December 07, 2005

Go Old-School With Caps

Shabby, ripped-up baseball caps should be left to the Phi Delts, Sigma Chis and other frat brethren. Take a cue from Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg who rock Blue Marlin's old-school lids. This New York Cubans hat, a sleek homage to the famed Negro League team, stands out in black-and-white herringbone. The vintage vibe is enhanced with a handcrafted wood and steel-dye logo that's then stitched by hand onto each cap, as they did back then. $35, bluemarlincorp.com

December 7, 2005 at 05:46 PM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paul Smith's New Melrose Digs (L.A.)

British fashion legend Paul Smith has gifted the city with a bright pink box this holiday season — a 5,000-square-foot store on Melrose Avenue filled with more perfectly striped button-downs and dapper loafers than you could ever wish for. This L.A. outpost also has the distinction of being the only store stateside to carry the entire women's collection for the smartly dressed femmes in your life. (Tip: She’ll love the multicolored swirl-print handbag from Smith’s holiday catalog.) 8221 Melrose Ave., (323) 951-4800

December 7, 2005 at 12:05 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Designer Denim on the Cheap (L.A.)

Fellas, feeling left out of the holiday sample-sale circuit? Take heart this Saturday at Sunset Stage, where wonder twin designers Chip & Pepper will have denim, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, coats and stuff from their Golf Punk line way below retail just for you (OK, there will be wares for women, too). Be one of the first hundred shoppers through the doors and get a swag bag to start your spree. Sale starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. 6063 Sunset Blvd.

December 7, 2005 at 12:03 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cool Cashmere for Cooling Climes

Ask any clothes-minded woman you know and they’ll likely tell you that Cristi Conaway’s cashmere knits are sublime. The designer has since branched out to menswear, with offerings for fall that are smart studies in contrast (e.g., a gray crewneck with burnt-orange bands on the right arm). “Wedding Crashers” Owen Wilson and Vince Vaugh are already converts. Check out the full array at Suede Box, Conaway's just-launched online gifting site, which also carries knits for ladies and babies. $230-$325, suedebox.com

December 7, 2005 at 12:01 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 30, 2005

Key to Ferragamo

Problem: Awkwardly fumbling to remove your ginormous car key while the valet and the guy behind you in the Bentley impatiently stare you down. Solution: Ferragamo’s classic valet key ring from the sleek Rugby collection. The black boarskin-leather loop is easy to grab and locate in deep pockets, while the key ring is detachable for a quick and smooth valet transaction. $95, neimanmarcus.com

November 30, 2005 at 04:37 PM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ben Sherman's New Brew

It’s like your favorite Ben Sherman threads, but way better. The fashion mainstay has introduced a complete collection for its premium line, Special Brew, including dress shirts, wool coats, trousers, cashmere sweaters and even more denim (the range started with one high-end jean made from Japanese denim about a year ago). Expect prices to reflect the line's superior tailoring, luxe fabrics and signature detailing; even so, nothing exceeds $349 and most items fall between $100-$200. bensherman.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:05 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

'Shure'-Fire Audio for Gamers

As if you weren’t totally immersed in your PlayStation Portable already. The audio geniuses at Shure want to improve your overall audio-visual experience with the sound-isolating E4g gaming-edition earphones for portable devices. The high definition drivers with Tuned Port technology make for impressive audio range, so gamers can ignore friends and loved ones with even more ease. An added bonus: These earphones are also compatible with the iPod Nano. $299, amazon.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:03 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Live the 'Jazzlife'

Prefer to spend an evening with Monk and Coltrane instead of Manning and the Colts? Then “Jazzlife” will be a must-have on your holiday list. Taschen is reissuing the 1962 release of legendary jazz photographer William Claxton’s book (a collaboration with German musicologist Joachim Berendt) with never-before-seen images and a CD of digitally remastered recordings from the duo's musical romp through the States. Note to New York cool cats: Claxton will be at Strand Bookstore on Dec. 13 to chat about and sign the collectible tome. $200, taschen.com

November 30, 2005 at 12:01 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 23, 2005

Camo Carrier

Hard to call yourself an individual when every Tom, Dick and Harry also carries the same boring laptop bag. Opt for this smart dose of camouflage by MZ Wallace to get the edge in office gear. And before your too-trendy alarm sounds, remember that the nylon canvas bag is designed practically with water-resistant fabric, adjustable straps and inside organizing pockets. Plus, the quarter-moon of leather in the bottom corner adds a refined touch. $195, mzwallace.com

November 23, 2005 at 03:30 PM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Massages and Freebies Today for Travelers

Good news for some folks flying out of town today: Delta Crown Room Club members traveling through LaGuardia and LAX can find reprieve from the madness of Thanksgiving eve, courtesy of Pasadena-based skincare company Lather. Massage therapists will be on site offering chair massages and gratis samples of cooling foot cream and lemongrass-infused hand lotion. Not a member? Consider buying a $25 one-time pass for the chance to de-stress before hanging out with all 28 cousins for the entire weekend.

November 23, 2005 at 12:05 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)