Essential | 1963 Porsche 356B T6 Coupe

1963 Porsche 356B T6 Coupe

This stunning 1963 T6 Super 90 coupe (VIN # 120061, motor # 805148) is one of the best examples of the last of the Super 90's, before Porsche introduced the C model with the SC motor.  This coupe is featured in Bali-Blue (6412), a special-order color for 1963, with a tan leather/vinyl interior.

The VIN number indicates this coupe was built in September 1962, and first registered in 1963. The car comes with a jack, tool kit, owners manual, Lietz rack, luggage straps, fog lights and a Nardi wood steering wheel.  This pristine Porsche has been fully restored to its day that it rolled off the assembly line.  A truly rare car that would look amazing with me in it.  One can only wish right?

Essential | Persol 714

Persol 714 | Persol

The Persol 714 folding sunglasses are quite easily the most classic and sought after Persol ever made! Made legend by Steve McQueen both on screen, in movies such as the “Thomas Crown Affair ” and off. Persol stopped making the 714 model decades ago, luckily has decided to re-release this model. This is a true classic. The fun part is trying to locate a pair.

• Folding frame
• Limited release
• Hand made in Italy

Essential | D.S. Dundee Harrington Jacket

D.S. Dundee
In keeping with the signature use of tweed, D.S. Dundee has cut a beautiful Harrington jacket and will be offering it in an real indigo check cotton tweed (exquisite & extremely limited edition) plus a lightweight rustic Saxony tweed - swatch samples seen above. Pictured is said jacket in option 3 which is a British Colonial Classic navy seersucker fabric, slightly more conservative but dapper nonetheless.

Take a stroll over to D.S. Dundee and have a look. The Harrington Jacket is from their SS09 collection.

Obsession | McQueen's Machines

Perhaps you couldn't tell, but I am a classic car addict like McQueen. Apparently we have some similar tastes in vehicles. Take a look at this book to see what he was into.

Essential | D.S. Dundee Shirting SS09 Collection

D.S. Dundee

When it comes to casual shirting this spring/summer, there is no doubt that it will be some variation of gingham. It is a handsome alternative to standard casual shirting (oxford, plaid, flannel, etc.) and makes for an easy pairing. Whether your going to wear it with jeans, khaki's, or shorts, D.S. Dundee's, made in U.K. cotton gingham shirts in brown, black and red, will go with just about everything and deserve a look at. By the way, these shirts are made at a well-established family business in Kent, U.K. if your wondering.

As an independent U.K. company trying to build their brand, they have done an amazing job with their recent SS09 collection where the key story is craftsmanship and "made in the U.K." They've spent the last few months forging collaborations with mills and manufacturers all around the U.K. to bring us quality wear made by artisans with decades of experience.

Lastly, Jim and Elizabeth, it was a pleasure meeting you both. The SS09 collection is a handsome collection that really captures the style of a modern English gentlemen. Keep up the amazing work D.S. Dundee.

More from the SS09 collection to come.

Obsession | 1969 Fiat 500

1969 Fiat 500

There’s no use in denying it but I’m quite the nostalgic, as you may already have surmised. If you frequent my blog on occasions, you know I am a sucker for classic cars. Today gave way for yet another dive into days gone by. The Fiat 500 was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 10ft long, and powered by a tiny 479cc two-cylinder engine, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars. (wiki)

Essential | Stubbs & Wootton Slippers

Velvet Slipper's Stubbs & Wootton

Not just a slipper, a statement is what these make. Stubbs & Wootton have been doing just that, making a statement with their bold designs, and their off the wall embroideries that are sure to attract attention. And with the pseudo warm weather soon to roll in, there is no better time to invest in Spring/Summer shoes. Not a fan of the money symbol's? Not a problem as they have a number of designs for you to choose from.

The classic black velvet slipper, trimmed in black grosgrain with a black heel and sole are very handsome. These slippers can be paired with a suit, tuxedo, a pair of jean and t-shirt, or even a pair of shorts. These versatile slippers are truly a great addition to a gentleman's shoe closet.

Essential | Sport Watches

Breitling Superocean | Breitling 
Rolex Submariner | Rolex
Omega Seamaster | Omega

Luminor Panerai Tourbillon | Luminor Panerai

Essential | Ralph Lauren Saddle Shoes

RL Henley Saddle Shoes | Ralph Lauren

An option to deck shoes this Spring/Summer is the saddle shoe. Saddle shoes come in a variation of colors, but I just happen to love the clean look and contrast of colors on these. Saddle shoes are amazingly versatile as they can be worn with shorts or a pair of dark denim for a more casual look, or they can be dressed up with a suit. Either way, these are a great choice of shoes for those looking for an alternative.

Obsession | Steve McQueen's Jaguar XK-SS

1957 Jaguar XK-SS

Jaguar was a dominant force in racing during the 1950s. Ferrari was already a major player, and on the right day, Aston Martin and Maserati got their licks in. Porsche's star was rising, too, but it was Coventry's fast, dependable, and downright beautiful XK-120Ms, C-Types, and D-Types that commanded so many sports car and endurance races. Jaguars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times that decade, notching the hat trick in 1955, 1956, and 1957, plus countless other professional and amateur victories in Europe and the United States.

McQueen added his imprint to the 713. He repainted the exterior a more discreet British Racing Green. Tony Nancy restitched the interior in black leather. Von Dutch fabricated a metal glove-box door to cover the previously open storage space in the dash, purportedly to keep McQueen's shades from flying out of the cubby while he was giving the Jag a thrash. McQueen affectionately nicknamed it the Green Rat.

Essential | Gucci Horsebit Loafer

Gucci Horsbit Loafer | Gucci

There are a number of classic style shoes that I have yet to acquire, this being one of them.  The Gucci Horsebit Loafer is synonymous with style and is a shoe that has withstood the test of time. Gucci introduced its moccasin-style loafer in 1953, and in the years since, its lofty status has peaked and waned--and then peaked again, thanks in no small part to Tom Ford, who in the mid-’90s lacquered them and turned their iconic brass-toned horse bits silver. These very shoes have not changed much over the past decades, and remains an iconic shoe.

The Horsebit Loafer is truly a classic shoe that looks better with age, so pair it with a pair of jeans or a pair of casual slacks.  

A Closer Look | 1940's L.L. Bean Boot

Essential | J-Press Waxed Attache

For some time now, I've been looking for an all season, classic, yet utilitarian attache that can handle keeping my stuff dry while still looking business appropriate.  Made of waxed nylon/canvas and bridle leather, this no frills bag made by J.Press combines utilitarian features with handsome detailing, sure to withstand anything that comes it's way.  This attache is truly a classic piece fit for a connoisseur or for someone who is looking for their first attache.  

Essentials | Obsession Pieces

1. Chambray Shirt | Beams/Orslow 

2. Tompkin Straight Fit Pants | J.Crew

3. Moc Driver | The Original Car Shoe

Essential | Acne Light Duffle Jacket

Wailer Man Light Duffle Jacket | Acne 

Now that the weather here in New York is getting a bit nicer (I hope I didn't speak too soon), I find myself keeping an eye out for lighter jackets. In my opinion, now if any is probably the best time as most people are not ready to make the transition, so you'll most likely have better luck. In my search, I stumbled across a really neat duffle coat--not the duffle coat we're use to seeing. Acne makes a light duffle called the Wailer Man jacket. Made of cotton, not wool, this duffle is lightweight and very classic in it's appearance. To top it off, it's wax treated, and if your familiar with wax treated products (i.e. Barbour, Belstaff, etc.) you know how well they hold up to rain. This duffle really pair's well with oxford shirt, dark jeans, and either moc's, or a nice pair of brogues.

Absolute Cool!

Absolute Cool!  Barneys' has collaborated with Italian brand Super (Super x Barneys) to introduce the new and improved, better yet, more sophisticated version of the Ray Ban Wayfarer.  With its tiger-striped tortoise shell frame and gold lenses, these glasses scream absolute cool, "Cool Hand Luke," cool.  Absolutely stunning display of modern design infused with classic style.  

Office Must Have:

1. Remington Rand Industrial Chair  | Get Back Inc

2. Theater Spot Light  | Get Back Inc

Must Have:

These are a must have for the winter.  These thinsulated lightweight cuff gloves will keep you hands toasty throughout this season.  Best of all, they won't break the bank.  

Maverick CT Classic Glove | JRC Glove Distributing Co

Travel Nessesity | Grass Court Duffle

I recently came across this small company out of Hanover, NH (Grass Court Collection) while surfing the web for classic duffle bags.  Grass Court Collection, specializes in "distinguished lawn-tennis & yacht club apparel," made for the discriminating sports executives. While the description didn't sound remotely like what I was looking for, I found the site interesting, and continued to peruse, eventually stumbling upon what I had set out to find - a basic canvas duffle with no frills.  Jackpot! What really enticed me is the fact that the bags are hand stitched in New Hampshire and come with a triple stitched brown leatherette bottom, medium brown buck leather equestrian handles and a heavy duty white carrying strap.  I put the order in and will update the build quality.  

*Update: Bag came today and I am pleasantly surprised.  The craftsmanship is bar none and exceeds any prior expectations I may have had.  The rich leather compliments the blue canvas so well, and I am sure with age, the bag will look even better.  Something I hope to pass on.