Fix Your Socks

Socks tend to slip off the list of priorities for men.

Some dismiss this as an uncontrollable hazard of our daily movement. To them, socks are an afterthought. They are content with what they know, which is that a sock will start on the calf, and as the day progresses it will fall towards the shoe, and will only return to its rightful place after an adjustment. But that's not you, nor me. And we are not hosiery obsessed snobs. We simply wish that a sock put in place stays in place.

Sitting and crossing your legs should reveal one clean line of uninterrupted clothing. Therefore, to achieve this, three elements must be in unison. Starting with the pants, then the socks, and finally ending with the shoes. Serving to ensure a smooth passage, the socks fill the gap between the pants and the shoes like a bridge. If it performs its job well, it has kept the line intact, and is overlooked without a second thought. But if it fails, it bunches at the ankle, breaks the line, and exposes the unflattering male leg. Ruining an otherwise rakish ensemble.

Over the calf socks are your only guarantee to prevent the unsightly bunching (short of garters). The concept lies in the name. Differing from calf length socks, the over the calf style rests just below the knee. Ending above the calf–the widest part of the lower leg–it is unable to slide down and gather. It is, however, like everything in menswear an issue of proper fit. You must buy socks that are your size.

Ensure the socks match your trousers, as this will extend the line, and make you appear taller. Also, if you decide to venture into the world of pattern and themed socks, letting your personality shine starting at your feet, like President George H.W. Bush, consider this: wearing a bold color or pattern is fine, but you must consider how it falls into place with the entire outfit. It has to compliment the tie and shirt–not fight them.

Deciding to wear socks that fit properly, and match your trousers, is easy. It also serves as a nod to all that you know how to keep a look intact.

Wine to Try: The Prisoner

For me, a splurge on a bottle of wine qualifies as paying over $25.00. And when I decide to venture outside of my financial comfort zone, usually for anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc., I want to know the wine will be fantastic before I pull the cork and pour–in essence: I want a sure thing. Therefore on those special occasions I have turned to The Prisoner, priced between $37.00-$49.00.

I was introduced to the California red blend by my aunt and uncle during a visit a few years ago. They brought it out with little fanfare, poured it, and we drank it. I knew less then than I do now, but I knew that was what good wine. I've been an advocate for it ever since.

Recognized by the unforgettable label, A Goya etching of a man blindfolded and chained, it breaks a part the blur of bottles sitting on shelves, and is credited with the wines popularity as much as the wine itself.

Extending well beyond the radius of my family and Napa Valley, The Prisoner has found fame and fortune. Loved by critics, both professional and amateur, it has amassed over 60,000 reviews on the wine app Vivino with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. In 2016, Constellation Brands bought The Prisoner Wine Company, parent of The Prisoner and four other brands, for a cool 285 million dollars.

I've smoothed my way into avoiding the crowded restaurants filled with new romance this Valentine's Day. Promises of home-made seared steak and a bottle of said wine have proven to be worthy offerings to the future Mrs.

Wine makers notes:

Features enticing aromas of Bing cherry, dark chocolate, clove, and roasted fig. Persistent flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, and vanilla linger harmoniously, for a smooth and luscious finish.

Brooks Brothers Nappa Slippers

Cohabitation can be challenging. Fortunately my fiancée accepts most of my idiosyncrasies. Unfortunately, she informed me a few months ago that my sperry moccasins–stained and worn, a hole emerging from the toes, and treadless from hundreds of miles through unsuitable terrain–were to be banished to the garage shelves. Sentenced to yard work for their remaining years. But the silver lining revealed itself as I was now presented with an excuse to purchase my first pair of real house slippers.

Finding inspiration wasn’t difficult. I liked the entire outfit of the father from Norman Rockwell’s oil painting, Easter Morning, and I proceeded to find a pair of slippers to match him. I wanted a pair that I would look forward to wear first thing in the morning and after a long work day.

Attributes were few but important: quality, affordability, and a fully constructed upper, including the back of the slippers. The back was key. Backless slippers have led to years of dragged feet in countless living rooms and kitchens throughout the world.  

Brooks Brothers Nappa slippers checked some of the boxes (while writing this I saw they retail higher than pair from Church's). They are made in England under Peal & Co for Brooks Brothers. Simon Crompton, from Permanent Style, revealed more than a decade ago this type of relationship between American brands and English producers. Nevertheless the slippers have exceeded my expectations.

Made of nappa leather–smooth or soft leather–with a padded upper, (everything that isn’t the sole) it has a non serious structure you want in a slipper. Enough to hold its shape, but comfortable enough you forget you’re wearing them. The sole is made of delicate suede, limiting these house shoes to the inside of the house.

Being on the thin side, this may not be the best slipper for serious winters. Also, my heel slips a bit out of the back when walking, but not enough to where I would recommend sizing down. Color is also unfortunately limited to blue.

Retail at $178, but I say wait for a sale.