Gift Ideas For That Dude Who Owns Way Too Many Shoes

This time last year I rolled out an entire holiday gift guide and while I would love to do something similar I do not have remotely the patience or time to compile something similar.  Instead, I will highlight a few things here and there that I think would make great, affordable gifts for either yourself or any of your style obsessed loved ones.  Today I want to highlight two necessary accessories from Duluth Trading Co. for that guy you know who owns way too many shoes.  Of all the guys I know that would, unfortunately, be me so my word is bond on this one.  Both of these items, a leather shoe horn and cedar shoe trees, are great because, as many of you probably already know, they will help extend the lifespan of your shoes (kinda like those Dainite soles I just talked about).  For items that are so important to shoe upkeep I'm always surprised how many guys lack them.  So, why not help him out?  Duluth is great because they bring the quality and don't assassinate you on price.  The shoe horn and shoe trees are great value items that few guys buy themselves and that right there is the perfect definition of a gift.

-L.A.S

Father's Day At Sid Mashburn

Wondering what to get your pops for Father's Day?  Sid Mashburn has some ideas for you.  While it's a bold move to get your dad some white bucks or swim trucks, Sid has some pretty great suggestions here.  If your dad is like mine he likes nice things, but isn't the kind of guy to go out and buy them for himself.  And isn't that the best kind of gift anyway?  The kind someone wouldn't get themselves?  Anyhow, if you live in Atlanta swing by or if you don't give 'em a ring.  Either way, Father's Day at Sid Mashburn is so good you might just have to up your bid on that kid you've been scoping on eBay.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Reading Rainbow

I said I would mention some non-sartorial gift options, so let's pay homage to the written word for a second.  You can't go wrong giving a good book and here are a few I am particularly interested in reading or reading again.  I've listed just a couple options since I realize this is a style blog and whatnot and, no, you will not find any of that Twilight nonsense over here.  My apologies to any readers who happen to be fans, but I'm just not that into vampire abstinence propaganda.  On that note...

I Am the New Black by Tracy Morgan...$13.50

Before you scoff, listen to Tracy's interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air.  While I was already a fan of Tracy's considering his impressive body of work, this interview really sold the book for me.  Mr. Morgan is an extremely intelligent and complex individual.  His past is fascinating, complicated and makes for some surprisingly emotional fodder.  While I can imagine this book, much like the above interview, is full of humorous outbursts from one of the funniest men alive, the most intriguing thing has to be the honesty and candor with which Tracy Morgan uses to sketch his continual development into manhood.

A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent...$16.97

I am by no means a history buff, but my fascination with President James K. Polk can be traced all the way back to my sophomore year of high school.  The legacy of Polk is often debated by scholars as they attempt to make sense of the first dark-horse candidate ever to be elected President of The United States of America.  His four years in office (he limited himself to one term) were pivotal to the development of our young country and the debate rages on regarding the tactics he used to expand our nation's territory.  Robert W. Merry's book "is a refreshing challenge" to academia's view that Polk was nothing more than a "cunning champion of slaveholding Manifest Destiny".  I don't normally jump at historical non-fiction, but this book sounds like an actual page turner (no sarcasm).

The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor...$12.24

It is my personal opinion that Flannery O'Connor stands alone as the greatest American writer to ever have lived.  I'm not sure how many people will even remotely agree with me, but that's not the point.  Her complete collection of stories, which I am lucky enough to already own, documents her works (excluding her two novels) from grad school up until her untimely death from lupus.  Her grotesque, Southern gothic style is unmatched and her portraits of American life are as stunning as they are enthralling.  It doesn't get much better than this and even if you have a severe case of attention-deficit these short stories can do more good than harm.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: WANT Les Essentials Collar Pins

[Pictured: WANT Les Essentials collar pin with leather case available for $75.00.]

In keeping with the idea that a good gift is something the recipient would not buy themselves I am recommending WANT Les Essentials collar pins.  The set comes with both a silver and gold collar pin and a handsome leather case to boot.  The collar pin is one of few acceptable items of male "jewelry" in my eyes and much like the tie bar the collar pin adds an aura of sophistication to even the most casual of outfits (assuming you are wearing a tie of course).  Simple enough for even a sartorial beginner, the collar pin is a subtle way to man up everything from your business casual 9-5 look to your casual night out.  With both the gold and silver options you can easily match the collar pin to your watch or belt buckle.  The beautifully stitched leather case is an added bonus and a great way to keep your collar pins tidy around the house or when you travel.  For a unique, sophisticated gift look no further.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Hoof Pick Belt

[Pictured: Leather Man Ltd. hoof pick belt courtesy of Hickoree's Hard Goods.]

A good gift is often something nice that someone would not buy for themselves.  A new belt fits into this description perfectly as many guys tend to overlook the importance of having nice "accessories".  When shopping around or building your own wishlist consider upgrading to a hoof pick belt, which happens to be a fantastic option for all your casual pants.  Just because you are not at work does not mean your belt has to be a faux leather, cracking piece of crap.  This belt is often full-grain leather, complete with brass hardware and has a great sense of understated showmanship (if there ever were such a thing).  Unlike a belt that you probably own, this belt has a unique pick closure system that adds an element of ruggedness to this standard accessory and any outfit.  Check out selections from both Orvis and J.L. Powell for two solid, made in the U.S.A. hoof pick belts.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendation: Fjällräven Kanken Mini

[Pictured: Fjällräven Kanken Mini availabe at Context Clothing for $60.00.]

This recommendation is very much in the same vein as my earlier Minnetonka driving moc one as in backpacks are not something I normally endorse.  I mean, they're fine and all, but I don't usually go out of my way to talk about them.  The whole streetwear backpack lovefest is kind of played out in my mind and seeing all these rappers hit the stage slinging empty backpacks is straight tomfoolery.  Yet, not every guy out there is ready hop on the tote or duffle bandwagon...hell, I'm even still skeptical about using a bag like that for everyday errands (because I carry SO much stuff with me in the first place).  So what can you get a guy/ask for yourself that's useful and accessible?

The basics: Fjällräven, which is swedish for "artic fox" (wowsers, sold already right?), has been making no frills backpacks since 1950.  This little guy is perfect for quick jaunts and does away with all the ridiculous straps you're likely to see on your neighborhood JanSport turtleshell.  The color options available at Context are pretty awesome and I'd personally go with the mustard (seen above) or the colorful options seen below, which are great alternatives to the "natural" colored bags on all the blogs.  The canvas bags being shoved down your throught everyday are great and all, but there's nothing wrong with a basic, standard napsack.  Be sure to check out all the other great options available from these guys as well.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Minnetonka Driving Moccasins

[Pictured: Minnetonka driving moccasins available for $44.95.]

I don't normally go for "driving shoes", but when Mr. Davis posted on these a while back I was pretty surprised how much I actually liked them.  I've been thinking about posting on these for a while and with holiday shopping happening as we speak I figured I'd do a quick write up.

Moccasins are one of the many items that are benefiting from the current resurgence of rugged, outdoorsy gear, but most bloggers are only talking about blucher or camp versions.  While the Minnetonka driver does fall into this broad category, its distinctive details set it apart.  The ruff cowhide finish and driving soles make this unique casual moc a great option for weekend errands and such.  The Minnetonka website calls these the "the style that started it all" and whether you're looking to add to your current collection or get your first pair of moccasins I can't think of a better shoe.  The price point is as competitive as any moc on the market and an alternative to anything else being offered by L.L. Bean, Eastland or Quoddy.  What we have here is an inexpensive, year round moccasin that works just as well with denim now as it will sockless with some bermuda shorts once things warm up.  If you didn't already, now you know and knowing is half the battle.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Cuff Knots

[Pictured: J. Press flower knot, $7.12]

Cufflinks are always an easy gift to give any guy, but is he really going to wear his favorite sports team on his french cuff shirt?  Ditch the New York Yankees cufflink cheese and opt for something classier and cheaper.  Silk cuff knots come in a variety of colors and make a fantastic "stocking stuffer" thanks to their price point.  Grab a handfull for a friend or family member in a variety of different colors.  You wont break the bank and you'll be able to shoot a little style their way. 

Cuff knots are a much more subdued way to top off a lovely french cuff shirt without the pretentiousness or stuffiness that comes with fancier styles.  If you're going out to dinner with jeans on, your silver cufflinks should be left at home.  With tons of shapes and colors out there, the options are pretty endless.  J. Press, the east coast prep institution, has tons of these available so make sure you head on over and check out the selection.  For even more options head over to Thomas Pink.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Ray Ban Caravan Sunglasses

Plastic frames were everywhere the past year.  Wayfarers, Club Masters and Persol 649/714's dominated the scene and while all of these are fantastic shades (I happen to have a couple pairs myself) it's about time to switch things up.  Aviator frames are classic, no doubt, and I'm particularly partial to Ray Ban's Caravan model.  Instead of opting for the massive teardrop lenses found on most aviators, the Caravan comes with smaller, squared up lenses.  What I like most about these is instead of going the military route, the Caravan is more 50's poolside cool.  With a bunch of frame and lense color options available it's not hard to find a pair you or someone else will love.  Ray Ban's quality speaks for itself and these are a great all-ages gift.  I'm currently eyeing a pair for my Pops who is in desperate need of his own sunglasses upgrade.  You can buy these straight from Ray Ban for $119 or you can hop on eBay and get them from a wholesaler for $10-$30 less.  You know what, I just may grab a pair for myself...

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Save Khaki Knit Cardigan

Since the general consensus is that (keyword: most) holiday gift guides are not only corny, but a way for bloggers to subvert actual content I'll refrain from doing something completely structured.  For the next few weeks I'll instead be sporadically posting various items (both sartorial and otherwise) I believe make great holiday gifts for both you and yours with the simple goal of highlighting attainable gift options.

First up is a shawl collar cardigan which is a must own and I won't retread ground broken by every single blogger (including myself) who has already talked about its merits.  My favorite option is from Save Khaki, one of the best no nonsense brands out.  Their knit cardigan, available at Barneys for $195, is a great snag for any guy including your dad.   What we have hear is a simple, well-proportioned winner.  It's got the details (ribbed, merino wool, front pockets) and a decent price point.  I'd personally grab it in navy and wear the hell out of it this winter and winters to come.  This is the only knit you need purchase this season.

p.s. Thanks to Dave @ Save Khaki for the picture.

-L.A.S