The Obtainer - 11/11/22, Friday
↦ All the Sub-$20 Stuff We Want
Friday, November 11th Edition
Yes, the holiday shopping season has begun, so you’ll be buying for others. But don’t let that deter you from rewarding yourself with something small—even if it’s as frivolous as great toothpaste.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
20 Under $20
Look, sometimes you feel the need to buy something just to feel that rush of dopamine. And I’m certainly guilty of it. But who said that to find something nice you have to spend a lot? We’ve rounded up a few items that are budget approved and all under 20 bucks. These cost-conscious picks will have you smelling good and feeling good while keeping plenty of money in your pocket.
In Our Carts
Glass coffee mug, $18 / $15.30 (for 2) by HAY
Rugged merino beanie, $39.50 / $19.50 by J.Crew
Sharpie, $15 (for 5-pack) by Aimé Leon Dore
Marled hiker socks, $18 by Polo Ralph Lauren
Deep cleansing body wash, $14 by OffCourt
Hand balm, $19.50 by Typology
Checking in With ...
Wallace Mercantile
In today’s retail world, it’s easy to get wrapped in a whirlwind of stores and the collective tunnel vision of the same brands, thanks to social media. But one of the benefits of the algorithm is being introduced to similar but uniquely different shops as well. That’s how I came to discover Vancouver-based retailer Wallace Mercantile—while perusing through YouTube videos of all places. I watched their video discussing the latest SS22 Nanamica drop, and that led me to explore the shop online. The staff has impeccable taste and are masters at curating labels that style insiders appreciate, from Kaptain Sunshine and Uniform Bridge to Diemme and S.K. Manor Hill—just to name a few. A fresh mix of classic and contemporary clothing, the crew calls the store a “physical moodboard of all the things that we love, enjoy and are inspired by.” We caught up with them to talk shop.
Mont Blanc puffer down jacket, $929.78 by Kaptain Sunshine
What items are you guys most excited about at the moment?
Right now, we’re happy that the weather is getting cold and that we’ve officially entered boots season. A pair of Chelseas are practical yet stylish for winter, and everyone needs a hefty down jacket … especially in Canada.
What are some current staff favorites?
We’re all happy to be sporting outerwear again. For the colder seasons, it never hurts to have a durable denim jacket, a head-turning leather jacket and a Gore-tex down coat for whenever the temps drop below freezing—which is often.
Vegan leather single blouson jacket, $495.53 by Uniform Bridge
Any trends on the horizon that you all are excited about?
While we are not a brand that discusses sustainability in fashion outright, it is something we consider a part of our decision-making process. That includes selecting brands that align with these values. It feels like more customers are choosing quality over fast fashion as we become more educated on the impact of clothes on our environment.
What have you been noticing guys wearing these days?
The sweater vest is a piece that seems to be very popular these days. And we’re all for that.
Tassel loafer, $190.50 by Solovair
What’s really been selling lately?
Maybe it’s because prep is resurfacing again, but our tassel loafer from Solovair has been a big hit amongst customers. It’s probably one of the most versatile footwear options in the store—it’s got a comfortable, functional sole and can match with anything in your closet.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Todd Snyder took the hard-working silhouette of a vintage field jacket and then refreshed it in an elevated fabric from Italy’s Sondrio mill.
$348 / $154by Todd Snyder
An overshirt made from a heavyweight non-stretch weave is a cold-weather essential. This one features two oversized chest pockets, which adds a graphic touch.
$210 / $126by Wax London
Lady White Co. is known for its soft yet durable fabrics. This cardigan is made of mid-weight French terry and features two hip pockets for storage.
$185 / $148by Lady White Co.
The three best stories from around the web.
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It’s an approach to product that’s intimate, hands on, meticulous—fostered through Daiki’s steadfast dedication to ensuring craft remains local to his office in Long Island, New York.”
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One Vuitton trunk from 1904 still has its ripped label stuck on from when it boarded the Queen Elizabeth in 1949 and is embellished with hand-stitched cotton LV monograms embroidered onto the leather.”
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They cut and sew all our garments, but they also work directly with block printers, screen printers, hand loom weavers and natural dyers to execute all the crazy ideas that we bring to them.”
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#FiveFitsWith @brandon.a.mahler. Read our interview, and check out the rest of the photos, on @esquire’s site. This is good old fashioned #menswear content, updated for 2022.
October 28