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Post by nate001 on Apr 13, 2022 18:02:32 GMT -6
On a lark I decided to log back into this site. My history says I haven’t posted since summer 2019! Miss chatting with you clowns. Hope everything is going reasonably well. My clothes purchases have taken a major drop off, so I don’t have much to report. It’s unfortunate the forum seems to be a landing site for bots.
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Post by nate001 on Jul 24, 2019 11:55:21 GMT -6
You should like these. I've a pair of chromexcel semi-dress boots, and found them to break in easily in no time. Very comfortable leather! Haven't worn them yet, but I agree the leather is soft. Definitely an easier break in than my Red Wings!
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Post by nate001 on Jul 23, 2019 20:56:12 GMT -6
It’s black chromexcel.
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Post by nate001 on Jul 23, 2019 16:19:03 GMT -6
i realized I never followed up on the shoes. I ended up doing the sizing form from Baker’s shoes at their suggestion. They made the shoes custom and I think I got them in 4 or 5 weeks. Super happy with how they turned out.
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Post by nate001 on May 24, 2019 10:28:48 GMT -6
Taking another look at the Whites. I think they might be just what I’m looking for. I found another site that sells whites and they say to size down one size from you normal size for this shoe. Any thoughts or should I just talk to Kyle? I would talk with Kyle, as I'm sure he would be able to recommend the right size for you. He guarantees the fit, so no worries there. Dave, I feel like I owe you a beer or something. The White's Otto Derby is basically identical to the Viberg, but after the free shipping from Baker's Shoes and a 10% off first time customer discount, I ended up saving a total of $332.55 compared to the Vibergs! I ended up going with a size down from my usual (I'm a 13 in Red Wing, ordered a 12) based on the sizing advice from the White's website and another White's online retailer. Fortunately, Baker's has free return shipping so I'll be able to easily size up if necessary. I wonder how Baker's is able to sell White's so much cheaper than the White's website?
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Post by nate001 on May 23, 2019 19:49:37 GMT -6
I think out of the 3, the Vibergs are far superior in build and looks, but as you noted are quite spendy. Take a look at these White's purchased through Baker shoes. They are cheaper than buying direct from Whites. I have a pair of Whites semi dress, and engineer boots purchased through Baker, and experienced excellent customer service. The guy to talk to at Bakers is named Kyle, and he knows the products. www.bakershoe.com/product/whites-otto-derby-shoe-dainite-soleTaking another look at the Whites. I think they might be just what I’m looking for. I found another site that sells whites and they say to size down one size from you normal size for this shoe. Any thoughts or should I just talk to Kyle?
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Post by nate001 on May 23, 2019 19:21:08 GMT -6
False alarm. I had to cancel my order. Turns out vibergs are one size smaller than brannock and they were out of the size I needed. On the bright side they were very helpful in canceling my order so I didn’t get stuck paying for return shipping to Canada. I think I’m gonna go to a store and check out their offering. If I don’t see anything I like there, I might go with these: www.wolverine.com/US/en/1000-mile-split-toe-oxford/33074M.html?dwvar_33074M_color=W40475#cgid=heritage-mens-shoes&start=1I like the split toe. They aren’t inspired shoes or anything but they are less than a third the price of the vibergs.
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Post by nate001 on May 23, 2019 11:29:25 GMT -6
I was telling my wife about my shoes and told her I was looking at replacements. She told me I should buy the Vibergs as an anniversary present from her! Got shipping confirmation this morning!
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Post by nate001 on May 22, 2019 7:21:42 GMT -6
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Post by nate001 on Feb 5, 2019 14:50:05 GMT -6
Sounds like they're just closing their brick and mortar, which is understandable being in the North Loop. I'm guessing that rent was astronomical in that part of town. The retail game has gotta be difficult though, especially if you're trying to develop your own brand versus being a retailer that sells 3rd party goods. I honestly can't be bothered to check out places like Martin Patrick 3 or Askov Finlayson because of their locations. Blk Blu's new Mpls store is pretty close to me but I haven't gone there yet, mainly because they don't sell anything I want. Yeah, that was kinda what the guy at the store said when I was in there today. I think that store would benefit from being a couple blocks off Washington like Martin Patrick and askov finlayson. I think their location is the worst of both worlds. Probably higher rent since they’re right on a Main Street and less foot traffic cuz no body can park nearby.
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Post by nate001 on Feb 4, 2019 9:56:26 GMT -6
Wilson and Willy is going out of business! Everything on their website is 40% off! This is kind of a bummer, cuz they're a local company for me, but to be fair, I've never purchased anything from them. I only became aware of them a year or two ago, and my clothing needs have dwindled since then. Trying not to buy much anymore. The founder(s) say they still plan on producing their other brand (NWKC) though. I've mentioned that brand on another post. I got a hoodie from them recently which is great and I'm heading to the store tomorrow to pick up a pair of sweat pants as a birthday present to myself. All their stuff is MiUSA, BTW.
EDIT: The selvedge indigo herringbone pants I was lusting after are now $118, down from $198. It will take all my strength not to buy them tomorow when I go to the store!
EDIT #2: They also carry Oak Street Bootmaker and their stuff is also on sale. I don't need boots, and I know there are mixed feelings about Oak Street on this forum, but these boots are like $150 off.
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Post by nate001 on Feb 1, 2019 10:46:53 GMT -6
Yeah, the way they were hyping that Tuff Duck campaign I thought for sure it would be a MiUSA product. Not that I need any more canvas pants, but what a disappointment.
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Post by nate001 on Feb 1, 2019 10:41:43 GMT -6
Thoughts on Truman's big "return to goodyear welt" campaign they're running? Interesting. I have to admit some ignorance when it comes to boot construction. I only own red wings, which are all goodyear welted. They've worked well for me and I've had one pair for 6-7 years with a couple of resoles by the factory and never had anything fall apart. I don't submerge them in water or anything, but when I've been out in the rain/mud, my feet have stayed dry. It seems for the vast majority of their consumers Goodyear welting is more than adequate. Stitch down construction for the "fashion boots" Truman makes kinda sounds like overkill. I'm sure the added durability stitch down construction affords you is important in logging, but for most of us city slickers it's unnecessary. My guess is there aren't a lot of guys doing hard labor in their Truman's. Edit: Looks like there is one leather being made as a Goodyear and as a stitch down. $100 price difference. I think I'd go the cheaper route, but that's just me...I'm a simple guy with simple RW's.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 31, 2019 13:55:00 GMT -6
Funny, I've been looking for wool pants. TS is clearly convinced they're doing the right thing. Unfortunately I'm just as convinced they're doing absolutely the wrong thing. I've bought stuff from American Trench, Stock Mfg, Product of Bob Scales and Railcar in the last few months that I would have likely got from TS if they hadn't taken their Americana to China. I saw a pic of one of their future drops, it looks great, is made in California too, but I'll never buy it because of their overall practice. I have a pair of summer weight wool trousers from Todd Shelton (no longer available on the website) and I think they are the best fitting pants i own. If you are looking for something dressier than a chino but not a suit, I think his trousers hit the mark. I’m probably going to order the navy wool flannel, but they are sending me a fabric swatch and I’m waiting for that before putting in my order.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 31, 2019 10:38:25 GMT -6
I'm not sure I know how to judge the health of their company. Based on the number of campaigns that get funded, they seem to be doing OK. They also seem to be putting out new products. They have a few different types of jackets that have been released over the past few months. I don't know...what else should they be doing?
I don't buy denim too often, but my Oki Standards are probably the best fitting denim I own. Their chinos are really good. After trying a bunch of different T's, I've determined they make my favorite T (and the quality for price is, I think, outstanding). I've also gone to Ratio for shirting. All the other stuff they make (shoes, bags, jackets, sweatshirts) don't really interest me, but I assume someone is buying them. I think they do a pretty incredible job for what they are and the prices they charge. They're never gonna have some new propriety fabric...that's not their business model.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 31, 2019 7:37:50 GMT -6
For some reason I read the taylor stitch thread on reddit last night. The posts were, for the most part, from a few months ago, but some interesting tidbits stood out. For one, I definitely think the owners give a crap about making a quality product and I'm sure they faced challenges in domestic production. I don't know anything about supply chain, but I still don't understand their argument that basing production (mostly) in china makes their products more environmentally friendly. I'm sure all of their products come to California from China after they are finished, so isn't the carbon footprint the same if they sourced and produced in china vs. sourcing in china/greater asia/europe and produced here in the good ol' US of A? Will someone explain this to me?
I have to admit I judge TS more harshly than other brands that make some of their stuff here and some of their stuff abroad. A few folks on the reddit post mentioned that TS is aiming to be Everlane (transparency in supply chain), but haven't adjusted their pricing to reflect the change in factory location. I don't think anyone at TS is driving a Maclaren, and I don't begrudge a company wanting to make money, but I just don't get their pricing strategy.
All in all, it makes me respect more and more what Todd Shelton has done. He wasn't happy with the quality of domestic production, so rather than offshore, he built his own factory, in the NYC metropolitan area no less. As I'm freezing my ass off here in MN, I've been looking at wool flannel pants. He makes good looking ones, made from fabric milled in the US. I may disagree with the statements he made in the LA Times (see post above in this thread), but by god he makes good looking clothes, treats his workers well and cares about the environment.
The forum has been a little slow lately, so I thought I fire things up again.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 15, 2019 7:33:30 GMT -6
I'm considering selling my IHSH-170, size XXL. This is the one that sold out in record time on the Iron Heart website a couple of years ago. I washed it once with minimal shrink, but I can give exact measurements if someone is interested. I paid $310. I have no idea what to ask. $225? There is nothing wrong with it, I just don't wear it enough to do it justice. I also have an IH western (IHSH-155) and that cut works better for me I think. I think there are folks on the IH forum who are interested in this shirt, but I thought I'd ask here first.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 2, 2019 16:24:45 GMT -6
I caved and bought another pair of NB. Their build quality is so much better than other sneakers.
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Post by nate001 on Jan 2, 2019 13:20:29 GMT -6
What's the wait time on a pair of Chinos? Thought these were all made up and ready to ship. Ordered a month ago Not sure what the deal is. Are you sure you didn't preorder? I have two pair and when in stock I received them in less than a week after ordering. I don't think they are made to order like CF. Mik (the owner) is very responsive to emails if you want to reach out.
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Post by nate001 on Dec 16, 2018 8:18:32 GMT -6
The selvedge canvas looks good. I think I would back them if they were in the chino cut rather than jeans. Someone has made pants from the brown fabric recently. Maybe shocker atelier?
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New Drops
Dec 4, 2018 20:15:49 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by nate001 on Dec 4, 2018 20:15:49 GMT -6
The two new shirts they are offering are made in USA! They look pretty good too. A selvedge chambray and brushed charcoal jack.
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Chinos
Nov 22, 2018 16:01:40 GMT -6
via mobile
bentin likes this
Post by nate001 on Nov 22, 2018 16:01:40 GMT -6
Noticed TS stopped their normal made in Spain 100% cotton chinos for some 98/2 spandex blend made in China. Anyone try these new chinos out? Or have a replacement for solid chinos? Epaulet, Bravestar, Railcar and Rogue Territory Left Field all work well for MiUSA. Apolis and Best Made are good for Made somewhere other than China. Agree with the above. Also worth checking out for MiUSA: Gustin and Grown and Sewn.
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Post by nate001 on Nov 22, 2018 15:50:43 GMT -6
Thanks for the heads up on that brand, @nate009 I was uninterested until I read it was merino and double layered at that. Please take some pics if you get a hot minute (yeah, I still remember your boss ass contribution to the waywt thread, haha). Anyone here have any experience with Andersen-Andersen? Their 5 gage full cardigan knit wool is out of this world and the fit and design is superbly dialed in. My real question is what are other companies pumping out the thickest, super chunky, merino sweaters that fit well? The rolled down turtleneck is their medium weight 7 gage half cardigan stitch, while the center zip (high collar) is the beefcake (same with their beanies--highly recommended). They do an indigo dyed versions (light blue and dark) that has awesome depth of color saturation, but ups the prices very steeply. I've got no ponies in this race, just stoked on discovering heirloom quality shit, haha I’ll get around to posting a pick at some point. I don’t own a lot of sweaters but I have a couple from a Danish brand called SNS Herning. Great fits. Edit: and it looks like they are having a 30% off sale on Friday!
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Post by nate001 on Nov 19, 2018 18:21:30 GMT -6
Just picked up a zipper hoodie from Northwestern Knitting Company (nwkc.us). They are a Twin Cities based brand. I think the guy who started it also started Wilson and Willy. Anyway, the fabric is super nice and the hoodie has a bunch of interesting details. They are pricy, but cheaper than IH! They have a cool story about the brand too on the website. I bought the hoodie at the Wilson and Willy store in Minneapolis. Don’t know if anyone on the forum owns anything from the brand, but their stuff looks really good. I would have bought something but I’m pretty good on the clothes for now. What size hoodie did you go with? How do they compare to Reigning Champ (if you own any)? I don’t own any reigning champ so I can’t compare. I bought an XL. I’m an XL in most other brands, like TS. In IH I wear XXL. It’s a sort of slim fit. Not tight or anything but definitely not baggy.
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Post by nate001 on Nov 18, 2018 7:57:05 GMT -6
Looking for some advice on shrinking jeans. I have some left field 18oz heavy slub that were just a tiny bit big when I bought them, but I’ve lost a little weight and are now definitely too big in the waist. I’ve done a warm water (not hot) soak and hung dry one time. I’d estimate I got about an inch of shrink in the waist, but they stretched back out after a couple of wears. I’m looking to get an inch to an inch and a half shrink in the waist and hopefully keep it there. I’m thinking my next step should be a hot water soak and hang dry. If that doesn’t do it, should I stick them in the dryer? And if so, do I dry it on cool, medium or hot? Will the dryer “set” the shrink better than a hang dry?
Also, I finally took my CF chinos to the tailor to have the waist taken in. They’ve always been big in the waist, but the recent weight loss have exacerbated the problem. For some reason, I’m ok with a tailor taking in the waist on canvas chinos, but not denim.
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