Each month, the team at Cool Material team tests, tries, and lives with all sorts of new (or new-to-us) goods. Black Book is where we showcase the ones we recommend most, right now.
After a long and dreary winter, spring is finally upon us. That means our editorial team has been testing out breathable linen bedding, lightweight style essentials, and on-trend footwear that’ll take you straight into summer. We’re also highlighting an iconic mid-century lamp, silky-smooth mezcal, and the new game console everyone’s talking about.
The OG of Big-face Wrist Game
[PARTNER] It’s big. It’s bold. But it’s more than just a giant pretty face. The 51-30 Chrono from Nixon comes with a refined movement and custom-modeled hands. Plus, it’s dive-ready (300m water resistance) and made from solid stainless steel. It’s one of the burliest pieces that will ever grace your wrist. You up for it?
Buy: $500
Parachute Venice Linen Bedding Set
Can you feel it in the air? The weather's (finally!) getting warmer, which means its time to swap out your heavy winter bedding. Parachute's super-soft linen only gets better with time, and this moss green hue is perfectly on-trend for 2025.
Buy: $559
Crown Northampton Everdon ‘Rambler’
These hand-stitched, made-to-order shoes are so well made, they deserve a blurb 10 times the length. The U.K. company uses premium No 8 Chromexcel leather from Horween in Chicago, and it’s a difference you can feel from the first wear. I love that the style was inspired by the owner’s dog walks—he needed footwear that could support him through any terrain. I believe I’ll be passing these down to my grandkids—and granddogs, too.
Buy: $505
Manojo Mezcal Espadin
It's still tougher than it should be to find top-quality mezcal at your local bottle shop for a decent price. Manojo is a wonderful exception to that rule. This herbaceous, warming espadin is a smooth sipper and a great base for a smoky paloma.
Buy: $49.99
Herman Miller Nelson Saucer Bubble Pendant
First designed in the early 1950s, Herman Miller bubble lamps are the height of mid-century chic. This timeless accent piece lets you bring the swanky vibes of Don Draper's conversation pit into your very own home. Best of all, it's 25% off.
Buy: $446.25
Toast Alfie Garment Dyed Herringbone Pants
The breeziest pants in any guy’s closet. Toast’s e-waist Alfie trousers have a relaxed silhouette that projects ease, confidence, and comfort. They’re pants meant to live in, not just to wear, says Catie Palmer, Toast menswear designer.
Buy: $340
Sullivan Glove Co. Thurlow Deerskin Slippers
Contemporary comfort meets timeless styling in these leather slippers, which would feel at home on the Lord of the Rings set or a European boutique hotel. FWIW, Sullivan makes the best leather gloves in my closet.
Buy: $160
Haven Harbour Zip Sweater in Cotton Cashmere Knit
The days are sunnier but the nights are crisp, which means you need an extremely versatile and cozy layer for evening dog walks or dinner dates. Haven enters the ring with an upscale entry that might just push your pilling fleeces off the prime hook by the door. It’s got enough cashmere to keep you warm and enough cotton to keep you cool, and its distinctive knit patterns will keep the “Where did you get that?” looks coming. Also, a zipper means you can have an outfit fully styled in 5 seconds flat.
Buy: $425
Ninja Swirl Soft Serve machine
This countertop miracle makes 13 different types of frosty treats, from traditional ice cream to fruit whip and frozen custard. Is it possible to live on an all-ice cream diet? Now seems like the perfect time to find out.
Buy: $349
Percival Linen Tailoring
We’ve written at length about what Percival brings to summer weddings. I’ll simply add that their linen line’s new colors are better than ever.
Buy: $230
Nintendo Switch™ 2 System
The next evolution of Switch is here. Almost. Pre-orders happening now. With a new built-in microphone that filters out background noise, you’ll be able to connect with the boys and chirp their demise with unmatched clarity. Game on.
Buy: $449
Imogene + Willie Cascabel Open Weave Sweater in Black
If you're ever in Austin or Nashville, give these folks a visit. In the meantime, don't deny yourself the feeling of 100% cotton Italian yarn on a crisp spring evening.
Buy: $295
Nick Fouquet Banyon VI Hat
Never considered myself a hat guy. Until I met Nick Fouquet. It would be an exaggeration to say I’m a different person on the days I slide my NF hat onto my head. But not by much. This 100% straw version will turn into your most trusted spring/summer travel buddy.
Buy: $875
Paulin Modul D Automatic Watch
Postmodern architecture was a reaction to stern, minimal design. It said, it’s okay to have design fun, even and especially if you’re not in the mood to have fun. Small wins, ya know. Glancing down at your wrist can and should bring a little smile. And no one’s designing a better smirk than boutique breakout Paulin. This design also comes in a quartz or manual movement, if that’s more your vibe (or budget).
Buy: $1041
