Lust List: Gap Spring 2012

I have not even been blog-adjacent these days, but that does not mean that I've forgotten you, oh Specs-y ones.  Lately I've been working quite a bit and trying to get back in control of my fitness.  (You're my witness.) 

If all this treadmilling pays off, maybe I'd look super swell in some of the following picks from Gap.  Remember that you can always get a coupon or score a sale at Gap.  Never pay full price there.

Sometimes I feel like a broken record, but dang it--I love a striped T-shirt.  $19.95

I might just be crazy enough to rock that tee with these green pants.  LOVE 'em.  $59.95

This would be an excellent topper to the outfit I just assembled, if it happens to be raining.  Gap calls it an anorak, but we don't really have that word in Tennessee.  It's a rain jacket.  $188

So I don't really wear ties so often, but if I did....wow.  $29.95

Well, when it comes to my style, I'm nothing if not consistent.  This canvas bag is stellar.  Even though I'm not usually a big orange fan (again, a TN reference), I'm feeling it this time.  $69.95

Just Crew It

I'm kind of ecstatic about these shoes.  And, surprisingly, the prices are not that high.  Nike styles, exclusively at J.Crew.  I'm loving every pair but the red ones.  Neat, huh?

Lust List: Lands' End Canvas Spring 2012

So after my mini living room makeover, I'm kind of blowing my no-spend first quarter.  That is why, dear readers, I will try to restrain myself to only ogling pictures of my latest favored items from Canvas.  (It's hard to believe that it's been almost two years since my first post about this line.)

A ringer tee with gray stripes on a white background--but this one has a blue collar.  Hehe.  $25

Like I need another cardigan.  But just look at this one.  *sigh*  $80

If ever there were a Specs-y sweater, this is it.  Green and gray.  $60

Who can resist a navy pant?  These would go with any of the first three items.  $59.50

And you know I love a travel bag.  $140

Remember that it's relatively ridiculous to ever buy anything from a Lands' End company without a coupon.  Right now through February 21st, they're doing 25% off and free shipping.  I'm keeping my fingers off the shopping cart icon.  Pray for me.

The Legend of Bagger Spade*

 Please allow me to introduce myself.  I'm a man of wealth and f....wait.  Wrong intro. 

My name is Tommy.  And I'm addicted to smart man-bags.  And bargains.  When the two worlds collide, I'm positively giddy.  Recently I found this black Jack Spade tote at UAL here in Nashville. 

It still had the original tag, showing that it once required two hundred and ninety-five dollars to call someone Daddy (or Mommy).  The store's price was around eighty.  Ever the savvy shopper, I pointed out to an associate that it lacked the all-important shoulder strap.  I carried it out of the joint for around sixty.

*Do I usually reach my goal of having completely corny blog post titles?

Jingle Jangle

I saw this picture in my inbox today from Crate and Barrel.  If it doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will.  I'd like that outfit in my size, please.  (He can keep the cap.)

Two of My Favorite Initials: W. E.

Can you even stand it?  My love for West Elm has been rather well documented at this point, but this picture that landed in my inbox almost put me in the (way-too-early) holiday spirit.  I love the mix of materials and colors but with the unified font.

Oh, and I went ahead and tagged this as an ad, mostly because it makes me want to buy, buy, buy.  Who doesn't need a monogrammed ice bucket?

Care for a Danish*?

I just love this--from the cool Scandinavian lines of the table to the stripes on the rug.  I'd probably do something different for chairs, but these do the trick fairly well.

At a cool G, the Oslo table would be a bit of an investment for me, but it should last a really long time.  Plus it seats, like, 30 with the extension.  :)

Thanks, Crate.  Thanks, Barrel.  I heart yaz both.

*(I realize that Oslo is in Norway, and my title refers to Denmark, but it was cheeky. And I was feeling it.)

Still Poppin!

My Poppin order came in yesterday!  Stoked is not even the word for it.  The box itself made my day.  You can click on the pictures for larger versions. 

I got the signature green ballpoint pens, black wood pencils, erasers, navy notebook, and silver clips.  What?!  I have so many pens now that I've already started sharing with co-workers because I just couldn't keep the goodness to myself.

Another thing I like about this site is that they offer many supplies in lots of different colors.  I think their main reason is so their business customers can cost-effectively develop a branding identity with a certain color of supplies--which is cool.  But how about the idea of a color-coded gift bag for a child's birthday party or showcasing multiple rulers or push pins in a single color in a glass jar?

Anchors A'cheap!

Whilst perusing my local Target over the weekend, I ended up in the kitchen/dining section, which is not at all unusual.  However, this time I stumbled upon this nice glass trifle bowl from Anchor Hocking.  Immediately I pictured it above my kitchen cabinets.  Or maybe on top of a bookcase.  Or filled with delicious figgy pudding.  Ok.  Not figgy.

Then I looked at the price tag.  $10.50.  What?!  I knew that I had seen similar pieces at Crate & Barrel for way more--and not nearly as nice of a shape. 

Exhibit A:

The Miranda.  It is a cool shape, but it is also three times the price of the Anchor Hocking piece.

Exhibit B:

The Charleston.  It's fifty dollars.  That is 5-0.  And it's glass--no platinum or rims or anything.

Granted, the one I bought is not pristine, in the sense that you can see a seam here and there, but turn the thing around!  Sheesh.  I think this would be a great way to display flowers, seashells, potpourri (if you're into that), Christmas ornaments, etc.  You can't beat the design or the price.  With this brand, you know it will last a long time.  Mine will probably just remain a stylish space-filler above mostly empty cabinets for now, but it has tons of potential.

My Desktop is Poppin'...My Desktop is Cool

Today I caught up on the blog Design Darling and was most pleased to be introduced to the office supply company called Poppin.  This site has just about everything--pens, clips, laptop bags, and notebooks.  And everything is reasonably priced!  There's an emphasis on color and wit, which are excellent talking points.

Most people at my job don't pay any attention to what's on my desk (except for the chocolate), but that's ok.  I feel that office supplies are things you should buy solely for yourself.  And when you can pick up a bundle of cool pens for less than $1 each?  Yes.

 It won't be long before I'm placing an order.  That is for sure. 

Tommy / Love

I don't know what it is about vintage trophies, but I like 'em.  I picked this one up from Mechanical Stag on Etsy.  It's a prize for tennis prowess.  And there's a little surprise....

Tah dah!  It's bright blue inside! 

It was about a year ago that I bought my other trophies.  Maybe it's something about this time of year that makes me semi-wistful for any type of athletic ability.  Oh well.  Pointing and clicking are more my speed.

Shady In The Best Way

Warby Parker is coming out with a line of sunglasses.  And just like their regular specs, for every pair sold, they'll donate a pair of glasses to someone in need.  Plus, soon enough they'll have prescription shades. 

I can't wait.  It will be the first time I've ever been able to wear sunglasses.  Ok.  That's a bit dramatic because I've always had options.  But they have not been up to par.  Not the case with Warby Parker.

Deja Vu...Scary

Do you happen to remember this post?  Whew.  I do now.

It's because today, over on Manifold Destiny, I saw a link to this:

I thought, "Dang.  I should do a quick post on this bag from Hickoree's Hard Goods.  And I should call it It's In The Bag."  Then I searched my own blog for the word bag.  Hmmm....

All I can say now is I'm nothing if not consistent.

Watch Me Go Green

Ok, ok.  Back in the summer I posted how I always go for relatively inexpensive watches.  It's true.  Or was.  I saw this and had to have it.

It's a Citizen Eco-Drive, and I'm crazy for it!  A month ago I saw this same watch in GQ and thought how nifty it would be.  And I'm not the kind of person who usually runs out and buys something just because I saw it in a magazine.  

Plus, I decided that since this one is solar-powered and never needs a new battery, I should not feel guilty about spending a tiny bit more than a few Timexes.  It's still not a Rolex or anything like that.  Granted, I am the slightest bit terrified to scratch it, but I know I'm in good hands.  My pals Steve and Missy, who own Steve's Jewelers back in my hometown of Union City, have got the hookup.  In the event that I have a watch or jewelry question, they always know the answer. 

And they happen to carry Citizen.  I sent Missy a picture of this one, and they had it in stock.  Color me green!

I do like the band it came with, but it was a little too military for everyday wear for my taste, so I switched it out with this one.

I found it at J.Crew for $20, and it's a lot more flexible and classic than the green one.  Of course I'm still keeping that one to mix it up, but the gray is my go-to band now.  Plus, it's kind of cool that this is a custom creation and no one (at least for many miles) has this same watch/band combination.

Valet Says: Try This At Home

I usually read Valet each day during lunch at my desk, or if I go out, I may or may not read it while taking a mini-break from work.  They're sort of hit or miss, in terms of what is actually wearable and/or affordable for most American guys, but they always have something entertaining.

To wit:

Today it's an assortment of home decor items based on clothing style.  The post is called Try This At Home.  This collection is called "Urban Rake," which made me smile.  I'm sort of a mixture of three of the four featured styles.  Can you guess which one did not make my list?



Geek in the Pink

I'm mildly obsessed with Warby Parker and have been thoroughly enjoying my new specs.  Even though I probably won't be buying more frames any time soon, I still find myself perusing their website every few weeks. 

Here's the most recent discovery.



Isn't this awesome?  They've made a new version of their Japhy style in this nifty pink shade, and $50 from each sale goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Style and substance.  That's a rare combination these days.

WE (Still) Love

So I guess I'm somewhat of a creature of habit, but if lovin' West Elm is wrong...  Well, you know the rest.

I've had my eyes on this for a while.

And now it is mine.  It's a duvet cover, and the color is sea spray, which is sort of a blue-gray.  Go figure.  :) 

I had a coupon for 10% off, so I picked this up, along with the 2011 Linda & Harriett calendar.  It's so awesome that Liz from L&H is selling her calendar through a national retailer like West Elm.  You can find one at your local store or through her website. 

If you're thinking of buying one, though, now is the time.  Last year I don't think they lasted through Thanksgiving. 

I'm also going to try to pick back up with more regular blogging.  Things have been a little tricky lately.  I hope you're all doing well.

(pictures from westelm.com and lindaandharriett.com, respectively)

Aren't Hue Ready for a Quiz?

I had to.  This quiz was in my inbox today from Real Simple.  It's called What's Your Color Personality?.

I already knew what I would "score," but it was still fun to take the quiz and read the information at the end.  It only took about five minutes.  Give it a whirl, won't you?

It Doesn't Suit Me...

....when fashion houses go bananas. 

Exhibit A:

I saw this ad when flipping through the massive (for them) September issue of GQ.  What?!  This is an ad for Bottega Veneta, and although the bag and suit are very cool, WTH is up with the Colonel Sanders string tie, chunk-tacular police officer shoes, and go-go-gadget white socks? 

Well, that's not to mention this pose, which was last witnessed on that nymph during an especially confusing scene in 300. 

A few pages in, my style compass was re-centered. 

Thanks, Hugo Boss.  This is how you show a suit and neat bag.  Plus, there's mad specs appeal happening here.  Whew.

I get that fashion is not always supposed to be mass-market and wearable, but that first picture is just too much.  You have to draw the line somewhere.  I'd say Kentucky Fried Fashion is far enough.

The Tortoise Always Wins in the Long Run

Remember how I was smelling specs and candy once upon a time?  And then I felt quite defeated? 

Well, the day has finally arrived. 

Guess what was on my doorstep.

It was like Christmas in August.

Have you ever seen anything so glorious?

I had five pairs of tortoise shell frames, just calling my name.  They did.  They said "Tommy.  Tommmmm-eeee.  Wear us.  Wear us."

So I did.  Repeatedly.  From the pictures, they may look identical, but I seriously loved 4 of the 5 pairs I picked out to try on.  (Sidenote: You definitely need to get on the wait list at Warby Parker if you're interested.  I signed up a few months ago.)  I discounted one and possibly two frames because they're too similar to what I wear now, but the competition remains fierce. 

And let's just face it.  There's a really good chance I may buy more than one pair, at $95 each, plus a donated pair for each purchase.

My anti-blog friend Emily took several pictures of me in each style, but I couldn't bring myself to post them.  I think maybe it's the demo-only plastic lenses, but my entire eye area looked red.  Like Us Weekly red.  Like drugs.  It wasn't good. 

At any rate, I'm beyond excited.  I have four more days to deliberate, lean waaaay into the mirror (I'm blind), and lust over eyeglasses.  I will almost surely order from Warby Parker.  And I will blog about said purchase.

Thanks for reading, as always.