Happy Friday Amigo,

Welcome to the next edition of JM’s Weekly Roundup. A quick hit of what’s new at La Matera and a few things that’ve popped up on my radar lately.

TL;DR:

• La Matera Highlight: Diplomático Woven Belt

• Worth a Listen: Outlaw Country

• Worth a Read: Live a Little - John Thompson

• Brand I’m Eyeing: Free Fly

• Weekend Wisdom: Seneca

1. La Matera Highlight: Diplomático Woven Belt

Pulled the Diplomático off the rack a few times this week and it reminded me why this one sticks around.

We’ve got it in both Cognac and Chocolate leathers, and both wear incredibly well. It’s a really balanced belt. Nothing flashy, but not forgettable either. The pattern brings just enough character without taking over the rest of your outfit.

This is one of those belts that doesn’t need much of a pitch. You throw it on and it just works. Ends up being the one you reach for more often than you’d expect.

2. Highlight of the Week: Outlaw Country

Luck Reunion must’ve flipped a switch because I’ve been living in old country all week.

Waylon, Willie, Billy Joe Shaver, Townes, just letting it run in the background while I’m in the shop. There’s a simplicity to those songs that still hits. Nothing forced, nothing polished to death, just music that feels real.

This playlist is a good mix of current and old Outlaw Country. Hell of a way to kick off the Friday.

3. Worth a Read: Live a Little - John Thompson

I’ve been spending a little more time here on Substack lately as I get this one up and running, and this week I came across a post from Live a Little that caught my eye, 34 Small Ways to Maximize Your Life.

John Thompson is a copywriter and creative who’s spent time at brands like Huckberry, and you can tell he’s someone who thinks a lot about how people actually live day to day, not just how things look on paper.

This particular piece is a list of small ways to get more out of your routine. Nothing groundbreaking on its own, but that’s kind of the point. Get outside more. Call your friends. Read real books. Pay attention to what you’re doing.

It’s not trying to overhaul your life. Just a reminder that a lot of the good stuff is already right in front of you if you’re paying attention. Easy read. Worth a few minutes of your time.

4. Brand I’m Eyeing: Free Fly

Weather’s starting to warm up down here, which means I’ve been outside a lot more and lighter gear is back in the mix.

Free Fly is one I keep coming back to. They’re founded and based down in God’s Country, aka my favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina. Yeah, I’m biased. Grew up in SC and went to College of Charleston, but Charleston is still number one. Sorry, Austin.

Their shirts and sun hoodies are about as comfortable as it gets. Super soft, lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear when it’s hot out. Most of their stuff has UPF protection too, which is a nice touch when you’re in the sun all day.

I’ve got a couple that end up getting thrown on for just about everything. Boat, yard, running around town, doesn’t really matter. And until I get the mini-split wired up in the shop, it might be the only thing I’m wearing back there.

5. Weekend Wisdom: Seneca

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” - Seneca

Simple idea, but it holds up. Most of the time it’s not about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about being ready when something shows up and knowing what to do with it.

That’s it from me. Get out there and have some fun this weekend.

Appreciate y’all being here.

Cheers,
JM

Jon-Mark Craddock
CEO

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Originally sent through JM's Substack on 2026-03-27.