I can’t stop “living in” these Zella leggings from the Anniversary sale! As mentioned before, aside from having to hem off a few inches, these are a very flattering fit and I especially like the mid-rise. The material feels comfortable and breathable to run or lounge around in, and is sturdy and not at all sheer. Btw for those looking to customize Nike Roshe One sneakers online (which is what I did for this pair), they now have a rose gold option for the swoosh…swoon!!
From my last post with my husband, it sounds like several of you have men in your lives interested in some occasional shopping (or, you just do all the shopping for them ; ). For the guys in my family, clothing is more about comfort and functionality over style, but I keep telling them nothing really has to be sacrificed! I noticed a few of Nick’s wardrobe favorites are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale at great prices, so below are a few “tried and true” pieces that also make great gifts:
1. North Face Apex Bionic 2 jacket (also in tall) – a windproof, water-resistant, lightweight shell jacket. The weight of this is suited for spring through fall in most climates. This can be an outermost “weatherproof” layer for outfits ranging from super casual to dressy, and you can build up warmth by layering underneath. Nick is 5’9″ and owns a size S. Other noteworthy North Face mens pieces on sale, with good reviews: the Venture waterproof packable rain jacket (under $70) and the TKA Glacier zip fleece pullover (under $40).
2. Threads for Thought trim fit hoodie, under $33 – a nice basic hoodie with soft fleece lining (“suuper cozy!” in my husband’s words, as he smothered himself in it). The fit is “trim” through the torso and sleeves, which could make the small difference between a scrubby sweatshirt confined to lounging at home vs. one you can don on a more regular basis. Nick has the size S in heather gray and heather black. We didn’t realize this at the time of purchase, but this brand is big on socially-responsible manufacturing and using eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
3. Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes ($50 off) – these are easily one of Nick’s favorite pairs of shoes and have lasted years. The blue is a darker, navy-gray color that ages well with wear. Sperry’s gold cup line is supposedly a premium version of their original boat shoes (also on sale, for under $70), with more supple leather and attention to detailing. For guys who want to wear running sneaks or flip flops everywhere, boat shoes are an easy, comfortable integration for something that looks a little more polished (“these feel like slippers!” – my brother, after I forced his first “grownup” shoes upon him).
4. Ted Baker sweatshirt cardigan (over $60 off) – I literally have to wrestle this off my husband in order to wash it every so often, he’s that attached to it! His office allows sweats and hoodies (and has a keg, and vending machines that dispense alcohol…but that’s another story), but a silhouette like this just looks more put-together, especially for client meetings. Comfort is not sacrificed as this is made of a part sweater, part sweatshirt material with little details like buttoned pockets. Ted Baker sizing is a little odd, but Nick wears a size 2 / small.
A few other suggestions from the Men’s #Nsale selection:
– For delicate pieces like the Ted Baker cardigan, I put them in the hand wash cycle inside this wash bag (love the roomy size), which lets water flow easily yet protects the garment. I usually use The Laundress delicates wash but recently got the Nordstrom version, which is less than half the price ($7 vs $17 for the smaller 16 oz size) and comes in a fragrance-free version. After washing, make sure to lay sweaters flat on a mesh drying rack and avoid the machine dryer!
– For guys who need to dress more formally: one of Allen Edmund’s most popular shoe styles is included at nearly $150 off, and Ferragamo’s signature reversible belt is part of the sale at $85 off.
– Cedar shoe trees – these are included in each year’s Anniversary sale, and are a must for guys who care about their shoes. Absorbs moisture, check. Absorbs yucky odors, check. Keeps the shoe shapely, check. These appear to be very well made with an expandable toe width and a “spring-to-fit length” mechanism. Nick has both Med and Large shoe trees for his size
10.5-11 shoes, depending on how snug he wants the trees to fit inside. I’ve heard these are made by the same company as the Allen Edmunds shoe trees but are half the price.
– Sperry chambray sneakers – An “adult Vans,” as perfectly put by a reviewer.
– Steve Madden boots – These look like a classic chukka boot, which Nick usually lives in during Spring and Fall.
Ending this post with some gems I found on my camera, courtesy of my husband who apparently turns into a 12-year old when he has to be in front of the lens…
I gotta show this to my guy! I especially like the North Face Jacket.
Annie | Petite&Minimal;
I saw Zella 'Live In' Crop Leggings in the anniversary sale! Some reviews say the sizing differs from the full-length leggings, however.
I saw Zella 'Live In' Crop Leggings also in the Anniversary sale! Some reviews are saying the sizing differs from the full length, unfortunately.
Thanks so much for the great suggestions for men's wear. My husband seems to have the same style as your husband and loved the ted baker sweatshirt cardigan and sperry boat shoes!
Ahahaha, what an adorable (and useful) post. Now I will go pick up a few things for the person in my life who refuses to shop for himself 🙂
And I just love those photos at the end. Nick should be congratulated on his masterful trolling (and apparent mastery of the duckface)…you should get him to channel his inner Zoolander more often! Hilarious!!
That photo of you two is the cutest!
Jen | affecionada
Hi! They are Uniqlo "dry ex" workout shorts.
I live by YouTube workouts. Blogilates is my personal favorite because she is so peppy and her workouts range in easy to intense, but if you search for certain things like "10 minute abs" or "weightless arm workouts" there are so many good options on there that you can do quickly at home!
I feel the same way when in-stores! Thank goodness for online shopping where you can filter by price and size…
Hi Anu – always lovely to hear from you!
trout pout – I don't think I've heard that one before, but it is perfectly descriptive!
I just looked and am so sad to see it no longer seems to be an option! It seems they are constantly adding in and rotating the customization options, so maybe it will come back.
Glad to hear you feel the same way : ) Now if only they will make the original live-ins in different lengths!
You guys are beautiful together! Love this post, my boyfriend is always asking when he can be on my blog haha
xox Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Comfy can also be for the girls! But of course we will bare that extra bit occasionally to look pretty! The photos are good as always!
xx Margaret
http://www.maleemaleehong.com
The "adult vans" and sweatshirt cardigan sounds like something my husband needs in his closet! My husband prizes comfort over style even more than I do…so this is a good mix of both 🙂 Dying over the last set of pics lol!!!!
Great post ! 🙂
Jillian – http://www.cupofcharisma.com
Who makes Nick's black shorts? …Thanks!
Great picks:P
Shall We Sasa
Now I really need to try the Zella leggings! Any tips for quick workouts ?
Great photos! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hahahaha Nick's faces at the end prove he's DA coolest 😛
Definitely good to have a place to start for the NSale for my boyfriend, as we both get very overwhelmed at big department stores!
This post was so cute! I love the first photos and your outfit. Nick's favorites are so minimalistic and classic!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
What a summer man – you both look lovely 🙂 –Anu from Finland
These are some good ideas for my hubster! TY
I like the trout pout pics at the end, good sense of humor LOL
Hi Jean, love the post! Do you know if the marble print is still available for the nike soles?
wow Amazing style
http://www.multidesigning.com
Such cute and sleek look for men. So man great pieces! 🙂
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Thanks for recommending the Zella leggings! I LOVE them and am ordering another pair. I know why they call it "live in" now…