From what we’ve observed, when it comes to packing a bag for even something as quick as a weekend getaway, (some) women believe they need shoes for just about every possible scenario (with a bag dedicated towards that end alone not being uncommon).  It’s a good thing that (most) men have a knack for packing light and for those of us that appreciate being a little more agile while traveling, there’s not a more suitably designed weekend duffel than the Herschel Novel Duffel Bag (available at Herschel for $75).  A separate built-in shoe compartment keeps your footwear safely stowed away from the rest of your gear while a removable and padded shoulder strap keeps the Novel securely and comfortably resting on your shoulders.  Available in three colors (editor’s choice: white), the Novel Duffel Bag is simply but purposefully constructed with the end user’s ease of use in mind (and in our estimation, this one’s for the guys).

Don’t let its price point fool you.  The Apollo Classic Sunglasses by SUPER (available at SUPER for approximately $125) have a provenance (handmade in Italy) many of us associate with the most high-end of automobiles (think the symbol of the prancing horse on a yellow shield).  Launched in 2007 by Daniel and Simon Beckerman, SUPER produces sunglasses in a wide spectrum of designs and colors using only the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes, with the Apollo Classic being our understated, yet striking choice of sunglasses for the bright and hot summer months ahead.  The translucent grey acetate is perfectly partnered with faded black Zeiss lenses, making the Apollo Classic aptly named (Apollo being the god of light and sun) and ideally designed for you to face the unforgiving sun in all its summer glory.

Though we generally like keeping things light in the summer (especially when the humidity gets oppressive), we still recommend that when you pull on a pair of shorts, you throw on a belt.  The reasons should be obvious: one, it keeps your shorts on (generally a desired result) and two, it looks good (always a desired result).  And with the Hackett Striped D-Ring Belt (available at ASOS.com for $60), you can satisfy both reasons without breaking the bank.  Made of 100% cotton with leather trim, the Hackett D-ring belt also manages to provide a little style relief by way of a nicely contrasting striped color scheme.  Pair the Hackett D-Ring Belt with any pair of shorts (ones with belt loops preferably), and you’ll be ready to step outside of your home (at least half-clothed).

It may be Wednesday, but we’re ready for Friday to roll around and our weekend travel bag of choice (for the moment) is the Billykirk Duffel Bag (available at Gargyle for $215).  Made of waxed cotton canvas, this navy duffel is a refreshing update on a classic and features a fully nylon-lined interior with a zip pocket and contrasting natural canvas handles with an exterior pocket as well.  Every detail from the stitching to the complementary aquamarine blue zipper makes the Billykirk Duffel Bag one that’s worth being seen with (and holding onto, for that matter).

Though the U-boat is generally known as a German military submarine, the origins of the U-Boat Flightdeck Titanium (available at registered dealers starting from $4,750) are decidedly Italian (even the name of the brand’s creator, Italo Fontana, speaks for itself).  Nonetheless, there are a couple design elements that the Flightdeck Titanium shares with its namesake vessel—a certain aesthetic stealthiness (best seen in the matte black dial with black hands/markers) partnered with a significant presence (represented by the 50 mm natural titanium case accented by a seriously robust crown).  And with automatic chronograph movement, water resistance up to 100 meters, and your choice of a rubber or alligator strap, the U-Boat Flightdeck Titanium reminds us that above and beyond any comparisons to its maritime handle, it’s also quite the considerable timepiece and personal accessory.

O Canada, you’ve given us so much: poutine, the development of the modern sport of ice hockey, and Evangeline Lilly (a hat-trick indeed).  The Chateau Laguiole Mammoth Ivory Corkscrew (available at Custom Curling for $490) also takes what the icy Canadian ground has given up (i.e. 10,000 year old mammoth ivory and provided it with new life (in the form of a corkscrew handle.  The brushed stainless steel body on this Chateau Laguiole corkscrew is well complemented by the smooth tan and brown of the mammoth ivory, which is then further accented by its black stainless steel components.  Whether an avid collector or just a highly selective oenophile, the Chateau Laguiole Mammoth Ivory Corkscrew is a unique addition to your barware set and ample reason to invest in a corkscrew if you don’t have one already.

Related Item:
Chateau Laguiole Galuchat Corkscrew

One thing the editors at DS have never quite understood is the logic behind the glow-in-the-dark numerals and hands found on certain high-end watches.  Well, we kind of get it (in that it seems rather unlike a high-end watch to have the ability or necessity to suddenly illuminate).  But for those individuals in professions (or who just happen to regularly find themselves in situations) where every second counts, traser H3 Watches (available at registered dealers starting from $225) ensure immediate and exceptionally clear watch readings, particularly in low or no light environments.  Equipped with small glass tubes treated with phosphorescent material and filled with tritium gas, traser H3 Watches leverage the electrons emitted from the gas to illuminate the watch face with a cold, but brilliant light.  As a self-powered light source, the proprietary trigalight doesn’t rely on an external power source and never requires recharging or even the push of a button to activate.  And with a 20 year trigalight life span, traser H3 Watches will continue to reliably light up in the dark, consistent with their Swiss-made quality and design, just without any high-end sticker shock.

Depending on your point of view, a tie can be either conformist or a bit maverick (although these days it’s hard to go against the grain, even if you’re trying).  Whatever your stance may be on neckwear, the editors at DS endorse it whether worn formally or informally.  And we especially recommend keeping your ties held together with the Bing Bang Tie Bar (available at Bing Bang starting from $125).  Available in either oxidized sterling silver or gunmetal plate, the Bing Bang Tie Bar has great details, particularly in the texture and design of the chains.  The Bing Bang Tie Bar simply reinforces how every little detail counts, right down to the last chain link.