EDITION 4 - APRIl 2023
Issue # 4 - APRIL 2023
-
Issue # 4 - APRIL 2023 -
Hello, April - be good to us!
April is a weird month. It gets us out of the house and into the garden. The birds chirping and Masters on TV have us pushing the season to warmer weather. The weather begins to get us out of the house and into the garden. Or perhaps a run as Summer is around the corner and you know that shirts gotta come off at some point (🙋🏻♂️).
Whatever this time of year means to you, one thing is for sure; there will be a few showers, wind, mud, and days that are colder than you’d thought they were going to be.
Yet, it’s an exciting time for men’s style as well. Warm enough to don short sleeves (some days) and jackets on other days. So we need to have a nice dose of transitional pieces.
This month we’re exploring ideas to help you through those in-between days when the weather could go either way.
As with every edition, we’ll explore many topics, but keep this emoji ☔️ in mind.
☔️ will indicate some outdoor gear to keep you looking cool while keeping you dry.
Let’s get into it.
THE SOUNDTRACK
Following the theme of April, ASC member Mr. Brandon Cullen blessed us with a soundtrack for the changing of the seasons. Put on this Rain ☔️ mix and sink in.
It’s a smooth journey of trip-hop classics, perfect for a, you guessed it, rainy day. One of my favorites so far.
Enjoy!
About Brandon: In search of life’s [im]perfect soundtrack, Brandon brings an edgy approach to entrepreneurship through his valuable experience as a professional athlete turned business owner. Brandon hosts the entrepreneurial-inspired podcast PlayingGuilty and is the Co-Founder and Chief Concept Officer of MADabolic - the industry’s premiere strength-driven interval franchise.
DAVID’S 3 thoughts for APRIL 2023
Here are a few thoughts to consider DAILY this month. There are only 3 for a reason. Execute.
-
“Style is the answer to everything. A fresh way to approach a dull thing with style is preferable to doing a dangerous thing without it. To do a dangerous thing with style is what I call art…Boxing can be art. Loving can be art. Opening a can of sardines can be art…Not many have style. Not many can keep style…Style is the difference, a way of doing, a way of being done.” — Charles Bukowski.
How we do one thing is how we do everything, right? It’s a reminder that style isn’t an outfit. It’s much more than that. It’s an approach. It’s a foundational way of living. You have style. This is just a reminder to keep going!
-
The most perfect, timeless items in our closets should be easy to find, even if expensive, but somehow they’re not.
Now, countless factors play into this. Our frustration for the perfect tee or an off-the-peg sport coat that doesn’t “do that weird thing on my shoulder” is just a part of the journey.
Hang in there, it is ALWAYS worth it. Keep plugging away because one day, when you find that perfect tee (like ASC member Lindsay did with these) you go and buy every fucking color!
-
I was reading an article in the new THE RAKE magazine with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, head designer of Bulgari Watches. He had a quote that I wrote down and kept returning to it.
“Elegance is not something that must be strange or so evident; elegance is perfection of the understated.”
Let’s all work on perfecting the understated, shall we?
THIS MONTHS LINKS
A collection of items worthy of a purchase, a read, or an action.
Look for this “☔️ ” emoji to denote a transitional piece good for the Spring showers.
-
What Every Succession Character’s Watch Says About Them - I’m not the biggest watch guy, but I found this article a good insight on what we wear and how we wear it plays a big part in people’s perception of us. “Succession’s creator, Mr. Jesse Armstrong, wants us to care, to see the trials and tribulations of the Roy family as something universal, Shakespearean even. A tale of fathers, sons, inheritance, and birthrights. And he does it with watches. In other series, luxury watches exist solely as signifiers. In Succession, they are character ciphers, plot devices, and commentaries.
Everything You Need To Know About Israel-Palestine - Sadly, I had to revisit this as this conflict never ends. As usual, I needed a refresher on the complicated issue. Vox does a good job of simplifying it if that’s even possible.
Tux vs. Suit Explained + Can You Wear a Suit to Black Tie (Hot Take) - Ahh, the great suit vs. tuxedo debate. This is a good ‘primer’ on the conundrum.
Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre - Guy Ritchie is my favorite director, and he’s been on quite the run lately. Always good to revisit Rock N Rolla, The Gentleman, Snatch, or even Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He has two new movies for 2023, The Covenant, which will get most of the headlines, and Operation Fortune, which I’m more excited about (on Amazon). Both look awesome. Enjoy!
Edy Albert - One of my favorite menswear follows on IG. Mostly vintage workwear, but his delivery is clever and humorous. This reel is funny as hell.
Fred Again - Tiny Desk Concert - Please, if you can spare 25 minutes to listen to this, please do. Pour some wine, sit back, and relax. It’s so worth it. Fred Again is a talented cat. Most known for dj’ing, but the kid can do it all.
-
Alex Crane - Kite Jacket in Black Linen - Anytime I see black linen I get excited. It’s such a middle finger to the whole white linen thing. But I’m weird. Either way, this shacket is great. Comes in other colors as well.
☔️ Sid Mashburn Travelers Trench - Outerwear meets tailored. We called it a Traveler's Trench because it goes anywhere and packs nicely... and looks good with almost anything underneath.
☔️ Mackintosh Chryston Short Green Raintec Cotton Hooded Coat - No one does rain as well as Mackintosh. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, this seasonless style is unlined and designed to be layered over.
☔️ Barbour Waterproof Jackets - We all know of the classics Barbour puts out. As we head into Spring, check out the waterproof collection from Barbour. A lot of styles and weights to choose from. It’s a nice reminder they make more than just waxed coats.
Engineered Garments D SUM Jacket in Linen - Wowza. Unique, and who says you can’t wear a sporting coat in the warmer months? I respect the price point as well.
Engineered Garments Bedford Jacket - I have this same model in a lightweight blue as well as heavy navy wool for the fall/winter. It’s a standard release for EG every year and never misses. This salmon color would be a unique addition to the Sp/Su.
☔️ ABBEYDALE Tech Zip - Water repellant and constructed how you’d like. This model is our zip for a more sporty vibe. Plenty of colors as well.
-
Alex Crane Bo Pants - Natural linen - Great pants for that summer vacation vibe. Get ready now! A drawstring pant made with sustainably-grown French linen and washed with biodegradable softeners.
Corridor Tapered Fit - Corridor released a new fit - The Tapered Jean. I can’t speak to these as I haven’t tried, but I did send member DC the image of them, and he’s already picked them up. Big co-sign. Fuller thigh but slimmer bottom. Comfy yet modern.
☔️ APC Bobby Bathing Suit - I didn’t realize APC was in the swim game - but these are funky.
APC Petit Standard Denim - Speaking of APC - the petit standard is a damn good standard when it comes to denim. Pretty slim (try before you buy), but this wash is incredible.
-
☔️ Simms - M's Challenger 7" Boot - Needing a waterproof boot but not ready for waders. This is an understated city boot that can transition From dock duties to running laps around the deck; the vulcanized rubber sets the task-ready standard for guaranteed waterproof protection and comfort.
☔️ LL Bean Boot - These had a huge resurgence years ago during the #menswear cycle. Time to bring them back? If so, let’s roll with the 8” Original L.L.Bean Boot, made in Maine since 1912
☔️ Birkenstock Boston - Waterproof - I have these in a dark gray and wore them quite a bit last week on spring break. Most people don’t wanna see your toes anyway tbh. Made of a single piece of EVA. Waterproof, washable, ultra-lightweight.
-
☔️ Sea Bags - Heritage Tiziana Tote - You must read this article for the whole story. But basically, Sea Bags turned the sails from Gianni Agnelli’s yacht “Tiziana” into handy bags for the beach and beyond.
☔️ Mario Talarico Handmade Umbrellas - Mario Talarico is a legend in Naples. Well into his 80s, he can still be found behind his workbench in a small alley off of Naples' Spanish District, crafting some of the finest handmade umbrellas in the world. This fourth-generation artisan workshop still makes their umbrellas entirely by hand using the traditional techniques handed down over generations. They are hard to get and do not ship them — but lucky for us, you can order from Sartoriale.com Here is a very detailed article if the price is throwing you off.
☔️ Ettinger 8oz Hunter Flask w/ 4 Cups - Beach picnic in style with this beauty.
Honorific Classic Valet Stand - I always wanted one. But pricey! Beautiful though!
ARC Alarm Clock - Put the phone away. Go analog yet modern.
-
Laurent Dagenais - Man, this guy makes cooking look delicious and fun. One of my favorite follows on IG.
“Under” - Europes First Underwater Restaurant - Hard to put into words the beauty of this space. I’d probably go even if they served just grilled cheese.
Ticent Ice Cube Trays - must have, and come on, only $10!!
Taches - Sunset DJ Set In The Malibu Mountains - Having friends over for dinner? Pull this up on your TV and let it ride. You’ll be instantly more cool because of it—a great backdrop to a fun evening with your people. The scenery helps.
-
“Under” - Europes First Underwater Restaurant - Hard to put into words the beauty of this space. I’d probably go even if they served just grilled cheese. This is in the “kitchen” section as well.
America’s Oldest Spa Is Located in Virginia? - Who knew?! Has anyone been? Looks pretty quirky and exciting.
ON THE ASC BLOG
Brands We Love : Todd Snyder
new from abbeydale : tech rain cloth
Tech Rain Cloth
This season I’ve been making casual jackets in rain-repellant fabrics, from ripstop (think military grade toughness but super thin) to a peachy felted water-repellant fabric that is so smooth to the touch.
I prefer the safari style, but we’ve also been doing zip-ups. As with most items ABBEYDALE, we have plenty of styling options to create a piece FOR YOU and your vibe.
Book your appointment now if interested!
As always, thank you for your time and attention.
Email or text (704) 737-4274 with any questions!
✌️ - DW
CATCH US ON THE GRAM!
<—— Elite Vibes By The Way!!