How are we doing? I want to hear from you, + a few announcements

March 7, 2012 · 34 comments

in Site Updates

Hey gents,

Every once in a while, I like to check in on you guys, my readers.

Here’s what things look like from my perspective. I write something, publish it, and then (other than the comments each article gets)… radio silence. I have no idea if I’m on the right track, if the content you’re reading is valuable to you, etc.

I mean, I have some idea. I do read the comments obviously, and I field questions on our Facebook page every once in a while. I also receive a ton of email with questions and requests for article topics, which is very helpful.

Two years in, and I have a better idea of the direction of this site, the content that’s most helpful to you, and what exactly it is you are looking for.

Opening up the floor

But! Nothing is better than real feedback, right? I can assume everything’s grand, but, what if it’s not? What if I’m completely wrong? (Not usually the case, but still.)

This is your opportunity to REALLY let me know what it is you’d like from this site. Here are some places you could start:

  • what do you have burning questions about, and are just waiting for me to write articles on them?
  • what have you read on here that was helpful, but still need more info about? Give me specifics
  • how is the site layout? Is it easy to read? To navigate? If you need to find old articles, do you have an easy time doing that?
  • I know the mission and direction of the site, and what message I hope comes across. But if you had to sum it up, what do YOU think this site is about?
Let’s hear your feedback in the comments (down below).

Ways to chat and stay in touch

Here are other actions you can take:

  • Get on our list. The folks who subscribe to EG get post updates delivered to them directly (no more visiting a pesky website!) and on top of that, will have first access to deals and exclusive content as I get them. The list is THE place to be, definitely, so get on it.
  • Join the conversation on Facebook. It’s nice having a community on there where it’s easy to exchange thoughts, information, and ideas. Plus, who ISN’T on Facebook, right?
  • Tweet with us. Twitter is the other tool I use most to chat with the EG community. If you have a quick question or comment, you can always contact me there and I answer fairly quickly (or try to, at least).

I try to make it as easy as possible to get in contact with me. At the same time, since I do receive a lot of emails / tweets / FB comments / site comments, hopefully you’ll understand if I can’t answer instantly, but I always intend to answer everyone.

Thanks for your support

Honestly, this site wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for you guys. Each question, comment, and request has helped shape this site, and it’s becoming quite the resource for those looking to get a hold of their wardrobe, class things up a bit, inject their own personal style into what they wear, and find classic pieces that are meant to last years instead of just one season.

I’m looking forward to hearing how else I can help. Please let me know in the comments below, and use the outline a few paragraphs above to help guide you.

And some announcements

Jack has arrived: Fifth&Brannan’s trouser denim

Jack, Fifth&Brannan trouser denimNot only are we stocked up on new ties, a bow tie, and our usual array of pocket squares, but we have a bunch of new shirting on pre-sale right now (till 3/16, so act fast), and our latest release, Jack!

Jack is our interpretation of a dressier denim. The Fifth&Brannan man loves his jeans, but he also loves to get cleaned up and look sharp. He can throw on this pair of denim and dress it up or down, it will always look good.

One thing that really makes Jack special is that when you order, it is made especially for you. You pick your exact size (we have practically every size combination), and one craftsman from our denim shop (not a whole factory) will be making it from start to finish.

There’s a more detailed description of the denim, its availability, and our made-to-order service on the Fifth&Brannan site. Check it out!

Oh, wait, what was that? Did you ask what’s Fifth&Brannan? Sorry about that, sometimes I forget not everyone knows the story.

Fifth&Brannan is a menswear label Kate (the girlfriend) and I started a couple years ago. If you’re curious what we’re all about, check out our story and company manifesto.

And in case you were wondering, yup, every purchase you make from the Shop supports EG. :)

The first EG Guide is coming very soon!

I mentioned something about a guide here and there in previous posts, but I’m happy to say I’m almost finished with it.

It’s titled “The Effortless Guide to Graduating Your Style”, and is written for those who are looking to re-invent their wardrobe from the ground up. It’s filled with tips and suggestions that will guide you through the whole process:

  • from evaluating every item you currently have,
  • deciding what’s worth keeping and what needs to go,
  • how to stock your closet with the basics and wardrobe essentials,
  • and finally, how to put individual items together into an outfit based on the type of event you’re attending, or the activity you have planned for the day.

I’ve had a few people check it out and thankfully it’s getting great reviews!

I’ll have launch dates soon, but I’m also looking for early reviewers that would like to get their hands on a copy before anyone else at a discounted price. Bummer! You missed early access. But get on EG’s regular mailing list for more info soon (and never miss a new post, as well). You can sign up here.

That’s all, folks!

I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback about EG and how it can be more useful / helpful to you. I also hope a lot of you sign up to check out the guide. I spent a lot of late nights working on it and I think it’s pretty damn useful (and slick), but hey, maybe I’m biased.

Till next time!

About

Barron is the founder and editor of Effortless Gent, a site dedicated to helping dudes figure out what looks best on them. He also co-founded Fifth&Brannan, a menswear label based in San Francisco. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

  • http://www.facebook.com/derence.tejero Derence Tejero

    Hello, I’m a 19 year old college student and I have just recently just started reading the content from this website about 2 weeks ago, and I found the articles on this site VERY helpful, especially the Back To Basics section. Having people I know who dress well and reading individual articles online helped me out with becoming a better dresser, but this site pretty much sums up EVERYTHING they told me in one convenient place. Although I love this site, what I would like to see from this site is a layout more similar to the sites, Dappered and Primer, which have the categories of the articles up top in one convenient place (maybe even take it a step further like Primer with the drop-down menus). I find going to a page of archives to slow down the experience of this website. Otherwise, I really like what is being done here. Keep it up!

  • Clifton

    I am a huge fan of this website. It shows in the substance of each post that these are thoughtful offerings not just something to throw up and call it day. I think the layout is nice the full article is available without having to click read more to see the rest of the post. My one point of contention is during your denim discussion you had a photo of these beautiful jeans that read ROY. When I looked them up I decided that I would get a pair. Well it’s been nearly a year and I still don’t have them. Self edge only carries like two pairs in 34s and they are soldout before I can click on them. So until I get my pair I will hold you personally responsible.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Interesting. That’s not cool at all. How did you order it, and through what site? Also, what have you done to get in contact with them?

  • Renato Pagnani

    You guys need full measurement charts on the Fifth & Brannan website. I’m interested in the Jack denim, but I have no idea how the 33 or 34 or 35 would fit. You need measurements for each size, shirts too. The denim looks too slim for me, unfortunately.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    We have a full sizing chart for the shirting (shop.fifthandbrannan.com/sizing-chart.html), and we’re working on one for the denim. In general though, the fit is similar to a Levi’s 514 slim straight pair, but with a bit more tapering down the leg and a smaller opening at the ankle.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Great suggestion Derence, that would be helpful I’m sure. Will look into it, thanks.

  • larry ramirez

    I think an article about what styles suit which body types. I can pull off, with my lean physique, styles that would look comical on a portly man and vice versa, so perhaps something to that effect. I also wanted to say that I appreciate your quick reply to my last feedback, I really appreciate it.

  • Renato Pagnani

     I appreciate the quick response, Barron. I see the full sizing chart for the shirting, and that’s great. It’s a must for labels. The Levi 514 is too slim for me, unfortunately. Unless I sized up like 4. And I’m not a fat guy. Ah well. Keep up the good work.

  • Joe

    I have really enjoyed watching your development since I started following with Kickstarter. I recently noticed newsletter links going through a third-party ad site. I’m sure you could use the revenue, but I automatically block those sites. Maybe you could elaborate.

  • Mike

    Id love to hear ur thoughts on vintage clothing. Wat to wear? How to wear it? Wats too much? Things like that.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    I know what you mean. I had another reader email me recently, saying he likes it but was concerned that Jack may be too slim. It’s definitely for a certain body type, thats why clothing makers have different cuts and fits for everything.

    Appreciate you checking it out though.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    That’s interesting. Not sure what you mean? feel free to email me: b@effortlessgent.com to elaborate.

  • Doug

    Love the site, I read all of your articles and frequently turn to them for advice. One thing that would be a great help would be to feature more images in your posts; I always get what you’re saying but sometimes would love a visual example as well. Thanks!

  • Benny

     Can you please post about when to tuck and not to tuck shirt tails AND when to button top buttons on men’s shirts regardless of the type of shirt?

  • JW

    First, I love the articles so far. Each one helps me out in their own way. One thing outside of this blog that has helped is the post from Put This On that mentioned the 25 things that you should know. This helps, but I was wondering if there can be a post on other things and also a brief explanation on why you should or shouldn’t do them.

  • http://twitter.com/UrbanSophistic Troy Lilly

    Hey Barron, of all the men’s style blogs I’ve visited over the years, this is the only one that has moved me to take action. Back in January, after years of milling through a closet with tons of clothes I hated or didn’t fit, I replaced a ton of stuff with a versatile set of quality pieces. I always knew how I wanted to look and feel, but I was daunted by the task of actually achieving it.

    The most important lesson I learned here was buying a quality shoe. You convinced me that a sub $200 was nice but a $200 plus dollar shoe is an investment.

    Kudos on all fronts, especially on responding to nearly every comment on the site.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Hey Larry,

    That’s a good idea for an article. Perhaps it just goes beyond Slim / Skinny fit = skinny dudes, regular fit = bigger dudes. I’ll have to mull over that one a bit. Thanks for the suggestion.

    And no prob!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Hmm. Does it look dated? Do you look dated when you wear it? If you’re going for classic, there are things you can pick up at a thrift store (great leather jacket, leather shoes, vintage tees, military jackets, etc).

    If you end up with a zoot suit or something, that’s probably “too much”, again, assuming you’re trying to stick with pieces that will be relevant for a long time.

    I’m not a thrifting king (even though I do have my luck when hitting up those places), but in general, the same rules apply.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Thanks Doug. Yeah, sometimes I do need more photos. Photos often take the longest when putting together an article (even though you’d think it’d be the actual writing of the article). I’ll do my best to start including more.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    If you’re wearing a dress shirt, you always tuck it in. If you’re wearing a more modern sport shirt (think button up shirt with not-as-pronounced, shorter shirttails), you can wear it untucked. Primer Magazine did a good visual on this: http://bit.ly/t4EHa7

    You button the top button on a shirt if you’re wearing a tie, or if you want to rock the invisible tie look: http://bit.ly/AgYDuE

    Hope that helps!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Ooh, nice, I haven’t seen that list before. Here it is for everyone else wondering: http://bit.ly/q6Iqrl

    I’d like to do my own follow-up version of this. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Hey Troy, glad to hear it! Thanks for reading, and more importantly, for applying what you’ve read. Love hearing readers say that.

  • Morphination

    It does go beyond that. Based upon your recommendations I tried a pair of Bonobos because of the “great” fit. Not so much. Fine in the waist but around the thigh they looked like cellophane wrap. I’m not a big guy, only 6’1 200, but I have muscular legs apparently. It seems most pants are either made for fatties or for guys with chicken legs. So, no off the rack for nice wool. Custom it is…

  • Ambassador Bruny

    Great work Barron. The biggest opportunity I see is information on how to take care of our sartorial investments. Bow ties fray, if you don’t wear an undershirt you may end up with deodorant build up in the arm pit of your shirt, nice hat; but how do you wash it.

    I’d love to have one place I can direct people who ask me answers to these questions.

    Keep up the great work and I look forward to being part of the journey.

    By the way are you familiar with the brand, “Brooklyn Circus”

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    I still believe Bonobos is one of the best-fitting pants out there on the market for OTR, for the majority of men. Your weight distribution / proportions may be an outlier and so you didn’t have the same experience. No brand can put out the perfect best-fitting anything, since size and proportion can vary so widely.

    In any case I’m bummed they weren’t a great fit (though I’ve never tried their wool pants, only their chinos). You should write them and tell them your story; they’re good at accommodating folks who didn’t have a good first experience w/ their product.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Thanks Mike. This is something that a few people have mentioned to me, though I haven’t yet taken the time to write an article on it. I’ll work on that one.

    Yeah, love BkC!

  • JW

    Awesome! I look forward to this. Thanks!

  • Bobby

    Been a follower for some time now, so it’s nothing but positive feedback from me. Effortless Gent and TheStyleBlogger have been key motivators as I’ve decided to build a site with my own take on styles similar to yours. Not that it applies to the typical content or advice, assuming I can’t work the search function and skipped right over it, can you go into the finer details of starting EG and the transition to Fifth&Brannan?

    If you get bored in a couple weeks, when some more content is up, take a look at my blog and notice your advice at workgraduateyourgame.com

  • Bobby

    * graduateyourgame.com

  • Chipboltoniv

    Really liking this site. I love style, but I am in the construction industry and I am having trouble finding the right look that I am going for. Right now since summer is approaching I am usually in jeans and a polo shirt with desert boots. This is fine but it just feels boring to me. What would you suggest for someone in this industry to keep in their wardrobe. I am in the office a good deal but I am also out on the jobsite often. I live in a small town in East Tennessee (60,000), and no we dont wear overalls and bare feet, so alot of the customers I deal with are good country people. I dont want to appear that I cant relate to them. hook me up.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    What about a few plaid sport shirts when you get tired of your polos? Something like: http://bit.ly/HXO09j

    Desert boots are great, and they’re really comfortable. How about work boots when you get tired of the desert boots? Like: http://bit.ly/HXykjr Red Wing and Frye also have similar boots. These would probably work well on-site, I imagine.

    Great question. Glad you care about your appearance even though you’re in an industry where most of your colleagues probably don’t have to “dress up”.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Thanks, appreciate your thoughts on the layout. Will take these into consideration (I’m always tweaking anyway, wouldn’t hurt to try different column orientations and re-sizing of things).

  • Erietails

    Love the site but why are you so condecending sometimes? Not so much the articles, but in the comments. I’ve seen you tell some young kid to refrain from posting because he recommended American Eagle, and making fun of a guy with bad brown shoes asking him “are you 90 years old and have osteoporosis?” because you thought his shoes were ugly. I agree they were bad, but show some more respect!! Stop talking down to people, no one is perfect, including you :) . Other than that the tips are pretty solid. Thanks.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Out of curiosity, are you new to this site? I have a certain “voice” in my articles and my responses. I think most of my readers who have been with me for a while know my voice and that I’m saying everything with a smile. :) See?

    I’m not being disrespectful, maybe a bit snarky at times, or tongue-in-cheek, but never disrespectful and it’s all in good fun.EG wouldn’t have such an awesome community if I were an actual asshole. At least I hope not, because assholes don’t deserve communities as awesome as this one.Anyway thanks for the perspective; hopefully you can see where I’m coming from and that I’m not trying to be mean, though it might look that way since we can’t express emotion in text very accurately.:O :D :)

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