1. My Signature Tom Ford (Jack) Eyeglasses (either Black or Tortoise Brown)
2. My Signature Cap (The Essential Cap- 5panel Camper)
3. Black Berry Bold w/ Steve Mono Leather Case
4. Southern Field Industries Waxed Rucksack0 Antique Red (w/ MacBook Pro inside)
5. cdg PLAY converse Chuck Taylor’s/Jack Purcell’s (at least one of the 6 pair I own)

Thank you ArtOfficial Lifestyle™ for the consideration.

For the first 6-8 months I wore them faithfully everyday, then I started to rotate between them and a pair of RRL’s that I had already had for a year and half (post coming soon)- but within these last couple of months I got back in routine, and now they are good and ready for their first bath.

This has been such an amazing process seeing my denim go through so many stages in the past year and now I’m really looking forward to see how the Pulsar’s are going to look and fit after the wash; since my first impression of the jeans was very positive, I hope my second impression (after the wash) is just as good!

- The Essential Cap (Snapback Edition) ❘ The Essential Man™
- Western Yoke Parka ❘ Mt. Rainier Design
- The “RIALTO” Eyeglasses ❘ Garrett Leight
- 1940′s Chambray Shirt ❘ Our Legacy
- The “CARLTON” Camp Moc Suede Chukka Boot ❘ Mark McNairy for G. H. Bass Shoes
- Standard Issue Canvas Chino ❘ Apolis
- Fantastic Man ❘ Issue #14
- The Essential Notebook ❘ The Essential Man™
- Tote Nº2 ❘ STRAWFOOT HANDMADE FOR FREE/MAN

Since discovering the company early last summer, I have been following Steve Mono ever since, and I have nothing but good things to say, particularly his small leather goods.  In my humble opinion, the small leather good products by Steve Mono embodies everything I love and gravitate towards regarding design: style, simplicity, and functionality.  The design aesthetic of the brand is very minimal, but very attentive to detail- hence the vegetable tanned calf leather found on the inside of all of the products.

Also the fact that a case for my Blackberry Bold is offered in the product line still baffles me (for obvious reasons); I’m sure those of you who actually still owns a Blackberry can relate to the scarcity (or none for this matter) of stylish phone cases offered for our device- it’s just refreshing to see someone think of our dying breed.  Thanks Gonzalo.

Details: (clockwise)
- 09/5 Blackberry Bold Case in (Navy)
- 09/12 Glasses Case in (Black)
- 09/7 Folded Cards Case in (Navy) (I use for coins instead)
- 09/8 Cards Case in (Black)

For more information on the brand, visit the website here: Steve Mono

Very proud to announce that the second edition of “The Essential Cap” is finally available for purchase!

Only 24 pieces available.

*Special thank you to Quimari Majette for the dope illustration.

Designer’s Note:
I wish I had a better story to share with you on how the cap was developed, but in all honestly it was fairly simple once I finally made up my mind that I was going to actually produce a snapback. Just to give you a little background info, for about 3 months prior to production I was going back and forth with the idea of making snapbacks but I kept changing my mind because I didn’t want to fall into the (ubiquitous) trend. Then about a month later I spotted the amazing digi-camo denim fabric and I thought it would be cool as a snapback- however I still wasn’t sold on the idea. So the way I decided to settle the dispute with myself was by flipping a coin…and apparently the snapback won. I hope you enjoy!

Description:
-5 Panels

-Printed Denim Fabric in Digi-Camo

-Woven Label

-Adjustable Strap (1 size fits most)

-Individually Numbered

-Made & Crafted in Los Angeles (USA)

Price: $38

]]> http://www.thessentialman.com/the-essential-cap-snapback-edition/feed/ 4 http://www.thessentialman.com/essential-picks-%e2%9d%98-retail-edition-milkmade-fw-11-accessories-pt-1/ http://www.thessentialman.com/essential-picks-%e2%9d%98-retail-edition-milkmade-fw-11-accessories-pt-1/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:30:52 +0000 the essential man http://www.thessentialman.com/?p=5401 Here’s the third installment of “Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition“ with MILKMADE, but this time featuring some of the store’s awesome accessories.  This is only a small fraction of all the great stuff they have in now; from BLK PINE WORKSHOP to MIANSAI.  Check out some of the standout pieces (at least to me) below.  *Disclaimer* This is not a review- simply just a visual display of the pieces I liked and thought were essential.  Enjoy.

- Side Bag by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Side Bag)
- Tote by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Medium Wool Tote)

- Bag by BLK PINE WORKSHOP (Pendleton Boston Bag)

- Eyeglass Case by Tanner Goods (Leather Eyeglass Case)

- Lanyard by Folk (Skynard Lanyard)

- Wallet by Folk (Burts Wallet)

- Bracelet by MIANSAI (New Fish Hook Bracelet)
- Book by The Travel Almanac (Issue 2)

If you are in the Venice area anytime soon, make an attempt to stop by the store.  It’s just that much better in person.

MILKMADE
1413 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291-3740
Phone: +1 310 581 8890

Store hours:
Monday-Saturday 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Details:
- Japanese #11 Waxed Canvas
- Japanese #6 Waxed Canvas Lining (Khaki)
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather
- Japanese Solid Brass Hardwares
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather（Painting Edge Finish）
- Inner Partition Pocket
- Inner Key Pocket
- Two Layer Front Pocket
- Full Leather Flap
- Height 250 x Width 350 x Depth 8 (mm)
- All Handmade in Japan

I love the contrast the olive color brings to all of the shoulder straps- this is the type of subtle designing and detailing that takes products to the next level.  Well done Manabu!

Details:
- Waxed Cotton Body (from British Millerain)
- Japanese Woven #9 Cotton Canvas Lining
- Japanese Vegetable Tanned Cow Leather
- Boots Lace Drawstring Cord(from Red Wing Shoes)
- YKK “Excella” Zipper
- Japanese Solid Brass Hardwares
- Height 16.5″ x Width 14.25″ x Depth 4″
- All Handmade in Japan

Thanks again Manabu. Domo-Arigato!

Essential Pick: Waxed Rucksack (Color: Antique Red)
Photographed By: Traci Alexis
Model: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

While Manabu was here I was able to conduct a Q&A with him, take a look at what he had to say here.

The SFI Waxed Tote (in mustard) is to the left and the Waxed Rucksack (in antique red) is to the right.