The Obtainer - 5/19/23, Friday
↦ The Pleasure of Dressing for Yourself
Friday, May 19th Edition
Happy Friday! We made it … so here’s a simple plan for the weekend. Go do something nice for yourself. You’ll thank me later.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
What We’re Wearing
A Solo Date Night
Going on dates doesn’t always have to involve multiple parties. Sometimes it's nice to treat yourself to some “me” time. Whether you're in a relationship or just work too much, self-care should always be a priority. Of course, that's easier said than done. Solo dates allow you to entertain your interests or even discover something new that you may not usually have time for. I recently took myself out to dinner at a local pizza joint and sipped a Negroni with my pie. Honestly, it was the perfect reset I never knew I needed.Need some solo date ideas? Stop at a coffee shop and then take a stroll, grab dinner at the bar, or plan an afternoon at the art museum. What makes the outing feel special is dressing up for yourself. You don't need to impress anyone, but getting a fit off will elevate the experience. This time of year, a linen blazer is a smart option—it keeps you cool during the day and warm at night—plus, I love the high/low mix with some worn-in denim. Then pull on some Chelsea boots. They're back and this time around, a pair of relaxed or straight-fitting pants give the boots a more laidback feel. And who doesn't love a laceless yet formal-looking footwear option?Don't skimp on accessories though. These tortoise frames are stylish, well-made and affordable. And when you're sporting a blazer, your shirt should be tucked, so you'll need a belt. A hand-woven belt is a subtle piece, but one of the most intriguing items to pull the look together. This, of course, is an outfit that can work for regular date nights with your partner as well. But we're here to give you a gentle nudge and a reminder to treat yourself now and then.
Your Self-Approved Fit
Clockwise, from top left:
Oxford shirt, $145 by ASKETKennedy acetate frame, $149 by Shwood Eyewear1954 501 jean, $325 by Levi's Vintage ClothingLinen tailored blazer, $330 by PercivalLeather-trimmed belt, $75 by GuanábanaEnigma cologne, $60 by Roja ParfumsDenali Chelsea boot, $475 by Allen EdmondsTextured ribbed socks, $35 by Toast
Making the Case for ...
The Ultimate Bluetooth Speaker
Warm weather is here, so cookouts and pool parties are on the horizon. To help set the vibe, a Bluetooth speaker is all but required. We’ve all graduated past putting our phone in a cup to amplify the sound. And while there are plenty of good speakers from Bose, JBL and Sonos, they’re all a little underwhelming in the style department. We’ve found a more powerful Bluetooth speaker that’s also the best-looking on the market. Danish brand Bang & Olufsen now makes a speaker that’s not only handsome and durable, but provides state-of-the-art audio.The brand has been a leader in audio equipment since 1925, and the new Beosound A5 is the brand’s most powerful wireless speaker. Crafted from real oak wood and smooth aluminum, the speaker epitomizes sleek Scandinavian design. The rounded wooden handle makes it easy to transport throughout the day, and the battery life promises a full 12 hours of play. There’s even a built-in Qi wireless charger on top to keep your phone’s battery fully juiced.While the durability of the speaker is impressive, the sound is truly world-class. It has a two-way setup with four drivers and a 360-degree sound dispersion. The RoomSense feature actually reads the room to adapt playback based on your space, so you always get the finest audio output. The connectivity capabilities are endless: Stream on WiFi with Airplay 2 or Chromecast, sync it up with other speakers to create soundscapes around the house or simply use the Bluetooth.One of our favorite features is that the speaker has a modular design, so individual parts can be replaced, instead of needing to purchase a whole new device. And there are also over-the-air software updates, which will introduce new features over time to help enhance your listening experience wherever you are. The price tag is quite hefty, but if you listen to music or even want to improve your sound while watching the small screen, this is the best-performing option and it’s a chic audio speaker that improves the looks of any room it’s in.
Beosound A5 speaker,$1,099 by Bang & Olufsen
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Nanamica's weather-resistant nylon shoulder bag comes in handy whether you’re trekking down a trail or running to the farmers market.
$175 / $89by Nanamica
Camp collar shirts are still going strong, and this one is made of organic jersey cotton, so it feels like your favorite T-shirt yet dressy enough for a dinner date.
$75 / $51.99by Madewell
This versatile oven pan has a nonstick ceramic coating with ergonomic side handles. Use this for baking and roasting. The pan also works as a stovetop griddle.
$125 / $100by Our Place
The three best stories from around the web.
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Miles Garber wants you to rethink masculinity. The former model and new dad is on a quest to change the conversation around manhood in America.”
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The near-impenetrable four-wheeler offers ballistic protection from high-powered assault rifles and hand grenades, all for just $290,000.”
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Suntory’s motto is yatte minahare, a Japanese a saying that embodies the concept of always moving forward.”
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Pierre Mahéo considers that he does not make fashion but clothes, with all the nuance that entails.
April 2