The holiday season is upon us and with that comes the responsibility to buy great gifts, we’ve worked on guides all week, if you’re looking for something for the lady in your life check our holiday guide here. Men, well, we’re generally easy to shop for, but what if you want to buy the man in your life something besides a tech gadget well then Van and I have compiled a guide to help you with just that.
DT’S MENSWEAR HOLIDAY GUIDE PICKS
VAN’S MENSWEAR HOLIDAY GUIDE PICKS
DT’S MENSWEAR HOLIDAY GUIDE PICKS
For my picks I wanted to focus on the essentials. Things that every guy should have, but not just any ol’ thing will do, these essentials will help dress up your wardrobe in an instant.
THOM BROWNE MEN’S LETTERMAN JACKET
Varsity / Letterman jackets have been coming back into style for the last several seasons now, but it’s only really this year that they started to jump out at me. This probably has a lot to do with a more modern cute, updated fabrics and colors used. My favorite that I’ve seen this year is from Thom Browne’s autumn / winter 2012 collection, seen above. The jacket is available in two colorways, but the one that stands out to me the most is the one with the white sleeves. It uses a unique pink and green herringbone pattern that further helps give you extra style points. The tri-color ribbing around the neck, cuffs, and bottom hem also really give the jacket just enough color to help it pop. The jacket is available for $1,689.69. [Link]
UNIFORM WARES 302 CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH
For those that have been following the site for awhile now, you’ll know that I have a watch fetish. This is all in thanks to my dad and uncle. Sure, it’s easy to buy a Rolex, an Omega or a Tag Heuer to impress the guy in your life, those are classic timepieces but they’re also quite expensive. If you’re not looking to spend that much but still want to pick up a watch, my favorite brand is Uniform Wares. I have a timepiece from the 200 series collection and am constantly getting complements on it. The clean simplistic design of the watches from Uniform Wares is what truly makes it stand out. Currently though, I’m lusting after the Chronograph series, which is available in several different color variations. The watch is somewhat reasonably priced at $992.99. [Link]
COLE HAAN “COME RAIN OR SHINE II” COOPER SQUARE & LUNARGRAND CHUKKA
Guys are always being judged based on the shoes they wear, so it’s always important to make a stylish impression. Enter these Cole Haan Cooper Squares or LunarGrands. My cousin first got me into these shoes earlier this year, and what makes these not your traditional chukka is that they utilize Nike’s Lunarlon Sole technology to increase comfort. These particular ones pictured about is part of the “Come Rain or Shine II” collection that came out at select retailers, but still can be found online through the less than desirable eBay, or I recently came across them at Union. [Link]
Not every guy likes to dress up, but every guy has to dress up at least once or twice a year for some sort of occassion. Now one’s definition of dressing up differs from person to person, for me it’s not about putting on a blazer, dress pants and tie. It’s about taking a few pieces here and there and dressing up what you have and really wearing it with confidence. A piece that can really help bring out your style / personality is through your tie. This one here from Ballard is one that I personally love, the clay-colored skull with crossbones on a black tie, really helps the tie pop. I really love little details like these, where you wouldn’t notice from far away, but once someone comes up close and sees it, you’ll be sure they’ll be complementing it. [Link]
BURBERRY MID-LENGTH WOOL COLLAR COTTON GABARDINE TRENCH COAT
If the letterman jacket above doesn’t suit your guy’s style, well then, might I suggest this beautiful Burberry London trench. This particular coat is a mid-length one that features a wool collar and detailed black piping around the collar and great looking amber color buttons. You will pay a little more for the London or Porsum line, but it’s worth it as the detailing and quality is generally way better than the Brit line, which is also a lot more common. Warning though, wearing a balling ass jacket may have your guy spitting lines like “Ball so hard motherfuckers wanna fine me, but first they gotta find me” followed by bottles of Cristal popping. [Link]
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. LITTLE AMERICA BACKPACK
Every guy needs a backpack, that’s just a fact. Whether it’s for the gym, work, or whatever, dudes have stuff to carry around with them. Help save your guy by not allowing them to purchase a man-purse. The Little America bag by Herschel Supply Co. comes in various color and each color has a different lining, my favorite is this one. Oh and guess what, Herschel bags are super affordable as well. [Link]
A bag that I’ve been wanting since I laid my eyes on it, is the A.P.C. mens buckle satchel that came out for the fall / winter 2012 season. I believe A.P.C. does this bag every season in a different color, at least I’ve seen it a few times, but this season they’ve gone with the brown leather with green, which makes it lean more towards a vintage looking piece. Guys that carry murses, this is a much much better alternative, trust me. Nothing screams douchebag like a murse, well maybe except for a thumb ring. [Link]
FRANK LEDER BLUE LODEN WOOL COAT
Let’s be honest on the outside this Frank Leder Blue Loden wool coat, looks like any other peacoat, but slightly more refined in the details, but when you open the jacket, a boner occurs and you see how awesome the lining is with the tartan wool pattern. You also realize how great this double breasted piece is when you realize that it’s completely handmade. Additional details include the Galalith buttons from the 1940s, adjustable cuffs and you know, some pockets so you can carry shit. [Link]
I’m a big big fan of flannel, two that stand out in my mind that I’d love to add to my wardrobe is the Fjällräven “Canada Shirt” and the one you see above from Lifetime Collective called “Hatchet”. The color is a classic red and black checkered piece, which you see less and less of as brands are trying to come up with new patterns and colorways. The “Hatchet” also features a quilted fill lining to keep you extra warm and welt hand packets with leather trim, which essentially makes this a jacket. You can find this on Lifetime Collective’s site for $110. [Link]
NIKE AIR MAX 90 HYPERFUSE INFRARED
This last pick is a bit of dickish one, because these shoes have been long sold out and the only place you’ll find them is likely on eBay. The AM90 Infrareds are classics and this year the Infrareds were once again released but this time utilizing the lighter fabric of the Hyperfuse but still maintaining that air bubble technology. Looking at this shoe makes my peen move and I was lucky enough to pick up a pair when they were released. With that I say, good luck in finding a pair.
VAN’S MENSWEAR HOLIDAY GUIDE PICKS
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. WALTON DUFFLE BAG
I consider myself a light packer and usually don’t need anything more than a backpack for my weekend excursions. However, for a trip that ranges from four to seven days, a duffel bag fits the bill. The Walton by Herschel Supply Co. is everything I would need for such a trip as it measures in at 19″ by 11.5″ by 10″. Ideally, this is enough room to house several pairs of tri folded jeans, several t-shirts rolled up into tubes, toiletries and everything else in between. The two front pockets would be ideal for packaged snacks, chargers, cords, etc and finally there’s a compartment made for an extra pair of shoes. Available at Karmaloop in Navy and Cobalt. [Link]
FLUD WATCHES THE MAGIC WALLET IN BIRCH WOOD
Up until recently, I had no idea Flud Watches has expanded into wallets and bags. This brings us to gift idea number two, the birch wood Magic Wallet. If your criteria in a wallet calls for something thin, can house six credit cards, id and cash, look no further. The birch wood panels is also a nice deviation from the usual leather . [Link]
PROFOUND AESTHETICS TRACKWAY BEANIE
Just like my ideal colorway in select sneakers, I also gravitate towards tonal black hats and beanies. Providing that fix is the Trackway Beanie by Profound Aesthetic. Personally, I’m sold by the brand’s bear and bowtie logo. Available at Karmaloop in several colorways. [Link]
In contrast to my dungeon of shoes which ranges from tonal black sneakers to khaki or olive colored wingtips, my sock game isn’t as boring. For that I owe my thanks to Sweden based Happy Socks. The brand excels at dress socks with oversized diamonds, polka dots, stripes and animal prints. For Holiday 2012, Happy Socks presents a 4 pack bundle in a variety of textures and colorways. [Link]
FARM TACTICS HEAVYWEIGHT INDIGO HOODIE
For Holiday 2012, California based Farm Tactics presents a hooded sweatshirt that spells out must-have in my book. For one thing, I’ve been looking for a fleece pullover hoodie as a winter ready layering piece. Secondly, I’m sold by the indigo dyed colorway. Support the small California based company and get your here for $110. [Link]
MISHKA NYC DRAGON PUFFA JACKET
Mishka presents a hooded down jacket in guess what material? Yep, indigo denim. The jacket features copper colored zippers, buttons, diagonal and elastic cuffs. A “Keep Watch” chest logo patch finalizes details on this winter ready jacket. Also available in camo corduroy if indigo denim isn’t your thing. [Link]
BENNY GOLD THE HOUNDSTOOTH FLANNEL
Benny Gold’s cut and sew stuff is undoubtedly top notch. His attention to detail translates well into a houndstooth patterned flannel shirt. The standards as seen in previous button downs include two chest pockets and a sewn-in sleeve tab/button system that holds rolled up sleeves in place. The left chest pocket also includes a pen slot with a gold bar tack. A word of advice. If you normally wear a small, go one size up. [Link]
Theres nothing more versatile than a cardigan. You could wear it to work over a button down (tucked in or not). It could easily replace a jacket in Fall or Spring. And in lieu of a blazer, it could worn to both interviews and special occasions. Simply put I love cardigans. Especially ones that are heavy in weight, but soft in feel. The Montald Cardigan is one I would pick up in a heartbeat due to its chunky cable knit pattern. Additionally, I am sold by its space dyed color effect. [Link]
So I think we’ve completely covered tops, outerwear and even an accessory or two. Completing the look, the above pair of chinos goes well with the “wear it on any occasion theme” I’ve established earlier on. Slim fit and neutral in tone, these are the kind of pants I would wear on Wednesday through Tuesday. Yep, any day of the week. Get it at Zara, Espana’s answer to affordable fashion. [Link]
If there is one brand of denim I have to swear by, it would have to be We are the Superlative Conspiracy. The Alessandro for those that like their jeans snug, is the perfect pair of skinny jeans. For one thing, they can take a beating and look great after natural wear and tear. Another perk is the amazingly deep pockets. Finally, I like how the twin needle stitched arcuate isn’t too distracting. Yeah, you can say I have very minimal requirements when it comes to denim. Available at Karmaloop. [Link]
