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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Mr Essentialist: Cold Comfort

As winter fast approaches Mr Essentialist explores cold comforts. Create a cosy atmosphere with Cire Trudon candles, and wrap-up in a Givenchy quilted leather coat.

Mr Essentialist: Into Pink

Mr Essentialist explores the potency of pink - and its allure for the modern gentleman. Items from Acne, Rachel Essex, APC and Girard Perregaux are featured. Will you take the plunge?

Mr Essentialist's New Shoes: Stubbs & Wootton

Mr Essentialist wears Stubbs & Wootton slippers, his very first pair. A new (an addictive) collection has begun...

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: Objects I

Mr Essentialist wants several things, many of them are aspirational pieces that will last a life-time. Indeed timeless purchases are justifiable because of their longevity and versatility. Staples of a gentleman's wardrobe should include a great pair of broques - like these from Prada - and a classic ticker, namely by Rolex.

Mr Essentialist: On The Rocks

Mr Essentialist likes several things 'on the rocks' - visiting them however can often be treacherous. In true Steve McQueen style, enjoying the most spectacular of coastal scenes has never been such a breeze. Ultimate picks include a J Crew polo, Persol shades, APC shoes, a classic Barbour waxcoat and a platinum Cartier love bracelet.

Mr Essentialist & His Nike IDs

Mr Essentialist is a fan of customization, especially when initials are involved. After recently discovering Nike ID, how can you not visit the gym in true (and unique) style?

Mr Essentialist & Sky-High Style

Mr Essentialist remains a devout Kiwi. No one better exemplifies the spirit of the Land of the Long White Cloud than Sir Edmund Hillary. Inspired by his epic 1953 climb, this Sandqvist backpack and Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses capture the essence of Everest.

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.

Mr Essentialist & Louis Vuitton: The Art of Packing

Mr Essentialist adores everything Louis Vuitton, especially their personalized hot-stamping service. Luggage tags, agendas and portfolios may all be customized in a variety of colours.

Mr Essentialist: The Leopard Hunt & Paul de Vos

Mr Essentialist enjoys a good hunt, especially when an array of exotic finds are widely available. Leopard inspired treasures include Charlotte Olympia heels, a Roberto Cavalli ring and cat-eye shades from The Row.

Mr Essentialist: Camouflage & Prada

Mr Essentialist adores Prada, especially when customized. Two tones of camouflage paired with an alphabet of initials make for some impecable luggage.

Mr Essentialist: The Kaleidoscope I

Kaleidoscopes are always fascinating, especially when they are dreamt-of using graphic tees and high-tops. Favorites include Yves Saint Laurent kicks, Givenchy t-shirts and Luis Morais bracelets, all available at Mr Porter.

Mr Essentialist & Mr. James Bond

Mr Essentialist is obsessed with James Bond. Foundwell cufflinks, a Luminox watch and a classic Marwood bow tie perfectly emulate Bond style.