Things I like this month - January 2026
'Things I Like This Month,' is a monthly newsletter where I share things I genuinely like or that stood out to me and felt worth talking about.
Everything you read in this article is my honest opinion, and nothing is paid for. I’m always excited to see new quality products and discover new brands or makers, so I’m always very happy when you guys send me suggestions or something you think I might like.
Myrqvist Duved Boots
Over the last couple of weeks we experienced proper winter. The temperatures weren’t as low for almost a decade, so I think I got used to milder winters, where a pair of boots or derbies was more than enough. But these past few weeks made me look for some proper winter boots, and the style that I like a lot and think works best with casual outfits is the old-school hiking boot.
This is a style where proportions play a crucial role in whether the pair will work for me or not. If the toebox is too round and the whole shoe is too wide, they will be too bulky, which makes you look like you’re heading on a winter expedition no matter what you wear. But if the shoe is slimmed down and has good proportions, it can actually look pretty sleek and add a bit of winter vibe to your outfit, without transforming you into a winter explorer.
When I first saw the official photos of the Myrqvist Duved in Taupe, I thought this color was almost perfect for casual looks, but unfortunately they seemed a bit too bulky. But when I saw them in person, I changed my mind. When properly laced, they actually look pretty sleek, and this color is really perfect for casual looks, especially, if like myself, you wear ecru or light blue jeans a lot.
You can currently get them with a 15% discount, and they’re also available in dark brown suede, black waxed suede, and black grain calf.
Blackhorse Lane E6 Wide Straight Jeans
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is a London-based denim brand, and they focus on jeans and heritage workwear pieces. Their workshop is in London as well, and all their denim products are made there. While I was in London last month, I visited their shop in Coal Drops Yard, where I met Illya Sobtchak, who is the head of marketing and production. He showed me around and explained what makes their jeans different and walked me through their products.
Brexit made buying British products a lot more complicated, so if I’m not completely sure about the fit, I like to try things on in person first. I tried on the E6 Wide Straight model that I had my eyes on for quite some time, because the proportions seemed great based on the measurements chart. I’m glad I did, because I had to size down to get the perfect fit in the waist, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, as I was afraid the thigh might be too tight in that size. The E6 model has a well-proportioned cut with generous room through the leg, so it’s perfect for everyone with stronger legs. The leg opening is well balanced, so there is not too much taper, and the denim has a very nice drape. The craftsmanship and the quality of these jeans are really at the highest level.
Down Jackets
Down Jackets
Because it was so cold lately, I wore my Frizmworks Karakoram jacket often, as it’s easier to just take a down jacket, than to put on multiple layers when I have to go out to run some errands. And even though I love this classic orange Karakoram jacket style, sometimes I want something a bit more neutral.
I also have a beige Rocky Mountain Christy Jacket, and I love it. Even though I usually prefer lighter colors, this winter I realized I’d like to have a darker option as well (or should I say I need one, just to justify it).
I mostly wear earth tones during winter, so I know I want something that would work well with this palette. A few weeks ago, Crescent Down Works released their version of the Karakoram Parka - it’s called the Avventura Down Parka. This shade of tan is already dark enough to create good contrast with ecru trousers, and light enough that it works really well with washed jeans as well.
I also really like the Presena Down Expedition Parka from Shangri-La Heritage, and this olive version is a great option if you want something darker, or the Pied-de-Poule, which is a bit lighter. There is also another, slightly more rugged version of a winter parka from Rocky Mountain Featherbed, which looks really cool. Buck Mason released their version of this parka a couple of weeks ago (and it is by now almost completely sold out).
I’m not sure if I want another parka, I’m actually thinking about another Rocky Mountain Featherbed Christy jacket (I’m eyeing the olive version), which is not as versatile, but I love the aesthetics of these western-style down jackets.
Labowtique Bow Tie
I didn’t wear bow ties much in the past, but lately it felt like the right time to change that. After a couple of creative black tie events, I realized that the right bow tie will make the difference and can definitely elevate the whole outfit. And when you want the finest bow tie, there is only one option - Labowtique.
When I was in London, I got the chance to visit Mickael in his atelier where he showed me all the styles he offers, explained how different sizes and shapes complement different faces, and helped me pick the style that works best for me based on my preferences. I ended up with the Brandon, because I wanted something a bit bigger, to give it a bit of a vintage vibe.
Since I came so last minute and also needed a jacket that evening, he looked through his samples to find one that fit me well, so I could borrow it for the occasion. I know I was very lucky that he had the time and was so generous, but I wanted to mention it, so you can understand what type of man he is - he will always do his best to accommodate the client.
Mickael started La Bowtique in 2011. Before that, he spent more than a decade in bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring on Savile Row. His passion for black tie made him realize that there were basically no high-quality bow ties on the market, so he decided to make his own. Today his bow ties are arguably the best in the world. He makes bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces. In almost 15 years he has developed many different shapes and styles, and now has a catalogue of over 20 ready-to-wear models. He now offers a full black-tie experience, so not only bow ties, but also bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring (specializing in evening wear), as well as cummerbunds, braces, and socks. Mickael even wrote a book about evening wear titled Modern Black Tie: A Guide. So if you’re looking for the nicest bow tie, special evening attire, or a unique dinner jacket, I highly suggest getting in touch with him.
Peplord The Passenger Tote Bag
While visiting Florence I had a chance to see Peplord’s products again. I checked out all the pieces I hadn’t had the chance to see last summer, and also a few new designs he created since. There are a few new pieces that really speak to me, like the Maxence Jacket, and the new suit-carrier is really perfect (coming soon). But by now you are probably already familiar with my love for tote bags, so the Passenger Tote is still the piece that fascinates me the most. I saw it already last summer, and I had to see it again to make sure it was as good as I remembered. After seeing it again, I actually like it even more. There is something unique about the old linen fabric he used for the bag, paired with the naturally tanned leather, but you have to see it in person to understand. The shape, proportions, and details of this bag are all perfect, and the two large front pockets are very practical, but also make this bag very unique, and in my opinion, even more beautiful. There is however, one thing I would change, or should I say add - a laptop sleeve on the inside, so I could use it without carrying a laptop in the sleeve. (I haven’t spoken with Giuseppe about this yet, but I’m almost sure it would be possible to do that)
For those who are still not familiar with the brand: Peplord is a relatively young brand based in Florence, heavily inspired by Mediterranean culture and the stories of curious explorers who travel far and wide in search of wonder. Giuseppe is the man behind the brand, and he draws inspiration from the antique beauty of forms and harmony, and the tales of travelers and explorers. But he is also a man with exquisite taste, and his attention to detail shows not only in each piece he designs, but also in the materials he chooses. When you speak with him, you can notice his passion for deadstock fabrics from the previous century, and his obsession with finding and using the most unique ones - because the look, the feel, and how they age is what makes his products so special. He is really committed to preserving the traditions of long-standing craftsmanship in a sustainable way, so all his products are handmade locally, within a few kilometers of Florence, using techniques passed down through generations.
My New Made-to-Measure Suits from Poszetka
I ordered two new made-to-measure suits from Poszetka this winter and they arrived just before Pitti. I wanted two winter suits - one that would serve as the ultimate winter suit, and another that would be more relaxed, but still very elegant.
For the first one, I went with chocolate corduroy and a classic 6x2 double-breasted cut, and for the other one I chose beige flannel with a 6x1 double-breasted cut. Both are double-breasted because I think this style fits my body type better. I’m really happy with how both turned out, but to be honest, I prefer the beige flannel one.
I picked a very elegant chocolate corduroy from Caccioppoli Napoli, which is a bit stiffer than the average corduroy that most people are used to. The suit turned out a bit more serious than I expected - not visually, because I really like how it looks, but more in how it feels. It might also be that I just don’t feel as comfortable in such a dark outfit, so I think this will be a suit I use for more formal occasions.
The beige suit is a complete contrast - this one just feels like me. The wool and cashmere fabric from Ariston Napoli is super comfortable and drapes beautifully, and the 6x1 cut might suit me even better than the 6x2. I know this suit will get a lot of wear, and I’m already looking forward to wearing it again this week!
Their made-to-measure service is currently only available in-store, but you can check out their ready-to-wear suit here.
Fortela Mallory Merino Wool High Neck Sweater
I struggle to find knitwear that fits me well in the chest and shoulders and isn’t too long or too boxy in the body. This Mallory rollneck from Fortela fits me better than any knitwear I’ve ever tried on - the proportions and the width feel almost like it was made for me. But is it perfect? Almost. I would prefer it to be slightly shorter, but I understand this is almost impossible for ready-to-wear knitwear, especially since I size up from the average size for my height because of my stronger upper body.
But it’s not just the fit that I like so much, it’s also the texture and the details - it’s really a beautiful, well-made sweater. A unique detail is the pocket square which is uncommon in knitwear. In most cases I would prefer not to have it, but here I think it actually complements the sweater. It adds a vintage touch to it, which makes it even more casual.
I got it in ecru, but it also comes in navy and grey (which I also like a lot!). I wear a size L.
Saint Crispin's "Winter Chukka" Tobacco Brown Suede - Exclusive Michal Jondral Made-to-Order
I don’t believe you need to have “the best” of everything, especially considering that what is “the best” is very subjective in classic menswear. Of course if you can afford to always buy the most expensive pieces and think they’re worth it, go for it. But I usually look for well-made, quality products that are also a good value.
But sometimes you come across a product that just speaks to you - something very special that ticks all the boxes. In these rare cases, I think it’s worth making an exception. If you can afford it, turn off your rational side, because these are usually the pieces that bring you the most joy.
I think these Saint Crispin's "Winter Chukka" boots in Tobacco Brown Suede, lined with lambskin shearling are one of those special pieces. Everything about this shoe is perfect - the shape, the color, the materials, and the execution. It’s a classic suede chukka boot, with a slightly pointier but still casual shape on a rubber sole, crafted from the finest materials. The lambskin shearling lining and 360° storm-welted sole are final touches that make this shoe unique and really special. This pair also reflects the impeccable taste of Michal Jondral, who runs one of the most finely curated menswear shops in the world.
Is there anything that caught your attention this month? Let me know in the comments.
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'Things I Like This Month,' is a monthly newsletter where I share things I genuinely like or that stood out to me and felt worth talking about.