Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors have been digging on recently.
The Utility Shirt in Charcoal Jacquard by Taylor Stitch
Remember the olden days of American industry, when men used their hands for something other than smashing a keyboard and filled their various pockets with tools and tins of chewing tobacco and little scraps of paper bearing important information they couldn’t file away on a tiny computer? Yeah, me neither. But Taylor Stitch obviously does, because they’ve cranked out yet another piece of vintage workwear-inspired goodness, this time a handsome work shirt with two chest pockets: one for each of my smartphones. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
From the author of Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari’s latest opus offers an unparalleled understanding of our present at a time when most answers are under-researched and served with an extra side of slant. Amazon Prime it and lay claim to the good armchair for the weekend. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Milk Bottle Match Striker
Not an air-freshener person here. At least for the bathroom. There’s something grotesque about the blend of organic and synthetic aromas that is simply not an improvement. A bit of sulphur from a burnt match though? Good to go. Caveat: nightclub matchbooks are a grown-up no-no. Solution: a handsome, handmade object that owns it role in the WC. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Uniqlo Pocketable Fishtail Parka
There’s a lot to like in the just released, essentials-reinventing Uniqlo U fall/winter line. But this parka caught my eye after an umbrella head-thwack (sorry unsuspecting Times Square tourist) that pushed me over the edge this week. No longer do I need to lug around soggy umbrellas and maneuver the canopy around crowded sidewalks like an unhinged Gene Kelly. I’ll just pack this surprisingly sharp raincoat into my bag and unfurl as needed. — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
Master & Dynamic MW07
I’ve stuck with traditional headphones because most wireless buds look odd jutting out from my ears. But M&D — which makes what we repeatedly call the best-looking over-ear cans on the market — just launched small wireless buds built from handcrafted acetate and stainless steel. Style-wise, these are more like cool sunglasses (particularly that tortoiseshell variation). But, uh, for your ears. Anyway, go ahead and stare. I’ll be lost in my own cool world. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
Polo Ralph Lauren Hi Tech Classic Fit Rugby
In case you haven’t been in tune with the current fashion landscape, a lot of ’90s styles are making a comeback. Some styles we’re not so thankful for, but others, such as this revamped collection by Polo … well, it must be damn near the fourth Thursday in November, cause we’re very thankful for this one. This whole collection is a masterclass in color, but the rugby is probably my favorite. It reads “KAYAK” and despite the fact I have no idea why, I do know that “kayak” is a palindrome and palindromes are always cool. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
IKEA Ribba Frame
Feels kinda weird to make something as mainstream as IKEA my staff pick, but here we are — found a bunch of my old vinyl on a recent trip home, and now thanks to those crafty Swedes it’s not only gracing my player (and sounding wonderful), but also the walls of my bathroom (and looking wonderful). Steal of a deal at 15 bucks a pop; no word yet on whether any guests have noticed my creative album pairing (pictured). — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
The American whiskey trade is booming and new bourbons are popping up everywhere from California to the Catskills. But Kentucky remains the region with the strictest standards for ingredients and process, all of which upstart New Riff Distilling adheres to. Sour mash only, all copper stills, no chill filtration, bottled in bond: it all comes together in a bourbon with a high rye content (30%) that’s spicy and slightly on the strong side (100 proof) without overwhelming. New Riff’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is currently available in Ohio and Kentucky, with wider distribution throughout the Midwest and Northeast expected to follow this fall.
Nota bene: If you buy through these links, InsideHook may earn a small share of the profits on some items
Photos: All images courtesy of their respective brands; 21 Lessons via ynharari.com
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