Randy’s Garments is a NYC-based label where everything is made in the Garment District. Founded by Brandon Portelli, who formerly worked at Engineered Garments, the brand makes workwear that is truly one of a kind. From fabric choice to reference points, Randy’s Garments likes to stay true to “the American Spirit.”

I had the privilege of working closely with a lot of the clothes at a boutique that carried the label. Whenever I had free moments, I was always touching and feeling the pieces we stocked. I can confidently say the quality is second to none — up there with some of the workwear titans like Carhartt and Dickies.

From previously working in a contemporary boutique setting, brands like this were lowkey hard to sell. But when customers came in looking for closet staples, quality fabrics, and durability? I always referred them to Randy’s. And they never blinked twice.

I believe this brand is worth knowing for a few reasons:

1. “Made in USA”
   This is something we typically don't see as much anymore (at least I don't). Most of our clothes come from or are made outside the country, since it's cheaper to produce and better for profitability to outsource. But there's something nostalgic, and honestly kind of dope, about wearing quality clothing knowing it was made somewhere between 34th and 42nd Street.

2. Keeping The Circle Close
   It's not often you see workwear “Made in USA” sold in a contemporary menswear boutique. I honestly think that says enough about what they bring to the table. You can find them at spots like Cueva (NYC), Independence (Chicago), and Curriculum (Salt Lake City). These are independent stores that cater to customers who appreciate the slow process of clothing.

   _{“I could easily have Randy's produced overseas and cut the retail price by more than half, but then it wouldn’t be an American workwear brand—and it wouldn’t need to exist.” - Brandon Portelli in an interview with Huckberry}

3. Standing Out While Not Trying to Fit In
   Obviously, brands like Carhartt and Dickies have been around for decades and set some “standards” for workwear. And by default, they already “fit” into that category. But how do you stand out amongst these titans? Hanging on racks in boutiques next to brands like De Bonne Facture, Studio Nicholson and orSlow will help. Randy’s Garments values uniqueness and also belongs in a separate category.

Randy's Garments is truly a brand worth knowing. So you ever come across a station jacket, work pants, a 3-pocket work shirt or anything else, take a moment to appreciate it because you won't find anything else like it.

They just announced the opening of their studio store located in the Garment District. If you've been wanting to try on anything from past or current collections, you can book an appointment here.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to keep the ball rolling! I love highlighting incredible brands and shedding some light on them. Also, let me know what brands are on your radar or that you think are worth checking out!

Take care. Be easy.

Now let’s get into it!

Recent Pickups

1. Nostalgic Weaves
   I went into Every Other Thursday to peep some early new arrivals and say what’s up to the homies. Remember that madras shirt from my last note? Even better than I imagined. It’s such a nostalgic feeling wearing it and I can’t wait to put this thing to good use. I was also able to get my hands the new buttery plaid they released…gorgeous!

2. SilverTab’s
   I think this was fate. Never have I ever owned a pair of vintage Levi’s. It just so happens that I walked into Front General Store and there was only one pair of Levi’s in my size (that was my preference), and they just so happen to be SilverTab’s. These are the most flattering pair of jeans I’ve tried on in a very long time. This definitely was fate!

3. mfpen Chinos
   Growing up, I went to private school where my dress code allowed ONLY khaki chino’s. I’ve been turned off by them since 2017. But as we know, history repeats itself, and I’ve been looking for a great pair to mix in for the fall. mfpen made a really solid chino and I got them, like Don Corleone once said, for an offer I couldn’t refuse.

   ---

It’s A Block Party

Spike Lee x Michael Jackson

Spike Lee hosts a tribute to the king of pop every year on his birthday. I can honestly say this was the coolest birthday party I’ve ever attended. The energy was unmatched. Brooklyn’s spirit was in full effect and made me so proud to call this place home.

Rhodora Wine Bar

Fort Greene was on fire this weekend because around the corner from the Michael Jackson tribute party my favorite wine bar was also having a party! Gorgeous wines, frozen yogurt, merch… I had to support my favorite wine bar.

Phenomenal Dishes

I ate out twice this week, which is unusual for me. I am obsessed with cooking but wanted to get out of my routine. Two restaurants to highlight:

1. Dino - Fort Greene

   1. It’s a cute little northern Italian restaurant that makes simple comfort food. The Spaghetti Limone is so refreshing!

2. Inga’s Bar - Brooklyn Heights

   1. I go here for a guilty burger and fries moment. Such a cozy little spot tucked away on Hicks Street.

      ---

New Arrivals

NAMACHEKO

I tried on three pieces at Ven. Space and was very impressed. I’m really big on simplicity and letting details like fabric and construction speak. The button up was easily my favorite because of this. Everything else was great, just not my swag.

I can’t find these pieces anywhere, not even on their website, so please forgive missing product names.

Together, Together

This week I surprised my girlfriend for her birthday with tickets to Harry Styles on opening night. Long story short, I have a new respect and appreciation for the lad. Since the concert, “Satellite” has been on repeat. Lowkey, it was crazy how he came over here, threw on a casual fit, and within a week broke the internet. All jokes aside, he had incredible stage presence and vocals. Plus, I’ve never been in a stadium/arena that was as loud as this was. And I’ve been to several sporting events. This one was different.

Week’s like this really make you sit back and just appreciate exisitng. It was a beautiful week filled with so much joy. It makes me even more excited to experience life in one of my favorite places with my favorite people.

Until next time!

Take care. Be easy.

What a week. We’re at the tail end of it so the air is thick but still semi-cool out? I don’t get it, but we’re rolling with the punches. Nonetheless, cozy season is creeping up, and the AW26 rollouts are still coming in. We’ve got some international travel coming up and more exciting things on the horizon. Let’s get into what’s worth knowing.

Recent Pickups

Lately I’ve been learning the inner mechanics to balling on a budget. Why I used to be afraid of sales idk, but these recent pickups are proof to hold the line and be patient. It’ll test your will and give your pockets some cushion.

• Sucker for Zips - I’m a sucker for a quality zip-up! I got the Lady White Toolen Jacket and it’s cut from their signature jersey material, which is one of the most comfortable things my skin’s touched. Throw on some slouchy jeans and it’ll give that effortless “I just threw this on” look yet still best dressed in the room.

• Late Summer Steal - 2 things I love: a good sale and a versatile pair of shorts. I’ve lounged with them in the crib and worn them out with a button-up/t-shirt. I plan on bringing them to Como in a few weeks for a dip in the lake.

• Steppas - Reproduction of Found has been on my snipe list for a minute, and we finally did it! These brown GATs are just what my closet has been needing for a whileeee now. Plus I have way too many black shoes (specifically loafers) so this was a refreshing pickup. AND ON SALE????

• Vesper Bloom - Just like the name, this fragrance shines so bright, especially in the night. I typically stray away from floral fragrances but was lucky enough to be gifted this gem from AYOND. Think vanilla with warm woods and some grapefruit. It’s just an attractive scent that makes my mood blossom.

New Arrivals

Here are some recently released pieces that have my attention:

• Every Other Thursday - Patchwork Madras Shirt

  • Ethan has been crushing it over at EOT. Beautiful patchwork and construction. This is something I need for the fall! I also grew up wearing madras shirts as a kid, so this one hits home.

• KOTN - Relaxed Striped Shirt

  • One thing I love is when brands have cheeky names for their products. KOTN has a shirt described as Mahogany/Creme Brulee. Perfect description, great color, and now I’m hungry.

• Cawley - Miles Pullover (Japanese Check Cotton/Wool Twill)

  • I could stare at Cawley’s look book for hours. Their fabrics and color schemes make me want to bundle up and just live in their clothes. Their cotton/wool twill pullover instantly stood out to me because of the drawstring hem.

• mfpen - Rolodex Polo

  • mfpen just released more items from their AW26 line and they look, what I like to call them, “punkishly perfect”. The bouclé ribbed polo looks very interesting to me. One, I love a good polo. Two, the two-toned grey is super sleek to me. And how it’s styled on the model makes it even more enticing!

New Brands Discovered

• Noble-Label

  • Just like their website reads, they make closet staples very well. Great-looking shirting section with 100% Japanese cottons. Bonus points for being unisex.

• Havehad

  • Talk about a hidden gem. I won’t say too much because I’ll end up writing an article about them.

A Tourist for the Day

Yesterday my girlfriend woke up with an incredible idea to watch “Night at the Museum” later in the evening. Of course that meant we had to go the American Museum of Natural History where it was shot.

If you’re an NYC resident, THIS IS FREE!

Afterwards we got hungry and were craving the Lenwich Chicken Caesar wrap. We took it to go and ate on one of the benches in Central Park. It’s the little things like this that stick with me. I now have a new core memory of living in NYC.

This was a very refreshing weekend and we will do this again with a different museum! *taking any and all suggestions*

Spotify Shuffle

• Amie Blue - trees for the woods

  • I was scrolling on TikTok and came across this UK artist. She’s gained a new fan. This is the kind of track I love because I can get lost in whatever I’m doing.

• The Pharcyde - Splattitorium

  • The best part of having Spotify is the curated playlist made for you. And just how they really shuffle the deck for you. This week I re-disdovered Splattitorium and had an out-of-body experience. Also, I’m convinced this is the perfect song to ride a city bike to.

Events

If you live in Fort Greene (Brooklyn in general), you are not going to want to miss this. Spike Lee is hosting his annual Michael Jackson tribute block party on August 29th. One thing about my neighborhood is that the block is always hot, and when Spike’s involved, it’s a movie outside.

That’s it for now. Cheers to the cozy season!

Take care. Be easy.

A lot of these items have been on my radar for a minute, some I currently own, and others you can find secondhand! Actually, you can find a lot of these secondhand. Wherever you decide to shop or whatever you decide to purchase for the cozy season, I believe all of these items are worth knowing. Let’s get into it!

Harrington Jacket

I’ll go and rip the bandaid off….this jacket from Ralph Lauren will be trending in the menswear space soon. I don’t think Colman Domingo realizes what he’s done… or does he?

The Harrington is a solid staple and great for layering purposes. A good middle-ground color, in my opinion, would be neutral or navy blue.

The Korean brand FrizmWORKS put their unique and flawless twist on the jacket here, available at Huckberry.

Cargo Pants

We saw a ton of cargo shorts this spring. Something about that 2000s-2010s nostalgia is seeping through the cracks and about to bust the doors down. To an extent, I’m kinda here for it. You can find a plethora all over the secondhand market, so happy hunting.

I like how brands are noticing this nostalgia and adding some modern flavor to the pot. Daniel Simmons also makes a great pair. My friend and fellow creator/writer, Winston Jones, owns the paint splattered and they look great. Also, DS is having an end-of-summer sale starting August 21st, so stay tapped in.

My personal favorites come from JEANERICA. The European denim house got my attention with the singular cargo pocket and button closures. They also just did a fantastic job on their FW26 campaign shoot.

I also enjoy Madewell’s baggy pair as an affordable option. I personally own a pair and can’t wait to wear them in.

Field Shirt/Jacket (or Jungle Jacket)

Full disclosure, I’m not too familiar with this piece nor do I own one. I stumbled upon a very talented writer, Tess Sullivan , giving her two cents on finding them secondhand. She was the former design director at Buck Mason, Ralph Lauren and NILI LOTAN. So it’s fair to say she knows how to style it incredibly well. I recommend giving her article a full read if you want a great vintage one!

what's mine is yours

Style Study: The Jungle Jacket

If you’re like me, you are fresh out of ideas of how to get through the summer heat. I’ve exhausted my go to summer uniforms which consists of some combination of vintage track shorts, big mens shirts, little white dresses, tiny tanks, and billowy cargo pants…

Read more

21 days ago · 71 likes · 13 comments · Tess Sullivan

I also really like this jacket from Kestin — one, because of the concealed Corozo buttons, and two, because the slubby texture looks so cozy.

White/Neutral Pants

Idk about you all, but I WILL be wearing my “forbidden” bottoms this fall. I don’t think they should be put in a seasonal box, nor will they. It may be cliché, but these “fashion” rules are meant to be challenged. Plus, for anyone who wants a little sophistication and modernity this fall, add a pair in your rotation.

Chez Rien has a really great pair of work pants that are a contemporary imagination of the classic shape. The wide-leg cut is spacious enough without feeling super baggy.

You can’t go wrong with Madewell. They have have a great pair of neutral denim in their loose straight cut that are a timeless option.

Studio Nicholson made a corduroy trouser that is so stunning. I’m not typically a barrel/balloon-leg pant lover, but the corduroy has my interest for fall.

Derbies

*manifesting that this will be the year I get my hands on a quality pair*

I’ve had some here and there, but nothing worth keeping (or that could withstand a few miles and minor scuffs). How I see it, the Paraboot Michael is quintessentially the superior boot and the blueprint for them all. Mainly because it’s the majority of what I see out here. There’s also a similar pair from Del Toro that looks pretty smooth. They’re on sale right now, sooooo. Now for a different shape, my homie, Buchi, put me on to Grds, who make a good-looking derby, or as they call it “blucher”.

It’s technically still summer so this was just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great pieces suitable for fall, and a lot I should’ve mentioned off the rip. These just happen to be top of mind.

Stay tuned for part 2? I think we need a part 2.

Take care. Be easy.

Now there’s a method to this madness!

1. I prefer in-person shopping (highly recommend this)

2. The brain can release dopamine from that built up anticipation without spending any bread (a.k.a. “a shopping high”)

Will I buy any of these? Not any time soon. But this is just to break the ice and get a visualization for what I actually want.

But I’ll get on with it now.

What’s In My Cart

Sophie Buhai - Godfather Ring

Not only do I love the movie “Godfather”, but I love pinky rings (and every piece of SB jewelry). I currently have a vintage sterling silver signet from Nottingham, England that I love dearly. Something about a pinky ring with a precious gem inside speaks to me. Whenever I bite the bullet on this purchase, I’d rock with the lapis stone with blue being my favorite color.

Porter James - Manhattan Shirt (Brown / Green Flannel)

One thing about me is that I’m a sucker for a really good shirt. If I see it, and I like it, I’ll probably do a quick gut check and grab it. I got inspo for this shirt from Jabari Sandifer aka Where Your Pants Break wearing the seersucker cut. Now that the tides are changing, I’m going to want to re-up on some thicker button ups. Plus, Porter James is doing some serious work out of New Zealand. I love when brands from countries that aren’t known for fashion do great things!

Fairly Normal - Overshirt Textured Black

Now here’s a brand which I truly believe is one of the best when it comes to production, price point and fabrication. I currently own one of their Box Shirts and love it through and through. Plus, a good overshirt will always come in handy for the fall.

Hello Sunflower - Raglan Coat (Dark Sand)

I’ve added this one because, not only do I want it, but I want to hook you all up on what I think is a steal. One of NYC’s best menswear boutiques, Cueva, is having an end of season sale right now at 40% off everything. I know and love Sunflower from their denim and shirting, but this looks goooooood. Get it while you can. Or just check out Cueva in-person or their site for other good discounted pieces for a limited time *not sponsored*.

G.H. Bass - Camden Monogram Belgian Dandy Loafers

Well I never thought I’d see the day G.H. Bass would pull this one off. Don’t really have to say too much about these. They look great and this Belgian silhouette has been in the back of my mind for quite some time now. Shocked these haven’t flown off the shelves.

Saturday Project - Willow Coat (Stone)

I was first introduced to this brand when I was in SF at Studio Ferris. I got their Sailor Jacket and fell in love with the brand. This Willow Coat looks like the ideal transitional weather layering jacket. Technical enough to withstand some elements and fabricated with Japanese cotton, this would keep in my rotation alllllll the time.

Body of Work - MYRTLE QUARTER-ZIP SWEATSHIRT

Secret’s out…I have a crush on Canada’s fashion space. I’ve been keeping close tabs on some brands and I’m in the process of writing a dedicated article on this. Body of Work is one that I stumbled across in close conversation with some friends over too many glasses of wine. For now I’m choosing to be fiscally responsible and keep it in the cart.

Colbo - Elastic Shorts

Quick fun fact: I’ve had these in my cart since they came out…which has been months now. Colbo is hands down a top 5 store in NYC. The store curation, customer service, brand selection, and adjacent wine bar are all top of the line. It's stuff like this that makes it hard not to support them and buy EVERYTHING. Somehow, I can’t pull myself to make this purchase even though they’re on sale.

Namacheko - Osterly Sneaker

I’d do a lot of things for these sneakers. I don’t have anything like these and they make green footwear look so cool. Calf leather, two tone suede, salvia and moss green color scheme…bravo. Namacheko deserves a standing ovation.

That’s it for now!

Take care. Be easy.

For the past few weeks I was on the hunt for a soft leather, minimal yet out of the box loafer. Specifically one that would go well with my new suit.

Why so particular? I’ve been consuming too many similar footwear silhouettes and uniqueness is lacking.

Well here we are. My new favorite shoe is an oval shaped moccasin.

I went into ven.space looking for my ideal previously mentioned shoe. They already carry shoes I’ve been eying from Jacques Soloviere, Lady White Co. and Reproduction of Found so I knew I was coming home with something.

But we needed something to go with a suit and with said description…I totally forgot they carry Hender Scheme.

The Japanese brand is one of a kind. In a nutshell, they love to take classic footwear shapes and use them as an opportunity to dive head first into artistry. JapaneseWorkear touched on this in more depth.

Examples of Uniqueness and Artistry

ven.space has the “oval moca” which is one that I’d been eyeing for a minute but kept in my back pocket. Wow, they should’ve been in the front.

When I put them on AND heard they were on sale it was a wrap. I never thought a shoe could feel that soft and that look this good.

They’re made from a soft, cozy goat leather (yeah you read that right), which does give it an interest limber feel on feet. The moccasin top lining gives the shoe a charismatic minimalist edge. Plus, they have a rubber outsole so there’s a flexible, bouncy step, plus some endurance.

One thing that Hender Scheme does far better than the rest is treating their footwear like leather goods — like art, honestly. It’s as if they put the leather first, then they decide what comes next.

There’s a cultural aspect behind this as well. Japan is big on using materials and craftsmanship for their clothes to last forever.

There’s something about the slim oval profile shoe that oozes elegance. Especially with a great pair of trousers and it hits that perfect stack???? C’mon. But that’s the thing about wearable art: it doesn’t have a dress code. I’ve also worn them with jeans and shorts and can confirm they look just as good.

As of now, I can’t think of a better shoe in my closet. Material, construction and price point (I’m counting the sale) — it checks every box.

Verdict: invest in a great soft leather loafer. One that will last you forever. Doesn’t have to be soft-leather or from Hender Scheme. But I’d definitely keep them on your list

Also, you can find some gems on sale. Just be patient and do. Your. Research. You’ll thank me now and your feet later.

The thought of "I need to get a good fit off" is natural. I mean…who doesn't want to try to look good??? But me spending more than 10 minutes just to put on jeans and a tee is crazy. This reminded me that my most simple or “effortless” outfits require effort. A lot of it.

But that’s not a bad thing. Like…let’s think about it for sec.

On “effortlessness”

As I mentioned earlier, putting in effort is natural and I think it’s needed. It shows you care, but more importantly, where your values lie.

But there are blurred lines with this online. I think this "aesthetic", or trendy buzzword, is an illusion.

I constantly see "how to have effortless style" or "how to look chic this summer." Scroll after scroll after scroll like there’s some sort of crash course tutorial.

You can give someone recs on clothes and where to shop all day. I do it too! But I think there’s more to it (at least there should be). There’s dirty work involved.

The dirty work is what takes place behind the scenes. It’s what people don’t always see.

I think the effort we put into getting dressed is extracted from our environment and how we develop our arsenal.

On environment

You are a product of your environment. We can naturally develop slang, body language, etc. from what we immerse ourselves in. The same applies to clothing.

Who you associate with and where you work can play huge factors with this.

I used to work at an independent menswear boutique in NYC. It carries brands like mfpen, Small Talk Studio, Our Legacy, Cawley, and more.

Since the environment revolved around slow fashion, niche designers, and fabric talk, the people who work and shop there look a certain way.

My co-workers and I were like sound boards to one another (still are). Bouncing off ideas, styling suggestions or styling models for shoots, touching and feeling product, etc. was the day to day.

From this environment, I developed a certain style.

This isn't to say my journey is over though. I’m still learning and growing into Will.

But I know what I like and what looks good on me. And I'm continuously building my arsenal.

Building your arsenal

In this case, your arsenal is what’s in your closet. Belts, socks, pants, shirts, everything! All of these are tools and resources to help achieve the end goal: "that effortlessness."

But building this requires effort. It requires trial and error.

I don't know any celebrity, icon, tastemaker, etc. that didn't go through this. They were all once students of the game.

Shopping in person, trying new pieces, mix and matching different swags are so important. So that when you only have 5 minutes to get ready, it's effortless.

I don’t know everything nor do I have all the answers. I’m a work in progress. But I do think the answer can be found with time.

You can't manufacture style overnight because it lies within, and it takes patience.

Your day to day, hobbies and environment create that swag. The effort may be invisible to some, but it's there.

Take care. Be easy.

"Why don't you just buy the right shoes?" "Have you ever heard of insoles?" Yeah, great point, but sometimes (most of the time) I don't want to sacrifice style for support. That's not fun. So instead of letting my footwear Safari tabs pile up, I decided to actually put them to use. Some of these I love and some are still on the wishlist.

FOR THE EASY GOING

This one is the full package: 3sixteen, a longtime favorite brand of mine, parlayed with a brand known for comfortable, iconic retro-style shoes. Easy money. These are also pretty dope.

FOR THE DAWGS

Ah yes, the long-standing, polarizing topic in men’s fashion. “Should men be wearing flip flops?” I believe that anyone should wear what makes them comfortable. Normally I don’t rock the dawgs out, but I’m becoming more comfortable in my skin. Cheers to that. And when I do, I want the best arch support. Plus they have so many fun colors. If you’re apart of the FFF, do yourself a favor.

FOR THE TASTEMAKERS

Aside from being #1 on my wishlist, I’ve heard great things from people with both wide and flat feet. My rule of thumb when I’m in the market for loafers: soft leather. It makes my life so much easier. No breaking in. Just go.

FOR VERSATILITY

Everything about this shoe just makes sense. The sleek, minimal look can pass as both a trainer and an everyday shoe. I’m no stranger to NB and their comfort. DV though, they’ve been on my watchlist for a minute now. So while I don’t consider myself a runner, we need em.

FOR THE FAMILIAR

Now the GAT’s (German Army Trainer) are one of the most used silhouettes in sneaker history. From Adidas to Margiela I’ve owned them all and never had a complaint. They’re lowkey the most comfortable style of shoe I’ve worn. But the South Korean brand have my attention with their modern twist. And for a modest price (on sale right now btw), don’t be shocked if I pop out in these soon.

I could sit here for hours listing my gripes with uncomfortable shoes and the one’s I love. I think a lot of us could. But being flat-wide-footed won’t stop me from stylin’. If you’re apart of the FFF, I encourage you not to as well.

I especially love when blue’s have a unique name. Like the 210 Blue (!) shirt from Sunflower and this overshirt in Blue Windowpane. Pair either with some cream bottoms and you’re solid.

Personally, I think this linen sweater should be dominating the scene a little more.

I love a solid blue shirt. Navy? Sure. Hell yeah. But why not something more bold? Madewell, who’s been crushing it lately, has a more budget friendly one. When the color is it, it’s it. And I want to wear it every day.

Throwing in a ringer tee because the good ones deserve more love. And it’s even better when they have texture.

Since the World Cup is coming to the States this just feels right. Say it with me, “We are not afraid to style soccer jerseys this year”.

QUICK name me something better than a 2for1 special? Get you a good workout in and swag up these navy shorts??? C’mon…

My love for texture is as deep as the deep blue sea and these slub chambray shorts are it.

Plaid shorts are a little outside my comfort zone, but these are the breadwinners. Definitely a hero piece, but they stand out just enough to not be overwhelming. Add a good white tee, canvas sneakers or loafers and we’re golden.

To my people who rock the dawgs out, this ones for you.

I don’t own a blue hat and I’ve been influenced by this arcady blue *NSFW* from Emily Dawn Long.

Take the same idea here but in a vintage tee.

There’s just something about the color and the various tones that are so captivating. And as if I don’t own enough blue in my closet…I want it all. I have an itch that needs to be scratched. But until then, it’s Orange and Blue skies, baby!

Take care. Be easy.

Why did I buy this in the middle of May? 1) one of my best friend’s is getting married (a week from this purchase) and I needed a fresh look. 2) the price/quality was too hard to pass up at this space.

Ebreo Vintage in carries vintage menswear from suits, shoes, ties, toleather jackets. The brands range from well-known names like Zegna, Armani, and YSL to brands worth knowing like Corneliani. This was the most overwhelmed I've ever been (in the best way possible). I mean, there were hundreds to choose from.

As a result of my indecisiveness and undiagnosed anxiety, I went to the store 3x before buying anything AND did not take a single photo of the other suits I tried on. But we landed on something insaneeee. Claud & Charley Albert is a sub-label of Corneliani, one of the most respected tailoring houses out of Mantova, Italy. Essentially, I got Corneliani's construction and fabric without the logo premium. To me this isn't a grail…just pure luck.

What drew me to it most was the quality. Either it was untouched or just kept in pristine condition. This baby probably retails between $2,000–$4,000 in 2026. At the final sale price, I knew it was definitely coming home with me. Honestly, if I had bread like that I would’ve copped at least 3.

Now while I love the idea of a vintage suit, I don’t want to look like I belong in Sopranos Season 3. This is where my trusty tailors came in to give her a makeover.

The jacket length was a little too ‘90s, so we took the length up about 2 inches. As for the pants, they were a size 50, so we had to take in the waist and hem the legs. Pro tip: always tip your seamstress. The work they do should never go unnoticed (especially on a rush order).

Needless to say, I cannot wait to see the final look in a few days and drink copious amounts of wine celebrating one of my best friends.

I was recently in northern California and made a pit stop in San Francisco to check out a new menswear boutique called Studio Ferris. The owner, Joanna, and I shared a bottle of cabernet before she pulled pieces for me to model in. One of them was the Slater Field Pants by SIMKHAI.

I’d never heard of the brand, but the moment I put one leg in I needed to know more. SIMKHAI is NYC based and was originally a women’s label, known for taking inspiration from sculptures and using construction techniques to make one of a kind pieces. These pants heavily reflect that.

They’re practically fatigues, but look and feel like something a guy in Milan would wear to lunch. Cotton twill, wide leg, and two darts at the knee that give them a shape I’ve never seen on pants before. When I was trying them on Joanna said, “just look at the shape it creates at the knee.” She was right.

Three weeks later I’ve worn them almost every day…even just to cook breakfast. If you’re reading this Joanna, I owe you a bottle of cabernet.

Simple T Shirt from MHL. by Margaret Howell

An undeniable perk of living in New York City is the access to practically anything under the sun, including some of the best fashion stores in the world (willing to debate this). Tucked away in Carroll Gardens, ven.space is a contemporary menswear shop that carries one of the most curated selections in the city. That’s where I found my new favorite t-shirt from MHL. by Margaret Howell.

Simply put, I love Margaret Howell. Her design philosophy, tailoring, and fabric choices just make sense to me. And the MHL. ethos is how I aspire to dress for years to come: functional and durable, rooted in comfort.

I know what some of you are thinking…“damn bro, it’s just a t-shirt.” Yes. BUT when it comes to tees I look for three things: fabric, cut, and how it feels on my body. The cotton linen blend breathes in the grimey NYC heat. The cut is boxy but uber relaxed, and it moves with me instead of against. And when I put it on, everything feels easy.

As my dad would say, “you look like a million bucks, kiddo.”

PT08261 by STILL BY HAND

Another perk of having ven.space at my doorstep. Tucked in between what felt like a gazillion beautiful clothes was a pair of pants from STILL BY HAND. I’d seen the brand on people and had conversations about how they refine what “simple” feels like. Funny enough, I was also in the market for another good summer pant that wasn’t linen (more to come on this later).

The moment I picked up the hanger I knew they were going home with me. Why? Because they didn’t stand out among the rest. STILL BY HAND is a Japanese brand that makes simple clothes for people who want to dress a little differently without making it a big deal. That means something to me. That’s what I want in my wardrobe.

PT08261, or known as the Easy Pants, are some of the coolest pants I now own. Not just in style but mainly comfort and fabric. A synthetic linen twill that feels like I’m wearing pajamas. The fabric is pigment-printed too, so it has a slightly faded, uneven character up close. Subtle, but those are the things I love. Unique enough, but basic.

Volume Short by ASHA JASPER

As a male, finding the perfect pair of shorts can be pretty difficult. My biggest issue has never been the inseam but always the width! I’ve worn shorts from 5” inseams to capri style, but over time I’ve found that a wider silhouette with a 8”–9” inseam looks most flattering on me. I was recently interviewed for a GQ article on the perfect length, and the Volume Short from ASHA JASPER could not be more perfect.

Side bar: Australian fashion (specifically Melbourne) deserves more credit than it gets. They’ve been quietly climbing the ladder for a while now, and ASHA JASPER is a brand everyone needs to know about. I was graciously gifted these shorts a few weeks ago and was blown away.

They’re made from 100% European cotton herringbone, which is breathable, durable, and designed to soften over time. The single pleat also adds a nice touch. Every chance I get I’m throwing these on just to see how they turn out in the long run.

Looking back at these four, I’ve found a clear through-line. Fabric you can feel before you see it. Shapes that move with me, not against me. Brands that aren't trying to be noisy. I didn't plan it that way (lowkey did), but it's where my head's at right now when it comes to my personal style. May was a very fruitful month, and it can only go up from here in June.

Take care. Be easy.