Old Bull Lee Shorts

Old Bull Lee1 Old Bull Lee Shorts

To be honest, the buttons were the first thing we noticed.

All of the shorts made by Old Bull Lee – and they only make shorts – have button fly openings.  And, the buttons that founder Lee Johnson chose to use are very specific; thick, sturdy, branded, and slightly over-sized. You notice them because they are not simply functional, they are part of the overall design.

That these buttons have a quality that is hard to define, but which unquestionably add to the shorts’ overall character, is not by chance.  Johnson, a former architect, knows from design and his shorts reflect that attention to detail, construction, and quality.

Depending on what model you chose, Old Bull Lee shorts are either bohemian cool or long-lived classic.

The prints, rendered in lightweight (190 grams-per-square-meter) Italian cotton, have a wonderfully relaxed yet sophisticated look to them.  They would be perfect for strolling the weekend antiques market in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, paired with an favorite old white linen shirt – sleeves rolled up in the warming sun.

Old Bull Lee2 200x300 Old Bull Lee ShortsThe solids are cut to the same design, but in a beefier 290 grams-per-square-meter cotton and finished in a Japanese peach finish twill.  At first, they have a deeply uniform coloration, saturated, almost.  But, with some time, use, and a few washes, a nuanced faded appearance sets in and they take on a look of comfortable familiarity.  All of their fabrics are sourced from France and Italy and the garments are made in the United States.

As an added bonus, each pair of shorts arrives carefully presented inside a beautiful, sturdy navy presentation box that makes Ralph Lauren’s look like something from the dollar store.  Really, we love the boxes.

Old Bull Lee’s story is one of passion and determination.  Johnson sold his house to finance the dream, traveled to Europe to make connections, endured rebuffs and rejections, and eventually wound up producing something that embodies his dedication to craft.  Yes, they are “just” shorts.  But, they are the shorts we want to wear, made by the kind of guy we love introducing to OTC readers, and constructed in a way that honors Lee Johnson’s goal of doing it right.

 

Old Bull Lee No. 011 Old Bull Lee Shorts

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Thomas Pink Refreshes its Brand

Thomas Pink, the venerable British clothing company most famous for its iconically English shirts, recently launched a thorough re-branding.  Embracing its Britishness like never before, they have deftly combined classic Art Deco polish with Jermyn Street tradition.

The refreshed brand now sports Union Jacks and the Cheeky Fox, reinforcing the transitional heritage that underlies the company’s history.  The shirts are updated too – cut slimmer to match the style sensibilities of today’s customers.  Although most folks associate Thomas Pink with its famous shirting, they also provide outstanding made-to-measure suiting, sport coats, sharp accessories, and fun socks.

OTC was recently invited by Thomas Pink’s PR team to visit the new Tyson’s Galleria store; images below.  We were impressed with the fresh yet vintage take on retail design, the classic riding kit gracing the front entrance, and the clever shadow box shelving that both defines the store’s space and highlights interesting pieces.

In fact, we are so impressed that we’ll be doing a follow-up post on some great Spring looks, courtesy of Thomas Pink.

 

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Hall & Madden: Shirts Just for You

collar Hall & Madden: Shirts Just for You


If there is one trend in menswear today bringing about real change in both how guys dress and how they shop, it is customization.  Depending on your outlook, the ability for a man to purchase clothing that fits just right and do it online is either a godsend or a tragedy.

For some in the fashion literati, fixated on the minutiae of bespoke and “true” custom, the rise of online custom clothing is mildly distressing.  To these folks, the only kind of custom clothing that matters is that which takes time, requires multiple visits to a tailoring atelier, and costs more money than most people are prepared to spend on a suit or a shirt.

HM Photo11 Hall & Madden: Shirts Just for YouFor the rest of us, the ability to get clothing that fits us just right, at an affordable price, and in a timely fashion is groundbreaking.  In many ways, it has re shaped the fashion expectations of stylish guys across the world.  And one small brand is working hard to ensure that they deliver not only affordable style to their customers but also outstanding clothes you will wear for a long time.  And, with that kind of starting point, it is easier than ever to start building a fresher, renewed wardrobe that better reflects your own sense of style and also fits you better.

The detail-obsessed team of co-founders Richard Hall and McGregor Madden has developed an efficient and quality-focused model that allows them to deliver extremely high quality men’s shirts at seriously affordable prices.  The new concept, Hall & Madden, is a web-based brand that makes some of the highest quality dress shirts to be found.  These guys have done to shirting what they did to suiting with their other brand, Proper Suit.  Hall & Madden shirts are equal to if not better than some of the most expensive off-the-rack shirts out there – and a few custom labels to boot.

Hall & Madden does not make custom shirts.  Instead, they have a set collection of three core shirt designs – slim, athletic, and classic – that reflect most body types. The consistent styling across these models reflects a clean and modern sensibility.  While one can certainly wear a tie with these shirts, the collar style, a shortened hybrid spread, was specifically selected for it’s ability to look great without one.

fabric Hall & Madden: Shirts Just for YouWith a variety of fabrics and patterns, these shirts are outstanding.  And, delivered in sets of three for $150, they are a remarkable bargain.

The web-based company takes a vertical integration approach to business, so these shirts are designed, manufactured, and shipped through Hall & Madden’s value chain.  This operational advantage is reflected in the price and in the focus on quality and service.

When we asked co-founder McGregor Madden to highlight the advantages of Hall & Madden shirts, he noted that the business model was geared for busy customers who see the benefits of outsourcing.  Their customers don’t’ have to hop in the car and head out to the store.  Guys get shirts when they need them and skip the mall and hassle, saving time and money.

Each subscriber gets access to a team that will help round out their wardrobe and fast, free shipping.  The kind of quality they sell could easily go for $165 or more per shirt.  The sizing is similar to Hugo Boss, and because the fit is predictable, customers know exactly what they are getting.

Madden also likes to point out that with Hall & Madden, there is no buyer’s remorse.  All their shirts are always sold at the same low price all the time.

We can say that from our perspective, Hall & Madden is a refreshing change from the ordinary.  We expect that our closet will be Hall & Madden territory from this point forward.

Dyson Logo Hall & Madden: Shirts Just for YouDyson Digital Slim™ vacuums have a detachable long-reach wand for floor to ceiling cordless cleaning. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, they’re the most powerful cordless vacuums.  Learn more at www.dyson.com/digitalslim.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dyson via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dyson.

 

Kobold Arctic Diver Swiss3 Refresh Your Style: Kobolds Arctic Diver

 


Your watch is a personal expression of your personal style, and when it comes to picking that one special watch, we humbly suggest choosing the path less taken.  Clearing out the clutter and upgrading to one special watch that has meaning to you beyond mere functionality is a great way to set your personal style tone.

With the continued interest in high-end mechanical watches, luxury brands like Rolex, IWC, Panerai, and Omega have become commoditized status objects – elegant but to a certain extent, ubiquitous. Though each is certainly exceptional and unique on its own, such watches as a category seems to have become relatively commonplace, used more for status recognition than for personal expression.

Huge holding companies like LVMH Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton, Swatch Group, and Richemont have come to dominate the luxury watch market; once the domain of craftsmen.

The craftsmen still exists of course, just not always where you expect them. Close your eyes. What comes to mind when you hear, “handmade mechanical timepiece,” “exacting quality,” and “coveted by collectors, celebrities, explorers, and heads of state?” Did your thoughts immediately drift to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Maybe they should.

CSH1 Refresh Your Style: Kobolds Arctic DiverWhile Switzerland is home to the likes of Rolex and Germany to Glashutte, the Steel City is in fact the world headquarters of Kobold Watch Company and home to the remarkable Michael Kobold. These unique wristwatches are the epitome of making a choice to opt for individual over expected, distinctive rather than predictable. Kobold watches are modern classics; deceptively simple and refreshing.

At all of 34 years old, Kobold has done something most in the luxury industry would have thought impossible. Within the insular world of high-end timepieces Michael Kobold has created a boutique watch company from scratch, and it’s thriving. His line of watches, anchored by the stunning, and stunningly functional Polar Surveyor, is primarily geared to adventurous types – armchair and genuine.

Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Kobold Watch Company is barely out of diapers compared to brands like Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre or Breguet. But his creations are already being likened to blue-chip brands like the aforementioned Rolex and Omega. Often it’s Kobold doing the talking, but that’s part of his brand’s success: he isn’t afraid to put his products to the test and tell you why they are just as good – if not better – than those better known names.

Wave Vidmar PS large Refresh Your Style: Kobolds Arctic DiverKobold’s loyal brand ambassadors include former President Bill Clinton, A-list actors like The Sopranos’ James Gandalfini and Leonardo DiCaprio, legendary adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and global architect Daniel Libeskind.

One Kobold that stands out for its simple but powerful styling is the Arctic Diver. Even at a weighty 46mm, it’s a great watch that sits comfortably on the wrist. The unique yet classically inspired face is easy to read, which will come in handy as it is also very much built for someone who plans on wearing it to the ends of the earth. Literally.

 

Dyson Logo Refresh Your Style: Kobolds Arctic DiverDyson Digital Slim™ vacuums have a detachable long-reach wand for floor to ceiling cordless cleaning. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, they’re the most powerful cordless vacuums. Learn more at www.dyson.com/digitalslim.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dyson via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dyson.

 

Best Travel Shoes: Austen Heller

Austen Heller Loafers Best Travel Shoes: Austen Heller

When we went looking for the perfect travel shoe, there were a few key criteria that had to be met.  First, we wanted a slip-in style shoe; something easy to get in and out of at airport security checkpoints.  Second, they had to be comfortable without feeling too much like slippers.  And last but not least, they needed to work in casual and dressy situations.

Austen Heller loafers check all the boxes.  They successfully bridge the gap between dressy and casual, while also proving to be sturdy and sharp-looking. Austen Hellers have a unique look that is part American boat shoe, part European driving moccasin.  And, for OTC readers, they have a special deal.  Get an extra $50 off your next pair of Austen Heller shoes when you use the checkout code “OTC50.”

Started by a guy who simply could not find the kind of shoes he wanted, Austen Heller combines old world craftsmanship with distinctive style.  The shoes are handmade in Europe using premium leathers, with a simple design that focuses on style, comfort, and quality.

Each pair even comes with their own set of shoe trees.  And, with a price tag of $195, picking up some practical footwear flair won’t knock you off your feet.  Lastly, keep an eye on this brand because some exciting changes are coming in the coming months.