Valentine's Day Gift Selections for Men

With all the other craziness going on called life, are you aware that Valentine's Day is only a few days away. While flowers are nice, why not get him a gift that he will actually use for time to come. I have talked to some of my male friends to see what they are liking the best, or what types of products they are using. Below is a list of curated gifts that will not only last longer than a bouquet of roses, but are also stylish at the same time. A mix of personal recommendations (such as the Master & Dynamic headphones) and popular/trending items in the world of men's fashion, this list includes a few things that could make his Valentine's Day special. From a great facial cleanser to a popular cologne, select something that will make him happy and from which he will remember you for years to come. 

1. Master & Dynamic MH40 Headphones- Mr. Porter

2. Lab Series Daily Renewal Cleanser- Lab Series

3. Nest Fragrances Matchbox Set- Nest

4. hook + ALBERT Leather Weekend Bag- PORTMANTOS

5. Blue Calf Leather Loafer- Suitsupply

6. Apple Watch- Apple

7. Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb- Nordstrom

Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Luxe selections for the Jetsetter

Have that special someone on your list that is the quintessential definition of a jetsetter? The below is a selection of a few items that may fit the bill for the female on your list that just has to have the best of the best.

Who said jet setting was cheap? While these selections are on the pricier side, a lot of them are simple and classic and will last your gift recipient for years to come. The selections seem to be dominated in black, yet from Paris to Milan and New York to Los Angeles, black is universal and just what the jet setter is looking for.

A Bottega Veneta Eye mask? Check. The perfect bag for touring and running around their favorite city? Check. Only 6 days left until the big day!

1. Saint Laurent Leather Shoulder Bag- $1,990 Net-A-Porter

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick -$36 Neiman Marcus

3. Loewe Black Leather and Metal Sunglasses- $380 Editorialist 

4.  Le Labo Travel Tube Kit- $145 Barneys

5. Bottega Veneta Leather Eye Mask - $250 Barneys

6. Rimowa Deluxe Cabin Luggage - $595 PORTMANTOS

7. Hermes Silk Twill Scarf- $700 Editorialist

8. Stuart Weitzman Hijack Suede Boots -$479 *sale Bergdorf Goodman

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan | Selections for the Stylish Guy

Holiday Gift Guide: Selections for the Stylish Guy

Eleven shopping days left until the big day- are you ready? In my series of gift guides, I am presenting a few selections for the stylish guy on your list. He may be at the cutting edge of fashion, seen sporting the most recent trends and modern silhouettes. He may not have a dress down moment, always running around town looking dapper. 

Below find selections that may fit into any aspect of his wardrobe from cold weather accessories to cufflinks for his cocktail soirées. These selections include on-trend items that are both classic (camel overcoat) and trendy (Fendi Monster Gloves) so you can tailor your selections to his unique preferences. Finally, every stylish guy has a signature scent, and I highly recommend Royal Oud from Creed...it is absolutely one of my favorites so I have included it with this curation.

1. J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Wool and Cashmere Overcoat - $450 Mr. Porter 

2. Fendi Monster Knit Gloves- $250 Bergdorf Goodman

3. Givenchy Embroidered Bouclé Blazer- $1,650 Mr. Porter

4. Ralph Lauren Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks- $395 Ralph Lauren

5. Creed Royal Oud- $385 Creed

6. Club Monaco Jacquard Knit Sweater- $150 Mr. Porter

7. Burberry Cashmere Check Scarf- $575 Saks Fifth Avenue

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan

5 Sweaters for the Holiday Season

Whether it is a yearly tradition, or you are just getting into the "holiday sweater" trend, do not be afraid as not all holiday sweaters are created equally. With that being said, your holiday sweater does not have to be "ugly" and end up in a social media post with hashtag #uglysweater.

The seasonal sweater has evolved over the years, with many iconic brands offering refined intarsia and winter jacquard prints that are perfect for the office work part or a seasonal open house party. Below are five sweaters that are sure to carry you through all your holiday season functions in style while still remaining festive at the same time. 

Happy Shopping....and being festive!

Beam Plus Suede Elbow Patch Intarsia Sweater - $180 Mr Porter

Polo Patterned Sweater - $245 Ralph Lauren

Gant Rugger Cotton Jacquard Knit Sweater - $165 Mr Porter

Vineyard Vines 1/4-Zip All Over Fair Isle- $185 Vineyard Vines

Club Monaco Fair Isle Jacquard Crew -$149.50 Club Monaco

Holiday Gift Idea: Glassware that Wine + Travel Lovers will Adore

It is hard to believe it is the holiday season already. Yes, I am one of those people that says this every year, however, it seems like just a bit ago we were wearing shorts and complaining about the extreme heat. With that being said, as soon as the calendar turns to December, it is always a great time to start checking people off your list for holiday shopping...you simply cannot start too early.

I have curated a few gift lists at Skimbaco, such as selections for the well-groomed man as well as the new Eleven James Holiday Collaboration. I am excited to share with you some of my favorite finds this season here as well. To start out my selections at Life Through Preppy Glasses, I thought what goes along with the holiday season hand-in-hand? Wine!

The folks at The Uncommon Green have created a beautiful line of glassware that is truly like works of art as the collections feature etched maps of U.S. and global cities. The unique aspect of these glasses make it the perfect gift for the person on your list that loves wine and that loves to travel. Personally, I find that traveling and wine go hand-in-hand as you can always experience new wines that are indigenous to the area of your travels.

I had to opt for the Paris Map traditional wine glass as it is one of my favorite cities in the world. Additionally, if you are looking for more contemporary silhouettes, stemless options do exist. It is fun to select cities that the person you are gifting has been to or loves. I can see the glasses being a great conversation piece over a nice bottle of wine, sharing stories of travels near and far. 

Be sure to browse all the different cities that are available from The Uncommon Green. If the person on your list is not a wine lover, there is a full line of bakeware styles available to match whatever libation they might prefer from whiskey to beer. 

Father's Day Gift Picks

Father's Day is quickly approaching on June 15th. Whether you are honoring dad, brother, uncle, or step dad, it is definitely a day to celebrate the men in our lives. If your father is anything like mine, shopping for a gift is nearly impossible. Here are a few of my favorite picks that are simple yet show that you care.

1. Dopp Kit- The Dopp Kit is a must for any sort of travel, whether an overnight stay or a week long trip. This rustic option in olive and neutrals by Jack + Mulligan is handmade in the USA and has the perfect aesthetic for Dad.

2. Driving Loafers - If you are looking to splurge, nothing says classic and stylish like a pair of TODS driving loafers. They will never go out of style, and Dad will find himself wearing them all the time. Get a brighter color as a great option for summer.

3. Nespresso Vertuoline- For the coffee lover, I cannot express how great the Nespresso machine is for the home. Known for their quality at home espressos, the new Vertuoline by Nespresso gives the option to brew both coffees and espressos right in the home. The perfect compliment to the morning paper!

4. Custom Made Shirt- John Byron offers a myriad of options to customize the perfect shirt for Dad. Replace that old shirt that seems to never go away with a new shirt that will fit him well. Linen options are great for the upcoming summer season.

5. Rogue Ducati iPhone Case- An iPhone case is always necessary, and sometime finding the right one can be difficult. The new Ducati series from Element Case offers the protection for which Element Case in known mixed with sleek, edgy designs inspired by Ducati. 

6. Cologne- Cologne always makes a great gift. I am loving the new fragrance from Vince Camuto, Vince Camuto Homme. The fragrance is fresh with a mixture of wood (cedar and pine) and sweet notes of lavender and juniper. 

7. Wine Cellar Sign- For the wine-lover, this gift is whimsical and fun with options to customize to your name. Let Dad claim his wine cellar or bar as his own!

After Christmas Sales

I hope that everyone had a relaxing holiday with their families. After Christmas sales are some of the best of the year, and with all that Christmas money burning a whole in your pocket, it is the perfect opportunity to score some great threads at even better prices. I've curated a small list of a few of my favorite sales currently going on. 

Which sales have you taken advantage of with your holiday money?

Mr. Porter:

This website is hands down my favorite on the web. They offer the best selection of designer merchandise, specifically for men. The current sale offers everything from shoes, clothes, and accessories at up to 50% off. This is a great time of the year to score great outerwear pieces that will last forever. I love this Belstaff trench, currently at 40%. ($2,157)

Jack Wills:

The go-to British brand for casually, preppy attire is currently offering an array of fall and winter merchandise at a discount. There is a great selection of oxfords, sweaters, and chinos. Even better, they are currently offering a contest called "#jackpot" in which you can win back the value of your sale purchases!  I always love a good fairisle sweater for the winter season, and this fairisle crew is a great find at $79 (originally $148).

J.Crew:

The all around favorite is currently offering an extra 40% off sale merchandise both in store and online. Take advantage of this to stock up on wardrobe essentials like button-downs, chinos, and v-neck sweaters. I love J.Crew cashmere, and with an extra 40% off, select cabled crewnecks will ring up at only $131.

Ralph Lauren:

We all know my love for the Ralph Lauren brand, featured in almost every outfit post that I write. The current winter sale offers an additional 25% off sale items online and an additional 40% off sale in Ralph Lauren stores. This all adds up for some amazing deals on classic, preppy items. Score iconic Ralph Lauren items such as the American Flag Sweater for just $67 with the additional 25% off. 

Neiman Marcus:

The Neiman's after Christmas sale is also one of my favorites to shop each year. While every category is on sale, I always tend to gravitate towards their footwear sales. Currently, sale is an extra 25-33% off for some great savings on the finest designers. I am loving the items from Hadleighs, and this pair of slippers is no exception. Currently $390.

Happy shopping!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Hard to believe we have left Thanksgiving and the weekend behind and entered into December. Only 23 days until Christmas!

• I hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving, enjoying time with friends and family
• School is ending earlier than normal which is a plus, however, the next 2 weeks are going to be insane.
• I enjoyed a massage treatment on Black Friday at the spa at the Ritz Carlton-perhaps more to come on that later!
• I need to get in the holiday season and start shopping for some gifts...always so hard to pick! Don't forget to check out a few of my selections for men with my gift guide
• Are you taking advantage of Cyber Monday? Some of my favorite deals of the day include:

30% off your entire order at Jack Spade...including sale!

Spend $200 or more and receive 20% off your order with Vineyard Vines

30% off you order online and in store with J.Crew

Jack Wills is offering 30% off, ending today

Enjoy an additional 50% select reduced styles and discounts with spend at Ralph Lauren

And a little inspiration to get into the season since it is December after all

Holiday Gift Selections For Men

Buying gifts for men can be very hard sometimes. The go-to options are always a tie, tech gadget, and maybe cufflinks. Below, I have curated some of my top picks for gifts that cover everything from the traditional to the very stylish man. With a week less of shopping between Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday, it is time to start thinking about gifts! Links for products can be found in the blurb below. 

1. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Throw- A nice throw is perfect for the bachelor in an apartment or dad's mountain house. You can never go wrong with the comfort of cashmere and this classic from Ralph Lauren. Available in an array of colors with monogramming available as well.

2. Beau Ties Bow Ties- A bow tie should be in every gentleman's closet. I am loving the very preppy choices available from Beau Ties. Discovering smaller, local brands is always fun, and this company is no exception. All ties are handmade in Vermont!

3. Personalized Wine Bucket- Personalization always adds a special touch, and this wine bucket is no exception. Great for holiday parties and summer entertaining on the deck or terrace. Available from Red Envelope Gifts

4. Balmain HighTop Sneakers- Sneakers and High Top sneakers have made a big come back in men's fashion. This pair is sure to impress any fashionable guy on your list. The famous french house of Balmain makes some great pairs of shoes!

5. Randolph Engineering Limited Edition Aviators- This limited edition pair (100 available worldwide) will be available for purchase starting December 1st. I love the quality and great optics of Randolph aviators, and this pair is even more special. It features platinum coating and lizard wrapped temples. 

6. UNTICKit & RumbaTime Gift Set- Men's shirting brand UNTUCKit and watch brand RumbaTime are teaming up to offer a special gift set. A select combination of shirts and timepieces will be available for purchase for $150 from the UNTUCKit website. I love the UNTUCKit shirts, and this deal makes it even more appealing! 

If you are looking for even more holiday gift ideas, check out the array of curated gifts at Skimbaco Lifestyle selected by my colleagues and myself. 

Fashion That Gives Back

A Nielson's statistic states that 66% of consumers worldwide would prefer to shop with a brand that gives back to society. I agree with the majority- why not shop with a brand you love that gives back a portion of your purchase to a charity? It is almost effortless on the shopper's behalf. 

Some of my favorite brands and as well as brands that have become quite popular are all part of this "social shopping" trend. From lipstick to shoes, you can truly find an array of fashion that gives back. Some of my favorite brands that can easily be incorporated into a preppy style include TOMS, Warby Parker, and FIGS ties. 

TOMS: Im sure many of us are familiar with this casual, comfy shoe by now and their one-for-one rule: With every pair of TOMS purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. They currently participate in over 50 countries around the world. TOMS

Warby Parker: This brand has become incredibly popular in the last few months. When I look around the streets of New York, I feel almost everyone is sporting a pair of Warby Parker glasses. The frames have a retro inspiration and are very affordable, starting at only $95. The company has partnered with Vision Spring, ensuring that with every purchase, a pair of glasses also goes to someone in need. Warby Parker

FIGS Ties: FIGS crafts ties out of an array of fabrics- wools, silks, cashmeres, cottons, and linens, The company has a "thread-for-thread" program. For every tie purchase, a school uniform is donated to a child in need in Africa. FIGS

Photos: Paramount PR

January Sales

Its the time to stock your closets with all those designer threads you have been lusting over all season. Every year around mid to late January some of the best department stores in the world have amazing sales with savings up to 75% off. 

Barneys New York. Contemporary Designers

Barney's New York and Bergdorf Goodman, two New York landmarks, are offering pieces from designers of the likes of Etro, Thom Browne, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta at 75% off the original price. You cannot beat that!

Furthermore, sites such as Neiman Marcus, Vineyard Vines, and Jack Wills are offering deep discounts with some having a sale on their sale. 

I took advantage of the sale at Bergdorf's and picked up some awesome oxfords from renowned Italian designer Etro.

If you are in the mood to shop, now is the perfect time! Happy Shopping. 

Aspen Shopping

Aspen is truly a world class destination. I was aware of this fact, but I did not realize just how good the shopping was until walking around the town one evening. The stores I was seeing quickly reminded me of 5th Avenue in New York. Aspen is home to designers such as Moncler, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade. The great names of fashion are represented in this ski town. 

Prada Boutique, Aspen

If you are into smaller boutiques, Aspen is filled with those as well. Walking around town I saw little boutiques carrying furs, celine bags, and Cartier Tank watches covered in diamonds. Considering the size of Aspen, the shopping is quite amazing and you can find anything you may be looking for from ultra luxurious to souvenirs. 

So if you forget something in your luggage or just want to update your look, Aspen shopping has everything you need to look fabulous on and off the slopes. 

Fashion Friday: Beverly Hills Shopping

What could be more appropriate for Fashion Friday today than shopping in Beverly Hills? It was a beautiful day in LA on saturday, so we took to the streets of BH!

What does one wear to shop on Rodeo? Thats a tough question. The california vibe is effortless and chic where we east coasters tend to put so much effort into everything. I went with gray denim, my rivieras, a polo, and of course, big aviators. 

Stroll up on down Rodeo to shop the looks of Brooks Brothers, Missoni, Chanel, and Gucci among others. Turn off the ever crowded Rodeo onto Brighton way to slip into Emporio Armani. Stepping into Teuscher for a champagne truffle is a must- but beware: that lady passing you on the street with the giant Birkin is totally judging you for even holding chocolate. What is sugar?

Linking up with Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday

Color on Black Friday and Turning 1

While we didnt do our normal "midnight madness" at our usual spot (we all opted to sleep instead!) I did go to the mall...I mean I have to do at least a little shopping on Black Friday after all. I took the opportunity to visit the Lilly Pulitzer store and grab the men's resort stuff. You may remember me saying I wanted a few things.

You can never have too many polos

or too many ties. They will come in handy if I survive business school

Im just going to take a moment to wish my little blog a happy 1 year birthday :)...heres to a new year of hopefully interesting stories, expanding, and fun

Source: Uploaded by user via Filipe on Pinterest

Dont forget to checkout other fashion friday posts at Blonde Episodes

Too Much is Never Enough: Wallets

We use one everyday or almost everyday so why not have options?? Its a good excuse to have a lot. Here's a few of mine.

we all get excited when we see that orange box :)

This is usually my standard if im not carrying a card case.

this one is great for traveling when you have to take every credit card you own, ID, more random cards, cash, ect. Just stuff it full

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I'm running low on all my mini "collections"....thats where you come in! I'd love to do a reader's version. Send me a picture of something that you love, and have a lot of!

Closing out a {Long} Week

Its finally Friday...this was one of those weeks that felt very, very long. It was quite exhausting. At times i felt like this.

You have all been following my complaints about the weather....well this morning snowflakes were flying. Great way to start out April right?? I've decided I am no longer allowing myself to look at the AccuWeather 15 day forecast.

But on a positive note, the Phillies season opening game starts about about 15 minutes...hope they get to play. Not sure what the weather is doing down there

I feel myself slipping into a non-stop shopping phase! haha. I've been doing well, but theres a few things that i want. Two of which are:

these amazing Dsquared sunglasses

via

and have you seen the Vineyard Vines Derby collection?!?! Love. I want this belt:

via

if there is anything I want to be doing right now its soaking up sun...somewhere...anywhere. But specifically looking like this, perhaps on whatever cruise ship this is?

Ferragamo SS11

Its showing that sunday is going to be completely sunny and 54. (Rubbing eyes and looking at screen again...can this be right?!?)

Have a great weekend!

all other images via

Too Much is Never Enough: Fragrance

You all probably saw the title of this and thought to yourself, what is he talking about?!? There certainly is a things as too much fragrance....i agree. We've all suffocated in an elevator with someone bathed an outdated bottle of Chanel Number 5.

But im referring to options of course!

Im not a huge, huge cologne wearer, but I do have a few

this isnt my whole collection- some was just MIA at school. I also have Escada and Lacoste as well. I mainly stick with the classics...Burberry, Calvin Klein, Gucci

Its hard for me to pick my favorite, but im going to go with Gucci by Gucci....its amazing

followed by Eau de Cartier in close second. (yes, they do make more besides that fabulous watch on your wrist)

Whats your favorite brand or scent?? 

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Sample Sale Frenzy

This weekend was filled with sample sales...one of the great perks of New York. If you have a shopping problem like me, you just cant resist the deals. My favorite of the weekend was definitely Theory. I got a lot of great things.

One of my favorite things for fall/winter is cardigans and sweaters...especially chunky ones. Theory had an abundance of these which was great. I picked up the following.

The second one is going to be so incredibly warm...the picture does not do it justice! I was also thinking ahead to my future a little bit and picked up a new black suit with a subtle stripe.

Theory was also nice enough to throw in a complimentary dress shirt with every suit purchase. The deal started shortly after i got there...so lucky! So i picked out this one to match my new suit.  I highly recommend their classic businesswear. Its so timeless and wont go out of style.

You wont believe what my next purchase was, but check here if you want a little background. But yes, i bought a winter coat. 

I dont have any other ones with this particular styling so i thought it would be a good addition. (The things i do to justify purchases). Plus, wont it be great for over my suit....thats what i was thinking.

The coat was purchased on trip two to the sale...you know you cant stop thinking about all that stuff sitting there with such good prices. They extended the end time until tuesday afternoon, so i think one more trip is in store to see if they mark the prices down anymore.

The sale surprisingly had a very calm atmosphere which is a bonus. Most things like this involve very crazy people going nuts over clothes-not the case here thank god!

I also checked out the Rag & Bone sale which was over at Chelsea Market. They had a lot of great options, but the prices were still a little high for a sample sale. When i go to a sample sale, i go in expecting great deals, but everything at Rag & Bone was at least $150 or higher. 

These sales will become my new obsession..which could be a problem! How did everyone else spend their weekend, besides trying to stay warm?

"Its Christmas Time in the City"

Some friends and myself decided to officially make it the holiday season by visiting the department store windows, and who else to feature than the wonderful Bergdorf Goodman...always the best! Fortunately my pictures turned out great even though i have one of the worst cameras in the world. (SLR for christmas??)

Check out this behind the scenes video here to get a sense of what went into these masterpieces:

Bergorfs themself told me that the windows are worked on for about 6 months...i had the following mini conversation with them:

The following windows feature designer from Oscar de la Renta, Philip Lim, Iu Miu, and of course Alexander McQueen. Enjoy!

And the holiday season is not complete without the "Cartier Package" always one of my favorites

Anyone always do something "festive" around the holiday season??