The Friday Read: Vampire Weekend, Brooklyn Coffee & Jack Mason’s New Solar Watch

The classic, functional sunglasses you need for summer.

Who else is looking toward the weekend in fine fashion today? Well, you can start it out by shielding your eyes from the sun with some of the best men’s sunglasses on the market, the Sunski Topekas Sunglasses. Available for only $68 at Huckberry, they’re sure to be a stone-cold classic. If it were me, I’d pick up a pair for all kinds of weekend adventures. And what exactly is on my weekend agenda? Well, for starters, I’m en route back this morning from upstate New York and the lovely town of Kingston … where I was lucky enough to see Vampire Weekend play songs off of today’s just-released album, “Father of the Bride,” last night! Talk about the opportunity of a lifetime as far as seeing an iconic indie band put on a stellar show. Kingston was also lovely — it was truly a treat to hit up spots like Keegan Ales for tasty beers pre-show! If you get the chance this weekend, I’d certainly recommend you spin that new VW album, and if ever you get to Kingston, well, you know your first stop.

Now that I’m back in Brooklyn, I’m also looking forward to the unique, innovative 37d03d Festival taking place in the borough this weekend! What’s on tap? A terrific Saturday night of genre-bending music as part of a performance collaborative led by Mr. Aaron Dessner (of The National!) and Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver legend). The resulting performance by the Dessner-Vernon outfit Big Red Machine should be nothing short of epic. In the meantime, I also plan to hit up some of the best coffee in Red Hook, including The Black Flamingo. What’s on tap for your weekend? Follow along with mine on Instagram, and be sure to check in with me on Twitter for more fun.

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    • Let’s kick things off with a little solar-powered bang here, in the form of the Jack Mason Solar Field Watch (as covered by yours truly at GearMoose) Perhaps you recognize Jack Mason from this blog, and I can assure you, the brand makes tough, dependable, handsome everyday watches — it’s even cooler that this one just so happens to be highly technically savvy.
    • The thermostat keeps climbing, and it’s only bound to get hotter — that’s where a pair of stylish swim trunks comes into play. On that note, good news for all of us: I wrote about the best men’s swim trunks for my friends at The Manual. Surf’s up!
  • Shop contemporary and independent label men's and women's fashion at Need Supply Co. Click Here!
    • Early last week, we took a deep dive into all the best new menswear you need to wear to your next happy hour — and seeing as we’re on the verge of another weekend, I figured it would be worth another share. Read all about how to get dressed for happy hour right here.

That’s going to close out today’s Friday Read, folks. Still want something else to read? Check out my piece on the best men’s denim shirt for spring. Have a great weekend, folks!

The List: These are the 10 Best Spring Style Essentials to Shop This May

Kicking things off today with a breezy-yet-functional, seasonal layer.

Is getting ready for a new season difficult or fun? Is it more enjoyable to wear your favorite style essentials, or pursue them? Well, seeing as it’s May, perhaps you’ve long been in pursuit of some seasonal wardrobe upgrades, and now … you’re ready to make it happen. We’re serving up the 10 best spring style essentials to make your wardrobe that much more fashionable this season. As I always say, there’s something for everyone in this edition of The List. Get acquainted now.

La Paz Baptista Shirt Jacket — $200

Pleasingly rugged and made to layer, this shirt jacket is a surefire spring style move.

There’s still the odd day where it can get a little breezy — this indigo shirt jacket is a natural go-between layer, and would wear perfectly with a white slub tee and slim tan chinos.Plus, it’s an able travel companion with enough room for your everyday carry essentials.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee — $68

The exceedingly comfortable, performance-friendly tee for all your spring pursuits.

To nicely complement your indigo shirt jacket, reach for the Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee, made to wick away sweat and perform all day long. The range of colors is more than agreeable, too. All in all, it could just be your new favorite T-shirt.

VANS Classic Slip-ons in True White — $50

A tried-and-true classic when it comes to your sneaker rotation.

If you’re looking for a classic pair of summer slip-ons, the kind you can wear for days on end without missing a beat, you could do worse than these VANS slip-ons in a white canvas that almost looks better scuffed up.
A.P.C. Washed New Standard Jeans — $220

A happy medium between inky blue denim and too-light jeans.

Searching for the right balance between full-on “Dad Jeans” and a heavy indigo pair of denim for allow? These A.P.C. Standard Jeans are a reliable classic, and assuredly one of the best pairs of light wash denim out there.

Billy Reid Marine Plaid Shirt — $148

The throwback-inspired short-sleeve shirt to wear as often as you can this spring.

Never underestimate the utility of a stylish short-sleeve shirt — especially the Billy Reid Marine Plaid Shirt. Wear this retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt under a blazer for a bit of “devil-may-care” work week style, then wear it out to your favorite patio bar on the weekend.

Bespoke Post Cantina Box — $45 (When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

The essentials to make some of the best fajitas you’ve ever had — guaranteed.

A traditional menswear staple? Not quite. Still necessary? Yes. In honor of the quickly approaching Cinco de Mayo holiday, serve up some sizzle of your own with the Bespoke Post Cantina Box, a perfect way to upgrade your skills in the kitchen.

Faherty Brand Ventura Shirt — $148

A seriously cool shirt you can wear to all your spring and summer happy hour festivities.

Want the perfect shirt for spring and summer? Something that’s laidback and casually cool, featuring some of the best fabric  (a lightweight twill) that I’ve seen? That’s the Faherty Brand Ventura Shirt.

Filson Tablet Briefcase — $275

The tough briefcase you just might use every single day.

Getting around efficiently and in style is critical no matter the season — for work trips and weekend getaways alike, the Filson Tablet Briefcase keeps this crucial piece of tech in fine form. The rest of the time, use it to carry your other travel essentials.

New Balance M998 Sneakers — $180

A classic pair of sneakers that just so happen to be made in America.

Retro sneakers really are all the rage these days, but here’s the thing: New Balance has been making sneakers like the M998 for years now. Maybe it’s time you got a pair and rocked ’em with rolled chinos and a navy tee?

UNIMATIC U3-A Watch — $615

The hard-wearing watch to upgrade your spring style instantly.

Spring and summer adventures call for a ridiculously dependable dive watch that stands up whatever you throw at it. The UNIMATIC U3-A Watch is that watch, complete with 300 meters of waterproof functionality.

 

So, now that we’re through with today’s rundown of the best new gear for spring, which entry did you like the best? Maybe, with Cinco de Mayo on the way, you’ll be picking up the Bespoke Post Cantina Box? Or perhaps, you’ll be looking to snag a pair of the A.P.C. Standard Jeans? Whatever you do, do it in style. Thanks for reading!