badtofu » accessories

Style in simplicity: Skagen watches

eric — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:00:42 +0000

Watches are made to be functional, accurate, and in some cases, serve as an interesting conversation piece. They should flow well with your outfit, and never look like the star of the show. Not many brands can say they’ve figured out this formula while staying in an obtainable the price range. With pieces that look like they have their own gravity and orbiting satellite, your average consumer would consider these, big name, “super watches” to be some sort of frivolous purchase, and move on to something more realistic. The husband and wife run, Skagen, have figured out how to make affordable timepieces, that have a simplistic aesthetic, while displaying quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Constructed using materials such as carbon fiber, steel and titanium, these watches are also some of the lightest I’ve come across, yet seem to easily put up with day-to-day abuse. Currently I have three of my own, and with a sub 200$ price tag for most of their watch line, you really are getting a hell of a deal.

Style in simplicity: Old Navy Plaid Flannel Shirt

Tanner Goods Lanyard

eric — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:20:42 +0000

Every morning, as I walk to the door of my apartment, the first couple words I always mutter are; “keys, wallet, phone”. These are the most important things I need to leave out in the morning with, but of the three, keys have the greatest weight of importance. Keys control your life, they open your door to work, they start your car, they unlock that drawer of stuff you don’t want your co-workers stealing, and the open the door to the apartment where you left your wallet and phone. That being said, having a solid accessory to retain all the possible keys I could need for the day is a must.

Over the years I’ve managed to rely on a single, purple carabiner that I’ve managed to beat the hell out of. I’ve somehow scratched off most of the anodized purple making it look more like I’ve been using it to carve stone instead of just carrying some keys, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. Looking for something a little mature, and handle the abuse at the same time, I invested in a Tanner Goods Lanyard, and I can say it was worth every cent. The piece is constructed by hand from vegetable dyed bridal leather, with a single snap and nickel plated clasp, giving me the feeling that my keys are more likely to break then this lanyard. If you are seriously in the market, or just have have 32$ burning a hole in your wallet, I would highly advise you pick one up.

Roberu leather camera goods

Filson Original Briefcase

eric — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:22:15 +0000

As a child, the simple idea that items such as shoes, jeans, and even toys, are meant to last, is a concept I think our little minds fail to grasp. Maybe its because we have the attention span of a gnat, or maybe its all the sugar, I don’t know. But as we begin to grow, we quickly begin to grow out the items that once fit, and toss then aside like rags, it sorta sets this throw-away mentality in children. The idea that once something has become worn, has been around for a long period of time, gets tagged as something that needs to be replaced. Sadly, most of the retail industry thrives on this state of mind, and they make their products accordingly. Constructed to last just long enough for your credit card to clear. I’ve fallen prey to this bait and switch many times, and have finally arrived at the point in my life were products that I buy should be more like a long term investment then something to get the job done for now.

My first venture into responsible purchasing, was for and item that I’ve needed for a good period of time, a briefcase. As an adult, I thought that when I went to interviews or to meet clients I should look the part. And while there are plenty of brilliant looking backpacks, they don’t fit the professional ascetic I’d like to portray. That being said, I began the task of hunting for the briefcase to fit my needs. The selection process was pretty strict:

needed to be constructed of quality material that can stand up to the elements and wear
made by a company with a track record of quality, long lasting products
have shoulder and hand straps that could put up with varied amounts of weight and not damage the bag or break
and finally will look great, if not better, years down the road.

After a couple weeks of research, the company at the top of my list was Filson, with the Original Briefcase in tan.

I managed to pick up one locally at one of my favorite shops, Unionmade. The awesome part about their Filson section is, they have one wall lined with the brand new version of each bag, and lining the opposite wall, the aged versions of each. After eyeing what my bag wound look like in a year’s time, I can’t wait for mine to start getting beat up and worn in.

The bag itself is like a tank in hand. Constructed from industrial weight cotton, you’d think this thing could stop a bullet. All of the straps, handles, and the lip joining the zipper to the bag itself, are made from high quality bridal leather. Overall the bag looks and feels spectacular, and probably one of the smartest investments I’ve made in some time. If you’re interested in picking up one for yourself, or just checking out the huge range of goods Filson has to offer, just head over to Filson.com

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The lost art of socks

eric — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:54:16 +0000

When people consider various options to spice or color up an outfit the solution is usually pretty straight forward. Most go with a bold tie/bow tie, a bright pocket square for a suit or blazer, or a crazy pattern/colored shirt, with a more subtle cardigan or crewneck layered over top. While these are all excellent options, there is a simple solution that most seem to ignore these days: a nice pair of socks.

I’m not talking about your dad’s old, black church socks that stretch to his throat and damn near look like stockings. I’m talking about socks of different colors and patterns. Houndstooth, argyle, plaids, polka dots, stripes, greens, blues, pinks, neons — the options these days are almost endless. I consider socks to be the only piece of a fit that allows you to get away with almost anything. The symmetry of socks is what allows them to work in most situations, regardless of their color or pattern.

If you think about it, they are really an overlooked article of clothing that tends to get noticed more than people realize: You enter a room, and usually the first glances are at your face, then your feet (or maybe that’s just me). When you take a seat, there’s more than likely going to be a sock sneak peek. And once you cross your legs, it’s suddenly The Sock and Shoe Show. And nothing kills a well-put-together fit than the appearance of ribbed, white, crew cut socks. Hell, I’ve been given higher praise for a pair of socks then for the 300$ pair of Common Project sneakers I wore over them. You never know what kind of conversation you might strike up over your socks.

There are many great brands out there, but my go-to socks are by the Swedish designers Viktor Tell and Mikael Soderlindh. They created the colorful line known as Happy Socks. I’m sure by now you have seen a pair or two in smaller clothing stores since they are spreading like wildfire. Each season they drop an amazing array of patterns and colors. So many, in fact, that I dare you not to find at least ONE pair you like. Another of my favorites sock lines is by American Rag. While they don’t have the crazy patterns and combinations of Happy Socks, they have a nice color range that goes outside of the norm. There are tons of other great places to find socks, so don’t limit your search.

Now while I might be singing the praises of trying out bold sock options, there are also some caveats. Its best to keep seasonal patterns in their season. By this I mean argyles are probably better saved for fall/winter/early spring. Also, while a pink sock with a nice dark suit might have people thinking you’re some kinda bad-ass, an aqua and purple striped sock might have people thinking you’ve lost your goddamn mind. So find socks that complement your personality, your outfit, or just a pair that you just fucking love, and show people you have great sock game.

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Roberu leather camera goods

eric — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:28:35 +0000

For most of use, when we go searching for items such as carrying cases, straps and various items for our cameras, we are bombarded with the same lame, nylon, cheap shit that you can probably find in Walmart or your local Shell Gas station. Having spent so much on a camera, I for one, would be more then willing to shell out a couple more bills for quality accessories. While this market is ever growing, it is still a small one, but Leather Factory Roberu is putting its best efforts into catering to camera owners such as myself. For their Winter 09 line of camera goods, they have created several items using using natural materials, such as dyed leather and silk, giving each item an authentic look and feel and probably turning a few heads in the process. Roberu’s full winter line of carrying cases, camera straps and holder for the small form factor camera, are currently available at their online store and other select retailers.

WTAPS lighter cover

eric — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:57:48 +0000

So you say you drive a brand new SL65, wear 500$ jeans, and make it rain more then the weather channel, but when you go to light up your imported cigar, your BIC lighter makes you look like some lowly investment banker? Well WTAPS has exactly what you need. Their embossed, leather lighter cover, fits over any standard BIC lighter to give it that, “I burn money with this” look. Currently available in brown from The Glade, or in in black or brown at Darkside Initiative for 75€ (yes thats euros, not dollars).

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UNDFTD Japan iPhone case

eric — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:13:39 +0000

As a former iPhone owner, there are few things about it I can look back on, and say that I miss. The amazing amount of designer and artist edition cases is one of those blaring items, and the latest offering from Undefeated (UNDFTD) Japan, definitely makes it a tough pill to swallow. This royal blue protective case is stamped with the five strives logo on the outside, and on the inside, the infamous “Play Dirty” motto. If you happen to be an iphone owner interested in this case, you have two options, move to japan, or stop by/give in4mation (hawaii) a ring to order one.

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