The Obtainer - 3/31/23, Friday
↦ What We're Wearing to the Office Right Now
Friday, March 31st Edition
Whether you’re commuting to the office in jeans or rolling out of bed for your first meeting, we’re happy you’ve made it through another week.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
WhatWe’reWearing
Spring Office Style
Even as more and more people are getting called back into the office, the dress code for the workplace has never been more laissez-faire. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of workplaces with a portion of employees working from home has fallen from 29.8% in 2021 to 16.4% in 2022, plus a lot of us are doing the hybrid thing, working some days at home, and others in the office. I remember the old fashion ads of yesteryear that used to say, “From the boardroom to the bar,” and while those looks may still exist, today we're thinking, “From the bedroom to the guest room, then for a coffee chat.” Blurring the lines whenever getting dressed is fine, but having a more multi-purpose look is more important than ever because you can work from anywhere.It's no secret that a navy or black blazer is a corporate go-to, but try one in a more technical fabric that retains a softly tailored look. This one has a concealed zip chest pocket and generous front patch pockets—it works as outerwear, dresses up any fit and is ideal for any traveling you may have to do. Layer it over a long-sleeve polo—they look smart with blazers and dress up the roomier pants we're wearing these days. Lastly, I'm a sucker for all-black shoes—Vinny's makes an updated luxe boat shoe, and these allow you to step into the office for a few hours or just look sharp for a quick coffeeshop meeting.
Your Spring Office Fit
Clockwise, from top left:
Merino wool polo, $125 by ASKETEmil lightweight jacket, $370 by Norse ProjectsGiant-fit chino, $98 by J.CrewSRPD91 Seiko 5 automatic watch, $335 / $229 by SeikoLeather notebook, $59 by RoarcraftSolid calf socks, $14 by BombasAztec boat shoe, $400 by Vinny'sPathfinder slim briefcase, $795 by TroubadourKennedy acetate sunglasses, $149 by Shwood Eyewear
Making the Case for ...
The Tech-Friendly Home Fragrance
An excellent scent has the power to evoke certain feelings, a specific mood, or even a core memory. While candles and incense can do all three, a sleek diffuser can as well—only in a cleaner, safer and more sustainable way. Aromatech is a sophisticated brand of smart scent diffusers and luxurious fragrances. And their mission, I’m told, is to “enhance environments through innovative scents using patented cold-air diffusion technology” that doesn’t leave any residue on your walls or furniture.While it’s probably one of the most expensive diffusers on the market, the Aromini BT is certainly one of the most beautifully and ethically made. The diffuser itself is constructed from recycled aluminum, so there’s a certain heft to it, and the sleek, sculptural design is chic enough to sit well among any intriguing coffee table books. All their aroma oils are safe, non-GMO, pet-friendly and completely cruelty-free. I’d recommend the santal scent, which is warm with a woody sandalwood and musk fragrance that’s not overpowering but you can tell it makes a difference in the room. If you don’t want to commit to one, they have some great gift sets that have various fragrances to sample.Whenever you’re ready to use the diffuser, pour in the aroma oils—no water is needed unlike most other diffusers. The brand’s clever technology allows each fragrance to nebulize using just the air from your space, which gets filtered within the diffuser. This releases nanoparticles into the air that result in a subtle and consistently fragranced room. Besides the internal technology, the diffuser has Bluetooth capabilities—which means you can set the intensity of the fragrance and run time using a simple app. What’s nice is that you can set it up and then forget all about it. I run it for about four hours everyday, and only have to refill it once a week. You can also allow the diffuser to run for 24 hours, and it’s quiet, energy efficient and never leaves your space smelling anything but luxurious.
Aromini BT diffuser, $349 by Aromatech
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
18 East is having its seasonal sale, and there's a lot of heat on the site. The Cata parka is an interpretation of a technical outdoor jacket featuring 3M shock cord cinches and is hand-loomed for extra depth and texture.
$215 / $150.50(w/code March30)by 18 East
A rolling waste bin is super convenient to help keep your trash and recycling tidy and out of the way. There are two sets of hooks for two garbage bags, so it's easy to stay organized.
$95 / $66.50by Yamazaki
These are some of the Valet. team’s favorite WFH pants. But they look just as good out on the town, too. The textured slub cotton is light, breathable and washed to give them a worn-in feel.
$118 / $47by Taylor Stitch
The three best stories from around the web.
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Sotheby’s has estimated $500,000 to $1 million per watch, though watch experts say they’re likely to fetch more than a million dollars each.”
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At the time, he was studying fruit flies’ sense of smell. After the Human Genome Project came out, Keller realized he could do the same with humans.”
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Under the umbrella of his independent label Jacquemus, he celebrates humour, the poetry of his childhood landscapes and freedom of the body, and has just opened a new boutique on Paris’s prestigious avenue Montaigne.”
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Paul Rudd for @gq
February 10