Holiday Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts That Last a Lifetime

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

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

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

ceramic

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

liliput

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


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

hr_401-158-00_muhle-purist-safety-razor-briarwood

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 

Untitled-1

Inspired Style: Idris Elba

As a dedicated sartorialist (he has his own menswear line with Superdry) and contender for the role of James Bond, Idris Elba is a fitting choice for today’s Inspired Style. The Luther star’s love of dark, moody colors and layering provides a wealth of inspiration for the coming fall months. What we admire about Elba’s sense of style is how he brings polish and charisma to any outfit, transitioning seamlessly between red carpet suits and street wear. What keeps his looks on point is keen attention to tailoring – as well as knowing when and how to break the rules.

With his new sci-fi film The Dark Tower in theaters, Thor: Ragnarok coming November, and another season of Luther, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Elba – and his nearly impeccable style pedigree – in months to come.

Let’s learn from this dashing Englishman by breaking down three outfits where he proved he’s one of the best-dressed A-listers out there.

Outfit 1: The Gray Suit

The gray suit has become a staple for Idris Elba on the red carpet. More interesting than a black suit and less outlandish than a more colorful hue, a gray suit conveys sleekness. Just remember to give it personal flair by playing with the color and texture of your shirt and tie. Here, at the premier of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba wears a lavender button-up and polka-dot tie to add a touch of color to his Prada suit. A good rule of thumb for patterns: the bigger the pattern, the simpler the shirt.

When donning a suit, Elba believes it’s all about the shoes and the cut on the trouser. Decide on proper pant length and the amount of break you’d like.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Suit – Bonobos The Foundation Italian Wool Suit

The Shirt – Finamore Cotton Herringbone Shirt

The Tie – BHLDN Grey Dot Tie

The Shoes – Monte Rosso Lazio Cap-Toe Oxford

Outfit 2: The Casual Polo

Many actors excel on the red carpet, but their style flounders when it comes to everyday dressing. Not Elba. As an actor who works 18-hour days, it’s no surprise Idris Elba has mastered comfortable style. In fact, he says his style is best described as “charismatic and easy-to-wear gear.” His go-to look? A polo shirt and jeans.

If you thought polo shirts were just for golf, Idris Elba will quickly convert you. A devotee to the classic polo, Elba adds attitude to the staple while keeping things polished with impeccable fit.

For his appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Elba packed a casual punch with a navy polo, dark blue jeans, and comfortable printed slip ons. To prevent casual from looking sloppy, Idris always abides by the rule of dressing for his body shape. The polo isn’t too tight (which would make him look like a beef head) or too loose.

The dark blues of this outfit, combined with varying textures, make it an excellent transition look between summer and fall. Put on a gold watch like Elba for a smart finishing touch.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Shirt – Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt

The Jeans – AG Jeans Tellis Slim-Fit Denim Jeans

The Shoes – Toms Navy Washed Canvas Deconstructed Alpargatas

Outfit 3: The Layered Wool Coats

Technically this is not Elba’s outfit but that of his tormented detective character, John Luther, but it doesn’t stray far from how Elba usually layers his coats and overcoats. Elba sticks with monotone grays to keep the focus on texture. The popped collar and striped red tie freshen up what would otherwise be a somewhat bleak palette.

The result is a rich, interesting ensemble befitting cold fall and winter days.

SHOP SIMILAR:

The Overcoat – Brooks Brothers Double-Faced Wool-Blend Topcoat

The Coat – Hugo Boss Wool Blend Jacket

The Shirt – J. Crew Secret Wash Shirt in White

The Tie – Canali Dots & Stripes Silk Tie

The Pants – Thomas Maier Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Twill Chinos

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: 7 Gifts for the Well-Groomed Man

Finding the right gift for the well-appointed man with a refined taste can be a daunting task, to say the least. Here, we offer a little inspiration, whether you’re buying for someone else or taking notes for your own wish list. These following seven items are thoughtful, useful, and certainly better than defaulting to a gift card.

kingsman-tie

KINGSMAN by Drake’s London Striped Wool Tie $165

The perfect piece to complement winter tailoring, the KINGSMAN by Drake’s London Striped Wool Tie strikes a casual take on stripes. Midnight blue, brick, and white stripes run the length of this wool tie, crafted in England by esteemed accessories brand Drake’s.

voyager_cognac_01

This is Ground Voyager Cognac $725

Is he always fumbling around for various cords, pens, plugs, and battery packs in his carry on when he travels? This is Ground Voyager in Cognac will make disorganized packing a thing of the past. The Voyager has enough space for a long weekend’s worth of stuff, but the real gem is its easily accessible front pocket, which contains a tech pod that neatly organizes tech and travel gear.

If he deserves something extra special this year, add on the WiFi option, which turns the weekender into a WiFi hotspot so he can stay connected anywhere in the U.S.

salt-optics-alex-dragonfly-01

SALT. OPTICS Alex Glasses $340

SALT. OPTICS Alex takes inspiration from the natural beauty of SALT. OPTICS’ home base in Southern California. Alex is crafted by third generation Japanese artisans.

This casual, no-fuss style suits all face shapes, and will add an air of sophistication to his look.

hr_407-103-00_triumph-and-disaster-stash-box

Triumph & Disaster Stash Box $150

A good shave starts with good skin. Triumph & Disaster’s Stash Box contains the full skincare and shave prep regimen: Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub, Gameface Moisturizer, Badger Hair Shave Brush, and Old-Fashioned Shave Cream.

Made from natural ingredients (some of which are sourced from Triumph & Disaster’s native New Zealand), this gift set will be a delight for any wet shaver.

hr_508-016-02-coronado-leather-utiliy-dopp-kit-black

Coronado Metropolitan Leather Dopp Kit, Black $125

This toiletry bag is one he’ll be proud to display on his sink, no matter where he’s travelling. The Coronado Metropolitan Leather Dopp Kit in Black is crafted from smooth Horween Leather for a streamlined, modern look.

razor-and-brush-set

Merkur 34C 3-Piece Safety Razor Set – Silvertip Badger

The Merkur 34C 3-Piece Safety Razor Set is a perfect gift for any shaving aficionado. Our brand new RoyalShave Chrome-Plated Razor and Brush Stand holds our premium Silvertip Badger Brush and Merkur’s famed 34C Safety Razor, a go-to for many a wet shaver for its easy maneuverability and two-piece construction.

quoddy-shoes

QUODDY Leather Derby Shoes

For the man who wants to look good without sacrificing comfort, QUODDY Leather Derby Shoes offer the best of both worlds. Hand crafted from high quality ‘Cavalier’ leather from Chicago’s Horween tannery, these derby shoes will wear beautifully with time. Cushioned insoles and Vibram rubber soles keep his feet supported for all-day wear.

Untitled-1

The Grooming Artist News Roundup: August 2016

News-Roundup-Aug-2016

The big news today at the beginning of August is Unilever’s decision to purchase Dollar Shave Club for a whopping $1 billion – quite a chunk of cash considering the company is technically still not yet profitable. (According to Unilever CEO Paul Polman, Dollar Shave Club is, however, “inherently profitable.”)

In other wet shaving news, The Sharpologist lists the 6 products he can’t live without, and we survey our straight razors and DE razors for those standouts customers love time and time again.

We’ve also included articles on the betterment of yourself as a gentleman – specifically, how to dress with finesse and how to be situationally aware à la Jason Bourne.

Enjoy this month’s roundup!

Unilever just bought Dollar Shave Club for $1 billion, signaling Unilever’s entry into the men’s shaving market. (Business Insider)

The Olympics beckon! Here are the top Team USA athletes to watch once Rio 2016 kicks off. (GQ)

Mantic 59 over at The Sharpologist is one of the most trusted authorities in wet shaving, and has tested hundreds of products. These are the 6 wet shaving products he can’t do without. (The Sharpologist)

We narrowed down our top 5 safety razors and top 3 straight razors, as used and reviewed by customers. A great place to start if you’re looking for another piece to add to your collection, or are new to wet shaving! (The Grooming Artist)

Keep this one handy through the end of summer: the 7 most effective ways to treat your sunburn. (GQ)

If you’re a follower of the Jason Bourne movies, you know that Bourne has a superhuman ability to observe his surroundings and make assessments. But this isn’t just movie magic – you can learn Bourne’s situational awareness with this guide. (The Art of Manliness)

Gentleman’s Gazette interviewed Bernhard Roetzel, author of Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion and Bespoke Menswear. There’s much great advice to take to heart, including the basics of dressing and acting like a gentleman. (Gentleman’s Gazette)

Untitled-1

%d bloggers like this: