Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

We’re pretty sure we’re not going diving anytime soon (let alone in Arctic conditions).  But on the off chance we found ourselves in that type of situation, we’d feel a lot more secure being equipped with the Kobold Arctic Diver Swiss Tactical (available at Kobold for $5,250).  The Arctic Diver has a black DLC-coated stainless steel case and features Swiss automatic movement.  The dial is deliberately spartan for high visibility underwater and an extra-thick sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside further ensures clarity under all types of conditions.  And with your choice of a black nylon Zulu strap or natural rubber strap (both included with this limited production watch), you can swap them out interchangeably using a set of two screwdrivers that Kobold provides for your DIY pleasure.

Related Item:
Kobold Phantom Tactical Chronograph

Accessories, Style, Watches

Never underestimate the value of a good duffel bag.  They’re perfect for just about anything: weekend travel, the gym, groceries.  But for all their utility, it never hurts when they’ve got just as much style to match and the Jack Spade Light Weight Canvas Circular Duffel (available at Bloomingdale’s for $175) gets it right every which way.  Made from a textured canvas with nicely constrasting A-line angled brown straps, this Jack Spade duffel features exterior and interior pockets, zip closure, and a removable shoulder strap.  It’s constructed for durability with stress points reinforced with quilt stitch panels and has some subtle, yet striking accents like a quilted bottom and orange fabric tabs.  Whether for your day to day errands or weekend travel plans, this duffel is your ideal companion (just throw your stuff in there and get on your way).

Accessories, Bags, Style

When having to choose between quality vs. quantity, we generally gravitate towards the former.  This may explain why the things we own tend to be somewhat limited in number, given how painstakingly each item is usually selected (shopping of any type is almost always accomplished alone and follows a somewhat complicated process meant to minimize the potential for cognitive dissonance).  And when it comes to clothes, we appreciate designers who know their way around men’s basics with a focus on quality construction, fit, and a keen attention to detail.  With an array of essentials, many of which are finished with a wide spectrum of buttons, trims, and stitching, 3sixteen embodies everything we look for in a men’s clothing line.  There’s a level of detail that separates 3sixteen’s aesthetic sensibilities from those of their more humdrum peers, whether it’s the asymmetrical cuffs that button back on their Pinstripe Cardigan, the seersucker trim on their Hooded Henley, the herringbone twill sleeve straps of their Utility Shirt, or the quilted shoulders of their Duffel Coat.  It’s these classic styles, accented by their playful detailing and combined with a reasonable price point, that inexorably draw us to 3sixteen as a brand concept (and we’re pretty sure they’ll draw you in too).

Fashion, Style

Over the years, we’ve received various unsolicited comments on our manner of attire—from the archaic “fashion plate” to the more timely “dandy” (which, while appreciated, is somewhat of a misnomer for us).  That said, we’re not as concerned with the semantics of style as much as the selectivity with which we accouter ourselves.  And for much of our lives, we’ve felt isolated in this endeavor, with little more than a GQ subscription to guide our way.  How things have changed.  There’s been a resurgence, if not outright evolution of men’s style and we’ve seen its impact everywhere, from the growing number of bespoke tailoring services in the city, to the ever increasing number of men who not only wear suits (when not required) but also choose their clothing and accessories with discernment and charm.

And it’s with this ethos in mind that the ever-rakish Poull Brien founded Cleverly Clothed, New York’s singular event series that connects the most dapper of men with new custom clothiers and men’s accessories brands while mingling with others (both men and women) of like-minded and distinguished taste.  This bi-monthly bacchanal combines the opportunity for networking with the simple joie de vivre that a little imbibing in the presence of exceptionally dressed individuals can only inspire.  And given that Dapper Scout is one of the co-hosts for this Friday’s event at Ella (see invitation above for details), we’re giving away exclusive complimentary passes to the first 20 readers who email us at info@dapperscout.com.  For those that don’t hear back from us, you can RSVP directly with Cleverly Clothed.  We’re looking forward to seeing you and it goes without saying, proper cocktail attire is required.

Events, Fashion, New York City, Style

There’s something about a metal card case that suggests you’re all business.  But displaying a little networking acumen doesn’t have to come at the expense of style with the Sarome Card Case (available at Lighters Direct for $40).  Constructed out of two stainless steel sheets beautifully bolted together (with built-in springs to hold your business cards securely in place), the Sarome Card Case weighs just 1.1 oz, yet exudes a heavy dose of industrial polish.  Available in three metal finishes (editor’s choice: polished black), the Sarome Card Case is a sleek networking accessory, ensuring your business cards and you always look their best, no matter the situation.

Accessories, Style

For some of us, Richard Dean Anderson is not some actor from Stargate SG-1, rather, he was and will always be MacGyver, the one man who could single-handedly get himself out of the hairiest of situations with little more than a rubber band, paper clip and some chewing gum.  We’ve always felt that channeling a little MacGyver in your life can only be a good thing, and the Exuvius Titan Collar Stays (available at Exuvius for $50) enable you to do just that.  These 100% titanium collar stays are lightweight (0.1 oz each), strong (3 times that of stainless steel) and fit just about all spread collars.  Titan Collar Stays also feature a built-in bottle opener, thread cutter, flat Phillips and slot-tipped screwdriver, ensuring that no matter the situation, you’ll be equipped and prepared to deal with the unexpected (with both ease and style).

Accessories, Style

Multi-tasking products have always resonated with us, so anytime we see the word “reversible,” our interest is immediately piqued.  Though better known for their meticulously crafted lighters, SAROME also produces some outstanding men’s accessories and the SAROME Reversible Cufflinks (available at Lighters Direct for $65) are no exception.  Gorgeously finished in your choice of three distinctive metals (i.e. silver, black nickel and rose gold), SAROME Reversible Cufflinks are not only lustrous, but also display an exquisitely engraved pattern that’s especially striking in the black nickel and rose gold versions.  And with a reversible side available, you also have the option of flashing a little black leather if the mood strikes you (and the way we see it, having options is generally a good thing).

Accessories, Cufflinks, Style

Würkin Stiffs Fashion Power Stays (available at Würkin Stiffs for $70) unequivocally prove that it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts.  Using the world’s strongest magnets (that you place on the inside of your dress shirt), Fashion Power Stays allow you to position your collar as close or as far away as you like, mitigating the effects of a droopy or stubborn collar.  Available in a wide array of colors and charming designs, Fashion Power Stays are for those select men who value a dash of flair (even when not readily visible) as much as function, recognizing that the source of poise, polish and confidence often comes from within.

Accessories, Style

They say you always bet on black—and with the detailed yet resolute design of the Nixon Magnacon (available at Nixon for $600), you couldn’t bet against it.  Made of titanium carbide coated stainless steel, the Nixon Magnacon features Swiss-made chronograph movement with a custom developed ballistic nylon band, double gasket screw crown and scratch resistant sapphire crystal.  The black on black colorway is accented with red and white hashmarks and hands, resulting in a striking mash-up between an aviation and covert ops aesthetic.  And though we’d hesitate to call the Magnacon inexpensive, it’s one of the few watches we love with both substance and style coming in under the four digit price point.

Accessories, Style, Watches

The next time your special someone asks you over to watch a DVD and stay in for the evening, you could be that guy who brings over a Snuggie with which to stay warm and cozy.  Alternatively, we suggest a slightly more stylish and portable approach to indoor snuggling with the Rag & Bone Asiri Blanket (available at Barneys starting from $425).  Available in both a cream cashmere and a navy blue, waffle knit wool, the Asiri Blanket is held together with adjustable leather carrying handles, ensuring both ease of mind and transport as you make your way over to a relaxing (and decidedly Snuggie-free) evening indoors.

Accessories, Loft, Style