The Brothers Mast

I've been begging for the right opportunity to rant on the confections from the Brothers Mast, but have continually postponed due to my yearning to keep these guys as much to myself as humanly possible - I mean, we all like to have a little trump card for a rainy day, right? Thanks to The Scout, however, I can no longer do so, and must continue on the journey of elevating these masters of craft chocolate to all my friends (and readers). Both Rick and Michael have created something truly special, something based in the art and soul of a voyage into curiosity and our passions for what the Aztecs aptly titled "the food of gods." Chocolate is something that of which everyone can relate, creating stories, generating memories and, according to the Mast Brothers, bringing together our love affair with the spirit of craft and (most importantly) all our playful "childlike curiosities." And yes, they also inspire me to buy a pinstripe apron, dabble in a little bearded sailing hijinks, and maybe sink my teeth into a perfectly constructed 72% Madagascar godsend. Cue hunger. Cue the artisans. Cue bagpipes. Willy, eat your heart out.

Quarter-Mile Magic

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forward."

- Kierkegaard

J.Crew Women's 2010

If she had a bike I'd probably black out and forget my name for a few seconds. With such a beauty, who really cares about the mens collection?

[via Pursuit Aesthetic]

Close Up and Painted

While beard brushes and waxed canvases abound this summer, Sergei Nielsen of Close Up and Private gracefully presents a clever editorial spread of the other brushed and canvased sort. Titled Art Project, the paintings here are a fresh perspective on our current state of how we actually "see" style, omitting all sense of name-droppable labeling and making each look seem completely possible for the most fumbling (and poor) of gentlemen. What's even cooler might be the fact that these paintings could very well have been done 50 years ago and they'd still be just as relevant and eye-catching. All glasses up to Mr. Nielsen for this one.

[images via Selectism]

10 for the Weekend: Stage 10

Back in 1983 a young Scot by the name of Robert Millar shredded the illustrious Pyrenees stage with a style and flare unlike any other King of the Mountain, giving new definition to The High Life. Millar proved his superhuman climbing skills in only his first Tour, hitting the turbo button and dusting Jiminez with baffling acceleration to top the Peyresourde and win the devilish Stage 10. And while his impressive climb won doubters - and probably helped sell more than a few of those killer Peugeot jerseys - it was his white-knuckle decent into Luchon that became the stuff of legends and bike folklore.

[image via Rapha]

Interpol "Lights"

Sound the alarms. Interpol has returned with their latest single and a new video directed by Charlie White. In true Interpol form, the video has a haunting simplicity that perfectly garnishes Paul Banks' ghostly croon and all their pulsing guitar work. While the track does end a bit abruptly, it's still enjoyable and a welcome taste of an album we've all been highly anticipating.

Matt Singer "Secret Identity" Glasses

Few things speak to the alter ego like a good pair of black-rimmed frames. Keeping true to all things great about secret identities, Matt Singer has teamed up with Selima and BEV favorite Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. to create an exclusive Secret Identity Kit for those who need to "blend in" with all those hapless civilians. The classic frames continue traditions of timeless style and mystery for the superhero set, including the ability to replace with prescription lenses or sunglasses - you know, just in case you need to prove your blindness (again) and/or contain your finicky laser eyes. And the package design on the kit isn't half bad either with the "Secret Identity" debossed on the outside of the case and "Strive to be Boring" printed inside. Wise advice when you're saving the world every day. Now we just need a Steven Alan tear-away oxford collaboration and we'll be all set.

Analog Summer

Saturdays NYC

Le Tour