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5 Favorites – Reader BenR

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5 Favorites from Dappered Reader All-Star BenR

Sure it’s just stuff.  But stuff can make life easier, more enjoyable, etc… Every so often we ask one of our favorite people to rattle off their five favorite things.  This week you’ll find favorites from some of Dappered’s most active readers.

BenR is a law student, aspiring public defender, and according to him, only “slightly embarrassed” about how much time he spends on Dappered.  You’ve seen him in the comments, and you can tell he doesn’t shy away from a (respectful) debate.  Naturally.

When not studying law or visiting this site, he’s usually outdoors hiking or skiing.  He can make lefse.  He holds the record for most lefse mentions on Dappered (1).  He’s a skilled photographer (pics below are all his.)  He also admits to telling anyone who will listen “how much better Montana is than whatever state they’re from.”  Give him time and he’ll probably convince you too.
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#1. Chippewa 6″ Classic boots – $140 – $160

“Chippewa’s status among American bootmakers is probably a few rungs lower than brands like Red Wing, Danner, and Wolverine.  For the budget-conscious, however, the Chippewa Classic boot offers iconic American workwear style with US-made quality at a more accessible price.  I’ve worn mine hiking in the mountains as well as at the office with chinos and a casual sportcoat.  Chippewa also manufactures the Katahdin Engineer boots for L.L. Bean, for those who prefer a cap toe.  Recraftable with Vibram soles.”

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#2. Timex Expedition olive field watch – $30.00 (strap – $21)

“Simplicity, versatility, and affordability make this cheap Timex Expedition my favorite timepiece for everyday wear.  With an unpretentious design and uncommon olive dial, the watch looks equally good on everything from a NATO to dressy black leather.  I’m currently wearing mine on a brown croc grain strap.  Quartz movement, brass case, characteristic loud Timex tick – I don’t care.  My Expedition spends just as much time on my wrist as my other, objectively “nicer” watches.”

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#3.  Leatherman Multi-Tool – $57.00


“My dad gave me the classic Leatherman – I have no idea what model it is.  It was made in Portland, OR and has Dad’s name engraved on it.  My brother gave me the smaller, orange version when I graduated high school.  A decent pocket knife or multi-tool is an essential life accessory.  Whether you keep it in your car, your pocket, your desk, or (heaven forfend) your man bag, you’ll be surprised how many uses you find – whether cutting tags off newly-purchased clothes, or as impromptu pliers-chopsticks when you’ve forgotten silverware on your camping trip.”

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#4.  Eyetem glasses by Frame Holland – Way too much money from a local optical shop


“There’s a lot to be said for companies like Warby Parker, who make trendy eyewear for eye-poppingly low prices.  But as someone who has worn glasses all day every day since age 8, I wanted to invest in something more unique and tailored for my face and image. My specs are styled like classic plastic frames – complete with diamond cut-outs for the metal hinges – but were hand-crafted in Holland from bead-blasted titanium with a metallic brown exterior and royal blue interior, and fitted with lenses made in Japan. During my fitting, a fellow customer said the glasses make me look like a ‘blond Clark Kent.’  Sold.”

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#5.  Montana Silversmiths belt buckle – Price varies from eBay, about $50 new online


“Ok, a Western-style belt buckle isn’t for everyone.  But then, style would be pretty boring if we all had to wear exactly the same stuff.  As a native Montanan, I love that this conservatively-styled buckle lets me express my inner cowboy without having to go down the cliched boots, hat, and bolo tie road.  It looks equally killer with jeans or a suit.  And it doesn’t hurt that I scored mine used for $20 off eBay rather than having to pay full retail.

For Previous editions of “5 Favorites” see the archive here.  Very Top “5” Photo Credit: Gunnar Bangsmoen

Comments

  1. I agree on the Chippewa’s. Chippewa needs more to offer more styles and more shoe companies need to have Chippewa’s philosophy. I’m looking forward to winter to wear mine.

  7. Seconding those Chippewa’s. They’re the perfect rugged boot. Slap some Sno-Seal on them, wear some thick socks and they’re great for trekking through snow.

  11. Thanks, guys! I get a lot of random compliments on these. Good eyewear is definitely worth the investment, from both an eye health and an aesthetic perspective.

  14. Thanks, it’s definitely fun to wear and elicits a lot of comments and compliments. I figured it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure is mine.

  15. I will say, the whole belt buckle thing isn’t for me, but that is one damn nice belt buckle. And if someone can successfully incorporate it into being stylish, like Ben does here, kudos to them.

  16. It’s fun (and a little weird) to see my “favorites” and photos featured! I’m grateful for the opportunity to share, and also glad to be part of the Dappered and Dappered Threads community, even if I can get a little ornery sometimes.

    One addendum I’d like to make – I recently bought myself a keychain-sized Leatherman Squirt PS4. It’s all of 2″ long, .75″ wide, and weighs 2 oz. It feels solid and has all the pocket knife essentials (blade, screwdriver, bottle opener, file, scissors, and even Leatherman’s trademark pliers). I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a keychain-sized alternative to the stuff I posted above.

  17. Thanks for the backup, Greg. I figured my “a Western-style belt buckle isn’t for everyone” caveat would mollify any haters… but I guess trolling is just too easy for some to resist!

  19. Not that you need any help BenR, but I read this a couple days ago and it seems fitting.

    “I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”
    ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

  21. This is a classic example of things working for some, but not for others. I’d most likely look like an idiot in a beltbuckle, but Ben nailed it, so a tip o’ the hat for the ability to do so!

  22. I also think you’re spot on with the reason for wanting to go beyond Warby Parker, even though I love those guys. It seems very well suited for the overall look you’ve put together.

  23. Good to remember that these are BenR’s favorites, specific to his style, and not catered necessarily to the tastes of the majority of the Dappered Readership.

    And, I don’t think jump the shark works here?

  24. Ben,
    Did you go to St. Olaf College? If so, I believe we were PO mates for four years, and made a short movie titled “They Came from Inside the Radio”. Did the Dappered community just get a little smaller?

  25. Whoa… the Dappered world DID just get smaller. My clearest memory of making that movie was spending 8 hours editing it in Rolvaag the day before it was due.

  28. Wow…I already had the same conclusions about the Leatherman and the watch style! When I was a kid I got my dad a Leatherman for Father’s Day, and he’s still thanking me for it. And a couple years ago when I caught the affordable watch bug, it was just in time to see the ghost of a very similar green mil-style Wenger (though with railroad-tracks and black strap). I’ve been meaning to restore a splash of Western to my wardrobe in homage to my time in Texas, and that buckle looks like a great place to start. But…no bolo tie? 😉 Never visited Montana, but it’s on the list, and I did enjoy watching Anthony Bourdain do it.

  30. Also…I don’t think you could pick any of these photos out of a lineup of the ones regularly featured on Dappered, so well done on that part of this post too.

  34. While I’m not a belt buckle guy, I really love all of your other favorites. They all look like they should be nestled around the wooden desk in a gentleman’s study, ready for adventure.

    Well done, BenR.

  35. Well done! I can’t say that I would use most of these in my own life, but I love your glasses and this great expression of self that you’ve put out there for us. Carry on, sir!

  37. Warby Parker’s to me are rather unique & (at least in the way they are presented) quality frames. I don’t currently own a pair but will eventually. Can anyone attest to the quality of them?

  38. I’m actually planning on getting a pair too. I don’t wear glasses often enough to justify a big expense, but I think the WPs are the best out there for the value. My wife just got her first pair about a month ago, and she was really happy with the purchase.

  40. his opinion man, he can not like if he wants. you like belt buckles=your opinion. he doesnt’=his opinion. I hate when people get defensive on forms its starting to get annoying.

  41. Ah, yes, responding to differing opinions on the internet… something with which I have no experience whatsoever.

    Except “Steve” didn’t say he didn’t like the belt buckle. He said “this post jumped the shark at #5,” implying that my taste in belt buckles rendered the entire post stupid and irrelevant. That’s an (admittedly pedestrian) insult, not a measured expression of opinion.

    Using the platform of internet anonymity to casually insult is what we refer to as “trolling,” and trolls get no respect from me, regardless of their taste in belt buckles.

  42. Can you give a ballpark price on the frames? I’d like to know if I’d be comfortable paying that much before I start hunting down places that carry them. Thanks!

  43. @c0878f9ab743b6bb0e3dd1da487fac1f:disqus @Greg_S:disqus @MarshallLilly:disqus I was going to say this the day it posted but forget… You’ve got a way with blending your own personal style with Westerns style with classic menswear elements (European). It works for you – don’t let anyone get you down!