The Great Outdoors for Father's Day This Year
Sunday, June 13, 2010
For Father's Day, Suzy once again called on Josh Ehrens, a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant to give us a few fashionable gift ideas for dad.
Summer is finally upon us, which can mean different things to different people; beaches, pools, backyard BBQs (the list is endless). But, for my Father's Day Gift Guide this year, I'm going to focus on one of the most classic summer activities - "camping". Why is the word in quotation marks, you ask? Simply because I use the word loosely. Truth be told, I'm a terrible camper. It's not that I don't like it; I'm just not good at it. To me, "camping" is enjoying a few days at a secluded lake while staying in a rustic cabin (with running water). But, no matter what your definition is of camping, every guy needs a few basic items.
For my list of gift ides, I'm highlighting two designers that hit this genre right on the head, Billy Reid and Alex Carleton (creative director for LL Bean Signature). Billy Reid is one of the hottest designers in America and recently won the 2010 GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in America award. And, Alex Carleton (best known for his own clothing line, Rogues Gallery) is now the creative director for the LL Bean Signature line, which focuses on a select number of classic LL Bean items, but gives them a trimmer, more polished look.
LL Bean Signature Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe: $129
www.llbean.com
This classic boot (also referred to as the "Duck Boot" or "Bean Boot") put LL Bean on the map way back in 1912. I grew up loving these boots because they were perfect for any of my outdoor needs (and much more practical than tall rain boots). You can easily get any of the classic LL Bean versions of this boot, but I love the update Alex made to these specific boots with the waxed canvas upper - perfect for year-round wear.
LL Bean Signature Corduroy Short: $49
www.llbean.com
I'm absolutely in love with these shorts! They're the perfect cut (slightly fitted and shorter than most shorts) and have a classic outdoors/camping look to them.
LL Bean Hunter's Tote Bag: $25-$35
www.llbean.com
Let's be honest, whenever you go camping (or do anything outdoors for that matter) there's a lot of "stuff" to bring with you. LL Bean tote bags are the perfect solutions for all those loose items. Of the many tote bags they make, the Hunter's tote is by far my favorite. It comes in black, olive drab, and camouflage (my personal preference). Technically, it's not part of the LL Bean Signature line, but why would anyone even try to improve the best tote on the market?
Billy Reid Willie Chambray Shirt: $198
www.billyreid.com
It seems like every menswear company has their version of the chambray shirt. There are many good ones out there but my personal favorite is the Billy Reid Willie. It's an incredible classically designed utility shirt that's perfect down to every last detail (like the buffalo bone buttons). It may seem like a lot for a chambray shirt, but you can rest assured that your dad/husband will wear this indestructible shirt for years.
Billy Reid Field Hat: $38
www.billyreid.com
Every guy needs his go-to hat for his outdoor activities. To me, there's a time and place for your favorite MLB team hat and "in the wilderness" is not the time or place. I had the luxury of raiding my dads hunting cap collection the last time I was home in Wisconsin. But, if your dad/husband doesn't have that option, I'd instantly recommend getting him the Billy Reid Field Hat. It's a great relaxed, worn-in hat that will look even better after years of wear.
For any other gift ideas (either for the outdoors or just in general), feel free to check out some of my past articles at cabinetdenvie.wordpress.com. You can even search for the following tags for quick reference: Father’s, Quoddy, Yuketen, Gift.
Summer is finally upon us, which can mean different things to different people; beaches, pools, backyard BBQs (the list is endless). But, for my Father's Day Gift Guide this year, I'm going to focus on one of the most classic summer activities - "camping". Why is the word in quotation marks, you ask? Simply because I use the word loosely. Truth be told, I'm a terrible camper. It's not that I don't like it; I'm just not good at it. To me, "camping" is enjoying a few days at a secluded lake while staying in a rustic cabin (with running water). But, no matter what your definition is of camping, every guy needs a few basic items.
For my list of gift ides, I'm highlighting two designers that hit this genre right on the head, Billy Reid and Alex Carleton (creative director for LL Bean Signature). Billy Reid is one of the hottest designers in America and recently won the 2010 GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in America award. And, Alex Carleton (best known for his own clothing line, Rogues Gallery) is now the creative director for the LL Bean Signature line, which focuses on a select number of classic LL Bean items, but gives them a trimmer, more polished look.
LL Bean Signature Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe: $129
www.llbean.com
This classic boot (also referred to as the "Duck Boot" or "Bean Boot") put LL Bean on the map way back in 1912. I grew up loving these boots because they were perfect for any of my outdoor needs (and much more practical than tall rain boots). You can easily get any of the classic LL Bean versions of this boot, but I love the update Alex made to these specific boots with the waxed canvas upper - perfect for year-round wear.
LL Bean Signature Corduroy Short: $49
www.llbean.com
I'm absolutely in love with these shorts! They're the perfect cut (slightly fitted and shorter than most shorts) and have a classic outdoors/camping look to them.
LL Bean Hunter's Tote Bag: $25-$35
www.llbean.com
Let's be honest, whenever you go camping (or do anything outdoors for that matter) there's a lot of "stuff" to bring with you. LL Bean tote bags are the perfect solutions for all those loose items. Of the many tote bags they make, the Hunter's tote is by far my favorite. It comes in black, olive drab, and camouflage (my personal preference). Technically, it's not part of the LL Bean Signature line, but why would anyone even try to improve the best tote on the market?
Billy Reid Willie Chambray Shirt: $198
www.billyreid.com
It seems like every menswear company has their version of the chambray shirt. There are many good ones out there but my personal favorite is the Billy Reid Willie. It's an incredible classically designed utility shirt that's perfect down to every last detail (like the buffalo bone buttons). It may seem like a lot for a chambray shirt, but you can rest assured that your dad/husband will wear this indestructible shirt for years.
Billy Reid Field Hat: $38
www.billyreid.com
Every guy needs his go-to hat for his outdoor activities. To me, there's a time and place for your favorite MLB team hat and "in the wilderness" is not the time or place. I had the luxury of raiding my dads hunting cap collection the last time I was home in Wisconsin. But, if your dad/husband doesn't have that option, I'd instantly recommend getting him the Billy Reid Field Hat. It's a great relaxed, worn-in hat that will look even better after years of wear.
For any other gift ideas (either for the outdoors or just in general), feel free to check out some of my past articles at cabinetdenvie.wordpress.com. You can even search for the following tags for quick reference: Father’s, Quoddy, Yuketen, Gift.
