The Obtainer - 9/11/23, Monday
↦ Get Lit
Monday, September 11th Edition
Hi guys … Cory Ohlendorf here, I’ll be checking in and hosting The Obtainer now and then and I’m kicking things off with my all-time favorite indulgence: Candles. If one ain’t burning, then I’m not really home. As a bonafide expert, I’ve got the best ones to light up (no matter how much you’re willing to spend).
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
The Best Candles at Any Price Point
Fall is a season of contradictions. Yes, it's about hunkering down and getting work done, but it's also a time for slowing down and relaxing. You might embrace the outdoors with hikes and a campfire, or simply embrace the opportunity to stay in and curl up with a good movie and a cocktail. Whatever vibe you're after this autumn, there's a candle to match your mood.These flaming fragrance disseminators come in all shapes and sizes and—most importantly—price points. Depending on how you like to burn yours, you can pick up a luxury candle that you only burn for special occasions and important guests or you can grab a reasonably priced jar that you light up as soon as you get home every night. Whatever you choose, the act of lighting the flame of a candle in your home is an act of self-care. It's about the ritual of setting an intention and making your home a place you want to be. It literally changes the air in the room and everyone around that flame is instantly better—they look better, they feel better.Right now, I want to be in a stylish A-frame cabin, tucked under a canopy of towering trees with a crackling fire burning in the fireplace. But maybe you're feeling more like a sleek city apartment with a leather sofa and a well-stocked bar. This isn't about a cloying candle that smells like a syrupy pumpkin spice latte. No, this fall's best candles offer a spectrum of olfactory escapes—from sweet bourbon and warm spices to charred woods and dried leaves. They're the subtle, sophisticated fragrances that set the mood and convey to visitors that this is the home of a man who takes care of himself. And makes the time you spend at home a whole lot more enjoyable. We've pulled together our favorites and arranged them by price.
Our Picks
Bring the outdoors indoors with this candle. The Cali brand's Sequoia fragrance is bold and spicy with warm amber and tobacco notes accented with spicy, smoky patchouli.
Sequoia camp candle, $38 by Taylor Stitch
There's no better smell for the cooler months than orange peel dotted with clove buds and fresh cinnamon. The scent is nestled in a unique handblown glass vessel for a rich, warm glow.
Spiced pomander candle $50 by LAFCO
Diptyque's newest candle is the legendary French brand's first refillable candle. This one has a fragrance inspired by a Japanese mountain temple—think aged wood, green moss and the faint scent of incense.
Temple des Mousses candle, $285 by Diptyque
Did the U.S. Open kickstart your tennis fever? Maybe you've noticed how many brands are getting into the sport. Well, just in time, Reigning Champ has returned with another collaboration with legendary racket sport brand Prince. This collection channels the golden era of tennis throughout the mid-80s and '90s. And as we head into hoodie/shorts season, we're pulling on these tailored twill shorts ($180) with contrast piping.
Test Drive
A Water-Filtering Pitcher With Serious Style
Have you tried finding a water filter pitcher lately? It’s hell. They’re too small, or too plastic-y looking. Some do a good job of filtering funky faucet water, but the pitcher’s plastic body gets cloudy or the filter is tricky to change. Others look cool, but do a shitty job of removing the nasty taste of water from the tap. What’s a guy to do? Just when I was at the end of my proverbial rope, I discovered this pitcher from the brand Lifestraw. A friend swears by their carbon-filter water bottle and when she was showing me, I figured I’d see if they’d moved into pitchers yet. To my delight, they had.
Not only is the sleek design understated and made from incredibly clear glass-like plastic, it’s the only water filter pitcher that removes bacteria and parasites, in addition to microplastics. While the brand’s signature membrane microfilter with activated carbon retains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health, it filters out chlorine and potentially dangerous chemicals that affect the taste of your tap water. What’s more, the easy-fill lid and smooth, slender handle make it simple to use. If there’s a downside, it’s that it’s not the fastest filter on the market. But, to me, that means that it’s really doing its job. So fill it up and let it get to work while the water chills in the fridge. When it’s ready to go, you’ll have crisp, clean water and a handsome pitcher to pour it from. All for a pretty reasonable price, considering what bottle water goes for these days.
Water filter pitcher,$49.95 / $39.99 by LifeStraw
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
MR PORTER’s in-house label makes one of the most versatile and cozy sweatshirts on the market today. Cut from a loopback jersey fabric with a boxy fit, it will be your closet's Swiss Army knife for fall.
$195 / $97.50by Mr P.
A sturdy denim shirt bridges the gap between summer and fall. Madewell's oversized version is ideal for throwing over a long-sleeve T-shirt or underneath a cardigan for cooler nights.
$90.50 / $67.78(w/code EXTRA25)by Madewell
These contrast-colored cargo pants feel like fall. There are eight pockets for ample storage and a drawcord at the ankle for tightening. Pair these with your favorite fleece or denim jacket.
$150 / $75 byAlpha Industries
The three best stories from around the web.
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It’s really about reintroducing the brand to a new generation of people who don’t know who Helmut Lang is, and also to ignite that love for his ethos and the way he designed.”
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It turns out, most of us probably do a number of things that make our washes less effective, harsher on our clothes and harmful to the environment.”
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The Pulitzer-winning writer—and Esquire contributor—takes us on a tour of his own wardrobe.”
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Canadian Tux #LandRover
July 24
