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

Staying in shape this winter

It's only just nearing the end of October, and winter's certainly on the way. But just because it's winter doesn't mean that the exercise routine has to go on hold. Despite the typical winter stereotype of warm fires, roasting chestnuts and plates heaped high with food, there's never been a better time to get in shape and show off. Whether you're an outdoors-y type who prefers wrapping up to go cycling and jogging, or maybe you prefer a nice warm gym to work out in - winter is a perfect time to get that body you want. We've got some great new accessories built for the active approach while still keeping you warm in all climates, and have searched all over to the must-haves to keep fit and trim this winter.

Wigwam 'Gun Metal' Grey Excel Socks, £18 at Pure Luxuries

Soft Touch Pure Cotton Drawstring Fleece Joggers, £25 at M&S

Antler Large 'Zee' Black And Red Multi-Purpose Holdall, £48.50 at Pure Luxuries

Ultra Fit® Crew Neck Stretch Sports Vest, £19.50 at M&S

It's just a small selection I've listed above - there's loads more on both sites ideal for the active man this winter. And don't go thinking you've got to cut out all those Christmas specials - with a regular exercise plan, you'll still be able to fit in some of those indulgent foods without feeling bad abut it afterwards. You've got to enjoy your exercise - once it becomes a chore, it's all to easy to make excuses to put it off - so why not enjoy your exercise routine in style (and comfort) this winter!

-Ben

Weekend plans and the latest in Swedish innovation

So, it's the end of another week, with the promise of the weekend ahead. Here at Pure Luxuries, we've got everything on our schedule from films and takeaways to concerts and gigs between us.

It's been a good week - we've just finished a marathon upload for Sandqvist, the latest brand out of Sweden. Their practical designs are a refreshing change, built from quality leather for the active modern lifestyle - the sort of design you won't mind taking with you to a gig or on an evening out. We're particularly impressed by the Tablet PC case, especially the Apple crowd in the office.

Sandqvist Blue Canvas 'Pascal' Tablet PC Case, £36 at Pure Luxuries

Sandqvist Brown Leather 'Veiron' Card Wallet, £50 at Pure Luxuries

Sandqvist Navy Blue Canvas 'Jack' Messenger Bag, £138 at Pure Luxuries

Let us know what you think, and what you've got planned for the weekend ahead.

See you all Monday,

-Ben

American designer Wigwam tackles the modern adventure

It's getting colder outside, but we're all impressed here with the latest brand we're stocking, Wigwam. Their socks are designed for the active lifestyle, made to encourage you to push yourself to the limit. Ranging from light sports socks to thicker woolen designs, American designer Wigwam's socks offer a design for all events and lifestyles. We're particularly impressed by the olive merino wool 'comfort hiker' socks for trekking in the Lake District, and the black terrain trax pro socks - so who's for the gym after work?

Charcoal Black Terrain Trax Po Socks, £22 at Pure Luxuries

Olive Merino Wool 'Comfort Hiker' Socks, £22 at Pure Luxuries

-Ben

Why men's fashion is favouring knitwear this autumn

The summer's almost over, the autumn's rolling in - and once again it's that inevitable time to rethink the wardrobe. Making a comeback this year in the fashion eye for men is knitwear. If the mere mention of the word 'knitwear' brings back uncomfortable memories of home-made Christmas sweaters or luridly bright golf outfits, think again. Knitwear today is increasingly popular with designers and stores, creating a smart and stylish impact that's just the thing for the transition between summer and autumn. Of course, wearing it properly can be tricky - but with the right combination, knitwear is a must this autumn.

With the weather being so unpredictable, it's never too early to start thinking about accessories for those colder months, and a superb selection of wool and cashmere scarves from established designer Johnstons offer a design for all lifestyles.

Johnstons Mid Grey Cashmere Scarf, £82 at Pure Luxuries

John Lewis have a superb collection of cardigans and pullovers, ranging from designer names to their own brand and all tailored for a handsome and contemporary feel. Here at Pure Luxuries we particularly like the Gant cable shawl cardigan in brown:

Gant Cable Shawl Cardigan, Brown, £120 from John Lewis

Or, if you're looking for something to complete that smart look for the office or a night out, then Pantone's latest collaboration with Sonia Spencer is a must. Combining Pantone's iconic colours with a smart chic silk knitwear design, these modern collab ties are sure to impress. Why not twin one with a plain collared shirt, cardigan and jeans for a handsome look.

Pantone & Sonia Spencer Marina Blue Knitted Silk Tie, £55 at Pure Luxuries

From Fair Isle knits to plain designs, knitwear is back and looking set to stay this winter. We're looking forward to our new knitted scarves here at Pure Luxuries, keep an eye open for more designers and brands being uploaded in the coming weeks.

-Ben