GAMES OF SUMMER: VIKING KUBB
Kubb is a wonderful outdoor game. Affectionately referred to as “Viking Chess” (although the earliest mention comes from a Swedish Encyclopedia in 1911) it holds up against some of the greats: bocce, croquet, even badminton. Players line up opposite one another, ideally with G&T in hand, and try to knock over the opposite pieces using baton-like dowels. The fun part is that you can get quite good after just a few rounds, can play it pretty much anywhere (even snow), and heckle the shit out of your opponents during heated battles. And if you get really good? Head to the annual World Championship held (more…)
THE PERFECT POLO
When it comes to kick-ass wardrobe staples, no company does it better than Japanese behemoth Uniqlo, the sharply-dressed Godzilla of retail. Founded in 1984 in Hiroshima, Japan, Uniqlo is on a serious roll, hitting record operating profits of $1.7b in 2017 while expanding to 1,089 stores worldwide. Why so successful? They keep it simple with clothing that’s easily wearable, stylish and ridiculously affordable. Their polo is a great example, an item we can’t stop recommending. It’s nice and slim on the sides, the sleeves fall to (more…)
KNOW THIS BRAND: HIDEO WAKAMATSU
It’s refreshing to discover new brands in an authentic way – no press release, no showroom visit, no walking a trade show floor. Just you huffing it through JFK’s Terminal 5, that departure-killing mall stapled onto an airport, and stopping dead in your tracks with sudden, uncontrollable bag envy. The Tarpaulin Series from designer Hideo Wakamatsu, in red, will do just that.
Based in Tokyo, Hideo draws on Japanese and French design traditions to create carrying accessories that blend style, function and value. This bag is reminiscent of (more…)
STYLISHLY SEAWORTHY
The ongoing collaboration between American designer Todd Snyder and Timex has yet again produced an absolute head-turner of a watch: the Maritime Sport MS1. Designed in Milan by Snyder and Timex Design Director Giorgio Galli, the rugged good looks of this well-priced timepiece pairs up easily with a yellow rain coat for sailing choppy seas, or a tailored dark suit for navigating city streets. Available in black or silver, but don’t even give silver a second look. $158, available at Todd Snyder.
AVENGERS INFINITY WAR
Pretty impressive third and final trailer from Marvel Studios, who’ve somehow managed to bring together dozens of characters into a film that’s already setting records for advance ticket sales. Watching two of the most charming super heroes, Star Lord and Iron Man banter is certainly cool, but the final Lord of the Rings inspired epic battle royale is where this movie will shine. In theaters April 27, 2018.
ALWAYS ADIDAS – THE EQT
Here at Style Ledger we like our sneakers to be tricked out, just not too tricked out. That’s why we crush on the Adidas EQT – the legendary collection from the German powerhouse that first launched in 1990. It has all the bases covered: a sleek as hell silhouette that looks fast, the best color combinations in the game, and just the right amount of techy innovation – in case you decide to take a few laps around the track between classes. And while everyone else empties their saving accounts waiting for the latest Yeezy drop, you can buy the EQT with confidence whenever the mood strikes. Priced from $90 to $180. Our top picks: Green & Grey $90, Navy $120, Black & Red, $180, White $120.
HOW TO: WINTER GROOMING
Harsh winter weather takes it’s toll mostly on your skin, replacing that healthy summer glow with dark circles under your eyes, and an overall tint landing somewhere between eggshell white and drab military green.
To avoid it, take a cue from the top beauty experts, women, and don’t be shy about adding a self-tanning lotion and a nail dust collector (because your nails will chip in winter) to your cold weather grooming arsenal. Yes, it is OK. Our top pick is Sublime Bronze from L’oreal – a self tanning lotion in medium, natural tan. The key is subtlety and restraint, so dab a very small amount onto your finger and rub in, hitting your nose, forehead and cheeks. Maybe a touch on the back of your hands every now and then, but that’s really all you need. Also drink a lot of water – keeping your skin hydrated and flush is most important.
And if your buddy at work accuses you of hitting a tanning bed, just lie and say you were skiing in the alps over the weekend and the sun was blazing. Or be a good friend and let him in on the secret. $11, available at L’oreal.
MY NU JOINT BY DISCOTRON
Pretty much the perfect segue from stale holiday classics, a la Jingle Bell Rock.”My New Joint” by Discotron – for that crucial moment when your place gets loud, the bottom of the punch bowl appears, and that beauty you’ve been eyeing across the room yawns once or twice. Music is indeed the answer. “Ghetto Funk” is also playlist worthy.
THE SPORTING LIFE: TEAM USA
As Team USA gear goes, this All-American sweatshirt from Ebbets Field for J. Crew is just about perfect. The timeless, throw-back styling plays just as well today as it did back in 1936 in Berlin, when the best track and field athlete of all time, Jesse Owens, crushed four gold medals at the Olympics and broke racial barriers along the way.
Subtlety and patriotism don’t typically go hand-in-hand, so if you come across an item you like, snap it up quick. You can proudly wear it from July 4th through the rest of your life. Extra-soft french terry cotton in navy black. $85, available at J.Crew
THE BEST SUMMER SNEAKER
The GrandPro from Cole Haan is one kick-ass summer shoe. The type of sneaker you can island hop in the Aegean without missing a thumping beat. It’s so incredibly light, yet so chic and luxe, you can literally take it anywhere. Guys dig versatility and this shoe has it all – super high tech at just 8.8 ounces, smooth leather & suede detailing, and classic silhouette that pairs with anything stashed away in your favorite worn leather weekender.
Our styling tip? Go sock-less, with lightweight slim khakis rolled up at the bottom, paired with white v-neck tee up top. Add a baller watch, a nautical inspired bracelet, and order up that next bottle of ice cold cava.
$130, available at Cole Haan.
MUST WATCH: AFTERGLOW
This is a beautiful and daring film, “Afterglow” by Sweetgrass Productions. Filmed entirely at night in the Alaskan backcountry using massive lights, custom made LED suits and two incredibly graceful skiers. “One of the most cinematically profound ski movies ever made.” We agree. The terrific song is “My Silver Lining” by First Aid Kit.
FAHLGREN SKI SWEATERS
The Fahlgren Downhill and Nordic ski sweaters, field tested in the Maine woods, made of 100% Australian lambswool. $225, available at Fahlgren.
TIMBERLAND ASCENDING
We love a good success story here at Style Ledger, especially when it involves a storied New England brand like Timberland. Best known for their highly functional footwear and iconic boots, their line-up of first rate outdoor inspired clothing is what’s now turning heads.
After just a few minutes on their website, you’ll notice that the outerwear is incredibly well designed. It was hard to pick a favorite, but the Mt. Hayes jacket shown above in charcoal is sharp, versatile and well priced. The shearling lining adds a ranch jacket ruggedness, while the fitted silhouette keeps it city appropriate. The Mt. Hayes jacket, $185, available at Timberland.
TOUCH BY ADIDAS
This is pretty cool, Adidas’ “Touch” featuring Jean-Baptiste Chandelier flying about in beautiful locations.
DIGITALLY DAPPER
It’s not very often that you come across a digital watch that looks, dare we say, sophisticated. It’s either a novelty old-school Timex for hipsters, or a super-sporty bomb resistant mass of plastic. The “Duncan” from Jack Spade is neither. The oversized numerals, clean round face and simple black nylon strap keep it streamlined and chic, in a casual, modern way. And the price won’t hurt either, $106. Available at Jack Spade.
