Japanese Leather Wallet from Damasquina: Things I Want

One of my favorite California men's stores, Unionmade, has launched a small collection with Japanese leather goods brand Damasquina. Using vintage leather and brass hardware, the patina and craftmanship on these pieces is incredible. Make it in navy and add a nautically inspired anchor strap, and you have me sold. 

The large accordion wallet is super functional with space for cash, receipts, and the assorted oddities that accumulate...

But the kicker is the removable coin pouch, an awesome addition that lets you store cards or change within the wallet.

Check out the rest of the collection at Unionmade and head to Acquire for more coverage.

Win a Handmade Holiday Bowtie

Well it is holiday giveaway time here at Men's Threads... I just received a one of a kind handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's Ties, perfect for the holidays, and I am gifting it to one of you! 

You just have to tweet at me (@mensthreads) and Aunt Di's Ties (@auntdisties) about how you would wear this awesome snowflake bow. What would you pair it with? Where would you wear it?

This is a 24 hour contest -- I'll pick the winner with the best answer on Friday morning (12/14) and get the tie in the mail to you the same day. 

So get thinking on how you would show this off, and let me know... good luck!

Penny Loafer from Rancourt: Things I Have

This past weekend I stopped by this year's Pop Up Flea, newly located in Chelsea and showcasing an even stronger group of brands than last year. One of the booths I stopped by was Rancourt, the shoe company crafted in Maine that in addition to its own line produces for Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco.

Perusing the wares, their Beefroll Penny Loafer caught my eye and I had to try them on. They were so comfortable and fit perfectly, it was an easy decision to take them home. Handsewn in the U.S. -- and from everything I've heard, amazing customer service to keep them repaired and in great shape for as long as they're in my closet.

I already took them out for a spin (above), and here is another look from the Rancourt site.

Be sure to check these out, plus the other great styles they offer (and they do Made to Order)!

Navy Loafers from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last weekend I was in Atlanta and made sure to keep my Saturday free for a trip to Sid Mashburn. The store is incredible, so well merchandised and appointed, and the sales team is beyond knowledgeable. 

On this trip my friend and I were helped by none other than Sid Mashburn himself... but more on that later (when I write about the amazing new suit I bought).

Before I'd arrived I did a little research on their website and had seen a great pair of navy loafers. So of course during the course of my store visit I had to try them on. I loved the color -- a really dark navy (which Sid recommended polishing with black). A rubber sole, and a really simple and clean design.

And they are so comfortable, so I couldn't resist wearing them on my first day back in NYC... and of course received numerous comments and compliments.

Handmade in Italy, these are a gently priced + will make a great shoe for Summer as well as transition into Fall. Check them out here for more info (and pick up a pair for yourself!).

Working Bag from Lotuff & Clegg: Things I Want

I'll admit that I have a problem with bags... I have rarely seen one I didn't have to have. Usually the problem is that I have some need to fill and none of my current bags will do. This is exactly why I am now salivating for this black working bag from Lotuff & Clegg.

I will be transitioning to city living in a couple of weeks (yes, sorry, LA is not considered 'city living'), and I need something to hold everything I'll need during the day.

Handmade in New England, the Lotuff & Clegg bags and briefcases are simple yet elegant, and are guaranteed for life. At this point it's really just a matter of deciding on the exact size and color (red sounds kind of fun, no?)...

Visit their site for the full collection and great information about the guys behind the brand.