Pulse Products | Men

Objects of Desire - Luxurious Leather

Author: Michael Purgar | Published: Monday, August 30, 2010

Little Pocket
When carrying around the entire briefcase isn’t necessary, Ermenegildo Zegna’s Heritage shiny alligator with soft calf lining document case, also known as a pochette (or little pocket), is the perfect lightweight and elegant vessel to keep the necessities safe and secure. Zegna’s Heritage line is made specifically for the serious man whose case is as important as his documents. Price up on request.

Dapper Digits
Glove wearing dates back to ancient times, and was even written about (depending upon the translation you read) in Homer’s The Odyssey. Of course Laertes didn’t have much of a style choice. But you, fine sir, do. And to combat cold and wage a battle against unfashionable hand coverings, suede, cashmere and leather gloves are the only kinds you should reach for. Brioni’s purple Napa leather gloves may cost you an arm and a leg (top, $490), but just think about how toasty your fingers will be. Emenegildo Zegna’s leather blue cashmere lined gloves ($380) or camel suede gloves ($200) will also give you the upper hand. Besides, a quality glove means you have an improved grip when driving. How can you be expected to take life by the horns if you can’t really grab hold?

Good to Go
When the elegant man hits the gym after work, a duffle bag just won’t do. And when he goes away for work, bringing a mismatched set of suitcases is quite the business class scandal. Rather than tarnishing your image with a bag that’s past its prime, order up the filet mignon of leather travel bags. May we suggest the burgundy Brioni featured here? Whether you’re toting scuffed up shoes or delicate dress shirts, the innocent bystander will take one look at your luxurious luggage and assume you’re a man of upstanding character and impeccable taste. And isn’t that assumption alone worth $4,225?

Let’s Be Brief
If the clothes makes the man, then it is the briefcase that makes the man take charge. A good one carries an implied message: Take notice of my possesser. He’s probably a mover and shaker. And now that Fall is coming into swing, check your summer linen at the office door and set your style sights on a manly staple: Leather. In the 14th century, the word used to describe a briefcase was “budget” (from the Latin for “bulga” or leather bag) but today, the best of the best will cost you a very pretty penny. Ever wonder what it’d feel like to carry $18,425? So did Emenegildo Zegna, creator of this gorgeous double gusset alligator briefcase (right). And if gator’s not your bag, Brioni’s gleaming black calfskin ($4,445) or smart brown pebble grain single gusset ($4,245) might be the best way to bring out your inner Don Draper. Now go fix yourself an Old Fashioned, you handsome devil.

---

Super Model Shades

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Saturday, July 31, 2010

Sunglasses have been a posh fashion accessory since the 1940s, and the latest specs reflect more than just harmful UV rays. Extravagant, stylistic and personal, your sunglasses are a statement of your mood. Colored lenses, like John Lennon blues, are less in vogue than years ago, instead, temple arms are the staple of expression.
Above: Bottega Veneta $435.

Size Matters,Think Big

Since the 1960s, thanks to Jackie O, large frames have been “it” for lades. Aside from offering complete ocular protection, they also help protect the checks from sunburn. More than that, they are so dramatic in size, they make ladies’ facial features appear smaller, more demure, which is why they are a chic choice among starlets. Men are benefiting from the larger frames in traditional aviator-inspired pieces, too.
Above: Jimmy Choo Cass w/leopard print $295, Gucci $295.
Below: Gucci $310

Fashion Etiquette 105:
Wearing your sunglasses indoors or at night is more than just a mark of social detachment (sometimes considered cool). It’s rude. Consider your surroundings and refrain the frames.

Unless you are Elton John or about to acquire Dolce & Gabbana’s $380,000+ gold and diamond spekkies, the styles coming for fall are more about refined shapes, detailed temple arms and subtler overall looks. In other words, bye-bye bling. Look for finely worked lenses, lightweight frames and a barely-there nose bridge.
Above: Christian Dior Bagatelle $345.
Shown on him: Emporio Armani $175. On her: Gucci $295. Below: Balenciaga $350.

Fashion Fact 218:
The concept of spending a king’s ransom on your precious specs is hardly new. Chinese judges in the mid-15th century wore quartz sunglasses to hide their emotions in court, Roman Emporer Nero wore emeralds and prehistoric Inuit countered sun glare by fashioning walrus ivory into goggles with thin slits.

---

Clocking In Off the Clock

Author: Sydney Levin | Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Time flies when you’re having fun…and it books first class if you’re wearing a Vacheron Constantin watch. Whether you’re a proud owner or a not-too-proud-to-windowshop kinda guy, you’d better know the history before you wear—or stare—at one. Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his first watch-making workshop in Geneva in 1775. Two-and-a-half centuries later, it’s the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, and its prestigious timepieces are sold in over 500 boutiques, stores and subsidiaries. London Jewelers at Americana Manhasset is the closest boutique, or venture into NYC. If you make a purchase, you’ll be in good company: Men like Napoleon Bonaparte and Harry Truman proudly adorned their wrists with the luxury watches. And while they’re not guaranteed to help all wearers get into the history books, they’re a step in the right direction.

Wrist Action
Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas Chronograph, $33,800, is the perfect fit. It’s part of a sporty collection that’s one part business,  one part 18-hole private club. As the brand’s website puts it: A true reflection of “the modern world that inspires its name—a world of travel and discovery. Now let’s get down to details. This opulent timepiece is 18K rose gold, 42.5mm in diameter and 12.45mm in height, with a screwed-down gold crown and push-pieces. And that’s not all. It’s got an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is water resistant up to 150 meters.

Time Out
Fancy yourself a classic guy? Then the Traditionnelle Chronograph from the well-regarded Patrimony collection is the only timepiece you’ll want to invest $42,900 in. It boasts rose gold hour markers, hands, pushers and crown, which really shine when they catch the light. It also has a sleekly polished 18K white gold case and a rich brown alligator strap. Energy: Manual. Number of Jewels: 21. Frequency: 2.5 Hz. Power-reserve (hours): 48 approx.

Time’s on Your Side
Inspired by the company’s now-historic address in Geneva, the Quai de L’ile Self Winding in rose gold, $31,500, is a gorgeous mix of old world quality and new world style. According to the Vacheron Constantin website, this piece is “lending a new dimension to the world of Haute Horlogerie.” In fact, it’s so exquisite it received the Hallmark of Geneva certification. That famous honor is only reserved for chronographs of the highest caliber, and it’s the most important accolade the industry hands out. This 27-jewel work of art is truly unique. It boasts security printing measures, including laser engraving and UV ink—the same techniques used to print currency. It’s also got hour, minutes, central second and calendar indication.

---

The Best Father’s Day Gifts

The stuff your dad has earned through his years of hard work: Relaxation, reflection and revelation.

Author: Sydney Levin | Published: Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Emperor’s New Robe

Let’s face it. Dad’s current robe used to be mom’s; it’s hanging by a thread and when he wears it to fetch the paper, he frightens neighbors and small children. Give him back his dignity with a robe that says “Hey, I’m the king of the castle. And my castle no longer has small, faded roses all over it.” (Father’s Day is the third Sunday this month, by the way. Or if you find yourself in Belgium, the second.) Any of these lightweight, woven cotton wraps from Polo Ralph Lauren are absolutely perfect for laid back lounging and they’ll run you a cool $50 or so. Only the best for pops, they’ve got all the fixins’. Open cuffs, self-tie belt and the 3 words every man longs to hear: interior locker loop.

Slow Sipping

Perhaps Billy Joel’s kid would offer him a bottle of red (or a bottle of white), but for your old man, only the best will do. And the best in breed is Lagavulin. The standard single malt scotch whisky is aged 16 years, and it comes from an island far from ours—Islay, off the Scottish mainland. But let’s get to the drink. This bottle of tawny gold is powerful and peaty (it’s got a real bite), supremely robust, full-bodied and smooth. Basically, it’s got more character than most people. It’s best enjoyed neat, and drinkers-in-the-know suggest warming your cup over a small flame to really coax out the flavor and aroma. All good things come at a cost, and a bottle of this amber beauty will typically run you upwards of $70. Still, it’s a small price to pay for a spirit with such smoke. Cocktail trivia: The name “Lagavulin” means “hollow by the mill.”

Gone Fishin’

Angling to find dad a unique gift? A nice mix of fishing gear—rod, reel, net and a colorful selection of lures—will run you from $300-$350 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but the adventures he’ll have will be priceless. Of course, you’ll want to customize this veritable tackle box of toys depending upon dad’s fishing preferences. And if this’ll be his first foray into the sport, it might be nice to write a simple “PS, Meet you at the dock” into his card. CYA: Dick’s will refund merchandise even if the packaging has been opened, so if dad doesn’t take the bait, you can bring it back.

Hang Time

Before your bore your father with another tie or coffee cup, think about what he really wants—time alone (or with his special lady) on a Saturday morning. This sturdy cotton rope swinger from Brookstone, $100, is perfect for setting between two trees or on a free standing base. And it’s large enough for one or two. Go all out and include soft cushioning. The red stripe lounging pad goes for $100 and the pillow’s an extra $99. (Hey, it’s a darn good pillow!) While you’re at it, toss in a bottle of Lagvulin (also featured on these pages) and he’ll spend sunrise to sundown swinging low in the comfort of his own palace.

Turn, Turn, Turn

Dad’s beloved records needn’t sit in those sad, dusty boxes in the back of the garage any longer. Thanks to some fancy technology, what’s old can be brand new again. With the lightweight iConvert ($130 at Brookstone), his favorite 33s and 45s can be easily transferred to a modern format that he can play on his computer or iPod. The best part? It’s a super simple 3-step process you won’t need to call the Geek Squad for. Just connect it to his computer, let the vinyl spin and voila, the download will begin…and his memories will come flooding through the speakers. Wanna score extra points? Have you and/or your kids do the work for him: Present the iConvert with an iPod or CD already loaded with the completed playlist.

Stellar View

Ever wonder what the man in the moon gives his dad for Father’s Day? No? Well that’s fine, let’s just talk telescopes then. A good stargazer can run you from about $50 for a beginner’s version all the way up to $1,000 for a tricked-out variety with GPS and built-in database of celestial objects—i.e. the works. The one shown here, Hammacher Schlemmer, $500, can even be hooked up to a computer so dad can program his own celestial tours. When it comes to buying telescopes, there are really only two (sort of contradictory) rules: Bigger is usually better, but smaller means it’ll likely be used more often. So if this is pop’s first attempt, splurging isn’t necessary.

Synchronized Style

Time waits for no one—but it might pause to take a longer look at this Ebel chronometer. Part of the impressive and unmistakable 1911 collection, this silver fox is a “naturally born sports watch” with remarkable details, like an aluminium tachometric scale on the bezel and color-coded chronograph hands. This distinguished style—and all Ebel watches, as a matter of fact—can only be bought through their official retail network. Your best bet for information, from pricing to purchasing? Rose Jewelers in Southampton and Patchogue. And after you’ve become the proud owner of those sleek lines and impressive little knobs? Even if you are fully aware of the hour, look at your debonair device often. Then, people will think you are about to dash off to an event with similarly attractive, intelligent, self-assured men.

---

Captain my Captain

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Thursday, March 25, 2010

Hugo Boss is known for sculpted, expertly fitting men’s tailoring. This is to be expected from a family of labels connected to the passion of sport. Not for the faint of heart, Hugo Boss is the sartorial vanguard of strength, elegance, control and discipline, characteristics to be expected of a brand closely aligned with modern gentlemen’s sports—Formula One, boxing, sailing, tennis and golf, to be specific. Those who dress in Boss know the differences between labels are nuanced, but the sculpting is never compromised, not even in more relaxed styles. This lightweight, fully lined, multi-pocket jacket, $495, is the best of all worlds: relaxed and sporty, but styled and measured.

---

Well Heeled

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published:

Driver shoes make a comeback every spring when gentlemen start to take their special toys out, but never with such force as this year. Whether you have the six-figure supercar to go with these loafers or not, enjoy the comfort they provide. Shown here are Parigi black leather with contrast stitching and double gancini ornament by Salvatore Ferragamo, $475, Gucci black with contrasting heel and brass horsebit, $395, and Gucci rich leather with engraved interlocking horsebit, $425. These and many other styles come in a range of colors from black to brown to blue to white, but due to the demand, Saks limits purchases to three units per customer every thirty days.

---

Watches For Your Valentine

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Friday, February 05, 2010

When acquiring specialty timepieces, considering the style and heritage of a watchmaker is crucial. The newly released Edox Sea Dubai Super Limited Edition, available at Mayfair and distributed through Gevril, is limited to 244 pieces worldwide. Dedicated to the crew of the sailing yacht, Sea Dubai, this piece embodies the spirit of the regatta. ◊ Born from a passion for precision 125 years ago, Breitling has long been the watch of choice for professionals with a sensibility for engineering and sport. The new Breitling Chronomat B01, $7,690 at London Jewelers, is a unique chronograph that features dials in a variety of colors, and straps/bracelets in a range of precious metals and leathers. ◊ In 1911, Ebel formed as a fusion of a husband wife team focused on uncompromising technical quality and elegant, sensual aesthetics. The latest Ebel, The Brasilia chronograph, $4,850 at Rose Jewelers, is consistent with the brand’s architecturally inspired mantra: sculptural lines, smoothed shapes, reliable, purposeful design.

---

Tie One On

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Monday, January 18, 2010

What’s that thing about men whose shoes don’t have laces? Never mind, it’s getting damn cold out there and you want a pair of boots that won’t make you look like a wimp on the ice. British designer Paul Smith launched his eponymous label in 1970s England. Enough said. Brown Bihar Workboots, $575, feature topstitching and pull-tabs at ankles. They look like “shoes” from the top, so you’re safe to wear them with slacks, but underneath they are all muscle with rubber soles and anti-slip nodes. Tod’s Black Stivaletto, $445, features their famed rubber nubbed sole. You’ll love it because it feels like you’re walking on cleats even though you’re light as air in these kicks. Timberland Earthkeepers Waterproof Boot, $160, is a burnished leather boot with seam-sealed construction, recycled materials lining, removable insole, and yes, a rubber sole for that rugged “ready for anything” feel.

---

Pulse Products for him

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Friday, January 01, 2010

A man’s man knows that clothes make the man, but the right accessories make Thee Man. Whether dressing up in summer linens or down in light jeans and Bermuda shorts, don’t forget the devil is in the details. Trafalgar brown leather belt $60, Nordstrom Cognac brown/multi belt $135 and brown leather woven belt $65, are light in weight for any summer slacks. Long Island hipsters Gustavo Penengo & Philip Rossillo having been “pushing perceptions of space” for celebrity clientele from their Chelsea-based architecture firm for 10 years. The international trendsetters have just released their first book, 1B- An Illustrated Document of Fact, and it’s available in limited supply at http://prdg.net for the man ready to accessorize his perceptions.If you’re going to have to tie it down, cravats with personality are the way of the summer suit. Shown here are Salvatore Ferragamo Giraffe silk tie, $160, Ermenegildo Zegna Fan yellow silk tie, $170, and XMI Platinum “Brocade Stripe” silk tie, $115. If you’re more the type to leave the collar open, a pocket square neutralizes the casual look by taking a step in the formal direction. Nordstrom tone on tone silk pocket square, $40, and Duchamp London Exotic Bloom Pochette, $60, are perfect choices for night and day. Tommy Bahama Rum Cay loafers, $135, and Lacoste white velcro sneakers, $120, will help you get a move on when you can ditch the lace-up shoes. Top it off in Makins New York Panama straw hat $125. Finally, remember Father’s Day is just around the corner. Give Dad something special like a fine Swiss watch crafted by Gevril, makers of quality timepieces sine 1758. Shown here is Serenade, in black band with white face and gold numbers, $2795, and blue band with blue face and silver numbers, $2795, both available at Mayfair. (Woodbury)

---

Hats & Scarves

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Monday, November 16, 2009

Hats are tricky, but you too can be a Dapper Dan with almost no effort. The cut of these traditional styles makes them compatible for almost any head-no matter how big. All you need to know is: The higher the forehead, the more height you should have in the hat (so the brim comes down a little lower). Another convincer: you lose about 40% of your body heat through your head. Minimize your loss and pair your topper with a scarf that goes from jacket to sweater suit. Hats (L-R): Plaid wool cap by Seifter Assoc at Bloomingdale’s $45. Brooks Brothers black cashmere cap $128. Saks Fifth Avenue wool herringbone paperboy $98. Scarves (L-R): Burberry navy, grey, red & white cashmere plaid $295. Saks Fifth Avenue red & charcoal reversible cashmere $195. Bloomingdale’s charcoal, grey & tan cashmere $98. Bloomingdale’s orange, grey, mroon & black striped $45. Brooks Broothers grey, tan & beige striped wool $98.

photo by tracey elizabeth

---

Men’s Socks

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Monday, November 02, 2009

Sox are the often-missed final detail that bespeak a man’s personality, style and character. Are you a grin and bear it, dirt under the fingernails salty dog type? Go with navy accented by lime green or orange. Hipster? Go wild with orange or red to break up your predictable earthy colors. Creative industry “Mad Men” type? Get hip with yellow or any funky pattern to show you are not among the faint of heart. At the end of the day, the women in your world are your barometer: Rock the wild sox and see what happens. While the other men around you won’t even notice what’s on your feet, the women will be smiling in approval and dropping the compliments on your bold, striking sense of style. Enough said. Show here are Polo by Ralph Lauren who is leading the way in this trend, available at most fine retailers.

---

Men’s Blazer

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Thursday, October 08, 2009

---

Cufflinks

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Thursday, September 17, 2009

Dating back to the early 1700s, cufflinks were originally handmade pieces of gold or silver adorned with gemstones, meant to be an extravagance reserved for the wealthy. By the 19th century, cufflinks were being mass-produced and men of the middle-class adopted the look by sporting replicas of pricier designs. Today, the fasteners sustain their relevance as marks of individual style. Accessory manufacturers including Kenneth Cole, Donald Trump, Geoffrey Beene, Tokens & Icons, David Donahue and Nautica have provided an array of designs to choose from, some even inviting cufflink to wristwatch coordination. Whether the end of your shirtsleeve sports a traditional, under-the-radar clasp or a witty, rebellious fastener, choose a pair that suits your personality. Just remember that cufflinks are embellishments and should not be a focus of attention that overpowers a carefully put together ensemble. — by Shannon McMahon

---

Men’s Hats

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Symmetry plays a large role in what humans find attractive: The more symmetrical the face, the more appealing it seems to others. While women have the option of choosing a hairstyle that covers a protruding forehead or one that balances a crooked smile, men have embraced hats as their own form of a distraction from less than perfect features. Whether you’re going from dull to debonair in Kangol’s “Tropic Player” in white, $45, channeling a 20th Century golfer under Bailey’s linen ivy cap, $40, or sporting the equally as vintage Bailey’s slate cap, $48, you’re sure to be ahead of the game. For legendary style icon Frank Sinatra, the hat that seemed to always suit his mood and top his outfit was the fedora. These days, the Rat Pack swagger of the 60s meets 21st century flair with Bailey’s “Mannes” fedora in black/tan, $49; the “Panama” by Makins, $125; and Bailey’s “Monroe” in ivory/black, $48. Or try Bailey’s Salem” hat, $50, which features a striped band above the brim that adds a stroke of color to the classic style without being too brash. While these featured styles may make the man, there are rules when it comes to hat etiquette: Never wear your hat during a meal, but always remember to wear it with pride—if it looks like a costume, no one will take you seriously.

---

Men’s Briefcases & Wallets

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published:

Like briefcases, businessmen come in all shapes and styles, while serving different purposes. Some are simple sophisticates, others are elaborate entrepreneurs. Some carry bulky binders, others prefer alphabetized agendas. No matter your professional style, there’s a briefcase out there to fit your every file, folder, laptop and PDA. For the career-driven male in need of various compartments to aid in organization, Heritage’s dark brown leather case, $99 and Brenthaven’s black carrier case, $120, offer ample storage and durability to fulfill your everyday needs on the trek to and from the office. If you don’t lug as much paperwork and simply utilize a briefcase to transport a laptop and a few personal items, try this black “Village” briefcase, $795, the “Country Luxe” slim flap briefcase in brown, $798, both by Cole Haan, or Johnston & Murphy’s double handle portfolio briefcase, $295. While a briefcase sets the tone for a man’s professional style, a wallet does so for his personal taste. A wallet should make a man feel confident whether he’s whipping it out to pay for a fancy meal or while getting carded for buying beer. But rest assured, with Joseph Abboud’s brown bi-fold wallet, $55, Polo Ralph Lauren’s black billfold wallet, $85, Fossil’s brown leather wallet, $35, or Guess’ billfold wallet in Light Brown, $36, in your back pocket, you’re bound to impress everyone from the waiter to the checkout clerk.