Threads for Thought: The Man Bag

Last week we covered the topic of umbrellas, an obvious wet weather necessity, and this week we will be staying in the accessories category. This one might be a bit of reach, but i think this will be something you'll want to reconsider.
City slick and stylish, croc skin is a nice touch.
Walking into work with a hand full of different things, having to shuffle stuff from one hand to the other, I know I was in this boat not too long ago. Now just think of having all of those things in one place...seems like a great idea, right? They come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, briefcases, messenger bags, totes, etc, yet they all work towards the same goal of freeing up your hands for more important tasks.
Pick something classic to easily walk out the door with.
I am a major fan of the messenger bag option, which gives you the same functionality of a briefcase but with a much more casual look. With that said, each will have its pros and cons; for instance, the tote is great for carrying your everyday carry while having plenty of room for your gym clothes after work. My input with any briefcase would be to stray away from any hard body models (don't want to be too stuffy). Get something that mirrors your personality and that you are comfortable carrying around everyday, rain or shine.

Ralph Lauren: $350
Jack Spade: $198
Cole Haan: $130
Check in tomorrow for another edition of my fashion faux pas and next Thursday for more threads that beg your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Wingtips

There are a lot of choices out there for footwear, and trying to narrow down your wardrobe to only 3 or four shoes will leave you hanging out to dry when it comes to variety and keeping your feet fresh. However, I have covered a couple staples that will get you along swimmingly, black dress loafers, drivers, and street shoes.
Two prime examples of what you should be looking for.
Now we introduce the wingtip, also know as a brogue, which is a shoe comprised of more than one piece of leather to create a level of depth and sophistication. Traditionally of Irish and Scottish lore, these shoes were meant for country work and wet conditions; the broguing or perforations allowed for water to easily drain from the shoe. Nowadays, wingtips are synonymous with high-class and elevated style and frequently spotted on the most fashion forward folk.
If you don't know David Gandy, here's David Gandy.
Like I said before, there is no shortage of footwear choice today and the same goes for wingtips, so for the purposes of them classic and essential to your wardrobe, you might want to follow a few guidelines.

  • Keep them simple! Don't go for spectator (two-toned) options that will only work with a few outfits and fade in and out with the seasons.
  • Neutral, classic colors will increase the wearability. Navy, black, brown, tan, etc.
    • White may be too Spring and Summer seasonal, so steer clear.
  • Find that happy medium between suede and patent leather for a shoe that isn't too dull or flashy.
Stick to these few notes and I guarantee you'll have a pair that will stay in your closet for as long as you want them to.
Ferragamo: $695
Cole Haan: $170
Topman: $100
Check in tomorrow for some threads that beg your consideration and next Wednesday for more essential style pieces for your wardrobe!

Tech Tuesday: Give it the Nod

Are you tired of using your mouse or your laptop Trackpad or whatever device you use to interact with your devices? Probably not, but if you're like me (who isn't), then you want to be on the cusp of cutting edge, and that's exactly what we have here.
Great things come in small packages.
Nod, Inc. is a start up based out of Mountain View, CA, a convenient location for tech start ups, and has developed the one ring to rule them all (cue Lord of the Rings music). Nod is an apparatus that you put on your finger, and by utilizing its 80 on board components, allows for hand gestures to help you do everything your keyboard and mouse do without ever touching anything.
Just a look at what makes Nod so powerful.
Seems like some serious witchcraft, and I'm sure you could trick a couple of your friends into thinking just that, but an extensive amount of research was put into these devices, creating a product that encompasses form and function. As of now, Nod is available for pre-order at only $149 with a choice from over 15 different sizes and a guarantee you get the perfect fit. Get on it and pre-order yours now, I'm sure there's going to be a serious wait list once this project goes live in the Fall.
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!