Pre-Gifting
By IzzyThanksgiving is here, which means that the collective madness known as holiday shopping has already begun. In no particular order, here are some gift ideas for inspiration. Of course, it’s the thought that counts, but some thoughts are more valuable and stylish than others.
Up first, some simple, classic Brooks Brothers ties.
On the formal bow tie front, there’s nothing blacker than velvet, which isn’t seen much nowadays.
And for a change from the usual cufflinks, how about silk knots, which, unlike ordinary cufflinks, are never stuffy? They’re so inexpensive that you can collect them in every color. Also, they’re easy to put on, even if you don’t have a manservant.
Another interesting alternative are these woven cufflinks from Thomas Pink, which have a delightful feel.
Speaking of formal wear, it might be worth experimenting with these Frenchback boxers, which look like just the thing to wear under white tie and tails. They’re perhaps the only undergarments that deserve to be starched.
Not exactly the tallest man in the world, Izzy, like Tom Cruise, is a sucker for dressy boots.
And as for boots that will keep your feet warm and dry on an Arctic expedition or merely a schlep to the mailbox, Sorel is one of the brands to count on. The company was founded in Canada, after all.
These are totally off-season, Izzy knows, but why where white bucks when you can wear white buck wingstips?
For that special someone who thinks he has everything, surprise him with this Brooks Brothers sportcoat made from “Coarsehair,” a custom Loro Piana blend of cashmere and goat hair.
Happy hunting.
November 26th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
LOVE the white buck wingtips!
November 28th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I don’t know too much about mens’ clothing, but that sportcoat made me do a serious double-take. Very nice!
December 11th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
The Sorel dress boots are nice but check out R.M. Williams boots from Australia. These boots are an engineering marvel - they only have a single seam (along the back). And they come in cowhide, goat and kangaroo. http://www.australianboot.com/xcart/home.php?cat=103&gclid=CPiixvzfoJACFQspFQod5SHn6g
June 25th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Those boots are awesome; particularly the wingtip Chelseas. Love a boot; love a man in a boot.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:04 am
The silk knot cufflinks mentioned above are about as simple as cufflinks get. Because they’re inexpensive and usually come in packs with multiple pairs you can match them to just about any tie you happen to be wearing for very little cost. I own a fairly new online cufflinks retail store. Business has been good since the store launched, but sadly I haven’t sold even one pair of silk knot cufflinks. I own a few pair myself. They’re light weight, feel good on the cuff, and
“disposable”. Plus, you don’t have to worry about them scratching the paint on your car! I’ve done that…pretty disappointing.