Monday, August 10, 2009

Safari shirts

I am probably behind the curve on this trend, but that's OK with me since I generally avoid trends. However, I have noticed bush/safari style shirts showing up lately, and frankly, I like 'em. With dove season quickly approaching, I think these would be a great option for the corn field.

While shirts with double chest pockets are pretty easy to find, I think that the epaulets really set the safari shirt apart, and as a result, they were the primary criteria in my selection (though I doubt that I would have any actual use for them). I also don't like the shirts with new-fangled zippers and extra pockets that some companies offer. No; I want just two pockets on the chest, buttons only. I was also only looking for long-sleeve versions. Here is what I found:

Cabela's Long-Sleeve Safari Shirt
Coming in at just $25.95 and available in six different colors (not that you really need more than khaki and possibly and olive one), this one from Cabela's is hard to beat. It comes in a 65% polyester/35% cotton blend, which seems to be pretty common for these shirts.


US Wings Khaki Shirt
If you want 100% cotton, look no further. This one is also available in a short-sleeve version, and at $33.95, it is still pretty reasonable. Made in the US, natch.


Lost Worlds Safari Bush Shirt
This is the ultimate version. A replica of the old Willis & Geiger safari shirt, this thing is about as authentic as your can get. I think that the large buttons really set this one apart from the other two. It is available in multiple fabrics and colors, though it will set you back a pretty penny at $165. Christmas is just around the corner though...



GAP Mens Club

Are you a guy between 25 and 35 years old? Are you cooler than me? If you are reading this, then most likely you are. If so, I'd like to suggest that you enter to become a member of the GAP Mens Club. A friend of mine, Matt Swanburg, works for GAP Corporate, and I figured I'd help him promote this. If you are one of the 30 people selected, GAP will send you a $250 gift card every quarter and then you get to go spend it and report back about your experience. I'm planning on entering myself, though considering my current employment status (that is, "un"), I'm not sure if I'm exactly what they're looking for. Anyways, details are below:


Earn $1000 in Gap giftcards for your time and feedback about our product.

Gap is recruiting 30 males between the ages of 25 – 35 from all across the country to share their shopping experiences with us. In exchange for your time and feedback, you will be given 4, $250 Gap gift cards throughout the year (a total of $1000) to be used on your new wardrobe.

If you fit our qualifications and are willing to put in the time commitment, please download and complete the questionnaire found at http://bit.ly/AAt3Z and submit your application.

We look forward to hearing from you.

QUALIFICATIONS
1 Male shopper between the ages of 25- 35
2 Not related to or living in the same household as a Gap Inc employee
3 Great communicator
4 Tech savvy – must be able to e-mail and take and send pictures electronically
5 Willingness to commit time and energy to the project
6 Desire to participate and give valuable feedback

TIME COMMITMENT
Initial questionnaire and pictures: 30 minutes
Quarterly Shopping Trips: 4 times per year (with gift card), 3 hours each
Monthly visit to store and post-visit feedback: 12 times per year, 1 hour each
Weekly Survey: 10 minutes to answer questions or give feedback
You Decide: Logging in to Google Group to leave feedback, ask questions, contact HQ employees

All applications must be received by Sunday, August 16th and we will send out notifications to those accepted by Tuesday, August 25th.