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: Black Friday as a whole
This wasn’t a guarantee. Hear me out. The consensus over the last couple of years has been Black Friday, at least for men’s style… has been just kinda “mneh.” That just flat out wasn’t the case this year. J. Crew went to 40% off for the first time, possibly ever. Banana Republic went half off with no exclusions. Club Monaco was dropping huge discounts on third party goods. (Like the extremely attractive, Allen Edmonds Liverpool… $289!) It certainly seemed like the big brands were in a sale/promo code arms race. In the past, they didn’t seem like they were so dead set on outdoing each other. Do they know something we don’t about the future of retail, that made them swing for the fences now?
Most Wheelhouse Dappered Post(s): $1500 Wardrobe Series
Thought we did a better job this year compared to years past. Sure there was some push-back on threads (black bluchers WHARGGARBLE!)… because, internets… but other than the usual, expected critique, I think we nailed it. As much as one can nail a $1500 wardrobe meant to serve most/all when aesthetics and style are hugely personal. So yeah, we nailed it. Like nailing jello to the wall.
Best New Arrival: Armogan’s new Le Mans Chronograph
Full review here. And if you like the panda style, but want something more subtle than the Huckberry exclusive blue and orange deesign? Bespoke Post has their own black and silver design. Prices have gone back up on this Huckberry exclusive since the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period has come to an end.
Best Individual Deal: Spier & Mackay Suits for $267ish USD (exp.)
That’s about what they were going for during their 20% off Black Friday / Cyber Monday deal. And that’s without any sort of bundle pricing. Just one, stand alone suit. Half canvas. Mid $200s. Unreal. Close second would be another suit: The Todd Snyder stretch wool suits that Nordstrom had cut by an extra 20% off during their Black Friday period. But that seemed more like a once in a blue moon type deal. Spier and Mackay gets under $300 a bit more frequently than that.
Most Unexpectedly Educational Accessory: This goofy hat
I learned so much. WE… learned so much. Unless you’re already familiar with the coypu of South America. Good grief that hat is… um… something.
Best Giveaway: All of Them (Armogan, Allen Edmonds, and FFF)
Not to exhale into our own brass instrument… but we gave away (and thus also reviewed) some pretty awesome stuff this month. Don’t remember the Form Function Form giveaway happening? That’s because at post time… it hasn’t happened yet. So stay tuned. And thanks again to the participating brands for not only providing the goods, but for also understanding that we don’t put you guys through stupid social media contest entry hoops. (Tweet/instagram your entry with the #illsellmysoulforfreestuff!) That’s cheesy as hell.
Most embarrassing photo shoot: 10 Garments for the Style Newbie
Yes, I could have simply put on both chukkas and carried the sandal across the street with me to get the shot in front of some bricks. But that would have required me to take the boot off, put the sandal on, take the photo, then take the sandal off, and put the chukka back on. And when you run a website that’s got (far) less than a handful of people working on it at any given time, it’s all about time management. So I walked my ass across the street wearing one chukka, and one sandal over a white sock. But it illustrates the point perfectly, doesn’t it?
Most Useful Seasonal Advice: 3 Keys for Layering
- Contrast Counts
- Thin stuff goes closer to your skin. Thick stuff gets layered on top.
- Bury the risks. Make your outer layer a classic.
Visual examples of said keys, after the jump.
Most unusual laundry liquid: Vinegar
It’ll extend the life of your workout gear by an absurd amount. More laundry tips over here.
Best Advice for getting on the host’s good side: Bring flowers, already in a vase
If they’re hosting a party, it might be tough to cut and arrange the flowers you brought in a bouquet. Bringing something already in a vase (or, in something as simple as a mason jar) shows that you thought ahead. You’ll immediately be on their good side. And maybe they’ll share some of their top shelf booze with you later on. Who knows.
Most Unusual email Question from a Reader
“What’s your workout routine?”
Monday mornings I push things. Tuesday mornings I twist and fold my mid section a lot. Then, Tuesday nights I continue to build my exceptional humility by developing numerous contusions, often in the area of my face, at a martial arts class. Wednesday mornings I jump a lot and push heavy things with my legs. Thursday nights I punch and kick a large bag filled with sand in an attempt to rebuild my shattered confidence from Tuesday night’s contusion session. Friday mornings I pull things. Saturdays I run for some reason, even though nothing is chasing me and I just go in a big circle three times and end up right back where I started. Sprinkle in some self loathing and multiple, unresolved grudges from the past, and you’re set.
Feeling Nostalgic? Here’s the archive containing previous editions of Best of the Month that Was.