Of course, the ‘summer’ reference is tongue-in-cheek. Because in Nigeria the weather has been really cool lately. Nevertheless, as someone with a global outlook, I feel summer is a state of mind. Depending on your side of the equator, these days fall within June through September. During these months, the weather is mostly favourable. A serendipitous indicator to be outside and engaging with new stuff, sartorial and otherwise.
And what’s summer without some stylish paraphernalia? For long walks out in the sun or exploring aquatic indulgences, your best bet is to be armed to revel and make the most of the days.
Whether a vacation is in the calendar or not, looking flossy is still the goal. Now, being a lifestyle…er… (shall we say?) devotee, I did some smart ‘window surfing’ [sic]. And I found cool additions to garnish any guy’s (mine, at least) summer wardrobe.
Shorts
I empathize with you, if you are not quite the exhibitionist, but lately that has been a mood for me. Especially when the style stakes are higher, like in the summer. A key staple is the (short) shorts. If you pay attention, the designers have rejigged them with subtle, but wow details.
Like these selections that are equally as demure by the pool as in the club house. The catch isn’t how long or short, but how functional. The cargo options perfectly convey the mood of summer; large pockets to hold stuff on the move. The Issey Miyake joint comes in fun colourways. This green plissé number makes for a fresh silhouette with a neutral polo or t-shirt.
Huaraches
This sandal has been in my Amazon cart for some time now. It shall remain there until I find enough dough to bring it home. And for a good reason. If you want the perfect cross between espadrilles and boat shoes, this just works. And you will still stand out in a concert crowd. It is practically made for walking.
Just look at the details on it. Notice the attention taken to craft this Mexican cultural masterpiece. This sandal carries style weight and still passes the “no toe showing” discrimination. The natural leather tones seem more appealing than the black ones in my own opinion. But that is just me.
Baseball Hat
Function meets street-cool. The kind of cap that adds instant cred without trying too hard. Perfect for those lazy, sun-drenched weekends or grocery runs. Or when you just want to shield your male pattern baldness from the scorching sun in Lagos.
Actually, any hat with a brim will do. But the baseball hat sends out the “panache” of a baller. This is very much the purpose of getting Carhartt WIP or NY logo ones. It is a survival gear without sunglasses.
Eau De Parfum – Mississippi Medicine by DS & Durga
Sometimes the most powerful thing one can wear is something nobody can even see.
I am specific about this scent. Mainly because I watched (and read) some reviews. It sounds like something up my alley. Based on the rituals of the proto-Mississippian death cult of the 1200s. It is smoky and dark. It feels slightly ritualistic. Notes of birch tar, incense, and red cedar give it a grounding energy that balances out the heat and noise of summer.
A sensory vehicle for the nature-loving, sexy, rugged medicine man. Imagine a fresh essence at a camp fireside and still retaining an authentic vibe of the wild outdoors. Not for everyone. Which is exactly the point. This is fragrance as rebellion.
Travel Luggage
And to pack it all in…
Like I said earlier airplane mode or not, a gentleman’s airport drip should include a modish portmanteau. The kind that makes co-travelers stare a little longer—for nothing else, but admiration.
Imagine something in a sleek hard-shell spinner, preferably in a matte finish (forest green, thank you). This classic RIMOWA in partnership with ALD probably cost two eyeballs. Yet, its aesthetic details and features make it almost worth having. For the ease, durability, and space it supports, traveling is always a welcome idea. Even in winter.
Well, a man can have some aspirations, right? At least, I already know how to satisfy my ‘complicated’ shopping habits when the time comes. I better get up from here and get to work.
What’s on your summer wish list?
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