TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Jeans

The denim market has been flooded in the last 10 years. While Levi's still holds its role as mascot of the denim industry and luxury designers continue to produce overpriced denim offerings, "Premium jean" (jeans priced at above $100) startups, such as 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Ernest Sewn to name a few, have infiltrated the market with niche styles and high fashion connections, and emerged with huge profits and expansion in the way of additional categories beyond denim that have allowed them to become powerful lifestyle brands.

7 For All Mankind is a great example. Started in 2002 in Los Angeles, their sales quickly climbed to $13 million dollars in their first year through both celebrity and media endorsements. Over the years, they have seen their offerings expand to product categories including women's, men's, and kid's sportswear, handbags, and footwear. A trip to Bloomingdales' No. 59 Metro is sure to convince you of both their denim domination as well as their growing sportswear and accessory presence.

For more aspirational brands like Gucci, Prada, and Armani, jeans have become an introductory item that serve to allow the consumer to feel a part of a larger luxury world while giving the brand the opportunity to splash their label and logo all over the behinds of their customers, effectively making them walking advertisements.

There has also been a demand for better quality, design, and materials in denim, prompting an increase in prices. While there are those denim devotees out there that are willing to spend upwards of $800 on a pair of jeans (coughBALMAINcough), I believe that it is entirely possible to find a great pair with an excellent fit and superior dye for anywhere from $40.

Below, I have assembled a collection of my four favorite pairs (dark and slim, just how I like em'). Personally, I would never spend more than $250 on denim, so you won't see any of those "hand ripped" or "limited edition dye" pairs here. That said, I am fully aware that $250 is a large sum to spend on a garment that has its roots in durable workwear, so I have a range. In addition, I follow a strict "no branding" policy (the less labels and logos the better), so all pairs depicted have little to none of it.

Of course, if you guys have an horror stories, suggestions, comments, or questions, let me know. I own a pair of each of these, so I would be happy to address any concerns.

Vince Slim Leg Jeans - $195 (on sale for $117!)

Pro: Super comfortable, excellent fit, and no branding whatsoever

Con: Doesn't take wear too well (rips and holes will ensure with a few weeks of wear), and the price...

7 For All Mankind "Slimmy" Jean - $159

Pro: Comfort and durability

Con: Branding and minimal fading

J. Crew 484 Slim Jean - $98

Pro: Cheap, great fit, and no branding

Con: A little uncomfortable, but I'm sure they will break in with time

Levi's 510 Super Skinny Jean - $54

Pro: SUPER cheap and great fit

Con: Comfort is an issue and there is the classic Levi's swoosh and red tab on the back pockets

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Gifts

I know, I hate it when the holiday season prepping has to come before even Thanksgiving has had its chance, but all the magazines and blogs are putting out gift guides so I figured I would just hop on the bandwagon.

Here are a few gift ideas for this holiday season. Usually I find clothing harder to buy, so I've included mostly accessories and objects in this selection. All objects are listed and linked below, and the collage was made on Polyvore. Happy shopping!

Clockwise from the top center:

Acne Special Edition T-Shirt

Engineered Garments Scarf

Woolrich Shirt

Moncler Vest

Gant Rugby Shirt

Nixon Watch

FujiFilm Polaroid Camera

Vans Sneaker

Property of... Wallet

Tod's Loafer

Super Sunglasses

BILLYKIRK Belt

Oak Fingerless Gloves

Converse by John Varvatos High Top Leather Sneakers

BILLYKIRK Messenger Bag

John Varvatos Boots

Fjallraven Backpack

Oak iPad Case

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Finding the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses

You may notice that even though this is a "to splurge or to save" post I haven't really included any saves. This is primarily because there is no need to post the saves. Anyone can go down to Canal Street/ their local gift shop and buy a pair of cheap knock-offs, and that is definitely a valid choice in the face of sunglasses that cost well over $500 in department stores and online, but when investing (and its definitely an investment at these prices) in a pair of sunglasses, you need to do your research.

For example, it is said that people with round faces look better in squarer frames, whereas people with squarer faces look better in rounder frames. Experiment with different models and brands; while most brands make a wayfarer or an aviator, they're all different. Make sure to feel the weight of the sunglasses as many have heavy frames that can begin to way on you after a couple hours of wear. Also access the durability of the frames: will they be good for sports and activities? Can they survive a fall on the ground? Will the loose their shape over time?

When spending into the hundreds of dollars on anything I feel questions need to be asked about the product. On that note, enjoy the sunglass "porn" I have posted below.


KBL Eyewear Sunglasses ($135)

Balmain Sunglasses ($622.40)


Ray Ban Sunglasses ($182)



Oliver Peoples Sunglasses ($360)


Super Sunglasses


Oliver Peoples Sunglasses ($390)

**** fun fact: most of these sunglasses probably cost less than $10 to make

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Finding the Perfect T-Shirt

Yes, I acknowledge that T-shirt dressing is more L.A. than New York, but with the summer months ahead, its imperative that one finds a great white (or really any light color) tee to fight the heat. Another challenge is finding a T-shirt that, without being incredibly overpriced, doesn't look like something you would wear to bead.

Below I have compiled a list of my four favorite places to pick up a great white tee.

Numbers Lab ($35-$95) --> Find at Bloomingdales and Saks locations
Numbers Lab makes great tees that feel as if they are draped onto your body. They are tight and loose exactly where they should be, and have the perfect length in the sleeve and in the body.

Acne Jeans ($69-$110) --> Find at their store - 10 Green St., New York, NY
When you are wearing a Acne tee it is easy to forget that you are wearing a shirt at all. Does that sound weird? Well it's true. They are slightly oversized, which I think creates a great silhouette, and although pricey, are easily comparable to say, a Dolce & Gabbana tee that you could easily cost you upwards of $200. So depending which way you look at it, its either a save or a splurge!

James Perse ($45-$95) --> Find at his store - 361 Bleeker St., New York, NY
James Perse is world renowned for his mastery of the T-shirt. He has a series of stores on Bleeker street, each offering a copious selection of tees in different fabrics, textures, and styles.

Uniqlo ($5-$20) --> Find at their store on Broadway btw. Spring and Prince
Despite its international standing as a power chain store, Uniqlo manages to retain quality in its clothing, a fact that is evident in its most basic offering: the tee. You can either opt for a T-shirt pack (better for layering), a fine cotton tee, or one of their anime and manga printed graphic tees, all of which are extremely comfortable and look even better with time.

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Finding the Perfect Bathing Suit

Finding the perfect swim suit can sometimes be a challenge. I grew out of the boardshorts phase pretty early and had a lot of trouble finding a suit that was both the correct length, didn't have an extremely obnoxious print, fit correctly, and was comfortable.

My first suit was from Vilebrequin, but at $220 a pop, their suits are more of an investment (though they do make the best suits at the end of the day).



While looking for a new suit for Spring Break this year, I happened upon the Sundek collection at Bergdorf Goodman. Sundek has been supplying trunks across all of America out of California since the 40's, with the rainbow stripes on the back of their suits serving as their signature style. Their varying lengths and colors ensure that you will find the suit right for you, and with their quick drying fabric and durable construction, they are sure to last you for a long time. At $120 they may not be the mostly reasonably priced shorts you could find, but despite their status as the trendy brand for the younger set out East, they are completely timeless. Splurge.

I discovered my next pair while hunting for a new pair of cotton shorts at the destination for all things surf in Palm Beach, the P.B. Boys Club on South Country Road. Nestled in the corner of the store, the Strong Boalt shorts immediately caught my eye. The original artwork that covers the shorts is eye catching, but not so in-your-face that you can't wear it anywhere but the water, and the construction of the shorts is sturdy and above all, comfortable. Though they may not be as moderately priced as the Quicksilver shorts they shared a wall with, at $115 I believe they are worth it. But hurry, with high demand and limited production of each print, they go fast (mine have already sold out on their website). Splurge.

I guess you can probably tell by now what my general consensus is: it's worth it to splurge on your bathing suit. Even if you only buy one pair for the season, or one pair for a few years, these are suits that will last you forever and look great in the water and at lunch by the beach.

SOURCE OF PICTURE: Refinery 29