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 School for Design, Tom practices what to professes. An early adopter to social media, Tom consults for various photographers, restaurants, digital media companies and women's and menswear designers. Tom pairs his academic tenure, his 20+ years in the fashion industry with his focus for developing and mentoring the next generation of the fashion marketers and publicists. Connect with Tom via Twitter @PRProfessor
SAMS — Shark Attack Mitigation System (For Shark Week!)
By disrupting a shark's visual perception, an attack can either be diverted altogether, or at least delayed to allow time to exit the water.
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.
An Upper Peninsula Icon – STORMY KROMER
For over 110 years, Stormy Kromer has been responsible for keeping generations warm & stylish. It all began by solving one problem, keeping your ears warm.
AMOS: Hand-Crafted Enduring Goods
This Colorado-based new men's accessories brand, combines the essence of the elements of the Rocky Mountain State, with the quality of their enduring goods.
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? New Years
What do you pack to go away for some time in the mountains, or for some time at the beach? Take a look at how we make it much easier for you.
Feltraigers – A Brand, A Store and A Rebellion
Menswear brand Feltraiger relocates to Williamsburg, Brooklyn
What’s In Your Bag? – Labor Day
Image used with permission by copyright holder The last unofficial weekend of summer is upon us. So The Manual has pulled some great options to wear, no matter if you spend it stay-cationing or going out of town. Labor Day weekend is here. L.L. Bean – A durable tote that pairs camo, color and great […]
MACKEENE — Brothers, Kite Surfers, and Designers
Image used with permission by copyright holderAs summer is in full tilt, The Manual had the opportunity to speak with designers, brothers, and kite surfers, Rodolphe and Harold Mackeene. Their brand, MACKEENE, is a lifestyle beach swimwear & accessories label, made in Portugal, sold here in the U.S. and around the world. The collection launched […]
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG – July 4th
Image used with permission by copyright holder With the Fourth of July only about a week away, we thought we’d give your packing a kick start. Be it the beach or pool, country or city trip planned, The Manual wanted to get your long weekend stated off right. Here are a few key pieces to […]
What’s in Your Bag? – Memorial Day Weekend
After this long winter we’ve all endured, the unofficial kick-off to summer starts this weekend! Finally, right? The Manual has pulled together a few items to rock your grilin’ or chillin’ style, whether you’re headed to the beach, countryside or having a stay-cation. Our favorite bags: Recommended Videos Graf & Lantz – Handmade in Los […]
Our Top Three Favorite Food Finds in Madrid
So you’re planning a trip to Madrid? There is nothing as great as tasting local gastronomy. And while El Bulli stole the Spanish spotlight for so long, Madrid has always held its weight in the kitchen. We have been on our own culinary tour around the capital and here are our top picks. Bistro Bla […]
Earn Your Stripes – Spring 2014
This spring, and many a spring before, stripes have been a spring staple. This men’s classic comes in almost every category. Stripes can range from bright and preppy to color-blocked and athletic. Here are some of our top picks for spring summer 2014: Recommended Videos Bill’s Khakis – This Newport Striped polo in 100% cotton […]
Patagonia Talks Spring Inspiration
It’s said that ‘March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb’, and no one understands that better than Patagonia. With 40 years under its belt, this company not only produces some of the most amazing clothing and accessories, but the employees live founder, Yvon Chouinard’s vision. The Manual talked with John Rapp, from […]
Wallet Wise
As January, the first month of the New Year, comes to a close, let’s take a look at being fiscally fit and wallet wise for 2014. Wallets have come a long way from knapsacks tied to your belt when coins first came into prominence to the wallet app that launched just two years ago. A […]
What’s In Your Bag? – NYE
New Year’s Eve !! Are you celebrating the end of this year, or the beginning of a new one? Whichever is your point of view, many people spend it out of town. We here at The Manual wanted to suggest a few options for you when beginning the #dreaded pack. Graf & Lantz – Pack […]
Mad for Plaid – Brooks Brothers
Image used with permission by copyright holderBrooks Brothers may be all-American, but they have been mad for plaid for sometime now, and even have a Signature Shop. Tartan, or plaid as we call it over here in North America, is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Originally woven out […]
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY – Wounded Warrior Project x Under Armour
Image used with permission by copyright holderPerfect for your gift giving time, Under Armour has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for our injured military members and their families. Ending December 2014, Under Armour will make a donation of over $1 Million to Wounded Warrior Project. Offering […]
Stephen Kenn – A New Heritage
Image used with permission by copyright holder Heritage brands in menswear are #everything these days, but approaching furniture with a heritage esthetic, SK Collection, does it right!. Canadian born and raised Stephen Kenn, based in Los Angeles, is an artist and designer that pays homage to the past with a modern point of view.. From […]
Go Westerlind, Young Man
Talk about the ultimate site to shop some well curated indie brands. Think of it as the intersection where technical outdoor gear and apparel meet a style-minded store. The brands showcased are known for their forward-thinking design, functionality and style including: Jungmaven, Makr, Scout, Stutterhheim and Aigle. The sites approach is to inspire through a […]
Just Incase
Certain products make our lives more efficient or better. Incase does both. This San Francisco based firm believes in “a better experience through good design”, and we here at The Manual, couldn’t agree more. Plainly said, InCase has something for everybody. Their bags, in addition to their mobile phone and tablet cases, make getting to […]
A Fall InVestment
Image used with permission by copyright holderThere can be nothing better for that first chill of fall, than a vest. They can range from sporty to functional, and you can find the right one for any outfit. Throw them over a sweater with sport shirt, or pair one with hoodie, or a sport coat. From […]
Brenthaven –The Ultimate in Form & Function
When Brenthaven began making wilderness packs over 30 years ago, their products were aimed at explorers and adventurers. Now the way we explore and seek adventure has evolved. Today, they craft their bags, and more, to survive the rigors of our active lives and digital lifestyles. Their new collection named Collins is a true pairing […]
Lodge Goods — Accessories & Grooming Done Right
Getting their name from an 1840-built lodge in Springtown, Pennsylvania, Lodge Goods has traveled the world over, and what they discovered is that many of the best brands are right here in America. They’re focused on accessories (and whiskey), and by working with designers, craftsmen, artists and artisans, they’re able give their unique perspective to […]
Kletterwerks – A True Heritage Brand from Montana
If you Google the definition of the word authentic, some of what you’d find is: made or done in the traditional or original way; worthy of trust, reliance, or belief. You might also see a picture of a Kletterwerks bag. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Kletterwerks (In German, Kletter means climbing and werk means plant, so […]
OLIVE – Fall’s Military Inspired Color
Image used with permission by copyright holderFor this fall, martini’s aren’t the only place you might be seeing olive(s). Olive is back in the spotlight for many reasons. The military angle is certainly strong this fall, as is all things hunting, camping and camouflage. And we have been wearing plaids and ginghams for quite some […]
Stanley & Sons — A New Generation of American Made
Image used with permission by copyright holderWe here at The Manual, love true brand heritage, as does Chris Grodzki. Chris is the founder of Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Supply Company. His grandfather (Stanley) had an apron and supply company two generations ago. Based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and dedicated to bags and aprons all […]
Ghurka–A New Tradition
Ghurka launched their Walker Collection and we spoke their Creative Director, Tim Farah, about it
Getting The Inside Scoop — Fall 2013
Image used with permission by copyright holder We know that some stores can be intimidating to walk into. They can seem pretentious, too cool, or straight-up confusing (where is the men’s section please?!). Scoop eradicated the tension of shopping in 1996, when they opened their first store in New York City. They were merchandised as the “Ultimate […]
The Independent – A New Level of Service
Image used with permission by copyright holder Often, a great menswear store is about the brands they carry, but more often, it is about the customer experience. The Independent is one of those stores. With three locations Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Rogers, Arkansas, they have tapped into that Southern man with sartorial edge, offering lines […]
Cloak & Dapper – A New Kind of General Store
What could be better than a) killer clothes b) great grooming products c) needed provisions d) made in America or e) all of the above? Well that is Cloak & Dapper. Founded in March 2013 by Calvin Cearly, who states “It’s a gentlemen’s general store, for the modern age, for modern man.” One stop shopping […]
CT Scuderia Watches — Italian by Design
Image used with permission by copyright holderWatchmaker Enrico Margaritelli, CEO and Chief Designer of CT Scuderia, sparked by his passion for vintage café Italian motorcycle racing, believes that these sporty automatic watches, embody the heritage of sport racing and the utmost sophistication in Italian design. Inspired by the sleek, definitively shapes from a racing dashboard, […]
What’s In Your Bag – July 4th Weekend
Tomorrow, or perhaps tonight, begins the ultimate July 4th Weekend. Why ultimate you ask –for many people across the country, it’s a 4-day holiday weekend. So that means more activities or events to attend, fun to have, and yes, more to pack. With limited space, and maximum need, here are a few options to inspire […]
Feel Good Friday: Shinola, Where American is Made
When you think about Detroit, you might think cars. Start envisioning something else-watches, bicycles, and more. Shinola is part of a growing movement that celebrates the beauty of manufacturing and investment in the American workforce. It was founded in 2011 with the goal to make quality products and to make them right here in America. […]
Burkman Bros. Foodie Guide to Manhattan
Image used with permission by copyright holder When brothers Ben and Doug Burkman aren’t designing their calm and cool (and hella comfortable) menswear brand – Burkman Bros. or traveling the world for work inspiration, you might find them in the gym. Be it a CrossFit in London, Rio, Sao Paolo, New Delhi, Bangkok, Tokyo or […]
COACH-A New Level of Cool Again
Back when Coach started, in 1941, it occupied a space on the west side of Manhattan, and made small leather goods. It started with just six leather workers, making everything by hand, and the inspiration was the worn patina of a baseball mitt. Widely recognized as a distinctly American brand with a long heritage of […]
Rodd & Gunn-American Prep Meets Kiwi Style
Here in the United States, preppy style is abundant-from the campuses of the Ivy League and prep schools, to the most traditional regions across the country. This look is oddly one of menswear’s most conservative trends, (even though pink pants are involved), yet also its most current. Today, Rodd & Gunn enjoys iconic status in […]
Saks Fifth Avenue Shows Us Their Top Flip Flop & Sandal Picks for 2013
For spring/summer 2013 flip flops and sandals are the must have footwear, and no one is doing it better than Saks Fifth Avenue. Paired with your shorts to your swimwear, or from linen trousers to a casual suit, here are some options to keep you stepping out in style.
What’s In Your Bag? — Memorial Day Weekend
Are you ready for Memorial Day Weekend? It’s the unofficial start of Summer, so grab your bag, open it up, and get packing.
Skagen Aktiv – True Danish Design
A tour de force of timekeeping—The Aktiv Collection, from Skagen, pays homage to the pride the Danish people take in their active lifestyle. Favored for its sleek urban style and durability, their casual timepieces are certain to score high marks among the fashion conscious and adventure enthusiasts. For ease in body movement and to keep […]
Bespoke Post – Curation in a Box
Image used with permission by copyright holder Before you even open your first box you see #boxofawesome on the outside. For Bespoke Post, delivering that box of awesome each month is solving a problem for most guys. That problem being, many men don’t enjoy shopping. But what they do enjoy is being in the know […]
Great Derby Day Style from Vineyard Vines
The collection from Vineyard Vines brings their signature looks as ‘The Official Style of the Kentucky Derby’.
Get Buc Wild !
There is nothing like a new, fresh and clean pair of bucs. They traditionally came in just two colors, dusty, often called ‘dirty’, or white. But today, there are so many more colors and styles from which to choose. Nubuck is top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or […]
Backpacks For All
The term “backpack” has its origin in U.S. dating back to 1910, but you might remember using one in college, high school or before. But today, backpacks are a go to staple for so many men.
Club Monaco – In the Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holderWhether you’re heading to work, a quick weekend getaway, or just city-trekking, Club Monaco has designed the ultimate bag for you. The Walter Backpack is a handsome amalgam of durability and style. Made from a combination of cotton canvas and leather with adjustable straps and metal closures, this bag […]
MACK WELDON — Change your Underwear
Image used with permission by copyright holderFOR DAILY WEAR. Mack Weldon thinks it’s time to get back to basics with, well, basics. At a time when men have become a legitimate fashion consumer force, why are millions still settling for less when it comes to what they wear under all those well-tailored suits and premium […]
Off The Cuff + Linked In
Cufflinks have a unique history. They first appeared in Europe in the early 17th century, but were not widely used. The men of that time preferred to wear lace and ribbons to hold their shirt cuffs together. Accounts from this period suggest that men of elegance were not to be seen wearing jewelry. The exceptions […]
GREY & SILVER: Man of Steel Accessories
With blue appearing to dominate the fast approaching Spring skies, grey clouds seem to have influenced men’s accessories in a major way. GBX Recommended Videos What is it about grey shoes? Make that, a grey French wool shoe with contrasting laces. With great texture and matching soles, the ‘Brasser’ is made for misadventure. Dressed-up or […]
Alex Caputo’s Feel Good Project
Image used with permission by copyright holderWho doesn’t want to feel good? Well, Alex Caputo of CAPUTO & CO is not only known for his amazing leather goods collection, but for being philanthropically minded. For Spring 2013, Alex has created a design that combines a beautiful hand-braided bracelet with the finest leather and signature hardware. […]