Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

If you find that throwing a messenger bag over one shoulder just feels a bit unbalanced, then consider the Duluth Flap Top Backpack (available at Barneys for $235).  Made of an olive cotton canvas cut in a simple rectangular design, the Duluth Flap Top comes with fully adjustable leather flap and shoulder straps as well as polished nickel hardware.  And though it may look like the ideal rucksack for a leisurely hike through the woods, the editors at DS find it a much more appropriate means of carrying your stuff through the iron and concrete wilds of whatever urban center you happen to live, work and explore on a daily basis.

Accessories, Bags, Style

Before you know it, it’ll be time to put away the boat shoes and pull on a pair of sturdy boots.  If you’re ready to get a jump start on the fall, check out the Buttero Strap Boot (available at Barneys for $450).  Made in Italy, the Buttero Strap Boot features a lug sole, round toe and buckle strap at the inset (a detail that sets these boots apart from others while ensuring a snug fit).  Available in a rich brown leather, this lace up boot is simultaneously rugged and stylish (the ideal combination of attributes whether you plan on getting dressed up or keeping it casual for the weekend).

Accessories, Boots, Style

Whether you’re predisposed to slipping your bare feet into your boat shoes without thinking, or you do it quite deliberately based on the aesthetic appeal of the “no sock” look, our recommendation is simple: put on a pair of Mocc Socks by MS&Co. (available at Mocc Sock & Co. starting from $8) before you take one step forward.  The rationale is as straightforward as our suggestion: your feet sweltering in a confined leather space under the duress of summer humidity results in only very bad things.  And since nobody but you will know you’ve got on a pair of Mocc Socks (at least until you take off your shoes), do the right thing and put on a pair before things start getting funky down there.

Accessories, Style

While you’re taking a little time away from the daily grind, whether relaxing at the beach or crashing a local rooftop pool, it’s not uncommon to find the residue of the day’s activities still lingering all over your hair and skin by the time it’s all said and done.  And though we generally don’t recommend “two in one” grooming products (i.e. shampoo + conditioner), the Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser (available at Aveda for $20) makes getting clean quite simple while being exceptionally effective.  Corn-derived chelator, an organic chemical, binds to the iron and copper ions found in chlorinated water which can cause hair discoloration; babassu oil removes salt and general product build-up, and tamanu oil and certified organic coconut oil ensure your skin retains its moisture, meaning you get to keep that glow without too much worry over peeling or cracking (assuming you had the sense to use some sunscreen to begin with).

Grooming, Haircare, Skincare, Style

Aqua socks they’re not (thankfully).  Instead, the Opening Ceremony & Timberland Water Shoes (available at Opening Ceremony for $95) are incredibly versatile footwear that take you from the boardwalk to the beach and into the water and back, without missing a step (or the need to change shoes for that matter).  The trifecta of breathable mesh, quick-dry neoprene and waterproof nubuck suede combine into a water shoe with a throwback design (almost a little boat shoe-esque) that has just a little more substance than a pair of flip-flops (but with almost as much breathability).  Available in three colors, these Water Shoes are the ideal summer footgear that keep you from resorting to aqua socks, or worse yet, sandals (something the editors at DS simply never recommend).

Accessories, Shoes, Style

Some days call for rolling up your sleeves and getting in the thick of things and the Caulfield Preparatory Shaffer Shirt (available at Revolve Clothing for $140) makes it easy by taking away half the work with its signature 3/4 sleeves.  Made of 100% cotton, the Shaffer Shirt features a casual, but slim fit with a contrasting white collar, black buttons and a front breast pocket.  With a focus on such details, the Shaffer impeccably represents designer Vincent Flumiani’s design vision of an edgy-prepster aesthetic, making this shirt an ideal summer button down for those who appreciate classic tailoring with a bit of a rebellious streak.

Shirts, Style

From what we’ve observed, when it comes to packing a bag for even something as quick as a weekend getaway, (some) women believe they need shoes for just about every possible scenario (with a bag dedicated towards that end alone not being uncommon).  It’s a good thing that (most) men have a knack for packing light and for those of us that appreciate being a little more agile while traveling, there’s not a more suitably designed weekend duffel than the Herschel Novel Duffel Bag (available at Herschel for $75).  A separate built-in shoe compartment keeps your footwear safely stowed away from the rest of your gear while a removable and padded shoulder strap keeps the Novel securely and comfortably resting on your shoulders.  Available in three colors (editor’s choice: white), the Novel Duffel Bag is simply but purposefully constructed with the end user’s ease of use in mind (and in our estimation, this one’s for the guys).

Accessories, Bags, Style

Looking back on the sartorial trends from our days in junior high and high school (keeping in mind this was the transition period from the late 80s to the early 90s), there are very few things we wore back then that we’d wear today.  One of the few exceptions would be a pair of Sebago Docksides (available at Sebago for $90)—like a daily driver, shoes that we trusted would get us from point A to point B without mishap.  These handsewn boat shoes are constructed from a single piece of leather which are accented by rawhide leather laces looped through non-corrosive brass eyelets.  Available in 14 colors, Docksides have a slip-resistant, non-marking rubber sole that keeps you from sliding away (in case you actually happen to be on a boat or a dock), and for those who have the wherewithal, Docksides are even available in a “Midnight Wheat” patent leather version that we find inexplicably appealing (clearly, not the sort of Docksides we wore in high school).

Accessories, Shoes, Style

Don’t let its price point fool you.  The Apollo Classic Sunglasses by SUPER (available at SUPER for approximately $125) have a provenance (handmade in Italy) many of us associate with the most high-end of automobiles (think the symbol of the prancing horse on a yellow shield).  Launched in 2007 by Daniel and Simon Beckerman, SUPER produces sunglasses in a wide spectrum of designs and colors using only the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes, with the Apollo Classic being our understated, yet striking choice of sunglasses for the bright and hot summer months ahead.  The translucent grey acetate is perfectly partnered with faded black Zeiss lenses, making the Apollo Classic aptly named (Apollo being the god of light and sun) and ideally designed for you to face the unforgiving sun in all its summer glory.

Accessories, Style, Sunglasses

Though we generally like keeping things light in the summer (especially when the humidity gets oppressive), we still recommend that when you pull on a pair of shorts, you throw on a belt.  The reasons should be obvious: one, it keeps your shorts on (generally a desired result) and two, it looks good (always a desired result).  And with the Hackett Striped D-Ring Belt (available at ASOS.com for $60), you can satisfy both reasons without breaking the bank.  Made of 100% cotton with leather trim, the Hackett D-ring belt also manages to provide a little style relief by way of a nicely contrasting striped color scheme.  Pair the Hackett D-Ring Belt with any pair of shorts (ones with belt loops preferably), and you’ll be ready to step outside of your home (at least half-clothed).

Accessories, Belts, Style