Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors are digging on recently.
Nightfood Late Night Snack Bars
Here’s the deal: I’ve read enough health stuff to know I shouldn’t eat anything before bed, but sometimes late at night I’m hungry and there’s no need to worry about the reason why so let’s just move on, OK? At any rate, these tasty lil’ buggers have been GREAT — totally satisfy that pesky sweet craving, I can still conk right out, and I don’t wake up feeling guilty. Win-win-win. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
Apolis Market Bags
When it comes to staying dry during July and August’s dies caniculares, there is no quick fix more effective than ditching your backpack. It doesn’t allow your body to breathe, and your body, in turn, begins to sweat profusely in protestation. There is a better way: the tote. Apolis sources theirs from Bangladesh, where they’re hemmed together with sturdy golden jute fiber and then finished with leather handles, a water-resistant liner and tasteful rep-your-city prints. Perfect for the grocery store, perfect for the beach and perfect for keeping your midriff blissfully dry and unfettered. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
New Balance 247 Sneakers
I’m guilty of sensible-dad style in the footwear department. That is, going all in for dress shoes and work boots, but opting for a comfortable (read: embarrassing to anyone under 30) sneaker. Mercifully, New Balance updated their 247 with a super lightweight REVlite midsole and breathable upper for me, but wrapped in a Soho-acceptable silhouette for everyone I’m hanging out with. — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor
Baxter of California Pocket Comb
As I’m sure my coworkers can readily attest, I don’t comb my hair all that frequently. But when I do, this little baby comes in handy. At $18, it’s going to run you a bit more than the fragile plastic comb you’ll get at your neighborhood drugstore, but it’s also a good spot sturdier. Plus the tortoiseshell pattern makes it handsome enough to whip out anytime you choose to channel your inner Fonzie. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
100% Campo Sunglasses
What do mountain bikers and yours truly have in common? It’s not mountain biking! It’s the eyewear. Turns out performance gear can be good for the layman as well. We too need to protect our eyes, and have sweaty schnozzes that slippery, shiny plastic won’t stay perched upon. Other perks of this design: scratch-, shatter-proof and grime-repellent materials, plus nature-friendly lens options like polarization and high-definition. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Palo Santo Smudging Sticks
I don’t go to yoga, I don’t find the smell of incense appealing whatsoever and I laugh at the suggestion of saging a new home. That said, I’m hooked on these smudging sticks. They give off an earthier, more natural smell than incense and cozy up a space better than any oil diffuser. It’s the best way to engage your olfactory sense at home and soothe visitors without giving off the impression you still go to Burning Man. — Ryan Thaxton, Production Intern
MOBS Tread Slip On
My most recent pair of slip-ons were comfy, but lacked structure (as in, the heel started to disintegrate after moderate use). The MOBS Tread — I went for the marine/nubuck but the dusty beige is also legit — do not have this problem. They feel damn sturdy, which I credit to the leather upper and lining and tough rubber outsole. Also: Really dressy and handsome for a summer shoe. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Been thinking back to cooler times this week … like when we were up in Vermont in February to visit the WhistlePig distillery/farm as they were crowdsourcing their second batch of Farmstock Rye. Yep, crowdsourcing: the final blend of the just-released Rye Crop 002 was decided on over six months by 500+ bartenders, consumers and influencers (including yours truly). The juice here is partially WP’s own two-year-aged whiskey, made from grains grown on their farm and aged in oak barrels from local trees, balanced by additional six- and 10-year ryes. It’s a “farm-to-bottle” experiment that yields vanilla, fruitiness, white chocolate and oak spice. Oh, and the beautiful ice pictured here? Courtesy of Hundredweight. I miss winter.
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