Having heard the buzz around Haberdash Men’s Shop, I’d been planning to stop by for a while. I finally got my chance last week, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

I got to spend a good amount of time chatting with Adam Beltzman, the owner and manager of Haberdash. Adam’s vision is simple: he realizes that guys in Chicago aren’t looking at the label (for the most part). They’re looking at the style, the fit, and most likely the price. Adam takes a similar approach in his vision for Haberdash. Instead of worrying about what big names they’re carrying, Adam concerns himself with what looks good.

But that’s not to say they aren’t carrying some great labels. On the same rack you’ll find Gitman Vintage, Gant, and Rag & Bone, alongside their own private line of shirts in collaboration with Gitman Bros. Not to mention some fantastic offerings from Timberland Boot Company and Tretorn, amongst others.

Haberdash also has custom suits, a loyalty program, and just about everything else you could ask for in a men’s boutique. Keep your eyes on this one, guys. I know I will.

Below are some photos I took on my field trip, or you can check out the full set on Flickr.

I’m fresh off a trip from New York, where I stopped by the Pop Up Flea organized by Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean. So it seems only appropriate that I hear news today that ACL is opening shop on its… well, shop.

The new ACL & Co. Shop offers Harris herringbone tweed laptop bags, Billykirk canvas briefcases, and other exceptionally well-made items hand picked by Mr. Americana himself.

Almost all of the items are handmade in the USA, limited-edition kinds of gear, so they tend to run on the expensive side. Guess you’ve got some things to ask for for Christmas.

A boutique known for trying to put a modern spin on the old idea of a haberdashery, Haberdash Men’s Shop is not to be overlooked. And to make sure of it, they’re holding a Grand Re-Launch Event this evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm with Men’s Book.

Those who attend will receive a $50 Gift Card to use toward a minimum $100 purchase. Not too shabby.

Although I usually shy away from places describing themselves as “hip”, HALO [FOR MEN] does offer Chicago men a place to get groomed without being surrounded by floral patterns or celebrity gossip (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Now they’ve combined forces with Thrillist to offer a $50 gift certificate giveaway, where you can a hot lather shave, The Man (their signature haircut), or a “grooming of your hands and feet”–which sounds disturbingly like a mani-pedi.

If their line of pants is any measurement, these polos should be excellent fitting. It begs the question: what is next on Bonobos’ ambitious agenda?

By the way, did you know that not only does Bonobos make great products, they have a Band of Brothers program that gives discounts to men who have chosen service-oriented professions such as teaching? That is my kind of company.

(Remember: if you’re a new customer, you can get a 15% discount with the promo code ‘theexceptionalman’. You’re welcome.)

The denim world is a-buzz right now over Raleigh Denim, a North Carolina-based company run by the husband and wife team Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko. They’ve built a loyal following among denimphiles for a few reasons, not the least of which is the fact that from design to construction, all the work is done by hand by Victor, Sarah and a small staff from their workshop in Raleigh. Not to mention the fact that 98% of what goes into the company’s jeans are from North Carolina.

In Chicago, you can pick up a pair at Barney’s. With all the buzz surrounding them, I’m at least going to check them out next time I’m there. In the meantime, if you happen across a pair, want to share your thoughts?

(PS, The featured photo is not an actual pair of Raleigh Denim jeans. I couldn’t find any good photos that wouldn’t have to be stolen off of someone else’s site – a practice I am not into. Instead, for some great photos and more info on the company, I would check out the post on Raleigh at A Continuous Lean.)

Update: New photo is actually of Raleigh Denim, courtesy of A Continuous Lean. I did still only borrow one photo however, so I would still check out the post mentioned previously.

With this being high fashion’s defining moment and all, we were bound to see some experimentation. Ralph Lauren takes it to new levels with the recently released Make Your Own Rugby [iTunes link].

The app allows the user to start from scratch with their own blank rugby shirt, polo, sweater or jacket, and make designs from there. You can even upload a photo of yourself so that you can see you trying it on. From there you can add crests, football themed patches, or for authenticity, skulls.

Then the uniqueness of this app really starts to kick in. Once you have your design set, you have many more options than just purchasing. You can choose to have your design displayed for browsing by other users, email it to friends, even connect with Facebook to share it there.

Given the mess the fashion industry seems to find itself in, it makes sense that the usually highly secretive industry would branch out and find new ways to connect with consumers, especially using social media channels. I wonder what new things we can expect next.

I’m a big fan of companies who are not only making great products, but they’re doing good. And not just on the side – doing good is part of who they are. TOMS Shoes is one such company.

For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. And with the new line of Cordones (read: with laces), they may be the perfect pair of casual shoes for the Fall.

A way to look good while doing good? Yes, please.

If you’ve ever had a desire to dress vintage but have had a hard time finding authentic vintage items (i.e. more than what’s labeled “vintage” at Urban Outfitters), you’re not alone. Enter Hickoree’s Hard Goods, a new site dedicated to bringing men classic clothing and accessories.

Of course some things offered are not exactly vintage, but have a vintage spirit. Take Portland General Store’s “Whiskey” Eau de Toilette for example. Not made in the 60s, but if Mad Men has taught us anything, who in the 60s didn’t smell like whiskey? [via Urban Daddy]

Cheeky little men’s pants maker Bonobos keeps getting better. They already have a reputation for being the tailored to perfection, holy grail of pants. After recently adding swim wear, now they’ve decided to give you a choice of straight leg or boot cut. Good call, guys.

Bonus: Enter the code ‘theexceptionalman’ at checkout and get %15 off your first order. I think you should.