Now here’s a piece we wish we had the spare coins for. There’s not much we can fault with Moncler Gamme Bleu – aside from the price. It’s a piece that guaranteed to be seen all over the place at Pitti Uomo (and conversely, on all those tumblrs that have an unhealthy love with all things Italian). If you’ve got the coins (and that’s a huge if), then this should be a no brainer. (Farfetch)

Washington, DC’s Apartment Zero regularly puts together fine design exhibitions. Their latest, a collaboration with Civilian Art Projects, is the first solo exhibition of work by Atelier Takagi. The working name of Jonah Takagi (a RISD grad), Atelier Takagi specializes in simple, functional home goods. “New American Design” presents one-offs, prototypes, and limited editions representative of Takagi’s aesthetic.

On view through January 8, 2011.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Installation views, via DesignBoom, follow on after the jump.

By this point, we’re sure everyone knows about for love for the chukka (a few have complained on more than one occasion) but what can we say? We know fashion’s all about finding a completely new wardrobe every six months, but we’ve always thought that mentality to be ridiculous (and expensive). We’d much rather find something we know works for us and gently tweak our style around it as opposed to having a carousel for a wardrobe. (Edwards)

Looking for a beverage to satisfy the teetotaler in your family while ringing in the New Year? Look no further than Golden Star Tea.  We’d rather not say it’s the alcohol free version of Champagne – that is simply ridiculous – but, we are willing to concede that Golden Star Tea is a damn fine drink. Ideal for celebrations and fine meals, the sparkling jasmine tea is brewed in small batches and sweetened with just a touch of raw sugar cane.

Albam continues to churn out the quality basics with this olive sweatshirt. We’ve not seen many quality olive sweatshirts about, so it’d be a worthy addition to your sweatshirt collection. It’d make a change from all those grey versions in your wardrobe anyway. (Albam)

01. A Pictorial Guide to Fast Food in Singapore (Pictured Above)

“McDonald’s defines fast food as an order one receives within 30 seconds from payment *. Most of these, found in hawker centres, coffee shops, food courts or kiosks within malls, are more likely to clock in around the three-minute mark… still fast enough for me! This list is non-exhaustive though, only what I have cared to or managed ** to eat.” (This is Naive)

02. Glenn Beck – The Lone Voice of Reason

“In what has increasingly become an era defined by pandemonium, rancor, and blind ignorance, one stabilizing voice emerged from the din this year to soothe the souls of Americans everywhere, make us recognize the common decency that binds us all, and supplant the poisonous aura of fear and chaos with a simple, well-thought-out message of peace, prosperity, and reconciliation.

That man is television and syndicated radio host Glenn Beck.” (The Onion)

03. Ronald Isley, All Samples Cleared

“Isley (and his group The Isley Brothers) has been credited with over 140 hip-hop samples. With his new album Mr. I (Def Jam) on shelves now, XXL caught up with Mr. Bigs and got his take on some of our favorite Isley Brothers lifts. The Notorious B.I.G., Ice Cube, 2Pac, Nas, UGK, Ludacris; we’ve got all samples cleared!” (XXL)

04. How to: Use a Proxy

If you don’t know, now you know (© Notorious B.I.G) [Valet]

The “alter ego of designer,” Ben Pollitt, Friedrich Gray is a line the takes a brand and revolves it around his character’s insights. The Australian fashion label “Friedrich Gary is a dark, brooding character, an typical neo-gothic hero.” Their take on the Denim shirt is symbolic to the characters design. It’s “100% cotton and has a back placard detailing.” A great shirt with a modern slim fit and slash chest pockets. The shirt is only available in black and is available at FriedrichGray.

More looks after the click.

Shipley & Halmos have launched their Things! store online – as part of “a new category of limited edition and collaborative product[s] … Collaborations include a class ring made with Phillip Crangi and a collaboration with Moleskine for the Shipley & Halmos drawing blog entitled Numerous Drawings.” We’re focusing in on this cashmere scarf which is not listed as collaborative but looks great with its eight colors of knit ribbing.

More looks after the click.

Some classic petty officer shirts for your attention from Epaulet. “Our CPO Shirt Jacket is crafted in 21oz 100% Italian Melton Wool. This has a similar weight and heft to the wool found in most peacoats. It’s thick, warm, insulating, wind-resistant, and very tough. It has a soft hand and a polished finish. The body of the jacket is cut longer and squared off to end a few inches past your belt. We built in side slash hand pockets on the outside and two functional and generously sized pockets on the inside.” Fits like a shirt but gives the warmth and protection of a jacket.

More looks after the click.

Here’s another great gift option from  the John Varvatos Holiday 2010 catalog. Last time, we focused in on crocodile accessories, today we look at a pair of Ernst Benz special make-up watches.  The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition Chronoscope Watches feature 47mm brushed stainless steel case and angle, with a polished domed sapphire glass. Each is limited to 250 units and feature hand-made alligator straps. Choose between black or anthracite color.  Truly a gift that grows and ages well with the owner.

View the full John Varvatos Holiday 2010 catalog online for these and many other gift ideas.

Many more looks at the Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition Chronoscope Watches after the click.