EDITION 5 - MAY 2022
Issue # 5 - MAY 2023
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Issue # 5 - MAY 2023 -
May is a pretty fun month. We have the Kentucky Derby 🐎 , Cinco De Mayo 🌮 , Mother’s Day 💖, and Memorial Day 🪖
Not to mention it’s national Barbeque🍗month, and well, May the 4th be with you (National Star Wars 🔫 Day for you nerds)
The weather is creeping up, and some pretty epic events are happening.
Let’s get right into it!
THE SOUNDTRACK
This month ASC member Mr. Brandon Cullen blesses us with a soundtrack from some great bands touring this summer. Get the calendar out, plan ahead, and have a rocking summer!
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 MAY 2023
Here are a few thoughts to consider DAILY this month. There are only 3 for a reason. Execute.
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The best wardrobes are built by people who care enough about what they do not to be distracted by quick fixes, flashy brands, or sexy new trends.
They embody a vision for themselves and embrace a unique set of values. A good wardrobe doesn’t often net considerable returns in the first year or the year after. (even if you could buy everything at once, you’re still learning how/when, and why you’re wearing it)
If you want to stand the test of time, you must take your time.
Focus on what you do well (or discover what that is), not what every new kid on the block brand, designer, or most successful person you know is doing.
Then take time to build on that.
Stop trying to be something that they are and something you are not.
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The reign of a slim/skinny fit has lasted over a decade. Lapels shrank, pleats were banished, and the contours of a man’s bottom half were a selling point. The tighter, the better!
I don’t advocate following fashion trends. My ideal wardrobe is trend-proof, and the closest you can get to that is by sticking to flattering proportions and silhouettes on your body, which are usually neither crazy slim nor wildly loose.
Something about skinny-tailored clothing has always bothered me: the cloth cannot drape. No drape means no drama, no expression, no character.
When I think of elegance, the people I think of wear clothes that drape, flow and move.
So, if you’d like to get away from the skinny fit and add more flow to the wardrobe, look no further than adding some room to your fit. I think you’ll dig it.
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Unfortunately, I had a funeral to attend last week.
I’ve long said that a black suit (you only need one) is essential. It’s funny - you probably think it’s just a box to check, and you may be right. But for me, it was more than that. I felt comfortable in it. I knew it was appropriate. I haven’t worn it in ages, but it felt like a long-lost friend. One that I needed at that moment. It’s a simple 1 button peak lapel. It’s somber in a flat matte finished wool. It was paired with a dark gray Grenadine tie. Black braces and black shoes. Dark sunglasses. Again, it all just felt right, and that was comforting.
Just because you don’t wear it often doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
That day, it was the most important piece in my wardrobe. ✌️
THIS MONTHS LINKS
A collection of items worthy of a purchase, a read, or an action.
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This is WILD. When he was 11, Kobe Bryant played a full 25-game basketball season without scoring a single point. He then took a simple mathematical approach to become one of the all-time greats: VIDEO
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Meriggi Linen Tee - Not often can you find a 100% linen tee. Ideal for those summer beach hangs. I love how linen tees drape. Take a chance and ignore (embrace!) the wrinkle factor. I like both the navy and the caffe’.
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J.Crew Hiking Shorts - Good for the trails, for the pond, or for the beach bar hang. The 6” inseam is ideal.
Meriggi Swimwear - The mediums come in around 5” inseam which is ideal for me. For you lads who are taller or have thick thighs…we might wanna look elsewhere. 😂
18East Hancock Shorts - Love these. Part utilitarian part sexy. Def not too short, and they advise going bigger as they “look better when you size up”.
Adsum Site Short - The site short is an amphibious active short with a medium length inseam at 6.5". I think we can all use black shorts for the summer but these come in a variety of colorways as well. Easy breezy.
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Sperry Cloud CVO Deck Sneakers - Great knock-around summer shoes. They are priced well (on sale) at J.Crew, so ya don’t feel too bad about getting them wet and sandy.
Birkenstock Boston in Thyme Suede - I’m sure you’re tired of me posting these, but this colorway is excellent for this time of year.
VANS Authentics - What’s the start of a new warm season without copping some new vans? I like the all-white and the all-black versions. Pro tip - my buddy DC said the “wide” size is super comfortable and not that wide. IYKYK.
Belgians Black Linen - I’ve been recommending Belgians for years. I have 3 pairs. It’s a great shoe for wearing in a ton of ways. I wear it with denim and can wear the black linen pair for a formal summer event. If you can wait 5 weeks, I can make them or go with the OG and get these. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re unsure, read this and see how others are styling them.
Officene Generale Cecil Espadrille In Suede - No matter where your journey takes you this summer - the Espadrille is a great shoe to have alongside. Good for a dinner date night with denim or shorts and a bathing suit. There is a reason they have been since the 14th century.
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Amundsen Sports Beach Bag - 60’s inspired - great for a day on the beach. The external towel holder is clutch.
Vallon “Waylons” - Wherever you end up, you will never go wrong with the Waylons. Handcrafted from acetate, the frame is durable yet lightweight and delivers a premium feel. The polarized V52® optics and optional head strap make this the ultimate sports and lifestyle sunglasses hybrid.
Emil Erwin Narrow Signature Belt in Black - Emil Erwin in Nashville spent years on their signature belts—designing the proprietary buckle, perfecting the fit, and sourcing the highest quality leather and hardware from American companies. The end result is practical, timeless, and guaranteed for life.
Higo no Kami Folding Knife - The perfect (little) utilitarian pocket knife and a treasured piece of Japan’s history. Minimal in design and moderate in size, each knife is crafted in the small town of Miki, a city with over 200 years of blacksmithing history. Great gift idea for the homie!
Rose + Born Silver Plated Dress Studs - These cufflinks will carry you through every formal event for the rest of your life. Excellent gift as well!
IKEA Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Dirt cheap, and the reviews are pretty stellar. It’s also waterproof - so you have no excuse not to get your groove on by the pool.
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Grey Goose Classic Martini - Not great at making martinis? (🙋🏻♂️) Try this! Expertly pre-blended and ready to share, this martini cocktail brings you the iconic drink in a ready-to-serve bottle. Grey Goose vodka, Dry French Vermouth, and dashes of aromatic bitters are perfectly mixed to create a smooth and balanced martini cocktail.
Instagram: ThirstyWhale_ - Speaking of cocktails. (Thanks JY for the tip to follow this guy.) Average guy with above-average cocktails! He makes it fun and practical. I really liked his post on Where To Start With Your Bar Cart (I have work to do!)
Yeti’s Rambler Beverage Bucket - I’m sure there is a knockoff that will save you a few dollars, but the products they put out always seem to over-deliver. I’m down with this for a cruise to the beach or even a front lawn hang.
Far West El Cosmico Copper Water Bottle - Drink more water, and use less plastic. This reusable water bottle from El Cosmico in Marfa, TX, benefits our planet, and copper naturally ionizes the water over time, causing the water to become alkaline.
Steak Frites by The Modern Proper - Sliced rib-eye and fries. ALL DAY.
Eleven Madison Bar Box - You know what’s a cool date night? Staying in and trying cocktails. This kit will serve you well.
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Kamppi Chapel - A space designed for peace and quiet? Sign me up! Kamppi Chapel is a place for meeting people and appreciating peace and quiet in the center of Helsinki. It’s absolutely on the list. Beautiful space.
The Patterson House - Nashville - When Brandon C. says this is the best craft cocktail bar he’s ever been too you put it on the list. Who’s up for a road trip? Here is their IG for more vibes.
ON THE ASC BLOG
Brands We Love : 3Sixteen
new from abbeydale : seasonal shirting
SEASONAL SHIRTING: COTTON - LINEN - SEER SUCKER
When the warm weather hits, comfort starts here.
Nothing says spring and summer like a dress shirt crafted of cotton, linen, or seersucker.
This seasonal shirting collection features sophisticated plaids, stripes, micro prints, and end-on-end solids in an intimate blend of 70% cotton and 30% linen. This intimate blend gives the wearer the look of linen with the feeling and performance of cotton.
With 100% cotton, ABBEYDALE presents bold expanded plaid designs with a seersucker finish, a beautiful Fil Coupe, and some denim looks.
In addition, we are introducing a new and exciting fabric made out of a blend of rayon that drapes and feels like silk.
Greet the warmer months with this seasonal collection of shirts that will keep you feeling cool and looking sharp.
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!
<—— Crew neck and shorts is a vibe!!