The Obtainer - 11/7/22, Monday
↦ Gifting Season Is Open
Monday, November 7th Edition
It’s the first full week of November, so it’s time for all the holiday shopping guides. What do you get for the guy that has everything? You may have to look in the mirror to figure this one out.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
For the Man Who Has Everything
You know the type. Maybe you are the type. One that doesn't wait long before pulling the trigger on the things he wants. He's stylish, in the know, and fully stocked. But that doesn't mean you can't surprise him with something that would thrill him. The key is finding items that are best-in-class, no matter the category. It could be a stitch-for-stitch remake of a great T-shirt from the 1950s or a machine that produces the pebble ice that's so satisfying to chew on. Maybe he'd appreciate a modern space heater or an attractive alarm clock. And everyone likes unwrapping a box to find some cashmere, right? We've pulled together some foolproof gifts that are sure to surprise and delight even the most discerning of recipients.
Gift Guide
Clockwise, from top left:
Cashmere “relax” jacket, $780 by Inis Meáin, Cashmere blend cap, $95 by Naadam and “Ali on Broadway” photograph, from $149 by Sonic Editions
Clockwise, from top left:
Atomic alarm clock, $45 by Monograph, Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker, $649.95 / $529.95 by GE and Bond peacoat, $698 by Billy Reid
5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week
This is a footwear silhouette we're seeing more and more of these days. And it's usually from European shoe brands that, while expertly made, come at a pretty high price. G.H. Bass just introduced this Wallace design ($215), which combines supple suede with rich, textured leather along with the classic moc detailing for a really wearable shoe. Sitting atop a chunky lug sole, it's got the look of heritage footwear with a shot of streetwear energy. All for an incredibly reasonable price.
Test Drive
The Bouclé Topcoat
If you ask me, a man can never have too many jackets. During the early parts of fall, I wear denim jackets and some variant of a chore coat since it’s easy and warm and has a crazy number of pockets to store all your cool gadgets and Chapstick in. Now that temperatures are really starting to lower, something heavier is required—a topcoat or overcoat, whatever you prefer.
I’d been eyeing this black bouclé jacket from British brand Percival and finally took the plunge. Percival combines a quintessentially English sense of understated style with rare internationally sourced fabrics and materials. They also do some fun collaborations, like with The Great Fog and a newly released one with the fashion podcast, Throwing Fits—just to name a few. Besides making good shit, their pricing is ultra-competitive compared to other contemporary brands for the level of quality, especially with their outerwear and knitwear—those prices can go through the roof with other brands that are making similar garments.
The black bouclé jacket I picked up has gotten a few wears when the temperature is cold in the mornings and dips back down in the evenings, but it’ll be worn every day come wintertime. It’s a classic trench coat style that comes in a bouclé fabric (French for “curled” or “ringed”) and is referring to a yarn made from a series of looped fibers or the fabric made from it. Wool is the most common fiber to undergo this technique, which is what Percival used for this topcoat.
The fabric is warm, easy to spot-clean, and is more comfortable than actual wool—and completely softer to the touch. The jacket is lined and includes two front pockets, one on the interior, and it’s vented in the back, allowing for ease of movement. Whenever I throw it on, it feels like a soft unstructured blazer in the shoulders and the lining makes it more comfortable and warmer as well. The fit is contemporary but not too tight—it’s relaxed enough to layer with a crewneck sweater or even a lightweight button-down cardigan. I’ll be sporting a denim jacket underneath, a merino half-zip sweater, and a tweed blazer. Although the $450 price at is a tad steep, it’s a great investment piece, and compared to other brands, the price is just right.
Trench coat,$450 by Percival
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
A traditional Macintosh coat reimagined for today. Featuring a durable corduroy collar with two side pockets and raglan sleeves, now for an unbelievably low price.
$328 / $67by Outerknown
A trusty rugby shirt, but as comfy as an old hoodie in a more sophisticated silhouette. Made from organic cotton and twill, this is perfect to layer with for the colder months.
$128 / $64by Taylor Stitch
Whether trekking down mountain trails or wandering around the city, this Polartec fleece will keep you cozy and warm from all inclement weather. Plus, now it’s half off.
$419 / $189by Goldwin
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Searching is something that Sean has spent much of his life doing: his desire to seek out information on his ancestors and educate himself about Indigenous food has made him a perpetual student.”
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Everything Linnetz touches goes viral. But in person, the designer speaks with a naivety that belies his uncanny understanding of visual culture and easy proximity to power.”
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October 22