Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Worn Out Wednesdays – Mike Daddio

There are people who build houses, and then there are people who build serious houses. Mike Daddio falls into the second category. Growing up in the industry he never recalls a dinner table conversation that didn’t involve construction. In high school he worked for his dad on site doing everything from clean up to carpentry and upon graduating from college he started his own company with a partner, Design Development, specializing in high end homes and interiors. We aren’t talking suburban sheet rock debacles, we are talking homes that require plasterers, mill workers, stone and tile installers in pre war luxury condos in Manhattan and palatial estates on the East End.

“The best thing about what I do is that I meet interesting people, help guide them down the right path and see the process all the way through!” Daddio told us over the phone from his hotel in Germany where he is taking a much needed break. He continued, “It’s fast paced and dynamic and can be a lot of fun. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

We took a little more of vacation time to hear more about what a contractor to the 1% wears on a daily basis.

My work attire has always been tailored to going to construction sites, managing my men and still being presentable enough to interact with my clients. Since moving to DUMBO  I have definitely up’d my game from Timberlands to Red Wing boots.

I wear jeans daily from Big Star and a belt I got from my dad. Shirts are typically J. Crew although I was recently introduced to Scotch & Soda and I am a big fan. When I have to be a bit more professional I throw on a blazer from J.Crew and a pair of khakis from McLaughlin.

On the weekends I’ll wear the same pair of jeans with my New Balances and throw on a tee. I wear a lot of shirts from The Vanity Project, a non-profit I work with. I also wear tees from a line I discovered in the Galapagos called Lonesome George.

I ride a Vespa around town so I always have a Barbour jacket on hand in case it starts raining. I am not a big watch person but my girlfriend bought me a Timex and when I do wear it I have a variety of bands to change out to make it look fresh.

I am a big golfer but I haven’t updated my golf look since college days so I go for J. Crew khakis a Fidra shirt and Foot Joy original classics.  For the gym it’s a Hanes tee but sadly work has been so busy I haven’t seen the gym in nearly two years!

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
This is what Citizen Watches has in store for 2024
From pocket watches to anniversaries, here is Citizen 2024
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches are some of the most popular on the market for one very big reason. They are experts at offering all of the best features and styles of ultra-expensive luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe without forcing you to mortgage your house to land one on your wrist. Every year, the Japanese powerhouse reaches new levels of success with innovative, attractive, and accessible designs. In 2024, the brand is looking to continue that trend with a slew of updated and celebratory designs.

Something to notice about the collection of new releases hitting the shelves this year is that Citizen is celebrating two big anniversaries that will surely have you looking to upgrade your collection with some beautiful throwbacks. Here are the new releases (that we know of so far) to keep your eye on in 2024. Citizen always has surprises up their sleeves, so there is definitely more coming this year.
100th Anniversary Pocket Watch

Read more
If you’re looking for the best men’s cologne, try these recent drops
Smell your best with these great fragrances
A person spraying cologne on themselves.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. That is why we dress nicely. That is why we groom ourselves expertly. And that is why you need to have a great cologne. You never know who you are going to meet, and you don't want to be caught in anything other than your best. You may be forgiven if your hair is a little long when you are on the trail. You may be forgiven for having a five o'clock shadow on Saturday afternoon. And you may not be punished for wearing jeans and a T-shirt at the movie theater. However, you will always be judged for not smelling good. That is why you need to invest in the best men's colognes.

Having a pleasant fragrance is more than smelling pleasant for those around you. It also attracts people to you and shows that you care about your hygiene. People will respond better and remember you fondly if your smell lingers. It is the most powerful scent tied to memory, so make sure you are remembered in 2024 with these top picks for colognes for men. We didn't go with all the big boys in the men's cologne industry. You will see one name that nearly everyone knows. But, we stuck more with the ones that you all should know. There is no Dior, no Polo, and no Gucci on this list. We didn't go for names. We went for quality fragrances and picks that will keep you remembered long after you leave.
Fulton & Roark Cloudland

Read more
Adidas just kicked off a big sale – Up to 40% off sneakers and shoes
Running in Adidas shoes.

Looking for great sneaker deals? Look no further than Adidas which currently has up to 40% off many of its shoes and sneakers. If you’re looking for new footwear, this is your chance to do so while saving plenty of cash. Buying a few pairs right now would be a great idea so you’re all set for the coming months. With hundreds of items in the sale, hit the button below to check out the sale for yourself. Alternatively, keep reading and we’ll take you through some of our favorite deals.

What to shop for in the Adidas sale
The best Adidas running shoes are pretty special so why not check out the which are down to $180 or $120 for members, instead of $200. The shoes are coded for forward motion with an updated 3D-printed Adidas 4D midsole with a new lattice structure. It transforms impact forces into forward motion and is combined with great traction from the Continental Rubber outsole. There’s also adaptive Adidas Primeknit which is teamed up with light and breathable mesh so your feet feel comfortable at all times.

Read more