My turn!
For this fourth edition of the editorial nuggets, I am Benoît , David and Nicolò in the new mission of the editorial pole: to tell you about pieces that have won us over.
The ones we recommend to you - almost - with our eyes closed, whether they are faithful companions in our wardrobes or favorites that have caught our attention.
Those which also allow each person's stylistic personality to shine through .
So welcome to my home.
Let me start by introducing you to a good friend.
The Sandqvist bag - Arne model
A friend for life.
Why this brand?
A Swedish brand founded in 2004, Sandqvist offers very good mid-range bags: resistant materials and durable finishes for a budget of around €200.
My search, with very specific criteria, had therefore logically led me to the pieces of this brand, whose design and quality are difficult to find elsewhere for the same price.
Sandqvist has also recently developed a more affordable entry-level offering. This will not be indestructible, but will be an excellent alternative to brands such as Herschel or Eastpack.
Why this piece?
Here, its most recent version, in a beautiful black color which contrasts with its silver zips.
And my bag is called Arne.
Arne is resistant.
Arne is versatile.
And Arne is really very practical : you can put your computer, your documents, some sports gear, and even your Tupperware filled with pasta shells for lunch there. . All this without taking up the size of a travel bag.
It has been with me on average nine days a week for two years, so I can give you some concrete feedback on it: neither the friction on the ground of public transport nor the rough Parisian sidewalks have gotten the better of its cordura armor.
For the student that I am , the financial opportunity to invest €200 in a truly sustainable bag doesn't come along every spring, so I needed to be able to integrate it into my sartorial outfits as well as my casual cycling adventures.
Here too, dear Arne was the answer. Its simplicity and elegant leather inserts make it just as legitimate in a workwear style as in a tailored spirit.
In a jacket, a suit, or pajamas, the Arne model can follow me everywhere.
Its straps allow me to save the padding of my jackets and coats, while its removable satchel is ideal for my bike trips.
A quick aside on this last point: we often recommend a backpack for cycling, because “messenger” type bags often tend to fall to the side without an additional belt.
I myself thought this for a long time, but I would now qualify this preconceived idea:
- A messenger bag, large enough to fit across your back and positioned at the right level, will not fall to the side while you are traveling.
- Unlike the backpack, it won't turn your back into an American-Canadian tourist attraction.
For this use, and without any pun intended, Sandqvist's Arne therefore holds up very well.
In short, Arne made me a happy man.
The light blue Alain jeans from Suitsupply
Here is the beast, here carried by the invisible man.
Why this brand?
An essential Dutch brand for the entry level, we have often told you about Suitsupply for its good value for money.
This is why it was logical for me to turn to this brand, whose prices and casual chic universe perfectly met my demand: a more dressed-up interpretation of a basic of the male wardrobe, at an affordable price.
Why this piece?
A beautiful faded but regular canvas from Candiani.
After a pair of raw jeans, when you're building your wardrobe, I have the feeling that you often add a grey piece later.
However, in terms of versatility, I find that bleach jeans are a more essential element: their sky blue color will allow for more harmonious combinations as soon as you wear navy blue, khaki, beige, or even gray on top.
And when you want to have fun building more advanced outfits, the need for washed blue jeans quickly arises.
Frequent wearer of Uniqlo bleached jeans , I quickly grew tired of the effect they gave to my sartorial outfits, the subtlety of which was quickly called into question by a wash that would have benefited from being less coarse.
That's where these bleach jeans from Suitsupply come in and their main advantage that makes them worth investing in: a beautiful wash.
We are a long way from the whitish stains found on entry-level faded jeans.
If you wear tailored pieces, a pair of well-finished bleached jeans will definitely find their place in your home.
And I find this one perfect. It is regular and its sky blue tint makes it very versatile.
But wash isn't the only thing to pay attention to when incorporating jeans into a dressier look.
The cut is also essential, and that of the Alain Jean from Suitsupply follows the leg correctly to create an elegant and well-proportioned silhouette.
COS Velvet Pants
A well thought out cut.
Why this brand?
A fast fashion brand derived from H&M, you have to sort carefully before buying from COS . However, I find that it is a good playground for finding stronger pieces at affordable prices.
I have a particular weakness for the work they put into the cuts of certain trousers and outerwear, resulting in original outfits with particular but balanced volumes.
Why this piece?
With a white t-shirt tucked in: simple and effective. I would still replace the black sneakers with a pair of brown derbies.
When you start to get bored with raw jeans and blue chinos, you start experimenting. And these pants are a great one.
Playing with cuts is a great way to add style to your legs.
Hence the choice of these pants, both wide and short, to play with volumes.
Its thick velvet adapts well to the winter season while its taupe color allows you to create excellent shades of “earth” colors: camel, off-white, brown, greige… there’s plenty to have fun with.
It's a favorite, so it deserves its place here.
Muji Mustard Flannel Shirt
In the absence of an e-shop for the brand, we have prepared a loving home shoot for you.
Why this brand?
Muji is the Japanese abbreviation for “Unbranded Quality Product.” So its goal is to provide you with solid basics that are good value for money.
And the mission is generally successful: excellent t-shirts for around fifteen euros a pair, and accessories made from perfectly suitable natural materials.
But it was when I visited a boutique out of curiosity that I realized that this was only the tip of the iceberg. There is an entire men's wardrobe, from trousers to fine knitwear to cashmere scarves.
Not everything is there to take, but many nuggets await you. Which is good, because that is precisely the theme of this new format.
Why this piece?
No, it is not made in Dijon , but here are three reasons why I couldn't make this selection without telling you about my favorite winter shirt:
- An original mustard color that brings joy to a winter wardrobe.
- A very thick cotton flannel that provides a pleasant texture.
- A price equivalent to that of Uniqlo flannel shirts, for often superior quality and thickness.
Its texture and thickness even allow me to wear it as an overshirt with a fine knit.
Muji flannel shirts are little known, as they are simply absent from their website.
But I think they are well worth a visit to the store, where you will find some very nice surprises at an unbeatable price. .
If you are a Workwear fan, you will love wearing them under a big cardigan to face the winter cold.
In mid-season, I wear it with a denim jacket, a hat, thick boots and an axe.
