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Ultimate Investments
We're making a plan this year to invest in the best items we can. Value has always been something that we've prized here at Valet. That doesn't necessarily mean something has to be inexpensive. It means that the item is valuable—worthy of the cost. Because to buy well means that you've bought something that will serve you for years to come. Welcome to the “Ultimate Investments”, a week-long roundup of the best buys for 2023 and beyond.
Essential Style Tools for Every Man
When you think of really stylish dudes of any age, it's hardly ever the clothes that define their style. It's the little things that make the biggest impact. Accessories are the building blocks of great personal style. They're the pieces that tell the story about who you are, what you value and how you choose to spend your time. This isn't a checklist necessarily. You may not need everything on this list. But each item here serves a purpose and does it well. We've chosen the best of the best—fine craftsmanship, high design and quality materials. Your mission, is to find which ones speak to you and treat yourself to something that will take care of you for years to come.
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Classic Sunglasses
A solid pair of Wayfarers should really be the foundation for anyone's sunglasses collection. And a luxury pair is a subtle flex that also ensures that the frames are well built and the lenses are polarized for ultimate comfort and protection. This pair, from Oliver Peoples, is made in Italy from smooth acetate and feature a slight squared-off shape that looks good all year.
Polarized sunglasses,
$584 by Oliver Peoples
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A Serious
Pen
You don't need a flashy pen. And it doesn't have to be wildly expensive. But you don't want a disposable pen, either. We've long been fans of Fisher Space Pen's classic astronaut pen. It has a simple elegance to it, a slight mid-century vibe and the thing will never not write in a clean, smooth trail of ink.
Astronaut chrome pen,
$79 by Fisher Space Pen
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A Simple
Belt
You want to put the money out for a quality leather belt that will last. But you also don't want a belt that looks brand spanking new. Ralph Lauren's RRL label makes hardwearing leather belts that are handsome yet understated. This one is made from vegetable-tanned Italian leather. Then it's hand-burnished using a multi-step process for an authentic timeworn look.
Hand-burnished leather belt,
$225 by RRL
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Grown Up
Socks
A man's socks should always been in good condition. You never know when you may need to remove your shoes, exposing just how well you care for yourself. Nice Laundry makes it easy with their customizable sets, allowing you to choose from textured dress socks and more versatile casual options, all knit from durable and cushiony cottons in a range of colors and patterns.
Custom box of six pairs,
$68 by Nice Laundry
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Dopp Kit
Can you travel with your grooming gear stuffed into a plastic baggie? Sure. But what would James Bond travel with? A proper Dopp kit allows you to stash all your travel items together, neatly. And this one, from Shinola, features classic good looks, a squared-off silhouette with a roomy interior and is finished with an industrial never-stick zipper along with a wide carry handle.
Zip travel kit, $295 by Shinola
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Cashmere Beanie
A cashmere beanie makes the cold weather less depressing. And it's a luxurious yet effective travel accessory. The key is to find one that's soft yet knit to maximize breathability. This one, from Everlane, is one of the best ones we've found because of its lightweight ribbed texture and ability to maintain its shape. The brim folds up easily without adding too much bulk.
Knitted cashmere cap,
$75 by Everlane
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Non-Rolling Travel Bag
You're a gentleman who has graduated from gym bags or beat-up old roller suitcases. For shorter trips, consider going wheel-less. Toss your stuff into a more respectable leather case that's perfect for quick romantic weekends or overnight business trips. Lotuff's compact leather bag is guaranteed for life and handmade from vegetable-tanned leather. Plus, it's got a double zipper with lock-and-key closure to keep all belongings safe.
No. 10 weekender, $850 by Lotuff
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Wallet
If you don't want a bulging back pocket, trade in your old billfold for a slim cardholder. And since you'll have this small piece of leather for a while, treat yourself to something that showcases a subtle swagger every time you pay the check. This simple card case from Tom Ford is crafted in Italy from durable full-grain leather and fitted with a central compartment for business cards, receipts or a few folded bills. The notched slots not only resemble the brand's 'T' emblem, but make it easier to get items in and out, too.
T-Line cardholder, $340 by Tom Ford
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Pocketable Multi-Tool
This is more about function than fashion, but that doesn't mean the multi-tool you carry in your pocket can't be as good looking as everything else in your arsenal. The all-stainless Free T2 is a smart slim-downed multi-tool with eight unique tools, enhanced ergonomics and endless possibilities in your daily life.
Free T2 one-handed multi-tool, $49.95 by Leatherman
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A Proper Umbrella
You don't think about an umbrella until it's raining. Perhaps that's why so many of us have crappy ones. And why the British have such nice ones. A handsome umbrella not only keeps you dry, but proves that you're a man who thinks ahead. This classic stick umbrella from the rainwear experts at London Undercover is a steadfast companion that every man needs by his side on drizzly days. The unique tartan lining makes for a surprising conversation starter as well.
Tartan-lined umbrella,
$95 by London Undercover
