The modern man wants modern things and experiences to make life as exciting as possible…and to look great while doing it. Here, our dynamic editorial team has conjured up some inspiring ideas for the summer and beyond.
EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE
For summer, or really, any season, the modern guy’s go-to choice of casual wear is at UNTUCKit, with plenty of stores around Texas from which to choose. Among a myriad of style choices, the linen shirts, cotton shorts and polos, go from pool party to packing for Rome, offer an easy-going elegance to any plans.
Besides your incandescent personality, they will remember your new favorite scent, L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau & Cedre by designer Issey Miyake. Not only is the fragrance hypnotic, but it’s also an ode to the beauty of the plant world, its materials in their natural state, encompassing the incredibly vast range of textures, and inherent sensuality.
Want to get the party really started and dazzle your guests with your dynamic vinyl collection? This is a record player that’ll leave you admiring its visual and audible qualities. The Marantz TT-15S1 costs a serious bit of change, but you get a killer tonearm and gorgeous turntable at a price that’s definitely an investment.
Perfect for movie night, why not have a personalized blanket with your favorite image on it? Just take a photo from the big day or a special memory and make it into an uber soft, fleece blanket. It’s printed with eco-friendly, fade-resistant inks and is machine washable for easy cleaning.
Imbued with pure essential oils for an authentic aromatherapy experience, these Cleverfy Shower Steamers are vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA-certified. Each pack contains 12 aromatherapy bath bombs that are meant to help relieve the stress of the world off your shoulders…and beyond.
Sometimes a room screams for an accessory that is handcrafted. May we suggest the Brice lamp by Austin-based craftsman Justin Hollander? The hand-painted earthenware has polished nickel hardware and includes the shade. It comes in many styles and is perfect for any home office or library.
This summer, it’s all about embracing the new and different, don’t you think? Here, our cool hunter Lance Avery Morgan recommends some of his favorite finds for you to enjoy. Let the good times begin.
FEEL SLIM AND TRIM
The perfect, slim-fitting shirt is possible. Really perfect, as a matter of fact. The sleek and slim UNTUCKit line of shirts and pants (and warmer gear for fall) are about as great as it gets for ease of comfort and travel-friendly as well.
$99 for shirt, $98 for pants, as shown. At 80 stores and UNTUCKit.com.
THE TEAM, AND THE MOVIE, THAT COULD
If ever there was a sports movie about the can-do Texas spirit, it’s the Texas-produced 12 Mighty Orphans. Starring Luke Wilson, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, and Lane Garrison, it’s the true Depression-era story of a group of orphans led to a football championship that captured the hearts of FDR and the entire country.
Let’s face it, literally. We’ll be in the sun all summer, and we need to protect our skin from its potential damage. We love that Oars & Alps, for the naturally-inclined, is on a mission to help men chase the sun safely. All six sun-friendly products, from sunscreen to moisturizer to post-sun cooling spray, are 30+ SPF. Prices vary.
When hosting a gathering, what better way to show that you’re a true Texan than with state-shaped ice cubes? These conversation starters are not only cool, literally, but also are practical to keep chilled beverages as cool as, you guessed it, ice.
Sometimes a fellow just wants to don a hat in the summer to keep the heat out and style on. May we suggest this 100% straw number, with a silk grosgrain band, made in Italy? It’s called the Borsalino and should be addressed as such as your new favorite warm-weather must-have.
If you haven’t taken up pickleball, which is sweeping the world, it’s not too late. This fun derivation of tennis meets ping pong meets badminton, even has a devoted fan in Clooney. If it’s fun enough for him, it’s fun enough for us. Get your equipment and accessories at Franklin Sports to soon own the court.
We’re inspired by top celebrity looks to see how we can replicate them and make them our own. This summer we’re digging the glasses that Daniel Craig wears in the upcoming Bond film, No Time To Die, with the luxe lenser Barton Perreira x 007 Series 2 Collection. In four killer styles.
This spring, go ahead…try something new. In fact, try new things often. Here, our cool hunter Lance Avery Morgan, recommends some of his favorite finds for you to enjoy.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Celeb entrepreneur Rande Gerber has teamed with Thursday Boots to create and launch the Thursday Casamoto boot, which comes in black and café brown. The zip and lace-up easily goes from business breakfast to a night on the town. $235. At ThursdayBoots.com.
ARTFULLY SPEAKING
Looking for a new art experience in Houston, a city already well known for its artful side? Check out the city’s new experiential art museum, Seismique. Its 40-plus unique exhibits overflow with dazzling displays of light generated by 9 million LEDs, color, sound, and natural elements. At Seismique.com.
CUSTOMIZE THOSE CUFFS
These custom love letter silvertone brass cufflinks are a unique gift for dad, son, hubby, and beyond. Inside the cufflink, envelope sits a note that can be personalized on wood with whatever you’d like to write. Truly, it’s the personalized gift of a lifetime. $105. At UncommonGoods.com.
I’D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is officially open and was built to the tune of almost $500 million. Years in the making, and designed by Renzo Piano, its vast holdings include more than 100,000 titles, including obscure documentaries and early American movies; roughly 10 million photographs; 80,000 screenplays; 50,000 posters; and tens of thousands of production and costume design drawings. At AcademyMuseum.org.
FITS LIKE A DREAM
The perfect fitting white shirt is like the start of spring itself…bright and full of potential. That’s why we love the pristine white shirt (okay, we love the other colors and patterns, too) from UNTUCKit. It’s for the guy who wants to look sharp, even if he is untucked. We like the wrinkle-free Las Cases shirt. $99, as shown. At 80 stores and UNTUCKit.com.
A HEALTHY DRIVE
The most comfortable slip-on for auto or for feet on the street is the men’s driver shoe. It’s from a new grounding footwear that helps health-conscious men and women replenish their bodies with energy from the earth (electrons). $155, as shown. At Harmony783.com.
You take care of everyone else, so why not indulge yourself this time? Our erudite global traveler, Jake Gaines, of the men’s digital platform, ModXMan.com, has been on the lookout for the new and different in this cool, curated compilation.
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
With this handcrafted solid oak dartboard cabinet, what gent wouldn’t want a regulation size dartboard and a dozen darts to create his own pub-like vibe? The rustic barn style doors look great closed when the game’s over. Plus, you can personalize it for the stylish finishing touch. $329. At WineEnthusiast.com.
FIT FOR A KING
The new K Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Parfum for men is a super-charged version of this robust scent hit. Inspired by the earthy, rugged landscape of Tuscany, it evokes the intense and magnetic sides of you. You know, as the king of everyday life. $90. At Macy’s.com.
IN REVERSE ORDER, PLEASE
This Tom Ford reversible black/brown belt with Ford’s signature T buckle will take you from city to country and boardroom to a late supper in understated style. $599. At NeimanMarcus.com
CLEARLY, IT’S COOL ENOUGH
Some gents have a personal ritual of enjoying a few pours of whisky while engaged in a can’t-tear-yourself-away from book, album, or film. Then, this decanter and glass set is for you, fellow. $330. At NorlanGlass.com.
MAKE MINE CUSTOM
For the weekend warrior, own the tennis court with a new Custom V3 TOC 1 racquet. Trust us, you’ll be serving up a better game before you know it. Price upon request. At AngellTennis.com.
HELP NATURE DO ITS THING
This new retinol alternative serum, Bakuchiol, helps your skin erase what happened the night before. It smooths and refines wrinkles with the power of natural botanicals to hydrate and improve your skin’s overall appearance. $53.95. At L’Bri.com.
HOW TO UPCYCLE
There are so many engaging vintage books, record albums, and magazines just begging to be seen again. Check the web, old record and book stores, or thrift venues to pick up some cool relics to “hip up” your environment. Prices vary.
SPRING TO YOUR OWN DEFENSE
Novel shoes to perk up a tuxedo? We’re in. Try these Defense slip-ons, with a D on one foot and a fence on the other, in navy, as a real conversation starter. Start from the ground up now. $499. At MatthiasKaupermann.com
GREENLIGHT THE WAY
By Matthew McConaughey
From his early days in Hollywood and rise to fame, the OscarÒwinning Texas native actor opens up about how his travels and life experiences instilled in him the importance of competent core values and the power of new experiences. Written with the actor’s notable candor, humor, and humility, it’s a must-read. $30. At Greenlights.com.
MIND YOUR MANTL
Finally, a premium personal care brand for bald and balding men. The product line is a portfolio of grooming products offering everything the follically challenged man needs to nourish and take care of both his face and scalp. MANTL was co-founded by Karamo Brown, Cultural Expert on Netflix’s Queer Eye and men’s health advocate, along with his partners. Try the Face + Scalp Cleanser, Age Defense Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF 30, and No-Shine Sheets. From $9.99. At Mantl.co.
OK, SUIT YOURSELF
The indispensable valet stand is the perfect addition to any closet. With room for all the necessities, including a debonair way to air out a suit, this will be a daily reminder of how to be
By Lance Avery
Morgan Photography courtesy of Amy
Edwards
Our favorite read recommendation to take with you on Spring Break is a
new tome written by Texas-based Amy Edwards. In The Trouble With Becoming a Witch, author, musician and
multi-talented Edwards delivers a rocking literary debut, destined to become
every woman’s guidebook on coming of courage just when you think it’s too late
to change your life.
The skinny of the book? Veronica thinks she’s happy. She’s got a
beautiful daughter and enjoys the picturesque suburban life everybody wants,
right? But as the fights with her husband become more frequent and intense, she
finds herself drawn to researching witchcraft late at night. When her husband
discovers her new hobby, battle lines are drawn, and her marriage spirals
downward.
Author Amy Edwards
Bristling with wit, compassion, and unflinching honesty, The Trouble With Becoming A Witch is far
from being a “snap your fingers and change” kind of tale. It’s about what
happens when a woman decides to stop living the life everyone has told her she
is supposed to lead and starts living a life true to her desires. Seizing your
own real life kind of magic isn’t easy and Veronica is forced to look deeply
into who she wants to become. Is risking the security of life as she knows it
worth becoming the witch and woman she knows she truly is?
The Trouble With
Becoming A Witch will stick with all women, afraid to become themselves
and fulfill
their own potential. Or, as Edwards puts it, “Take what life puts in front of you and run with it.” So, what are you waiting for? More at AmyEdwards.com and at Amazon.
