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

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

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

It may be Wednesday, but we’re ready for Friday to roll around and our weekend travel bag of choice (for the moment) is the Billykirk Duffel Bag (available at Gargyle for $215).  Made of waxed cotton canvas, this navy duffel is a refreshing update on a classic and features a fully nylon-lined interior with a zip pocket and contrasting natural canvas handles with an exterior pocket as well.  Every detail from the stitching to the complementary aquamarine blue zipper makes the Billykirk Duffel Bag one that’s worth being seen with (and holding onto, for that matter).

Accessories, Bags, Style

Though the U-boat is generally known as a German military submarine, the origins of the U-Boat Flightdeck Titanium (available at registered dealers starting from $4,750) are decidedly Italian (even the name of the brand’s creator, Italo Fontana, speaks for itself).  Nonetheless, there are a couple design elements that the Flightdeck Titanium shares with its namesake vessel—a certain aesthetic stealthiness (best seen in the matte black dial with black hands/markers) partnered with a significant presence (represented by the 50 mm natural titanium case accented by a seriously robust crown).  And with automatic chronograph movement, water resistance up to 100 meters, and your choice of a rubber or alligator strap, the U-Boat Flightdeck Titanium reminds us that above and beyond any comparisons to its maritime handle, it’s also quite the considerable timepiece and personal accessory.

Accessories, Style, Watches