Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of what our editors are digging recently. This week: A look ahead to what we’re dreaming about for summer.
Converse Chuck 70 Retro Stripe High Top
Converse just slapped some Kareem-era wristbands on a pair of Chuck Taylors, and it’s really doing it for me. I plan on picking these up now while sizes last, but I definitely won’t subject them to salt-speckled, post-polar vortex pavement. This a summer sneaker through and through, ideal for stretching out lazily against the grass while discretely disobeying open-container restrictions in some happy corner of a park. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Third Eye Blind with Jimmy Eat World
The summer festival is dead. Long live the summer shed tour, which we described last year as the oddball but (usually) worthwhile pairing of nostalgic musical acts across our nation’s best pavilions, amphitheaters and assorted outdoor venues. It’s a time to put away your music snobbery and embrace your past. The first shed tour announced this year is amazing: emo-pop forebears Third Eye Blind and extremely underrated and massively influential Jimmy Eat World, both of whom will make you enjoy a few (really good!) new tunes before hitting you up with “Jumper” and “The Middle.” Pre-sales are on now, but StubHub’s already got lawn tickets everywhere for like $40. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
Bonobos Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt
Right now summer just appears to be a mirage of an oasis far off in the desert of the Polar Vortex. However, fear not, for in a few months we’ll emerge from this wintry hell ready for BBQs and pool parties and all that comes along with the glory of summer. And no summer outfit is complete without an outrageously patterned short-sleeve button up. I’m particularly fond of the fish you see above, but I’m not wont to tell readers which members of the animal and plant kingdoms make for the best outrageous patterns, which is why I’m glad that Bonobos has a hefty supply of additional prints should you prefer other living beings such as tigers or birds of paradise. And they are absurdly discounted right now, thanks to a 50% off discount on sale products, meaning you can get them for under $20 with code DONTQUIT. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Cast Iron Waffle Iron
I got a sweet yet fleeting taste of summer a couple weekends ago when I retreated to an impossibly cozy Airbnb near the Catskills and made full use of their firepit, despite the freezing temps. Yes, my lady and I made s’mores. But traditional s’mores, while scrumptious, are child’s play. Come summer, I’m making fried banana s’mores, campfire doughnuts and gourmet grilled cheese. But I have never made a campfire waffle, nor seen a cast-iron campfire waffle maker until I came across this. If only they still made Batter Blaster… — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
Rivieras Cotton-Mesh Espadrilles
You know my stance on sandals: don’t. Instead, pick up a few pairs of espadrilles and moccasins for different summer occasions, starting with the ones that are standard issue at every yacht club on the Mediterranean. They’re surprisingly robust despite the airy silhouette — I’ve been taking mine from beach-to-bar for three summers and they’re no worse for the wear.
— Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Hidrate Spark 2.0 Smart Water Bottle
When the warm weather rolls around, I have an increased desire to eat salad, go for runs, and in general treat my body way better than I had been all winter. Also if you’re like me and make the switch from hot to iced coffee, you might forget to properly hydrate (listen that extra ice really tricks ya). Well, it’s 2019, and inanimate objects are here to help. The Hidrate Spark 2.0 is a smart water bottle that syncs with your phone to track water intake and remind you via glowing orb when to take a sip. Made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, the bottle also connects with your Fitbit or Apple Watch so you can set water intake or other activity goals for yourself. Plus your kidneys will be stoked. — Logan Mahan, Editorial Intern
Todd Snyder Champion x Peanuts Tee Shirt
As anyone who’s spoken to me during the past five months would attest, I have spent the better part of fall and winter threatening to buy one of Todd Snyder’s Champion x Peanuts sweatshirts, but that ship has likely sailed now that a) there are pretty much no sizes still available and b) I’ve prematurely set my sights on summer. I am now officially threatening to buy this Champion x Peanuts tee shirt instead. Yes it’s sorta silly and yes it’s overpriced, but I am very much here for it nonetheless. It’s charming as all hell, and the light, dusty pink color only adds to its already considerable nostalgic appeal. — Mike Conklin, Executive Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Last week, The Balvenie partnered with InsideHook to lead a tasting with some loyal IH readers through five different expressions of their single malts, as well as share some knowledge of Scotch in general. You can read how that went here(spoiler alert: really well), but we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend The Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask, which packed a surprise spiciness but still made for one unique daiquiri. If you just want to sip it neat, go for the 21 Year Port Wood.
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