STRAP WORTHY AND THAT THING THAT GOES TICK-TOCK

As I write this, I’m actually pinching myself due to a cancelled trip to attend the First Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Exhibition ( Watches & Wonders ) in Hong Kong . On a brighter note, I did Art Basel a few months back  - that should shut me up.

Speaking about watches, It’s time to get a grip on the most important accessory in a man’s wardrobe, which btw isn’t your trusty Velcro military watch you have had since high school.

Aside from that perfect mother of pearl cufflinks I got from mi abuelito, for most men, a watch is the only accessory they get to invest in, so why not make it an exceptional timepiece? Seriously, it is better to have one great watch than several cheap ones in plastic.

“When you rest your hands on a conference table, a refined watch makes a big statement.” – Jim Moore, Creative Director at GQ

Imagine wearing a sports watch to a gala or pairing a vintage robot-like digital watch in chrome with your bespoke navy suit from Sid Mashburn – disaster!

For many men, building the perfect wardrobe is like a dumb blonde putting together a puzzle – no, it isn’t! Contrary to what a lot of men think, building the right wardrobe is like following the yellow brick road to emerald city or tasting a rainbow.

With my daily choice of wardrobe, I have always preferred my watches to be as precise and understated as my suits and pressed shirts – thin, simple, sleek yet strong with either black or brown leather strap for work and ribbon in traditional prep for the weekend.

Still clueless? David M Robinson, a premier retailer of fine jewelry and watches has everything you need from those drool worthy Patek to your classic and timeless Rolex. Take a peek! 

ON A PLAID NOTE

“Style is knowing who you are and what works for you” - Frank Muytjens

Spot on!  I have always been a big fan of Frank Muytjens, J. Crew’s menswear design genius. Like him, I like to keep things understated with a hint of heritage. I like old things like mi padre and mi abuelito’s old classics – the usual gingham, plaid and oxford.  

(Uniform dressing at the luxury carpet factory- Navy trousers, micro check shirt from Steven Alan and my trusty loafers. To get my look, see image below)

Mad for plaid? When was I never? Despite being a huge trend last year, the perfect pattern still matter. Like your favorite basic white dress shirt, the plaid shirt is an anchor for every man’s wardrobe, complimenting your trusty blazer may it be navy or khaki, solid pullovers and yes, chinos on weekends; seriously, choose wisely – there’s too much of it right now.

A couple of my closet staples in plaid are from J. Crew, Club Monaco, Orvis, Ralph Lauren and Steven Alan. Oh, the joy of plaid paired with chinos, bare ankles, red socks, penny loafers, boat shoes and wingtips –  please stop me from drooling.

OLD FAITHFUL

After rummaging my closet over the weekend, I have discovered a few that deserved a second chance hence, out of the charity bin. 

Aside from a couple of old bespoke shirts from Bowen Co., I’ve also discovered a few lace-ups like these old pair of oxfords in burgundy from Calzoleria Toscana. ‘Lavorate a mano’ or hand made to a degree, these pair never hurt my feet and yes, they smell buttery great! 

ON DAILY RITUALS AND THE RIGHT STROKE

My Head Is A Jungle  by Wankelmut & Emma Louise on repeat -  After years of searching for the right shaving brush, I finally found the right one from Parker, thanks to my friend Chad.

Yes, using a shaving brush is the first step to improving a man’s shave and not a generic supermarket hair conditioner and if you have never used a brush during shaving, trust me, you are in for a treat!

For someone who shaves daily, having the best bristles may it be pure badger, boar or synthetic, help prepare the beard allowing a smoother, closer shave with any type of razor.

I have always been pretty traditional just like mi abuelito. Honestly, proper shaving has become a lost art. Try asking today’s average male and you bet, most don’t even have a clue about the fine art of traditional wet shave that our fathers and grandfathers used to take part in.

To top it all off, I am in love with Parker’s sandlewood and shea butter shaving soap! It contains premium natural ingredients resulting to a cool and comfortable shave that soften and conditions your skin – baby soft! Next on my list: Eucalyptus! And oh, the lather generated from the bar is rich, thick and lasting – truly orgasmic! Look mom, I’m clean!

To order, check out Old Fashioned Man. Remember, real man aren't disposable.