Brigadeiro's (Christmas - or not) Gift Guide Pt 1: 'The Boys' (boyfriend, husband, partner, colleague father, brother, friend, and so forth)

I once wrote about my love for well-curated gift guides, as I am quite often stumped for gift ideas ideas.  I never thought I would actually compile one as I'm the one always hungry for suggestions.  But this year, I looked back, and thought that for once, I actually have some purchases I could compile and share with you all.

I thought I'd start with the toughest one: "The Boys".

I don't know about you, but every year I am stumped as to what to get hubby, it doesn't help that his birthday is only a few weeks away from Christmas either.  Let's face it, there are only so many ties/cufflinks/sunglasses/wallets/CD's (well, that was a few years ago) that one can buy for them, but here I some other items I've given, from all different price points, and some especially good for the 'boys' who have 'everything':

Details for each item (including links to where you can buy them) below (and some items that didn't make it in this pic).

THE BOYS:

 1. A coffee subscription (such as the one from Nobs Coffee), until recently I never knew such a thing existed.  As a coffee aficionado, I find the idea of receiving coffee in the mailbox each month absolutely brilliant.  Especially since I get to sample the coffee from the best roasters in Melbourne without having to board a plane.  Each month I receive coffee from a different roaster, which keeps things interesting, and means I get to drink something different to the 2kgs of Tanzanian and Colombian beans we buy each month.

2. A portable alcohol breathalyzer - I think anyone who drinks alcohol and drives should have one of these, especially if they can fit in a person's pocket, they can range from $200 (here), $150 (on sale from $250 here, or this one from Target) to $50 (here), or even colourful ones on a keychain (here).

3. Zetronix video goggles - Shhhh...don't tell hubby, I am giving these for his birthday next week.  I first saw them on Moda Operandi (I've gotten amazing gift ideas from them!), and am so very pleased I did! Hubby is forever watching soccer matches and what not on his phone, and these Virtual Display Video Glasses by Zetronix create a simulated 50” personal screen for watching music, television and so forth, they connect to almost every device—from smart phones to cable boxes—to deliver a virtual experience anytime, anywhere.  

4. Daniel Wellington watch - they are not very expensive and is fun to have as you can get interchangeable straps to change its look from workday to weekend - available from East Dane (Shopbop's male counterpart), Bloomingdale's, and Asos.

5. Ullu leather iPhone case - I absolutely love the leather on this, and I used to work with leather (once upon a time), these are beautifully crafted and are such a great affordable present to give!

6. Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck noise-cancelling wireless headphones - another brilliant gift idea I got from Moda Operandi last year (via their gift guide).  I first saw them at Colette in Paris with hubby and forgot about them by the time his birthday came around, thank goodness for Moda Operandi's gift guide which reminded me about these gorgeous headphones.  I'm eyeing the white and gold headphones myself (from Selfridges).  Hubby absolutely loves these and pored over 100's of reviews before hitting 'buy', to make sure it wasn't just a 'pretty face', these headphones deliver form and function!

7. Diary by Mi Goals - I wouldn't normally think of a diary as a gift, but I really love this one, obviously many of these presents on this post aren't just for men, as some of these items are my own, haha...But this diary in particular is inspirational and motivational yet funky at the same time, love the stationery range at Mi Goals! These are available from The Iconic.

8. Ray Ban folding sunglasses - these again are my own, but seriously, how absolutely cool is it that these sunglasses fold into this tiny square that you can easily fit into your pocket? I'm eyeing their aviators and clubmaster sunglasses next (for both hubby and myself, haha).  These are available from Revolve Clothing, East Dane and Shopbop, The Iconic, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

pics from Larsson & Jennings

9. Larsson and Jennings Chain Metal watch - these are mine but hubby is always wanting to borrow it, love unisex watches! And absolutely LOVE this watch (also love it in silver or gold, and their leather-strapped versions are gorgeous too)! Available at Liberty's, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Larsson & Jennings.

10. Aesop x APC Post-poo drops (remember my post here?) - haha, I know, this may be a funny present, but in all honesty, we love it! It is absolutely brilliant! Great present for the guy/person who has it all! Available at Liberty's.

11. Everlane Twill snap backpack - ok, so these items above are not quite 'manly', but I bought this backpack for hubby for Christmas last year, and one in navy for my brother-in-law (secretly or not so secretly wanting both).  They are stylish, practical and won't break the bank! I absolutely love them, and uhm...borrow it almost every day!
Available directly from Everlane (I used Hop Shop Go mail forwarding service, since Everlane don't ship to Australia directly)

(pic from Urban Outfitters)

12. Donut Pool Float - ok, I also have this on its way to me (for Christmas presents - shhhh, don't tell!).  Look at it! How cool is this?!? Who wouldn't be floating on a giant iced doughnut, haha? I bought mine from Urban Outfitters.

13. Iacoli and McAllister designs 'Hex bottle opener - another one I am going to buy this year, how beautiful is it? Love it when something sports both form and function - available from Moorea Seal.

Like I said, most items here are not at all confined to 'just boys', so perhaps there will be items in my next Gift Guide(s) that could be added to this category and vice versa, so watch this space!

Any other favourite 'gift ideas' for 'the boys' you'd like to share?


n.b. All pics my own unless otherwise stated, taken on my iPhone/Instagram.

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Luxe essential - Silk white tee by Ann and Albert

I’m a huge fan of wardrobe basics, especially when they’re given a little twist or are reimagined as a luxe essential. Take the humble white tee for example, fashioned in pure silk, with subtle adjustments like an elegantly curved hem by Sydney-based label Ann & Albert, it elevates the most casual look effortlessly.

Founded by Creative Director Leigh Goyen, Ann & Albert's collections features a range of luxe wardrobe essentials and exclusive limited edition pieces. Leigh’s multidisciplinary background as an architect and photographer inspired the refined elegance and minimalistic undertones that define Ann & Albert’s beautiful aesthetic: beautiful textiles, clean lines and strong silhouettes that create effortlessly sophisticated pieces.  You can check out more of Ann & Albert here.

Top: Kanso silk tee by Ann & Albert (available here), Necklace: Pivoine Lazuli embroidered necklace from Nini Peony (available here), Jeans: Le Skinny de Jeanne in Olympic wash by Frame Denim (available at Shopbop), Shoes: Chanel espadrilles, Watch: Daniel Wellington Men's Classic Sheffield (available at East Dane (i.e. Shopbop's counterpart), Need Supply Co. and at Selfridges), Bracelet: Celine (from Departement Feminin), Ring: Popbasic, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Bag: Celine Trio (available here).

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My trick for breaking in shoes in fast-forward' and painless mode...

It's all about comfort these days, grey marl (or marle) sweatshirt and cashmere...uber comfy!

Remember my recent post when I purchased my Dieppa Restrepo Cali oxfords?  I had heard how notoriously hard/painful they were to break in, but that once they did, they'd be more than worthwhile.  Since it is all about comfort for me nowadays, I can't remember the last time I've had to break in a pair of shoes.  So as soon as it arrived I used a trick I learned several years ago, to fast-forward the process.  So instead of months (yes, I heard some people saying it took them months! Yikes!), it took me less than a couple of hours.  It is nothing new, but I don't think all employ it: it is the hairdryer 'trick':

Simply take your hairdryer, and blow the sections that would rub or are snug from within the shoe (others blow from 20 cms or so away from the outside, but I do from within), for about 2 mins or so, my feet are wide, so I am for where my feet are widest.  Then quickly slip your feet while the shoes are warm with some socks on.  Many use thick socks for initial discomfort that pays off, but I merely used sockettes.  Presto! I wore them around the house for a little while, and very quickly they went from a little-too-snug and stiff to very very comfy, like I've had them for years!

Easy peasy!

I had already bought these half a size smaller than my usual size, on the recommendation of Need Supply Co. (where I bought my shoes from), even though I had heard mixed opinions as to whether they ran big or not (some said not).  I do find these fairly narrow but long (my feet are very wide).  Whenever I first put these on now, they feel narrow for one minute before relaxing into uber comfy shoes.  Needless to say, I have been wearing them almost every day since their arrival!

I'm now eyeing what other colours I should get it in next, haha, black patent?

PS. Remember my post on 'How to wear Oxford shoes' a few years ago? Never say never...

 Watch: Daniel Wellington (available at East Dane (i.e. Shopbop's counterpart), Need Supply Co. and at Selfridges), Madewell 1937 sweatshirt (sold out, I'm afraid), Alexander Wang swing tank cashmere dress (from years ago), Celine knot bracelet, Balenciaga bow ring (available at Matches Fashion), and Sarah & Sebastian line ring next to my wedding/e-ring.

 Glasses from Jimmy Fairly (remember this post?) Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn) and Issue 2 of Peut-être Magazine (Issue 9 is at the printers! We're so excited! Watch this space!)

Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn)

photos via iPhone/Instagram

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