Summer in time of rainfall

MANILA, Philippines - So, it’s the time of the year when I wonder how goths shop for the summer. With all the color going on, black is God’s gift to “paleys” who resist suntanning even with the longest sun exposure. It is the season to be jolly and lightweight, with bright items that hew to the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

1. Mister porter

Your trusty grandma grocery bag is many-sizes- fit-all. These huge versatile carryalls are for everything to fit in for out-of-towners. You do not really need 10 wardrobe options for a long weekend.

(Longchamp, Boxford large)

2. Time will tell

You want to lose track of time, really. But being late for a spa treatment? Not polite. When a Luminox may be too military and bulky, strap on a simple wristwatch (that’s super accessible and available) when plastic is allowed.

(Swatch ‘’Black rebel,” Swatch stores)

3. Shorts story

It may take a downpour for some guys to realize that boardshorts are not the only beach or poolside option. The new style Timo “Hybrid” is for those timid ones, slightly longer than Timo “Captain” swim shorts (pictured) and perfect for catching little bursts of sunshine, or Happy Hour with a simple T-shirt and slim espadrilles.

(Ships worldwide via online shop timotrunks.com)

4. Vision glasses

Sunglasses are the most useful accessory you’ll ever own whether cloudy or sunny. Try a new pair of large frames from Mykita, a Berliner range that isn’t too sweet and isn’t always so gray and grungy like Berlin. The angular, black-rimmed detailing is spot-on with Mykita’s precise brand philosophy.

(Mykita “Ethan” at Sarabia Optical shops)

5. A polo that bears an unforgettable print

LeRoy Grannis was a surfer documentarian immortalized in Taschens’s Birth of a Culture — a limited edition signed monograph. Last year’s Scott Sternberg print is eternal days of sunshine until night time, alternately okay, aside from really comfortable pique polos. 

(bandofoutsiders.com)

6. Message in a bottle

Nothing new when far-flung islands with a lack of pretense become inspiration for international film directors (hello, Coppola?). Whatever imagined mysticism of the exotic, you’re in good company: the sky, sun and the sea smells a lot like Virgin Island Water by Creed. Sink or swim, happy journeys!

(Creed “Virgin Island Water,” Beauty Bar)