The Obtainer - 1/23/23, Monday
↦ Ready to Win Valentine's Day?
Monday, January 23rd Edition
What’s your favorite gift for Valentine’s Day? Luckily you have about a month to decide for you and your loved ones, and if you don’t know, we’re always happy to help.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
Ready to Win Valentine’s Day?
You have about a month until Valentine’s Day, but don't wait until the last minute to express your love. Hopefully, you make your significant other feel special more than once a year, and if you do, then Valentine's Day is the cherry on top. Your affection and devotion cannot, of course, be measured in dollars and cents. Then again, show up empty-handed and you'll leave them wondering if they matter. A heart-shaped box of sweets is a traditional go-to gift, but if you want to think outside the box, get them something that shows how attentive you've been. Pick up something the girl or guy in your life might actually like (and use). As always, we've got a few suggestions.
4 of Our Favorites
One-stop-shop grooming set—perfect for travel or an at-home routine. All the shower and bathroom essentials are infused with clinically proven ceramides, caffeine, biotin, reishi and ginseng.
“All He Needs” grooming gift set,$50 by Superzero
A versatile blanket, perfect for cozying up on the couch or enjoying a mid-day nap for two. This one is handcrafted from a custom triple-layer fleece with a soft quilted interior. Warm yet lightweight, the fabric offers a luxurious harmony of design and comfort.
Cabin fleece stadium blanket, $140 by Reigning Champ
This practical silk set is 100% machine washable and sexy enough to wear for Valentine's Day yet comfy enough to lounge around the house.
Washable silk tank set, $188 by Lunya
This durable tote bag is 100% full-grain leather and has brass zippers to help keep your daily essentials secure. Gifting this is already a great option, but adding a personal monogram will get you extra brownie points.
Oversized zipper tote, $288 by WP Standard
Who makes some good non-down puffers?
- Pat
Thanks for the question, Pat. Not sure if you're allergic to down feathers or looking for a more sustainable option to stay warm, but you've come to the right place. Our first option would be Minnesotan-brand Askov Finlayson—their winter parka is an investment but for good reasons. The parka is made of 100% recycled featherless insulation and is soft and lightweight like down but without the environmental impact. The jacket has several pockets on the inside and outside, the outer shell is water-resistant, and the scuba-fit hood is lined to protect your head from all the inclement weather.
If you're not sold on the jacket, no biggie—the brand gives you a full 90 days to explore, and if you don't like it, they'll take it back. If you love the jacket, they offer a lifetime warranty, which makes the price well worth the purchase. $495 isn't cheap, so if you're looking to dip your toe into the brand, they're offering 50% off select items, and this vest is under $100—may be worth the plunge.If you're not a fan of the parka option—we have two other picks. One is from the sustainable-leading brand, Houdini, which is free of down feathers, and another from Topo Designs, which is also featherless, and the outer shell is made from vegetables. Hopefully, I've been of help, but you have me looking for responsible winter-ready options, and I appreciate it.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
Test Drive
A Vanilla Cologne That Is a Game-Changer
Finding a scent is a surprisingly soul-searching adventure. It reflects not just who you are and what you like, but how you want the world to perceive you. Maybe you wear one scent year-round, or you switch it up based on the season—floral and citrus for spring and summer, and spicy and woodsy for fall and winter. But a big consideration is how the scent notes sit on your skin—just because it smells good in the bottle doesn’t mean it will have the same scent once it disperses—your body chemistry plays a significant role. It’s similar to coffee, a bag of beans smells a certain way, but once ground up and brewed, the aroma and taste have evolved. I wouldn’t consider myself a scent savant, but I’ve had my fair share of spritzes. I’ve found that I prefer unisex fragrances—it’s what my nose gravitates towards and they’re typically not overbearing.Still, I was a little skeptical about this scent from EAUSO VERT. The label is female and Latinx-founded by beauty industry veterans Faye Harris and Tanya Gonzalez. Their goal was to create a more conscious luxury brand, reimagining how we look at scents through their five-fragrance collection ingrained in celebrating pleasurable experiences through the power of sustainable scent. I was first drawn to the bottle—sculptural and thick, with a cap made from natural wood using a patented cork inner system that eschews any glues or plastic. But the scent had a base note of vanilla bean. Wouldn’t it be too sweet? Dubbed Vanilla Embers, it’s actually more of a push and pull of sweet and dark with just a touch of smoky wood. Whenever you spritz, you’re immediately hit with spicy cardamom and some light floral notes.But then, as the day wears on, the scent opens up, and you begin to smell smoldering sandalwood and creamy vanilla bean. It’s unlike anything I’ve smelled before and one of the more complex fragrances I’ve ever experienced. Plus, each bottle comes with a QR code for a playlist inspired by the fragrance—it captures the vibe of what the scent offers, and it’s an added detail that I appreciate from the brand. But most importantly, every time I’ve ventured out wearing Vanilla Embers, I always get compliments from people wondering what it is and who makes it. That’s a good sign in my book.
Vanilla embers,$165 by EAUSO VERT
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Layering a rugged denim jacket this time of year is always a reliable style move. This one is made of lived-in denim, a corduroy collar, and American-made buttons. With pockets on the chest and angled at the waist, your winter accessories will stay organized.
$268 / $189.99by Polo Ralph Lauren
There's something so handsome about a crisp poplin, but a striped one is a notch above. The fabric is light, breathable and incredibly comfortable. Detailed finishes like a locker loop and side-seam gussets make this an easy year-round grab-and-go.
$99 / $69.30(w/code WINTER30)by Todd Snyder
Nigel Cabourn reinterprets the 1950s Dutch military cargo pant. His are crafted from a hefty twill that's been weaved diagonally and features two cargo-style leg pockets and two side and back pockets. Style these with some broken-in Boston clogs or a durable pair of boots.
$200 / $100 byNigel Cabourn Lybro
The three best stories from around the web.
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Pitti is an opportunity to observe and reflect on how well-dressed men are carrying themselves, and what kind of clothes are speaking to them.”
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Trained in graphic design and carpentry, and based between London and Copenhagen, Daniel’s approach to design finds beauty in simplicity.”
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He’s aimed at nothing less than remaking the Himalayan guiding industry in his image—and along the way is raising questions about what it means to be a mountaineer in the age of the influencer.”
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Verified FITTI UOMO!!!
January 13