Just thinking about some stocking stuffers with this one. A good one. “Baxter of California … teams up with Saturdays NYC to produce a limited distribution “Beach Soap”… the new soap is loosely inspired by Baxter’s popular Italian Lime scented glycerin bar, but was “re-mixed” by the guys at Saturdays to capture the essence of the Atlantic Ocean.” Available through the Staurday’s NYC shop.

A nice woolie from Highland 2000. “This product contains British wool and has been handframe knitted in England by Highland 2000… Handframe knitting is a process which owes it’s existence to an invention by William Lee of Calverton, Nottinghamshire, 1859. Highland 2000 is a small family run business who carry on this tradition with over 100 years experience of producing quality knitwear.”

More looks after the click.

Some first looks at the forthcoming Spring 2011 Alexander McQueen collection. “Spring/Summer 2011, the first menswear collection from Alexander McQueen under the artistic direction of Lee McQueen’s long time head of design, Sarah Burton, draws on the DNA of the house, and the archive.”

More looks after the click.

“Yvon Chouinard got his start as a climber in 1953 as a 14-year-old member of the Southern California Falconry Club, which trained hawks and falcons for hunting.” Chouinard was able to create a trend as he gained popularity in mountaineering. His choice of climbing attire paved the way for what we now know as Patagonia. The “Slingshot Down Vest” is “600-fill-power” goose down vest with two front pockets and a western style yoke. The vest comes in three different colors and you can get it at Patagonia.

More looks after the click.

Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand: Masterworks from The Metropolitan Museum of Art is published in conjunction with the current exhibition, of same name, at the Metropolitan Museum. The photographic jewels shown and discussed are among the true gems of the institutions overall collection. Malcolm Daniel is Curator in Charge of the Department of Photographs, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, takes readers through the careers and innovations of the groundbreaking master photographers.

Available from YUP and Amazon.

“In this exclusive short film, Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram talks to Sir Paul Smith about the celebrated designer’s love of cycling… A revealing and engaging portrait of one man’s enduring passion for the sport, Paul Smith recalls his days as a young rider sneaking home copies of the ‘exotic’ newspaper, L’Equipe, the heroes that inspired him, and his father’s bemusement at the very un-English sport of road racing.”

Hilton’s Tent City on Friend Street in Boston has been in the business of selling work, wilderness, outdoor, and camping gear since the 1940’s. The multi-story building is crammed with gear from years past. We take a look.

Curated turns us onto this exhibition:

LEGO is the chosen material for Nathan Sawaya’s sculpture. His work tackles surrealist themes… and themes of identity. Currently, Sawaya’s sculpture are on view in RED at Agora Gallery in New York City. The work will remain on view through December 14, 2010.

Read more over at Curated.

New in at Garbstore, Meg Company Monitaly Knitwear for Autumn/Winter 2010 draws from grand Mexican knitting traditions. In fact, the sweaters originate from the the autonomous municipality of Chamula in Mexico. Provided are sweaters, scarves, and caps, all with the same colorful multi-pattern designs.

View the full selection of Meg Company Monitaly Knitwear after the jump.

Spoon & Tamago turn us onto this rather nifty piece from Koji Yano of Design 83. Designed as a space to put your keys, it can be stuck to any surface and will work great for those who can never remember where they left their keys. We’re not sure whether it’d be able to hold a heavy set of keys but it looks good nonetheless. They’re on sale in Japan now, so they’re worth a purchase if you’re in that part of town.