5 Favorites – Reader Greg_S

5 Favorites from Dappered Reader All-Star Greg_S

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.

Greg_S has been a member of the Dappered community for some time now. When he is not seen roaming the streets of Minneapolis making women swoon and men green with envy, he basically lives at his graduate school. With the little time left over from his studies he takes advantage of decent Minnesota weather whenever he can get it. He is unashamedly adamant that the Twin Cities are the best place to be. The lakes, the music, the beer, the trails.

His weekends these days are spent in the company of friends, a lovely lady, and some delicious beer. Or with his nose buried in a psychology textbook. He aspires to being the most stylish school psychologist the public schools have ever known.

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#1.  Red Wing Iron Rangers – $$280 – $290

“This was tough to choose.  I am a shoe guy and had several front runners on my list.  As my uncle says about wine, “trust your hand.” Meaning the one you reach for the most is usually your favorite.  Once the mercury dips a bit, I reach for these more days than not.  I am going into year four with them and they look better now than the day I got them.  Red Wing’s leather is a great combination of incredibly soft while still being seemingly indestructible.”

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#2. Banana Republic Heritage All wool Shawl Collar Sweater

“I love fall probably mostly because I love sweaters.  Shawl collar sweaters are, to me, a great step-up from a hoodie and something you can just throw on over anything.  This one is thick, 100% wool, with toggles on the front, and elbow pads.  It also has a subtle cable knit pattern.  I often wear it in place of a jacket.  I find sweaters like this to feel very masculine.  Like I should be sitting outside somewhere drinking bourbon and reading about Hemingway killing things.”

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#3.  Duluth Pack Sportsman’s Duffel – $265

“I have advocated for Duluth Pack around this site many times.  I’m unaffiliated with them.  They’re just a great company and I really enjoy this bag.  Made in the USA, guaranteed for life, thick canvas, excellent leather.  A very rugged, classic duffel.  They are certainly not cheap, but once I received the bag I immediately got over my sticker shock.  The craftsmanship is superb.  I’m currently eye-balling a portfolio bag from their American Bison series.”

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#4. The Read:  The Great Gatsby – $9.00

“Not a ground-breaking selection, I know.  However, this has been my favorite read for about 10 years.  Few people can so concisely write a complete character as Fitzgerald could.  You feel as though you know these people and can sense that he cared for them.  He is the master of the incredible rise and tragic fall of his characters.  One of my favorite literary quotes from The Great Gatsby: ‘It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And then one fine morning— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.’“

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#5.  The Splurge: Kenton Sorenson Made in the USA Dopp Kit – $170.00

“I know this is Dappered and that is a ridiculous expense for a toiletries bag.  I can’t help but love it, however.  I received this dopp kit as a gift and now, after having it a couple years, I would definitely pay the price for it.  The leather ages incredibly well.  You’d be surprised how often it has been seen and receives compliments.  I am a believer that style is in the details.  How you carry your things is one of those details.”

For Previous editions of “5 Favorites” see the archive here.