Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors have been digging on recently.
Armor Lux x Grand Banks Mariniere
When I say “Frenchman,” what image comes into your head? Chances are whatever he looks like, he’s wearing this shirt. It’s called a Breton stripe, and Armor Lux has been perfecting the form since 1938. The shirt you see here is an edition made especially for the service staff at NY restaurants Grand Banks and Island Oyster, with accents on the cuffs and a lightweight cotton-linen blend that’s perfect for summer evenings. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Mango Cotton Boxer Shorts
In case you missed it, those skintight sliding shorts you call boxer briefs aren’t doing you any favors in the reproductive department. Take a page out of the Grandpa Handbook and go soft and billowy on those drawers, especially while snoozing. We like the offerings from Mango. 100% cotton, classy looks and accessibly priced at just $16 a pop. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Karhu Synchron Classic
You’ve probably never heard of Karhu, but their kicks cut a silhouette similar to the old-school, suede-accented trainers that have been increasingly en vogue in recent years. But while everyone else is following the crowd with their Adidas and Nikes, you can sit back with a wry smile every time someone looks at your shoes and inquisitively blurts out, “What are those?” — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Rare Coin Cufflinks
IMO cool cufflinks are one of those things you can’t really have too many of. Whenever I run across a pair at the intersection of interesting and inexpensive, I pick ’em up — big collection of inexpensive links means not a huge deal when I inevitably lose or break one. Thus, these vintage Italian monetary numbers from Etsy shop Wowcoin for just thirty bucks were a no brainer. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
Wiz Khalifa X Happy Socks
If someone gets inordinately excited about a sock collaboration, does that make them cool or uncool? Asking for a friend. All I know is that ever-since this limited-edition collection of underthings from Happy Socks and Wiz Khalifa dropped this week, I’ve been seriously reconsidering my commitment to no-shows. The collab features men’s and women’s underwear and socks, all in trippy, fun colors that’ll make any look pop. — Athena Wisotsky, Deputy Editor
Patagonia Steel Forge Denim Jacket
I’ve begun the annual pre-fall tradition of obsessively checking my weather app for signs of cooler temps. Not because I’m itching to peep some leaves (well, that too), but because denim-jacket weather is my favorite time of the year. Since my go-to has been ripped to shreds, I’m eyeing Patagonia’s new Dyneema blend workhorse. The fiber is famous for being 15 times stronger than steel, so I can rest easy knowing this’ll take a beating like a champ. — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
Desk Tidy
A simple yet effective organizer with a touch of whimsy, the Desk Tidy from Gessato plays with negative and positive space to resemble something like a Necker cube illusion. If you’re looking for an item to refresh your work space, this minimalist option with eye-catching color is a solid choice. — Ryan Thaxton, Editorial Intern
Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman Watch
I dug the bullseye Mod Watch collab these two brands had a little while back … so much so that I actually got one, even though I don’t personally wear watches (blame vanity: watch tanlines are the worst). I may replace it with this “new” model, however, which is based on an archival Timex timepiece geared toward “racing enthusiasts.” I am not one of those, either, but I intend to use that curlicue tachymeter to gauge 3-train departures in Brooklyn. (Can it time in 20-minute installments? We’ll find out.) — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Applejack was once the go-to drink for Americans (well, colonists). In fact, it was the first distilled liquor native to North America. If you want a few good examples of this brandy-ish spirit, head to New York’s Hudson Valley Distillers. We were particularly fond of the Hardscrabble Applejack, which adds a little smoke and some bourbon-esque characteristics (butterscotch, vanilla, etc.).
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