Every week there are dozens of new and exciting pieces of gear. But are they actually worth buying? Trust the team at Cool Material to help you find the latest and greatest releases in a recurring column: What We’re Buying.
Knickerbocker NYT Factory Hat
“As a big fan of print and traditional media, I just had to buy this hat while I was visiting the Knickerbocker store in NYC last week. It strikes a great balance between being a grown-up baseball cap while still having that worn-in feel that only comes from years of wear. The entire NYT collab with Knickerbocker is great, but I think this cap is something I’ll be wearing for anytime I head out the door this winter.” Buy: $50
Supply Single Edge SE Starter Kit
“For the past five years, I have been using a well-known 5-blade razor to shave every morning. I’ve finally given up on it because of the irritation and in-grown hairs. I picked up a Supply Single Edge SE Starter Kit to attempt to shave like my father did when I was a kid. The heft of the razor alone is worth the price of entry, but the shaving brush and the Sandalwood & Cedar shaving cream sweeten the pot with a sublime barber shop experience. While it took some practice to use the razor properly, the provided guidelines help tremendously and I’m really enjoying the process. The single blade doesn’t pull hairs or shave overly close, the cause of razor burns and ingrown hairs. After just a few days, I can already see improvements in my skin. I’m a convert.” Buy: $99
Howler Bros Merlin Jacket
“I was looking for a lightweight outdoorsy jacket to wear as something in between my leather coat and more puffy main setup for the upcoming Chicago winter, and figured Howler Bros would be a good place to start. This lightweight Merlin jacket covers all the bases with a stylish look (I opted for the double black) and a functional design that makes it a pleasant, no-fuss companion for rummaging through fall foliage or hitting up happy hour. Although warmer than it looks, if you’re wearing this, it means winter hasn’t officially set in yet. Which is a good thing.” Buy: $199
– Jay Gentile, Sales Director
Wild Arc Farm Natural Wine
“Wild Arc Farm is one of my favorite wine producers in the country. Based in Pine Bush, NY, Wild Arc crafts low-intervention, biodynamic, intentional wines that taste phenomenal. They’re a small outfit, producing limited batches with each release, and their wine doesn’t end up traveling very far. But, every fall and spring a selection of bottles and cans goes on sale to their newsletter subscribers and every fall and spring I load up on about a dozen Wild Arc wines. This year’s batch just hit my doorstep and I’m looking forward to enjoying these bottles with friends and family over the next few months. Highlights include an apple and quince sparkling wine, a lovely Riesling, and their signature piquette. They have a small distribution network in the Northeast but if you’re looking to try their wines I’d highly recommend subscribing to their newsletter for first dibs on their twice annual release.” Learn More
Deckers X Lab X-Scape Wool Low
“I needed some wool sneakers for fall and did not want a pair of Allbirds. I snagged a pair of Deckers X Lab X-Scape wool lows, and they did not disappoint. Not only are they warm, but they’re also out-of-this-world comfortable without sacrificing support. The combo of the Xponent HD midsole and the ergonomic insole feels like pillows for your feet. When the weather gets bad, the high-traction outsole and water repellent upper treatment keep your feet planted and dry. They also look pretty sweet in grey camo with orange highlights.” Buy: $117
Drew Estate ACID Frenchies
“It’s been 20 years since I quit smoking cigarettes and I still miss them every…damn…day. Typical cigars filled the void for a number of years but, lately, they’ve become too much of a time commitment and too much of a cigar doesn’t always land well with me. These Frenchies by Acid do the trick for me. They’re quick smokes (5-10 minutes), they’re mild and have a good taste on the lips, and because I only smoke a handful a week, they don’t break the bank.” Buy: $10
Obermeyer Rallye Sunglasses
“Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to gear up for the slopes. This year, I’m skipping the goggles and going with a pair of the new Obermeyer Rallye Sunglasses based on a friend’s recommendation. Handmade in France with hand-crafted Italian-made acetate and highly-polished organic French mineral glass lenses (polarized or not, depending on your preference), these sunglasses are lightweight, durable, and more than befitting of the incredible legacy that the Obermeyer name commands. They also get bonus points for the removable leather glacier shields, lens cloth, and vintage-style storage case.” Buy: $500
“If you’ve been a loyal reader of ours over the years then you may remember that we once carried Puebco in our now gone (but never forgotten) CM Shop. I loved their products so much that I once joked with other members of our team that I hoped to one day ‘Puebco-ize’ every pot, pan, and utensil in my apartment. Well, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and I have now begun my journey with my first purchase. The Aluminum Tray is a spiffy coffee table or workspace valet complete with perfect imperfections. It comes with enough rugged character to stand out but with none of the unnecessary ornaments or frills that would cause it to clash with your other homegoods. So, please consider this your invitation to join me on this journey and begin ‘Puebco-izing’ your home today!” Buy: $64
