There's somewhat a fine balance in men's fashion between looking like you care enough about current trends and how you look, while also giving the impression you're not trying that hard. The easiest way to achieve this effortless-yet-aware look is for your favorite dude to build a collection of high-quality and timeless staples that are always ready to throw on.
WHITE'S BOOTS SERVICE BOOT
These timeless beauties from Spokane institution White's Boots, which has been handmaking working men's footwear since 1915, are obviously a major splurge item, but it'll be a pair to last decades if properly cared for. These military police service boots are from White's lifestyle boot line, and offer a heavy-duty studded rubber sole that provides both comfort and longevity. This timeless handsewn, captoe style also goes with pretty much everything, and is sold in five leather colors ranging from black to shades of brown and light tan. Another popular new style from the White's lifestyle boot collection is the Chukka dress boot, starting at $487, and which isn't listed online, but can be purchased from its Spokane showroom. $639 • White's Boots • 4002 E. Ferry • whitesboots.com • 800-541-3786
CRAFT & LORE CRAFT BELT
Every guy needs a trusty belt that can be worn daily and will last a lifetime. Enter this handcrafted, custom-made piece by Chad Von Lind, the guy behind the locally based leatherworking operation Craft & Lore. This particular piece is made from hand-cut, ultra-sturdy harness leather that will shape itself to the wearer over time. This style comes in both black and brown leather. Before placing an order you will have to sneak a measurement of your guy's current belt to ensure proper fit, which Craft & Lore's website explains how to do. $90 • Craft & Lore • 3909 N. Schreiber Way, Suite 4, Coeur d'Alene • craftandlore.com
GREAT PNW MILLER CREWNECK
Your best bud, brother, boyfriend or husband will look effortlessly cool, comfortable and hip when he throws on this classic black crewneck sweatshirt from local lifestyle brand the Great PNW. The brand is locally known for its contemporary graphic designs printed onto both men's and women's apparel that pays homage to the great landscape and recreation-based lifestyle of its namesake, the glorious Pacific Northwest. This classic black crew with its minimalist typography can be worn year-round for a clean, modern look. $43 • Sold in Spokane at Atticus, Boulevard Mercantile, Kingsley & Scout and online • thegreatpnw.com
NAKED & FAMOUS JAPANESE SELVEDGE RAW DENIM
What the heck is raw selvedge denim, you ask, and why does the stylish guy on your list need some? Sure, it's a mouthful, but the gist is that these jeans are made in an old-school style developed post-WWII in a region of Japan that's still known for its high quality, loom-woven denim featuring a finished "self-edge" on the ends of each piece of fabric. The cotton yarn itself is specially rope-dyed, which allows for unique patterns of wear to fade into the fabric over time. Essentially, these are ultra-customizable to the wearer, long lasting, and most certainly on-trend in the world of men's fashion. The locally owned men's fashion and lifestyle retailer Kingsley & Scout — which offers plenty of other locally made products and brands, plus lots of stylish gift ideas at a variety of price points — is the only place in town you'll find the Canadian-made line of Japanese selvedge denim from Naked & Famous. Treat a guy you love to a pair of these jeans he'll want to wear day in and out. $150-$170 • Kingsley & Scout • 2810 N. Monroe • kingsleyandscout.com
KINGSLEY & SCOUT LEATHER KEY FOB
This handmade leather key fob stamped with the stylized K&S logo of the aforementioned men's lifestyle store Kingsley & Scout is a perfect stocking stuffer or add-on item for the trendy or soon-to-be trendy guy on your list. A functional item like this sturdy key fob is an ideal gift since it's something the recipient will use daily, not only making their life a little easier, but also reminding them of the person it was from. $20 • Kingsley & Scout • 2810 N. Monroe • kingsleyandscout.com ♦
