Guest Curator: Selectism’s Best Bets for Men

jcarvalh

Story by jcarvalh

Published on May 18, 2011 in Shop

Photo by pixelthis

Jeff Carvalho is the editor-in-chief of Selectism.com, a lifestyle site that caters to men looking for the best in fashion, furniture, books, and more.

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Here at Selectism, we trawl Etsy with the best of them, posting the very best in unique and hand-crafted goods — especially when they relate to a guy’s lifestyle. We look for things that make us sit up straight and say “I want this” or better yet, “I know someone who needs this.” We cover what we love. It’s that simple.

 

Wheel to Wheel

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Clockwise from top left: 6 Pack Frame Cinch by Walnut Studio; Bike Frame Bag by San Filippo Custom Leather; Bicycle Wine Rack by oopsmark; Wood Bicycle Basket by abasketfull; Scrap Leather Handlebar Grips by Black Rose Bags.

We cycle for both health and transportation and are always on the lookout for accessories that make our bicycles even more individualized. For instance, this bicycle wine rack  is more like a wine bottle holster. Not only does it look good, but it supports the bottle off-tube (that’s key). Drink beer? Try this six-pack frame cinch. Sticking to that top-tube love, here’s a leather frame bag which works as a nice flat attache. Need new grips? Consider these scrap leather handlebar grips with custom cork plugs. (You’ll need to do a bit of sewing, but it’s well worth it.) For a basket, we prefer the rear ones. Here’s a wooden basket from Vancouver: perfect if you ride a cruiser.

 

Decor Done Right

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Clockwise from top left: Recycled Bike Wheel Clock by pixelthis; Town Stool by designsteward; Mahogany iPhone Stand by Dinsmore’s Workshop; Reclaimed Wood iPod Dock by Swedish Guy Design.

Bicycles (and their parts) are most definitely considered part of home decor these days. If you live in a small flat, you know that a bicycle is as much at home inside as out. We love these bicycle wheel clocks and Gabriel Hargrove’s saddle stool (a big hit with Selectism readers). You’d be hard pressed to find a more unique seating option.

Do iPod and iPhone docks work as functional home decor? Sure they do. We dig this reclaimed wood stand that also includes a charger; a double win. If you seek something simpler, give the mahogany stand from Dinsmore’s Workshop a try. Either piece will have people asking where you found them. 

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Clockwise from top: Ariba Familia by Leah Giberson; Coffee Table by artavironi; New York City Subway Sign by Flying Junction.

Flying Junction’s replica subway posters let you pay respect to the classic rail routes of the world. For those who prefer a caravan holiday, discover these prints from Boston’s Leah Giberson. And furniture? More than a fair share of it. This long coffee table is made from reclaimed lumber in Brooklyn. It would look great in front of a couch.

 

The Little Things

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Clockwise from top left: Journal Bandolier by Clever Hands; Forage Bow Tie by Something’s Hiding Here; iPhone Leather Wallet by Portel; Mahogany Flared Pot by Henderson Pipes.

We still rock pens and notebooks at meetings. Forgive us, but we cannot take notes on our phones. We wrap our notebooks with a journal bandolier recycled holster, which keeps all of our pens and pencils close. For those of us who wear bow ties, the FORAGE collection does the trick. Some of us smoke pipes (seriously), and Henderson Pipe’s mahogany flared pot is a classic that even your grandfather would love. Estonia’s Portel offers leather wallets that also hold your mobile phone. 

 

Keep Her Happy

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Clockwise from top left: Purple Silk Necktie by Lilian Asterfield; Gigi Purse by Bagatelles & Co.; Felted Gold Slippers by bure bure.

While we cover women’s goods on our sister site High Snobette, we know that buying gifts goes in both direction. This collection goes out to the gent looking to pick up something special for his girlfriend, mother or sister.

The Lilian Asterfield collection is an absolute favorite. Vintage and sourced men’s neckties are reformed and sculpted into beautiful neckwear for women. Their made-to-order Katherine scarfs are excellent gifts for the woman in need of an interesting accessory. The floral Gigi purse uses upcycled women’s scarves to form beautiful handheld purses, like this one made from Liberty fabrics. Lastly, make sure to pamper her feet with these merino wool felted slippers.

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