Mickey Drexler is the man! He made JCrew what it is today. Listen in at 24:00 minutes. He is genius.

I am a firm believer in buying products, not just for their aesthetics, but for their function and build. Gitman Vintage is a relatively new line that was created out of the Gitman shirt manking business that had been making some of the best shirts around for the last 30 years or so. The thinking was to bring back some of the fits and materials used in the 80's back into production. Their oxfords are the best I have ever worn and just feel as thought they will last forever. The below shirt, one of their cotton poplin checks, caught my eye a few weeks ago online. I couldn't remember where I had seen it which was frustrating to say the least. Out and about today to do some much deserved birthday shopping I stopped by Nomad and lo and behold it was there. While not cheap I am very happy with my purchase.

As I said earlier, I was out doing some birthday shopping. My goal... a replacement for the trusty but old Fred Perry vinyl flight bag I had been using for the last couple years as my daily bag. I picked up this nice Filson Medium Field Bag as a more subdued and durable replacement. My style has changed a lot in the last couple years. This bag will fit in nicely.

The importance of finding the perfect local pub in your life is tantamount. I am unfortunate in that there is no decent pub within walking distance from where I live. Hell, there isn't even a Starbucks (for shame!). However, just a short streetcar ride away I have found, thanks to a few friends, what I consider my local... even though it isn't all that local. The House on Parliament is where I spent my birthday weekend. Yes, it is that time of year where I realize I am not getting any younger and so I will drown that realization in booze... lots of it. Well, I do not remember my birthday at all I have taking this opportunity to assume that that means I had a good time.