Mr. Bjerknes's shirt collection

Mr. Bjerknes has developed an affection for slim-fitted dress shirts by Steven Alan and picks up a new $168 Reverse Seam Inside Pocket shirt every one or two months. After buying his first shirt this winter, he now owns 12 in a smattering of shades besides basic white, light blue and dark navy.

Still, Mr. Bjerknes's supply is limited. "If they went out of business and I spilled coffee on my white shirt, then I'd have a pretty big problem."

In addition to Steven Alan shirts, Mr. Bjerknes has two pairs of Gucci loafers (one in brown, one in black), two of the same suit jackets (in navy and in black) and a slew of Uniqlo gray socks that he buys in bulk every few months to replace socks lost at the laundry.

Mr. Bjerknes is fond of American Apparel as well, likening shopping for the basic cotton clothing to visiting the grocery store: "You know exactly what you're getting. It's like buying canned soup."