The Obtainer - 8/1/22, Monday
↦ A Smart Way to Save
Monday,August 1st Edition
Good morning everyone, hopefully it’s not too early to discuss bar carts. But it’s Monday, amirite?
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Affordable Denim
A guy needs a good pair of jeans. It's the kind of garment that can make or break an outfit. That is why we often emphasize the importance of denim. Whether they are brand new or found in a thrift shop, the fit and finish are the most important aspects. Of course, well-made jeans often come with steep prices because of where and how they are made—specific needle stitching and the type of cotton that's used. But it doesn't always have to be that way.
If you want to invest in a great pair of jeans and have the scratch, you won't regret it. But if you're a “more is more” type of person, then stocking up on more affordable jeans is the answer. And the good news is that plenty of brands are now making some impressive pairs that you can get for well under a hundred bucks. Plus, there's always the secondhand route—which not only saves you some money but scores you a pair that's already broken-in and extra soft. I would suggest that if you're going this route, get jeans in three different fits. A straight-fit with a higher rise that can be dressed up for the office, a slimmer fit that you can wear for drinks with friends and loose-fitting jeans that you can lounge around the house in or run errands. We've picked some of the best and most affordable jeans right now, so take your pick, and always make sure you try them on and that you're happy with the look and feel—there are few things worse than ill-fitting jeans.
4 of Our Favorites
A dark classic that's raw but now stiff. Plus it is on a ridiculous discount right now.
$114.99 / $57.49 (w/code SHOPNOW) by J.Crew
A '90s-inspired jean with a loose fit in the perfect light summer wash.
$79 / $63.20by Abercrombie & Fitch
These non-stretch jeans have some realistic wear and holes. Break them in and wash 'em for an even more personal feel.
$79.95 / $71 by Gap
A slimmer straight-cut with a taper at the ankle. Loafers will be your best footwear pairing with these.
$98.50 by Polo Ralph Lauren
I want to get a bar cart. Are those still cool? I would rather it be wood with midcentury vibes, but I don’t want to spend too much. Maybe around $500ish. Where should I look?
- Steve
Most definitely, bar carts are cool. I’m not sure if they’ll ever go out of style. Especially when they’re put to use and not merely a prop. You just have to find the right one and I’m happy that you have enlisted The Obtainer for some help. Naturally, a vintage option like this Scandinavian teak trolley would be just what you’re looking for, but they tend to hit outside your budget. This handsome one from West Elm, however, seems to check all of your boxes and right now, it’s on sale for about $385.
The bar cart has clean lines and a rich walnut finish (you could easily convince people it’s vintage) and comes with caster wheels so you can follow the party. There are two open shelves to display spirits, mixers and barware. The FSC-certified, kiln-dried Acacia wood is a plus, especially if you spill some liquid while mixing up your drinks. If you prefer something a little more streamlined, check out this one from Burrow which would make for another great option.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
Test Drive
The A/C Unit That Actually Looks Good
The appeal of the new Windmill air conditioner is three-fold: design, ease, and function. Anyone who has a visceral reaction to the dour 1980s PC design sensibility of most A/C units will be pleased to find that, as far as I can tell, Windmill built an entirely new design from scratch. Gone are the meat thermometer-style screens, mushy Casio buttons, and Ford Pinto grills. What takes its place are gentle, large radius curves cast in Hollywood veneer white, an LED screen that only appears when called on, and a perforated screen that looks more “high-end speaker system” than “storm drain.”
The set-up is easy enough that even I (with all the upper body strength of string cheese) was able to install it myself. It took about half an hour with breaks to get it in, but I can say with unwavering certainty: it’s not going anywhere. As an added bonus, the box contained most everything I needed to install it—including a pair of scissors for trimming the vanity covers that hide the extending accordion wings so that the unit looks built into your space.
And it’s not just the good looks separating the Windmill from standard window units. It’s inherently quieter and comes with anti-microbial and activated charcoal air filters, not to mention handy voice and app controls. When it comes to cooling you off, this machine is no slouch, either. In my 200-square-foot living room, I find that air is more evenly distributed in my space, rather than just having a jet stream of cold air pointing outward, surrounded by pockets of humid air. I attribute this to the vents that fan upward rather than forward. Remember in grade school when we learned that cold air sinks? I’m just glad I remembered something other than “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” - Or Gotham
8300 BTU unit,$415 / $395 by Windmill
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
A patchwork sock in a quilted print that has the perfect form and stretch to add some pop to your outfit with a tonal range of white to black.
$30 / $14.99by Anonymous Ism
A hiking shoe that's been updated with an innovative midsole to accommodate longer treks in any terrain.
$190 / $133by Salomon
A roomy seersucker shirt is great for summer. Wear this on its own or open with a ribbed tank for the ultimate warm weather vibe.
$194 / $97by mfpen
The three best stories from around the web.
“
When you’re looking for a great place to stay, from a weekender in the States to something farther afield, we’ve got you covered with some of our latest discoveries right here, handpicked just for you.”
//
“
These images depict candid moments involving iconic Black actors, musicians, fashion models, and writers, as well as ordinary folk who were rarely featured in white publications.”
//
“
From the suspenders to the blanket no-tie rule, Wenders’ wardrobe is a not-so-subtle nod to the Hollywood western and the wardrobes of its famous heroes such as Messrs, John Wayne or Gary Cooper.”
//
🔮 for @prevustudio 🤌
July 25