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I’ve been thinking a lot about “the Modern Gentleman” lately.
With Christmas and Ryan’s birthday coming up, I’ve been doing a lot of brainstorming about the types of things that he would like, and also what he needs. Plus, a friend of his also recently asked me to help him decorate his bachelor pad {which he shares with another equally gent-like friend} and I’ve really enjoyed the creativity that this new perspective offers.
The Modern Gentleman, to me, is a man who enjoys aesthetics, but not as much as he appreciates function. He prepares for any situation to arise with style and grace. I’m happy to share some of my recent imaginings of this fellow with you, in hopes that maybe it’ll help you find a holiday gift for a certain Sir in your life who fits this description. So without further ado,
here are some suggestions for the modern gentleman in your life:
1 | A necktie or bow tie: The one pictured above is great, but a bow tie would do just as well. If your gent is anything like mine, he loves the character that comes with vintage + handmade, so skip the department store ties and go for something unique.
2 | A book store gift certificate or a pile of books: Any gentleman worth his salt is well-read. By passing on some of your favourites, or encouraging his next trip to the bookstore, you’ll be giving him something to look forward to in the evening when he retires to his study. You can really never go wrong with books.
3 | A stationery set: As avid appreciators of a simpler time, the modern gents that I know all love to write fine letters. Letter writing is a lost art these days, but not so to the man whom you’re shopping for! Give him a simple set with a classic look to it and he’ll add you to his pen pal list.
4 | Utilitarian boots: Although he usually prefers to dress up, a guy like this is certainly no stranger to practical footwear. Especially if he has grown up in New England like Ryan + company. He won’t be surprised at all to see that you have given him a pair of fine leather boots, in fact, he’ll shock you with how classy he can make them when paired with his slacks and vest!
5 | Mid-Century Modern anything: He’s probably charmed by the sleek and smooth look of Mid-Century Modern home decor, so anything in this style will please him. If you’re on a tight budget, check craigslist and thrift stores for stools and side tables, but if you have a bit more to spend, splurging on an Eames chair or a fab full length couch would be his dream come true!
6 | A flask: When he does opt for a man night out, he’ll need something subtle to contain his whiskey. Enter: the flask. It’s compact, functional, and an excellent accessory.
7 | A newspaper subscription: This one would be a good gift from someone close to him {girlfriend, close friend, parent} who knows his political leanings and such. You wouldn’t want to get a subscription to a very conservative news source for a man who is actually quite liberal, or vice versa. But, if you happen to know where your guy stands, he’ll benefit greatly from this gift. Gents are always well informed.
8 | A nice scarf: Don’t judge the man in the scarf. Chances are, he can pull it off better than you can. Anyway, that’s how it seems to me. The guys who have the guts to wear scarves usually wear them very well. Gents are stylish fellows, and scarves are very practical objects! It only makes sense that the two should go together!
9 | A record player: When he kicks back to read those books you got him, he’ll probably want something playing softly in the background. Also, he’ll need a way to practice his waltz. The record player has got him covered under both circumstances. Check Craigslist and thrift stores again for cheap finds!
10 | A gift basket of microbrews: He’ll be able to appreciate your region even more if you help him taste what it has to offer. Guys typically love beer, and trying new microbrews will allow him to pick out tiny little details and nuances in each bottle that will take him from consumer to connoisseur in no time.
The best part about buying for a modern gentleman, though, is that he’s probably incredibly appreciative. No matter what you settle on for a gift this year, I’m sure he’ll be able to tell that it’s coming straight from your heart, and he’ll therefore be very thankful.
Happy holidays!
xx.
(Click images for sources!)
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I plan on wearing lots of dresses this year. I will be working again in an environment more conducive to fashion, so there will be a lot less of my tee-shirt/jeans/Toms combinations and a lot more fun ensembles. I’ll enjoy getting dressed every morning because I’ll be able to better express myself knowing that I’m dressing up for a day in my shop studio or at a little boutique near our apartment. I will certainly miss elements of my current job, but dressing for it will not be one of them!
Oh, yes, and this must be the most comfortable dress I’ve ever worn. The material is so light it doesn’t feel like I’m even wearing anything {yikes!}. Plus the simple colours match everything and it’s fancy enough for an event, but casual enough for a day at home – perfect.
Happy Day!
Posted in Our personal history, tagged birthday, braid, comment, crocus, free, girl, giveaway, pi day, style on March 14, 2012 | 14 Comments »
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I love birthdays!
Today I’m spending lots of time with family and friends in celebration of my special day, but I had to share a little something in this space with you, too. Thank you for reading my posts, commenting, liking, and spending time with me via the internet. I’m so happy to share my little celebrations with all of you, and on days like this I’m especially appreciative.
I picked a lovely little crocus from our mini-garden, and would love to ship it your way to say thanks, but since flowers won’t last well in the mail, I’ll send you something different instead. To share the birthday joy, 5 commenters will receive a special package from me!
All you have to do is share with me a wish that you would make if you were the one blowing out the candles today! Don’t forget to include your email address so I can contact you for mailing details!
I’ve decided upon a birthday braid, what do you think? Since my hair is growing out, but needs a trim, braids are a simple + safe way for me to style my hair. I’m just in love! One day I’ll perfect the fishtail, but until then I’m sticking with this:
Now I’m off to eat some cake or something! I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the spring-like weather we’ve been having this week. I know that I will be!
Happy Pi Day!
xx.
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