As someone who’s worn prescription eyewear for most of their life, I often find the ‘typical’ process of finding and buying a pair of frames needlessly maddening. Stores are overloaded with nearly identical frames (save for whatever ‘designer’ happens to be stamped on the temple), prices seem to have no rhyme or reason to them and while a salesperson hovers over my shoulder I squint into a sliver of mirror placed between walls of fluorescent back-lighting. A better way to buy eyewear surely can’t be so hard to conceive of, which is why I was ecstatic when the team from DAVID KIND contacted me about giving their “Online Luxury Eyewear” service a try.

By now, most people in need of eyewear are probably aware of the various ‘at home try-on’ services available in the market, with a series of frames being shipped to your door all at hard-to-believe prices. I have used these services before, and in the end have come to the conclusion that the low quality of the frames isn’t worth the savings; especially if they’re worn to correct your vision and not just your personal style. Having been burned by sub-par quality, I admit I was a bit skeptical when DAVID KIND contacted us promising a personal stylist that would curate a selection of six high-end frames to be shipped directly to my door in a matter of days.

As someone who feels strongly about their sense of personal style, the idea of largely giving up eyewear selection to someone else was foreign territory to me, but in the end invaluable. Eyewear is so often something that we choose to play it safe with, sticking with what feels and looks familiar. With my DAVID KIND stylist Trish making the selections for me, I was able to try on a variety of frames I would have never selected for myself: in fact, I ultimately chose their Trenton frame in Glacier Grey, which I never would have even thought to try.

During the week I had the handsomely packaged set of frames at home, I came to appreciate being able to rotate through the variety of frames; getting the opinion of friends and family, as well as trying them out with different outfits and in different lighting situations. Being a major ‘medical’ purchase that I wear every day, it seems crazy that the standard method of selecting eyewear amounts to maybe an hour spent in a store.

In the end what I was most impressed with was the quality of DAVID KIND’s product. From the beautifully appointed cork case that the home try-on set came in (your final frames also come in a cork case with embossed polishing cloth), to the individual cards that allow you to communicate with your stylist about what works for you and what doesn’t; it was clear the DAVID KIND team has put a lot of careful consideration into the consumer experience at every level.

Ultimately though, it’s the frames and lenses themselves that need to live up to a high standard of quality. With a price of $295 USD for the entire DAVID KIND service – including styling, return shipping for your home try on set and shipping of your final selection – it’s hard to believe the high standard to which they’re able to manufacture their frames. Depending on style, all their models are handmade in either Italy or Japan from the finest acetate, and feature Trivex HD lenses for unparalleled clarity and optical accuracy. Having spent untold $1000’s on ‘designer’ eyewear over the years, putting my finished DAVID KIND Trenton frames on for the first time was a revelation: they truly delivered the luxury service, styling and product they had promised.

Check out DAVID KIND for yourself:
– DAVID KIND Twitter
– DAVID KIND Facebook
– DAVID KIND Blog
– DAVID KIND Instagram

The post EG Review: DAVID KIND Luxury Online Eyewear appeared first on Everyguyed.

A favorite site of watch fanatics, Hodinkee expands their horological-focused offerings with their new “Talking Watches” video series. This particular segment features Alfredo Paramico, an Italian-born investment banker and watch collector. Paramico is clearly passionate about his collection and watches in general, which is why he now functions as the Chief Officer at the Precious Time Fund: which acquires, sells and collects rare timepieces.

The post Video: Hodinkee Presents “Talking Watches” Series appeared first on Everyguyed.

Established by iconic British designer Margaret Howell, MHL explores the tailoring, structure and functionality inherent in menswear design. Taking cues from archive outerwear, the Cotton Drill Staff Jackett is made in the UK, constructed with a satisfyingly durable twill shell shell. Utilising a full button closure, it is kitted out with three patch pockets, a notched lapel and a single rear vent. Available now at End.

The post MHL by Margaret Howell Cotton Drill Staff Jacket appeared first on Everyguyed.

Getting a haircut can be a daunting task at times, especially if you’re forced into unfamiliar follicle territory with the prospect of finding a new barber. It’s funny, but people often place a inordinate weight on their hair and getting it cut, but the fact of the matter is unless you’re considering chopping off your lengthy headbanger locks for a military-issue buzz cut it’s going to grow back before you know it. Still, a great haircut is one of the small, but indispensable pleasures of life, so to help you out we’ve assembled a simple list to help you get the best trim for your money.

Look for a Place that’s Busy

If you’re passing by a shop that’s empty most of the time, it’s not a good sign. Sure, it might provide the convenience of right-here, right-now service, but it’s probably going to result in a cut that you’re going to need to hide under a cap for a few weeks.

If you see a guy with a haircut you like, ask him where he got it. We know that may sound like a strange prospect to some, but we’re proponents of guys actually talking to each other about style and grooming. Enough with awkward stoicism; he’s not going to accost you complimenting his cut, and it’s a simple way of finding a new shop to try.

If you see a guy with a haircut you like, ask him where he got it

Cost doesn’t always translate into quality

A decent men’s haircut (for relatively short, classic styles) should cost you between $20-40 in most cases. Of course, this changes slightly depending on the city, and even the neighborhood you’re in, but a man shouldn’t have to choose between paying his rent or growing dreadlocks.

A good way to ensure you’re not overpaying for a cut is to a barber. This article is titled ‘How to find a quality Barber’ for the specific reason that a salon probably isn’t where you need to go. Unless you’re getting layered highlights – if you are, consult a calendar cause you’re in the wrong decade – all you need is a man who’s skilled with scissors. Okay a beer is a nice touch, but Tahitian cucumber water or scalp massages aren’t. Cost isn’t always reflected in your cut, but more likely in that alpaca leather couch in the waiting area.

You should never feel rushed by a barber.

If you notice a barber pushing through clients before you, and feel like he’s going to give you the same bum-rush treatment, don’t be afraid to just make an excuse and get out of there (a fake phone-call works wonders). Yes, it’s not the ideal reaction, but a rushed cut or a surly barber is something no man shouldn’t have to pay for.

A good barber should be attentive, interested, and engaged: asking you what you want, and taking the time to confirm the details or suggest new options. It’s kind of like dancing, except one partner has sharp implements at their disposal.

A good barber should be attentive, interested, and engaged

You get the cut you ask for

If you’re not crazy about your cut when you walk out the door, remember that barber’s will cut your hair to maximize your value, so it will be about a week before it has a chance to grow-out and take it’s shape. Unless he has clearly done a complete hack-job, tip him fairly, and wait to see the true results of his skill emerge in time.

If you’re getting a haircut within a week of a specific function or event, ask the barber to cut it to look a little grown in and more natural. Ideally though, you should time your cut a week or so before an event in order to look your best. If the haircut never ends up meeting your standards, you don’t have to return.

Summary

We’ll keep this simple, because that’s what your barbershop experience should be.

• Opt for a place that’s busy. You might have to work to get an appointment, but odds are your cut will be one of quality
• You don’t always get what you pay for. A simple barbershop cut should fall between $20-40, any more and you’re paying for atmosphere
• You get the cut you ask for, so communicate with your barber and let them know exactly what you want. They’re skilled with shears, they aren’t mind-readers

Author

The post How to Find a Quality Barber appeared first on Everyguyed.

Most of us know Australian skincare brand Aesop as the premium option for all us Homo Sapiens, but knowing that their discerning customers also like spoiling their animal friends, they’ve introduces a new ‘Animal Wash’ for our feline and canine counterparts. The formula is specially designed to eliminate undesirable dog and cat odor. Like Aesop’s human products, the Animal Wash features natural oils and extracts which are gentle on sensitive pet skins, leaving their coats shiny and soft (and smelling great). You cans shop the new Animal Wash (and pick up something for yourself, of course) at Aesop.

The post Aesop Introduces New ‘Animal Wash’ appeared first on Everyguyed.

Makr Goods, forever purveyors of quality handmade goods have added some beautiful hand-turned copper tumblers to their offering, perfect for a moscow mule. Available in three beautiful shapes/sizes, these handmade in the USA tumblers are constructed from food-grade copper. You can pick some up now at Makr.

The post Makr Hand-Turned Copper Tumbler Set appeared first on Everyguyed.

What some now consider a lost art (though it has seen a resurgence in recent years) sign painting is one of the most unique forms of craftsmanship out there. In this short film, we get a look at the work of Dublin, Ireland’s sign painters; examining the life and work of some of its most prolific artists, including James Earley, Colm O’ Connor, Maser and Kevin Freeney.

The post Video: “Gentlemen of Letters” Documentary on Dublin’s Sign Painters appeared first on Everyguyed.

American Heritage brand Woolrich, under their John Woolrich & Sons imprint are already looking ahead as they introduce their Spring/Summer 2015 lookbook. Created for a man who’s always curious and on the move, the collection is heavy with classic staples that can transition no matter what climate you find yourself in. Teton Performance fabric and CoolMax is used heavily throughout the collection’s field jackets, shirts, and trousers for an added element of function over the fashion. Pieces like their Windstorm jackets increase the brands ‘outdoorsy’ cred. Expect these piece to hit stores early 2015.

The post Woolrich John Rich & Bros. Spring/Summer 2015 Lookbook appeared first on Everyguyed.

Swedish minimalist carry brand Sandqvist tapped photographer Knotan to capture a teaser lookbook showcasing their Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Though short on details, the collection includes a waxed canvas messenger, a leather weekender and canvas rucksack with metallic imprinted lettering. Expect a closer look and for the pieces to hit retail by late August.

The post Sandqvist Fall/Winter 2014 Accessories Lookbook appeared first on Everyguyed.

Mercedes-Benz unveils their all-new 2015 S65 AMG Coupe. Under the hood the S65 AMG Coupe boasts a V12 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine that produces 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, launching the car from 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds. Keeping pushing, and the car will hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph in Europe and 186 mph in the United States. Additional elements include Designo Nappa leather sport seats and a “Magic Body Control” suspension system that allows the car to lean into bends. Mercedes-Benz will begin delivering its S65 AMG Coupe later this year, but expect the price tag to hit around $250,000 USD.

The post 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe appeared first on Everyguyed.