Guys Gift Guide

Gift Guide for Men

Hello ladies. I’m Jessica’s husband, Adam. This is my first guest post on What I Wore. Jessica asked me to write a list of things I like that could make good gifts for the guy in your life. If your man is anything like me, he’ll enjoy something from this list. I suppose if he’s exactly like me, he’ll enjoy all of them. So without further delay, here’s my Guys Gift Guide.

Opinel French knives

Probably my favorite gift to give because they are really beautiful, really inexpensive, and really French.

Sonos Speaker

I’m actually asking for this one for Christmas, so can’t vouch for quality, only going by lots of great reviews. We have a Bose bluetooth thing now, which sounds good, but can only hold one Bluetooth device in memory. These Sonos guys come with a control app so you can play local music, streaming services and other fun stuff.

Audio Technica turntable

We have this turntable. It has one job - to play records - and it does that well. It also looks good, and is a relatively inexpensive machine for its level of quality.

USA made flannel shirts (also here and here)

I’m asking for these as well. I’ve been wearing plaid flannel shirts since the 90s and don’t see that changing any time soon. It’s my uniform. I’d like to upgrade my red plaid to an American-made thicker fabric shirt.

Birkenstocks

These are great for the Summer. Pretty much all I wear when the temperature is above 60.

Boots

Just bought these a couple months ago and couldn’t be happier. Made in USA, super tough, super comfortable, and they look good too. I’d buy some Sno-Seal to go with it, and waterproof them.

Wigwam socks

I’ve been wearing these for years in the boot months. Warm and comfortable, like socks.

Woodworking and Tools

Wusthoff Santoku 7”

The best all-around knife in the block. I’m a big fan of multi-use tools, and this thing can do pretty much anything. I would rather have two of these than a whole block of single-job knives.

Calphalon omelette pan

I’m sensing a trend here, and learning something about myself. This is another all-around great pan with tons of different uses. Why buy a skillet and a saucepan when you can buy one great pan that does both those things well? The answer is don’t, buy this.

Art from China

Wired wrote an article about this industry and it is amazing. These artists reproduce famous paintings by hand, stroke for stroke. They also create custom, unique paintings to your specification. I would love a portrait of myself looking really presidential, but maybe I have mustard on my collar or I’m holding a taco or something. 

Books

Well this could get out of hand, but here are some of the best books I think all men should read.

Watch from Timex

Buy him a sturdy watch that works in all situations, and he’ll stop checking his stupid phone during dinner and at parties just to see what time it is, which leads to checking email, twitter, etc.

iPhone case from Carved

I found this company via Zazzle.com  but then realized they were in Elkhart, Indiana just a couple hours up the road. Love their work. I have this one, custom made for a reasonable price. http://www.carved.com/

Seeds

I love planting things and watching them grow. He might too. Or if he doesn’t, he might learn if you buy him some seeds. Here are some beautiful, useful plants that are pretty hardy in the US. 

Copper Mugs

My favorite way to drink cold beverages, because they taste extra cold. This is a solid copper mug, perfect for Moscow Mules and all sorts of other iced cocktails. This one has my distillery’s logo on it, and the proceeds go towards building our tasting room. They make great gifts!

The Perfect Whiskey glass

These are the best whiskey glasses I’ve ever used. They work better than the classic Glencairn taster, and look cooler too. Just got them back in stock. Last year we sold out, so get em while they’re hot.

What I Wore | Back to Back

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

WhatIWore: For all of the days I am a total hot mess at home with the baby and in pajamas and unwashed hair, sometimes I really get my act together. I wore this to have breakfast out with a girlfriend and as I walked with my carseat in tow into the restaurant, I felt like a million bucks. I’m finally figuring out how to get myself ready on my own (as in, watching the baby and doing my makeup at the same time) and although it might seem silly, it feels like such a major accomplishment.

When: December 2, 2014

What:
Hat: Nordstrom Rack
Sweater: J.Crew
Coat: Vintage (similar)
Jeans: Target
Booties: Rag and Bone
Quilted Leather Backpack: Vera Bradley, gift

Where: Breakfast date

So a backstory on the backpack… there aren’t many brands I can say I’ve worn for 20+ years, but Vera Bradley is one of them. You might know the company for their bright quilted duffle bags and wallets. My first piece was actually a little printed pink dress in what I think was one of the first patterns when I was 7 or 8 years old.  When I was ten, I really wanted a Vera Bradley mini bag but my two dollar a week allowance wouldn’t cover it so I cut up the dress and made it into a bag myself. That was my first ever sewing machine project believe it or not! Ten years later, I scored a summer job working at the Vera Bradley factory (they’re based in my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana). 

So fast forward to now. The brand has launched into leather goods with updated interpretations of their classic quilting. It looks so street style chic! I’ve been carrying my mini backpack nonstop since it arrived. As a mom, I love having both hands free to wave a rattle, grab a burp cloth or plop in a pacifier, but i also take it with me out of the house when I have a rare moment solo. 

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

Quilted Backpack, Cheetah Coat, Vera Bradley

Heads up! This post was made in partnership with Vera Bradley. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make What I Wore possible! 

What I Wore Rewind | November 30

What I Wore | Sweater Patrol, Jessica Quirk, whatiwore.tumblr.com, #fashionblog, burgundy, fall sweaters, ASOS, Rag and Bone booties, MNG for JCP, dress for less fashion, fall fashion for less, glam up a sweater, how to layer, how to wear black tights, how to style a sweater, street style, midwest fashion blogger, best fashion blogger, what I wore, what I wore rewind

What I Wore | Greater Than, Jessica Quirk, Vintage, whatiwore.tumblr.com #fashionblog

Jessica Quirk, Rainy Day Outfit, What I Wore, What I Wore Jessica, Polka Dot umbrella, J.Crew, Agave Corduroy, Fashion Blog, Style Blog, Personal Style Blogger, Hunter Boots, What to wear with Hunter Boots, how to wear teal pants, morning breakfast outfit, causal rainy day, glam up your gloves, black and white style, monday morning wardrobe

Butterick B5281, B5281, Retro Butterick, Retro Sewing Patterns, Vintage Sewing Patterns, What I Wore, What I Wore Jessica, What I Wore blog, Jessica Quirk, Fashion Blog, Fashion Blogger, Vintage sewing

Editor’s Note: Join me in a walk down memory lane as I highlight some of my favorite looks from this week last year (and earlier!) Want even more? Check out my FULL GALLERY from the past five years of outfit photos! Click any image to see the full post or see what’s up in real time via my instagram or facebook pages.

Black Friday Promo Codes

Promo Codes for Black Friday, Promo Codes for Cyber Monday, Holiday Promo Codes

WhatIWore: Living in a smallish Midwestern town means I do a lot of my shopping online, so I’ve been keeping my eye out for all of the Holiday Sales and promo codes that start this weekend and I wanted to share ‘em with you! Adam and Felix and I will also get out and support our local small businesses this Saturday and I hope you do the same! Happy Holidays!

J.Crew Factory Promo Code        Kate Spade Surprise Sale

DVF sale, DVF 40% off        Shopbop Sale, Shopbop 15% off

Madewell Promo Code, Black Friday        JCrew Promo Code

Anthropologie Black Friday Promo          Vera Bradley Black Friday Sale

        Nordstrom Sale

The Green Nursery Black Friday Promo