We’re doing a few hundred orders a month and ShipStation’s pricing is starting to feel steep once you factor in everything. Looking for something that still has good Shopify integration and rate shopping but doesn’t scale the fees as aggressively.
What are people switching to?
work gala tonight, wore my burgundy suit with a black tie and black cap toes cause i wanted it to feel sharp without going too colorful overall. i love this suit so much i wear it every chance i get honestly.
now im questioning if black tie with a suit this color just looks mismatched and i shoulda gone grey or charcoal instead.
curious if anyone's actually done this combo and it worked?
Client dinner tomorrow night, nothing crazy, but i had this charcoal 3 piece sitting in my closet from HM Cole and figured why not. love this suit, its probably my favorite one i own. no tie yet but i got one in my pocket incase i chicken out.
Vest and all just for a regular dinner feels like a lot now that im standing here. does this read "put together" or "this guy thinks its a board meeting"
btw yes I will be wearing shoes...
got invited to a charity gala with a black-tie optional dresscode. I own a forest green pinstripe suit with black satin peak lapels. picked it up from H.M. Cole and it's honestly one of my favourite things I own. basically a tux in everything but colour, and I want to wear it but I'm not sure if the green crosses a line or its too much.
I'd be wearing it with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie exactly as shown. to me it reads formal because of the lapels and the bow tie but the colour makes me think some people might not read it as black-tie adjacent.
is green a reasonable choice for a black-tie optional event or is this better saved for something where I have more creative freedom?
Moving to Lisbon for three months then Barcelona for three months from September. Will be working remotely, need a backpack that handles daily laptop carry, occasional weekend travel, and doesn't look out of place in a co-working space or a client video call background.
Weight and daily comfort matter more than travel optimization for this use case since I'll be wearing it every day rather than just on travel days. Horizn Studios Gion Backpack Travel is on my list for the clean aesthetic and recycled nylon construction. Peak Design 20L is another one for the more considered organization. Aer City Pack 2 for something more structured for daily commuting.
For six months of daily carry which matters more, organization depth or build quality and material durability? And is a travel-positioned backpack like the Gion actually comfortable for daily commuting or is it better suited to travel days specifically?
going to a friend's art gallery opening next month and I want to make an impression without looking like I'm trying too hard.
I have an olive brown western custom suit from H.M. Cole that I love and I've been experimenting with pairing it with my burgundy cowboy boots and glasses. on me it feels like a cool creative look but I genuinely can't tell if it's going to land or if I'm going to show up looking unhinged.
the vibe of the event is upscale-ish but definitely not black tie. think wine, local artists, creative crowd. would this fly or should I swap out the boots for something more traditional?
Suit I got from black lapel fits well, colour is neutral, texture is subtle. But law firms are conservative and most guys show up in navy or charcoal for a reason.
Is this the kind of place where standing out a little works in your favour, or do I just play it safe?
Sick of buying a "decent" suitcase every couple years only to have the wheels give out or the shell crack after one rough baggage handler encounter.
Want something that's genuinely built to hold up for decades, not just positioned that way in the marketing. Hard shell preferred, doesn't need to look fancy, just needs to survive real travel without falling apart.
Happy to spend more upfront if the durability is legitimate and not just a talking point. Suggestions?
Edit: After a ton of research I'm pulling the trigger on the Horizn Studios H6 Pro. German brand, the shell uses a higher grade polycarbonate compared to most other luggage on the market, and they back it with a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects for as long as you own it. One catch: you need to register it within 30 days of purchase for the warranty to apply. Tracked down a few owners who've had theirs for 3+ years with serious frequent flyer mileage and the structure has held up well. The main complaint across the board is surface scratching over time, but that seems unavoidable on any hard shell. Matte finishes handle it better than glossy ones visually. Worth mentioning the warranty doesn't cover airline damage specifically since that falls on the airline to sort out, but for actual product longevity and defect coverage it reads like the real thing rather than a marketing checkbox.
borrowed a friend's clamshell travel backpack and now I can't use a top loader for trips. packing cubes actually work when everything lays flat instead of stacking vertically. seems obvious in retrospect.
looked at a few options. Peak Design and Aer both have solid clamshell layouts. the Horizn Gion Backpack Travel opens suitcase-style, dividers are positioned for flat packing, shell holds its shape well because of tarpaulin reinforcement on the base. the material is recycled nylon, water resistant, post-consumer waste sourcing.
the SoFo line is a different direction entirely, waxed cotton canvas, rolltop closure, no zipper to fail. heavier and more structured, develops a patina over time.
has anyone used either for mixed business and personal travel? specifically how they hold up going in and out of overhead bins regularly.
do a lot of client-facing travel for work, mostly 3-5 day trips with meetings and dinners. taken me a while to dial this in but feels pretty close now. curious what this crowd would add or swap out.
running a two-bag setup:
clothes: 2 button downs, knit polo, blazer (worn on plane), 2 trousers, jeans for evenings, dress shoes worn + sneakers packed, gym kit
tech: laptop + charger, anker 20W, airpods pro, portable battery
other: bellroy toiletry kit, coleman freeflow water bottle, notebook
what's the non-obvious thing that made a difference for you on trips like this?d if anything is missing that makes this smoother.
Interested in the stuff that isn't obvious!
I have a final round interview coming up for a VP of operations role at a mid-sized tech company. the office culture seems pretty business casual from what I can tell on linkedin but this is a senior role and I want to make the right impression.
I'm planning to wear my dark navy self stripe suit. had it made at H.M. Cole a while back and it's always been my go-to. wearing it with a white dress shirt. main question is whether to add a tie or not.
also open to feedback on whether this suit is the right call at all or if I should go with something lighter given it's tech. posting a fit pic for reference.
ps. yes dw I will be wearing shoes… lol
Coming over for 2weeks next month, first time in KL. Staying in KLCC with a few day trips out. Trying to do it carry-on only… which means I need some tips from locals.
Laundry is cheap and everywhere? This should be no problem, right?
Clothing for the ac. I keep seeing that inside is freezing even though outdoors is 32c. Is a light layer even necessary?
Dress codes. I'd like to visit some mosques and I'm not clear on what's expected versus what's provided on site. Also whether there's anywhere else, restaurants or otherwise, where shorts would be a problem?
Rain. It looks like I'm arriving in a wetter stretch. Is it the kind of rain where an umbrella is Shoes. Assuming sandals are the sensible primary and sneakers are the backup rather than the other way round, but happy to be told otherwise.
Anything else visitors consistently under or overpack for KL specifically? And anything worth just buying there rather than bringing. I’m trying to stuff everything into a carry on (Horizn H5 Air), so keep that in mind lol.
Appreciate any input.
this comes up a lot so heres the short version without the fashion blog fluff.
notch lapel is your everyday suit, business meetings, most weddings as a guest, basically the default and nobody will ever think twice about it.
peak lapel is more formal/assertive, works great on double breasted, good if youre the one getting married or want the suit to read a little sharper. can look try hard on a first job interview though, context matters.
shawl lapel is basically tuxedo only, dont wear it on a regular business suit or it reads costume-y. if youre doing black tie this is your lapel.
one thing that trips people up, lapel width should roughly match your build and the era look youre going for. skinny lapels on a bigger guy just draws attention to proportions being off. not a rule, just something to actually try on before buying.
curious what other people go with day to day, feel like peak lapel is underused for how good it looks
Im getting long in the tooth and the weight gain has been coming on steadily and slowly. I got high BP and a little sleep apnea which is connected to the weight gain, at least what the doc says.
Metabolism is different, schedule is different, recovery is different. I know diet is the most important factor in losing weight, but I dont have the greatest structure or even know where to start. I heard good things about Jenny Craig or Awaken180. Alot of folks our age with great results.
Curious has anyone tried these programs? are there any alternatives to try besides a structured weightloss program?
Bought two backpacks in the last year where the laptop sleeve looked fine in product photos but turned out to be poorly padded, too loose, or positioned in a way that made the bag rear heavy. starting to think laptop compartment quality is impossible to evaluate without handling the bag in person.
Three things I've started checking whether the base of the sleeve has proper padding since drops happen and the bottom takes the impact. Whether the sleeve is suspended off the base of the bag so the laptop doesn't hit the ground if you set the bag down hard. And whether the sleeve is at the back panel for better weight distribution and security line access.
horizn studios Gion positions the laptop sleeve at the back panel which seems right for both reasons. Aer also does this well. Not sure about osprey line? The bags I've had issues with had the laptop sitting loosely in the main compartment.
Are there other specs I should be checking that aren't obvious from product listings?
Had a wheel snap clean off on day 4 of a two week trip so I spent the entire afternoon trying to find a repair shop instead of doing literally anything else.
I never want to make this mistake again. Some suitcases have the wheel unit riveted or molded into the shell as one sealed piece and others apparently use a screw-mounted cassette style wheel that you can actually swap out yourself or get replaced.
Anyone know which brands actually design for this? briggs & riley apparently ship replacement wheels under warranty. looked into away and tumi but couldn't tell if their wheels are actually built to be replaced or if you're just stuck once they go. horizn seems to do it right as they design their wheels specifically to be swapped out, and they also have a self repair option where they will send spare parts with instructions if you want to do it yourself.
Not asking for recs necessarily, more trying to understand what to look for so this never happens again and are they actually durable if they’re meant to be swapped?
Starting a new corporate job in a few weeks and I need to build out a business casual wardrobe that looks professional but won't fall apart after six months.
Budget is flexible dont mind spending alot if the quality is worth it.
Is it better to go RTW and tailor afterward, or just start with custom from the beginning? Appreciate any recs.
Edit: I ended up booking a consultation today with H.M. Cole. today.
Luckily they have a location in Denver (where I live). Appointment was no pressure. The clothier walked me through exactly what I needed for a business casual wardrobe and helped me prioritize without overbuying.
Entry level custom suits started just under $1k. For shirts and trousers, prices are reasonable too. If you're near one of their locations, worth the appointment just to understand what fits your body properly.
I almost didn't share this because I'm a pretty private guy, but someone told me my story might help somebody else, so here it goes.
The before photo is me last year. The after is from a recent trip. I'm 63. I work a rotating shift schedule that most people would use as a permanent excuse, and honestly I did for years too. Wierd hours with no routine and constantly tired. I told myself it just wasn't possible for someone like me and that it just comes with age.
My lowest I was on blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, insulin, and sleeping with a CPAP every night. I was tired all the time, and not just physically. It was taking a bit on my mental as well.
Not too long ago, I committed to a structured 14 week program. Something with actual coaching and a real plan built around my life. Result were 60 pounds lost and I've been able to reduce my BP meds, my cholesterol meds, and my insulin. I also haven't touched my CPAP in months. My energy is genuinely different. I've moved up at work because of it.I thought this window had closed for me, but it hadn’t and it hasn’t for you, either. Just gotta take action and commit!
Happy to answer questions.
Kept it smart but not overly stuffy. No tie, just a black lapel pin to add a little personality. Feels like the right balance of polished and approachable.
Interviewing for a senior account manager role at a mid-size firm downtown. Didn't want to go full suit and look like I'm trying too hard, but wanted to show I take it seriously. This felt right.
Any feedback welcome. first real interview in 3 years so trying not to overthink the fit lol
EDIT: Got a ton of DMs asking about the blazer. picked it up through H.M. Cole, they do custom menswear and the fit is obviously tailored. Worth every penny.
Trying to go full carry on only this year. Done with checked bags. Need a backpack that fits overhead bins on most airlines, has a laptop compartment, and can handle 5-7 days of clothes if you pack smart.
Not looking for hiking gear aesthetic. Something that works in a city and an office.
Edit: after a lot of back and forth between this and the Aer Travel Pack, going with the Horizn Studios Gion Backpack Travel. The recycled nylon construction and the way the compartments are laid out made the difference. Fits 15 inch laptop, and im pretty sure passes as a personal item on most carriers, and doesn't scream "I'm a digital nomad” lol