Man Of Leisure

As a toast to the Summer Solstice, here is a selection of needful things for your misadventures. Kangol Kangol incorporate the proper combinations of textures to make for all around cool headpieces. A lightweight, dual color felted wool is paired next to open weaved straw to achieve the perfect balance of dressy leisure in their Swirl styles (shown above). Premium eco friendly materials and green measures are used in construction, with natural dyes and dye extracts made from earth pigment and natural colorants, as well as durable lightweight straw and bamboo. http://www.kangol.com/ KIRK Originals This year the brand celebrates 20 years of combining technical advancements with aesthetic beauty, as well as its recently launched flagship store in London. Although they may appear to be bold and oversized, the pieces are constructed of a lightweight acrylic and almost feel as if you're not wearing anything at all. The lucid color options liken the collection to stained glass and are a much needed relief from the banality of black and tortoise shell. http://kirkoriginals.com/ Orlebar Brown The tailored beachwear and its general sense of rich modernity, take its cues from the 1960s photographic works of Slim Aarons and Pierre Koenig's Californian architecture, which contrast inside and outside. Aspects insinuating the work of Aarons can be found in the collection's host of subdued neons from reef blue to chartreuse and rescue red. For the most part everything is solid with one abstract print, symbolizing the reflection of light to water, courtesy of David Hockney’s pool and splash series. http://www.orlebarbrown.com/ Swims These babies are so sleek, you would probably never guess that they possess the same qualities of rugged performance footwear, being water resistant, non-marking, breathable, and machine washable. In addition, the color offerings cover conservative types to the jovial, ranging in powder blue to popsicle to winter white and charcoal. Makes you feel like a kid again and want to collect them all, right? http://www.swims.com/#/home United Nude Even within the men's line United Nude stay true to their aerodynamic and modern sense. The outsole is of a featherweight construction and its upper are comprised of an assortment of pastel suedes. Vibrant patterns are prevalent, which derive from a Mediterranean inspired Baja and Desert. http://www.unitednude.com/ Toms The simplicity of Toms is what appeals to so many of us and their expansion to other classic silhouette options are a mega plus, where they've delved into the domains of desert boots and easiness of laceless. Rope soles make for traditional touches, as well comfortable moldable footbeds. Effortlessly, a pair can be added to compliment one's ensemble. http://www.toms.com/ Want Les Essentiels de la Vie If you could translate Eero Saarinen & Alexander Girard’s iconic Miller House into a handbag collection the result would be WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie. Pieces are constructed to be clutter free, with each detail serving a definite purpose and nothing frivolous. The use of moss greens, linen beige, marine and accents of fire red are direct references to the vast natural landscape of the Miller House and are graphic in their application. http://wantessentials.com/ eau Good That plastic water bottle you just dumped into the garbage contributes to the 22 billion discarded yearly around the world. Black + Blum have devised a way for you to leave a lighter carbon print on our precious Earth with their 'eau good' filter. The simply technology comes from Japan's 400 year old system, in the form of binchotan. This active charcoal purifies water by reducing chlorine, balancing pH and adds minerals. To keep things flowing, simply replace the binchotan every 6 months in order. http://www.black-blum.com Ursa Major As one applies this wonderful concoction of a lotion, replete with its 82% organic goodness, one will instantly feel revitalization and protection to the face, neck and eye zones. Its robust ingredients simultaneously soothe, hydrate, and nourish leaving skin clearer and smoother. Additionally, it serves well following exposure to the sun. http://www.ursamajormen.com/ ~ Mister Lee

OWN magazine  6/20/2012 16:41 EDT