The Obtainer - 2/3/23, Friday
↦ Look Your Best on the Ultimate Date Night
Friday, February 3rd Edition
You don’t need me to tell you to dress up for date night. But maybe you’re looking for a few fresh suggestions on what to pull together. And for that, I’m happy to help.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
What We’re Wearing
The Big Date Night
It may be the most important “date night” of the year. And whether you're planning to brave the crowds at a popular restaurant or have a more low-key night in, you still have to figure out what you're going to wear. And when it comes to Valentine's Day, you have to dress the part. Piece of advice: dress in layers just in case you get chilly (or more importantly, if your partner does). It always looks good whenever you're prepared for anything. Pick out a foolproof outfit—we're thinking neutral tones, excellent fit and some solid boots to help you stand tall.Starting up top, this luxurious topcoat is hefty enough to keep you cozy throughout the night yet soft enough to drape over your date. Moving to the mid-layer—a gorgeous tobacco-colored trucker looks elegant played off the navy and indigo blues. As a blazer alternative, it also breaks up the outfit in a cool, juxtaposing way. Since we're a bit darker on top, relaxed-fitting cream-color pants bring the entire kit together. Just be sure to cover these with a napkin come dinner—food drips and wine spills are never a good look on anyone.Don't forget about the fragrance, especially on a night like this. If you have a scent for a “special occasion”, now is the time to spritz. Fragrance notes of tobacco, vanilla, and rum sound like the perfect bar atmosphere, but it's also an aroma that makes sure you leave a lasting impression on your date.
Your Valentine’s Day Fit
Clockwise, from top left:
Knit polo shirt, $230 / $115 by NN07Japanese Bedford cord trucker jacket, $428 by WytheA6 glasses, $300 by Rose & Co.Double-breasted moleskin greatcoat, $998 / $494 by Todd SnyderSide Effect eau de parfum, from $77 by Initio Parfums PrivésMerino wool sock, $40 (for 2-pack) by ShiroBlacksmith boot, $329.99 by Red WingFlat-front pant, $135 by Alex Mill
Making the Case for ...
Sicilian Olive Oil
We all have pantry staples for preparing meals, and to have those kitchen essentials, you need a great foundation of spices and olive oil. Whether you’re topping off a cannoli or about to throw some Wagyu beef in the pan, olive oil is a must for both. While you can find olive oil anywhere, much like anything else, it’s always best to research before buying. A lot of olive oil companies claim to produce theirs from an origin country, but how much of that is true? Maybe some do it as a marketing ploy, but I’ve found one brand that doesn’t, and I’m sure you’ve seen it floating around on Instagram as well.Baroncini Import & Co. was started by Davide Baroncini, founder of menswear label Ghiaia, and his wife Pia. Their goal was to bring authentic Italian olive oil stateside, and they’ve done so in partnership with the Asaro family—who has been making olive oil from olives farmed on their land in Sicily since 1916. While $60 for olive oil may seem steep, it’s three liters worth which is an excellent bang for your buck, and where it comes from is the most noteworthy piece of it all.All of the olive oil is 100% made in Sicily of two of the most well-known Sicilian olive varieties, Nocellara del Belice and Cerasuola. The Nocellara del Belice is the most grown variety at Asaro Farms. Its taste is buttery, with notes of tomato leaf and bitter almond. It's an age-old variety that has been growing in Sicily since 3000 B.C.E. Asaro Farms crop this fruit at the beginning of each October and cold press it within hours of being picked, guaranteeing a fresher, greener, and more delectable oil. The Cerasuolo is grown at more elevated altitudes than the Nocellara del Belice. This variety is one of the heartiest on earth. Its oil has notes of hay, almond, and marjoram with a bitter and zesty finish. Each variety combined creates the perfect balanced olive oil for cooking and finishing entrees.
Sicilian extra virgin olive oil,$60 by Baroncini Import & Co.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Want to get out of the friend zone this Valentine's Day? This T-shirt makes a subtle statement. But if it doesn’t help, we're all out of ideas.
$75 / $35by Corridor
It’s hard to find Nigel Cabourn pants for less than $100. Inspired by 20th-century British soldiers, this pair is made from ripstop cotton in a relaxed, pleated silhouette.
$200 / $99by Nigel Cabourn
Upgrade your everyday henley with this luxe waffle-knit version from RRL. Garment-dyed for an added patina look, it’s finished with vintage-inspired buttons.
$145 / $104by RRL
The three best stories from around the web.
“
My wife being in the clothing business has helped me also see clothing not just as an item that hangs in your closet, but as something that is a work of art.”
//
“
Created in partnership with Re-Verso, a leading textile production company, the program allows you to ship your 100-percent cashmere items—from any brand—to Re-Verso headquarters in Prato, Italy.”
//
“
I’ve worn Chuck Taylors every day for 20 years, but in 2015 they made the toe cap too pointy and I can’t live with it, so I only wear the older style.”
//
Menswear enthusiasts and stars, like Theo James, Mads Mikkelsen, and more have flocked to the streets of Milan for the fall 2023 menswear shows. Oversized blazers, perfectly elevated puffer coats, and thoughtful accessorizing are flooding our street style coverage as show goers deliver their best looks.
January 16