Publishing.  It’s not an easy business.  More people are starting to believe that the words and pictures we’ve always paid to see in newspapers, magazines, and books, should forever be free if accessed on the internet.  The hell they thinking… that writers and photographers work for free?  I thought only Postal Workers and UPS drivers did that.

Kidding.  Mostly.

Since the revenue streams for Esquire, GQ, and pretty much every other magazine on the planet have slowed, these magazines are probably looking for new ways to make money.  You’d think this is part of a strategy to do just that.  Here’s how a few popular publications are going about it:

J.C. Penny?  Really?  Indeed.  But of course, it’s not quite that simple.  CLAD doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to what they are and who’s participating.  This is from their easy to find “about” page:

CLAD is part of a strategic promotional relationship between Hearst Magazines and J.C. Penney Company, Inc., designed to create the next generation of online retail business.  J.C. Penney is an investor in CLAD, not an owner.

So J.C. Penny is on board but there’s nothing J.C. Penny looking about Cladmen.com.  Designers available are the likes of Hugo Boss, Billy Reid, and Varvatos.  Suits and watches seem to average in the high hundreds, and shoes are $150 and up.  It’s not Old Navy, but it’s not… well it’s not Park & Bond either.  Leaning heavily that way though.

CLAD isn’t overflowing with a variety of stock, but the site is clean and there’s a sale section.  They’re also doing the “get $25 in credit every time one of your referrals signs up and makes a purchase” thing.  And of course, since this is the merging of content and retail, there’s a portion of the website dedicated to “damn good advice.”

But will you use it?  Or will CLAD quickly become forgettable, just like Park & Bond did for some of us?  Leave your take in the comments below…

Also know that there’s a $50 off $150 code: ESQ, which appears on the back of the mini promotional magazine “The Clad Report” (inside this month’s Esquire.)  But it doesn’t seem to be working right now.

Esquire

It's not Ryan it's... well actually it is Ryan.

Seems to be the least concerned with clothes out of the three.  If Esquire someday ran an “anti-style” issue, where not one inch of print was dedicated to clothes, they’d still be able to pull it off.  And then some.  Recently got a cleaned up website.  Allows you to request copies free of cologne ads (although the smell free option can sometimes be real slow to the door.)

GQ

More about clothes, but is that good?

It feels like GQ spends more time on style, but still has plenty of articles that are extremely well worth the read.  Lots of slideshows on their website.  Lots.

Details

GQ's kid brother.

Does anyone actually subscribe to details?  Or do they survive purely on airport news stands and grocery store checkout lines?  More aggressive than GQ.  Sometimes eye rollingly so.

Remember, no one is forcing you to read any of these.  And if you’ve got a write in vote, leave it in the comments too.  Do you read these often?  Never?  Rankings go below.  Top photo credit

How much do you think the original outfit costs?  Six thousand?  Seven?  The sweater and shirt are from Ralph Lauren Purple label and the boots are Ralph Lauren.  The Jeans are Scotch and Soda and the watch is, of course, Omega.  The watch is the lion share of the total, but still.  Daniel Craig’s Saturday afternoon outfit is drifting dangerously close to entry level Harley pricing.

See the cover here, and feel free to read the interview with Daniel Craig here, in which the author describes him as looking like sandpaper.  For more steal the style features, see our archive.  Want to suggest a style that’s worth stealing?  Those are more than welcome too.  Send those in via style tip.  Let’s go to work…
.

The Boots: Ciro Lendini Ankle Boots in Cocoa – $142.00

Toes look burnished a bit too.

Don’t kid yourself, it’s the boots that make the outfit. The warm medium brown / almost tan color really stands out against all the blue.  These don’t go quite as far up , but unless you’re casually sipping a drink while sitting cross legged on the floor, nobody’s going to notice.  A cheaper option: The Steve Madden Bristole. $96 through Endless.

The Sweater:  Lands’ End Canvas Wool/Cotton Crew – $22.99 (reg. $49.50)

As close as it'll get for under $50.

Lightweight, raglan sleeves, and a shade of blue that’s slightly darker than medium blue jeans.  To quote the immortal master of poetry Meatloaf, two outta three ain’t bad.  Crewnecks are starting to come back into favor but there’s still more Vs out there than anything.  Don’t be afraid to dress up a slim sweatshirt or even a long sleeve tee by layering it with a button up.  Ships free with UNTUCKED and pin 1145.  A pricier option:  The J. Crew Merino wool.

The Shirt:  Express 1MX – $59.50 ($44.50 w/ $15 off coupon card)

A standby, but it works here.

It’s untucked.  That’s why the Express 1MX despite all its flaws is the right play here.  The 1MX is short enough in the tail that you can wear it untucked.  “Horizon” is the perfect shade of light blue.  Wait for a sale or get on their snail mail list for their monthly $15 off $30 coupon cards.

The Jeans: Levi’s 501 in “Mid Shift” wash – $42.99

A tick lighter than the sweater.

Looks like there’s a bit of distressing on these (check out the knees.)  We also need yellow stitching and not grey this time.  You don’t want a deep rinse, nor do you want stone wash either (you really don’t want stonewash).  Levi’s 501 in “Mid Shift” is pretty close.  A cheaper option:  L.E.C. Slim Fit in 1-year for $14.99, but there’s fraying at the cuffs.

The Watch:  Victorinox Maverick Rubber Band – $258.38 ($425)

Mean and sophisticated all in one.

They say match your leathers, so some might say Criag’s stylist’s watch band choice is off.  Two things… First, so what.  It’s a real casual look.  And second, it’s probably a rubber strap.  You can easily bend the rules with a rubber strap.  Plus the boot soles look close to black.  There’s a pic on Page 80 that gives you a better idea as to what the watch looks like.  Silver case, black dial, looks to be a chrono.  Not a problem that the Victorinox isn’t a chrono.  The price is more than right, and it’s sold direct by Amazon.  That’s key.  (Another option, this Seiko for $140)

The Drink:  Jameson in a Ralph Lauren Glen Plaid Old Fashioned – $49.99 (for set of four)

If you don't have a nice set of barware, consider investing.

Too bad it’s hard to find single old fashioned glasses (these are double.)  The drink is light enough that it could be Jameson, and the textured glass gives it a real antique feel.  On sale for $50 through Macy’s.

Read Esquire’s interview with Daniel Craig here  and for more steal the style features, see our archive.

It must have been the recession.  The recession forced us all to hunker down, simplify, and do less with more.  In a style sense, maybe the return to focusing on fit and cut while leaning on traditional patterns and colors was caused by the global financial white-knuckling of the past couple years.  It was a minimalist’s preffered environment.  Y’know, as long as you could ignore that whole teetering on the edge of world wide economic meltdown thing.

But now that things seem to be doing a little better… here come the cargo pants?  People are taking risks again, and it’s showing up in clothes.  Check out Esquire’s picks for the upcoming season’s trends, then c’mon back for our take and to leave your reaction.

Click for Esquire's 10 Trends for Spring 2011

Esquire’s 10 Spring trends with the official Dappered.com Take

Nautical Sweater - $50

1. Bold Checked Everything – MAYBE.  Small stuff only.  How about bold stripes instead?
2. Nautical Sweaters – SURE.  If you want to branch out.  LEC has one for $50, but note the shoulder buttons.  Not everyone will dig those.
3. Double Breasted Suits – NO.  Guys finally started wearing well cut two buttons.  Easy.
4. “Colorful” Leather Jackets – NO.  C’mon.  The reference pic is Michael Jackson.
5. Denim Western Shirts – NO.  If you wear jeans a lot, it’s tough to do denim on denim.
6. Trimmed Tennis Sweater – NO.  Unless you use “Muffy” as a sincere pet name.
7. Three Piece Suit – YES. Nice to know you can now get an affordable one.
8. Club Collar Shirt – NAH. Seems like change for the sake of change?
9. Slim Cargo Pants – NO. See #8.  Multiply by a million.  This started in the fall.
10. Contrast Color Wingtips – NO. The contrasting colors and texture of the perforations make em’ a little too loud.  A little too much.  (which seems to be a theme)  And are those lighter patches canvas?  So leather, canvas, contrasting colors, wingtip perforations, and a blue heel?  It’s a footwear casserole.  Why not saddle shoes like these instead?  Cole Haan, on sale for $108, and available in white bucks too.

As always, your turn.  Agreements, disagreements, and additions go in the comments section below.  And do yourself a favor, go out and get a subscription to Esquire.  It’s as good as it gets.  Tennis sweaters and all.

Cole Haan's non clunky saddle. On sale for $108.

Deal of the Week – One Year Subscription to Esquire- $5.00

$5. Really.

It’s difficult to think of a gift that provides a higher “awesome” factor at a cheaper price.  11 issues (they take a break in the summer), for $5.  How much have you spent on coffee this week?  Or… Beer?

.

Most Popular Post – What to wear to a laid back casual holiday party

Relax, but don't look like you have the flu.

When jeans become part of the equation, you know you can really enjoy yourself.  Of course it’s always a kick to put on your best suit and hit the town during the holidays, but those more relaxed gatherings are more often than not a complete blast.

..

Most Discussed Post – Roman Numeral Watches under $200

IIII vs. IV

Money saving and educational all at the same time.  I had no idea, and had really honestly never noticed that 4 is actually IIII (and not IV) on many a roman numeral watch.  Thanks to you guys in the comments section for not just noticing, but figuring out why.  Thanks to Rob for doing some extensive research and letting us know via facebook that it’s all Louis the XIV’s fault.  Or is it Louis the XIIII?  Or Louis the IIIIIIIIIIIIII?

12 weekdays, 12 gifts, not a partridge or pear tree amongst them.  And no golden rings either.  The goal is to keep these affordable (which is honestly, tough to define) but still interesting.  At the very least these should be idea starters.  Click here for the previous days.

Five bucks?  Are you kidding?  Five dollars for a full year of one of, if not the top dog of all men’s magazines?  That’s five bucks for something to look forward to in your mailbox almost every month.  Five bucks for your go-to I’ve got 15 minutes and I want to relax reading material.

You’ll pay more for:

• a non-happy hour pint (with tip)
• two gallons of gas
• A matinee movie ticket
• One of those noise-making/singing greeting cards

It could be the best cost to enjoyment ratio in all of gift giving.

..

Deal of the Week – J. Crew Wool University Coat – $176.50 (reg. $235) w/ code PRESENTS

Not a bad do just about anything coat...

The price has gone up by 5% since the 30% outerwear sale ended, but J. Crew is running another coupon code worth 25% off any purchase over $150.  Use the code PRESENTS and you’ll score the discount plus free shipping.  Want it even cheaper?  You’ll have to take the Navy option, but that will set you back just $148.50 with the code.

.

Most Popular Post – Style Debate: Shannon Sharpe’s Wardrobe

Again, I repeat... SHA-NON!

Actually this made the podium but didn’t come in first.  That honor went to the most commented on post of the week.  In regards to Shannon’s getup last Sunday, I still think it was nails.  Hope he doesn’t come out with something off the wall this week (prove your naysayers wrong Shannon…)

..

Most Discussed Post – Esquire’s Christmas Mall Shopping List

Meet you at the Orange Julius?

Kudos to Esquire for making a list of things that you can find at a mall.  Double Kudos to Paul from Charleston who stood up and defended his Clark’s Wallabees.  They ain’t for me, BUT… sticking to your guns is key to developing your own personal style.

Click here for part one from yesterday.

The recession isn’t completely over just yet, so it was nice to see Esquire put together a gift guide for those of us who aren’t swimming through money like Scrooge McDuck.  (Who on a side note, was one of the most nattily attired cartoon characters ever.  Tophat, spats, no pants.  That’s some serious style courage.)  But some of Esquire’s mall-ready picks are still on the high end.  $150 for jeans is a little steep, so there’s room for additions.

Jump on over to Esquire.com for their list of what they consider “affordable” and stylish gifts which guys can pick up at their local mall.  Then head back this way for some alternatives and further analysis from us.  The final eight get wrapped up today.
.

Click for Esquire's list of 15

.

8. Esquire: Florsheim Kenmoor Wingtips – $225 | Dappered: B.R. San Marcos – $140

Under $100 if you get them on sale.

Catch these on sale for 30% off and you can get them for under $100.   Will you be blown away by the quality?   No, but they look pretty good in person.  Especially if they’ve been shined up by a pro.  The toe isn’t super slim, but it’s far from clunky.  Not a bad choice for guys with wider (but not super wide) feet.
.

9. Esquire: Tissot – $350 | Dappered: The same Tissot – $250 | White Dial Chrono – $278.99

Nice time pieces. Not cheap, but... nice.

Slick Tissot.  But why over-pay by $100?  The same Tissot is available on Amazon for $250.  Although it’s not sold direct by Amazon, it is fulfilled by Amazon.  Those are safer buys and if you question the authenticity or there’s no warranty, send it back and Amazon has to deal with it.  The White Dial Chrono on the other hand IS sold by Amazon.  So you should be safe there.   The Brown Band is nice, but swapping that out for a black band would make it one sharp dress watch.
.

10. Esquire: Paul Smith Pajamas – $210 | Dappered: A.E. Plaid Slippers – $19.99

For when he gets out of bed.

Pajamas huh?  There are two types of guys in this world.  Guys who wear pajamas to bed, and guys who wear something else like gym shorts or boxers.  You don’t want to get the latter a set of pajamas.  And you don’t want to ask him what he wears to bed either (he might give you another answer you don’t want to hear.)  So slippers then.  Buffalo plaid.  Cheap.
.

11. Esquire: Jack Spade Carry-All – $245 | Dappered: Frost River Flight Bag – $120 – $140

All hail Duluth Minnesota!

Credit to reader Ben who has mentioned Frost River in a comment thread before.  This is one perfectly simple bag.   Everything you want, nothing you don’t, and it looks incredible.   Plus, at just over $100 you’d never expect this:  These are made in the United States.  Duluth Minnesota to be exact.
.

12. Esquire: CREED Aventus Fragrance – $140 | Dappered: Blue Coat Gin – $24 – $30

And you can drink it too.

Is it bad that when I first saw the bottle I thought of Scott Staap?  Is it worse that I’m suggesting a bottle of booze instead of colognes?  Blue Coat is made in the US.   Smells great too.  Tell the recipient that you first thought about getting him cologne, so… maybe he could dab a little of the Gin behind each ear?  Distilled in Philadelphia.
.

13. Esquire: Zirh Shave Cream – $22.50 | Dappered: Art of Shaving Starter Kit – $25.00

The unscented version (they do come in scented)

That Zirh shave cream looks nice & the price is good and low, but consider something that’s less of a commitment.   The Art of Shaving Starter Kit comes with two weeks worth of essentials.  That’ll give him an idea as to whether or not he wants to get on board the luxury shaving trend.  Plus, he’ll get a sweet Badger Hair Brush.
.

14. Esquire: Oval French Oven – $270 | Dappered: LamsonSharp Slotted Turner – $21.99

Also made in the USA

As lovely as that Oval French Oven must be, guys like tools.  Stuff they can wield.  And the LamsonSharp Slotted Turner is one of the best tools you can find.  It flips, scrapes, chops in the pan, and more or less directs whatever it is you’re cooking on the stove top in whatever direction you please.  It’s light, has a great flex to it, and there’s a nice edge that’s not quite knife sharp but is thin enough to pierce and slice.
.

15. Esquire: Williams Sonoma Glasses – $64 | Dappered: Luigi Bormioli Glasses – $29.99

Even cheaper if you use a Macy's coupon

There’s a million different versions of the double old fashioned.  The Bormioli “Crescendo” collection is all curves, has a retro feel, and won’t dent your checking account.  Under $30 for four glasses.  Made in Italy.

Questions, comments, additions, etc… all are welcome in the comments section below.  Here’s to hoping you find a decent parking spot at the mall this Holiday shopping season.

It sounds absurd when you consider what this site is all about, but I hate the mall.  I understand why malls exist, but… I’d rather go to the dentist (my hygienist is incredible).  Give credit to Esquire for realizing the majority of its readers will get the majority of their holiday shopping done at their local sprawling retail behemoth.  Because although the crowds are a pain and the atmosphere is sterile, you can get a lot accomplished in one place.

Click on over for Esquire’s picks of what they consider to be “affordable” and stylish gifts that guys can pick up at their local mall.  Then head back this way for some alternatives and analysis from this end.

The first seven are today, with the final picks coming up tomorrow.
.

Click for Esquire's list of 15

.

1. Esquire: J. Crew Selvedge Denim – $150 | Dappered: Levi’s 501 – $39.99 (reg.$48)

Dimensional Rigid 501s for under $40

Everyone seems to have a different preferred place to get them and a favorite style (shrink to fit or regular).  But many of us agree that the 501 is a classic, can’t screw it up pair of jeans.  Sure selvedge denim is stronger, but are you really going to be out digging in a gold mine wearing a $150 pair of jeans?  501s can cost anywhere from low $30s to upper $40s (and much higher if you go American made).  If you’re shopping online, Zappos has a great color selection and the price is just under $40.  Stick with dimensional rigid, tidal blue, or rinse.
.

2. Esquire: L.L. Bean Norwegian Sweater – $129 | Dappered: Gap Birdseye – $49.50

76% Merino wool, unique, but not a visual bully.

Consider the Gap option a toned down version of what Esquire is suggesting.  A little more on the quiet side, much more on the affordable side (especially if you catch a sale.)  Wool mix.
.

3. Esquire: B. Republic Mac Jacket – $198 | Dappered: B. Republic Fitted Trench – $225

As good as it gets. Find one if you can.

Here’s what Esquire says about their pick for the raincoat: “with a slightly roomy cut, this jacket is perfect for a slim jim who’s into layering — or your uncle who’s into that extra beer.”  No thanks.  When it comes to fit, BR is either Dr. Jekyll or Mr.  Hyde.  Some of their pieces are way too bulky and relaxed.  Others are perfectly trim.  The Fitted Trench was a personal splurge back in the early fall, and I can’t say enough good things about it.  It’s fitted, borderline tight if you’re larger through the shoulders and like blazers.  Too bad it’s no longer available online, but I have seen sizes ranging from M – XL in store.  Looks great with or without the belt, and comes with a zip out liner to reduce bulk.
.

4. Esquire: Brooks Brothers Tweed Jacket – $398 | Dappered: Varvatos Star USA – $199

Grey, tweed, half the price.

Points to Esquire (like they need any more, they’re friggin’ Esquire) for going with the much slimmer Fitzgerald fit from Brooks Brothers.  But if you want a more modern look for half the price, the available at Nordstrom Varvatos Star USA Donegal Tweed blazer should do the trick.  Want to spend less?  It’s not wool (and therefor, not tweed) but the Lands’ End Canvas Black Marl blazer holds some real promise.
.

5. Esquire: Ray Ban Road Spirit – $200 | Dappered: Ray Ban New Wayfarer – $119

Terrific looking and a safe play.

Esquire said: “But you need not include the gift receipt with Ray-Ban’s Aviators...”  Baloney.  Huge glistening slabs of baloney.  Classic big aviators don’t look great on everyone, and the Road Spirits add even more funk to the mix.  The safest pair of Ray Bans to give are the new wayfarers.  Not to big, not too small, just right for just about everyone.
.

6. Esquire: Clark’s Wallabee – $129.99 | Dappered: PF Flyers Center Hi – $49.95

Lighter, but you could still outrun "The Beast" in em.

With all due respect, those Clark’s Wallabees are an eyesore.  Who stole Sasquatch’s orthopedics?  If you want to put something in a lighter earth tone on your feet, go with the PF Flyers Center Hi in an off-white or tan.  Some will say these shoes are ugly (I politely disagree, I love mine).  That’s fine.  At least you didn’t spend $130 on them.
.

7. Esquire: Sacco Sneakers – $135 | Dappered: Lands’ End Canvas 3 eye Moc – $98.00

Flashy, kinda? Not really? Good.

Or… instead of giving him urbany looking futuristic sneakers… you could give him these stand out but still subtle 3 eye Mocs from Lands End Canvas.  If he’s a sneaker Freak?  Go with the above PF Flyers.

Like almost every single trip to the mall, this is starting to get a little long in the tooth.  The second half of Esquire’s picks plus cheaper alternatives will show up here tomorrow.  Three of the final eight alternatives are made in the U.S., plus how to save $100 on Esquire’s terrific watch pick.  All tomorrow.

Pic above of Javier Burden from the cover of Esquire’s October 2010 issue

Anybody else noticing a resurgence in the use of cigarettes in photo shoots?  The ones seen in GQ, Esquire, online, etc…  What used to be a prop relegated to Camel, Kool, and Marlboro ads, the lit cigarette has gradually once again worked it’s way back into the mainstream.

Maybe blame it on the popularity of Mad Men, but there are now 21st century celebrities and models flaunting their feigned ignorance about smoking.  Not to make excuses, but the Don Drapers of the early 60′s didn’t quite grasp the full consequences of the habit.  So the use of cigarettes as props in 2010 not only spits in the face of the grim reaper, it full on kicks him in the groin too.  There is a line between acting rebellious and being reckless.

Look, this isn’t a public service announcement.  I don’t care if you smoke, & magazines will do what they want.  That’s the way it should be.  No one is arguing that Esquire and GQ should feel compelled to ban smoking from their publications for some sort of nanny state public safety reason.  Esquire and GQ should feel compelled to ease off on the smoking pics because… it looks kinda lame.  They’re forced, mugging, whatever you want to call it, it’s just not working.

…..

Smoking has always given a person something to do with their hands that looks casual and effortless.  That’s why to some it looks cool.  It’s no different than why a lot of models are shot adjusting their watch, or messing with the buttons on their jacket sleeves.  Standing with your hands at your sides looks stiff.  Smoking gives the person a reason to look fluid.

It also makes a person look weak.  Smoking is a weakness.  It’s a weakness that some incredibly strong people by circumstance have fallen victim too, but still it’s an addiction.  Proudly displaying a weakness in this “ain’t I cool” sort of way makes these guys no different than the obese women who get on Maury because they dress too sexy.

Not sure what to do with your hands?  Stick em’ in your pockets.  At the very least you’ll smell better.

Leave any and all feedback in the comments section below.
Pic of Joseph Gordon Levitt from Esquire, Josh Brolin from GQ.