The Obtainer - 7/17/23, Monday
↦ Do You Mess With Mules?
Monday, July 17th Edition
What’s the longest streak for wearing a single pair of mules consecutively? I’m just asking for a friend.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Buying Guide
The Shoe of the Summer
You may ask how something so oddly shaped is the most in-demand shoe option on the market. The easiest answer? Comfort. But then there's something to be said for versatility. I'm not much of a sandals fan, because I don't enjoy having my feet out on display. So the closest thing I'm going to get to sandals are slip-ons. I picked up a pair of Boston Clogs from Birkenstock a few years ago and found them to be instant-certified bangers. They started being my WFH slippers, then grocery-getters, and gradually evolved into my everyday shoe choice. The shoe's super power is the ability to contour to your feet—whether it's leather, foam or even rubber—they're meant to develop a customized fit over time. Honestly, I was surprised how often I would wear them and how good they looked with everything—little did I know it was only the beginning of a slip-on/clog “mulement”.Although Birkenstock laid the foundation, other brands have embraced the heel-free push. It's excellent that you can find any pair for any budget, and they'll look great. One brand that may be a no-brainer that recently put its hat in the clog field is Crocs. Their Dylan clog is under $60, and even the most anti-Croc guys on our team are considering a pair. This is major because trends start from subcultures and then hit the mainstream, and this is definitely one of those examples. Crocs joining the wave seems like a big ole' corporate stamp of approval for clogs.While the mule has been gaining steam for a while, it's clearly the shoe for the summer season. Call it a testament to the current state of style and the direction it's going in—no rules are the new rules. The shoe adds a bit of “freaky” casual energy that guys are embracing these days and making their own. And while they come in several materials and shapes, they all share one commonality: Heels out. Wear them with your summer shorts, beat-up jeans and chinos, even a casual suit. Think of it like ice cream, there are flavors for everyone and you really can't make a bad choice.
Our Picks
Made from durable recycled rubber, these waterproof clogs are ideal to wear in the garden and any other off-road adventure.
Bodega clog, $90 by SeaVees
A wild style with the attributes of a loafer, but the leopard-print pony hair adds a bit of luxe panache to any outfit.
Mason backless mule, $375 by Blackstock & Weber
Couldn’t do a roundup without these. The embossed suede adds a modern touch, and the cork footbeds only get better with age.
Boston clog, $142 by Birkenstock
Worlds collide to make this beautiful shoe. Handsewn in Spain, these are unlined from a full-grain suede and finished with traditional moccasin construction.
Buckle-strap mule loafer, $440 by HEREU
This leather box ($175) is just damn cool. That's it. But really, Billykirk took their premium full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather and then cut and stitched it into this handsome box, available in four different shades. Hand-stitched, burnished and edged, the boxes are an ideal spot for mementos and keepsakes, tucked into a bookcase or let this be where you round up your work essentials on your desk. Of course, it would also look amazing on a coffee table or entryway. And bonus, you can have them embossed with a monogram (for yourself or a gift).
Test Drive
Styling Hair Cream
The hassle of styling your hair can be a huge one. I’m experiencing that right now, as my next barber appointment is in a few weeks, and my hair is super long. I stick with a skin fade on the sides and leave a bit up top, but as of late I’m looking pretty wooly all over. In hopes of taming my long overgrown cut, I’ve been using this styling cream from Blind Barber, and it’s been doing the trick until I get my fresh fade soon.
The hair product is free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes and uses beer hops for toning the scalp and regulating dandruff. While there’s beer in the styling cream, the only scent you can recognize is a luxe tonka bean fragrance. I put this in my hair after I hop out of the shower, but I make sure my hair is nice and dry—you can’t keep your lid tamed if you mix it with water. I put in about a dime-sized as the product recommends, and the hold is a little light for my hair’s texture. Whenever it’s in and styled, it’s light enough to look like there’s no product, and there’s a little sheen to it, but nothing like the guys in the ‘50s had in their hair. One of my few gripes is that once you use some from the tube, there’s always a little coming out, so the lid will have leftover styling cream in it all the time. Also, my hair is a bit coarse, and I usually use something in the matte texture for a stronger hold, so if your hair is the same, I would steer clear from the product since it seems to be for lighter hair-textured folks.
30 proof styling cream,$18 by Blind Barber
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Cargo shorts are summer's workhorse clothing essential. Stonewashed cotton and linen blend for a lived-in feel that make these comfortable out of the gate and, of course, signature buttoned flap pockets for storage.
$310 / $186by Incotex
This polo is not like the ones you've seen before. The boxy fit creates an airy silhouette for summer, and the large collar shape would look great underneath a blazer.
$200 / $99by Lady White Co.
You don't have to skimp out on cookware if you're preparing a meal by the campfire. This camping kitchen set comes with an oak-wood oversized spoon, fork for salads, flat scraper tool, a grater and a durable stainless-steel knife.
$80 / $65by Primus
The three best stories from around the web.
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His website Permanent Style is as thoughtfully composed as the tailors he features—no detail left unnoticed or lapel unturned.”
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Bembury’s updated the archival designs with enveloping and softly protective silhouettes: think quilted jackets and padded shirts paired with performance leggings or techy trousers.”
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Borrowed things are always more fun, and they feel novel but personal.”
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Thank the shoe gods our classic Beaufoy restock is on route. Sign-up Ladies and Gents, notifications will be pinging off shortly.
May 14