While it hasn't been a long, cold winter we've still endured about four months of jeans, heavy socks, boots, parkas and long-sleeved shirts. Yuck.
I don't know about you, but I am ready to shake the winter off for some summa-summahhhha time (or at least spring) gear. And, with temps reaching the 60s in Greater Boston earlier this week it's entirely appropriate to fill those online shopping carts with warm weather cheer. After all, we are a mere 20 days to spring and 113 days 'till summer.
So with that, here's the Ravin' With Ravens OFFICIAL GUIDE to stuff you need to ensure a fun (and fashionable) spring season.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 EasyOn ($115, nike.com)
Every gentleman (or at least this guy) needs a pair of white low top kicks to match with shorts and a polo shirt for a night out. Such a sneaker also goes well with light joggers and a t-shirt. Caution! Just don't wear these with dark jeans - that's a dangerous old dad look that Ravin' With Ravens cannot endorse. You've been warned.
I spotted my good friend Tom Brady wearing these in a picture on Facebook the other day. Obviously, the GOAT knows what he's doing with footwear, despite a brief hiccup when he wore Under Armour sneakers as part of an endorsement deal. Under Armour t-shirts are fine, but most of its hightop sneakers look like fake Air Jordans and the low tops give off cringeworthy factory New Balance vibes.
Many know that I am a loyal brand advocate for Kiziks, which was arguably the first (and best) brand to debut hands free technology, which basically means you can slide shoes on and off without tying laces or punishing the heel into submission. BUT, Nike's EasyOn tech has caught up. And, when you apply it to the iconic Air Force 1, that makes this purchase a no-brainer.
Men's OriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxfords ($198, colehaan.com)
Sticking with footwear. I've owned a few pairs of these boardroom disruptors and let me tell that these are the most comfortable dress shoes on planet Earth. They are also incredibly durable, even with heavy use.
Caution! I would not wear these with a suit. They are a bit too CHUNKY for that. However, this cushy wingtip is perfectly acceptable business casual attire especially alongside dress slacks and your fav non-iron button down (sans tie).
The Barakett Tee ($69.50, robertbarakett.com)
This t-shirt (and brand) will improve the quality of your life by about 33 percent.
How do you feel about a dressy T that can be worn with jeans for a fancy dinner or alongside city sweats on a Saturday afternoon?
You like that?
How do you feel about a shirt that will survive a million washes without shrinking or crinkling?
How do you feel about a shirt that feels as comfy as a PJs top yet presents an impeccable silhouette that only flatters your back, arms and shoulders?
You should feel good about that.
Check it out here. I highly recommend staple colors like poseidon (blue), white and black among the 40+ choices.
Reverse Wayfarer 53mm Square Sunglasses ($218, nordstrom.com)
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Love these. Basically, they took the classic Wayfarer and beefed it up with a thick, thick frame that's bold and kinda outrageous - which is why I kinda like it. These would be a great choice for a first date this spring on a roof deck somewhere.
Ninebot KickScooter MAX G30P ($699, store.segway.com)
Oh, so you thought this guide was just about clothing and accessories? No way, Jose!
You've gotta have something fun to do while rocking those new Air Force 1's. And, I can't think of a better recommendation than investing in an electronic scooter. As I wrote in December, e-scooters are wicked fun.
Segway recently blew up my inbox with news of a flash sale. You can now get one of its best Ninebot scooters for a shade under $700 (that's $200 off) with a free helmet.
Trust me, wear the helmet. Segway's fastest scooter tops 40 mph and when you are going 20 mph your life can pass before your eyes in traffic!
Song of the Post