#sharpologist

How is it already Labor Day Weekend?! I swear, as I get older, each year seems to fly by faster and faster. Gone are the days when a week seemed like an eternity just to get to the dance on Saturday night. I need to focus more attention on appreciating every day as its own experience. I think finding appreciation in as many things as possible can help time slow down a bit. Each day brings its own unique challenges and rewards. I have to get better at recognizing them as each day progresses. But I digress…

I wasn’t going to put up a Weekend Reading Post this week. I haven’t written in a minute (I do have three posts coming next week!). But I realized I had a good stash of interesting articles to share, and there a quite a few fantastic Labor Day sales going on that I wanted to clue everyone into as well. So with all that in mind, let’s get started.

Sales

Brooks Brothers is running a suit clearance. This is the time to grab a great suit for an outstanding price. My two personal favorites are this two-piece and this three-piece.

West Coast Shaving is offering 12% off all Merkur and Dovo products (no code needed). You can also get a free sample pack of their new shave soaps when you spend over $50 and use the code EARLYGIFT. I may have to grab a new open comb razor.

T.M. Lewin is discounting 20% of everything with the code LABOR20. Make sure you check out this Italian wool jacket.

Allen Edmonds is featuring a sale on their woven loafers and boat shoes. Now is the time to grab a pair like these for next summer!

Articles

I loved this breakdown from my favorite coffee roaster.

Great analysis here from HSS on a really nice cigar.

Better go out and check your garages.

What do you think, is Moss Bros. missing anything on this list?

As someone who’s worn contacts for years, I never thought about this.

Ever wonder what women really think about guys losing their hair?

I love the suit in this post, but it’s also just shot so beautifully.

Wax or cream, what’s the difference?

While what makes you feel comfortable is subjective, comfort is definitely king.

Man, what a week. When things get a little too crazy in the real world, I hope this blog can be a place of short distraction from some of the things that are going on. I had some trouble getting started writing this week, and a friend of mine reminded me that what I do helps people and people need that these days. So hopefully these links this week are a helpful distraction filled with real-life advice and suggestions.

There are a couple good sales running this weekend. Allen Edmonds is offering 20% off all clearance items. It’s the perfect time to pick up a new pair of dress shoes. Lacoste is running their semi-annual sale. It’s always the best time to grab a few of my favorite polo shirts.

Lather Brothers Soap Company is a brand that’s new to me. I may have to check them out!

Fall scents are probably my favorite scents. This list should come in handy!

Loving this denim jacket for fall.

This post is absolutely necessary in August.

I love the idea that there are more important things to being a gentleman than how one dresses.

And you can pair that denim jacket with this shirt.

A very simple, but very stylish rule.

Well, these just look delicious.

Style icon, simplified.

There’s something so perfect about desert boots in the fall.

Nope.

We all have bad days, here are some great tips for getting through them.

Throw this one on the bucket list.

I really enjoy the patch pockets and bold pattern on this jacket.

August. August! How is it already August? This summer is flying by. I mean, we took our son to get some school supplies already. Never mind that he’s only starting kindergarten, it was simply exciting for him to go to Staples (remember those days?). Pretty sure both kids will be gone for full days during the week. I wonder how much writing I can get done then?

This week’s readings have some pretty varied topics. From white tailoring to skincare to realistic fitness, and one extra special post from celebrity stylist Ashley P. Weston, I think you’ll enjoy this week’s selections.

Megan nails how to pull of that retro style.

I love this simple, reasonable approach to fitness from Mr. Porter.

Fascinating tips from The Rake on how to wear white.

I’m digging the pattern on this new T.M. Lewin jacket!

Skincare is crucial, even if most men don’t want to talk about it. I’m glad Sharpologist is.

I’ve been on the hunt for a silver and brown dress watch, and these from Shinola and Junghans are definitely in the running.

I typically associate polos with casual wear, but Andrew has done a really nice job here of giving some dressier options for those polos in your closet.

Todd Snyder is running an end of season sale. This polo shirt and this jacket are my two favs so far.

Big shoutout to Ashley for answering the questions no one wants to ask, but everyone wants answered.

Looking for a top of the line badger brush? Look no further. And it’s on sale!

Want a quick rundown of all the summer fabrics? Adam has it all right here.

I was really excited to hear about J. Crew’s new OCBDs. I hoped they could deliver. Put This On took a look.

However, these OCDBs are my personal favorite.

This J. Crew shirt on the other hand...I love!

I’ve been trying to include more links than I had been in these Weekend Reading posts. I hope you’re finding some great resources here. Today’s links focus a lot on summer jackets and building up/slimming down your wardrobe. I’m really paying a lot more attention to what I buy, how it looks on me, and what it says about me (or at least what I want it to say).

I didn’t know desk envy could be a thing until I saw Simon’s.

This 2.5 button Rubinacci linen blazer is perfect for summer.

Aside from number ten (sorry, Mark), I would recommend these rules to anyone.

I’m obsessed with this linen jacket too!

Personally, I dig having a hairy chest, but if you want to trim it up a bit, check out Ashley’s advice.

Not into linen? Check out this hopsack jacket.

Just say no to board shorts.

Grenson loafers for $149? Yes, please.

The hat definitely makes Brian’s outfit. I just don’t know if I have the guts to try it.

Be sure to check out the Herring Shoes sale going on now too!

I’m following Peter’s advice soon and decluttering my closet. Also, be sure to grab the PDF.

Gilt is running a huge Floris sale right now.

This is a huge focus for me as I make clothing purchases going forward. I’m glad Megan could validate my angst.

Have you seen the new Proraso colognes? I definitely want to try these!

I can’t believe June is already over. Just the other day my wife and I were telling our daughter that she only has nine weeks of summer break left. I think she still hasn’t picked up her jaw. This week is the Fourth, and after that we’re on cruise control until school starts back up. How has your summer been so far?

I found lots of great content to share with you today. From straight razors to Pitti Peacocks to dressing your son, this Weekend Reading is packed with goodness! So let’s get to it.

Some great tips from T.M. Lewin on summer style in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.

What makes linen so great for summer? He Spoke Style has the answer!

You’re not going to find a better price on a waxed cotton jacket for autumn than this one.

According to The Rake, the Pitti Peacock is no more.

At some point I’ll transition to a straight razor, and I’ll be glad to have this post from Sharpologist as a resource.

Bring a little 60s style to your next poolside cookout.

Style gets a little trickier when you can’t layer. Here’s some great advice from Put This On.

Poetry is a literary genre which I have definitely not paid enough attention to. I’ve only read two on this list by The Art of Manliness. What about you?

Have you seen the new shaving soaps and aftershaves from West Coast Shaving? I can’t wait to try these!

I’m trying to make a conscious effort to wear a polo shirt when I would normally wear a t-shirt. Thanks to Valet I shouldn’t run out of options.

Of course, I think they missed one.

Ian pulled together a fantastic breakdown of Stanley Tucci’s rule-breaking style.

Speaking of straight razors, this restoration by Fretzwerk for The Canuck Shaver is beautiful.

Fine Accoutrements released new soap bowls to hold their pucks.

Dressing my five-year-old son in something other than athletic gear is difficult most days. These suggestions from Mr Porter are most welcome.

Clothing shows we care.

Hopsack is a fantastic light, wool material for summer.

When Ryan Holiday tells me to read a book (or thirty-six), I listen.

Crabtree & Evelyn is a brand I have certainly overlooked. I won’t anymore.

I’m getting my weekend reading out a little late today. Actually, this is sort of like the third of a four-day weekend for me. Both kids were off on Thursday and Friday for teacher events, so I’ve been on “dad duty” for the last seventy-two hours. Getting a few hours this morning to work on some writing is a much-welcomed break. Yes, I’m writing this on Saturday morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, but everyone needs their own time too. I usually get that at either 5:30 am when I’m working out or at 8:00 pm after the kids go to bed. So, I’m always thankful when someone else jumps in for a few hours.

Have you check out the new logos and headers for Tailor & Barber? They’re on the website and social media. I’d love it if you left a comment below letting me know what you think. I worked with 99designs and cannot say enough good things about the process. I definitely recommend 99designs for anyone looking for designers. Using this link will also get you a free $99 PowerPack upgrade for your first design contest too.

Anyway, let’s get to the links!

1. U2 is one of my favorite bands. I personally consider them the Rolling Stones of my generation. “The Joshua Tree” and “Achtung Baby” are two of their best albums, but which one is better?

2. I just restocked for spring and summer, have you?

3. The shirt-tucking struggle is real, my friends.

4. I finally finished reading Dressing the Man. It’s a must read for anyone looking to understand how to dress for your body, personality, and occupation.

5. Ashley nails it again!

6. I usually wear Lacoste polos, but these tipped polos from J. Crew look amazing.

7. Do your safety razors have some soap scum and corrosion like a few of mine? Better check out this post on Sharpologist.

8. This linen shirt is on my short list for summer!

9. I know I’m a little late to post Oscar red carpet looks, but Rogues & Brogues put together such a nice breakdown, I had to share it.

10. I love the subtle pattern in this Italian fabric suit from Bonobos.

I haven’t written a Weekend Reading post in over a month, and it’s really something I want to get back into the habit of doing. I think they’re a great quick-hit way of passing on some great articles that I’ve found as well and sharing some of my favorite clothing and grooming products of the week.

The past month has been has been pretty hectic around here. We had a good week and a half where everyone in the house was sick. A couple stomach bugs, a couple flus, and several colds. Such is life when you have two young kids. We spent this week getting the house ready for a photo shoot for my sister-in-law. She’s working on getting a lifestyle brand off the ground, and wanted to use our house for some pictures. My wife and I  had been ignoring some substantial messes and clutter for a while, so this was just the impetus we needed to get our surroundings in order. I can’t express the feeling of freedom that comes with cleaning up your living space. We’re on a roll now, and I really want to keep this momentum going forward.

With the twenty-four hour news coverage of every event on the planet, we sometimes forget that there are real people behind the camera. This fantastic article from Mr Porter is a touching reminder.

Is a unique style still a unique style if everyone does it?

What are your thoughts on this article from Brian?

Sometimes Sharpologist steps outside the world of wet shaving. When it does, the results are usually wonderful.

Of course, Sharpologist still excels at its original mission too.

Check out the rest of the Fine Accoutrements products too.

Who can argue with the impact James Bond has had on the world of men’s style?

Here’s a few field jackets to get your spring Skyfall look started: from Charles Tyrwhitt, T. M. Lewin, and Brooks Brothers.

This video is a little long (18 minutes), but it’s fascinating!

What a week. What a f@#king week! I think just about everyone is ready for a weekend right about now. I’ve been watching news and reading twitter way too much for my own good. With so much negativity being put into the world, I need to take a step back and find some things to boost my spirits instead of inundating myself with a cacophony of hot takes, tweets, and television talk shows. That’s why this Weekend Reading post will not include a single political story. This post is meant to be a break for me, and a break for you.

Poor Max, but Robbie played it off well.

Loving this double monk on sale!

One of the things I love about traditional wet shaving is the cost. But here are some great products if you’re looking to save even more.

This has been my moisturizer of choice lately. No oil, no shine. Love it!

I may not be able to afford any Cucinelli, but I can certainly appreciate and adopt some of these style tips.

Yep. Gonna need these.

Two great posts on what dressing up means today. One from He Spoke Style, and one from Parisian Gentleman.

I had to push my review back, but I would grab one of the last few of these shave brushes at this price if I were you.

I can get drawn into reading The Suits of James Bond for hours, but if you’re interested in seeing how a few small changes can dramatically affect how your suit looks, read this.

This is a fantastic layering outerwear vest for colder months.

Sometimes I just need a little blogging motivation. This post was so helpful.