So you’ve just dropped a wedge of cash on a pair of hand crafted, shell cordovan, limited edition, Japan only, vegetable tanned, custom made bluchers. You’ve made an investment and you’re pretty pleased with the new home you’ve bought for your feet. Now the hard work begins. With great shoes comes great responsibility. If you look after your treasured purchase it’ll be kind to you for years to come – time to get some shoe care accessories.

Let us recommend the Turms kit, based in Montegrenaro, Italy these guys are best known for making shoe lasts for some of the biggest names in footwear. This kit is as goodlooking as it is useful, that penny loafer style closure is just plain clever. Inside you’ll find a cloth, shoe horn, two brushes and two tins of polish. Time to get started. -ld

More looks after the click.

Le Labo delivers this “training kit” for those interested in the world of perfume making. Use the olfactionary kit to hone your sense of smell for the components necessary to lure humans. Gain knowledge with this super kit. Pricey but worth it if you fancy entering this world. Colette has it.

More looks after the click.

Those looking to bring the finer side of whiskey into the hobby realm should try this kit from Woodenville. “The Age Your Own Whiskey Kit includes two 750 ml bottles of 110 proof White Dog un-aged whiskey, a 2 liter aging barrel, pouring funnel, two tasting glasses, and step-by-step instructions.  Because of the small barrel size, the aging process is significantly accelerated with nicely aged whiskey available in 3-6 months (you be the judge!).” Let us know how it goes.

Halloween. On it. Go The Black Keys route for only $20 smackers. “Don’t know what to be for Halloween? Well now you can be The (fake) Black Keys. This dress-up kit includes one pair of glasses kinda like Pat’s and one false beard vaguely suggestive of Dan’s real one.” Yes, this is an official product.

Given the fixture on June 12, there should be little surprise that the victorious  1-0 scoreline from US v. England clash in the 1950 World Cup provides inspiration for the new American home strip. In 1950, the team playing in Brazil wore a white shirt with blue sash. The feel of the sash is retained in the new shirt, though given a subtle gray tone, evoking the spirit of one of the most important US National team sides on its 60th anniversary.

The new strip was designed by Nike Soccer creative director Phil Dickenson. He unveiled the kit yesterday morning, alongside US manager Bob Bradley, former team member Eric Wynalda, and 1950 Captain Walter Bahr. Dickenson stressed the need to establish a lineage and tradition in the National Team kit – the design also featuring a hidden coiled rattlesnake and the text “Don’t Tread on Me,” a phrase used for over two centuries in the United States and now part of the USMNT’s patriotic call. Bradley championed the shirt’s technical detailing. Wynalda seemed chuffed by the jersey, and perhaps a bit envious of the current crop of players.

At 83, Bahr best articulated the feeling of the new shirt. He said, “I like it. It’s classy.”And, on the nods to the shirt of his playing days, he noted, “They had a good design in the 1950s, why change it?”

Photography by Karen Day. More images of the new United States Men’s National Team Home Strip after the jump.

Having given you the first tease of Umbro’s lastest England Away Kit, we are happy to offer five lucky readers first crack and wearing one. Aitor Throup’s design follows his interest in anatomy and brings a fresh, contemporary feel to a classic shirt. Additional vents and a fine breathable fabric also make it equally suited for 5-aside kick arounds and life on the terraces.

Interested? Enter the pool by joining our Selectism Facebook group.

In 1966, Bobby Moore hosted the World Cup wearing a red shirt.

The England Away kit, despite many years of hurt, remains legend. Aitor Throup recognizes the heritage of English football and Umbro, and adds his own contemporary twist with a keen sense of human anatomy and ergonomics. As first look at the away kit, we share the above video. Throup discusses his process and the technical aspects that make his a unique take on the classic.

The shirt will officially launch at retail outlets on March 3, 2010.

No stopping on the dopp kits now, cuz y’all know you need some stocking stuffers. Kenton Sorenson Leather Leather Dopp Kit is another option available now at context. “The Kenton Sorenson dopp kit is the perfect holiday gift. This dopp kitt is hand made in Wisconsin using natural leather that will develop an amazing deep golden brown color with regular use. The kit has a simple leather wrap around tie closure that can also be used to keep the kit open while in use.” Made in the U.S.A.! I promise to call it a toiletries bag next time.

More looks at the Kenton Sorenson Leather Leather Dopp Kit after the click.

Bet you’ve never seen one of these.

But, now you have, you probably want one. This all inclusive Vampire Killing Kit landed in the hands of one lucky buyer at a recent Stevens Auction in Nachez, MS. This is pretty special. The finally tally? A hair under 15000$US.

A full view of the 19th Century Vampire Killing Kit after the jump.

Via: The Bee

Straight razors may not be for everyone, but if you have ever been on the other end of one, the closeness is incredible. So, for starters, consider this straight razor shaving kit from DOVO of Germany. It has it all – from two straight edges, brush, mixing bowl and even razor strop to keep those razors, well, razor sharp (good luck learning how to use it though. Consider asking your gramps or the barber down the block with the decades old facade). A very classic kit for the hardcore of shavers.

A more detailed view of the DOVO Straight Edge Shaver Travel Kit after the jump