Holiday Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts That Last a Lifetime

December 17, 2017 By THE GROOMING ARTIST in christmas, HOLIDAYS, STYLE Tags: christmas gift, DE razor, kaweco pen, men's style, mens fashion, Muhle, muhle purist, wet shaving, wet shaving products Leave a comment

Here’s an idea: this Christmas, instead of buying the man in your life something flashy, seek out an heirloom that’ll get use over many years – even a lifetime. Each piece is crafted intentionally by artisans preserving tradition. And while the prices reflect the old world craftsmanship and quality, remember: these are timeless investments with sentimental value.

And with that, here are 7 tokens deserving a look.

Moore and GIles Attache

Moore & Giles Standard Attaché

Globetrotters and businessmen on the go will delight in Moore & Giles’ Standard Attaché, a smooth leather briefcase made from titan-milled leather that combines chrome and vegetable tanning for a vibrant, burnished surface similar to that of high-end dress shoes.

But don’t let its sleek exterior fool you – the briefcase boasts serious substance, with functional design elements like a small padded computer compartment and a large compartment with an expandable gusset for document storage. Classic styling means the briefcase pairs well with any outfit, regardless of season.

SHOP: Moore & Giles Standard Attaché, $860

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Junghans

Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

A exemplum of masterly German watch-making, Junghans Meister Handaufzug is based on a design first built in the 1930s. This handwinding watch combines vintage aesthetic with contemporary technology (including a 42-hour power reserve). A luminous navy dial, slender calf leather strap, and lightweight design make the timepiece a staple suitable for daily wear. The stainless steel case and plexiglass dome ensure durability.

SHOP: Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch, $1280

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Sandro Wool Blend Overcoat

Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat

Add a bit of Parisian cool to his wardrobe with Sandro’s Wool-Blend Overcoat. Crisp tailoring and a streamlined fit – signatures of the Parisian fashion house – make the camel overcoat flattering no matter the occasion. He can dress it up with a shirt and slacks, or throw it over a sweater for weekend errands.

SHOP: Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat, $645

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Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte

This Christmas, give him – and your family – the gift of a lifetime of great meals.

Terre Étoilée cookware has been made by artisans in France since 1830. The cook in your life will appreciate the heavy ceramic of this cocotte, which maintains temperature to cook food evenly, and the bosses on the interior of the lid, which capture and redistribute moisture and flavor evenly. This cocotte is a mealtime lifesaver with a simple yet charming design.

SHOP: Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte, $189

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Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib

The Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen (Medium Nib) is for the gentleman who appreciates the art of physically writing down thoughts and notations. The Liliput pen originally debuted in 1910 in Germany, and was re-released over a century later, in 2011. A smaller version of Kaweco’s Sport Fountain Pen, the Liliput Copper Fountain Pen transforms into full-size length once the cap is screwed on to the end of the barrel.

The raw copper body, which has an elegant silhouette, transforms beautifully over time. Frequent use will give the penny red pen a reddish brown patina that will protect it from daily wear.

SHOP: Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib, $109

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cashmere scarf

Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf

Treat your loved one to a luxurious cashmere scarf from a company that holds a Royal Warrant.

Johnstons of Elgin crafts time-honored knitwear he’ll treasure for a lifetime. Founded by Mr. Alexander Johnston over two centuries ago on the banks of the river Lossie in Scotland, the company continues to create knitwear in the same factory where it was founded, using traditional methods. Each scarf goes through 30 painstaking processes before it is delivered to stores.

This understated cashmere does a good job of keeping him warm while looking masculine.

SHOP: Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf, $175

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Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor, Briarwood

Does he appreciate fine craftsmanship in his grooming tools? Then Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor is a gift he’ll treasure for years to come. A collector’s piece with sinkside appeal, Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor in Briarwood features a stunning briarwood handle, with reddish graining unique to each razor. Briarwood is prized for its aesthetic appeal and durability – it’s the same type of wood used to make high-end tobacco pipes.

This is a gift that keeps on giving day in and day out, as he’ll enjoy smooth, non-irritating shaves from the closed comb construction.

SHOP: Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor

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The Influence of 1940’s Fashion on Today’s Fashion

February 14, 2017 By THE GROOMING ARTIST in INSPIRED STYLE, STYLE Tags: 1940s, Christian Dior, Katherine Hepburn, men's suits, mens fashion, mens wear, wartime fashion, womens fashion, wwii, wwii fashion 1 Comment

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Personal style is a big part of being a well-groomed gentleman. A freshly-shaven face and smart outfit go hand in hand in making a stylish first impression. And fashion always takes cues from the past.

That’s why we’re excited to hand it over to Marie Miguel, a fashion journalist, to give us a fun history lesson about men’s and women’s’ fashion in the 1940s, and how that era still has influence over what we wear today.

Enjoy!

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Fashion in the 1940s focused more on comfort than aesthetics. The start of the World War II significantly increased the popularity of utilitarian style. Practical styles were hugely advocated since it was an era of strict rationing and patriotism. With less extravagant pieces of jewelry, embroideries, and heavy fabrics, men and women were able to do their day jobs with ease.

Katherine Hepburn in wide-legged slacks.

Typical 1940s day dresses were uniform in nature.

What women wore during wartime 1940s

Unlike women’s fashion in the previous decades, clothing in the 1940s was uniform in nature. Dresses, blouses, and skirts had standard lengths, shapes, and patterns. Squared shoulders, below-the-knee skirts, and narrow hip suits became very popular.

As the female workface increased, women began wearing wide-legged slacks because pants were much easier to work in than a dress or skirt. While initially only worn while working, these slacks transitioned into everyday wear and even became integrated into pants suits. At the height of the war, women were also encouraged to create their own dresses to conserve materials and reduce their clothing expenses.

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What men wore during wartime 1940s

The movie The Aviator starring Leonardo Di Caprio accurately depicts the state of men’s fashion during World War II.

Men wore plain suits in muted colors like black, navy, and tan. Vests, trouser cuffs, and pocket flaps declined in popularity as the need for sturdy clothing such as trousers and shirts made with cotton twill or gabardine started to rise. Additionally, the government mandated specific rules for tailoring: no double-breasted jackets, no slits or buttons on the cuff, and three pockets or less.

Christian Dior’s “New Look”, circa 1947.

Fashion after the war

When the war ended in the late 1940s, rationing was lifted and men and women gained access to expensive clothing and accessories. Designers could choose from an array of laces, fancy fabrics, and textiles. Hence, the fashion industry regained its glamour and boomed once again. A prime example of post-WWII glamour is Christian Dior’s “New Look” – a long, full circle skirt nipped in the waist, featuring tons of fabric.

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WWII fashion vs. today

Women

Today, women still wear clothes with squared shoulders (without the pads), sports jackets, and knee-length skirts, styles which were quite popular in the 1940s. Utilitarian dresses and skirts are worn to achieve a vintage look. Moreover, the modified version of the wide leg slacks introduced in the same era has become quite popular among celebrities. Often, the slacks are paired with cotton or silk blouses and worn at formal events.

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Men

Suits are still considered de rigueur for formal events and business meetings. But suits have also carried over into street style in recent years. It’s not uncommon to see men wearing blazers and slacks in the streets to achieve a high fashion look. Sans the tie and bow, suits are worn casually and paired with sporty polo shirts and plain t-shirts.

Also important to note: many of the trendy styles both men and women wear today – bomber jackets, trench coats, chinos, and aviator glasses – have their origin in WWII military clothing.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts for the Discerning Gentleman

February 6, 2017 By THE GROOMING ARTIST in HOLIDAYS, STYLE, Valentine's Day Tags: candle, Dovo straight razor, Eidos, Kindle, mens fashion, mens grooming, monk-strap shoes, Penhaligon's London, tom ford, Trunk Club, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gifts Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day is a time to give a nod to the special man in your life. But it can become challenging task when he is sartorially selective. To help you find a gift that is both elegant and something he will actually use, we have put together this list of 7 gifts for the discerning gentleman. These are thoughtful items at several price points to suit your budget and his taste.

From a perfectly fitting, Italian-made wool suit from Eidos to statement monk-strap shoes, there’s a unique gift for him.

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Eidos Basic Lana Wool Suit $1625

Helmed by young creative director Anotonio Ciongoli, Eidos is a line that fuses Neapolitan tailoring and American sportswear. Beautifully crafted in Italy, the Eidos Basic Lana Wool Suit will keep him equally warm and sharp for special occasions during the winter. A simple notched lapel and comfortable silhouette prevent the suit from looking too severe.

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tom-ford

Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum $135 for 1.7 oz.

Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum presents a captivating duality: oriental notes of Bulgarian rose and Italian bergamot intertwine with softer, classic notes of vanilla and nutmeg. The company describes Noir as a fragrance that “captures the twin facets of the Tom Ford man – the refined, urbane sophisticate who everyone gets to see and the intriguingly sensuous, private man they don’t.” It’s the perfect cologne for cool weather or a night out.

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kindle-paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite $99.99

If he always has his nose in a book, the Kindle Paperwhite E-reader will dramatically multiply his reading options, while lightening the load. The Paperwhite holds thousands of books and features a glare-free screen and high-resolution 300 ppi display. He can easily slip it into his messenger or backpack for the commute home.

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Trunk Club (Price Varies)

No matter his sartorial expertise, when he gets busy it can be hard to make a trip to the store – or spend hours browsing the internet – to purchase new pieces for his collection. That’s where Trunk Club comes in. The subscription service asks him a series of questions to create a style profile. From there, he’ll get matched with a stylist who will help pick clothing that fits his look, size, and spending preferences. Trunk Club carries pieces from Jack Erwin, Bonobos, Ralph Lauren, and Belstaff, to name a few.

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maduroleafcandle

Penhaligon’s Maduro Leaf Candle $135

At the end of the day, there’s nothing more relaxing than lighting a candle and unwinding with a glass of wine. Penhaligon’s makes this ritual even more luxurious with their Maduro Leaf Candle, a triple-wick candle that fills his space with a scent reminiscent of a smoking room in an elegant gentlemen’s club. This warm and comforting scent evokes cigars, soft leather armchairs, and a fire burning in the grate.

Spicy top notes open to a heart of cedarwood, patchouli, and oakwood. Base notes of white musk and amber anchor the fragrance.

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Dovo Inox 5/8” Full Hollow Straight Razor – Olivewood $160.81

An exquisite straight razor, the Dovo Inox 5/8” Full Hollow Straight Razor in Olivewood makes a fine gift for seasoned shavers and novices alike. The 5/8” full hollow carbon steel blade holds its sharpness, while the handle has a one-of-a-kind grain pattern that’ll make his razor uniquely his.

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John Lobb William Leather Monk-Strap Shoes $1300

The John Lobb William Leather Monk-Strap Shoes in Oxblood are for the gentleman who’s looking to step out of the classic Oxford comfort zone. With two monks and buckles, these monk-strap shoes are an adventurous alternative to Oxfords. This pair looks particularly charming in Oxblood. Best yet, he can match monk-strap shoes to casual denim and sharp suits alike.

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Our Favorite Posts of 2016

December 15, 2016 By THE GROOMING ARTIST in Beard Care, STYLE, TIPS & FACTS, Wet Shaving Tags: 2016, Captain's Choice, DE razor, edwin jagger, instagram, men's skincare, mens grooming, sotd, straight razor, Truefitt & Hill, wet shaving, wet shaving tips Leave a comment

As we head into the end of the year, we wanted to look back on some of the highlights of 2016 on The Grooming Artist.

We brought you behind the scenes of two of the most respected names in wet shaving: Truefitt & Hill and Edwin Jagger. We also gave due coverage to the ever-expanding group of wet shavers who have taken their craft to Instagram, inspiring us with their beautifully composed #SOTD (Shave of the Day) setups, reviews, and tips. The traditional shaving community on Instagram is strong, and we plan to explore this scene further in the upcoming year.

From our archives, we also pulled out a couple of our favorite “how to” posts, from How to Clean Your DE Razor to How to Use the 3 Razor Shaving Method.

Give these posts a gander if you’re looking for some reading material during your holiday break.

All of us at RoyalShave hope you have a season filled with warmth, comfort, and good cheer!

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