Things I like this month - May 2026

'Things I Like This Month,' is a monthly newsletter where I share things I genuinely like or that stood out to me and felt worth talking about.

Everything you read in this article is my honest opinion, and nothing is paid for. I’m always excited to see new quality products and discover new brands or makers, so I’m always very happy when you guys send me suggestions or something you think I might like.

Best Made Co Cotton-Linen Workshirt Tan

Except for the classic chrambray workshirt, it’s not that easy to find a rugged shirt that won’t make you too sweaty in the summer. This one is quite unique, made from a robust 240g/m² cotton-linen cloth with a subtle herringbone texture that gives the shirt a quiet, utilitarian character - something between a field shirt and a military issue. I love this tan, officer shirt shade for shirts in warmer months, because they work so well with ecru jeans or white trousers. The shirt has a very interesting cuff-to-elbow tuff patch, which is a signature for every workshirt from Best Made Co - a US brand making quality apparel and tools for work and adventure.

Check it out.

Updated Breitling Chronomat

Last week Breitling revealed the updated Chronomat collection - thinner and sleeker cases, new movements, and the new integrated bracelet, which looks great. In my opinion The Chronograph is still too big at 42mm. The proportions of the new 40mm version are great, and the best thing is that it comes with the in-house B31 movement with 78h power reserve. The 36mm version, which I still think the is the best in terms of wearability and proportions, now comes without the 15, 30, 45 numerals at raised rider tabs, which makes it much cleaner and more elegant as well. But unfortunately, at the moment the 36mm version doesn’t get as many dial colors as the 40mm. The Ice Blue dial looks fantastic, I would love to see it on 36mm, and the classic white as well. I’m looking forward to trying them on.

Check it out.

Velvet Slippers

Left: Broadway Clover" from Smoked Bone
Right: Black Velvet Albert Slippers with Embroidered Rhino's Head from Bowhill & Elliott

I will wear black tie a few times this summer and I already planed my outfits. Luckily, it won’t be overly formal, so I won’t have to wear opera pumps, but I decided to go with velvet slippers instead, which compared to patent leather shoes, give black tie a more effortless and sophisticated feel. They bring a touch of old-world glamour, so the whole outfit feels a bit less strict and more personal. There are a few great options on the market, but I’m currently torn between Black Velvet Albert Slippers with Embroidered Rhino's Head from Bowhill & Elliott - a small, family-owned English business with a fascinating history in shoemaking and manufacturing, crafting the finest footwear for over 150 years. And these "Broadway Clover" from Smoked Bone - Italian brand born from the shared vision of Alessandro Squarzi and Max Poglia, Smoked Bone reflects a quiet appreciation for timeless style, craftsmanship, and the art of living well. Inspired by the ease and confidence of the golden era, each piece is designed in New York and brought to life in Tuscany. Both are very unique in their own way, but the best thing is that I can’t go wrong with either of these.

Outfit Narrative for Poszetka Pink Ivy Popover Shirt

For me, this popover is not really alterative to a polo, but more of casual alternative to the classic button-down shirt. I wanted to make it a bit more elegant, so we gave it a regular collar. It’s crafted from light pink organic oxford cloth, whose color and texture will soften beautifully after the first few washes. It’s a perfect summer piece, when you want to dress down, but keep that elegant vibe. It pairs so well with chinos, linen trousers or shorts. But it also works perfectly with jeans and a sport coat, as well as with a suit - you can even wear it with a tie if you like. I wear it with the sleeves rolled, the top two buttons open, and tucked in. The popover is a part of “A Tribute to Ivy” collection and sold out fast, but I’m very happy to let you know, that it will restock this Friday, just in time for summer. Sign up on the product page so you dont miss it.

I wear size 41. (You can get 10% off with code ON10)

Check it out.

Bleu de Chauffe Mélo 48H Tote Bag in Summer Stripes

I have no problem admitting that I have a soft spot for bags, and that I have too many, but still, I can’t look past it when I see another one that I like. This one is not a classic tote, but rather a lot more seasonal. These white and blue stripes call for a day at the beach, and this size is perfect to carry with you all the stuff you will need to have a good time. But since it’s larger than average tote, it would be a great go to bag for all other activities in summer, from going to a market on the weekend, to carrying everything for a picnic in the park.

Check it out.

Light Blue Molequin Premium Watch Strap

Left: Alligator Round Scale in Celestial‍ ‍
Right: Nubuck Leather in Riviere

It’s been over 6 months since I got my Breitling Top Time B31, and now that summer is just around the corner, I’m considering putting it on a more colorful strap. I’m thinking about going with a light blue strap to complement the dial and transform it into a perfect summer watch, but I’m in a dilemma between the Alligator Round Scale in Celestial and the Nubuck Leather in Riviere from Molequin - my preferred choice when it comes to premium watch straps. They are a Belgian brand focused on high-quality leather watch accessories, and all their products are handmade in France. I’m sure both would be a great match, but they give off quite a different vibe. At the moment, I’m leaning a bit more toward the nubuck version.

Check them out.

Sartolane Folio

I usually carry one of my tote bags, which easily fits all my everyday essentials. But for situations when I only need a laptop, notebook, and pen, a tote bag isn’t always the most practical. So I have been searching for different options, and well balanced folio seems like the best solution in that case. One of my favorite that I have found is this Sartolane "Croco” Leather Portfolio (I prefer brown version, but it comes in black and green as well, and if this “Croco” texture is too much for you, they also make them in classic smooth leather, or “Rhino” leather). So this is my solution on days when I need to take the computer, but don’t want to carry a tote, and it has just enough room to fit in a notebook and a charger as well!

Check it out.

Sony 1000X The Colexion Noise Cancelling Headphones

I don’t usually write about tech, but 1000x are one of the best noice canceling headphones of the last decade, and this special edition for its 10th anniversary is their most refined design to date. I think there is no question about the sounds quality and this new design transforms these heaphones from a technology product into style accessory. It’s a tastefully designed product that is very minimalistic, but still has subtle curves and elegant details compared to the soulless minimalism of typical tech products.

Check them out.

Is there anything that caught your attention this month? Let me know in the comments.