Stay Here: NoMad Hotel, NYC

I just got off a whirlwind tour online of the NoMad Hotel in NYC.  I am heading to NY on Monday for a business meeting and plan to check this out.  Very cool space, Very cool rooms.  Very cool prices too!  The description at the website for the location is:

The hotel is located in the heart of the historic NoMad neighborhood (North of Madison Square Park). Bordered by the Flatiron District and Gramercy Park to the South, Chelsea to the West, and Midtown/Times Square to the North, The NoMad Hotel is centrally located to the best the City has to offer. Ideally situated between the East and West sides of the City, the hotel is convenient to most areas, including SoHo, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District.

WEBSITE

 

Th best part of the website, aside from the cool design, is the spectacular photography.  All photos following from the website and Courtesy of The NoMad Hotel NYC.  Enjoy.  I will.

The Front Desk

Spectacular Cuisine

Room Detail

Get Used To This

How Suite

Dining

The Library

Rooftop

Views

The Neighborhood

The Bar

Shoe Love: Crockett & Jones

I admit it: I am a shoe addict.  Pure and simple.  And nice shoes aren't cheap. A decent pair of men's dress shoes will set you back anywhere from $400-$1500.  And we aren't even talking bespoke (the likes of John Lobb, et al.)

My closet is full of nice shoes. Some I have had for over 15 years.  That air of crocodile loafers you said I was an idiot for spending $750 on?  Yep. 15 years. Amortize that.

My latest discovery is Crockett & Jones.  I got a pair of "Drummond"; a brogue oxford shoe with wingtip design and light punching detail. Made from the finest calf leather and suede with single leather soles for the Crockett & Jones Men's Main Collection

These are English shoes. Fabulous construction. Not s costly as some, but not cheap by any means.  Check out this video from the C&J website - it's really amazing.  Afterward, try to hold off from immediately running out and buying a pair. They are hard to find unless you are in NY - Barney's or the C&J store (the only retail location int he US).

Cars We Love: Jaguar S-Type

I've only driven this car a few times.  Each and every time was when I got a big upgrade from National Rent A Car.  Once, my boss asked me not to accept upgrades because other people in the company thought it improper that "sales" should rent luxury cars.  Silly. Like people who think because I fly in First Class I paid for the ticket? Ridiculous.  I like the general aesthetic of this now defunct model.  This one is the S-Type R. Nice 8 cylinder. Beautiful satinwood burl... lovely.

Wearable Art: Sam Hober Ties

I enjoy ties. I know. I know. They aren't required as much anymore for everyday business wear, but I love them.  I have a bunch.  Recently I was turned on to the made to order world of Sam Hober Ties.

There are so many choices. It is daunting. But if you know what you want (I needed Navy Silk Pindot and Green Silk Pindot) then it's easy. They are handmade (and that is obvious), and made to measure, so you tall guys take heart!

Beautifully made. The ties I ordered were really well packaged and sent from the factory in Chiang Mai Thailand.

The first time they came I missed the shipment and the post office didn't leave a notice so they were returned. Imagine my surprise when I got a personal call from Sam!

Great guy. Sent them back and I LOVE these two ties.

 

The texture, color and quality of these are remarkable. I'll definitely go back to this well when I need more.  You should too.  Give old Sam a try.  

Wearable: The Art of Sutor Mantellassi

Everyone who knows me well knows I have a little thing for shoes. Well, maybe not such a little thing.  My family says I shouldn't have any new shoes except the "Thunderdome Rule": one pair enter, one pair leaves.

OK. So yes. Those are the black shelves....

... and these are the brown ones.  Why are you looking at me like that?







A new favorite is Sutor Mantellassi. I purchased mine from ShopTheFinest.com who has a generally good selection.  Other sites offer them as well, but I can't seem to find any better selection for my taste and budget. They are not cheap, but when you get them at such a discount, they are pretty nice for the buck.

In The Wild

These are the new additions to the wardrobe.  I like that they are slim, easy to wear and work with suits and chinos alike.

The Tassled Tops

The Norwegian construction (with a single row of stitching rather than the flashier two braided rows favored by other makers) and their innovative use of skin stitching makes these shoes wearable, comfortable, long-wearing and a great value.

Detail On The Bottom

 And besides - everyone likes a great looking shoe, right?

Papa Has A Brand New Bag: The Hildestahl Medium II

I have an admitted addiction to bags... well... shoes, suits, OK, OK.. all of it.

I wanted a bag that was not a briefcase, messenger bag or anything like that. I ordered the Medium II from Hildestahl.  It is vaguely reminiscent of one of those airline bags or gym bags men carried in the 60's?  It is made of really nice leather and lined in suede.  It has proven itself to be rugged and good looking. (Images and description are courtesy of the designers website: Hildestahl.com, which I think is a really beautiful site all on its own.)

Medium II

A very useful bag for stylish everyday use - for work, for the gym or an overnight trip. The ultimate, practical medium sized bag, designed to be the ideal handbag for a man. Same construction as Medium I. With this Italian leather it is still soft but a bit more structured. Inside with zipped pocket, two small open  pockets and a pen-holder.  Pocket with zip on the side. Adjustable carrying strap included, for  carrying on one shoulder preferably. Lined with Finnish reindeer suede.  Made in Italy.  Measures 39 * 27 *17 cm.

Hildestahl Medium II

Hildestahl Medium II