Page 34 - Indulge December/January 2017
P. 34
Hholidaygiftideas fromtheManCave
Istarted my Christmas wish list early By Patrick O’Donnell
this year, and I can assure you,
there’s not a sock on it. Edmonds; Raleigh Denim; Shinola; Filson; they’ll recondition the boot so that it
Gittman Brothers and Topo Designs. lasts a lifetime.
I decided right away to stick with
items made in America. The vitriolic Starting at my feet, then, I’m The company also makes legendary
election season is partly to blame, asking for Red Wing’s Iron Ranger, socks. (I know, I promised I wouldn’t
but it’s mainly because (with all due a 6-inch boot from the Minnesta mention socks. But I did mention
respect to the rest of the world) I’d company’s Heritage Collection, so election season, so broken promises
rather see Santa invest where I live. named because they echo founder shouldn’t be a surprise.) I’m tired of
Charles Beckman’s original designs. socks that last just a few weeks before
My list starts from the ground up, The soles have enough grip to keep my toes poke through. Red Wing’s
and every item on it has a classic style. me grounded, while the uppers have are reinforced, medium-weight and
That’s because I like things that look enough class that they won’t look comfortable for all seasons. They stick
good not just today, but 10 years from out of place on casual Friday. I also to neutral colors like olive, charcoal
today. Trendy just doesn’t cut it for me. wouldn’t complain about a pair of and brown, and stick to materials like
Heritage Weekender Chukkas — Merino wool with a bit of nylon.
To begin, I’d like a pair of boots that they’re perfectly suited for the office or
can keep me from falling on my asphalt a date night. A pair of Raleigh Denim Workshop
when the weather is wicked, while also jeans is next on my list. They’re
keeping me from looking like I just fell Red Wing gets bonus points for hand-made in Raleigh, N.C., from
off the turnip truck. I’d like a sturdy their re-soling/repair program — from American-grown cotton that’s turned
pair of jeans, a warm shirt that’s casual laces and eyelets to uppers and heels, into denim selvidge at Cone Mills
but dressy, and a jacket to keep the in North Carolina. Assembly carries
34 | indulge • December/January 2017 sleet and snow at bay. I could also use three fits: Alexander (relaxed), Jones
some spirits to liven up those holiday (thin) and Martin (think ‘skinny
parties, and a set of wheels with jeans’). I’ll stick to the traditional
more class than my SUV. blue, although they also come in
oxblood, pewter and black.
Santa’s got his work cut out for
him, right? Nothing goes with jeans like a
T-shirt, so I’d like to pair the Raleighs
Not really. Turns out, he can get
everything I want right here in the with a Topo Designs Heavyweight
Lehigh Valley. Pocket T. The Colorado-based
company also makes a mean
The Jolly Old Elf can do a Rover Pack rucksack
big chunk of his shopping at with a lifetime
assembly88 on Hamilton Street warranty, and I’ve
in Allentown. The menswear got my eye on
shop carries a sizeable selection that, too.
of items made in the U.S., from
brands including Red Wing; Allen
Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots
