Photos by: Don Hansen (IG: @_donhansen)
The Switch Up
Let’s talk about having to transition from venue to venue with no real time to change in between. There are few truths that are more relevant than “man don’t work, don’t eat” (yes this is grammatically incorrect, my 3rd grade English teacher would be astonished). However, these two facts are important because they get to the core of what the Wkender is about.
As a millennial we find ourselves walking in so many venues in life from work to school, to the lounge scene, to the clerb (shout out to my Japan crew). The reason why I love this fit is because It can meet all of those needs (given your job allows t-shirts and Tennis shoes), and for the jobs it does not meet, it’s a 1-2 item switch and you’re in the game. This look is the quintessential “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” look.
I call this particular style choice Casual Cool.
My Approach
Personally, I am generally comfortable in a suit, but, if I have been at work all day, the last thing I want to do is carry my job to the function. I need a change up! Even though the changeup is necessary, sometimes I don’t have time to manage a complete second look, or I simply want to be classy but comfortable so I can vibe through the night. Overall, this means tennis shoes, but they can’t be just any shoes. In this instance, I chose the very subtle, straight to the point, white skippers.
The “skipper” is generally a monochrome low top sneaker of a classical design which is unassuming and is a requirement for every man’s closet. My favorite recommendation in this category are Common Projects Achilles Low. The skippers I have on in this shoot are Sam Edelman.
I opted for a t-shirt in this instance because it is sweltering in Atlanta and any opportunity you get to minimize clothing should be taken. However, I have done this look with a button down and the sleeves rolled. The rolling of the sleeves is a clear distinction that you are towing the line between work and play.
The suit was simple. I’m a sucker for patterns. This is a light grey suit with dark grey plaid and a baby blue accent stripe.
If done improperly you run the risk of looking like a college frat boy, so please take the time to curate the look.
Location:
If you have ever been to Atlanta and you have not been 3 miles east of downtown to Edgewood, there is a fundamental gap in your experience. Edgewood is a melting pot, great eats, great culture, and a baker’s dozen of venues to choose from. On this particular episode of the Wkender meets Edgewood I decided to focus on three venues: Ga Beer Garden, Delightful Eatz, and Joystick Gamebar. All three of these locations are within 200 ft of each other and they offer very different experiences.
GA Beer Garden
Ga Beer Garden in my experience has always offered a relaxed vibe. The servers are great, the food is amazing and they have more than enough space to go around. Did I mention that their beer selection is awesome? I dabble in the world of beer and have recently been into sours, if you get a chance, check out the Three Taverns RAPTUROUS it’s really refreshing on a hot summer day!
Delightful Eatz
Delightful Eatz is a gem that I never knew existed. Full bar, bottle service, and a roof top with chill patio vibes. How could you go wrong? By day it’s a cool restaurant with reasonable prices, by night it’s a lituation (yes I made up a word) waiting to happen. I’m excited to check them out on a Friday night!
Joystick
Joystick Game bar is a 90’s kids paradise. It’s Dave and Busters with a hometown feel and scale. If you have ever seen movies where kids would go into the arcade and get lost for hours, that is this place. Oh and it all comes with the beverage of your choice. Unfortunately, we were not able to get great shots here because the lighting in Joystick during operational hours is not conducive to a photoshoot. So you should take my word and go explore for yourself. Let me know how many times you simultaneously yell at your friend, “Hold my beer!” while yelling at an arcade game.
Overall Edgewood is an area of Atlanta where you get to see the city in all of its forms. I definitely encourage you to check it out.
To a Life Worth Living
-The Wkender
Details:
So let’s just start with the fact that there is a fundamental gap in my experience! I recently visited Georgia for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed my experience! Although I was in Edgewood briefly, I did not get the chance to experience the wonderful places you speak of, which means I need to make a second trip! I really enjoyed this blog for a few reasons: the look is great, very simple and yet, still very attractive, with the perfect touch of jewelry. It was very informative on places to see while in Georgia. I am highly interested in Joystick. The diversity of the locations added to the points you were trying to get across as far as “The Switch Up” but not having time to actually switch things up while on “the go”. I would have loved to see a female feature and how you guys would’ve pulled “The Switch Up” off because I find it harder for women to do this sort of thing while on “the go”. None the less, great job.
These are really great insights, I hate that you didn’t get the chance to really explore Edgewood it’s really a gem. Next time you are in the city give me a call and ill be sure to show you around!
-The Wkender