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What’s in your bag? July 4th

The July 4th weekend is almost upon us, so we here at The Manual wanted to help get your packin’ on. If you’ll be hanging at the pool, headed to a beach, or planning a staycation, we’ve got a few packing options for just what you may need for this (hopefully) sun-filled long holiday weekend.
Osprey – This just may be the best bag to take away this, or any weekend. The combining of the retractable handle, wheels, backpack straps and a detachable daypack, paired with lightweight fabrics and a hip-belt. Pull it through airports, then tote on the trail.
Zachary Prell – This shirt is a combination of a dobby (a woven pattern of raised dots) and stripes, which makes it a modern take on vintage. Both lightweight and versatile, can you say: weekend ready?
GitmanVintage – The Aloha print really communicates the love of summer. This lightweight tailored short can be dressed up, or worn casually. Wear them with solids or stripes, but grab some BBQ and chilled libation.
SeaVees – A washed linen sneaker? Well, yes! This pair of comfy lace-up favorites is not only comfortable, but feature a foot bed that is lined in antibacterial and hypoallergenic modal (bamboo) canvas to keep your feet dry and odor free. That is reason enough!

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Carhartt Work in Progress – Nothing like a classic tank for a day at the beach/pool, or out for a bike ride. This single layer jersey knit always works well as a layering piece #gettanked
Aether – Lace-up this clean flat-laying front swim short. It’s low-profile Velcro side tabs along the waist allow for a unique fit. Color-blocked and quick dry, this suit is true form & function.
Teva at L.L. Bean – Whether at the beach, pool or back yard, this rugged sandal is ideal. Not only is the nubuck leather comfortable, but the foot-bed conforms to the shape of your foot.

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Sunski – Named after a favored hiking trail, the new Dipseas’ sunglasses blend the style of the city with the spirit of the outdoors. With their polarized lens, they tell Al Roker to bring on the sun!
Sunspel – A weekend staple. This zip-front 100%cotton hoodie is unbeatably soft and the perfect option for a cool night around beach bonfire.
Jack Spade – A t-shirt goes with everything. Soft and lived-in style, this pop of blue make this iconic menswear-classic perfect to go with every outfit.
Freemans Sporting Club – Made in NYC of fine Japanese cotton. This straight-legged tapered pant gets better with each washing. Rolled-up for ease, red, white and you.
Cole Haan – This sporty wingtip oxford in mesh, is as light as a shoe once reserved for long distance runners. Add comfort and lightweight to your packing checklist.

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Image used with permission by copyright holder
Tom Handley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…
Vacheron Constantin unveils zodiac series with hand-crafted dials
Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d'Art promo shot

Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial, a 12-piece series celebrating the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Each timepiece features a hand-guilloché illustration of one zodiac sign and its associated constellation, marked by diamond stars and powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 2160 tourbillon movement.
The collection represents the pinnacle of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship, combining 270 years of watchmaking heritage with innovative decorative techniques. Each 39mm white gold case is set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 3.87 carats, creating an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.
The series showcases the manufacture's mastery of hand-guillochage, a technique developed by Vacheron Constantin's master guillocheur that transforms traditional abstract patterns into figurative art. Each zodiac sign requires approximately 16 hours of meticulous work, involving countless hand-guilloché triangles formed from densely packed straight lines, with each triangle set at a different angle.
The four zodiac signs representing human figures (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius) feature additional opaline details, while all twelve dials incorporate diamond-set constellations marking principal stars. The gem-setting process requires 27 hours of skilled work, with sapphires channel-set on the bezel to create the impression of floating stones.
Powering these artistic masterpieces is the self-winding Calibre 2160, comprising 188 components yet measuring only 5.65mm thick. The tourbillon movement operates at 2.5 Hz and provides an 80-hour power reserve, with a 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight allowing unobstructed viewing of the meticulously finished movement.
The dial construction involves eight separate steps, with each artisan required to preserve the work of preceding craftsmen. Movement finishing reflects Vacheron Constantin's commitment to haute horlogerie excellence, featuring perlage decoration, hand-bevelled bridges with Côtes de Genève patterns, and Poinçon de Genève certification.
The series draws inspiration from ancient astronomical traditions spanning 5,000 years, continuing Vacheron Constantin's long tradition of celestial timepieces while demonstrating how traditional métiers d'art can evolve into new forms of decorative expression.

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A first look at the understated New Balance 204L for Fall 2025
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While summer is still in high gear, that hasn’t stopped brands from unveiling their upcoming fall releases. One of the designs expected to hit shelves later this year comes from New Balance, which has often teased its upcoming releases well in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly. As recently announced, New Balance is already getting a head start with a preview of their latest 204L model set to hit stores in time for autumn hikes. The 204L sneaker is no stranger to the spotlight, with the brand using the silhouette in recent collaborations with AURALEE and BASKETCASE. This time, the brand is launching its own updated in-house version of the retro design that utilizes metallic hues and textures for a shiny look. 

New Balance goes slim with the 204L in metallic

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New Balance 992 returns in a sleek Dark Camo colorway
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While its design might not seem drastically different from other New Balance sneakers, the 992 silhouette has earned its status as one of the most popular in the brand’s lineup. First released in 2006 to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary, the 992 gained notoriety as the go-to sneaker for the late Steve Jobs. As part of his uniform, the 992 became a go-to practical shoe for many. While Steve Jobs was keen on the sneaker’s grey shade, the newest release of the sneaker sets out to give this silhouette a moodier feel. Not straying too far from its traditional look, the latest 992 will feature a darker colorway, making it a perfect option for those seeking a comfortable shoe later in the year. 

New Balance’s 992 sneaker gets a fall-ready upgrade

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