What are you going to wear? Sometimes there’s an easy answer. Sometimes not. Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. It takes a bit of digging to find a “Made in the USA” label in the world of retail, but there are plenty of companies, both brand new & heritage, making stylish goods domestically. The outfit below is proof that the U.S. can get it done when it comes to both style & substance. Top Photo Credit: Scott Robinson
The Pants: Billy Reid Standard Jean in White – $78 ($195). Not off-white, WHITE. Which, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (don’t spill that tea either… bad news if it hits the pants). Feel free to switch these out for something in that off-white or even grey realm. Khaki works here too, but with that polo you might be confused for a Best Buy employee. Might want to give pants in a pale green shade a shot. Made in L.A. Heads up on Billy Reid Sale items… returns are for store credit only. (Also an option: The Bonobos Travel jeans. But most of us will have to wait for a sale.)
The Sunglasses: AO Original Pilots in Black w/ Comfort Cable – $57 – $62. Well those won’t be going anywhere. Black frame instead of chrome keeps the flash down. Tons of options to pick from (frame, lens, ear pieces) and the AO original pilots are a favorite of plenty.
The Belt: Wheelman & Co. Thomas Belt – $29.00. Canvas web belt made in the USA using vintage D-rings. Top grain leather at the tip.
The Polo: American Apparel Fine Jersery Short Sleeve “Leisure” Shirt – $32.00. Don’t be freaked out by the word “lesiure”. It’s not polyester like a suit from the 70s. All cotton. The 70s influence comes in with the slightly large collar and lower dipping placket. Pretty sure these come with sewn-in collar stays that help it keep its shape over time (could be wrong… they might have changed the design). Also, if you’re in-between sizes, might want to consider sizing down. They do run long, which means you could (gasp) tuck it in if you wanted to.
The Notebooks: Field Notes ‘Red Blooded’ Edition – $11.74
The Watch: Shinola Brakeman 47mm – $625
The Briefcase: Billy Reid Canvas Laptop Sleeve – $137.00 ($195). Slim it down young man. Slim it down. You’ve slimmed your wallet down, now it might be time for the briefcase too? Travelling light is something worth pursuing. 19″ x 12″. Two leather storage pouches on the interior with a separator. Made in Tennessee.
The Wallet: Guarded Goods Double Fold Card Holder – $30.00. From another new, small, leather goods company. Hand stitched Horween leather. Even the thread is from Maine. Great lines. UPDATE: The guys at Guarded Goods have provided a $5 off code: “DAPPERED5“. Well that was nice of em’.
The Shoes: Allen Edmonds Neumok in Snuff Suede – $156.00*
Might I counter the jeans with a pair of American made khakis by Jack Donnelly? The Daltons are fantastic.
Oof… $600+ for quartz? It’d better come with a $500 gift card. As an alternative: I’ve had my eye on these and I think they’d be a good fit for this outfit: http://thronewatches.com/
I got the Neumok’s in snuff suede as seconds for a similar price. I was told by a sales rep at AE in Boston (on Newbury) that the snuff suede was being discontinued. It’s a great shoe, very versatile.
I just picked up the “Three-slot” wallet from Guarded goods…http://www.guardedgoods.com/collections/wallets/products/three-slot-bi-fold
Ill let you know how it is!
Great All-American post! As someone who has committed to buying as many made in America goods as possible its always nice to add new companies and good to my list. as well as see others pushing those products.
Good job Joe! I like it!
Funny. I was at the same store last week and was told the same. Small world.
Wasn’t able to get the Neumok’s in my size at that steep of a discount, but I picked up black Park Avenues and Strands for $178 each using the 20% off code. Not too shabby, but would have loved if either or both were available in a shade of brown at that price.
I know, crazy expensive right? But Shinola is starting to gather a bit of a following. Those Throne watches… those the same that have showed up on Huckberry as of late? Interesting concept.
Snuff suede? ‘Nuff said. Ha! Thank you, I’ll be here all week.
Zing!
Just went to the Wheelman & Co website…WANT. IT. ALL.
Black Park Avenues at $178 is an absolute steal. Shame I’ve already used my 20% off eligibility
The Neumoks in tan suede get down to 132 with the sale price plus the extra 20%. Too good for me to pass up, especially for being first quality. Thanks for the heads up!
what polo’s don’t run long. The shortest length slim fit polo’s….what brand?
don’t see the awesome prices for neumok – shows me 260 from external supplier. Anyone with the same problem?
Strongly depends on your size.
Same ones, yep! I’m going to grab one at some point. I’ll let you know how it goes.