Gentlemen’s Tonic, founded back in 2004 is another great example of a traditional barbershop shop stepping up and bringing to market their own quality men’s grooming products. The Gentlemen’s Tonic shop offers a full service grooming and “rejuvenating” services in what they describe as a “reassuringly male experience.” They recently opened their third space inside of London’s Selfridges while launching their Babassu and Bergamot line. “The range, specifically designed for men, is a striking blend of naturally based ingredients derived from sustained and renewable resources. It features a unique fragrance combining a base of Indonesian patchouli with a citrus accord of Sicilian lemon, energising bergamot and relaxing lavender.”

After a small venue change, the premier independent mens fashion tradeshow, (capsule) show lands its racks inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on February 18 and 19. This is a first for the (capsule) show: it quickly branched out from it’s New York roots to includes shows in Paris and now Las Vegas.

Participating brands include for Las Vegas include, Buzz Rickson’s, Red Wing, YMC, Sugarcane, Warriors of Radness, and many more.

Many of the high end auto manufacturers offer luggage that is made to fit proper in the boot (or trunk depending on which version of English you speak). But for those looking for a few more options to fill the backend, you turn to Taris Charysyn and Co. Auto Luggage. The vast number of vehicles that Taris Charysyn auto luggage is customized for is outstanding.

“Luggage pieces or sets are offered for your choice in Period Styling (black protective corners) or a more Elegant Retro Styling (tacked edging). The offerings include hand crafted fitted luggage for Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, Aston-Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati, BMW, Morgan, Triumph, Austin Healey and many other Vintage, Classic, and Fine Automobiles.”

All the auto luggage is made to the specification of the original factory optional sets. Simply bad ass. Thanks to MW for buying me a set for my Aston Martin.

More views of the Taris Charysyn and Co. Auto Luggage after the jump.

Wallpaper* brings word on new notlets by Giles Deacon for luxury leather goods maker, Smythson. “His latest creation is a set of correspondence cards for stalwarts of the stationery scene, Smythson. Giles has penned five signed couture sketches, sold in a pack of ten…It mightn’t be a Giles dress but it’s still a charming way to say thank you.”

Writer Max Gustashaw and photographer Hatnim Lee profile Mexico City’s  Velódromo Agustín Melgar – the cycling stadium built for the 1968 Olympics – for Swindle Magazine. 

“Once a destination for record breakers in the 1970s and ’80s, the track has fallen into disrepair and random use—the grandstands are crumbling, the paint is peeling, and the hallways to the track flood in heavy rains. Along the outside cling the bleak offices of the delegation’s sporting programs and pay-to-use bathrooms. Today a big-top circus is planted out front, with two spider monkeys blocking access to the cyclists’ entryway. ‘It has its charm,’ one of the teenage girls concedes.”

An absolutely great read. Thanks, Nick.

Our friends a Valet Mag offer a nice guide to the ins and outs of laundering your wears. Unexpectedly, we did learn a thing or two about how many wears we go without on socks and dress shirts. “How long can your clothes go between washing? In these eco-friendly (and economically tough) times, you don’t want to use all that water and electricity on something that’s still relatively clean. Besides, doing laundry is such a bitch.” (image via flickr)

Read the full write up at Valet Mag.

 I really should have asked for this practical snow shovel from Sno-Wovel. Look at it. It look like an old wagon wheel with a shovel on the end of it, but do not let looks deceive you. This specimen of a shovel allows for amazing leverage when picking up and moving kickers in the backyard or deep woods. (via core77)

More views of the Sno-Wovel Victorian Snow Shovel after the jump.

Check the Eurostile classic face on this bubble mantle clock from Newgate. The oversized clock stands on its own as a timepiece or showpiece in your home. Looks like they’re a bit hard to find – those in the UK should take advantage. (via mc-modernist)

Oh yeah. Ho ho ho to those celebrating Christmas today. Ah yes, another joyous year we have had in 2008. Markets coming and going, new looks, the return of workwear… well I’m not in a position to summarize it all up today, since I’ll be feasting like a champ on food de jour. But I will leave you with some reading material if you so please…

“In the spirit of humbuggery, The Quietus looks at some of the worst excuses for Santa ever to disgrace the silver screen, and provides Top Trumps-style stats on their performance. Whether they’re slightly implausible or just plain evil, this bunch is a disgrace to the ruddy uniform.”

Read “Cinematic Santas – The Least Convincing And Naughtiest Santas on Film” on The Quietus.