Every month, the 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 most recommend right now.
November kicks off the holiday gift giving season so the editorial team has been testing its way through plenty of new gear this month. We were super impressed with Buck Mason’s recent collab with J. Press which yielded some modern classics including a Shetland wool sweater. We’re also highlighting a stylish work shirt from Finisterre, a commuter-ready e-bike, some delicious hot sauce from Utah, and much more.
Dehen Shawl Sweater Coat 2.0
This 100% wool piece is a standard-setter, a buy-it-for-lifer, and a holiday-season classic. And that was before Dehen relaunched it with elbow patches! Get this now and your grandson will thank you. —CF
Buy: $435
Nike Pacer Men's Therma-FIT Midweight Running Gloves
[PARTNER] I'm usually a bit of a wimp when it comes to running in the winter but now I have no excused thanks to the simple yet effective running gloves from Nike. They're lightweight so my hands don't feel bulky or weighed down but they do keep my extremities nice and warm on even the chilliest nighttime runs. —JP
Buy: $25
Samsung Frame 65-Inch
Quite simply the best-looking TV on the market. We said this last year and it’s still true—nothing comes close to the aesthetic quality for the price. I have an LG OLED with great screen quality, but it sticks out half a foot from the wall; the Frame is flush. (The friend whose apartment I’m most jealous of? She has a Frame in each room.) Black Friday deals are here: You can save up to $1300 this month. Now’s the time. —CF
Buy: $1300
Tecovas x Ranger Station Go West Candle
Tecovas and Ranger Station have finally teamed up on the ultimate cowboy aroma. The Go West candle offers a rugged, classy aroma that I absolutely love. I keep it in my office for long writing sessions and it immediately transports me to the Wild West. —JP
Buy: $45
Vvolt Centauri II E-Bike
I've been really lucky to take the Centauri II E-Bike from Vvolt for a spin the last few weeks and I've been really impressed. I usually limit my biking for short distances but the range and power on the Centauri II has enabled me to pretty much ditch my car for most errands. I'm fully on-board for the e-bike lifestyle and would highly recommend this for anyone in a somewhat bikeable area. —JP
Buy: $2999
J.Press × Buck Mason Shaggy Dog Sweater
When Buck Mason announced their collab with J.Press I knew I wanted to scoop their stylish shetland sweater. It's the perfect addition to any winter wardrobe offering a classic, refined look and plenty of warmth on cold night. —JP
Buy: $268
Cornbread Hemp Blueberry Breeze Gummies
I’ve been nibbling on these instead of my usual glass of wine in the evenings, and I honestly love how relaxed they make me feel. If alcohol leaves you a little more anxious than you’d like, you’re not alone—this might be the recipe you’ve been looking for. —CF
Buy: $50
Alex Mill Corduroy Blazer
Easy to wear, well priced, and immensely flattering. Pairs well with just about any outfit—but it happens to come with matching trousers if you want to suit up. —CF
Buy: $225
Finisterre Tonkin Work Shirt
The Tonkin Work Shirt has quickly become my go-to outerwear choice on warm fall evenings. I found the arms to be just slightly too long but with a stylish cuff they fit great. And it doesn't hurt that I get compliments almost every time I wear it. —JP
Buy: $135
Renoun Citadel 107 Ski
Renoun is offering an impressive Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion this year: free bindings with a purchase (11/26 through 12/1) and then $200 off for Cyber Monday (12/2). Use the code COOLBF. —Editors
Buy: $999
High Mesa Roasted Hatch Chile Hot Sauce
I'm pretty particular when it comes to hot sauces so I was skeptical of Utah's High Mesa Chile Co. But their Roasted Hatch Chili sauce was excellent -- I'm putting it on eggs, salads, chicken burrito bowls, you name it. —JP
Buy: $24
Universal Genève Automatic 14K Yellow Gold Men’s Wrist Watch
If you haven’t heard of Universal Genève, which once operated under the same U.S. umbrella as Patek Philippe, get ready to fall in love with a century of Swiss elegance and simplicity. UG once boasted the thinnest automatic movement on the market, and its vintage designs still shine in the 2020s’ small-watch era. Look, if you guys don’t snag this circa-1970 find, I will. I expect this to be sold when I refresh the page. —CF
Buy: $1200
American Trench Woolen Blouson
November weather has felt a lot more like September’s in New York’s current drought. I just ordered this piece from Philly-made American Trench—the ideal layer for 50-degree mornings. —CF
Buy: $449
Ratio 4 Coffee Machine
Ratio's smallest coffee brewer yet might just be my favorite. The compact coffee maker delivers exceptional coffee in a sleek design that looks great on our countertop. It's perfect for a quick afternoon pour-over when I'm working from home. —JP
Buy: $259
