The Material Review

Issue 092: Good Value Clothes, The Slop Life, LSD, Grocery-Store Brands, Fun Watches, Frank Lloyd Wright and Spotlight On: Hats.

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

What ‘good value’ means when it comes to clothes

“Yes, I want a bespoke sports jacket — but what kind of middle-class dad spends $6,000 on that?” [FT]

Living the Slop Life

“Slop videos. Slop bowls. Slop clothing hauls. When did we get so submerged in the slop-ified muck?” [NYT]

Inside the Long, Strange Trip of the World’s Best LSD

“Owsley Stanley created a legendary strain of acid in the 1960s — now it’s taking on a new life in modern-day research facilities” [Rolling Stone]

The End of the ‘Generic’ Grocery-Store Brand

“They’re no longer terrible—in fact, they’re often the draw.” [The Atlantic]

Babar, Big Bird & Boiled Eggs: Has the "Fun" Watch Trend Gone Too Far?

“The experts weigh in on the rise of lighthearted timepieces” [Esquire]

From the Archive: When Frank Lloyd Wright Designs Your Home, You Never Want to Leave

“Despite being in their 80s and 90s, many of the trailblazing architect’s clients never gave up on the dream.” [Dwell]

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

Garmsville by Goral Deck Shoe

Crockett & Jones Belt -Woven Calf

Buck Mason Lightweight Seersucker Carry-On Jacket

Made In Japanese Knife Set

RTIC QT Road Trip Cooler

Hats

A Listing Sailboat Hat

Wythe Chainstitch Hat

Quaker Marine Supply Havana Straw Hat

William Ellery Navy Workwear Hat

Quaker Marine Supply Swordfish in Nautical Red

Kermit Lynch Dad Hat

Classifieds

Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool, or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 characters per ad.

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🛒 Kamakura Shirts Trunk Show: Chicago

May 20th (Tue), 21st (Wed), 22nd (Thur), 23rd (Fri). 9am-5pm. 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL 60601

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🛒 Small Business Sales Week 2025: Garage Grown Gear

Tuesday, May 13th to Tuesday, May 20th

Enjoy incredible discounts and special offers from 90+ exceptional outdoor brands.

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🐦 🌳 landdd/Outdoor Portals: Bird Call: Identifying & Observing Bird Variation on Sauvie Island

Saturday, May 31 8-11 AM. Oak Island Trailhead, NW Oak Island Rd. Sauvie Island, Oregon

In partnership with earth/studies. A morning of field birding at Oak Island, where riparian forest, wet meadow, and seasonal marsh converge—supporting a rich diversity of migratory and resident species. Designated an Important Bird Area, Sauvie Island is a critical stopover along the Pacific Flyway. Tickets: $65.

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🏄 Pilgrim Surf + Supply Annual Spring Board Exchange

Saturday 5/31 and Sunday 6/1, 11am-7pm. 33 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York 11249.

Sellers: Board drop-off begins Wednesday 5/28 and receive 100% of the sale price (when sold) in store credit. In addition we’ll have some “scratch and dent” stock boards on sale! Buyers: A great chance for quiver additions!