Everlane Backpack Review & Style on the Hill

I’m feeling hungover and prophetic (probably because the hangover is silencing all my non-egotistical brain cells), so I thought I’d write today. If you can call this writing.

Some things: First, a review of Everlane’s backpack. Ok, so awhile ago I bought one of Everlane’s backpacks. I was impressed with the look/styling of them when they first came out, but I just wasn’t ready. They sold like hotcakes (which is a dumb as fuck saying, because nobody sells hotcakes, which are actually pancakes), so I missed out on the first round. Then I think they had a second round, which I actually went as far as to “add to my cart” (which is like 3rd base in the shopping realm). But again, they sold out really, really fast, so I missed my chance. (If they didn’t have a second release of the backpacks, then this story applies to the first round and I just can’t remember right. Point being, I missed out). 

Finally, they were back again in August. I, like a true nerd, woke up early just so I could get one. In retrospect, waking up early to shop online is probably the lamest thing I’ve ever done and I want to kick myself in the nuts for doing it. BUT, I got this sweet backpack out of the whole deal.

The site says Khaki Green, but it's definitely more of a slate gray.

These are pictures from Everlane. I’m using them, as opposed to my own, because I neither own a camera nor an iPhone. In fact, the camera on my cell phone barely works, and it takes pictures with quality worse than the JFK assassination video. Seriously, it’s shit. But I’m poor. 

On first receiving the backpack, I was very happy. I like the styling, the stitching, the fabrics, and especially the leather components (drawstring, zipper closure things, etc.). It’s been well suited to my lifestyle trekking to and from campus, and from that end, it’s held up well. Law school requires a lot of books, big books, and schlepping them around all day hasn’t seemed to take a toll on this backpack. Time will tell on that I guess, but so far it’s held up. I was even walking home the other night when it started raining, and not only did my stuff inside stay dry (nod to the nylon interior lining), the outside seemed unaffected as well (nod to the waxed canvas exterior). So hats off to Everlane. Good backpack, good quality, good price. So far I’m very impressed with this brand, and personally I’ll keep hitting them up. If you haven’t checked them out, I recommend doing so. 

In other news, a fellow student at KU has started a blog called “Style on the Hill.” Its mission “aims to reflect the student body’s style and attitude at the University of Kansas through street style shots on campus.” I love when my alma mater can rep hard, but I also love when the fashionable people of the Midwest can shine. We have to flex people. This isn’t NY, where I imagine street style photos abound, and even the Italian butcher on the corner wears Luciano Barbera or some ridiculous shit. I don’t even know a butcher. THAT’S HOW BACKWARDS THE MIDWEST IS. 

Photos from Style on the Hill

This guy has so much swag, I want to kill myself for not having that much swag.

Button the top button though, not the bottom one. C'mon son.

-MD

P.S. - Everlane doesn’t pay me to write this stuff or anything. This is how I actually feel. Belie dat. 

Liebster Award, Everlane Backpack, & School Starting

First, my friend Bizi of The Bizi Bee has nominated me for a Liebster Award. I have no idea what it is, and a quick Google search didn’t turn up anything in the first three results, but the thing was the word “award” in it, so I’m definitely going to flaunt it somehow. Once you get out of college, you don’t get awards that much anymore, and it legitimizes my blog, marginally at least. I'll be putting it in the "About" section for sure.

You’re supposed to do a lot for it, but I’m lazy.  I will answer the questions Bizi asked me, because I think she just wanted to read what I’d have to say. (Probably not though)

1. If you came across a genie and could make three wishes, what would they be?

Obviously, my first wish would be to ask for more wishes. That’s like Genie 101 type shit. Then I’d have free reign on wishes. I’d probably start by asking for money. I’m not shallow (well, a little), but I need to pay bills. I’m only human.

2. Past, present, or future?

There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. And that’s from Kung Fu Panda, so you know it’s true.

3. Dogs or cats?

Dogs definitely. Some people don’t like dogs, because they’re “too easy,” and cats have “personalities,” but I don’t want a pet with a personality. Especially one that’s moody and has claws. Dogs are always happy to see you. Always. Even if they’re not your dog. If you don’t like that, then I don’t know man. Sorry for your life.

4. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

On this question, people always tend to swing between being invisible or flying. Being invisible would be pretty cool, but honestly I’d only only use it for illegal things. Being able to fly would be rad too. Really I’ve always thought it’d be cool to time travel. I’m big into history, so it’d be interesting/intriguing/fucking dope to go back in time and witness events that changed the course of history. I could meet Jesus, or save Lincoln, or slip Plan B to Justin Beiber’s mom. You know, important shit.

5. What is something you regret?

I have a lot of regrets, mostly from college. I would prefer if people didn’t know them. 

6. What is something you are looking forward to?

My parents winning the lottery. I wish they’d hurry up with it though. 

7. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I'm really humble.

8. What is your guilty pleasure?

I have a lot of guilty pleasures, mostly from college. I would prefer if people didn’t know them.

9. Favorite food?

Apple sauce. Delicious taste. Wonderful, just wonderful texture. I do make spaghetti nearly every night for dinner, but not because it's my favorite. I just don't know how to make anything else.

10. Rain or shine?

Honestly? Rain. No shit, rain. It’s not because I’m a depressed person or anything like that. I just like rain, especially overcast days. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s because I burn easily in the sun? 

11. Favorite day of the week?

Gotta get down on Friday.

So there’s that. I’m also supposed to nominate 11 other blogs with under 200 followers, but I’m not even sure how to check that shit. I read a few blogs per day. I think most of them have quite a few readers, but I have no empirical evidence to back that up. I’m no scientist.

Secondly, I bought the new Everlane backpack ($60 for the zipper model, $65 for the snap). Here’s some pics from Everlane. I'll include my own once one of my roommates allows me to use his iPhone to take pictures and email them to myself.

Do I like it? Yes. Stylish, and quality and construction seem good. The waxed canvas and leather feel good, and I'm hoping they hold up will in wet conditions. So far I’m satisfied with the purchase. I’ll be giving a review later that will be quite more in-depth. Forewarning to Everlane, because as a law student I carry a shitload to class everyday. I’m talking at least two books, the size of the Bible and Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows combined, back and forth to class everyday on a 30 minute trek. Rain, snow, or as annoying as it’s been lately, mid-90s heat. That’s a fucking disgusting amount of sweat, if you didn’t know. 

Lastly, I got a job at a bar. It's mostly Charlie work, but just FYI posts will probably not be as frequent. I'll still try to get something up at least once a week though.

Thanks for reading, as always,

MD

Pants Falling Off? Get Belted

A belt is a menswear essential (like, you’re getting judged by someone if you’re not wearing one). They come in a variety of lengths, colors, and materials. If you’re truly looking to build the foundations of a wardrobe and you’re in need of a belt, look to these essentials:

Opt for brown over black- it goes with more.

Look for something around 1 inch wide. Wide belts are considered less formal and vice versa. One inch works as well on a suit as a pair of shorts (or your forehead).

Go with plain leather. Again, it goes with more. Plus you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a pimp costume.

Although arguably, this guy is too ballerific to need a belt.

You know that extra tab of belt that sticks out after you lock in your belt? You want that to be reasonable. Nothing absurdly long flopping off the side of your hip. Look to get 1-2 inches past that first belt loop on your pants.

Recommendations

J.Crew plaque belt- $50

J.Crew dress belt- $53

Trafalgar 1 inch leather belt- $63

Everlane slim belt strap- $30

More news as it develops,

MD

Wood iPhone Covers from Everlane

It seems like Everlane is always dropping something new and fresh that stands to impress, and again they haven’t failed to disappoint. 

Wood iPhone covers, made from real wood and only $15. How can you complain? I don’t have an iPhone, I’m too poor, but I know that if I do get one, I’d opt for one of these. 

Padauk

Bubinga

Purpleheart

They’re a damn sight cooler than the rubber prophylactic you’d normally see on an iPhone and they’re the same price, if not cheaper. They’re also substantially cheaper than comparable wood covers, like the >$100 ones here and here.

Everlane is also planning to release some backpacks which look pretty awesome. I’m legitimately interested in upgrading from the geeky backpack I’m currently schlepping to class, so I’ll profile these and let you know more at the end of this week. 

More news as it develops,

MD

Buy an Everlane shirt. Now.

My Everlane order came in. First, I want to commend their exceptional service. Everlane offers free shipping for 24 hours after first you sign in, but it was still fast. I placed my order on Feb. 11 and it arrived the 15th. I am incredibly impatient and hate having to wait for things to arrive in the mail. The only reason I didn’t get a Russian mail-order bride was because it (she I guess, if we're being formal) would have taken so long to ship. Check out my montage:

Men's V in muted grey

Second, incredible quality. The supima cotton is awesomely soft, and sliding into the shirt for the first time felt like having sex using my whole body. I have some “broken-in” cotton v-necks from J. Crew, and I already prefer the Everlane after just putting it on. It doesn’t hurt that it was only $15 either. 

The muted grey is a lighter, almost more charcoal-infused gray than what you’d typically find in t-shirts. It's kind of like the color of this font. Needless to say, I’m already a big fan of Everlane and I’m excited to see what else their brand has in store.

More news as it develops,

MD