Solid and Striped: Going Somewhere?

So you're probably experiencing temperatures just north of freezing, de-icing your eyebrows and dealing with chapped lips, all while willing your thermostat to keep-on ticking-on. 

And now you're staring at swim trunks - let me explain...

Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected (like finding a cashmere peacoat on sale in August - you know?). So in the spirit of serendipity I thought I might share my recent discovery - these trunks from swimwear brand Solid and Striped. 

Made from quick drying Italian polyamide and finished with blue signature stitching details, each pair is tailored to a tee. Sure, I've always liked stripes (remember), but what really got me was the perfectly powdery pastel tones.

Bring on St. Barts...

It's Mine

Ok, you've got me - I'm clearly a sucker for engraving, monograming and hot-stamping. 
But you'll have to admit there is something satisfying about branding your possessions, marking them for all to see. Essentially personalized anything is pure joy - and what's better than that?

Sure it's the holiday season, but a little gift to you can't hurt either. I love Louis Vuitton's hot-stamped luggage labels (which often accompany larger travel bags), but am also equally taken by Smythson's offerings. The Bond St. stationer's smart-phone cases are perfectly practical in that they fit either your phone or iPod.

How very multi-functional indeed!

*Discover more articles featuring hot-stamping and personalization by  clicking here, and here.

Admirable Adornments

Well its nearly here... the Holidays - and aren't we thrilled?

T-minus one week finds me scrambling for gift ideas that are a) useful, b) affordable and c) utterly fun. I have already disclosed my fail-safe party box-set of accessories and necessities, so now I thought I might share Camille K's Holiday Campaign (which coincidentally, ahem, features me).

Food for inspiring thought at the very least!

*For more information about Camille K click here or call 888.790.0007.

Party Essentials

It's happened, we're well and truly into holiday party mode.

Can't you feel the joy, the excitement of the impending and oh so embarrassing holiday-sweater-situation? Because I'm feeling generous ('tis the season after all...) I thought I would put together a fail safe box-set of holiday accessories and necessities that will ensure every fiesta is festive.

The Parrot - a fun and eccentric brooch is always a good idea, especially at a party. This one is Prada and conveniently doubles as a money-clip. 

Matches - sometimes a lady needs a light, so a smart man has matches handy. The fact that these are 'lucky' may or may not contribute to your luck under the mistletoe. Here's hoping...

The Bow Tie - bow ties are fun, ergo wearing one makes you fun! I love a proper bow tie (you know - the kind that needs to be tied) and this double-bowed velvet Loewe number is perfection. I also covet a similar Lanvin version.

The Card Holder - something compact and useful is always good in my book. Louis Vuitton's pocket organizer discretely stashes several cards giving you options - and I love options.

Signature Eyewear - as you may have noticed, I like glasses. Rounded Oliver Peoples tortoiseshell frames always hit an optic nerve - in a good way, that is...

A Little Bling - not that I'm Liberace or anything (although that may be up for debate, and further debate), nothing brings out my inner magpie more than a good party. Camille K cufflinks are always easy and wearable, especially when paired with a leather bracelet.

Merry menswear indeed!

PS: watch what Mr. Blasberg has to say about holiday etiquette below...

Mr Essentialist ♥'s to Embellish

Oh to embellish! We all do it from time to time - but now we can do it to our faces, and I'm all for that. 

Being from New Zealand means being familiar with facial tattoos, or Tā moko - but these might be a bit too permanent for my liking.

Enter Givenchy, and Riccardo Tisci's facial hardware. The adornments include a massive gold and crystal septum-ring plus a selection of magnetic (!) tusks. Clearly Tisci takes facial decor quite seriously, so that's definitely a thing.

So the moral here is that if you're thinking about decorating your tree this holiday season think again, because decorating your face is a possibility too.

*A selection of Givenchy nose and earrings are available at Barneys. For more information & to purchase Ambush's spiked earrings click here.

The Worship Worthy Wrist

I've been living out of a suitcase for over a year (admittedly a big suitcase), but in my packing frenzy I never once doubted including a selection of bracelets.

Besides the fact that they take up little room, I always know I will get good wear out of them. 

Worn solo or stacked together, they look great paired with a watch, culminating to create a truly worship-worthy wrist (remember). 
And yes, if asked I suppose each bracelet tells a story, but mostly they just look cool - and I'm into that.  

*My current selection of bracelets & charms pictured (top) include Dolce & Gabbana, Camille K, Schullin and Toms Binns.  

The Statement Watch

As you may have noticed, I'm a sucker for a statement watch.

There is something truly uplifting about wearing a substancial ticker, something hyper-masculine, maybe even energizing. And to top it all there are so many choices!

We all know the benefits of rocking a Rolex, but what about something sportier? Glam Rock's Sobe-Tech series is just that - and more. A stainless steel and carbon fibre case ensure protection from scratches. But what I'm really into is the silicon strap, which offers both durability and comfort.

*Glam Rock watches are available to purchase online. For more information about my watch click here.

Off The Shoulder

You may have guessed winter is not really a thing here. Nevertheless layers are always appropriate, no matter the climate.
With all that in-mind, on a recent walk through San Francisco's Mission (and with King Henry the Shiba Inu in-tow) I got a-layering. Everyone's been doing it, only now there's been a development. Namely the whole coat-off-the-shoulders thing (preferably camel - Celine or MaxMara) has become the ideal laissez-faire addition to any layered situation (which in my case also included a henley by emerging talent Handvaerk). 

Aside from the fact that Kimye are complete addicts (and might in-fact be partially responsible for a MaxMara revival), the off-the-shoulder look is legitimately great provided you actually manage to keep said coat on your shoulders (it can be a bit of a balancing act). Perhaps it's all about hating the concept of arms / sleeves in general? Thankfully any shoulder slippage can be negated, or better still remedied entirely by a good pair of reflective shades. But then again isn't everything? 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Acne, Handvaerk, and L.G.R, photographed by Cara-Beth Rodgers in San Francisco.

The Oil-Slick

Not to advocate mass environmental contamination or anything, but don't my brand new rubber(!) Gucci loafers remind you of an oil-spill?

Let's face it they're pretty sleek (the shoes, not the spills). And blue - which to me is kind-of a really big deal because I adore blue shoes, remember?

We all know there is something innately classic about a great loafer - so what about a rubber loafer? Well they're certainly going to be rain-proof, so that's definitely something. 

*The Gucci Horsebit Loafer in rubber is available in black & blue. For more information & to purchase click here.

Tommy Lei, Menswear Blogger

On a recent trip to Los Angeles I headed over to Melrose to catch-up with Tommy Lei, one of the city's leading bloggers.

My Belonging showcases Tommy's style - a blend California ease meets East Coast cool. His choices are consistently thoughtful, with a slight androgynous edge. While shooting we chatted about living in Los Angeles, blogging, coffee shops and his fascination with very expensive shoes.

"My Belonging initially began as a diary for me to document and instill meaning into my material possessions. I am all about worthwhile material investments - the blog was a visual tribute of sorts to my addiction. Since then it’s morphed into so much more! I love experiencing and wearing brands - both established and emerging. The blog has also opened up so many doors in terms of brand collaborations and befriending likeminded individuals. 

I'm attracted to a mixture of high and low. It all comes down to the overall aesthetic and quality. In terms of high I love classic and rare pieces by Balenciaga, Givenchy, Comme des Garçons, Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim and Yohji Yamamoto. On the flip side Zara, ASOS, Topman and H&M are my go-to, especially for trendy designer replicas and exclusive collaborations. My Balenciaga cutout buckle boots are literally my favorite 'hooves'! I call them that because of the galloping sound they make [laughs]! Initially I had my doubts about the fit and comfort but I’ve been enamored by them for so long. During NYFW I caved after seeing them at a brunch with Simon Doonan and called Barney’s to see if they were still in stock. They were.

One of my favorite pastimes is to explore every nook and cranny of this beautiful, expansive city. I'm always hanging at coffee shops like Coffee Tomo, Balconi Coffee, Lamill, Demitasse and Intelligentsia. I also love getting meditative by going on hikes and absorbing the breathtaking views of Runyon Canyon, Will Rogers State Park and Solstice Canyon in Malibu. [Laughs] I definitely don't wear Balenciaga on my hikes." 

- Tommy Lei, wearing Acne, ASOS, Armani Exchange, Tom Ford, Zara, Ted Baker and Balenciaga, photographed by Alexander Atkins in Los Angeles.

NYC Awaits

As you may have guessed, I'm about to move to New York - King Kong style and all...

Like most civilized people I love the city, remember? Vibrant and energetic, it's an amazingly eclectic place. 

At any rate I'm pumped, partly because I scored some amazing Gucci rubber loafers (here), but mainly because 2013 is going to be a lucky year - provided we make it through December's scheduled apocalypse...

*Ink & pencil sketch of Mr Essentialist on the Empire State Building (by a-to-remain-nameless interior designer) - gifted by AMB and AB.

True to Form

There is something timeless, perhaps even a touch clergical about a collarless shirt, that makes me think it should be a staple in each and every wardrobe.

Its simplicity lends itself to many things, including basic khakis paired with a vibrant knitted beanie. Or even a darker more monastic look, remember this? 

Appropriate for work (and play), I love my collarless shirt - partly because it was the first piece of vintage I ever bought, but mainly because its easy, and everyone likes easy.

*Wearing Dior Homme vintage shirt, Missoni knitted beanie, Acne chinos & a Camille K brooch.

A Skull Story

Ok so it's a human skull and it's Tuesday morning - but it's pink, so thats something I guess.

I've always been intrigued by skulls. That might sound morbid, perhaps even a touch Shakespearean, but let's face it they are everywhere.  

Described as 'modern alchemists and purveyors of curious goods', DL & Co offer a selection of brilliantly bizarre objects - their Memento Mori candles (pictured) are exquisite, and by far my favorite. Apart from serving as reminders of our mortality, they also burn for at least 40 hours. 

How delightful.

*DL & Co's Memento Mori candles are available to purchase here.

Panthère de Cartier

I've heard it said that investing in signature Cartier pieces is akin to putting money in the bank (and on your finger, an obvious bonus!). 

Sure I lust after the Love Bracelet, but my inner magpie really comes out when I see a great panther - remember? 

The Panther Ring is the prime example of pavé perfection. A maleable shank thankfully ensures a snug fit, while piercing emerald eyes engage envious glares. 

Happy Monday indeed.

*The Cartier Panther Collection is available to purchase online. Browse the collection here.

The Missoni Vibe

Does everybody remember watching That Seventies Show? Because I'd say the whole vibe is very Missoni circa now, no?

(We'll just negate bell-bottoms for good measure.) If you're searching to capture the essence of my favorite Italian brand I'd recommend a kaleidoscope - an incredibly unique kaleidoscope (which is to say one that induces a vortex of cashmere knitwear, abstract florals and zig-zags). You'll remember I'm partial to this vibe - and if you've ever spied Margherita Maccapani Missoni's instagram you'll discover (with moderate-to-severe degrees of envy) that she in-fact lives this vibe. As a result I'd say the only prints we should all ever consider wearing are Missoni. They consistently get 'it'. 

Take this shirt for instance. The neo-cubist print could easily lean on offensive but (and cleverly) the peachy terracotta tones are subdued and washed-out (yet not in the slightest meager looking - think perfectly-aged Mediterranean villa). Also the boxy and relaxed tailoring calls to be worn untucked. It's the ultimate go-to, adding a hint of color to the dreariest of winter days which, let's face it, are a-coming. Put simply it works. 

- Alexander Atkins, photographed by Catia Macedo in Los Angeles, wearing Missoni and Alexander Wang.

Lost in Time

In an amazing stroke of luck, I have recently rediscovered my very first watch.
Let me tell you nothing is more thrilling then finding something you were convinced was well and truly lost, and for a decade at least (vintage!). Sure its worthless, but thats not the point - is it?

I adore watches, (you may have noticed), partly because they keep me on-point, but mostly because they are the one constant piece of jewelry that any man can really really wear - you know?

Deliciously juvenile and oh-so-right, this Lorus Disney watch is now (hopefully) a collectors item. But above all it reminds me of my very first visit to Disneyland, and being forced to ride Space Mountain at age 7 (older brother - don't ask). 

Time flies - so do little kids on roller coasters...

*Lorus Disney watches are widely available online. For more information click here.

Into the Grey

Sometimes I take a moment to think about the things I've really been wearing - just because (and usually on a Sunday).
So here I am, staring into my closet, having a think. Aside from the inevitable 'should I, shouldn't I's' and making sure all my hangers are facing the same direction (inwards - in case you're curious), I'm noticing an expanding collection of grey things. Was this intentional, and if so what happened to my bright(er) clothes? Even now as I write this I'm wearing my favorite (and only) zip-up hoodie - which is g-r-e-y (how's that for a subliminal message?). 

I suppose it's pretty normal really. I mean we are, if anything, creatures of habit. So why grey? What is the attraction? For starters it's sculptural and therefore inherently timeless. It's also the mother of 'greige' - a colour so perfect it has been mastered by Hermès and countless interior designers. So actually grey is where you want to be. It's a happy place, a soothing place. It's my place. 

- Alexander Atkins, photographed by Catia Macedo in Los Angeles, wearing Vince and Acne. This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. 

Basic Structure

People are always saying it's the simple things that count. So that means it's a good idea to talk about the basics, right?
Know this: people can be wrong. I mean I'd definitely categorize the short-sleeved shirt as a basic yet I've never really been a huge fan - they're all a bit too 'I'm a hardware engineer' or something. But then you have this moment when you see one and it's completely different. A wave of confusion washes over you so you're all '"whatever, it's just basic, it's nothing". WRONG! It's Marni, a fact which inherently means it's going to be very, very cool.

As a result I now find myself reconsidering things in a massive way. Should I commit to the chop or should I hold firm in my pre-conceived and usually unwavering thoughts regarding the short sleeve (ie: don't do it)? Does it actually look good or am I just trying really hard to be into it? And also, why am I trying to be into it? I don't know. But what I do know is it's November, so I should probably revisit this conversation in May. 

- This post is part of Mr Porter's Global Style Campaign. Alexander Atkins, photographed by Ai-Li Chiong Martinson in Half Moon Bay, wearing Marni and Acne.

Mr Essentialist: A Brooch Affair

Mr Essentialist has recently discovered vintage brooches by Camille K. When grouped together, they can add dimensional intrique to any basic menswear look, making a supremely stylish statement.

Mr Essentialist: Gotta Love It

Mr Essentialist has a lust list, which is inspired by none other than a few plastic pink flamingos! Currently lusting after a Valentino coat, Mark McNairy boots, Faconnable trousers & Commes des Garcons socks.