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 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.

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.

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.

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: Basic Black

Mr Essentialist believes in basic blacks. Not only do they pair well, they also make a stylish statement. The versatility of a great Gucci loafer, Kathmandu top and Diesel tuxedo trouser is endless.

Mr Essentialist: Form & Function

Mr Essentialist predicts a cold snap. What better way to ward off the wind than by wearing an Allegri peacoat (as worn by Alexander Atkins)?

The Reflective Shade

In the wise words Karl Lagerfeld, "Sunglasses are like eyeshadow. They make everything look younger and prettier."
And who doesn't want to look younger and prettier? Like the Kaiser, I'm an advocate of a great pair of shades, mostly for their ability to pull everything together with absolute ease. On most days I'll have, at some point at least, worn one of my Ray-Ban Wayfarers (mainly because they evoke a timeless sense of style and just go with everything, which is a huge deal). But recently I've found myself glaring at different shapes and colors in an effort to explore a world beyond tortoiseshell and stark angles. 

It goes without saying that hyper reflective lenses are the complete polar opposite to regular green and brown tints, and perhaps surprisingly, are not unfamiliar territory (reflective shades were all I wore skiing). So, in a rare full circle moment, I can't help but be completely drawn-in. And besides all the aforementioned jargon, reflective lenses shield an obtrusive wandering eye (boys will be boys). Not to mention the sun's unforgiving glare (rays will be rays). 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Letterman Sweater and a vintage reflective sunglasses, photographed by Jessica Craig in Laguna Beach, California. 

Back To School Style

While sleeping-in probably was the best part of campus life, varsity style wasn't half bad either. So let's bring it back kids!
Maybe it's surprising that I never really got into the whole letterman thing at school (perhaps being there was reason enough to suppress the urge entirely). But the real point is who doesn't love getting a little Mona Lisa Smile from time to time? And on that note it's even more fun to do it now, without the verbose term papers and finals. 

It's safe to assume Ivy League anything is and will always be a good idea. There's something über sweet about rocking that huge lone letter and being like, "yeah, I go here". Trust me I get it, nothing touches that ultra sleek Kennedy-esque American royalty thing (it's just an added bonus that letterman pieces are both casual and put-together). For me the whole mood is only amplified by a color blocked bomber (mine is by Forever 21). I suppose you could go all-out and pair a letterman sweater with a traditional varsity jacket. But with age comes a sense of refinement, and with that comes little room for overkill.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California. 

Vintage Knits: Louis Vuitton

When I go vintage shopping I have one simple rule. If the glove fits I'm buying it. Hesitating is a complete waste of time.
This trusty mantra was exactly what was going through my mind during an overdue and much needed visit to Wasteland in San Francisco. Perhaps now it's best to mention I'm a recent convert to the whole vintage thing. The idea, but really the smell were both very odd (eau de grandmother's-moth-ball is not exactly my favorite, anything Tom Ford is). But then you grow-up and get over it. You also discover the small miracles your local dry cleaners are capable of. 

So with sleeves rolled-up, nose firmly pinched and eyes sharp I began scanning the racks. Rocker tees, leather pants, plaid coats, hats - you probably know the drill. Then a glimmer of hope. A soft crewneck sweater in the most perfect shade of taupe. And then came the insane realization, 'Fuck - I just found a Louis Vuitton!?'. No previous vintage find (and there have been a few) was ever so exciting. Is that shallow? Don't answer that - I don't really care. The point is I found it, tried it, bought and now I'm here, wearing it. It's everything in that it's 1) Louis Vuitton (duh) and 2) not obnoxiously Louis Vuitton. I'm all about understated luxury and this, my friends, is the definition of. 

- Alexander Atkins, wearing a vintage Louis Vuitton sweater and a Forever 21 camouflage beanie, photographed by Irene de Jong in Los Gatos, California.

Starry Eyed: Forever 21

When Shakespeare said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" he actually meant to say, "wear stars".

Like, you know, on your shirt, collar and sweatshirt. Essentially it's about wearing your destiny, and as an avid Shakespeare reader how could I not heed The Bard's advice? Stars had a big moment back in 2008 (YSL, Chanel et al. got celestial). But that was then, this is now. And 'now' is all about a great crewneck. They're easy. They're classic. They also look great with anything, on anyone. So it's pretty clear the basic crewneck should be a staple in every wardrobe. What's more this Fall will be all about the crewneck sweatshirt. Only a print-heavy version. Let's call it 'the crewneck 2.0'.

Here's the real point; thank god for Forever 21. Accessible and on-trend, their star print crewneck and short-sleeved shirt mean serious intergalactic fun. Paired together they become a force to be reckoned with. It goes without saying they will both be a huge part of my Fall essentials. It's that simple. Beam me up Scotty.

- Alexander Atkins, wearing Forever 21's Slim Fit Star Shirt and Star Print Sweatshirt, photographed by Irene de Jong in Golden Gate Park, California.

The Essentials: The Aran Knit

Yes, it's still hot. But because autumn is hopefully looming I thought I'd grin and bear it, and wear some serious knitwear.

As I've mentioned before, it's good to plan ahead. So now that fall fashion is being flung at us every-which-way we turn (TV, Instagram, those annoying pop-ups - you get the picture) I'd say the retail gods are sending a very clear message. Namely: get shopping. So Voilà! Here it is. The white knit sweater. A staple for the upcoming equinox courtesy of Mr. Neil Barrett, who, in case you are wondering, is consistently exceptional.

There's something so right about a solid white knit. Something so luxe and exceedingly debonair. Call it what you will (a chunky-knit, an aran-knit, a cable-knit, whichever), the point is it's a beacon of luxury and heritage. Ultimately the wearer exemplifies sharp yet easy dressing. It's so fresh. What's more the whole thing screams fun in an, 'I enjoy stone-skipping' and, 'why yes, scallops sound marvelous' kind-of way. (I'm painting a picture of the Kennedy's in Hyannis Port, for those of you who may be confused.) Also, the fact that I bought this knit a while ago during a visit to Barneys (an exceeding dangerous trip I might add) as an impulse and not as a pre-mediated thing only adds to the my final point. Which is this: a full-on white knit sweater should be a staple in any and every man's wardrobe. White suits literally everyone, as does looking and feeling a million bucks. It's that simple.

Alexander Atkins, wearing Neil Barrett knitwear, Acne jeans, Dior Homme Blacktie Sunglasses and carrying Louis Vuitton's Poche Documents, photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop this story.

Summer Layering: Forever 21 Edition

It's right around now that layering becomes a topic. I get it, we all love the sun - but there's nothing like that cool breeze.

You know; it's that slightly chilly (perhaps even goose bump-inducing) spell. A respite of sorts that will make you go: "it's definitely time to grab something and throw it on". I'm a huge proponent of the cold spell. BRING ON said spell - please. Not only do I do better in cooler weather (i.e. I can actually think again), it invariably means options - something everyone loves. You see, I believe that summer menswear must involve more than just shorts and tees. But I get it. It's easy to adopt an entirely myopic approach to summer shopping. And as the mercury continues to rise there really is nothing worse than sticking (quite literally) to your shirt - or even the awkward sensation of that lonely bead of sweat dribbling down your back (don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, because you do). But the point is, as with most things, think ahead. 

In the spirit of keeping things simple (life's short etc), I'm all for throwing a loose shirt over a graphic tee. It's about creating dimension. The graphic tee alone is fine, but the additional layer adds perspective and of-course interest (in a peek-a-boo kind of way). Thankfully Forever 21 has a plethora of graphic tees and shirts to choose from, which basically makes the whole light-layering concept super easy. So no excuses, get layering. 

Alexander Atkins, in Forever 21 (including this James Dean Tee), photographed by Camille Labat in San Francisco.    

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Forever 21 tees.

Mr Essentialist: Into The Grey

Mr Essentialist has taken the plunge. Like inching into a hot bath, embracing grey colour choices have opened a world of wonder, including Margiela tees, Rad Hourani shades, Acne sweats and Lanvin kicks.

The Talented Mr Essentialist

The Talented Mr Ripley aptly conveys the ultra-exclusive lifestyle of the 1960s Park Avenue-set. Robinson Les Bains trunks, Illesteva shades, a cashmere Alfred Dunhill blazer, Paul Smith cufflinks and classic Superga shoes are all reminiscent of this golden era, affording the wearer a small taste of classic luxury.