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.

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.

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.

Stephen Webster's Thumbs Up!

This story begins in Beverly Hills (which means it's going to be good) and deals with the notion that more is always more.

So if you're one of those minimal 'I paint everything white and love clear acrylic furniture' types, well, this probably isn't going to be your thing. But don't click away just yet. You might surprise yourself - I know I did. 

In fact I only recently became interested in the idea of layering rings, probably because I've been stacking bracelets for a while and things always seem to creep-up on me (that is to say my fingers were becoming insanely jealous of the outrageously fun wrist parties I was hosting just a couple of inches away). So in an effort to satisfy every last extremity and in the name of pavé, pierced skulls and studs I ventured back to Stephen Webster's flagship on Rodeo Drive and got a-stacking. The result? A resounding (and quite literal) two thumbs up! 

For starters the various black rhodium pavé 'spinner' rings are clever in that they give you something to do in moments of boredom (aside from twiddling your thumbs). Each is part of the 'Highwayman' collection and features black, blue or yellow pavé sapphires. Also I will forever be partial to a solid studded band. Why? Any grouped-stud situation will inevitably remind me of a belt I once owned (a nod to a fleeting Blink-182 style moment - don't ask). But when push comes to shove (which often is the case when shopping for jewelry) I'm always going to be drawn to the skull. It's the whole overtly and unapologetically badass thing, which is entirely not me and therefore completely alluring. I mean who doesn't like a pierced skull ring? This one features a black rhodium plated shank and a rose gold plated Union Jack motif, so that's something. 

A quick Google search unanimously dictates Stephen Webster as putting the rocks in rock'n'roll, but his reality is actually far more romantic (albeit dark, moody and mysterious). And while an on-going courtship of the Ferry's and Bowie's of the world serves to satisfy his deep-rooted obsession of glam-rock, for me Webster's aesthetic boils down to two fundamental things: careful craftsmanship and exceptional design. Both are executed with ease. 

- Photos by Jessica Craig and Alexander Atkins. 

Stephen Webster Beverly Hills is located at 202 North Rodeo Drive. Call 310 246 9500 for information.

Mr Essentialist: Shooting Camille K

Mr Essentialist is featured in the Camille K F/W '12 campaign. Go behind the scenes, watch the exclusive video and check-out what Alexander Atkins and Rosa Korhonen got up to.

Mr Essentialist: Ring of Fire

Mr Essentialist explores four gentleman's rings, (by Maison Martin Margiela, Foundwell, Autoctona and Dominic Jones) all while listening to Johnny Cash.

Mr Essentialist & Girard Perregaux

Mr Essentialist loves discovering new time-tellers. In this case 're-discovery' is a more appropriate term. The classic WW.TE chronograph by Girard Perregaux has been re-introduced and continues to exemplify extreme elegance, and would look great worn driving a vintage Ferrari. Just sayin'...

Mr Essentialist & the Games of the XXX Olympiad

Mr Essentialist has found inspiration in the London Olympics. The iconic Olympic rings can be re-interpreted by way of Miansai, Yves Saint Laurent, Luis Morais and Bottega Veneta bracelets.

On Rodeo Drive: Stephen Webster

It's clear anything Beverly Hills-related is going to be very fun. Stephen Webster's Flagship on Rodeo is no exception.
The London-based designer (who was awarded an MBE by Prince Charles in February) chose Beverly Hills for its obvious appeal. Perfectly setting the stage for his distinctively adventurous and inspiring designs, and nestled right on the infamous Clueless steps (which most definitely is a thing) Webster's world evokes escapism. Think Ziggy Stardust meets Liz Taylor in a Caspar David Friedrich etching. The whole thing manages with ease to tell a story that is entirely romantic, while remaining mysterious, sultry and seductive.

Sure, there are beautiful rings, cuffs and necklaces on display. But you know me - I'm a complete fan of the perfectly curated carpus. It's all in the wrist. Needless to say I (I'm referring to both my inner magpie and myself) immediately gravitated towards trays upon trays of bracelets. From diamond encrusted chains to quartz beads and braided leather - Webster does it all. So let's get into the details.

The 'Ram's Head' link bracelet is exceptional, not only for its meticulous design. The rhodium plated links give the whole piece weight and substance - two hugely definitive factors. I mean, what's the point in wearing something you can't feel? And on that note, more is always more - Webster's 'London Calling' turquoise beaded bracelet provides just the right pop of colour. But if I had to choose an absolute favorite it would easily be the 'Raven's Skull' bead and pavé bracelet (my bank account is currently experiencing a severe conniption fit - just FYI). The rutilated foggy quartz beads and black sapphire pavé rounds are all linked together by delicate silver chain. Essentially the whole thing is an exercise in impeccable craftsmanship and serious design.

The 'Ram's Head', 'London Calling' and 'Raven's Skull' bracelets are all available at Stephen Webster Beverly Hills. 

Call 310.246.9500 or click here for more information. 

Thank you to Jessica Craig and the entire Stephen Webster Beverly Hills team.

Megan Mouren is The Cloudhunter

By now I'd say I've made my feelings clear regarding fantastically vibrant hair. Hairspiration is hairspiration - I'm all in.

Perhaps I'm compelled because I actually enjoy bright colours and tones - tis the season etc. But aside from that there's something refreshingly rare about seeing someone dye their hair several shades of highlighter (all at once) and still manage to look completely put-together. I mean, does a vintage blue plaid uniform circa Winona Ryder in 'Heathers' really pair with neon green tresses? Well, yes actually. It does. Here's how.

Megan Mouren (designer of Cloudhunter - who's Cali Roots reggae-inspired hair I covered here) is all about colour. Lot's of colour (Lucy, her pomeranian, wears a pink dress - just FYI). Now I know we've breached the whole DIY-dye job topic, but this time around the focus was on what to wear with neon hair. After all, hair is a big deal. It's a game-changer. I mean redheads are all about emerald green for a reason, right? With various Echo Park locations as backdrops, I shot and chatted with Megan about her love of the area. "I just love menu-exploring. You know? Discovering new restaurants is like an adventure. I'm all about the ones that use local produce. The quiet coffee shops - it's easy to feel like you're away from the city."  

In terms of inspiration it's clear there's a lot going on. "My spirit fashion animal is Gwen in the 90ies. Bianca Jagger is my favorite historical icon. Also, I loved Fran Drescher's outfits in 'The Nanny'. Right now Anna Della Russo is amazing. I'm into how she wears anything she wants, especially on her head. The watermelon, china dolls, eggs and disco balls were all pretty insane. Her stuffed lamb thing at Ungaro was super fun - I guess I'm just into her as a fashion individualist and all around super woman! Oh, and Sailor Moon obviously. Huge inspiration there."

With regards to menswear, Mouren is all about keeping things neat and tidy. "Having a polished gentleman around is a nice balance to my colourful, print-friendly style. You can tell a lot by a man's casual and loungewear - so great vintage tees and stylish sweats (think Alexander Wang) are a must."

  

Megan Mouren, wearing pieces from her vintage collection and jewelry by Camille K, photographed by 

Alexander Atkins in Los Angeles.

Miansai's Moment

Let me level with you real quick: I'm totally the person that whips out an iPhone to add four plus seven.

I like to think it's because I'm into accuracy, but truthfully I'm awful at maths (a revelation that I'm still coming to terms with). Perhaps my lack of anything remotely mathematical is the reason why I'm fascinated by things like airplanes and elevators. When I see something that is both technical and beautiful I have a mini-freakout, you know? 

Well last week's Capsule played host to my most recent episode, and jewelry brand Miansai was the instigator. I've long been a fan of Miansai, especially for their classic hook bracelets. After becoming slightly overwhelmed at the offerings on display, my-inner magpie and I have a new favorite: the Tarn Cuff. 

Available in brass and sterling silver, this screw-and-bolt hinged cuff is innovative and supremely masculine. It would look great stacked with a few other bracelets and paired with my watch. Miansai, be mine?