160792411
Summer’s first week has not disappointed weather-wise. With temperatures pushing 90 degrees daily and the weekly shore-migration in full swing, there are a few essentials available around town worth grabbing. These work whether you’re packing a beach bag or enjoying the suddenly less crowded streets of South Philly.
The Shorts: Penguin cloud stripe volley swim shorts — $60
As is the case with just everything else in men’s fashion, swimsuits have gone the more tailored route. Consequently, there have never been more options between Speedo and the oversized board short, which is a very good thing. Penguin’s volley shorts are available in all sorts of colors/patterns that range from loud to understated, and come in right at the midpoint lengthwise with an inseam of 6 to 8 inches. They’re perfect for the guy in search of the modern, athletic look but hasn’t bought a new swimsuit in a decade and has grown quite comfortable with the baggy styles of the past.
Where: Metro Men’s Clothing, 1600 E. Passyunk Ave.
Bonus: Owner Tom Longo is always happy to offer shoppers a beer or a cocktail, as well as water or Diet Coke if it’s just a bit too early in the day.
The Shoes: GBX Suspect slip-ons — $45 to $55
Shoes in the summer are often tough to tackle. The idea is usually to have them off but, sadly, sometimes they are necessary. Boat shoes are the standard for this type of attire, but if you want to avoid the heading-to-Nantucket-look, try a pair of canvas slip-ons. With the frame of a loafer and the material of classic Keds, the GBX Suspect wards off the surfer look that comes with other options while remaining decidedly casual. With or without socks works, but for those who prefer the former check out the truly no-show options available.These are more liner than sock, so one can still show some ankle.
Where: Footgon, 2200 S. 15th St.
Tip: At $45 in the store, the military grey style is $15 off the price on GBX’s website.
The Polo: Merona classic-fit polo from Target — $14.99
With tennis court origins before becoming standard in their namesake sport and as the official uniform of golf courses everywhere, polo shirts are athletic-wear at heart. Today, they continue serving the above purposes but have also grown up to find a place under sport coats or above a pair of tailored pants for a night out. In the summer, when you are more likely to find yourself using them as originally intended, which is to say beating them up on fields or fairways, it is nice to have one that costs $15 as opposed to $90. That they have just enough tailoring and are 100 percent cotton sweetens the deal.
Where: Target, 1 Mifflin St.
Tip: Target has sneakily amassed a solid collection of menswear. Check out the store for other value-buys.
The Shades: Warby Parker — $95
Though not technically located in South Philly, glasses website Warby Parker brings the showroom directly to the house. Its home try-on service will ship up to five pairs of glasses absolutely free for five days. Simply select your top choices online then fill out a quick form, and you’ll be trying on some shades in a few days, obligation free. Once the big decision is made, mail all five pairs back and purchase your new pair via the website. Return postage is also provided, making the cost truly zero. Options here touch on all the styles noticeable from a walk around town on a sunny day, with many being Ray-Banesque but about $50 cheaper. Also, for tortoise shell, this is the place to go.
Where: warbyparker.com
Tip: If you just can’t wait a few days, or need help narrowing choices down, the virtual try-on uses a standard webcam and is great fun to play around with.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
160792411
160792341
