Maybe it’s both too earnest and too obvious, but enjoy the simplest things. They are truly where the most pleasure comes from. Whether it’s a quiet moment, a comforting meal, or a familiar feature, don’t assume that something has to be grand to offer magnitudes of pleasure beyond what you expect.

You’re probably wondering what has me all sentimental at the beginning of this week, and it is no one thing in particular. I have just noticed of late that the more I pause and allow myself to enjoy the little things the less I find myself missing not having some of the things we might typically think of as “bigger.”

Take for example a dinner I had last week. Bread, potatoes, and ribeye, some decent red wine, and the company of a few friends I haven’t had much time for lately. Humbling sitting around a coffee table – no room in the kitchen – on mismatched chairs enjoying a relatively simple meal with good company was the best night I’ve had in weeks. The experience was far more than the sum of its parts.

As a willing and happy participant in a culture which spends a lot of time and energy focusing on $5000 suits, $1500 pairs of shoes, and $100 bottles of whisky, I think it is good to remind ourselves on occasion the limitations of these treasures. They can provide an immense amount of happiness, sure, but not when they become distractions.

This isn’t intended as some trite “money can’t buy happiness” speech, don’t misunderstand me. Sure, you can salivate, save, aspire, or whatever; I know I do, and I think it’s a perfectly healthy behavior. I only mean to say that if you spend your time wishing you were wearing Edward Greens instead of enjoying your walk, something is seriously wrong.

We can start in the bathroom. Few rituals beat the luxury of slathering on some hot foam with a soft badger shave brush after a steamy shower. It’s one of those indulgences which quickly becomes requisite. A few months ago I forgot a brush on a week long trip and ended up returning home covered in stubble – I just couldn’t bring myself to shave without my fluffy friend.

Edwin Jagger makes good brushes at great prices, while Simpson charges a little more but makes brushes in dozens of shapes and sizes to suit your needs perfectly. You want a handle that is comfortable for you to hold and a head size and shape that feels right on the contours of your face.

Once I’m all showered and shaved I try to have time for a relaxing breakfast before getting to work for the day. I hate the feeling of wandering around barefoot, so slippers are a requirement. I hate those puffy shearing things that leave your feet sweaty but am also clumsy enough that slides are a hazard. For me Grecians or Albert are a perfect fit.

You can go for something in leather, velvet, needlepoint, whatever floats your boat. The key is picking something that is as enjoyable to wear as your favorite bench made shoes – you’ll likely spend more time in your slippers than any other single pair of shoes you own. Sturdy soles and a proper heel are a must for me, but some people prefer soft leather bottoms.

Finally, if you drink either, please buy decent coffee or tea. Remember, this isn’t just a website about clothing. I’m not saying you need to spend thousands on a hand-built Florentine espresso machine (though do if you can), but just do not buy huge sacks of cheap pre-ground coffee. Splurge on a grinder, buy beans in small quantities, and buy something good. Most major and mid-sized cities have great local roasters these days, and it’s the morning equivalent of a great single malt. Enjoy your coffee and enjoy your day.

Like I said, I’m not connoisseur of clocks.  I do appreciate them though.  There is something about the advancing of science and engineering for the ultimate goal of creating something beautiful that is extremely poetic.  And from these quests, we can learn more broad-reaching lessons as well.

Take for example the Chapter Three.  The engineering alone didn’t present too complicated a problem.  But, when the designers took the technical and forced themselves to think within the boundaries of classic aesthetics and a particular set of parameters, the results are more than admirable.  Sometimes giving ourselves boundaries actually opens up possibilities.

Sure, sure it’s a little quixotic to rhapsodize like this after watching a vimeo clip of a gentleman explaining his latest time-keeping creation.  And yes, not all of the complications in this particular watch are crucial to one’s day-to-day existence, but bear with me.
 

 
The Legacy Machine One.  My favorite of the bunch here.  Beautiful and a perfect example of what can happen when you take the past and the future and mix them together perfectly.  There is nothing particularly “futuristic” or “anachronistic” about this watch, but it pushes boundaries subtly and elegantly.  It whispers it’s progress rather than shouting it.  If you only watch one of the videos here, this should be the one.
 

 
Sometimes less is more, and sometimes more is more.  The dial might be a little busy for my usual taste, but there is no denying that this thing is awe-inspiring.  The technical, the aesthetic, and the synchronicity of the two.  The watch reeks of the thought that went into dreaming it up, and even in its plentitude of complications, numbers, and markers, seems to show a careful restraint and respect for tradition.
 

 
And finally, the Tread Two.  Hideous, no?  But technologically very interesting.  Suffice it to say, not all things which are technically brilliant make for great dressing and accessorizing.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s a watch, a pair of shoes, or a suit.  It’s the total package that matters, not just how many man-hours go into making a thing.  There are great pieces of craftsmanship that are completely un-stylish.

We had a nice run with the Indian Summer, but it’s finally getting really wintery.  And one thing that means is shifting our grooming habits until spring has sprung.  It doesn’t matter how nice your coat is if your skin looks like hell.  So look in your medicine cabinet and adjust.

How fussy you want to get with your grooming routine is up to you.  I’m not a manicure loving guy, and I can count the number of “masks” I’ve done on one hand, but there’s not glory in pretending you don’t give a damn about your body.  Masculinity and little jars of cream have less than nothing to do with one another.

Whatever you choose to do above a beyond there are a few requisites.  Moisturizer, lip balm, face wash, and your shaving products aren’t really an option.

While the advertisers will try to get you to believe that only super-premium branded products will keep you from looking like a baseball mitt, it’s not always the case.  Perfect example: Cetaphil face wash.  It comes in sensitive and regular strength, and both do a good job getting the dirt off your face without taking your skin away too.  Lubriderm isn’t a bad choice for hand-moisturizer either.  The bottles aren’t so great to look at, but the stuff inside is top of the line.

That Burts Bees lip balm at the checkout counter is another easy-on-the-wallet option – and there’s really nothing better to keep your lips from cracking in the winter wind.  When the cold first hits I always learn the lesson the hard way, but I’ll only get cracked lips that one week a year.

Now my winter moisturizer of choice is a little pricier.  Kiehl’s Ultra is the bet I can find, and it’s not crazy expensive.  You only need a tiny amount, and it gives your skin a moist but not wet feeling when you put it on.  It also works as a decent aftershave if you’re traveling and want to carry fewer bottles with you.

Finally, just a word of warning.  If you’re not growing a winter beard (which, just to clarify, I don’t advise you do), be careful with shaving.  I’m sure you know your own skin best, but you might want to step up the pre and post shave routine.  A little extra moisture before and after should help you keep the nicks and irritation to minimum, even with the brutal weather outside.

So don’t run out and buy a whole new cabinet-worth of bottles, but do make sure you care for your skin when Mother Nature isn’t so kind.

If you think ties make boring gifts, you’re buying (or worse, receiving) the wrong ties.  This fall saw the release of a number of great swathes of silk and wool to wrap around your neck.  It’s hard to give any set suggestions, but my three favorite makers – Drakes, Finickey, and Panta –  each have something unique to offer.  Drakes of course has their legendary Ancient Madder silks as well as some jacquard paisleys up their sleeves this season.  No one beats Finickey for classic stripes and great color combinations.  And if you want a discreetly luxurious unlined cashmere tie, Panta‘s your best bet.

Now we’re starting to really step things up.  There are bags, and then there are bags.  The Armoury’s collaboration with Ro Bags is drool-worthy all around.  My favorite of the bunch though is the medium briefcase in cognac.  Sure it’s an investment, but it will only get better with time.  And if you’re ordering it, probably get a copy of the O’Mast DVD to tuck inside for the lucky recipient while you’re at it.

No matter how much time you spend on your iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, etc., everyone needs a good pen.  Now you can go the typical Mont Blanc route, they’re perfectly good pens, but there are a few brands that I think present better value and a more interesting product.  My Waterman has given me years of good service and shows no signs of slowing.  Their Hemisphere make a great first pen and their Exception is just that, exceptional.  Graf von Faber-Castell makes some stellar pens, as does Dunhill, despite their being a “lifestyle brand.”  Fountain is always my preference to rollerball, but think twice before buying one for a lefty – they’ll just end up with dirty hands.

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!