Spotlight on men's wallets

The ubiquitous wallet is something few of us ever really consider, but it's more than just a convenient way to hold your money. They've been around since the late fourteenth century, and the word 'wallet' was around even as far back as Ancient Greece. Today they've evolved into a variety of styles and designs to suit all tastes and lifestyles while retaining the practical features we all need.

Some of our personal favourites are from the esteemed British designer Tumble & Hide. Born in Britain and inspired by Italy, their designs use genuine unblemished Italian calf leather hand-made using time-honoured techniques for a reliable and traditional feel with a modern twist.

Brown Italian Leather 6-Card Money Clip Wallet from Tumble & Hide, £30 at Pure Luxuries

One of today's leading wallet designers, Fossil combine a unique vintage aesthetic with modern styles and builds to create a series of unique accessories that stand out from the crowd. Complete with their collectible designer gift tins, Fossil's contemporary wallets are a bold alternative.

'Brooks' Vintage Leather Traveller Wallet from Fossil, £34 at Pure Luxuries

The complete antithesis to other wallets, Dosh designs are a completely new take on the classic wallet. Their bold accessories are made from desmopan, a waterproof and highly durable material before being coloured in a bold combination that makes a statement without being over-the-top. Striking and stylish, Dosh wallets are a glimpse into what the future of the wallet might hold.

Navy Desmopan 'Yacht' Wallet from Dosh, £49.95 at Pure Luxuries

One of the UK's foremost upcoming designers, Conkca specialise in bold designs that combine an eminently practical design with a sleek and fashionable look. Their unique designs are tailored for the active lifestyle -  as their motto goes, Conkca's wallets are 'Designed for Impact'.

Multi-Function 12 Card Slots Leather Wallet from Conkca, £35 at Pure Luxuries

Get in touch and let us know what you favour for your wallet, or where you see this classic design going in a few years time. I believe we'll see the design adapt to electronic banking - as phones and cards become more popular for even small purchases, the wallet will change to accommodate these methods of payment. We'll see fewer coin pockets and note sections, sure, but the wallet will live on.

-Ben

Perfect timing - spotlight on men's timepieces

"He was a man of untidy habits - very untidy and careless. He was left with good prospects, but he threw away his chances, lived for some time in poverty with occasional short intervals of prosperity, and finally, taking to drink, he died" - so deduces Sherlock Holmes just from a man's watch in the story The Sign of Four.

While (thankfully) we don't expect to have our watches scrutinized to such a level, our choice of timepiece is still undeniably important. Whether you're dressing for the office, an interview / meeting or a night out, your wrist wear is an important part of any outfit.

Simon Carter originally started in the 1980's by launching a range of accessories, including cufflinks, luggage and watches, which were received with universal acclaim. Today their timepieces still push the boundaries to create cutting-edge designs for the discerning man. Whether you're looking for a discreet and restrained accessory for work or a more bold and artistic design to make a statement, his unique collection of watches is sure to offer an affordable yet impressive design.

Simon Carter Analogue Multi-Function Watch, £150 at Pure Luxuries

Many of the previews we've had of the latest upcoming ranges for designer watches this year have focused on colour, using bold contrast primary colours to make a statement and add a dash of inspiration to any outfit. In particular, O Clock's designs - with their distinctive bracelet-style silicon wristbands and interchangeable coloured faces - are a stylish new way to add a distinctive and individual touch to your wrist.

O Clock Ocean Blue Silicon Watch, £34.95 at Pure Luxuries

-Ben

Spotlight on... Emu

Despite being well into January, the weather still hasn't taken that turn away from the classically cold December chill - if anything, it's even colder than it was over Christmas. Style and cold weather are traditionally hard to unite, but luckily modern style and designer brands are continually pushing forward with innovative ways to stay warm and look good at the same time.

Emu are a rather well-known designer brand hailing from Australia. Their sheepskin and wool slippers combine the very best in style, design and craftsmanship, with pride and quality inspired by the natural beauty of Australia. Even the brand name reflects their core values - like the bird, Emu stand tall and proud with their resilient, resourceful and decidedly Australian designs.

Emu have been spotted as a favourite of various celebrities and big names, including up-and-coming actors Chris Zylka of 90210 and the upcoming Spider-Man reboot fame and TV actor Sam Page. So stay warm, stay stylish  - why not take a look at what Emu design is made for you.

http://www.pureluxuries.com/mens/mens-slippers/emu/

Men's chocolate leather and sheepskin 'Buckingham Slippers' - £75 at Pure Luxuries

Men's black suede sheepskin 'Carlton' slippers - £74 at Pure Luxuries

-Ben