30 Things Every Man Should Have

1. good wine glasses
2. nose hair trimmers
3. a vase
4. a bottle of good bubbly on hand
5. black jeans
6. a bathing suit - in plain black
7. a hardcover dictionary (bonus points for a thesaurus)
8. a black suit
9. needle and thread
10. extra shoelaces
11. white well tailored shirt
12. black and brown cream shoe polish
13. cedar shoe trees
14. a great set of knives
15. a blender
16. top coat that comes below the knees
17. a bottle of wine ready for a last minute dinner invite
    
18. extra deodorant and shirt/sweater in the car, locker, or bag
19. cuff links
    
20. a big umbrella you can use like a walking stick
    unbreakable umbrella by Real Self Defense
    
21. wooden hangers (including pant hangers)
22. a belt where the prongs go through the third hole
23. sturdy garlic crusher
24. serving bowls that don't look like mixing bowls
25. hand cream
26. boxers and briefs
27. black silk knit tie
28. calling card on the heaviest stock - seriously stand out
    
29. extra sheets
    
30. a sense of humour

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Not a new idea but a good idea

I started my menswear label after being continually asked (of my vintage clothing) if I, 'had another one in a different size'. <-- I know, strange question.

Being of an entrepreneurial spirit I asked myself, 'Where could I get the same vintage thing in numerous sizes and in large quantities?', and so began my label.

If you know how to upholster, have cash flow, are well connected and entrepreneurial and have the resources (me) you'll know where I'm going with this post.

old bus signs on a wing back at Atelier Abigail Ahern by DavidmetNicole

vintage sofa and 60s and 70s fabrics at Bokja

old truck tarps (think Freitag) at Bobo

bison

vintage Union Jack flag

vintage silk scarves at Suzann Fellman

The winner is...

Gray C. of NYC! Congrats Gray. The cuff links are very cool - especially the oval ones.

** PS I found another great men's giveaway last weekend so watch for it in the New Year.

Quote of the Week - Hardy Amies

Never wear shorts except at water's edge.

Vintage Kimberly

1970

15 tips that could save your life

Being somewhat of a conspiracy theorist I always expect the worst and am therefore prepared for the worst - it's really simple logic but that's another blog post. If you're heading out for an hour ramble in the car or a 12 hour hike in the back country be prepared. I've been known to turn around on hikes with friends that sporadically become a little longer than what we're prepared for. Better safe than sorry.

1. Bring a compass, GPS, or map (in water proof bag). Pay attention to the sky - know how to read the sun and the stars - I'm not referring to astrology here.
   
2. Light - headlamp, or flashlight with extra batteries and bulb.
3. Expect snow - even in the summer.
4. Bring extra clothes - layer, get some waterproof clothing, invest in fibres that wick the moisture off your body. Waterproof clothing can be expensive. I've found quite a lot of it in thrift stores. Try there first. Water repellent and water proof are different. Extra socks and gloves in your bag.
   
5. Sunglasses
6. Pocketknife - I have the Victorinox Swiss Arm Camper knife. It's indispensable. I love this knife and never leave out on a trip without it.
   
7. Extra water - yes, it can be heavy when you're hiking but it's paramount to your survival. I'll tote a few extra ounces if it could save my life. Make sure your companions have their own. You don't want to end up like a those dudes in the Western movies laying in the desert with only one canteen and the last drop.
   
8. Extra food - energy bars, nuts, dried fruit
9. Tell someone where you're going - leave a note in your car, on your Facebook status, voice mail
10. Firestarter (flint) and candle
11. Matches in a waterproof bag
12. First aid - keep it stocked. You should have one in your car, one in your house and a compact one you carry with you. Even better - make a New Years Resolution to take a First Aid course.
    
13. Cell phone - I only have a Pay As You Go and load it when I'm going on a road trip or hike.
14. Set out early - in the winter months it gets dark as early as 3:30 - you'll get disoriented once the sun goes down.
15. Never go down a gully - I was lost for hours after I stupidly went down a gully while snowboarding on Big White. I finally ended up on a logging road. Thankfully, it was still light out and the cougar tracking me was only in my mind - I hope.

Style Inspiration: Terence Stamp

Vintage Halston

Andy Warhol for Halston - 1982

Quote of the Week - Shawn Ashmore

Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality.