Last fall, I talked a bit about the “uniform”: your go-to outfit staple.
You know, when you’re in a rush and not sure what to wear before you head out the door for another mundane Monday. Your weekends should have uniforms too, so you can pack in five minutes, throw your toothbrush in your back pocket and skip town for a few days. The spring and summer seasons call for those spur-of-the-moment getaways to the cabin, countryside or lakeside. Be prepared.
My spring uniform consists of a denim shirt, a light-weight sweater and not-so-blue-jeans.
Layer and unlayer as needed until the temp hits that point-of-no-return muggy Midwest swelter we all know and love/hate.
Jeff has declared that this is his new summer blazer. Would you wear it?
Look, we’re feeling guilty that we haven’t posted in two full weeks. It’s one part being busy with real life, but it’s two parts working on awesome stuff to come in the next fortnight or so. Stuff like an online shopping hitlist, shirt reviews, a giveaway, and more.
Don’t miss it.
But in the meantime, here’s a quick scan of relevant news and sales across the Interwebs. Knock yourselves out!
One of our favorite editors, Shani Silver, asked us to put together a spring do/don’t guide for Chicago dudes. It’s up today. (Refinery 29)
A week too late to be of any help for my suit-buying excursion, GQ came out with the most comprehensive guide to buying a suit we’ve seen in a while. During an informal poll, 100 percent of our lady friends agreed that this is the most important thing men need to know about dressing these days. Repeat: No more baggy suits! (GQ.com)
SALES! Tally-ho!
Up to 50% off at the J.Crew Factory. (J.Crew) UPDATE: Extra 30% off with code SHOPNOW. (Thanks, Tyler.)
A bevy of awesome gear at Huckberry, including bullet-shaped headphones (take 30%), swim trunks (take 40%), running sandals (?!) (take 20%) and stainless steel combs from Chicago (take 20%). Go get ‘em! (Huckberry)
Lands’ End Canvas is having a spring sale. Take an extra 20% off items already on sale. (Lands’ End Canvas)
Speaking of Lands’ End, they’re hosting an event in Chicago this coming Thursday. We’ll be there talking shop with J Henley (the men’s design director), and we’d love to see you. Here are the details:
We’ve got links galore. Seeing as the work week is pretty much over, make it look like you’re being productive with this “research.” Oh, and there’s even some sale intel at the end. Ch-ch-check it.
An Aussie’s read on the dilemma of American pants: The nation needs to tighten up the crotch a bit. [Park & Bond]
Turns out, David Beckham is a pretty down to earth guy. Talented athlete, stand-up husband, caring father and…underwear designer. Mr. Blasberg sheds some light on these skivvies. [Mr. Blasberg]
“I look like an apple left in the back of the van for all of July.” Also, does the fist-to-elbow really work for people? Some relatively insightful thoughts on age, personal style and what goes with that. (Raises glass) To Peacocking! [via Selectism]
Do you know the key to recovery after bawling your eyes out so it looks like you never did? Let someone your younger sister’s age tell you the facts, friends. I mean, not that you’re crying or anything. [RookieMag]
Savannah Kvist asked Swedish college students to cram everything they own in a pile. The sculptures were fascinating and brings a question to mind, “Could I do that?” Yes, I do actually. Just look in my room right now. [Inhabit]
Psst: Sale! The dudes at Huckberry are at it again (as they are every week). Here’s what’s up now:
KNIVES. These are dope. The designer at Big Rock Forge designs and smelts these babies himself. Get ‘em.
TOMAHAWKS. From Base Camp X. For 10% off. I mean, come on.
CAMPING GEAR. Are you sensing a theme yet? This time 24–40% off from Alite Designs. Get some.
Go ahead and get your comments out of the way with “Put a bird on it!“
Bring it on.
When I walked into the London store, I saw one of the sales associates wearing this shirt and asked if they had my size is stock. Bummed that they didn’t have my size to try, the guy took the shirt off his back and let me give it a go.
Talk about customer service, people.
The shirt has an interesting story behind it as well:
The Jackdaw print was created by Edwyn Collins, best known for his hit ‘A Girl Like You.’ A former member of the band Orange Juice, Collins suffered from a double brain hemorrhage in 2005. As part of his rehabilitation, Collins created these individual illustrations. Having heard his story, Liberty immortalized his illustrations for SS12.
It’s rad when brands develop product with a story behind it.
Here’s an all-points bulletin. You don’t have to be among the freshly admitted undergrad masses roaming college campuses with North Face backpacks. (Can I get a witness on them Jansport ‘packs, too?) It may also be time to retire the ratty patches and band pins from your more angst-filled youth.
We sent help. If a tote or a messenger bag isn’t your jam and you like to be hands free, throw one of these backpacks over your shoulders for your daily commute.
But before you scroll, can we talk about one-shoulder backpacks?
They just don’t make sense. It’s like wearing a jacket with one sleeve.
I already have a minor case of scoliosis; do I really need to further that curvature? Hell no.
I digress.
Here are our picks for this spring. They’re across a variety of price points, and they’re organized in no particular hierarchy. I should add the disclaimer that some of these should be filed under “pure fantasy” (cc: the Billykirk rucksack at the smooth total of $440)—at least until we all get jobs managing hedge funds.
Top row:
Convertible backpack ($240) by Beams Plus x Kelty, available at Mr. Porter
“Kanken” 15-inch laptop bag ($110) by Fjall Raven, available at Need Svpply
“Little America” 20-oz backpack ($140) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Need Svpply
Rucksack ($440) by Opening Ceremony x Billykirk, available at Opening Ceremony
Bottom row:
“Pathfinder Wanderer” ($175) by Duluth Pack , available at Duluth Pack
Digital camo backpack ($60) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Urban Outfitters
“Scoutmaster” laptop pack ($175) by Duluth Pack, available at Duluth Pack
Canvas rucksack ($260) by Filson, available at Park & Bond
I’ve toyed with each of these and haven’t made my decision on what I’m gonna sling over my shoulders once warmer weather makes afternoon sessions at the beach regular occurrences. I’m sporting this rucksack right now and it’s on its last leg.
Colin Firth-Yes! Finally rustic style backpacks post! I have been searching for a pack like that for a while. Im enjoying your blog and know I follow it!
Bill-I snagged this John Varvatos canvas and leather rucksack on sale in the fall and use it almost daily.
golb0016-I’m a big fan of Duluth Pack. They make a high quality bags that look great. If you’re willing to spend a little more, it’s worth it.
Matt-I love this bag so much. Used it every chance I’ve got during travel/everyday (laptop, cameras, etc). It’s a tad pricey but honestly will last me forever.
by Jeffrey
Dan - This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. Mandy Catez - You definitely need your toothbrush especially if your going on a trip.
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The Superbite - I love your wingtips.
Excellent blog, I’m following you on Twitter!
http://thesuperbite.co.uk
themodernminion - I’m digging that dirty knapsack myself.