The Obtainer - 11/30/22, Wednesday
↦ How Mike Maher Shops
Wednesday, November 30th Edition
Presented by
Presented by
Today’s guest is one of the co-founders of rugged menswear brand Taylor Stitch. We caught up with him to see what one item every man needs in his closet, the company’s brand ethos and the importance of shopping responsibly.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
StyleStrategies
How the Brand Founder Shops
You could say Mike Maher is the prototypical Taylor Stitch guy—rugged, and adventurous but always pulled together. Which makes sense, since he founded the label with two friends since they couldn't find the kind of shirts they wanted. The “perfect medium” they say—most shirts back in the mid-aughts were either too roomy in the chest area or made with extra-long sleeves. Since then, Taylor Stitch has evolved into a full lifestyle brand that offers wide-ranging seasonal collections along with some rugged made-to-last footwear options.
Mike's love of the outdoors is still at the brand's core. “It comes through in the functionality,” he says. “We build clothes that need to work as well as looking good.” The Taylor Stitch aesthetic is a blend of their roots in tailored clothing, an appreciation for quality and that just-right fit mixed with “laid-back California vibes blended with no-bullshit functionality.” Even when he's indoors, Mike is something of a hunter. In his downtime, he enjoys tracking down some rare Jordans and vintage furniture. We caught up with him to see what every man needs in his closet, some of his necessary extravagances and the importance of shopping responsibly.
Describe your style in five words or less.
Simple, rugged, fun accessories.
What are you shopping for at the moment?
A new mountain bike since mine just got stolen ... out of my garage! San Francisco, I tell ya.
Since you own your own clothing brand, what do you look for when buying from others?
Unique design and functionality. Taylor Stitch takes care of almost all my daily clothing needs to get out the door, but I am active, so I look for products that will function specifically for activities. If I'm buying other casual stuff, it's all about finding unique things like limited edition Jordans or hand-crafted artistic pieces.
You’ve said that Patagonia and L.L. Bean are inspirations, why is that?
Patagonia for their responsibility promise and L.L. Bean for their historic care for the customer.
The company's brand ethos is, “Responsibly built for the long haul.” Tell me about that.
All our products are sourced with the most responsible materials we can find and manufactured by people who are paid fair wages. That's the 'responsibly built' part of the ethos. The 'long haul' simply means these products are built to last. We love the idea of things Taylor Stitch makes being worn for decades and then passed down to loved ones.
Vendome sunglasses,$795 by Jacques Marie Mage
Any brands you’re watching right now?
I think Jacques Marie Mage is doing exceptional vintage-inspired eyewear in highly limited quantities and building a killer brand.
Vendome sunglasses, $795 by Jacques Marie Mage
I got sucked back into the Nike vortex of my childhood and am always trying to get some W's on the SNKRS app when Jordan 1s, 3s, 4s, and some of the ACG stuff pop up.
Nickey Kehoe is doing really cool stuff in the home space. Walking into their store in L.A. is this fun mix of vintage furniture, newly designed furniture, great upholstery fabrics and small home goods.
Spindle back viewing settee,$7,800 by Nickey Kehoe
Jack Oxford shirt, $98 by Taylor Stitch
What’s one garment that every man needs in his closet?
One is tough, but a good Oxford shirt. It serves a guy well in so many scenarios.
Jack Oxford shirt, $98 by Taylor Stitch
What city has the best shopping?
Tokyo is so much fun to shop in because it's this constant exploration of small shops that are highly specialized. I like searching for vintage sunglasses and knives when I'm over there.
Do you shop more online or in person?
Definitely online these day. We have two little kiddos, so I don't have the time to cruise around and shop as much as I used to.
Do you ever buy things in multiples?
T-shirts. Specifically, our cotton-hemp tees. I'm still bummed I didn't get more than three of the olive ones we released a year or two ago, and I am pushing the design team to bring them back. I wear our olive or charcoal tees daily, so I keep a solid stack in my closet.
Cotton-hemp tee, $35 by Taylor Stitch
Which do you experience more: Buyer’s remorse or regret for not buying something?
Regret not buying something for sure. A while back, there were these limited Jacques Marie Mage shades they did to benefit Yellowstone National Park, and I'm still bummed I didn't buy them.
Dome pizza oven, $1,999 by Gozney
Necessary extravagance?
I bought a Gozney Dome pizza oven, and I have to say it's been so much fun being able to make great-tasting pizzas for people and drink some good wine in my backyard.
What is something you refuse to spend a lot for?
New cars. I'm good with an older truck and at some point, would like to have a vintage vehicle.
What’s one shopping hack that you canlet everyone know about?
I don't think this is as much of a hack as it is a philosophy. I always like to buy nice things that will age well and then take care of them. When I look at something, I ask myself if it will wear in and not wear out.
Partner
Cool Gifts for Every Type of Guy
Having a little trouble deciding what to get your dad, brother or significant other for the holidays? If he's one of those notoriously hard-to-shop-for guys, allow us to help. We asked the team at Uncrate Supply to offer up the ultimate list of perfect presents. Like the shop's motto, these are “objects of desire and tools of the trade”—handsome, well built and durable. Yes, some might have an air of mystery or danger, but nearly everything has a luxurious polish to it. From a cozy shawl collar pullover and sculpted steel steak knives to a powered paper airplane and rubber band gun, they're the kind of gifts anyone would love to unwrap.
Clockwise, from top left:
Wireless charging notebook, $120 by Keysmart; Bourbon glass, $55 by Denver & Liely and Classic sports car Christmas tree cap, $42 by Uncrate Supply
Clockwise, from top left:
James Bond playing cards, $30 (for three-pack) by Theory11; Hand warmer, $23 by Zippo and Rubber band gun, $24.99 by Elastic Precision
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This mid-layering cardigan from Beams Plus is a more dressed up take on your favorite hoodie—courtesy of the ribbed trims and a button closure—so you can style this for a laid-back look.
$179 / $119 by Beams Plus
Nordstrom's holiday sale is in full swing, which means you can get deals on items like these Brooks running shoes, which are rarely marked down.
$100 / $79.95 by Brooks
Inspired by the U.S. Army standard issue cap, this ribbed beanie is made from 100% virgin wool. It's timeless and versatile enough to mix with your existing wardrobe.
$81 / $53by Harmony
A wool sweater vest is the unsung hero of your winter wardrobe. Sunflower's interpretation is knit from luxurious dark grey wool that pairs as well with a T-shirt as it does an Oxford.
$205 / $102 by Sunflower
If you've heard of the Pelli, you know people swear by their luxe comfort. The triple stack sole is as rugged as a sneaker's, but gives you that feeling like you're walking on clouds.
$135 / $68 by Lusso Cloud
This spacious bag is made from recycled ocean plastics and features plenty of zippered storage to keep your gear organized, while adjustable straps allows you to carry it any way you want.
$65 / $49 by Nixon
When #dkny made some great pieces.
November 14