Mens Shoes

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Max Verstappen, Video Gaming

This original article was first published here: Max Verstappen, Gaming & The Future of Formula 1 – Why Women Are Finally on the Grid

When Max Verstappen retires, don’t expect him to vanish like tyre smoke at Monza. He’ll be steering Formula 1 into its most disruptive pit stop yet: a collision between the racetrack and the digital realm. I’m calling it now—Verstappen will become the first digital-era Team Principal, launching a virtual F1 league that blurs the lines between e-sports, simulation, and reality. Investors?

Picture Tom Cruise donning racing gloves and Elon Musk upgrading the cockpit with AI. Welcome to the next grid: Ready Player One meets Drive to Survive.

max-verstappen

Max Verstappen: From Racer to Visionary Disruptor

Verstappen is a born competitor. After conquering the circuits in record time, he’s now eyeing the digital ones. He’s grown up in simulators—his online racing passion with iRacing and rFactor isn’t a side hustle; it’s his second engine. He knows better than anyone that simulation racing is no longer child’s play. It’s where future drivers will be born.

Max, with his global fan base and Gen-Z magnetism, will build the world’s first hybrid digital F1 team. Think Twitch meets Monaco. This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a formula shake-up. It’s Red Bull with a USB port.

max-verstappen-lily-daughter

Investors: Tom Cruise & Elon Musk – Lights, Camera, Ignition

You want star power? Verstappen’s vision isn’t just for tech heads. Tom Cruise, with his Maverick charm and racing obsession, is the perfect Hollywood frontman. We all saw what Top Gun: Maverick did for aviation nostalgia. Now imagine Cruise producing a series where digital drivers challenge F1 champions, all while investing behind the scenes.

Then you bring in Elon Musk. F1 has the speed, but Elon has the data. Tesla Autopilot, Neuralink, and AI racing bots? The man who built rockets could soon be building VR pit crews. With Musk’s backing, Verstappen’s digital dream becomes a connected, competitive, and global entertainment empire.

Fatherhood Fuels the Future of Racing

Max Verstappen is now a father of two daughters. And like any fiercely protective and forward-thinking parent, he’s not content with a world where his girls would have to sit in the sidelines of a male-dominated sport. His motivation to build a new racing frontier isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Verstappen’s vision is rooted in legacy, and that legacy includes creating a space where his daughters, and millions of others like them, can race, compete, and win on their own terms.

For Max, inclusion isn’t a campaign—it’s a promise to his children. This is why the push to get women racing, virtually and beyond, is unstoppable.

Max-Vistarppen-lily-daughter BlogThis!Share to X Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest

Monday, July 7, 2025

Why a Health Cost Savings Account Is an Underrated Wealth Home Builder

A Health Savings Account enrollment form sits on a desk next to a pen, three $100 bills, and a pink piggy bank—ready to help you build wealth for your six-figure future.

You’re hunched over the kitchen table, flipping through your job’s benefits packet. You see something about a Health Savings Account. Looks like a boring place to stash medical cash. You shrug and skim past.

That could be a big mistake — not marking that little checkbox could cost your future self a six-figure windfall.

If you’re looking for an easy way to maximize your money, allow me to introduce you to a stealth wealth builder: the health savings account or HSA.

I’ve had an HSA since Kate and I first got married. But it wasn’t until fairly recently that I started to realize what an underrated finance tool this thing is.

Today, I’m going to walk you through the benefits of a health savings account and why you might consider opening one up.

HSA Basics

A Health Savings Account is a special kind of savings account designed for medical expenses — but it does a lot more than that. An HSA lets you set aside money tax-free, grow it in the stock market tax-free, and use it for healthcare costs now or decades down the line (yes, tax-free!).

To qualify for an HSA, your health plan needs to have a high deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. As of 2025, the IRS defines a high deductible as at least $1,650 if you’re single or $3,300 for a family. The out-of-pocket max can’t exceed $8,300 or $16,600, respectively.

You can use HSA funds to pay the deductible and any other qualifying medical expenses your insurance doesn’t cover.

You can contribute up to $4,300 a year to your HSA as an individual or $8,550 for a family. If you’re 55 or older, tack on another $1,000. The IRS updates these numbers every year.

HSAs often get confused with FSAs. FSA stands for flexible spending account. FSAs let you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to cover qualified out-of-pocket healthcare costs, like copays, prescriptions, and medical supplies. Because the money isn’t taxed, it lowers your taxable income and saves you money. But here’s the catch with FSAs: most FSAs have a “use it or lose it” rule, so you need to spend the funds within the plan year or risk forfeiting what’s left.

This is a big difference between HSAs and FSAs: with HSAs, the money doesn’t vanish if you don’t spend it. It’s yours; it rolls over forever, and you can invest it in the stock market.

Why the HSA Is an Awesome Wealth-Building Tool

The tax savings are huge. The big reason the HSA is such an excellent wealth builder is that it functions like a legal tax shelter.

It offers three big tax benefits:

First, contributions you make to the account are deductible. When you put your money into an HSA, you lower your taxable income. So if you invest $8,550 into your HSA, you reduce your taxable income by $8,550 for the year.

Second, the investments you have in your HSA grow tax-free.

Third, if you use the funds in your HSA for medical expenses, the withdrawals aren’t taxed. So you can pay for braces, doctor appointments, and prescriptions tax-free with money that hasn’t ever been taxed.

All those tax savings really add up and keep money in your pocket where it belongs.

It is possible to use the money in your HSA for non-medical expenses, but that’s not an advisable move, as you’ll have to pay taxes on the amount you used and pay a 20 percent penalty. So, for example, it you withdrew $3,000 from your HSA to pay for a car repair, you’d have to pay income tax on that $3,000 plus an additional $600 (20% penalty). Don’t do that!

The HSA is an inflation-busting healthcare savings builder. An HSA can be a great tool to save on taxes on your immediate healthcare expenses. But where it becomes really powerful is in its ability to help you pay for healthcare expenses decades down the road, when they will likely be higher.

If you’re young and healthy, you probably won’t have to tap into your HSA all that much. This means the money invested in your HSA can take advantage of the power of compounding and grow tax-free for years. This allows you to build an inflation-proof (an HSA can be invested, and investments typically grow faster than inflation) healthcare war chest for the period in your

Hermès Vintage Silk Ties-- Style Tips and Why They're a Smart Investment

This original article was first published here: Hermès Vintage Silk Ties – Style Tips and Why They’re a Smart Investment

There’s something about a Hermès silk tie that silently screams confidence. Not in a vulgar, chest-thumping way. But in a manner that commands attention. The right tie, knotted with purpose, becomes your silent partner in business, and Hermès has been dressing the necks of dealmakers for decades.

Owning a vintage Hermès silk tie isn’t just about wearing a name. It’s about harnessing a legacy of craftsmanship, detail, and daring pattern play that has remained unrivalled since the brand first introduced ties in the 1940s.

When it comes to grabbing new business opportunities, first impressions matter. And in a world flooded with digital mediocrity and uninspired dress codes, a Hermès tie makes a bold statement: You mean business. You understand detail. You invest in quality.

Hermes-silk-scarf

The Craft Behind Hermès Ties

Hermès silk ties are handmade in France using silk from the brand’s own farms in Brazil. The patterns—often whimsical, geometric, or equestrian—are printed on silk twill using a traditional screen-printing method that can take up to 25 different layers. Each design, each colour is carefully chosen, often referencing mythology, French heritage, or abstract art.

Unlike generic designer ties churned out en masse, vintage Hermès pieces represent moments in design history. Whether it’s the iconic horse-and-carriage motifs, sailing regattas, or jungle-inspired patterns, no two ties feel quite the same.

And they age well—very well. The silk doesn’t lose its sheen. The colours remain vibrant. In fact, with each wear, they gain character.

Why Vintage Wins

Today’s fashion world is fast, forgettable, and often synthetic. But vintage Hermès ties stand as symbols of slow fashion: hand-cut, hand-folded, hand-sewn. Wearing one shows you value tradition, subtle luxury, and personal style over loud logos.

In boardrooms, interviews, or investor lunches, this matters. People notice details. They associate style with personality and performance.

Vintage Hermès ties in particular are conversation starters. Their quirky prints—a tiger playing chess, ducks in a rowing boat, or abstract chevrons—break the ice and open doors. They can bridge cultural gaps or simply show you’re not afraid to express a little creativity in your daily uniform.

In an age where everyone’s trying to sell something, standing out with charm and class can tilt the scales in your favour.

Style Tips for Wearing Hermès Vintage Silk Ties

1. Let the Tie Do the Talking

Keep your shirt and suit clean and classic. A white or pale blue shirt with a navy or charcoal suit allows the tie to shine. The joy of Hermès is in the print—give it room to breathe.

2. The Knot Matters

A four-in-hand knot works well with Hermès ties. The silk twill isn’t overly thick, so a full Windsor can look too bulky. You want that effortless knot, not a showroom mannequin look.

3. Watch the Width

Vintage Hermès ties come in various widths, but most sit comfortably between 8cm–9cm. Match the tie’s width to your suit lapels and body frame. Too skinny, and it loses the old-school charm. Too wide, and it veers into costume territory.

4. Accessorise with Restraint

Pocket squares? Yes—but avoid matching too closely. Choose a square that picks up a minor tone from the tie. Cufflinks and a vintage watch can complement, but let the tie be the hero.

5. Mind the Print

Hermès prints vary from classic to playful. For high-stakes meetings, opt for geometric or subtle motifs. For networking cocktails or casual pitches, bring out the zebras or musical notes. It shows depth. Range. That you’re not a one-dimensional spreadsheet.

6. Make It Your Signature

Rotating between a few vintage Hermès ties builds a visual brand. Colleagues and clients begin to associate you with flair, elegance, and an eye for quality. That’s the kind of brand equity you can’t buy with a logo tee.

How Hermès Ties Open Business Doors

You’re at a conference. Everyone’s in navy suits. But someone catches your eye. Not because they shouted. But because their tie spoke volumes. A splash of Hermès orange. A subtle print. A nod to craftsmanship.

People gravitate toward those who put thought

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Ability of the Week: Make a Rope Swing (And Fly Like Tarzan).

Illustrated guide on crafting a rope swing: gather materials, clear area, use running bowline knot, adjust height, and test for a thrilling adventure. Includes step-by-step diagrams and safety tips to help you fly like Tarzan. Make mastering this skill of the week fun and safe!.

An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.

Among the many quintessential summertime activities is swinging from a rope over a lake or river. If there isn’t a rope swing by your favorite swimming hole, here’s how to make one safely and use it like the King of the Jungle.

Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.

This article was originally published on The Art of Manliness.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

How to Wear a White Blazer for Summertime-- Motivated by David Beckham

The original article appeared here: How to wear a white Blazer for Summer, Inspired by David Beckham and Anthony Joshua at Wimbledon

Wimbledon has always been more than just tennis. Wimbledon is a catwalk for summer elegance and a playground of the most stylish dressers. This year, David Beckham and Anthony Joshua reminded us about the timeless power of white.

Both the footballer and boxer - both icons of their own right - walked into Wimbledon wearing tailored white jackets. The white jackets were not just any old white jackets. They spoke of control, confidence and curated style. Beckham, the ever-sartorial sage who is known for his effortless style, took on the role of a suave gentleman. Joshua, who is known for his ability to knock out opponents in a ring, delivered an elegant knockout punch in sharp tailoring and confident styling.

How can you, as a mortal, achieve this level of sophistication for summer? The white blazer is the key. It can be misunderstood and look awful, but when worn correctly can elevate you to a level of style that will make others jealous.

The White Blazer – Summer's Secret Sartorial Weapon

Wearing white makes a statement. Wearing white is a declaration. It shows you are confident, polished and don't spill your coffee. White blazers are no exception. Fit, fabric and style are all important. Beckham and Joshua both get it. Their Wimbledon looks were not bland or overdone. They were well-balanced. Here's how you can channel the winning formula.

Do not forget to wear a necktie.

1. Fit like a glove or don't bother at all

What is the first rule of the white blazer Club? Tailoring. Poor fit can make white appear like a dental coat. Beckham's jacket skimmed his waist and hugged his shoulders, making it a perfect example of menswear. Joshua, who has a large frame, had a white blazer tailored to flatter his wide chest while tapering elegantly around the waist. There was not a single wrinkle to be seen.

You are about to move:

The shoulders should be perfectly aligned. Sleeves should rest just above the wristbone, giving a hint of shirt cuff.Length? Cover your bottom without looking like you're wearing a trenchcoat.

If you are lean, choose a design with a single breast. Double-breasted cuts add depth to your silhouette without overpowering it if you are bulkier.

2. Fabric Speaks before You Do

Wool, linen blends or soft cotton sateen will be your best friends. These fabrics breathe, drape and move with Mediterranean elegance. Avoid stiff fabrics; they will look boxy. Think Amalfi wind, not Arctic cold.

Beckham's jacket was likely made of a linen and silk blend. It had a soft texture that glowed in the sunlight. Joshua's blazer was probably a cotton-silk or wool-silk blend that held its shape but was soft enough for the summer sun.

Avoid shiny polyester. Avoid shiny polyester.

3. The Shirt: Keep it clean or play it cool

The beauty of simplicity is in its simplicity. Beckham wore a pastel blue shirt and let the blazer speak for itself, adding colour while letting it do the talking. Joshua? Joshua?

You can try:

For a more airy look, choose light blue or grey. A striped linen shirt will add Riviera flair.

If you are not attending an official event, then skip the tie. The open collar is the modern gentleman's nod to casual elegance.

Flower Power for Guys: How to Wear Florals with Self-confidence and Style

The original article is here: Flower Power For Men: How To Wear Florals With Confidence And Style

Flowers for men have never gone away. Flowers have a long history in menswear, from poppies on lapels and silk shirts with bold patterns to poppies pinched to lapels. The florals have danced from the 1970s rebelliousness to 2025's gender fluid fashion playground. How can you wear florals and not look like you raided Grandma’s garden, or lost your way on the road to Coachella?

How to wear flowers in a way which feels confident, masculine and, yes, charmingly bold.

1. The Floral Shirt is Not Just for Ibiza

Floral shirts have long been associated with relaxed masculinity. Hawaiian prints? Have you been there? Liberty-style micro florals? You've done it. In 2025, the focus will be on intentionality.

Take action:

Open collar and tailored cut: Let the floral print breathe, but keep your shape structured.

Wear it open over a linen tank top and linen trousers, or tucked in stone chinos. The floral shirt has become a quiet man who loves to share stories.

2. The Oversized Poppy: A Statement that Meets Sentiment

A well-placed brooch can make a trenchcoat sing. The Met Gala and eccentric Italian nonnas aren't the only ones who wear oversized floral brooches. A bold, crimson poppy on a beige jacket makes a masculine and poetic statement.

Pins for your pin:

Match it with neutral outerwear, such as beige, charcoal, or navy.

A floral pin shows you are not afraid of beauty. Combine it with vintage sunglasses or suede Chelsea Boots. You'll be able to pass for a Milanese gallery owner on his way to purchase another one.

3. Trousers that Bloom Below the Belt

Try floral trousers for the bravest of you. They're not for the timid, but when done well they are a real head turner.

Do:

Pair with monk straps or loafers for a grounded masculinity.

Avoid:

Matching your pants to your shirt is a must unless you are Harry Styles.

4. Flower Lapel on a Suit

This throwback to traditional menswear takes us back to Edwardian garden parties, weddings and operas. It's 2025, but it is also a nod to traditional menswear. You should wear a floral boutonniere at dinner.

For a durable and everyday look, try silk, felt or ceramic. A man wore a porcelain daisy made by hand on his blazer, and even the coolest fashion heart was melted.

Stick to:

For navy suits, choose pink or blue shades.

It's a symbol, so always wear it just above your heart.

5. GAP meets Gucci in the Vintage Floral Shoe

You read it right. Men's floral shoes are no longer a niche. Imagine 1990s GAP sneakers painted with marigolds and roses. Imagine Doc Martens that have floral embroidery on the heel. This is not cosplay. This is a personal story.

How to style floral footwear

Balance the bold with earthy shades above - olive green bomber or beige trench or a sand coloured knit. Let them be the only flower in the outfit - don't overwater.

Flowers on your feet shows that you can walk the talk. They are saying, "I am grounded but stylishly rebellious."

6. Floral Scarf & Pocket Square

Accessories can make or ruin a floral statement. Silk scarf with hand-drawn floral designs.

Friday, July 4, 2025

Silk Scarf Neck Connect-- The Italian Method to Design Like a Sartorial King

This article was originally published here: Silk Scarf Neck Tie-The Italian Way to Style like a Sartorial king

You'll notice it if you walk through the alleyways of Florence, the piazzas in Milan or the espresso bars in Rome. It's not the traditional tie or flamboyant collar flutter, but a flickering silk. This silk scarf is worn in the Italian style - with nonchalance, effortlessness and unmistakable flair.

Italy has always told men how to dress, without saying a single word. It's not about following rules. The look is about rebellious refinement wrapped in rebellion. Comfort meets couture. Above all, it is about identity.

Italian Silk: A Legacy of Italian Silk

Italy is at the center of the silk industry. Silk is more than a fabric. It's an art. From Como's legendary mills to the artisan boutiques of Naples, it's a legacy. Italian men are able to appreciate texture, sheen and drape. A silk scarf is flexible, unlike the stiff, straight British tie. It breathes. It tells a tale.

What about the Italians, then? The Italians wear it with ease. It's not about knots or lengths. Fluidity and flair are the key.

Why choose a silk scarf over a tie?

1. Comfort in the Heat

Italians are the only ones who can look cool in layers at 30degC. In summer, a traditional tie is oppressive. A silk scarf is a better option. The silk scarf whispers, protects the skin from the sun and wicks away moisture, while giving you the look of a 1950s film star.

2. Casual Luxury

Ties are for the boardroom. Wine bars are scarves. Silk scarves offer the versatility of formal clothing without appearing stiff. It turns a linen shirt in to a statement. It gives a blazer a touch of charisma without attracting attention.

3. Individual Expression

Silk scarves do not look the same. A scarf can say more than a brand label. It could be paisley or polka dots. The scarf can reveal mood, personality and attitude, especially if it is knotted in your own style.

How Italian men wear silk scarves as ties

1. The Loose Knot - 'Il Nodo Disinvolto'

The summer months are the perfect time to wear this look. Imagine it as a neckerchief that is tied loosely and hung just below your throat. Combine it with a white shirt unbuttoned, chinos and suede loafers. Imagine Lapo Elkann and Federico Fellini.

2. The Ascot Wrap - For Aperitivo Evenings

Not an ascot exactly, but it's reminiscent. Fold the silk scarf in half lengthwise and wrap it around your neck. Tuck the ends of the scarf inside the shirt. The top button should be left undone. It's refined, seductive and unmistakably Italian. This looks great with a vintage linen or navy jacket.

3. The Under-the-Collar Knot

Men who like structure can slide the scarf underneath the collar, tie a simple knot in the front and let the ends fall down. This is a great look for shirts with soft collars. You're now ready to go Capri.

4. Double Wrap Style - 'Dolce Vita

Leave the tails of the scarf short. Double wrap your scarf and knot it lightly. This look is reminiscent of Marcello Mastroianni's golden days at Cinecitta. This look is theatrical, but not costume. It can be worn with denim shirts, leather jackets or unstructured cotton suit.

Fabrics, sizes & patterns - How to choose

Fabric:

Always choose 100% silk. Avoid imitation polyesters, which lack breathability and shine. Choose twill or crepe silk to achieve a matte finish.

Size:

The ideal dimensions are 60-80cm or 120x20cm for long, thin versions (like men's foulards).

Patterns:

Think Missoni-inspired zigzags and Pucci swirls. Florals or baroque prints. Pair with minimal outfits so the scarf can take center stage.

What to Wear with Your Necktie-Scarf

1. Summer Suits Lightweight linen or wool suits in beige or powder blue or dusty rose are best paired with a scarf tie. Keep the tie at home. The scarf is elegant without being rigid.

2. Unbuttoned Shirts Chambray or pinstriped white shirts go well with a scarf. Italian men will often roll their sleeves up and let them hang.