Well, let it begin...
Profound Aesthetic Wood Bead Bracelets ($18): I need more. The first of their many efforts appropriately titled the ‘Wood Collection’ shows us the meticulously hand crafted wood beads with natural stone accents and metal pieces which highlight the “PA” signature engraving. Offered in four different colourways (Black, Natural, Red and Brown), these quality wrist pieces are available on their website. I have the Aqua and Olive. Looking to diversify.
Bergino Suede Baseball ($25): Specializing in finely crafted baseball related gifts, Bergino adds a touch of sporting legend to office or home decor. Their balls come in a vast array of suede and can also be customized for more individualized gifts. I am also particularly fond of their miniature baseball gloves – which are perfectly sized for use as a paper weight or business card holder. But the one that I have my eye on is the Ruby one (second to last row, far right). Website.
Tie Bar Pocket Squares ($8): The Tie Bar was born out of frustration—frustration that ties cost so much. So former lawyers Greg and Gina Shugar decided to do something about it: Greg learned design, Gina learned the retail business, and soon thetiebar.com had solved their sartorial dilemma. It turns out they weren’t the only ones who were having trouble finding well-priced, on-trend accessories, and their success with neckwear led them to expand into tie bars, pocket squares, and cufflinks. And I have fell in love with their pocket squares. Especially their cotton ones. There are a few I need to add to my collection;Mini Gingham - Red, Solid White Cotton (Brown Border), and Denim - Light Blue. All three are linked up. See, making it easy for you.
Miles Davis Quintet: Live in Europe 1967: The Bootleg Series Vol. 1 ($35.24): If you're a seasoned jazz fan, you immediately understand: "Wait, isn't that the band with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter? Ron Carter and Tony Williams? The one behind E.S.P., and Miles Smiles, and Nefertiti? The one with all those twisted, fourth-dimension harmonies? The rhythmically athletic swing? Those incredible tunes? And ... whoa, wait, you mean they're live, too?" That's how I felt when I first got my hands on the new of this piece of history being available for purchase. The five-man band he led from late 1964 to early '68 — the so-called "second great quintet" — was one of the best he ever had. Website.
Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka ($27.99): This is a small batch vodka made in Pennsylvania from locally grown potatoes by two guys using a copper still. The result is a softer, creamier style of vodka that is more mild on the palate. The quality of the spirit is obvious upon the first sip - this is vodka made by people who really care about quality and precision. F. Paul Pacult's Spirits Journal has ranked the Boyd & Blair Vodka as the 22nd best spirit in the world, making it the Spirits Journal's top ranked Vodka. Pacult opines, "The best small-scale vodka I've had since the 45th Parallel. So sumptuous and tasty that it's spectacular tasted neat. Best non-Polish vodka available. AWESOME ACHIEVEMENT!" -Five Stars Spirits Journal. Website.
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season ($37.99): Boardwalk Empire is an American television series from cable network HBO, set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era. It stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. The show was adapted by Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and producer Terence Winter (of The Sopranos) from a book about historical criminal kingpin Enoch "Nucky" Johnson by Nelson Johnson, entitled Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City. Boardwalk Empire has received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its visual style and historical accuracy, as well as for Buscemi's lead performance. The series was nominated for 18 Emmy Awards; winning eight, including Outstanding Directing for Martin Scorsese. On October 12th, 2011 it was announced that the series had been renewed for a third season. Well, I need the complete first season in my life. Website.
Esquire The Rules: A Man's Guide to Life ($9.95): Just being a man was never more fraught with confusion and peril-and that's why this best-selling guide has been expanded.This is a perfect men's manual for life in the 21st century. This men's manual to life in the 21st century is now in paperback! Derived from the magazine's popular feature, Esquire The Rules provides plenty of light-hearted reading, manly musings and good advice. Its entertainment to live by, covering work to sex and everything in between, including Rule Number 581: If the bartender has a mullet, ordering a martini is probably a bad idea. Its probably one of my favorite columns from my favorite magazine. Website.
The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957-1965 ($28.90): The most chaotic and soulful coffee table book I've seen in awhile, no contest. The book has a forlorn and gripping story to tell, about how Smith, the Life magazine photographer, left his job and his family to hole up for eight years in a dilapidated building in Midtown Manhattan. He was supposed to be completing a photo essay about the city of Pittsburgh. But as he became obsessed with the building and the famous jazz musicians who gathered in it to play at night (and as he became increasingly addicted to alcohol and amphetamines), the Pittsburgh project became a memory, and Smith began recording the goings-on at 821 Sixth Avenue full time. Website.
Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present ($26.40): More than 200 spectacular, frenzied and authentic photographs from 1955 to the present catch and define the energy and intoxication of rock 'n' roll. The collection captures rock's message of freedom and personal reinvention to examine the effect of photography on the musicians, fans and culture. Many of the image collected here are now iconic - a young Elvis in 1956, tender and vulnerable, John Lennon in New York and the famous Jimi Hendrix portrait by Gered Mankowitz. I love this book, and not merely for the uniformly excellent and often unexpected photographs Ms. Buckland has chosen to illustrate this love letter to rock’s finest photographers (and performers). Website.YES, one more coffee table book...
The Sartorialist ($16.50): Hi...My name is Gerald. And I'm a people watcher. I get so inspired...From their style. Scott Schuman and myself share the same pasttime. He just turned it into a profession and he's very good. Have you ever heard of him? He is the creator of the popular blog "The Sartorialist". After leaving his position as director of men's fashion at his showroom to take care of his daughter in September 2005, he began carrying a digital camera around NYC and photographing people he saw on the street whose style he found interesting. He then posted these to his blog, sometimes with short comments, always either favorable or open-minded...He is well known for photographing what have been described as "real people". Well, he has a book. Website.
Crosley Revolution Portable Turntable ($97.37): They took the record player "out of the box". Crosley's Revolution turntable truly fits the word in every way. Where my other turntables take up space, this one dances around a desk without ado. Where other record players must be kept in their designated place, this one practically begs to join you on every journey. And where other turntables tangle you in a web of wires, it effortlessly pairs with any FM radio for cordless, clear sound. It is a turntable of firsts-the first battery-powered Crosley turntable, the first with a platter smaller than a teacup saucer, and the first with a wireless transmitter for cord-free enjoyment. Website .Well, that's it for this year. Let me know if you need mailing information. I also take cash, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Target, Pottery Barn, and Visa/Express gift cards. I would say check, but...Naw.
Well, I look forward to what you get me...
...I'll keep you posted
...Wait, you all keep me posted. :)
