Gift Guide: The Lumbersexual

Image Via

The internet has spoken and the metrosexual is dead replaced by his bearded rugged brother, the lumbersexual. You can analyze all the cultural reasons for his rise here - and find some gifts to appeal to his midwestern manly aesthetic below. 

A classic vest that combines warmth and timeless style. Patagonia Bivy Down Vest from Nordstroms.

An all natural fragrance for the all natural dude. Boasts bright citrus, subtle spice and deep woods with a percentage of proceeds going to benefit the Vermont Land Trust. Willoughby Cologne from Ursa Major.

Serious socks made for submariners. Military specs ensure extreme warmth and no itches. Submariner Socks from Best Made Co.

A kit for whatever winter throws at his face. With lotion, chapstick and special intense chapped skin remedy. Buckler's Daily Defense Kit from Need Supply Co. 

Because he probably has.  You Earned It Bottle Opener from Owen and Fred.

For dressing him up. Wool Tweed Necktie from Scoutmob.

Rugged gloves that leave fingers free for his less rugged devices. Fox River Ragg Gloves from REI.

A beautiful coffee table book to inspire next adventures. Up the ante by throwing in the blue ray collection as well. National Parks America's Best Idea from Amazon.

A handsome version of a classic game. Wooden Tumbling Tower from Terrain.

Something to make that classic game a little more fun.  Widow Jane 8 Year Old Single Barrel Whiskey from Caskers.

Flannel - always flannel. Signature Castine Flannel Shirt from LL Bean Signature.

American made headphones with a rustic look, and great sound. Rise Up Over Ear Headphones from House of Marley.

A handsome manly mug. For sipping coffee or something stronger.  Speckled Ceramic Mug from Kaufmann Mercantile.

The ultimate in hipster coffee makers to fill that mug -that is if he doesn't already own it.  Eight Cup Classic from Chemex.

A cool t-shirt inspired by revolutionary war propaganda. Americana Shirt from Scoutmob.

Finally a simple pocket knife that's a little different than your standard Swiss Army. Fish Knife from Cool Material.

Gift Guide: The Working Stiff

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For the desk jockey, the pencil pusher the 9-5er - enliven his office life with dapper gifts for his time on the job and off. 

Put a new slant on his cocktail with a tumbler designed to keep his whiskey chilled, but never watered down. Whiskey Wedge from Uncommon Goods.

A handsome leather case adds warmth, texture (and a little grip) to his sleek (and slick) new phone. Leather Wrap Case from Adopted NYC.

Clean and classic personalized stationary, because he understands the value of a handwritten note. Modern Letterpress Utility Flat Notes from Seaborn Press on Etsy.

A paperweight with a great Mad Men, mid-century feel. Tipsy Topsy from the American Design Club.

A daily reminder, and a place to toss his keys. Predict the Future Tray from Owen and Fred.

Because Mondays will always be Mondays. Left Right Mismatch Socks from Urban Outfitters.

Elevate his workday routine whether in the office or from the corner coffee shop. Because he's been really freaked out after reading this article. Portable Standing Desk from Standstand.

A much beloved belt that promises no stretched out holes, a better fit and a part of proceeds that go to fighting global hunger. What could be better. Steel Buckle Belt from Mission Belt Co.

A scientific solution for keeping small supplies in order. Desk Supply Set from ModCloth.

A crisp pocket square with some cheeky embroidery. Gesundheit Pocket Square from Jack Spade (also available in Achoo).

A classic (and classy) box set for Friday night game nights. Wooded Dice and Card Set from Terrain.

A shoe shine brush, for putting his best foot forward. Shoe Brush from Izola.

A classic movie line memorialized in t-shirt form. For weekends off. Sandlot Great Bambino Tee from Urban Outfitters.

A heavyweight cable for charging devices at home or in the office, with a weighted knot that ensures he won't have to fish behind the nightstand before plugging in before bed. Because that's a pain. Night Cable by Native Union.

A suite of coordinated accessories. Feeling creative? Mix & match your own custom box. Style Box from the Tie Bar.

Because cool shoes are always a good gift. Ben Sherman Parson from Zappos.

For his stocking, man chapstick in manly flavors like rosemary and fennel. Farewell Old Chap from Buy Olympia.

A super functional pen. With rulers and a level for, you know,  leveling things. A tiny toolkit for your pocket.  Tool Pin from Cool Material. 

A funky cool clock for dressing up his desk. Dome Mantel Clock from Spitfire Girl.

A best book of 2014 by a favorite author. Because economics are fun. Think Like a Freak from Amazon.

Gift Guide: The Jetsetter

Flughafen by Ho-Yeol Ryu

Because travel can be both a joy and a pain and having the right gear is more that half the battle. Gift your favorite frequent flier with luxe versions of in flight essentials to elevate her experience on the road.

The most gorgeous set of leather travel bags (featured on this blog before), in an assortment of new hues. Travel Case Set from Cuyana.

Fragrance that travels well from a cult parfumerie. Solid Perfume from Le Labo.

A heavyweight convertible shawl to ward off the chill. Because there's always a chill. Snap infinity scarf from Corner Bungalow on Etsy.

Because it's a far better option than battling it out for the three outlets near her gate.  Power Cell (that promises 12.5 more hours of talk time) from Ventev.

A beautiful calendar from a favorite illustrator. Travel the World calendar from Rifle Paper Co.

A super soft shirt featuring her favorite port of call. Airport tees from Pilot & Captain.

A bag tag that couldn't be clearer. Not Yours Luggage Tag from Make Smith.

A carry-on friendly nerve calmer. For tight connections and middle seats. Stress-fix from Aveda.

A collection of carefully curated weekend adventures. For inspiring wanderlust. The New York Times 36 Hours series from Taschen.

An in flight essential with structured curves to prevent eye squishing. Forty blinks eye mask from Travel Smith. 

A new take on a travel guide, and a repeat on this blog. Great ideas for creating joy anywhere. Anywhere Travel Guide on ModCloth.

A perfect stocking stuffer that always comes in handy on the road. Yes to Cucumbers Towlettes from 3 FL Oz.

For more questionable accommodations, a lightweight silk sleep sack that ensures a restful night.  Dreamsack from Yala.

Because it's much easier to throw one conglomerate adaptor in your bag and know you'll be covered wherever you go. 4 - in- 1 Adaptor from Flight 001.

Because it is the perfect solution to post-flight flat hair, and it smells amazing. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray in travel size from Birchbox.

Leggings, with pockets, and a wonderfully high waist - comfort that's totally passable for business class. Skinny Will Pant from Lululemon.

Because they're the best you can buy. For tuning out a chatty neighbor. Quiet Comfort 25 Noise Canceling Headphones from Bose.

A sleek and shimmery wallet designed to accommodate passport, cards and assorted currencies. WWT Passport Wallet by This is Ground.

To capture the coordinates of a particularly special place, or a whole armful of adventures. Coordinates Collection.

Because I'm convinced a backpack makes the best carry on. Reverse Denim Twill Snap Backpack from Everlane.

Because you are feeling grand - lounge access for the airline of her choice. Carriers too varied? Try Priority Pass instead.

Gift Guides 2014

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I should probably start by apologizing for the lackluster life of this blog over the past 12 months, but statistics show that this is your favorite part anyways so hopefully you'll forgive me.  I've been traveling a lot, had some big highs and a few lows. I've seen some amazing things, met wonderful people and eaten a lot of delicious food, but the holidays always feel like coming home.

It's an opportunity to reflect on the year and re-connect with our closest friends and family - which for me always means gifting.  I hope you'll find some joy this season in picking out the perfect things for the people in your life.

For reference

2010 Guides

The Frequent Flyer

The Class Clown

The Baker

The Gentleman

The Team Captain

The Socialite

The Mountain Man

The Cowgirl

The Digi-Ninja

The Hibernating Homebody

The Pop Star

The Kitchen Chemist

2011 Guides

The Gardener

The Globetrotter

The Classicist

The Archivist

The Technocrat

The Dude

The Coed

The Hostess

The Butcher

The Comedienne

2012 Guides

The Cook

That Guy

The Artist

The Politician

The Newcomer

The Trendsetter

The Handyman

The Bohemian

2013 Guides

Tokyo

Tinytown

Paris

Durango

Istanbul

London

Austin

Swimming Pool

As another round of winter weather makes its way through town this afternoon, I don't think I've ever been more ready for spring. Argentinean artist, Leandro Erlich's new permanent swimming pool installation at The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa Japan takes me right to the best part of summers - long lazy days in and out of the pool at D's parents' place.

This fascinating installation has all the trappings of a real swimming pool; ladder, deck, lights and drains, but only 10 cm of water suspended on top of clear glass, and a side door to enter the pool from beneath. Visitors to the installation experience the mixed perspectives of looking down on others in the bottom of the pool and then traveling inside to look up from within.

Although not a new piece (it had a lengthy run at MoMA's PS1 in 2008), it has found a permanent home in Kanazawa where the sun light shimmering through the water makes for an even more authentic summer experience.