [Best pic of a well dressed man about to smash his skull open]( [Men riding bicycles down stairs]( Tally ho! *splat* [Brand to keep an eye on: Grant Stone]( [Grant Stone boots]( Adam makes some really good points. [Full review here](. [Best Decanter: Vicara Cerne Wood Mold Glass Carafe – $156]( [Vicara Cerne Wood Mold Glass Carafe]( Don’t need a $156 vessel for liquid. Nope. Don’t need it. But holy crap ballz is that thing something. It’s straight up gorgeous. [Shaped in natural carob wood molds]( to reflect the grain of the tree. For the good stuff. Like [this]( or [this]( or [this]( or [this]( if you’re a non-drinker. A quick email to Huckberry customer service, and their subsequent email to Vicara says this thing is lead free. So no leeching of that stuff into your booze. Nice. [Most welcome return: Outerwear!]( [Pictures of man in outerwear]( Coats, vests, etc. It’s a fun time of year. And if it’s still hot where you live? Don’t fret. Coat weather is on the way. Also, [both of]( those [style scenarios]( shown above are by DeJuan, who happens to be a new addition to #teamdappered. And not to be an insufferable cheese-ball, but I (the Joe guy) am legitimately grateful for the team of contributors we’ve got right now. Ryan, Jason, Michael, Adam, Dave, Aaron, and now DeJuan and Paul and Carlon… these guys get it. And I feel straight up lucky they want to be on board for, uh… this. Whatever “this” is. And don’t worry if you think this is saccharine pandering. It’s not. Nobody reads the words anyway, so it’s not like they’ll see this! Ha ha! Feeling Nostalgic? [Here’s the archive]( containing previous editions of Best of the Month that Was. ff/Dappered?a=5HM3mpN0gmE:2PoI2oCV1hc:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=5HM3mpN0gmE:2PoI2oCV1hc:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=5HM3mpN0gmE:2PoI2oCV1hc:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Most Wanted Affordable Style – October 2020](r/Dappered/~3/M3cWIXizfDg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 06 Oct 2020 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. You’ll find new arrivals and old favorites, especially good deals, or maybe something pricey to keep an eye on for future sales. Got a tip on something that deserves to end up in the monthly Most Wanted? Send those in to joe@dappered.com [Timex Navi Automatic 41mm Mesh Band Watch – $269]( [Timex Navi Automatic 41mm Mesh Band Watch]( Boy howdy has Timex come a long way in the last 10 years. That thing is a looker. Automatic movement. Perfect for many, 41mm case size. Milanese style mesh bracelet. Obviously on the high (super high?) end for a Timex, but it’s got the looks. And it’s got an automatic movement, which weirdly enough many of us prefer, even though Quartz is far more accurate. Fingers crossed these trickle down to the 3rd party market and thus go on sale… but I wouldn’t hold your breath. If you just can’t see yourself spending almost $300 on a TIMEX, but you love the looks, [then consider picking up this new Seiko 5 sports automatic instead](. [Leatherman FREE T2 – $40]( [Leatherman FREE T2 swiss knife]( Just moved house, and I have to say, I reached for this thing time and time and time again. Opening boxes, screwing in door hinges, cutting apples, poppin’ bottles, and a heck of a lot more. Everything you need for every day carry. Nothing you don’t. One handed operation. Looks pretty good too. [Spier & Mackay 100% Australian Merino Wool Shawl Collar Cardigans – $188]( [Spier & Mackay 100% Australian Merino Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan]( Spendy, but an investment worthy sweater. One of those things that once you get it on you’ll almost certainly think “ah yeah, see, this is mine… I don’t need 4 other cardigans at a quarter the price. I’ll just wear this… forever.” A little hyperbolic? Maybe. But… boy that looks incredible. Available in a bunch of other colors. Green, charcoal, camel, navy, etc. [The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – $13 and up]( Perfect fall/winter escapist fiction. Because sometimes you have to take a break from that heavy non-fiction monster you’re working on. Let Holmes and Watson give your brain a rest, while also working it up through its gears as their mystery unspools. Prices vary on Amazon of course, but the leather bound edition shown above can be had [for about $35]( through various used book shops. For those interested [in the lamp]( it’s actually a LED, dimmable lamp, with a bluetooth speaker in the base. Good sound, great light. Spendy, but fun. [Saucony Jazz Original – $49.99]() w/ MONSTERMASH ($59.99) [Saucony Jazz Original]() Are [the USA made Victory Sneakers at Huckberry]( way too rich for your blood? Understood. Try these instead. They’re the perfect retro-sneaker to add while wearing joggers and a well-fitting (but not shrink wrapped) athletic top. Think somewhere between [007]( and [George Costanza](. Yes, that’s possible. On sale with the code via DSW through tomorrow, 10/7. [BONUS GAP Icon Corduroy Sherpa Jacket – $75ish]( ($128) [GAP Icon Corduroy Sherpa Jacket]( These things combine two of the biggest trends of this fall: Sherpa and Corduroy. And give credit where credit is due. GAP nailed it here. Affordable, casual, timeless and rugged outerwear. And hey, [Bruce Springsteen is making the sherpa thing look cool as hell]( (which isn’t hard when you’re The Boss). Want more most wanted? [Click here]( for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months. ff/Dappered?a=M3cWIXizfDg:ucUI2Cv3I7U:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=M3cWIXizfDg:ucUI2Cv3I7U:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=M3cWIXizfDg:ucUI2Cv3I7U:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II](r/Dappered/~3/SvBR_Ojp-MQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 06 Oct 2020 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II – $188]( Duckboots are more function over form, but the good folks at Huckberry have taken a big swing at crafting a multi-use, good looking duckboot. These are certainly more contemporary than your average mallard inspired footwear. But, does it stand up to a roughing on the trail and in the wet? I put them to the test in advance of their fall release to find out if this all-weather hybrid boot is worth your hard earned coin. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II]( A unique take on the classic duck boot details, but no less capable. [Quack Quack](. Without question, these are one of the most visually unique duckboots available. The overall aesthetic screams trail boot, despite the ducking on the toe, than [the classic]( wharf hopping New England aesthetic, and they’re built like a trail boot too. The upper is leather, on leather, on leather, on leather. Four distinct leathers, in fact. The star of the show, certainly, is the rubberized leather mudguard, capped on the toe with duckboot detailing. The “ducking” – this author’s term for stitched duckboot detailing, similar to “brogueing” – is a 5-clawed raised pattern, accentuated with matching stitching. Rather than the typical rubber mudguard, Huckberry opted for a a large, waterproof, single piece of leather wrapping from toe to nearly the heel, where it’s capped by a heel piece of the same material. These are hefty cuts of leather. Outdoor durability calls for heavy-duty, quality natural materials, and Huckberry applied them aplenty here. More on durability later in the post. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II]( No flimsy uppers or ankle breaking heels here. Full support all around. Quality materials, quality construction. Impressive. The leather feels, I’ll call it “winterized” – for heavy outdoor use. The mudguard is connected to the rest of the outer upper via a double-stitched nubuck leather in a slightly thinner cut. Make no mistake, though, these are still thick cuts. The ankle area is highlighted by a suede rim in a darker brown. The inside of the collar uses a plush black leather matching the winterized leather mudguard below. One feature I adored on this boot is the subtle gusseted tongue for added water-proof protection. It folds neatly and protects against water. These pieces on boots can often be cumbersome and uncomfortable, or at the very least, noticeable. Not here. It’s done right. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II]( A little fuzzy flourish. As good as the upper materials and construction are, the midsole is the special sauce to making this a true take-it-anywhere boot. THICK stable foam cushioning supports the foot for the full day of hiking, or whatever outdoor pursuit may strike you. Narrow footed fellas may want to opt for thicker socks, as this shoe accommodates a larger foot with a wide platform. Not only does this aid in the all-day comfort, but it provides safety in stability. Wider bases create more ground contact and in turn, a more sure-footed feel. Huckberry slapped on a Vibram outsole for even more safety in wet conditions, so your foot will be safe and secure when the weather turns wet. The midsole and outsole are chunky, as befitting a shoe with all-weather ambitions, so don’t confuse this for a heritage style workboot. First and foremost, this is an outdoor ass-kicker. The stylized approach is an added bonus. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II] Stability in spades. Grippy Vibram outsoles provide sure-footed safety in wet conditions. These are outdoor ass-kickers. Huckberry recommends going true to your sneaker sizing, and my experience aligned with their recommendation. I wear a size 10 in sneakers, and these size 10 boots fit like a dream. Of course, your mileage may vary. A wide base provides a comfortable, roomy, fit without becoming sloppy. There is more room in the toes than in your average sneaker, but that’s part of the duckboot design. The larger toe volume provides room for airflow, as well as thicker socks, to keep your foot warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. This is how [Leon Leonwood Bean]( (what a name) intended the boot to function when he designed it in 1912, and I imagine Huckberry had this in mind when crafting their own variant. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II]( Two colorways this time. A modern almost all black, and the more traditional brown/tan. Because it’s built to be a high-functioning outdoor boot, this beast feels built to last. It’s difficult to say for certain without a follow-up post in 6 months, but after a first hike in these Huckberry’s (Huckberries?), I’m confident in the material and build quality. I did a short, light hike in these and my feet felt almost as fresh as they do when I hike in [my Danner Mountain 600’s](, a true hiking boot. The one area the Huckberry duck is lacking a bit is flexibility. The chunky outsole that provides such great durability, comfort, and grip, doesn’t flex much, but that is fairly standard for a boot of this type. With all-weather hybrid products comes certain tradeoffs. Huckberry does a phenomenal job in managing those tradeoffs, and the overall package provides significant bang-for-your buck. Take these apple picking, hiking, walking the dog, or running an essential errand in the rain, snow, mud and muck that’s coming. And soon. This boot can take it all. Hybrid boot, indeed. [The Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot II]( About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA. ff/Dappered?a=SvBR_Ojp-MQ:3VR6ddTOl9I:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=SvBR_Ojp-MQ:3VR6ddTOl9I:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=SvBR_Ojp-MQ:3VR6ddTOl9I: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