As I write this Friday morning, I am a few hours away from taking a Salesforce certification exam. The same company that charges my company probably millions a year to use their software also sells paid certifications to prove to my bosses I know their software. There’s layers to this racket…

If you want to know whether I passed, reply and ask.

Anyway, let’s tap into today.

Paraboot Chambord Derby — Marron Gringo

Made in France from nubuck leather, this derby sits on a natural gum rubber sole with a classic 45° toe cap stitch that Paraboot made its own. The shoe uses Norwegian stitching and lines in leather, giving a shoe built to wear for years. The cut is generous with a rounded toe—a shape that suits any foot.

Paraboot Bahamas Loafer — Marron Lisse

I saw one of these types of shoes in the wild yesterday and was perplexed. But all great art looks weird at first. This is a more casual shoe, and requires a deep bag of good socks, but I’d love to pull something like this off one day…

Blake stitching runs through this loafer, a 1858 method that flexes and sheds weight. The smooth leather reads rich, the sole is natural rubber, and the cut is a slim shape with room at the toe. Made in Spain. Size up half a size from your usual fit.

Leave it to the Japanese to make classic Americana (the type that would look familiar to your grandfather) better than we do ourselves. This process is well documented in the terrific book Ametora if you’re interested.

Buzz Rickson Type N-1 Deck Jacket — Demotex Khaki

Originally issued as part of a three-piece US Navy set for working above deck in brutal weather, the N-1 pairs a heavy 100% cotton Jungle Cloth shell with a double-faced alpaca and wool lining. Buzz Rickson reproduces the 1947 version with period-correct details (obviously): reproduction 1942 Talon zip, hidden knitted storm cuffs, drawstring waist, and hand pockets. The most impressive touch: they've reproduced the vintage DEMOTEX moth-proofing labels found on original alpaca linings, using vintage shuttle looms. Built in the only place that could pull this off: Japan.

Buzz Rickson Single-V Needle Sweatshirt — Oatmeal

Loop-wheeled on vintage shuttle looms in a seamless continuous tube, this sweatshirt has no side seams and holds its shape through wear and washing. The tension stays minimal during production, leaving the fabric soft and resilient. Four-needle flat-locked seams reinforce it, and a single-V collar sits at the neck. Simple and durable. Made in Japan. Note: runs small; most size up.

Ohhhhhhh

Yeeeeaaahhhhh

Fun fact: I was born in Chicago. Which accounts for my grassroots values and staunch humility. Anyways, Grant Stone bootmakers are also based there.

Grant Stone Unlined Chukka — Espresso Suede

This chukka uses Goodyear-welt building with a vegetable-tanned leather sole that's oil-dipped for flex. The Leo last runs a half size big and the unlined cut keeps the boot light and soft on day one. Also due to the lack of lining, it molds to your foot faster than most.

Grant Stone Chelsea — Earth Waxed Commander

The waxed earth leather is dark brown out of the box and shifts to lighter tones through wear. Built on the UK last with Goodyear-welt work, it has double-sided gore for easy on-and-off and a micro stud rubber sole that grips. The full-grain kip lining keeps the inside clean. At $395, it sits between work boot and daily dress.

Baracuta G9 Harrington — Dark Navy

Made in the UK from a poly-cotton blend, this is the original G9 Harrington jacket from 1937. The jacket has a two-button dog-ear collar, slanted front pockets that once held golf balls, and the signature umbrella back yoke that sheds rain. Fraser Tartan lines the inside in breathable Coolmax, and ribbed cuffs and hem keep the shape tight. At $499, it's the jacket that started the category.

Baracuta G9 Suede — Chocolate

The G9 reimagined in 100% suede. Same shape as the standard Harrington (two-button collar, umbrella yoke, raglan sleeves) but the leather softens with time and picks up a lived-in tone. The Fraser Tartan lining in Coolmax stays breathable without adding stiff layers. At $795, it clocks in as a step up while keeping the same DNA.

The shady cabal of NYC restaurants and bars connive to empty our pockets, but we forget that there’s an ace up all our sleeves: hosting people at our own homes!

I think we should be hosting more. It’s a public good to host parties. People meet one another in a space that’s more conducive to chatting up new people since there’s a trust layer. There’s not a time limit on your stay. A goal of mine is to facilitate the event in which two of my friends meet and one day date and maybe even get married. That’d be such a flex!

It can even be a small dinner party. You don’t have to cook if you don’t want to (though you should). The point is just to host.

That is all.

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