The Obtainer - 1/30/23, Monday
↦ Best Black Denim Under $100
Monday, January 30th Edition
What kind of candle scent do you enjoy? That might sound like a horrific pickup line, but then again Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Black Denim Under $100
There’s always been something so “punk” about black denim. To some, it symbolizes that you’re going against the grain since the jeans aren’t the traditional blue. I know a lot of guys that steer clear from black denim because they have thoughts like, “what do I wear with them? Will they get insanely linty?” Black denim is often my first choice because they’re so easy to wear—they look great with just about everything, especially anything in a navy-blue wheelhouse. Also, if you have to dress up for a special occasion, black denim is the answer; they make your legs look slimmer, are an excellent substitute for dress pants on more laid back occasions, and they patina just as well as blue denim—if not even better.Of course, well-made black jeans often come with an expensive price tag because of where and how they are made. Things like specific needle stitching and the type of cotton being used can quickly jack the price up. But it doesn't always have to be that way, especially if you’re looking to dip your toe into the black denim game. There are now some excellent pairs that you can pick up for well under a hundred bucks. We've pulled together a few of the best and most affordable black jeans right now, so take your pick. Just make sure you try them on so that you're happy with the look and feel—there are few things worse than ill-fitting jeans.
4 of Our Favorites
There’s a reason why these have been around for 150 years—the fit is pretty much perfect and they look great on everyone.
501 original-fit jean,$79.50 by Levi’s
Inspired by a pair of ’50s denim, the straight leg and long rise may have you mistaken as one of the Ramones.
Classic straight-fit jean,$128 / $89.60 (w/code REFRESH)by J.Crew
A relaxed 12oz. Italian denim jean that’s been washed to look and feel like you’ve had them for years. And under $100?Need I say more?
5-pocket jean,$295 / $88.50 by Corridor
This jean is made of 100% recycled cotton, so you look and feel good about wearing them.
Regular-fit tapered-leg jean,$99 by COS
5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week
If you take your camera seriously, you probably want a serious strap too. One that's as handsome as it is functional. We've seen quality leather straps before, but this one ($94), from Clever Supply Co., has a much-needed modern upgrade. It's hand-crafted from full-grain leather cut to a perfect ½“ width and you can get it in adjustable lengths and five different colorways. But the modern touch is that this version features black PVD brass rivets and Peak Design anchor links to connect your camera. They allow you to quickly and securely attach and detach with ease.
Test Drive
A Rugged Candle for a Reasonable Price
Buck Mason is known for their affordable yet ever-lasting T-shirts, premium outerwear, but soon they may be also known for their candles. The California-based brand has recently embarked into the fragrance space, and I’m really happy they did. Much like how they’re detail-oriented and meticulous with their clothes, they’ve used that same attention and thoughtfulness for this candle.Lone pine is the scent, hand-poured into a beautiful custom ceramic vessel inspired by vintage Japanese handcrafts. Named after the city of Lone Pine, California, the candle’s aroma is warm and woodsy with hints of fresh-cut cedar, charred hickory and a sophisticated amber base. Since I received the candle, I burn it every day and am saddened that it’ll soon be burned up. But I’ll get a new one. Even when it’s not lit, the candle’s aroma is still present—I leave mine in our bar area, so each time I walk into the kitchen, I get a lovely whiff of the desert.I remember when Le Labo’s candles were about $60 almost a decade ago, and now they’re $82. I know the brand has grown in popularity, but the wick game is too crazy. I get that fifty bucks isn’t exactly cheap, but this is one of the most affordable options for the uniqueness of the scent and a burn time around 70 hours. Plus, after you’ve burned all the way through, you’re left with a sophisticated ceramic that can be used for anything from a coffee cup or planter to a stylish catch-all for your desk. For me, that’s a bargain.
Lone pine candle, $55 by Buck Mason
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Looking for a denim shirt that's not like the rest? This western one has pearl snaps and vintage-style chest pockets and will break in like your favorite pair of jeans.
$198 / $98by Wythe
Modeled after a '50s hunting jacket, Alex Mill reinterprets their garment-dyed version with a contrast corduroy collar and plaid flannel lining.
$225 / $123.75by Alex Mill
This magnetic charger is made of pebble-grain Italian leather and sturdy braided nylon cable—ideal for your office desk setup.
$80 / $64by Courant
The three best stories from around the web.
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Dissecting the details of their lives as ‘bicoastal elites’, How Long Gone is a cultural barometer of the restaurants, bars, airlines and gyms Stewart and Black frequent, the brands they buy and wear—and those they don’t”
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For our latest episode of ‘Life With’, we caught up with the guys behind Lichen, the Brooklyn-based furniture, and interior design gurus.”
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The house picked industry veteran Sabato De Sarno to succeed Alessandro Michele.”
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New Year, slightly newer me.
January 12