Wallet Alert: Nudie's Summer Washes

(Nudie Thin Finn in Blonde Ecru Embo, $275 @ Matthew Izzo)

     Okay, I have to stop giving people shit for wearing washed denim, because someone inevitably puts out some washed denim that I fall over myself wanting and needing. And for the upcoming Spring/Summer season, Nudie Jeans have put out this brilliant iteration of my favorite jeans from them, the Thin Finn. For the uninitiated, the Thin Finn is better for tall, skinny guys as per myself because it's a higher rise with a lower yoke and lower back pockets. Some of my friends who have tried them on think they fit funny, but it's just because their build doesn't really work with pockets that low.

     That being said, I cannot get over how fantastic this Blonde Ecru Embo wash is. Like all jeans, Nudie hasn't tried to put any fake distressing in (a la Abercrombie jeans where you pay for someone to basically ruin your denim), but have instead focused on producing an absolutely stunning wash through a combination of ozone and bleach to create a look that I refuse to describe as anything other than abso-fucking-lutely unbelievable. My bank account is woefully unprepared to accommodate any new purchases, so I'll simply have to stare at them every time I pass August.

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Wallet Alert: Gram Shoes

(From top to bottom: Gram 383g softshell and Gram 406g in waxed black, both $109 on sale from $218 @ 111Vox)

     Let me tell you right now that my list to things to buy once I get the chance (and the cash) is constantly expanded. I've been looking for shoes that are okay in the rain and both of these by Gram seem like a great idea. I've been a fan of their aesthetic for a while now and though nowhere near as rainproof as a good pair of Hunters, these do seem like a reasonable idea. And they're on sale? You don't say...

     The 383g is actually much more practical, using a tri-layer construction to render the shoe practically waterproof. High-tech and high-style, the 383g exemplifies everything you want out of a sneaker—it's sleek, stylish, smartly made, and could go with just about everything. But I must admit that my heart really belongs to the 406g. The waxed oilskin is Gram's first design and still remains my favorite. So many shoes and only two feet. What ever is a boy supposed to do?

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Don't Get Too Attached

     These two Attachment coats from their Fall/Winter 2008/09 line is the exact reason why I shouldn't be allowed access to the Internet. Both of these coats are beautiful constructed, the color is unbelievable, and I'm sure that they'll look even better in person. The Archive is the only place nearby that stocks Attachment, so I'll see if I can't find some time to stop in and try things on (and consequently break either my heart or my wallet). If I find employment performing menial labor for some currency, this is definitely one of those things I'd be saving up for.

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Wallet Alert: Obedient Sons Leather Bomber

(Obedient Sons Leather Bomber, $884.99 on sale from $1080 @ Blackbird)

      If nothing else, I can be thankful that I do not live in Seattle. If I did, Blackbird would become such a cash sink that I would most likely squander everything that I have in an attempt to fill my closet with nothing but their goods. This Obedient Sons leather bomber is a perfect example of what I cannot afford and should never look at, lest my heart explode from sheer desire. Honestly, black leather, Persian fur, and a removable collar? I don't know what else you could ask for, except a couple hundred more bucks off the price. But that's probably not going to happen, so I'll just have to be satisfied with salivating at a distance.

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Wallet Alert: Kenneth Cole New York Shoes

(High Style Oxford, $59.99 @ Kenneth Cole)

     Now, I typically am leery whenever I see Kenneth Cole New York shoes for men. Well, for women, too. They're typically a too out there. They try to go for the edgy look that has classic roots, but oftentimes their proportions seem to make their men's shoes a bit too sharp and angular for a reasonable fellow. And I must confess that perhaps my weakness for white oxfords runs a bit deep, but there is something utterly masculine and self-assured about this shoe. The wood heel and leather sole match the white worn leather perfectly. Although I try to avoid stuff that says "worn leather", as it often means poor quality leather put through treatment to seem of better quality. But I might admit that my current pair of wingtips haven't failed me yet.

     The whole store is having an absolutely enormous sale right now. And it appears that plenty of sizes are still in stock. I spotted a few acceptable items, but the brand as a whole just seems to be a little lost when it comes to self-editing and evaluating its proportions. When a shoe gets too pointy, you enter some strange elfish territory.

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Wallet Alert: A.P.C. Sweater

(Crew neck pullover, $84 @ A.P.C.)

     There's a lot of conflict going on in my brain right now. On one hand, I feel obliged to share the fact that A.P.C. online store (as well as the boutique in New York) is having a massive half-off sale. And I've been drooling over this sweater ever since their Autumn/Winter 2007 collection came out. 100% lambswool (perfect for the season!) and ribbed at the cuffs and hem, you just know that this thing fits like a dream.

     But by sharing it with you all, I drastically reduce the chances that the XS in the turquoise color that I j'adore will be gone by the time I summon up the dollars to get it. Please be kind, fate. I think my heart would just about snap in half if I didn't get my hands on this sweater.

     And I think all of these are going to be Wallet Alerts until my wallet gets a little fuller. I've been asking around for how to properly procure a sugar daddy, but no luck—yet.

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Wallet Alert

(J. Lindeberg Karson Cavalry Twill Pants, $165 @ Caravan)

Many thanks—and curses—go to the Shoptometrist for alerting me to the great 70% deals at Caravan (coupon code: holiday07). I managed to snag a pair of these J. Lindeberg pants in a 29 for only $49.95. Unlike many of his other products, the above belt included, these pants seem devoid of any conspicuous branding and they seem to be cut slim enough for me. Worse come to worse, I'll use the savings for some tailoring.

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Wallet Alert

     Last, but not least, I'd like to remind everyone that A.P.C.'s sale is still going on online. And thankfully (or not, depending on your financial situation) there seem to be plenty of sizes left on some items.

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