My "Ten Essentials"

Per some of your requests, I will host my own "Ten Essentials", a popular feature seen on what used to be men.style.com (r.i.p.) where designers, celebrities, and other fashion-forward individuals list the "10 things they can't go without". So here's my crack at it...

1. Blackberry 8900

With my blackberry in hand not only can I check my email and surf the web, but I can keep in touch with friends in Canada for free, take and send street-style pictures, and blog remotely.

2. Montblanc Timewalker

I wear this watch everyday. It's case is the perfect size to go from dressy to casual (with a quick band change) and I love the neutral no-frills face. It also has sentimental value to me; at 19 years old it was the first time my self-contained business allowed me to spend over $1000 on something (yes, I've been buying my own clothes since the beginning of highschool)

3. Vintage Levis Denim Jacket

This is the perfect lightweight jacket. I wear it with everything from a t-shirt and chuck taylors to a dress shirt and bow tie. The best part, it gets better with time and only cost me $35 at a vintage clothing store.

4. Unlimited NYC Metro Card

I ride the subway. Everywhere. In NYC public transportation is often faster than cabbing-it and you are sure to come across some unique people and great street style on the train. Call me green (and economical).

5. Red Tod's Car Shoes

I love footwear, especially the in-your-face "my kicks are fresh" type of footwear (maybe it's from my roots as a basketball player/hip-hop fanatic). Nevertheless, these are one of my favorite pairs, and whenever I wear them women literally stop me in the street to compliment them, so they pad the ego as much as the outfit :)

6. APC New Standard Jeans

I've written about these in the past. The best all-purpose jeans that money can buy. Need I say more?

7. Basketball

If it wasn't for the game of basketball I probably wouldn't have gone to college, I wouldn't live in NYC, and I certainly wouldn't be writing this blog. The game has been the single most important influence in my life, and to this day I try to play 3-4 times a week to stay in shape and satisfy my passion for the game.

8. Filson Duffle Bag

The perfect bag. Utilitarian enough to look rugged and "manly" and clean enough in design to be carried with any outfit including my finest suit. Whether I'm heading to the gym or traveling for the weekend, I just "throw it in the bag".

9. Michael Andrews Bespoke

Every stylish man needs a good tailor. For me it is certainly an "essential". I take all my alterations and custom clothing orders to the experts at MAB.

10. Persol 649

Shades are my favorite accessory, and I usually go with these tortoiseshell frames made popular by Steve McQueen to complete my look.

Yours in style, SB.

Tip-of-the-Day: Ain't no sunshine when she's gone [indoors]

While sunglasses are a great accessory to bring a look together, you've heard me say it time and time again; never wear your shades indoors. Use the time as you pass through the doorway of a building to gracefully pull them off your face while you make a smooth James Bond-esque entrance.

What I haven't written about, however, is where to place them once you take them off. Here is my personal swagger "grading scale" on where to keep your sunglasses:

The Tourist/Sports Strap: D-

On top of the head: D

In the shirt collar (can also be done with a collared shirt): C

Folded in the chest pocket (facing out): B

Folded in the chest pocket (facing in with one arm out): B+

Folded in the chest pocket of the suit jacket/blazer (facing in with one arm out): A

In the vintage Filson duffel bag: A+

Yours in style, SB

Tip-of-the-Day: Life looks better behind a pair of shades

The weather in NYC this weekend was beautiful! A nice reminder that summer is on her way. It was also the perfect opportunity to break out one of my favorite accessories: sunglasses.

The right pair of sunglasses can bring an outfit to the next level and boost your level of cool. You just need the right pair. Here are some of my favorites:

The Ray Ban Aviator

Design: 9/10

Detail: 6/10

Cool Factor: 7/10

Notes: The ultimate classic pair of sunglasses, popularized by military men in WWII. They now come in countless sizes, shapes and colors. Stick with the most classic look: dark frames and gold or silver frames.

The Ray Ban Wayfarer

Design: 8/10

Detail: 7/10

Cool Factor: 8/10

Notes: The comeback kid. These classic shades, developed by Ray Ban in 1952, have developed a cult-like following and can be found on hipsters around the world. These also come in countless (and ridiculous) colorways. You could choose your own to be unique...but just know that hundreds of other fashionistos are also expressing their uniqueness with the same pair. With that said, stay classic, stay solid black or introduce yourself to the beauty that is tortoiseshell.

The Persol 0649

Design: 9/10

Detail: 8/10

Cool Factor: 9/10

Notes: My personal favorite. Steve McQueen, one of the most stylish men of all time, went everywhere with his tortoiseshell Persols, and for good reason.

Lastly, please note that the same pair of glasses can look completely different from one person to the next. It is important, therefore, to properly suit your face. There are plenty of guides on how to suit your face-shape on the internet, like this one. Also note, all sunglasses come in different sizes, shapes and slants. When shopping for sunglasses don't be afraid to try on several pairs, even in the same style.

Yours in style, Style Blogger.