Fall Series: The Essentials

Now that the temperature is dropping, we’re feeling ready to hunker down, listen to some good tunes and dig into some quality books. Read on to see what else is going on this month and most importantly – what to wear during said activities.

Jamie N Commons. The British singer-songwriter is the man to watch with a musical style best described as a mix of blues rock and folk. As one of our MarkMakers, the modern-day bluesman can be heard anywhere from the X Ambassadors song “Jungle” to the latest Coen brothers movie. Read an interview with the musician and get an exclusive free download of Jamie’s latest single, “Home.”

We also love Kurt Vile's b'lieve i'm goin' down, a down-to-earth album from the singer/songwriter who’s known for his slightly nasally twang and subversively humorous lyrics. This time around he’s added more banjo for a folksy bent for songs that you’ll be humming. In November and December he’s on tour in Europe and Australia respectively, save for a single New York City stop on December 2.

Also be sure to check out our MarkMakers Pandora station. The station will feature MarkMakers Benjamin Holtrop, Jamie N Commons, Recycled Brooklyn and Andrea Davis Cetina’s favorite songs along with some of our own picks.

A winter ensemble that doesn’t sacrifice style for warmth. Pick up our Mount Ellen Shearling Jacket made of premium leather shearling with chic asymmetric moto jacket styling. Pair it with our Swazey Warm Lined Waterproof Boots (pictured) for nights out with friends. 

For guys, the Skye Peak Leather Jacket is a smart choice for the season as it’s rugged and stylish. A great sweater is a must for your closet – and our Knox River Isle Fair Cardigan is a classic choice that adds a pop of color to gray days. 

Patti Smith, “the poet shaman of punk rock” as Vanity Fair dubbed her, muses on loss and life in “M Train”, a perfect read to curl up with on the couch on a rainy fall day. It’s a memoir longing for the way things were and a trip down memory lane – albeit a dreamy, faintly mysterious one.

When the temperatures dip, we spend a lot more time indoors – but that doesn’t mean we can’t live vicariously through other explorers. Bill Bryson is one of our favorites and his book “A Walk in the Woods” is a funny classic about his journey along the Appalachian Trail. Rather settle down with a movie? See Robert Redford play Bryson in the movie. 

A craft beer festival. Cities throughout the U.S. are declaring their love for the stuff and even pairing up suds with oysters, barbecue and bacon, to name a few. Here’s a great website to check out where a festival is happening near you.

Take a cooking class. For a lot of us, it gets pretty cold out there these next few months. Spending more time inside doesn’t have to mean endless TV marathons. Sign up for a class at your local co-op, culinary gear store or at a community college. In no time you’ll learn to prepare duck l’orange like a pro. Or…chili. Either way.

Here’s to cool weather, days spent exploring the trail (or a new book) and the start of the festive season.

Looking for your go-to winter essentials? Browse the Holiday Collection.

Want more style advice? Get the 101 on men’s winter layering or see a style blogger’s favorite winter jacket and tall boots for the cold season.