Gifts for Guys

I'm not really sure what is harder; buying gifts for guys or girls. However, there are probably greater consequences for not getting the right gift for a girl (let me know if you disagree), so I should probably spend a bit more time writing the 'gifts for girls.'

You can't argue with that kind of logic, so let's begin with 'gifts for guys.'

1. Clothes

Buying something that someone would actually wear has to be one of life's great joys. As such, a gift list should include items of clothing. However, everyone has their own fashion sense so it's extremely hard to undertake a one size fits all approach. As a general rule, good quality, simplistic designs with timeless potential will always be the most successful gifts. Focus on colours such as colours such as greys, navys and blacks. Leave the more out there colours and designs to the individual (note: a grey kenzo tiger is not a timeless piece). For basic ideas, you could consult my essentials posts (links here - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) or for more significant occasions you could also consider the items on my Wishlist (link here - Part 1). If after all this, you still have no idea, perhaps you could consider these two items.

Sport coat

A 'timeless' sport coat is a wardrobe staple for any male. Something in the timeless colours (grey, navy and black) will always be a great gift. Even if the guy loves his street fashion and you just can't picture him in a blazer, just remember that everyone will have to attend a 'fancy' occasion at some point in time. It will be times like this that he'll be thankful for your thoughtful gift. Good quality sport coats can get pricey very quickly. So as a general rule, get something in wool such as this navy jacket from Zara.

Lounge Pants

Comfort is everything these days. This makes comfortable lounge or jersey pants one of the new essential items. Once again, get something tasteful in timeless colours such as these ones from Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein and you'll have purchased a great gift.

2. Storage

I think it's quite safe to say that guys like to 'collect' things just as much as girls. This means they are going to need a place to store these things. For the young professional, this will most likely consist of watches, cufflinks and tie pins. As such, I recommend getting a personalised valet box. Sure you could get an accessory box from Smythson but if you're like me, a tasteful personalised gift will win out every time. 

Also, the valet box will likely be a centre piece item. This means you'll be in the centre of their thoughts, if that's a priority...

3. Document Holder

Most guys that would use a messenger bag will either have one or have one on their radar. Similar to a 'significant watch', the messenger bag is an item that should be chosen by the individual as they form their professional identity.

However, one item that might not be on their radar is a document holder. Every guy should have one of these. Great for meetings or when travelling short distances, the document holder is a must. The messenger bag is better for a commute but if you need quick access with a 'less is more' vibe, a document holder wins out every time. This is something that he'll use for years to come so try to get something timeless like this document holder from Mulberry.

4. Camera

Buying the 'right' camera can often be very difficult because there are many people that think they are 'professionals' when it come to photography (think of the person that has a $2500 DSLR but probably couldn't shoot your face in focus from 3 feet away). 

Even if they do know how to use their DSLR, unless it's a wedding etc they are going to look like a tool if they bring it out. As such, perhaps consider the following cameras to 'compliment' their prized possession. I'm not an expert on cameras but I've never been disappointed when using these cameras.

Compact Camera

Everyone needs a good compact camera. As such, why not consider the Sony WX350 or the pricier Sony RX100M2. Both are great for what they offer and I'd be surprised if you can find a better camera in their class.

Action Camera

You've seen the videos of the dog running to the beach and you've probably seen countless live action snow videos. That's the beauty of the Go Pro Hero 4+. There's so many uses for it. You just gotta get creative.

5. Speakers

Lets face it, everyone likes to listen to music. However, many people do not have a good quality portable speaker (myself included). I don't know how many times I've been somewhere and I've thought it would be great to have some tunes. Thus, as we are trying to find 'quality' items that people wouldn't buy themselves, why not consider the SoundLink® Colour Bluetooth® speaker from Bose. I've been seriously tempted to get one of these for a while. Don't take my word for it though. Have a look at the review on CNET and make up your own mind.

So there you have it. 5 Items to think about. Just remember the best gifts are ones that the recipient would like but probably wouldn't pay for. Stay tuned for Gifts for Girls.

#Hanbaobao

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The Wishlist

It's funny that something which began as bit of fun and a place to put some thoughts, is becoming a source of information and entertainment. In lieu of my sarcastic 'Favourite Luxury Items,' I've now been asked what Luxury Items are actually on my Wishlist.

I'm not going to lie when I say I'm a bit reluctant to post this. The items are still on the 'Wishlist' for a reason; I would have bought them already if I was sure I wanted them. I guess though, there would have to be some that I am further along in the decision process. I've picked 5 to share that I'll probably be buying over the next month or so. Here we go.

1. Balenciaga T-Shirt

Balenciaga Short Sleeve Top

This t-shirt has been on my radar for a short while now. I quite like the non-in your face design that separates it from other luxury brands. I also like that the design is inverted from traditional t-shirts. Instead of the design being in the centre of the t-shirt, the centre is left blank for you to fill in. To me this says, your life is a blank canvas. Yes there are other things around  (the leather look paintbrush stroke in the surroundings), but you can choose what you want to project. A lot for a t-shirt to say but what's the point of clothing if you can't use it to express yourself.

2. Paul Smith Cuff links

To be perfectly honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Paul Smith. I don't really identify with the brand and their designs don't do a lot for me. However, I quite like these Robot Copper Cuff links. I'm always on the hunt for some fun, good quality, no so common cuff links. These seem to tick all the right boxes. I know they are mass produced but I don't think I'll come across too many people with them.

3. Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Once you have your essential single piece leather belts, I encourage you to add some diversity to your casual wardrobe. Currently I have my eye on this braided belt from Ralph Lauren (I also have my eye on the one from TOD'S). I'm quite pedantic when it comes to belts, so this is my preference due to the square buckle shape. 

4. Chanel De Bleu Soap

Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap

There's no point having a wish list without having at least one guilty pleasure. For me, this item is the Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap. It's a lot to pay for a bar of soap but as I like to collect things (I have the Bleu de Chanel cologne), I think this would match quite nicely. I haven't tried it yet so maybe I'll review it in a post called 'Skincare for the Modern Man.'

5. Balenciaga White High Sneakers

Balenciaga Monochrome High Sneakers

If you can't tell, Balenciaga is my brand of the month. I really like the designs coming out of this French fashion house. With my sneaker collection needing a little bit of an overhaul, this pair of hi-tops have risen to the top of my wish list. Can't say much more about them now other than I always enjoy single colour designs.

It would be great to hear your thoughts on these. Stay tuned for The Wishlist Part 2.

#Hanbaobao

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Essential Items of Clothing (Part 3)

Welcome to Part 3 of this mini series. I hope you have agreed with Parts 1 and 2. By now I am starting to run out of the big everyday items. This essentially leaves only accessories. I'm a bit reluctant to suggest what you should get for accessories. Accessories are one area where you can and should be able to express yourself. Despite this, I guess there certain types of belts, socks, ties, even shirts, that you should definitely have. By all means go out and get the most ridiculous looking accesories items if you like them. However, among all these items I hope that you consider the following.

7. Belts

Belts are often an item of clothing that gets overlooked when it comes to owning a quality essential piece. This is simply because all standard belts (black/brown with a metal buckle) generally look the same. It takes a certain person (usually gay) to really notice what belt you are wearing (not to mention good eyesight as more often than not it will look like you are investigating somebody's crotch). Therefore, for some people, the only time they justify an expensive belt is when its for show and is bought in poor taste.

Rugged Leather Belt

So that being said, why bother spending a lot of money on an item that basically looks like the $20 knock off? Well for starters a belt should compliment your clothes. Its the finishing touch that keeps you looking sharp. An honourable mention goes to RM Williams for the quality of their leather goods. However, I don't really identify with being a farmer so my choice is from Ralph Lauren. Depending on its purpose, you could go for a great everyday belt such as the rugged leather belt shown above.

Chunky Roller-Buckle Belt

However, if you're after a fancier belt that can be used for everyday wear in addition to formal occasions, might I suggest the chunky roller-buckle belt; also from Ralph Lauren

8. Socks

After a long day (even if there's a lot of sitting involved) you will find there is a massive difference based on what kind of socks you wear. Your socks are very much part of your identity so I will keep it general. There are always two issues with most socks; odour and chaffing. You could try the *Silverescent socks (apparently they have silver in them to help with odours...?) such as those from Lululemon which are supposed to suppress the odour. However, I've found that this can generally be counteracted by simply wearing thicker socks. This poses the next problem. With a market so saturated with socks, what should you choose as an essential?

Solid Crew

I'd suggest you go with long black sport socks when it permits. My choice is the solid crews from Adidas Originals. I've always been skeptical of sports socks, but unlike a lot of sports gear, these work. You get great elasticity in the socks such that it doesn't feel like your toes are being suffocated. They are ridiculously comfortable and any smells seem very manageable compared to office socks that end up sweaty and slippery.

9. Jackets
In Australia, our winters are relatively mild compared to other parts around the world. As such, the most important jacket you will own is a mid weight versatile jacket. I'm not here to tell you which jackets you should or should not get but one that you should definitely own is one that falls in the causal to almost semi formal range. As such, this rules out hoodies and dinner jackets as your most versatile jacket.

Nylon Field Jacket - The Closest I could find

What you are looking for is something that has the comfort of a hoodie and is less formal than a dinner jacket. For me, my choice is the the easy jacket from Scotch and Soda. Goes with everything and you can dress it up or down as required.

Before I conclude part 3, I'd like to summarise my thoughts. With these 9 items, you basically have the 'essentials' set for your wardrobe. With that in mind, I encourage you to fill the rest of your wardrobe with items that allow you to express your identity. That's why I generally left out tops and accessories from these posts. So until next time, my closing words are to remember to question why you like or identify with an item before you buy it.

#Hanbaobao

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Favourite Luxury Items

This could be seen as a spin off rant about the 'rich asian' I posted recently in the how to dress cool post. Owning luxury items is not a bad thing. I love luxury items but what I hate are the tasteless ones or ones worn in bad taste. Below are a few of my favourites.

1. LV Belt

It takes a special person to wear the Louis Vuitton checkered logo belt. Similar to the gucci belt, this is worn not to keep your pants from falling down, but to ensure everyone around you can see how rich you are. Conveniently forgetting that daddy paid for it, the wearer will tuck his polo shirt in (quite possibly a Black Watch RL polo - see below) to ensure maximum visibility. Small man syndrome is also a by product of the LV belt. A very special person indeed.

2. Moët & Chandon NV Champagne

This champagne is actually not that bad. However, what really riles me about it is how people that do not know anything about quality champagne, rave about it like its the most amazing thing on the planet. The fact they even know about it is only due to clever marketing and that moronic rich guy with no taste that keeps ordering it. Whilst when it hits your lips, Moët might have quite a nice taste, it is the rather crude finish that I find off putting. So before you try to classify yourself as more refined, might I suggest you try Pol Roger or Veuve Clicquot which has a much nicer crisper finish. If you still prefer Moët then at least you have an opinion and I will have no choice but to respect that.

3. Prada Sandals

The trademark of the 'rich' Asian. I think it's at its worst when worn by under 30s. At a time when you are trying to look trendy and keep up to date with fashion, this sandal is about the least trendy thing you can own. All you really have is a $500 pair of sandals that say I have no taste or imagination. It's usually coupled with a bad taste polo, leather jacket and/or the aforementioned LV belt. Note the only times that this item is acceptable is when worn by its intended targets; dads wearing 'dad' outfits and Arab gentleman wearing robes. 

4. Black Watch Ralph lauren

I love Ralph Lauren. There's so much to love about it and I own quite an extension collection of it. However, the Black Watch line is undoubtably one of the worst items to have crossed into mainstream fashion. As its intended purpose (ie you actually play polo or at the very least, support it), I think it's more than acceptable as its very similar to any sporting team jersey. However, when it's worn by people that probably have never ridden a horse let alone don't know anything about polo, this tells me one thing. Fashion Train Band Wagon. Just like my cashed up idiots post, please please please have some knowledge about why you identify with the brand and not because of the size of the horse (and your overinflated ego).

5. Samsung Galaxy Note

Once again I don't hate samsung nor the Galaxy. I think they have the potential to be very useful for certain people. I have flirted with the idea of getting a samsung but unfortunately I haven't found a defining advantage which keeps me loyal to my iPhone 6. 

So why is it on the list. A lot of it has to do with a certain type of user. I was recently told I was stupid for having an iPhone because I didn't have this one special feature. I was then shown how on a galaxy note that with the split screen feature, I could be on Facebook and Twitter at the same time. This guy was obviously wearing a LV belt, tucked in Black Watch polo and would definitely have been wearing Prada slippers if daddy let him buy them. Seriously, how bloody retarded do you have to be if that is your pinnacle in life. Sitting on social media to further your life of poor taste and a lack of accomplishments. Now if you're a YouTube star, maybe it's justifiable but if you're the product of daddy's credit card you can go play in traffic. At least then you'll be more interesting.

Rant over.

#Hanbaobao

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