Holiday Shopping Picks for the Gentleman in Your Life

With the holiday shopping season down to a paltry few weeks quickly dwindling away; I thought it a good time for last minute suggestions for chic, thoughtful and timeless gifts for the fathers, brothers, sons and husbands with a proclivity for gentlemanly accoutrements.  

1. Burberry London Leather Card Case

    Perfect for the minimalist at heart, subtle and

    classic and a great alternative when the daily

    wallet just won't cut it.

    $185.00

    Burberry

2. Modernist Wood Chess Set by Lanler Graham, 1966
    Smart and decorative and perfect for the design geek. The
    shape of each piece is inspired by the movement of the piece
    and its importance.
    $65.00
    MoMA Design Store

3. Italian Marble "Naturalist" Coasters
    A charming and durable idea for any home,
    there is also a series depicting human anatomy.
    (Octopus and Ammonite shown; other designs
    available)
    $15.00 (each)
    Evolution NYC

4. Jack Spade Match Case

    If you smoke you likely started so you'd look cool

    (as it couldn't be for the health benefits). This

    humble little gift is infinitely cooler than a plastic

    lighter and reminiscent of Cary Grant's personalized

    "R.O.T" matches in North by Northwest.

    $38.00

    Jack Spade

5. J-Crew Cognac Leather Passport Holder

    The ideal gift for the savvy traveler. Its already

    rich leather will only improve as time and use

    add to the patina.

    $65.00

    J Crew



6. The Laundress New York "On the Spot" Kit
    My wife has a small addiction to Lush and
    while I don't blame her (the soaps look and
    smell good enough to eat), I don't share her
    enthusiasm. The Laundress would be to me
    what lush is to her. The kit is a good sampling
    of products, while the essential is the stain
    bar for collars and cuffs (Stain Bars: $6.00)
    $40.00 (for the Kit)
    Laundress New York

7. "Fly" Cuff Links by Paul Smith
    Cuff links are the best way to subtly
    work one's unique style and attitude
    into even the most conservative attire.
    Just be sure the gentleman you're
    buying for wears french cuff shirts
    before you charge your card.
    $155.00
    Paul Smith

8. A Well-Dressed Gentleman's Pocket Guide

    by Oscar Lenius

    The best thing about this handy read is that

    it provides not only advice on dressing well

    for all manner of clothing items, but also the

    history and reasoning behind some of our

    current sartorial notions.

    $14.00

    Barnes & Noble

9. Mimoco Mimobot USB Drives

    The perfect gift for the nerdy at heart.

    These handy USB drives, available

    in various storage capacities, come

    in a wide range of characters from

    Star Wars, Batman, Transformers

    and many other pop culture and

    design centric realms.

    $20.00 and up

    Mimoco

10. 3-Piece "Rabbit" Wine Opener Set

    An essential for entertaining; this is the

    perfect combination of form and function.

    $45.00

    Crate & Barrel



Five Picks, One Look - Winter Workwear

When I asked a client of mine how he was preparing for the trials of another unpredictable winter in New York, he responded that he would be forgoing any attempt at enduring the inclement weather by fleeing to Los Angeles immediately following the first snowfall. I can't say that I blame him; the beauty of winter in new york is fleeting at best and one is quickly overcome by the reality of a five block excursion through ankle deep pools of grime blackened slush in minus eight windchill. Not all of us have the luxury afforded a bi-coastal lifestyle, however, and given that taking a winter long sabbatical isn't a likely option we must ready ourselves as best as possible. Here are a few upgrades to consider when dressing for both success and the tundra outside.

1. Billy Reid "Walton" Herringbone
    Tweed Jacket. $650.00
    The "bulk" is just in the fabric; still
    keep the fit slim and the lapels trim.
    www.billyreid.com

2. Billy Reed "Walton" Herringbone
    Tweed Trousers. $275.00
    A good sturdy tweed will stand
    up to most of what mother nature
    throws at you.
    www.billyreid.com

3. H&M Wool Blend Sweater with
    Contrasting Elbow Patches. $29.95
    Wool will keep you warm while still
    being breathable.
    http://www.hm.com/

4. Ben Sherman Long-Sleeve
    Striped Shirt. $79.99
    Don't abandon all sense of color
    in winter; just try darker hues.
    www.nordstrom.com

5. Ted Baker "Poalu" Leather
    Brogue Boot. $320.00 
    Dressy enough for the office;
    rugged enough for the commute.
    www.tedbaker.com

Not to Miss - Objects of Adornment (New Orleans, October 8th)



For those of you lucky enough to be in NOLA this weekend, please stop by Du Mois Gallery (4921 Ferret Street) for a fashion as art exhibition put together by Christy Lorio of the Slow Southern Style Blog (while you're at it, subscribe to this blog if you don't already). A brief synopsis:

"Style is what comes from a careful culmination of exquisite, highly personal objects of adornment. From a simple bow tie to a handmade necklace finishing touches add personality and depth to our outward appearance. Clothing functions as our own wearable art that we can take with us wherever we go and is our most accessible way to express ourselves. Louisiana clothing and accessory designers Alicia Zenobia, Ben Azevedo, Lacey Dupre, and Kaci Thomassie showcase their unique designs elevating everyday wear into artful expressions of personal style."

If you're in the city then take the opportunity to stop by what promises to be a unique look at some of New Orleans' most talented fashion artists.  

Many Thanks...

I would like to thank Diane Maglio and all the students of her Menswear class at FIT for asking me to speak about my thoughts and views on my own style choices as an American man and men's fashion in general. I appreciate you allowing me to take up so much of your time with what was largely incoherent, off-topic rambling. Nevertheless, I sincerely enjoyed the experience and am happy to be of service in the future, if needed. Best of luck this semester, and after.

Cheers,
J

Fashionable Art - Two Events Not to be Missed

The Bard Graduate Center - Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones

The Water is Wide 1940 - Stephen Jones Spring/Summer 2011

     - This exhibition, put together by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, makes it's stateside debut at the Bard Graduate Center (www.bgc.bard.edu) in Manhattan. The collection of more than 200 pieces of head wear consists of works as diverse in function as in form; ranging from a simple brimmed baseball cap once worn by Babe Ruth to whimsical sculptures created by some of today's foremost milliners, such as Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones himself. The show's New York run is from September 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012.

The Museum at FIT - The Daphne Guinness Collection

Sequined Chanel from the Collection of Daphne Guinness

     - Daphne Guinness shares glimpses of her staggering collection of couture from a life spent in pursuit of beautiful fashion. The always stylish heiress to the Guinness fortune, found as often at Paris runways as in society columns, is fortunate enough to count haute couture as one of her passing hobbies. Her collection shows true passion for the art of couture and a self-confident sense of style. The exhibit at FIT is a collaboration between Guinness and Valerie Steele, the museum's director, and will run from September 16th, 2011 through January 7th, 2012. While you're there, catch the Sporting Life exhibit that runs through November. For more information please visit www.fitnyc.edu.

Dandy of the Week - Paul Simonon

Then                                      Now

Paul Simonon's quiet, cool confidence is a rarity. It's the kind of cool that seems both effortless and unattainable at the same time; graceful would be the most apt term, I suppose. It speaks volumes to the quality of this confidence that in spite of his quiet demeanor he was never overshadowed by his bandmates' larger than life personas, or by the all too brief glimpse of genius that was the Clash. If Mick was the consummate musician, and Joe was the fiery ideals, Paul was certainly the style and swagger in the band deemed the only band that matters. Though more mature and a bit more refined these days, his style remains as natural and raffish now as it ever was.

Five Picks, One Look - Pitching a Tent

Let's face it, there are times when even the most dyed-in-the-wool urban gentleman wants to escape the concrete and steel of the city. For many, myself included, this is an experience our city lives have poorly prepared us for. So, with preparedness in mind, here are a few items to make sure you survive your foray into the wilds.

                 










Corbridge waxed jacket by Barbour
with quilted lining. Ideal for staying warm
and dry. $375.00
http://www.barbour.com/

Giant Rugger twill flannel button up,
a great winter staple anywhere. $135.00
http://www.gant.com/

Todd Snyder alpaca and linen pocket
crew sweater, luxe and breathable and
a perfect added layer of warmth. $295.00
http://www.odinnewyork.com/

Filson oil finish tin cotton pants; both
water resistant and durable. You will
wear out before they do. $140.00
http://www.filson.com/









Timberland Boot Co. Tackhead
eight-inch boot in canvas and
leather with Vibram sole; water
resistant and tough as nails. $375.00
http://www.timberland.com/