Although there are gadgets and gizmo’s a-plenty to gift during the holidays, many people simply need something new (and practical) to wear to work or on the town. And while a big box from Macy’s is easy, it can be rather underwhelming to some of the more style conscious people in our lives. As you know, we are also big proponents of the local business, small guy and craftspeople. Therefore, we came up with these nine items that we hope will inspire you to think out of the box and not only help non-corporate companies but also impress your friends and family on your in-the-know prowess!
This tie is like no other. Title of Work creates pieces of art (but the kind of art you understand and can wear!), all hand stitched from the best materials in New York City. This bow tie is great for one of those many holiday parties you will be attending and you may just one up the boss in this hand made wool piece.
For a more affordable and uber preppy choice, Bows ‘n Ties has this classic green and navy repp tie made with a high quality micro fiber from Italy that is both stain and wrinkle resistant. Need we say more?
A Reminder of that Summer Sail:
Summer seems a distant memory but one of these marine rope bracelets from SailorMade will remind you of those halcyon days on the seas. Made in the USA with brass and various colored hardware, this piece is made to wear in the water.
A Belt that Looks Good and Helps People:
We found this on our new favorite shopping site, Wander and Trade. The Hex D-Ring Belt was made by Bureh, a company based in Sierra Leone. Every belt bought supports employment in this small country and they source all materials ethically and locally. The fabric comes from a market outside of Freetown and the buckles are sustainably made from recycled metals.
A Hat Knitted by People Who Know Cold:
Howlin’ (Scottish slang for ‘Smelly’) is one of our favorite knitwear brands hailing from Antwerp and produced in Scotland. This hand knitted Hudson hat is perfect for chilly days and still keeps your style profile at a 10.
Made from 100% Italian Merino Wool, the designers over at Orley added a special Teflon coating making the scarf water repellant. You will thank us when you are caught in a wet snow on the way to work and your shirt keeps cozy and dry. Designed in New York and made in Italy.
Defy is a bag, accessories and clothing brand that was developed in Chicago by a former art director who was tired of the tech world. Not only is it made locally but it is refreshingly not ‘heritage’ looking for the guy who isn’t bearded and flannel obsessed (although we love them too). The Lug bag will fit a 15” Macbook Pro as well as everything else you need for a day at the office (or on the road) and can be used either as a backpack or a briefcase.
Well not exactly, but leave it to the Italians to create the first shades with a special treatment on their glasses to give them the soft, smooth feel of velvet. Designed by Italy’s coolest kid, Lapo Elkann (his grandfather was the famous style icon and Fiat Chairman Gianni Agnelli) for his brand Italia Independent, these will certainly add to your swagger.
We profiled vegan designer Joshua Katcher a while back, and his faux leather, rubber soled boot strikes the perfect chord for that gift for a dad, brother or yourself that is stylish, eco conscious and certainly a conversation piece around the camp fire. Manufactured in Portugal through the vegan shoe company Novacas.
A Sneaker That Feels Like a Slipper:
Shoe designer Edmund Castillo was looking for the ultimate comfort for his men’s shoe line, Casbia, so he decided to work with an Italian factory that was well known for making slippers. There is a special ergonomic insole designed to hold the foot and provide serious comfort and the outside of the shoe is designed to resemble a Desert boot in contemporary colors. If you are on the go during the day yet still need to look sharp, look no further.
