Spellbound of  Okayama Japan continue down a familiar road for Spring/Summer 2012. A collection with few surprises and many appearances of chambray, check, denim and, whisper it, ‘Classic American Clothing’, this would have us yawning if it wasn’t executed so perfectly. Some brands are pushing things forwards, others are perfecting much loved standards – we welcome both schools of thought on these here pages. So, Spellbound for the summer months? A huge collection comprised of light, airy, easy wearing, no iron needed garments to throw on and forget about. Nice. Fans outside Japan may wish to head here for more. (GT)

Those still on the hunt for a seasonally proper backpack, may we suggest this nylon number from A.P.C. in blue with contrasting burnt orage hits throughout. The size looks proper enough making it roomy enough for a blanket, sweatshirt, bong, or laptop. It will keep everything swell safe. Most important: the backpack looks great. Lyonstate has them.

More looks on the following page.

Give it to Our Legacy for keeping the playful tone in their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Check this crew neck sweatshirt featuring an all-over pineapple print. Part of the Our Legacy “Splash” collection, the sweatshirt is based on a vintage Hawaiian print and is reversible. c-store has them.

More looks on the following page.

We have been meaning to try our hand at cold-brewed coffee for some time now, and after dropping six dollars on a bottle of Chameleon Cold-Brew—which was well-worth the expenditure—we are getting on the train. America’s Test Kitchen is as anti-slouch as it gets, and their instructions for making the smooth, low-acidity elixir look plenty simple and are rigorously considered, no doubt. If you get started now, you might even have some ready in time for a midday Monday jolt.

Have a look at some process shots after the jump…

Cool Hunting alerts us to a new bicycle manual, this Monday, May 21, catering to those bicycle commuter and enthusiasts looking to get a get a grasp of their two wheeled friend. The Bike Owner’s Handbook, by Peter Drinkell is a small bound pocket guide that gives the basics on bicycle repair and technique – from adjusting your brakes to the very basics of changing your own flats. Illustrations and common sense language helps get even the most novice of riders fixing up their rides.

Published by Cicada Books. Available from Amazon.

More looks from inside the bicycle pocket guide on the following page.

FGR pulls out the high res photographs from a wonderful shoot with actress Audrey Tautou, for Marie Claire Russia. My love affair with the actress began long ago and has not slowed in any manner. Shayne Laverdière delivers some of the most elegant and beautiful photography of the Tautou we have seen in some time. We hope they put a smile on your face as well – these looks made my day a better one.

More detailed looks on the following page.

A bunch of belts from Estribos for those looking for sprite up your look this spring. “Estribos belts are based on a traditional native pattern known as Guarda Pampas, which is inspired by the peaks and troughs of the Andes Mountains.” They look good and features some excellent leather work. Feel free to rock them under all conditions. Made in Argentina and rightfully so. Oi Polloi (what up) has them.

More detailed looks on the following page.

Our friends at Food Republic bring us a series of recipes proper for the great spring and summer weather. They revolve around the greatest of American dishes: hot dogs. Who doesn’t love hot dogs? Vegetarians of course, but these are clearly not recipe choices for them. Get in with three recipes that wrap jambalaya, zucchini-mint, and broccoli rabe around those meat sticks.

See the recipes on the following page.

Prep for the summer with this very portable set of folding table and chairs from AETHER Apparel and Environment. Environment cooked these up for AETHER using repurposed ash hardwood and rust-proof steel hardware. The set comes finished in matte black and is made to take anything the “environment” throws at them. Reclaimed army tent fabrics are used on the chair backs and accompanying bag. Produced locally in Los Angeles. Find them online for $495.

More detailed looks on the following page.

This is not a definitive guide to pomade. No such thing can properly exist, because pomade is for hair and nobody’s hair is quite alike. Plus, everybody styles their hair in a different way. So try and ignore the word “guide” in the title, for this is a pomade odyssey—dare I fucking say a “pomadyssey”—chronicling some of the things I have run through my hair over the years.

Pomade promenade after the jump…