Don't Tread on Me: American Pride for the World Cup

With the 2010 World Cup but days away, we’re welling up with excitement and American pride.  But instead of sporting the full-on soccer uniform (or football kit, for the purists among us) for cheering on the US, we’re endorsing a few more stylish and subdued ways to show off the red, white, and blue this year.

Thom Browne Ribbon Belt ($135).  Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Tartan Tie ($125).  J. Press Navy/Red/Silver Watch Band ($29).  J. Press Striped Socks ($29).  Brixton Castor Straw Hat ($40).

Obsessions du Mois: May

What are we spending way too much time thinking about this month?

Dunhill Bulldog Keyfob ($520).  Momofuku Cookbook ($22).  Adidas Stan Smith 2.0 Sneaks ($60).  Penfold Dual iD Golf Balls (£35).  Ray Ban New Wayfarer 944 ($119).  Nike US Away Men’s Soccer Shorts ($36).  Dunhill Chassis Small Holdall ($1,165).

Editors' Picks: Bow Ties for Spring

With spring comes the shedding of overcoats and the allowance of a bit more rakishness in the stylings of man.  Dandy up for spring with these warm weather bow ties from three of our favorite designers.

Gray tartan and triple guard striped bow ties by Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ($85 ea).  Cotton madras bow ties by J.Press ($49 ea).  Striped linen and cotton canvas clip-on bow ties by Band of Outsiders ($110 ea).

Obsessions du Mois: April

What are we spending way too much time thinking about this month?

Bulleit Bourbon ($23).  Travelteq Trash Fox (E395).  Vintage Omega Seamaster ($300-$1000).  Triumph Bonneville T100 ($8,800).  Boos Blocks end-grain maple Chinese chopping block ($119).  Shipley & Halmos Fellini shirt ($180).

Hitting the Open Road

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to let the top down and hit the open road.  Sheldrake glasses by Oliver Peoples ($350).  Gommini Driving Mocs by Tod’s ($340).  Cotton and napa leather driving gloves by J. Press ($108).   Jaguar Leaper keychain ($15).  Our current obsession for a beastly touring machine this season is this 1995 V12 Jaguar XJS convertible, in British racing green — naturally.  Purr.

Obsessions du Mois: February

What are we spending way too much time thinking about this month?

Apple’s  iPad! ($499): Because it’s going to change the way we commute, or at least change the way we entertain ourselves while we are forced to commute.  10″ Linen Pocket Round by Alexander Olch ($45): Like a pocket square, but less square.  Nixon Rubber Player in Purple ($150): Nixon somehow manages to make a purple rubber watch look kinda classy — go figure.  Perforated Derbies by APC ($410): We might wear them five times this spring, but each time will be incredibly awesome.  Tubereuse Noire Scented Candle by Baxter of California ($45): Why does this scent make us think of Salma Hayek?  Wool Tartan Tie by Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ($150): Dark subtle plaid, narrow, textured, and some Thom Browne influence.  Fidelity Hooded Duffel Coat at Steven Alan ($250): Really wishing L.A. gets some temps in the 40s and 50s this month…

Blocking out (and Blacking out) the Rain

We’re expecting the MAJOR STORMS in L.A. this week, which means a rare opportunity to put on some outerwear and dig a few choice accessories out of the closet.  Never mind that MAJOR STORMS only means LIGHT DRIZZLE, we’re just excited for the change in weather.  The trench and umbrella are obvious choices, but this year we’re really pushing for a great pair of rain boots to keep our dress shoes safe and dry (hence the waxed canvas bag — change at the office).   Take it from the English, who are bad-weather professionals, it’s totally worth the effort and extra stuff to carry to show up dry.

Double Check Walker Umbrella by Burberry ($275).  Waxed Canvas and Leather Tote by J. Fold ($259).  Trench by Costume National ($454).  Wellington Boots by Hunter ($115).

Editors' Pick: Peasants & Travelers Weekend Bag

Every so often we snap out of our money=style mindset and can see the world through more objective eyes.  There are tons of stylish options on the market that don’t make us choose between a little bit of luxury and food, and we especially love the Peasants & Travelers brand for bringing affordable style to the manbag-seeking masses.  As if the aesthetics of this line wasn’t enough to prove its worth, check out the About Us page.

Weekend Bag by Peasants & Travelers ($139)

Editors' Pick: Belstaff Norris Blouson

For being confined to a country with such terrible weather, the English have an almost unnatural love affair with motorcycles.  But out of the rain-soaked nightmare that are the English midlands arose the need for truly badass protective gear to keep the motorcyclists motorcycling.  Belstaff has been making just such performance gear for bike enthusiasts since 1924, and they make some of the sturdiest, best looking leather jackets on the market today.  Even if your Triumph Boneville is in storage until spring (or you’re still contemplating buying one), it’s still possible to look like a bad-arse.  Must.  Get.  One.  Now.

The Norris Man Blouson by Belstaff ($1,410)

Style 101: Statement Sneakers

Break out of your usual weekend shoe routine by mixing in a pair of bold statement sneaks every so often.  It’s easier to pull off than you might think.  Rule 1:  Chose the shoes wisely.  Nothing you might actually run a marathon in.  Rule 2:  Keep everything else understated and conservative.  Keep the jeans trim and your shirts neutral to let the boldness of your footwear shine through.  Rule 3:  We’re serious about keeping everything else understated.

Shoes: Adidas ZX Racer ($64).  Watch: IWC Portuguese Automatic Chronograph ($5,100).  Jeans: Raleigh Denim Graham ($315).  Button Front: Steven Alan Reverse Seam Shirt ($168).  V-Neck Tee: GAP Best V ($18)