Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Perfect...Kicks





I remember my sister wearing Tretorn tennis shoes as a kid. Since then, the company has branded its shoes as the perfect balance between functional and modern style. The Symra Mid is soft, lightweight and subtle, featuring goat leather and cross-over elastic gore straps to ensure a secure fit. I have no problem dressing these up and always get compliments. $100 online at tretorn.com 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Perfect...Shine

The Raimond Pendant Light by Moooi



Moooi, a design firm out of the Netherlands, has perfected pendant lighting.  The Raimond, featured above, has an intricate sphere of LED terminals that light up spaces with an atmospheric ambiance. Available in three sizes, from $2600 at lightform.ca in Vancouver.


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Perfect...Cozy

The rag & bone Oval Shawl Cardigan


Founded in 2002, rag & bone had one very clear vision in mind: to make clothes that they and their friends would love to wear every day.  This shawl cardigan, made of 100% extra fine wool, is the perfect everyday sweater.  $290 online at rag-bone.com 


Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Perfect...Shave




Geo. F. Trumper is recognized as the finest traditional gentlemen's barber in London and is known throughout the world for its matchless range of gentlemen's fragrances and grooming products.  A brand new addition to their popular Eucris Range, the hard shaving soap has the same glycerin based formula as their existing soaps. Presented in a special edition black wooden shaving bowl.  $38 online or in person at Masc in Vancouver or at trumpers.com 




Friday, October 22, 2010

The Perfect...Brolly

The Luxury Microfiber Umbrella


If you are going to buy an umbrella, the West Coast is the place to get it…because of the rain, a lot of rain. Stylish and functional, the Luxury Microfiber Umbrella provides ample coverage with its 54’ arch made of high-tech fiberglass. Top it off with high grade rain jacket equivalent microfiber fabric and your laughing...or perhaps singing. $65 online at theumbrellashop.com in Vancouver

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Perfect...Card

The J. Fold Flat Card Carrier


It’s time to lose the bulging wallet and all those random receipts and useless business cards.  Instead, get yourself a slim, practical, and smart card case.  I've had a J. Fold “Flat Carrier” for a number of years and it still looks new.  Includes 3 card slots and a mesh ID window.  $37 at jfold.com –search under card carriers.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Perfect...Shade

The Oliver Peoples Altman Sunglasses



Sunglasses are the ultimate accessory and we should all own a few pair.  Oliver Peoples has a great reputation for designing quality products that are durable and stylish. The Altman glasses in Matt Onyx with Midnight Express (pictured) are my favorite. $310 online at oliverpeoples.com 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Perfect...Childhood


What a perfect name for a children’s line of clothes.  This French brand is the epitome of style offering quality kids’ wear for the emerging fashionista. fingerinthenose.com

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Perfect...Fire

The Delirium & Co. Scented Candle


The Suede & Smoke candle by Delirium & Co. is by far the best candle I have come across in a while. The smoldering vaporous mingling of tobacco leaves, moss, papaya, lapsangsouchong dark tea and green mand capture a time when men were suave and chivalrous. You can forgo lighting the wick and still benefit from the fragrance. $38 online at cadledelirium.com or at Homewerx in Vancouver

Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Perfect...Vintage

The Gitman Vintage Shirt


When it comes to vintage clothing, I prefer vintage redone.  A few years ago Gitman Bros. launched their Gitman Vintage collection, an American heritage sport-shirt and neckwear line that pays tribute to its past, but with a distinct difference. Their design team dusted off old line books to curate an authentic interpretation of the past by selectively appropriating their favorite fabrics and having them remade.  These shirts are incredibly popular right now and can be found in numerous men's shops across Canada and the US.  $155 - $180.  Shop online at Roden Gray in Vancouver.

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Perfect...Sip

The Original Daiquirí 



This is not the blended ice drink from your college days.  In fact, the Daiquirí is one of six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury's classic The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks and was originally served in a tall glass packed with cracked ice.  A teaspoon of sugar was poured over the ice and the juice of one or two limes was squeezed over the sugar. Two or three ounces of rum completed the mixture.  The glass was then frosted by stirring with a long-handled spoon. Later the Daiquirí evolved to be mixed in a shaker with the same ingredients but with shaved ice.  After a thorough shaking, it was poured into a chilled flute glass. L'Abattoir in Vancouver will make you an excellent one. By the way, it was one of the favorite drinks of writer Ernest Hemingway and president John F. Kennedy.  Need I say more.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Perfect...Cap

The Goorin Bros. Duckbill Hat




Hats have made a huge comeback, and with good reason. If you wear the right kind of hat, you’re making a statement, nuff said. The legacy of Goorin Bros. is one that follows a timeless approach to the art of hat making. Founded in 1895, the fourth generation company offers timeless, classic styles with a unique flare and personality. If I could offer one piece of advice – make sure the hat fits. So get a tape measure wrapped around your dome and put yourself in someone else’s hands, someone who understands the finer points of the trade…like Goorin. $35 on-line at goorin.com or at stores across the US and in Vancouver.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Perfect...Jean

Joe's Jeans


Finding the perfect jean is not easy. It is like winning the jackpot when you find one that fits and looks just right.  I feel this way about Joe's Jeans.  They have a number of styles and even more washes for both men and women.  My favorites are The Brixton (Pictured) and The Outsider.  $189 online at joesjeans.com  

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Perfect...Bar

The Tie Bar


When it feels like your look needs a little something extra, consider the tie bar.  Keep it simple and silver and remember, narrow tie means shorter tie bar.  Always cover both the skinny and wide parts of your tie and fasten it onto the shirt placket right about at your sternum.  The best place to find this accessory is on-line at The Tie Bar.  Not only do they offer a wide range of inexpensive bars but you can also purchase ties, pocket squares and cufflinks.  $15 tiebar.com 


Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Perfect...PJ

The Band of Outsiders Pajama Set

We should all start to think about pajamas "outside" of the bedroom.  For example, 3am video conference calls, evacuations from your home due to fire, unexpected company after 9pm...should I go on? The Band of Outsiders black and white chalk stripe pajamas work well in almost any setting or emergency. Brand and price are not necessarily the deciding factor, just make sure they are good quality cotton, have a notch collar, front patch pockets and drawstring pant with button fly.  $320 online at Band of Outsiders. In person-Exclusive to Opening Ceremony

Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Perfect...Square?




My least favorite thing to do is fold…anything. The superfine Belgian linen 10” round handkerchief simplifies the complex folding process.  Just stuff one in your pocket and it blooms like a boutonniere.  $45 on-line at Alexander Olch

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Perfect...Grip

The Grip for iPad
 

Just to be clear, I don't own an iPad™.  If I did I would buy this.  The ColorWare Grip lets you carry your iPad™ securely and with style. All Grips are carefully manufactured with air-craft grade aluminum for durability.  The design studio allows you to customize your Grip, choosing colors and textures.   Approx $300 at ColorWare
   

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Perfect...Sole

The Mr. Hare Miller Scotch Grain Shoe


My grandfather, rest his "sole", worked in shoes for his entire career.  He had a theory; if you had a great pair of shoes on, nothing else mattered.  These are those shoes.  The Mr. Hare Miller Scotch Grain utilizes super soft scotch grain Italian leather and the high shine leather toe-cap guarantees attention. $695 on-line or in person at Gravity Pope in Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton  

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Perfect...Parka

The Wings + Horns Down Parka


This morning I woke to a familiar chill...winter. We still have a few more warm days ahead up in Canadaland, but I plan to start stocking up on the essentials now.  The Wings + Horns down parka, in charcoal or heather gray, is a wise investment that will take you through a number of winter seasons.  $780 on-line or in person at Roden Gray in Vancouver or in person at Four Horsemen in Victoria.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Perfect...Pit

The Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant




I have been using Malin+Goetz products for a number of years, but this unisex Eucalyptus Deodorant is by far my new favorite from the line. Its natural fragrance doesn't interfere with other soaps or lotions and is blended to absorb without residue, staining, irritation and pore clogging.  It is also alcohol, aluminum and paraben free.  $24 on-line at Malin+Goetz  or Masc in Vancouver.



Monday, October 4, 2010

The Perfect...Time

The black on black Timex






The new black on black Timex® is unique and dependable. Featuring a sleek brushed dial, boldly marked numbers, genuine leather strap and INDIGLO lighting; this is the perfect “wear it everywhere” watch.  $75 at timex.ca or $64 at shop.nordstrom.com 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Perfect...Tweed

The GANT by Michael Bastian Tweed Trouser



Tweed is classic, durable and most of all warm during the winter months.  I love these cuffed trousers from Bastian’s rugged and preppy F/W 2010 line.  gant.com

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Perfect...Tartan

The David Hart & Co. Scottish Wool Collection



Who said Tartan is just for skirt wearing Scottish types.  My father was a kilt man and I have always been a big fan of the rich colours and texture.  These bow ties are no exception.  $115 at davidhartnyc.com 

Friday, October 1, 2010

The Perfect...Strap

The billykirk slim belt


Made in an Amish community located in Pennsylvania, these vegetable tanned, hand-oiled and hand edged belts are perfect with dress pants and jeans.  $130 billykirk.com or lark.me in Vancouver