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Vintage Vibes | Greats Brand

It wouldn't officially be summer without a clean pair of white kicks dominating your footwear rotation, and one of the best pairs to rock this time of year is the signature minimalist Royale silhouette from Greats Brand. But with the release of the Royale Vintage Summer Pack, Greats might have outdone itself. Upgrading the classic with breathable nylon mesh, a colored heel tab (in red, blue or black), and a cream sole, the Royale Summer Vintage is perfect for the sneakerhead who likes clean design with a touch of character. Their best quality is that they go with everything from business suits to bathing suits, but my favorite way to style them is with trousers and a tee—a look that will be on repeat until Labor Day and beyond. Shop them below. 

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This post was produced in partnership with Greats Brand.

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Handcrafted Cuoio | Greats Brand

It's no secret I've been a fan of Greats Brand sneakers for quite some time. Their range of made-in-Italy kicks feature prominently in my closet and offer a signature minimalist vibe that works perfectly with my wardrobe. While I normally stick to black and white monochromatic basics on my feet, I wanted to branch out into a more colorful sneaker—The Royale High Cuoio.

Cuoio is Italian for leather, and the light brown calfskin upper is as smooth as it gets. Hand-stitched onto a Margom sole, you won't have to worry about these shoes falling apart anytime soon. My favorite way to wear them is with a pair of white jeans and a navy top, but this versatile silhouette is easy to rock no matter the outfit or occasion—from summer strolls on the High Line to fall foliage chasing in Central Park. 

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This post was produced in partnership with Greats Brand.

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Black Suit, Black Tie | ASOS Man

Despite the rise of street fashion and dressed down, casual menswear, there is still no feeling quite like wearing a perfectly tailored suit. But the problem with sartorial dressing? Suiting fits haven't always evolved with the times. As a fan of skinny fit clothing (especially pants) I often find myself swimming in suits labeled as such—that is, until I tried this ASOS Super Skinny Fit Suit. Cut in a truly skinny fit, this suit feels like it was made to measure from the first wear. With a snug waist and slim but not overly tight arms, the jacket likely won't need any alterations, a rarity in the suiting world. The pants offer the same skinny fit as a pair of stretch fabric jeans but with a much smoother appearance thanks to ASOS' soft-touch woven fabric. Paired with my favorite suede loafers (The Fiocco by M.Gemi) this is a look that can take you from the office, to date night, to that Labor Day wedding and anywhere in between. 

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The Tono | M.Gemi

M.Gemi has been one of my favorite footwear brands since its men's line launched about a year ago (its women's line launched a year before that). Specializing in modern takes on classic designs, M.Gemi's shoes are handmade in Italy and a direct-to-consumer sales model ensures low prices for unparalleled quality. Offering some of the best looking shoes around, M.Gemi keeps things fresh by dropping a new model every Monday on their website and inside their Soho showroom. 

My favorite new release for SS17 is The Tono sneaker. Perfect for the warm summer months, the perforated nubuck leather upper lets your feet breathe without losing its shape. The nubuck itself is the softest I've seen on a sneaker, with an almost velvety texture—making The Tono elegant enough to wear with a suit or spruce up jeans and a blazer like I did. Wherever your summer travels take you, this mid-top beauty will elevate your look and then some. 

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Tee Time | SHARPLY

With temps in NYC on the rise and Memorial Day in sight, t-shirt season is fast approaching. But it's time to graduate from cheaply made, cheap looking, uncomfortable tees. You need a t-shirt that looks great, feels even better and can hold its own in any situation you find yourself in this summer—whether you're hitting the beaches of the Outer Banks or your neighborhood's sleekest new bar. SHARPLY is the t-shirt brand you've been waiting for. 

While the brand is based in Seattle, SHARPLY's tees are designed in Los Angeles and have been a favorite of mine since they launched a year ago. Made in the USA, the fabric's quality and craftsmanship is immediately apparent. My favorite shirt is the Joe Crew Neck. Crafted from 100% cotton slub jersey, it's plush and breathable yet sturdy, making it guaranteed to be the softest tee you own. And don't worry, it comes in five colors so you never have to take it off. Order one size down for a modern fit like I did, or get your true size for a more relaxed West Coast vibe. 

Stay tuned for more information on SHARPLY's flagship store—opening soon in downtown Seattle. 

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This post was produced in partnership with SHARPLY.

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Soho Strolls | Greats

Always at the forefront of the style scene, Soho is the best place in the city to window shop, people watch and revel in the Big Apple's bustling lifestyle. But my favorite time to hit the rectangular grid south of Houston Street is off-peak, on an early weekend morning when the city is still asleep. Not only is this the best time to get a good seat at my favorite coffee shop, but it's the ideal  time to walk the streets and take in the iconic cast iron architecture uninterrupted in the soft morning light. 

When it comes to sneakers that look at home on the streets of NYC, nobody does it better than Greats, and the Royale High Nero fits the Soho scene to perfection. Handcrafted in Italy, the Royale's sleek black calfskin leather upper perfectly contrasts its crisp white Margom sole—for a balanced shoe that looks just as good with a sporty sweatershirt as it does with a peaked lapel dinner jacket. But my favorite way to style them is with an all-black ensemble topped with a colorful bomber jacket—especially when it matches your favorite Soho facade. 

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This post was produced in partnership with Greats Brand.

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Deskside with Diptyque

Keeping a clean and minimal workspace is one of my keys to productivity. When my desk feels cluttered so does my mind, and with fewer distractions I can more easily stay focused on the task at hand. But there's always room on my desk for a fragrance or two to make the workday a little more pleasant—and Diptyque's latest scents get the job done beautifully. Apart from making some of the most aesthetically pleasing aromatics around, Diptyque's fragrances are complex and enchanting—perfect for stimulating creativity during the Monday to Friday grind. The Feu de Bois and Figuier candles can take you from a warm wood fire to a succulent fig tree depending on your mood, while unisex Eau de Parfums like Oud Palao and L'Ombre dans l'Eau will have you and your girlfriend battling it out for fragrance rights on special occasions. Shop the collection below. 

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Time to Get Dirty | lululemon athletica

Spring is finally starting to make its way toward NYC and there's no better way to celebrate than with a workout in the great outdoors. To us city dwellers that means hitting the streets, parks and river runs to get our sweat on. The fashionable and functional Spring and Summer 2017 lineup from lululemon athletica has everything you need to get your body ready for beach season. The staple Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve shirt will be the first thing you reach for before every workout. Light and breathable, it's armed with anti-stink technology so you can wear it multiple times without a wash. The Twill Chill Half Zip features a subtly stylish herringbone Luxtreme fabric infused with state of the art quick-dry sweat-wicking—ensuring you won't look like you went for a dip in the Hudson post workout.

One of my favorite items from the collection is the Grind Down Pant. Armed with abrasion resistant fabric, these pants can handle anything the grit and grind of an urban workout can throw their way. Maybe their best feature is their slim, tapered fit and narrow ankle—allowing for a seamless transition to street casual when you throw a topcoat over your gym clothes on a chilly morning coffee run. In fact, this collection might be your new weekend wardrobe. Because lets be honest, brunch is way better in sweats and tees. 

Bonus: check out our Urban Jungle Workout at the bottom of the page. 

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The Urban Jungle Workout

These exercises can be performed individually or as a circuit—and more importantly without a gym. 

2-mile run

3 x 20 push-ups 

3 x 20 tricep dips

3 x 20 decline push-ups

3 x 20 box (or bench) jumps

3 x 20 alternating lunges

3 x 20 body weight squat

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Perfectly Perforated | Greats

Over the past few years, Greats has cemented its place as one of our favorite sneaker brands, and when its Spring/Summer 2017 line dropped we knew we had to check it out. Greats' shoes are designed in Brooklyn but made in Italy: the perfect blend of new world design and old world craftsmanship. But the best part about Greats is their affordable price point—attained by cutting out the middle man and selling directly to consumers. While their SS17 launch offers everything from leather slip-ons to smooth suede trainers and elegant runners, our favorite release is the Perforated Royale. 

An updated version of their signature minimalist Royale silhouette, the Perforated Royale infuses the classic with a light, airy vibe for the warmer months ahead. Made with luxury Italian leather on the outside and soft vegetable tanned vachetta calf leather on the inside, the sneaker is ideal for those of us who prefer to keep our socks in the top drawer from April to September. Flawless with a slim cut navy suit sans tie or your favorite swim trunks on the way to Montauk, the Perforated Royale is your do-it-all sneaker of the season. I like to wear them with a pair of ripped jeans and a light sweater for an easy street style look that complements the Royale's simplicity and attention to detail. Get yours below. 

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This post was produced in partnership with Greats Brand.

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Leather Weather | Coach

There are certain staples that the modern man just can't live without, and high on the list is a leather bag. While a classic messenger is great, a leather backpack is essential for the urban man on the go. Today's backpack provides just the right touch of modernity with a subtle nod to boyhood, and no one makes them better than Coach. Starting as a family-run workshop in New York City in the early 1940s, Coach has become the go-to brand for effortless luxury thanks to their iconic leather goods. My favorite piece is the Bleecker Backpack. 

Made from sleek, durable calfskin leather, the Bleecker is both rugged and refined—making it a perfect fit for the grit and grind of the concrete jungle. The Bleecker has plenty of room for a laptop, notepads and whatever else you need for a day at the office, without looking bulky. The best part about the Bleecker is that its Fawn brown color goes with everything. Whether you're catching up on work over the weekend at your favorite coffee shop or donning your finest suit, this backpack will elevate any look. Even on a walk along the High Line, surrounded by some of the most innovative architecture the city has to offer, the Bleecker feels right at home. 

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The Red Sole | Christian Louboutin

There are certain firsts in life you always remember. First kiss, first trip abroad and first car may come to mind, but there's no feeling quite like getting your first pair of Loubs. It's true that even the most basic models retail for close to $800, but Louboutins are a long term investment—the kind that will last you a lifetime if you play your cards right. Made famous by their iconic red-soled stiletto heels the brand has evolved from a women's-only boutique in Paris to a global fashion powerhouse manufacturing men's and women's dress shoes, sneakers, bags and small leather goods. I've always been a fan of minimalist leather sneakers and I wanted to find a pair that would not only upgrade day to day wardrobe but also hold their own with my favorite suits without missing a beat. And there they were. The Louis Junior Men's Flat.  

While there are certainly flashier models out there - just look at the Louis On Fire or Louis Pik Pik Orlato - the Louis Junior is the perfect introduction for those just discovering the world of Christian Louboutin. From the moment you take them out of the box it's clear these shoes are a different class. The weight of the shoe alone is a sign that its made from different materials than the rest. A crisp, perfectly contoured calfskin leather upper is stitched to an exceedingly sturdy sole—which of course features the patented red bottom. Details like an ankle tab on the heel and cap toe offer subtle intricacies to an otherwise clean and unruffled design. Sporting the Louis Juniors with a suit is like second nature. Their solid structure and simple silhouette maintains a clean flow with the look while the red bottom adds a touch of elegance to help you stand out from the crowd. 

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March Essentials

Words by The Cuff

Photographs by Mr. Porter

It's finally March, which means spring 2017 is just around the corner. It's time to refresh your wardrobe with a couple pieces to match your rising spirits. White jeans and groovy tunes await in this month's essentials list. 

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The Lucente | M.Gemi

Sneakers are my first and favorite choice of footwear for just about any occasion. Adding just the right touch of casual comfort to an outfit, they look great and feel even better. When I first set eyes on the black leather Lucente by M.Gemi, I knew they were bound to be a staple of my collection. Handmade by Tuscan artisans in old-world Italian workshops, The Lucente's exquisite craftsmanship gives the sneaker its signature clean, tailored look. The buttery smooth calfskin leather upper is hand stitched to a glossy white sole—ensuring the shoe won't be out of place with your best black tie attire. Even the smallest details, like the grey heel tab, are well designed and carefully crafted. 

From the very first wear, The Lucente feels like it was made for your foot, and for good reason. Every pair of M.Gemi shoes is sourced directly from family-run workshops in Italy that have been perfecting the art of shoemaking for centuries. Not only does that mean exceptional quality, but also affordable prices. With a direct-to-consumer sales approach, M.Gemi's products aren't subject to third-party markups, so you'll find unparalleled quality for the price point. Next time you're in NYC, swing by the SoHo showroom at 120 Wooster Street where you can test out all their shoes and have them shipped directly to your door in a couple days. Or take advantage of their free shipping and free returns policy and shop right from your living room—it's the closest you'll get to Italy without actually leaving your apartment. 

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The Most Festive Winter Bars in NYC

The holidays might be over, but there are still plenty of festive bars in NYC keeping spirits high until spring. From hot drinks to fireplaces and even bunk beds (yes, you can lay in them) these innovative cocktail enthusiasts know how to make the most of the cold, dark winter months. Here are our favorite winter bars in NYC. 

What to order: Hot Maple. Its got alcohol and maple syrup. Need we say more?

The Lodge at Gallow Green 542 W 27th St, New York, NY

What to order: Deacon Blues. A smoky, spicy old-fashioned with a little something extra thanks to the mezcal addition.

Dear Irving 55 Irving Pl, New York, NY

What to order: Whiskey Sour. You know, like a real whiskey sour, with egg whites. 

Little Branch 22 7th Ave S, New York, NY

What to order: Elderflower Smash. St. Germain and Hendrick's with an herbal combination of mint, bitters and lemon. 

Rose Bar Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

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The Spin | February | 17

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Black Tie

Traditional black tie attire consists of a black bowtie, tuxedo and shiny shoes—but I decided to create a real-world take on this sartorial pastime. The coat is what makes the look and this slim double-breasted model from H&M does the trick. The fit is key, and once you've got the right silhouette up top things the rest of the outfit will fall into place from there. Keep the rest of the outfit clean and contoured—that means your slimmest black pants and a pair of dress boots to complement a classic knit tie and button-down combo. While this outfit isn't exactly gala worthy, it'll make a surefire transition from office to drinks with the lucky lady. 

Jacket - H&M // Shirt - J. Crew // Jeans - PAIGE // Tie - The Tie Bar // Boots - Stacy Adams // Watch - Seiko

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A Morning In: Chelsea

What doesn't Chelsea have? With galleries, shopping, the High Line, restaurants, nightlife and riverside parks the answer is not much. While you could spend a month exploring the ins and outs of one of Manhattan's most eclectic and energetic neighborhoods we picked out a few of our favorite spots to hit on a leisurely morning on the west side of the island. Here's your guide to a morning in Chelsea. 

Start the day at Chelsea’s most photogenic coffee and brunch spot. Designed and founded by a charismatic pair of Australian pals, Citizens brings a taste of the Land Down Under to the corner of 25th and 9th. Carefully poured lattes fill a fleet of sea green mugs beside brunch dishes like avocado toast and baked eggs that wouldn’t be out of place on display at one of the neighboring art galleries.

Citizens of Chelsea 401 W 25th St citizensofchelsea.com

No two Aesop stores are alike, and the cult skincare brand’s 9th Ave outpost is our favorite in the city. The intimate and welcoming space is inspired by the headquarters of nearby art magazine The Paris Review—with hundreds of past covers lining the ceiling in a floating collage. The staff will kindly serve you tea while you browse and if you play your cards right they'll send you home with a few extra Aesop samples to try. 

Aesop Chelsea 174 9th Ave aesop.com

Many gallery-goers walk right by one of the best galleries in Chelsea simply because it’s not visible from the street. Head into the building at 508 26th Street and ask the man in the manually operated elevator to bring you to the 8th floor. Here you’ll find cavernous bright white gallery space with soaring views of Midtown’s skyscrapers to the north and the High Line below thanks to a tall wall of oversized industrial windows. Apartment goals, anyone?

Greene Naftali Gallery 508 W 26th St greenenaftaligallery.com

West Chelsea’s preeminent brunch swoon, Cookshop’s delicious food is outdone only by its potent cocktail list—featuring a bacon-infused bloody mary and a “hard core” rye and cider blend. If the weather is frightful visit the luscious plant-filled dining room but on a warm day make sure to request a table outside for some A+ sidewalk style-gazing while you dine. 

Cookshop 156 10th Avenue cookshopny.com

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