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10 Essentials: March Edition

GQ does a weekly slideshow about 10 essential items suggested by a top designer, ie: 10 items the designer uses/needs in his or her daily routine. Once a month I’m going to post my ten essential items/things that I’m found with throughout my day with a brief description. In no particular order:

1. Chambray Button Up:

Yes, Chambray was the fabric of choice last Summer. But in my opinion, this is a fairly new trend that should not die out at any point. Chambray is particularly known for being the fabric used to clothe prisoners, it holds up well over time, hardly fades; it’s a tough fabric. This shirt can be paired up well with khakis and boat shoes, a tie (or bow tie, if that’s your sort of thing), or my personal favorite; dark denim and a shawl collar sweater. It’s pretty much Americana at it’s finest. 

2. Tweed or Herringbone Gatsby



Another timeless American item. Just about anyone can pull this hat off; although I would suggest letting it hang off to the side rather than wearing it straight on. It’s a great accessory to add a little extra to any outfit. After all, look how great Tom Waits looks wearing one.
 

3. Layrite Pomade:
 
Smells great, puts a nice shine on your hair, holds up all day long, and it’s water soluble. Unless you’re a Murray’s guy and you like washing pomade out with oil, this is the ideal choice of what you should grease your hair up with. I pick it up from the Belmont Barbershop every few months. Great Stuff.

4. NPR News Android App:

NPR is my go to source for news and a great source to pass time with while you’re getting work done. Talk of the Nation, All Things Considered, This American Life; what’s not to like exactly? 

5. APC Petite Standard Denim Jeans:

 
They’re currently available on Need Supply’s website for 157.00 with free shipping. This is the cheapest place you’ll be able to find them (using the code SFMARCH). This denim is made to be worn in; ideally every day for 6 months straight. Break them in and wear them out, and admire your work. Apparently at one point you were able to sell your worn in pair back to APC; the only stipulation was they could not be washed at any point. I’m not sure if you’re still able to do that, but the going price was half of what you purchased them for, not too shabby. 

6. Tokyo Bay Watches:

 
Looking for a decent looking watch on the cheap? If you don’t want to drop $150 on the beautifully done Timex at JCrew; these are a great substitute. Priced at under $100, I’m not sure there’s anywhere else you can go to find something as well constructed and aesthetically pleasing as these. Check out Tokyo Bay.

7. Desert Boots:



What’s not to love about desert boots? They can be worn for both dressier and casual occasions. These particular ones are MacAlister’s available at J.Crew, I’ve noticed the cut is just slightly different from that of the Clark’s version. Either way these are boots that will probably never go out of style, they’ve been around since the British were wearing them in WWII, and I don’t expect them to leave anytime soon. Here’s a tip: if you’ve got suede boots don’t bother getting a suede eraser, just use the other boot to buff out whatever marks you may have.

8.  Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner:

 

If you don’t have time to wash your face, or you’re just feeling lazy, this is what you need to be using. A quick wipe over your face and you’re feeling good as new. It’s great for roadtrips or quick vacations you feel like packing light for. It is a bit on the expensive side (at $14), but this is going to leave you feeling clean and fresh without agitating your face. 

9. 90 Mile Cuban Cafe:

 

Easily the best Cuban food I’ve ever had. For those of you that follow me that are not from Chicago, if you’re ever in town definitely go out of your way and spend some time eating the Vegetarian Plater at this place. Huge portions at decent prices, this place is not to be missed.

10.  Moleskin Pocket Plain Notebook:

These were introduced to me by Whitney, and they’re absolutely wonderful. Great for school, taking quick memos, or just writing out random ideas on the go. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, it won’t be taking up much room in a bag. A bit on the expensive side, but it’s certainly far superior in quality than say, a mead notebook. 


Edit: If you’re new to following me and you enjoyed this, my February edition can be found here: http://austinxxxleis.tumblr.com/post/3181804350/10-essentials

Thanks for reading.