Heyooooo! It’s that time of year again! Look, the world is getting dumber and dumber and I blame mainstream media. No, not news (well, a little the news), but just terrible music, movies and TV shows. So, it’s more important than ever that we focus on our scholarly duties and try and get smarter in a world hellbent on lowering our standards. Of course, it wouldn’t be a new school year without school goodies. Yes, books and food are more important, but once you’ve got those covered, we have some prett-y pretttttyyy good recommendations for some fun accessories that will make for an easier school year. The list is a little shorter than years before, but that’s because we jam econo, and leaner is always better. Don’t believe us? Let’s go!
Stanley Drinkware
Now more than ever it’s important to take notice of the Stanley brand because it seems like the outdoors is going to be the only place where we can find safe enjoyment. And good for us, it’s about time we started appreciating nature and camping more. I know I certainly have a turbulent history with it. But in the age of social distancing, some hiking and the outdoors is just what the doctor ordered.
And lucky for you, Stanley has done all the heavy liftingfor you. They’ve got all the stuff you need to make your camp or hike an enjoyable one, from flasks and coolers, to amazing water bottles that magically keep your water cool for more hours than they should, to practical, portable, and high performance cookware to provide you with the meals to keep you going, and some top notch coffee prep gear as well.
And since this is Stanley we’re talking about, you know you’re going to buy this stuff only once. This brand is so well-made and durable that you’re going to grow old with it and give it to your grandchildren, and it’s still going to look good. These thermoses will survive a mountain lion attack or a fall off a cliff. That’s craftsmanship that’s both stylish and dependable.
If you’re going to be outdoors you might as well be prepared.
Check out Stanley products here.
Teenage Engineering
Why do we love Teenage Engineering? First, they’re unique, second because they’re so fun. Teenage Engineering has been on our radar for quite a while, ever since we learned about their Critter and Guitari pocket pianos. They seemed perfectly engineered and curiously put-together. But it’s with their pocket operators (or POs) that we really got excited. Then they went ahead and created a Street Fighter PO and we just couldn’t stop ourselves.
The pocket operator line by Teenage Engineering offers a very unique product that’s designed for a very specific purpose. It’s a mixer of sorts for DJs that want to create rhythm and beats at the palm of their hands. It offers looping abilities and a short memory bank for you to store created samples and dub over them. The PO-33 is their best seller as far as these operators go. It’s got everything you want in as clear an interface as possible for you to lay down your beat and add your own unique melodies over. Sounds complicated, and it kind of is for creating original music. But, I also had fun just messing with the different sounds and music from the game. It’s really all fueling a creative process. Whatever it is, you should be able to get it done with the PO-33.
But, this time around we’re also talking about the EP-133 KO II sampler. What is it? We’re still in the midst of figuring this baby out, but their website gets straight to the point: “EP–133 K.O. II is a powerful sampler, sequencer and composer. record sounds around you, sequence your samples and loops, tweak and automate filter, pitch and more. add stereo effects, compressor and next generation punch-in effects – go from idea to track faster than ever.”
There you have it. Anyone can write music, but with Teenage Engineering gear, you just might turn into a superstar.
Karas Kustoms
Call me old fashioned, but I still love the feeling of ink on paper. You might be taking your notes on Microsoft Word, and God bless you for it, but sometimes nothing matches the intimacy and versatility of a quick pen: adding the arrows, making the connections, and highlighting your words.
I’ve actually used Karas Kustoms pens in the past and there really is no substitute. For one thing, they’re heavy duty and feel heavy on a piece of paper. Before you start moaning, let me tell you all that means is that the pressure of the pen is already built into the design. Also built into the design is speed. This thing moves, baby! It’s all because of the sleek design of the pens and their use of german ink cartridges for that smooth movement. So, you’re getting a superior writing utensil with Karas Kustoms, but you’re also getting some of the coolest looking, gorgeous artifacts known to man. Really, everyone needs one good pen that’s as reliable as it is pleasing to the eye. I know what you’re thinking – the perfect gift for someone, right? You’re not wrong, but you should do yourself a favor and make sure you have one handy.
Karas Kustoms’ pens are as beautiful as they are practical. They’re meant to elevate your writing and make you look good while doing so.
Manscaped
It used to not be cool talking about grooming when you’re a man. Yes, but those times are over. I knew we were ahead of the curve promoting Manscaped, and now it’s being featured in all my favorite podcasts. It took those newbies a while to recognize something good when they see it. Manscaped started as a simple and convenient way to groom your body but has grown into so much more over just a couple years.
Now offer a variety of much-needed accessories that every guy needs to keep their body well-groomed. Their Performance Package 5.0 has got you covered from top to bottom. It has their best groomer, their top notch nose hair-trimmer, and with some ideal fragrances to keep the area smelling and feeling fresh. It’s truly the whole package. What’s more, add their beard hedger (the absolute best in the biz) and their crop shaver and you’ve just plussed up your grooming.
Manscaped has got a variety of essential products ranging from the traditional clippers, to nose trimmers, body washes, lotions, balms, travel cases, and even the perfect briefs. There’s plenty of stuff here a guy needs to be happy.
Super7 The Worst Action Figures
Action figures aren’t for kids anymore. Well, they never really were anyway. They’re like the Looney Tunes of toys: made by adults to appeal both to the older and younger crowd. It’s one of the few vices I have. Of course, I collected Ninja Turtles and I regret giving them all away. Since then, I’ve built a new collection, very carefully curated: every toy has a story to tell and memories that go with it.
Super7 is a company made up of superfans so you know you’re in good hands. They might be known for their licensed lines which cast a very wide net from music, to movies to TV Shows, as well as their punk rock sensibilities, but, showing their true colors, they’ve started a new line of original IP called the Worst. These consist of robot assassins, zombie pirates, demon monarchs, the undead, and creatures of the knight, each with their own origin story. It’s all original, compelling, and spooky. And, instead of trying to interpret already existing pop culture, they are making their own. When you think about it, isn’t that what the original ninja turtles were all about? Action figures for the sake of action figures. Pretty cool, right?
So, yes, you’re going to go to Super7 to check out some figures about your favorite band, or TV show, or movie, but you’d be remiss not to check out the Worst: toys for the true collector.
https://super7.com/collections/all/?licenses=The+Worst&page=2&sort=created-descending
Baxter of California
We love Baxter of California and by now we’re sure you know that. They’ve been there for us since the beginning offering the best in shaving products. The best blades, the best razors, the best everything. So you know they deliver on that front. But did you know that Baxter of California also makes some damn fine bathing and grooming products?
It’s true! This time around we wanted to focus on the softer side of Baxter of California. Let me just start off by talking about their awesome Invigorating body wash. And I mean for the WHOLE body. This is the kind of body wash for guys like me who want one thing to do the job right and for your no-nonsense bathing needs. I even take mine to the gym to reduce the clutter. It’ll get you the kind of clean you want and leave you smelling great.
And when you’re done with your shower, try out some of their bar soaps which make such a lather that you will use it on your entire body, including on your head, as a shampoo. When you’re done top if off with one of their excellent candles. Still the best stuff out there.
http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com/
Sock Affairs
I don’t know why but I’m always on the lookout for cool new socks. They’re the part of our attire that gets the most wear and tear (think about the foot friction, bro!), and even though I love sticking to the basics (a black thick sock with padding), at some point I would like to be a little more experimental with this special article of clothing.
I call it special because, when you think about it, it’s the only part of a business casual attire you’re really allowed to go wild with. The shirt, pants, and shoes have to adhere to protocol, but even if you wore the wildest socks, chances are you’ll get some compliments. It’s really the last stand you can take before you end up looking like you work in a soviet factory.
Sock Affair makes it easy to fall in love with socks. Yes, their socks are a good quality but really it’s the wide variety of unique designs that really makes them stand out. You can get musical, artistic, patterned, or traditional sock styles. They’re both pleasing to the eye and surprisingly edgy. Yes, we’re calling it: socks are having their moment in 2024.
https://www.sockaffairs.com/en-usd
Dr Martens
At this point, we don’t just feel like we’re friends with Dr Martens — we’re family. It’s great to know that wearing Dr Martens is like going to Olive Garden. No, but in all seriousness, we keep featuring these guys in our guides because we love these shoes. And Dr Martens isn’t just the boot company they used to be, they’re much more than that.
Over the last many years, they’ve gone from making timeless boots to making shoes fit for every occasion. Now, of course, every shoe collection needs a pair of Dr Martens boots, which work for the hot Summer or the cold Winter. Trust me, these bouncing soles offer the perfect grip on the slippery ice. But there is also a huge catalog to pick from, from sandals, to snow shoes, to work shoes, to loafers to dress shoes.
Dr Martens has gone from the best stop for boots to the best stop for anything you need to wear on your feet. But, did you know they also make quality backpacks? How else are you going to haul your books and laptop around? They even look like Dr Martens shoes in backpack mode.
I know you’re not the kind of person who’s been depriving themselves of a pair of docs in their collection, and I know you have those 1460s which are so beloved. But branch out a little and you’ll find a whole new world waiting for you.
