September 3rd, 2010

D&G Packable Nylon Tote

by Nicolas

In my attempt to be greener and more conscious of how much I use plastic bags, I bought a bunch of recyclable bags from smaller (not very useful but looks good) to large travel-sized ones. I use them when I have them – I keep one big one folded in my day bag. But I sometimes go shopping without my bag and then when I am at the checkout counter, I realize I forgot my ‘green’ bags. I’m just always a step behind.

I like this nylon tote from D&G for a bunch of reasons. It’s grey and this color works all year round. It comes with a handy smaller pouch for receipts, cash, credit cards and everything else. And the shoulder strap will be a god-send when you are running around town trying to get everything done. One thing lacking about most recyclable bags is that they don’t have shoulder straps or offer hands-free support.

The fact that this folds and packs easily means you can take this everywhere with you and try to use less. Get this D&G Packable Nylon Tote for US$195 at Bloomingdale’s.

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September 1st, 2010

Alexander McQueen Umbrella With Skull Handle

by Nicolas

I find myself piqued with curiosity everytime I see men with canes. Well-dressed men who don’t seem to have a walking problem with canes as a fashion statement or sorts. I can never pull that look off but I find it very old-school and charming when done well (aka not in a mink coat-pimp way).

It’s not just canes. I’ve seen men with big YSL umbrellas and they look dapper. This umbrella from Alexander McQueen will be perfect if you’re trying to pull off a similar look. The skull head is dark, fun and timeless all at the same time. It’s serious but playful in its own twisted way – if anything, this would make a great conversation starter.

I can’t carry the suit and cane look but I think I will be able to pull a good look with this skull umbrella. It will also be one of the few times I wish for rain. Get this Alexander McQueen Umbrella With Skull Handle for US$396.55 at Browns.

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August 21st, 2010

Mulberry Max Stone Touch Smooth Leather

by Nicolas

In my opinion, looking the part is half the battle won. People might dismiss it as superficiality but it all depends on what drives you and no one can deny that being in a well-made, tailored suit feels better than a baggy one. So when you feel better, you tend to do better work. It’s that simple.

So dump the backpacks/gym bags, they don’t go with your suit and op instead for a beautiful briefcase like this Max piece from Mulberry. I am really digging the stone color – it’s a wonderful alternative to the tried-and-tested black and brown. There is a certain undeniable polish from this color.

The minimalistic design is classic and charming – a piece that will serve you well for years and years to come. The fact that this is expandable (there is a zip at the base for you to do so) makes this wonderful as a carry-on piece on business trips as well. The detachable shoulder strap provide flexibility when you need to go hands-free. This handsome piece will make a superb gift for yourself or the special man in your life.

Get this Mulberry Max Stone Touch Smooth Leather for US$1195 at Mulberry.

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August 16th, 2010

Diesel 3-TheChain Belt

by Nicolas

I am not a big belt person but that doesn’t mean I don’t go around looking at belts in stores or online (this is called ‘Research’ in my line of work). That said, I am quite drawn to this Diesel chain belt and I really haven’t seen any belts that look like this.

With this belt, you get the usual leather buckle but the rest of the belt is made of cool, sleek chains. I love chains and studs and spikes so this is an awesome piece that is quite me. The chain speaks for itself – 100% metal that will give your outfit a tough vibe that will start conversations.

And even if I don’t wear belts, I’m pleased to just stare at this when I open my closet. Very cool. Get this Diesel 3-TheChain Belt for US$140 at Ssense.

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August 15th, 2010

Maison Martin Margiela Leather Holdall

by Nicolas

I’m the kind of person that rather over-packs than realize later I missed something out and had to do without it. So that said, shit piles up and everything adds up and before I know it, my luggage is usually filled to the brim. So having a good holdall helps on shorter trips.

This piece from Maison Martin Margiela will be great for weekends away. The simplicity of this bag makes this one that will serve you well for years to come. The visible white stitch is classic Margiela and it’s all the brand this bag needs. This is a quiet, very subtle piece that compliments instead of hogging the spotlight.

The removable shoulder-strap gives you the option to go hands-free and that my friend, is always handy. Get this Maison Martin Margiela Leather Holdall for US$1232.68 at Oki-Ni.

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August 10th, 2010

Kmrii Black Fernando Pyramid Stud Bracelet

by Nicolas

So I know I am on a stud-bender but I am having a lot of fun checking out studded pieces. So we’ve covered studs on sneakers, spikes on fingers and now it’s studs on wrists.

This black distressed leather bracelet from Kmrii has the tough, utilitarian vibe down – a thick detailed pair that will look perfect pair with denim or used to jazz up a formal outfit. The studs are quietly cool – nothing too in-your-face. Just restrained and cool. The buckle closure adds to the utilitarian look while providing another layer of detail.

Get this Kmrii Black Fernando Pyramid Stud Bracelet for US$88 at Oak.

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August 9th, 2010

Maison Martin Margiela Mirror Wallet

by Nicolas

You know the saying – ‘Always look your best, you never know who you might meet..’ (or at least something along that line)? It’s pretty true. You just never know in life. Just like how you never know when you would be in a place without a bathroom where you can go freshen up. Shit happens. You need some place quiet with lighting and a mirror and all you get is 5 mins before your next presentation.

So a pocket mirror is always handy. I don’t mean those fluffy, cute kind or the make-up compact powder kind but something discreet and low-key.

You won’t get those qualities with this mirror piece by Martin Margiela. With its leather flap/trim, this one stands out. And I believe it’s supposed to? I’m on the fence on this one – on one hand, if the trim is taken off, this would be a great tool to throw in your bag for whenever. But with the trim, you can forget about being discreet. It also makes it cumbersome to slip into your pants’ pocket since it will stick out or create a weird shape when you sit.

But it isn’t ugly. It doesn’t look bad. The trim just looks very unnecessary and I really don’t know why it’s there in the first place. What is the point?

Find this Maison Martin Margiela Mirror Wallet for US$225.49 at Oki-Ni.

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