Dappered | The Style-Centric Grown up Back to School Shopping List for Men

[Dappered | The Style-Centric Grown up Back to School Shopping List for Men]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Style-Centric Grown up Back to School Shopping List for Men](#1) - [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket](#2) - [Steal Alert: Allen Edmonds Strands in Black at Nordstrom for $189](#3) [The Style-Centric Grown up Back to School Shopping List for Men](r/Dappered/~3/z53z-SlF9MU/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 20 Aug 2019 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Why let the kids have all the fun? It’s back to school time. Which also means it’s the dog days of summer, and while autumn is just around the corner, it sure doesn’t feel like it is. So while this is shameless rationalization for shopping (and really, [there are a ton of reasons not to spend your hard earned cash]() it still seems like a bit of fun worth having. Below you’ll find some of the most common back-to-school items translated into potential pick-ups for the grown up guy who has an eye for style. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to writing my what-I-did-on-my-summer-vacation theme. Backpack —> Briefcase [Boarding Pass NYC Briefcase | Dappered.com]( - [Boarding Pass NYC Flight Brief – $199]( - [Saddleback Flight Bag – $589]( (shown top of post) - [Filson Original Briefcase in Black – $199](//www.sierra.com/filson-13l-rugged-twill-original-briefcase~p~636xd/?filterString=s~filson%2F) ($325) - [Korchmar Outpost Olive Twill Field Brief – $159.97]( w/ extra 20% off ($650) - [Banana Republic Waxed Canvas Briefcase – $95.40](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=492836002&pcid=999) when 40% off ($159) - [WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase – $319]( Backpacks might be convenient, but they’re just never gonna be as professional looking as a briefcase. Look for something that’s well made from leather, canvas, or ballistic nylon, doesn’t shout in terms of style, and comes with top grab handles AND a shoulder strap for longer treks. New Sneakers —> New Shoes (sneakers count too) [Allen Edmonds Double Monk Straps on Dappered.com]( - [Allen Edmonds St. John’s Double Monk Strap – $395]( - [Allen Edmonds Strand Oxfords in Coffee – $237.60]( ($445) - [Banana Republic Hadley Italian Leather Brogue Oxford – $95.40](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=796502042&cid=1032803&pcid=1032801&grid=pds_14_76_1) when 40% off ($159) - [Massimo Matteo Made in Italy Oxfords or Monks – $159](//www.zappos.com/massimo-matteo-men-oxfords/CK_XARC31wFaAtoewAEC4gIEAQILGA.zso?pf_rd_p=506ef842-653c-4385-aeaf-85749963949a&pf_rd_r=35489VP8ZKS1BSCTXASW) - [adidas Continental 80 Sneakers – $60]( ($80) - [adidas Stan Smith – $75]( ($80) - [Puma Super Liga OG Retro – $59.99]( - [Jack Erwin Joe Cap Toe Oxford – $195.00](//www.jackerwin.com/collections/lace-ups/products/joe?variant=5505274576911) My times have changed. Now, kids can’t have their sneakers clean enough. [Back in my day]( you’d take those bright white, new sneakers, and head RIGHT out into the back yard to rub dirt on them. Yes really. No, I don’t know why. Anyway, don’t do that with any new footwear purchase. Dress shoes or sneakers. No faux dirtying up please. Textbooks —> Style Books [A Man & His Watch | Dappered.com]( - [A Man and His Watch – $19]( - [Dressing the Man – $24]( - [Esquire The Handbook of Style – $8.50]( - [Marking Modern Times: A History of Clocks, Watches, and Other Timekeepers – $26]( - [Dappered’s “Start Here” Guide – FREE]( (aren’t we nice?) In case you’re at the point where you’d like to fill out your bookshelf with something other than “intro to bio-chem.” LOTS of options out there. From coffee table style books (like [A Man and his Watch]() to timeless classics like [Alan Flusser’s Dressing the Man](. Then there’s our own [Start Here page](. It’s not a book. Or even an e-book. It’s just a part of this site. It’s basically our playbook. And it’s free. New “Nice” Clothes —> New Nice Clothes! [Bonobos]( - [Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Italian Wool Blazer – $382.50]( w/ SOLSTICE15 ($450) - [1901 Extra Trim Fit Wool Sport Coat – $149.49]( ($299) - [Suitsupply Wool Blend Grey Raincoat – $499]( - [Nordstrom Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – $145]( - [Suitsupply’s Blue Line Suits – $359 – $399]( - [Ledbury Fine Twill Mid Spread Dress Shirt – $145]( - [Made in the USA Flint & Tinder 365 Pants in Slim]( or [Straight – $98]( - [Kent Wang Navy Grenadine Tie – $75]( - [Suitsupply Italian Brushed Wool Flannel Bomber – $399]( Remember when your folks or Grandma would drag you to JC Penney or Kohl’s to buy you itchy, ill fitting, ugly clothes for school that somehow got labeled as “nice”? I’m convinced that’s where many men developed the (wrong) idea that dressing “nice” is irritating and uncomfortable. In fact, it’s the opposite. So if you have the means and the time, take revenge on those awful, pre-6th-grade trips to the “Husky” section at Sears (I was there too my fellas), and get something that looks great, feels good, and most importantly, fits. Anyway, stay tuned for our annual Autumnal Temptation post, which will be a big round up of this year’s cooler-weather appropriate new arrivals. Notebooks —> Notebooks [Appointed Notebook]( - [Moleskin XL – $19]( - [Field Notes – $9.95 / 3 pk]( - [Field Notes Steno Pad – $9.95]( - [Appointed Notebook – $24.00]( Dirt cheap or spendy. Tiny or enormous. Whatever your preference, now’s not a bad time to see if you need a new stack of stuff to scribble in. And if you’re rolling your eyes at using good ol’ pen and paper in the digital age? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Using a notebook and pen or pencil is a lot like wearing a wristwatch. [The benefits over your smartphone are numerous](. Pens/Pencils —> A nice pen [Brass Embassy Pen on Dappered.com]( - [Made in the USA Brass Embassy Pen – $98]( - [Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – $20 – $28]( - [Karas Kustoms Fountain Pen – $100+]( - [Fisher Original Astronaut Space Pen – $41]( - [Rustico Tornado Classic Lacquer Pen – $25]( - [Kaweco Fountain Pen – $19.30]( While we’re in the pen and paper aisle, let’s find something better than a bic that your co-worker Pete has chewed into a shiv. No, you don’t have to get insane and go for something in the hundreds or thousands (pens can get stupid expensive) of dollars. Just something that feels good in the hand, and is a pleasure to write with. I like to physically write stuff down. So, I’ve tried a bunch of pens. I keep, [KEEP coming back to the Lamy Safari](. Cheap plastic, but writes like a darn dream. I don’t know how. But it does. Boots/Galoshes —> Dress or Heritage Work Boots [Huckberry: Rhodes “Felix” Chukkas]( - [Huckberry: Rhodes “Felix” Chukkas – $198]( - [Allen Edmonds Liverpool – $237.60]( – [$495]( - [Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtip –]($237.60 – [$495]( - [Banana Republic Arley Gray Suede](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=493150002&cid=1080085&pcid=1032801&grid=pds_38_70_1) or [Brown Leather Boots – $106.80](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=493143002&cid=1080085&pcid=1032801&grid=pds_37_70_1) when 40% off ($178) - [Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill in Brown Grain – $237.60]( ($395) - [Nordstrom Bradley Chelsea Boot – $124.95]( - [Red Wing Beckman Boots – $189.97]( ($350) Used to hate being forced to put on boots for the walk to school. HATED it. They were ugly, clunky, uncomfortable things. My how times have changed. Now I can’t wait for boot season. [So many types of boots worth owning](… so little time to wear them. Art Supplies —> Art for your home or office [Dappered.com] Do they even teach art anymore? I really, really hope they do. Even though I stunk at it. Whether it’s an original by a friend or a local artist, or [a picture you took]( that [you’ve always wanted to have printed on canvas]( or a classic off Art.com or somewhere like that, treating yourself to something new on the wall is rarely a bad idea. Calculator —> Wristwatch with a Slide Rule! [Citizen Nighthawk on Dappered.com]( - [Citizen Night Hawk – $188]( - [Casio Aviator – $59]( - [Seiko Quartz Chrono – $144]( - [Hamilton X-Wind Automatic Chronograph – $995](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-mens-khaki-watch-h77616533.html) Wow we’re stretching it here. Plus, I seriously doubt two things: First, that calculators are still required back-to-school buying equipment. Remember those bulky graphing calculators from the 90s? Pretty sure those are obsolete now (the device, not the math). Second, I also highly doubt that anyone with a slide rule on their watch actually uses it. But if you do? Good for you! Loose Leaf —> Stationery [Terrapin Stationers Golden Rooster Stationery on Dappered.com]( - [Terrapin Stationers Golden Rooster Stationery – $18]( - [Art of Manliness True North Letterpress Stationery – $23.99]( A little different than notebooks. Why? Because Loose Leaf was usually something you’d write on, but eventually hand over to someone else. Same goes for stationery. Lunchbox —> Tote, Pouch, or Dopp Kit [Saddleback Toiletry Bag on Dappered.com]( - [Saddleback Toiletry Bag – $189]( - [Banana Republic Waxed Canvas Pouch – $29.70](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=492823002&pcid=999) when 40% off ($49.50) - [Gustin Made in the USA Horween CXL #8 Tote – $199]( - [Filson Grab N Go Tote – $79.99](//www.sierra.com/filson-41l-tin-cloth-grab-n-go-tote-bag~p~636vv/?filterString=s~filson%2F) ($150) - [Popov Horween Leather Valet Trays – $28 FINAL]( - [Made in the USA Korchmar Outpost Olive Twill Tote – $119.97]( ($350) - [Huckberry Standard Issue Dopp Kit – $49.98]( ($68) - [Saddleback Travel Case – $209]( (can actually be used as a lunchbox!) A smaller thing to put smaller things in that otherwise wouldn’t have fit in, or, needed to be contained within the bigger thing that you put bigger things in. Got all that? Good luck to all of the parents out there with kids who have to do REAL back to school shopping. Also, if you’re still in school? Good luck with the rising costs of tuition and books and all that stuff. This post originally ran in 2018 but has since been updated with current product suggestions. ff/Dappered?a=z53z-SlF9MU:OXPDi6DjuBw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=z53z-SlF9MU:OXPDi6DjuBw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=z53z-SlF9MU:OXPDi6DjuBw:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket](r/Dappered/~3/b98bhsbH8Q8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [B.R. Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket – $89.50](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) w/ BRFAMILY ($179) About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. Vegan suede has apparently come a long way in a pretty short amount of time. If you’re a regular reader, you know that imitation leather shoes are easy to spot, but imitation suede (or, inexpensive real suede) shoes are much more likely to be a shoo-in ([heh]() for the real deal, and getting better every year. Now, the question is.. does that hold up when you move up to something iconic and larger-scale, like a suede jacket? [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) Size Small on 5’10” / 155. Full disclosure, I don’t actually own a real suede jacket. Or even suede shoes, come to think of it. So I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled this jacket on for the first time in front of my wife. Her reaction? “Whoa! I.. I love that. That’s.. that’s my new favorite. It’s my favorite.” – My Wife Well, THAT’S a ringing endorsement! And my reaction? I honestly realized that I’ve never owned a jacket this nice. The attention to detail, the fabric quality, the fit and finish, it’s all a bit of a new experience to me. The “suede” material is buttery soft, pliable, and wears honestly more like a track jacket. [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) Faux suede, but the quality is there and it doesn’t look or feel cheap. Quite the opposite. The raglan sleeves and colorblocking work really, really well here. The tones are both muted and rich at the same time; they’re neutral without being too desaturated. The BR website photos don’t really do it justice. (Editor’s note: Suede can be difficult to photograph. It’s the nap that does it. Messes with the camera a bit. Ryan did a great job here though.) [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) Raglan sleeves. Elastic cuffs & waist that doesn’t “lock you in” like others can. At 92% polyester, 8% spandex, there is ample stretch to the material, and 100% cotton lining means it should breathe a little, but probably not much given the poly outer. The cuffs and collar are rib-knit and draped really nicely for me. The cuffs stretch plenty and I don’t feel “locked in” like some cuffs can do. Flatlock stitching means a smooth feel all around, and there’s some quality hardware on here. [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) Solid hardware and fall-ready colors. Banana Republic’s website states dry-clean only, noting, “Should your vegan suede get wet, let it air-dry.” Sounds a bit damning, but certainly a curious claim, since the tag on the jacket says, “Wash and dry with like colors / Dry clean only.” So, um.. [which one is it?]( [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) Confusing though, isn’t it? I reached out to Banana Republic for more clarity. The rep I spoke to on the phone said that you do have the option to dry clean, or machine wash. She recommended cold water only, and hang drying. I asked specifically if machine washing would affect the nap of the suede, and she said no, it’s perfectly fine. I don’t know though. I’ve already come to like this jacket quite a bit. And if I destroy it in the washer, I mean, I’d wreck my wife’s favorite jacket on me. Priorities people. Priorities. Simply put, this is a darn fine jacket, and will definitely be a fall staple for me. The soft faux-suede, easy wearability, plus the wife-approved looks, means this will be seeing a lot of rotation in my wardrobe when the weather turns chilly. [In Review: Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | Dappered.com](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=491360012&cid=1087393&pcid=13846&grid=pds_76_502_2&tid=braff7100520&ap=2&siteID=brafcid527534240&cjevent=344474e0bf7511e98276039d0a1c0e0d) ff/Dappered?a=b98bhsbH8Q8:mwIwcjVHkms:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=b98bhsbH8Q8:mwIwcjVHkms:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=b98bhsbH8Q8:mwIwcjVHkms:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal Alert: Allen Edmonds Strands in Black at Nordstrom for $189](r/Dappered/~3/cj2XWyxousU/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Aug 2019 02:16 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Allen Edmonds Strand Oxfords in Black – $188.72]( ($395) UPDATE: And as of late this afternoon, the price has gone back up. I don’t know when black shoes fell out of daily-wear-favor, but even less trend focused sites like this one ([hi!]() don’t seem to mention them much anymore. [Yet we all pretty much need a pair of black dress shoes](. And for $189, with almost all sizes available at post time, PLUS they ship and return for free? These Strands via Nordstrom are the (black) cat’s meow. [Allen Edmonds Strands in Black]( Goodyear welted. Made in the USA. Built on AE’s extremely popular 65 last, which is timeless and fits true for most. Toe shape is perfect. Not pencil tip pointy and not blunted or squared off. The 65 last has a little length to it, but it’s not over elongated or spear like. Many guys find the 65 last to be shockingly comfortable, and will often seek out other Allen Edmonds models built around this shape. [Full review of the Strand can be found here](. Price matched, so that means Uncle Nordy got wind of another retailer selling these shoes in this color at this price, and dropped their price to compete. I don’t know when this deal expires. Could be today. Could be a few days down the road. Big thank you to Scott S. for sending in the tip. That’s all. Carry on. ff/Dappered?a=cj2XWyxousU:biePvacXfdU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=cj2XWyxousU:biePvacXfdU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=cj2XWyxousU:biePvacXfdU:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States