Sep 19, 2008

What: True Wind Navigator Duffel Bag, $165

Why: The duffel is a unique accessory that is defined (according to Wikipedia) as a large cylindrical bag made of cloth with the closure at the top. A unique word I like saying over and over (you should try it) who’s origins come from a small town in Belgium with the same name. The evolution of the duffel bag is represented beautifully in True Wind’s Navigator Duffel Bag.

This bag is the perfect gift for those men who love to be in and around the water. The nautical theme is simply classic and a great accessory for your active man. The True Wind Navigator Duffel is made (in the USA) of some of the finest materials – including real sailcloth (the same used in high-end sailboats) and very solid brass buckles. One of the coolest differentiators with this duffel is the unique stripe design inspired by the colors and patterns found on maritime signal flags. The bags come in two sizes and the colors on all of them are bright and vibrant. All hands on deck - it's duffel time.

Bonus: Have his initials embroidered directly on the bag!

Get Yours: truewindusa.com

Aug 29, 2008

I know we all get annoyed when guys ask us to stow their wallets, keys, books, and other items in our purses--and I also know it's near impossible to convince them that they should just carry a bag themselves. But I spotted something today that gave me hope --hope that YES WE CAN change the tepid relationship between man and bag.

What: Pierre Hardy Fall 2008 Bags for Men

Why: The City bag (left) and Sport bag (right) are simple, sophisticated, and, most importantly, masculine without being at all athletic. The leather is of superb quality, and you can tell just by looking that it is soft and supple to the touch, yet because hasn't been distressed in any way, the look is still clean. And not only are they handsome, but they'll give your man a place other than your purse to put his iPod, magazine and other brawny man-on-the-go items. Unfortunately, though, according to his representatives, Pierre Hardy's hot bags will likely not be sold online. You'll have to find your way to the designer's Paris showroom, or make the trek to your nearest Nordstrom, which just got them in stock. Like many dreams, this one--of a world where men don't feel like ladies just because they carry a purse--too, is elusive.

But there is good news. While Hardy is the only guy we know desgning men's bags with such innovative shapes, more familiar alternatives do exist. If you're determined to make your man realize the joys of mobile storage space, try one of these great options:

Christian Dior makes a mean messenger bag ($900).

And the worn leather of Dolce & Gabbana's version ($708) is reminiscent of Hardy's bags.

While this dark brown Cole Haan duffel ($273) offers a different--and far more affordable--take on the murse. 

Aug 08, 2008

What: Havaianas Men’s Flip-Flops, $16

Why: I know that everyone on this planet probably owns a few pairs of flip-flops, but unless your guy has some Havaianas, he’s missing out. Made from Brazilian rubber using a top secret “recipe,” these flip-flops are super soft, comfortable from the first step, and most importantly, durable. The toe thong doesn’t irritate (no Band-Aids required as you break ‘em in). And you won’t even feel the hard bump of where the thong attaches to the sole—unlike many others that can hurt your feet. I paid close to $75 for some fancy designer rubber flip-flops three years ago that still hurt my feet (and yes, I still wear them because they’re by a fancy designer, yet I practically limp around the pool deck). For under $20 and available in countess colors and patterns, these are a STEAL.

Get Yours: havaianas.com

Jul 29, 2008

When I was in high school, a boy who wore a skirt to class one day was sent home to change into more "appropriate" clothing. The next day, in protest of this arbitrary decision, every forward-minded man in the school came to class in a skirt. Their logic: if women can wear jeans in public, why can't men wear skirts? The result of the mini-movement was more than a few suspensions, as well as an interesting array of outfits: men wearing kilts, wraps, miniskirts, dresses, all with an inherently masculine aura around these traditionally female garments.

I tried to keep this experience in mind when I saw that lingerie companies were starting to aim some shapewear products at men. I wanted to feel as progressive as I was back then, willing to embrace garments as gender-neutral.

But now it's come to this:

Yes, pantyhose for men. This is a trend Buzzfeed turned us on to (if it can even be considered a trend) that I can't even begin to understand. For why do women wear hose? To hide hairy legs, keep bare ones warm in winter, or make wearing a skirt at work an utterly non-sexual act. So what reason to men have to sport nylons? According to Comfilon, one retailer, "This is NOT your mother’s panty hose! ACTIVSKIN tights for men and pantyhose for men are designed for male dimensions and anatomy. In sports they will help increase your lower body power and stamina, making them ideal for running, biking, skiing, football, soccer, and golf." But...aren't there already sports products for that kind of stuff?

I gotta say, this trend has nothing to do with gender equality in clothing or open-mindedness about gender roles. It's a marketing ploy, pure and simple--trying to sell men one of the few products they've never been a buying public for. And I'm not a fan.

What about you? Are there any redeeming qualities to men wearing pantyhose? Would you want your man stealing your No Nonsense?

Jul 25, 2008

What: Cordarounds Summer Cords, $85

Why: Summer is always a challenge for men. While it is easy to throw on shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops, it's a bit more difficult to dress up and look good. The Cordarounds summer cords solve that problem. Extremely lightweight, these great looking cords have a unique style to them -  the inside layer of the cords and pockets are lined with a very cool check pattern. And while you may be surprised to see cords in the summer - Cordarounds use a fabric that is lighter than most twill and seersucker pants! Extremely comfortable and versatile, your man will appreciate this unique summer surprise.

Bonus: Summer Cords come in Tan, Navy, Leaf and Orange.

Get Yours: Cordarounds.com

Jul 18, 2008

What: This Shirt Saved a Life T-shirt, $42

Why: If you read my posts and articles, you know that I am not a fan of “expression” t-shirts—they’re so 2006. But I’m making an exception for This Shirt Saved a Life tees from Tiny Revolutionary™. Twenty dollars (nearly half the price!) of each shirt sold provides a child in the Buduburam Refugee Settlement in Ghana one nutritious meal every single day for a year. Amazing when you consider my lunch today cost me $9.97. These shirts are made from super soft cotton and use eco-friendly printing materials. My favorite part is the number you’ll find on the inside of your shirt, so you know where you stand in supporting this amazing effort. So help your guy look and feel great!

Get Yours: tinyrevolutionary.com