Sweaters - like V-neck ones, are one of the essential pieces in a wardrobe. Like white shirts, sweaters go with most everything and will serve you round all year round. 

If you're a little tired of the classic V-neck design and want something different but yet clean and sophisticated at the same time, then my vote is for this square neck piece. 

The square neck gives this a modern touch that will look great worn over a shirt or on its own. The lightweight wool and soft cotton blend makes this perfect for all year round wear. The grey shade is a classic standard and will never go out of style or look out of place. 

Get this Maison Martin Margiela 10 Square Neck Sweater for US$232 at Tres Bien Shop.

Boots not only make a sartorial statement and pack a stylized punch; they also do serve practical purposes especially now in the colder months of the year. They are hardier and can take more damage from the cold and the snow than regular leather shoes. The edge they provide are also appreciated throughout the year. 

Speaking of edge, this pair with its buckles and studs is full of kick-ass edge. I am digging the simple yet bold buckles and the strategically placed studs that bring this up a high lust notch. The arresting look will look perfect with jeans and can be styled many ways. 

It can also be used to infuse a bad-ass vibe to an outfit. Think motorcycle jacket with plaid shirt, jeans and this stunner. Or a formal shirt with a blazer, jeans and these boots. Use it to add a rebel air to any get-up. The sturdy black rubber heel and sole ensures a firmer grip in these wetter months of the year. 

Get these Oak Black Buckle Boots for US$248 at OAK. 

I remember my first Sony Walkman - I got it when I was 9 and I thought it was the bomb and I would take it everywhere. Of course, I had to carry around 5 different tapes for variety but I remembered thinking that it was all so cool. It was cool until the film of my tapes got tangled and jumbled, then it was just game over for me. I was good at fast-forwarding and back-tracking to specific songs and I did it so much that I worn out all my tapes. Gosh, how did we ever cope without the repeat function? 

R.E.M frontman, Michael Stipe, who also happened to write several soundtracks of my youth, played designer for Maison Martin Margiela. The result is a highly versatile, cassette-tape inspired piece. It can be worn or used according to your mood - on your wrist one day, tied to your boots the next, worn as a necklace or used to hold your keys. Plenty of possibilities. 

This cool, limited-edition piece (only 199 made) comes with a handmade notebook individually numbered and personally signed by Michael Stipe. I'll go all the way to Reno for one of this......

(Source: Vogue UK)

I was doing some shopping a couple of weeks ago when I came across this and it just happened that I was in need for a new eye serum and eye cream. And this eye gel and cream formula took care of that need with just one product. It's a bang for your buck, if you think about it. 

The main selling point of this eye treatment is its ability to life eyelids and improve the look of dark circles and premature aging around your eyes. After a month of use, I can report that this product does what it says. 

The eye gel goes on first over your upper eye to gradually 'lift' saggy eyelids and improve dropping lids. I don't have much of a problem with saggy eyelids but I've been working on giving my eyes a lift - it makes for a fresher, well-rested appearance. I did see a lift and my eyelids were tighter and firmer. 

The eye cream goes on your lower eye area where dark circles and fine lines are prominent. I like how this cream instantly hydrates throughout the day while not being greasy. Not having enough sleep and consuming copious amounts of alcohol does take a toll on your skin especially my eyes so I was glad I had this on hand because it slowly reduced the prominence of dark circles and in a matter of weeks, helped get my under eye area looking fresher and well, hid the evidence of not getting enough sleep and drinking too much. 

It's wallet-friendly price tag is another plus point. Get this Avon ANEW CLINICAL Eye Lift for US$28 at Avon.  

There are certain pieces that look good when you are in your 20s and remain that way for years and years to come. These investment pieces stand the test of time and might be costly but the mileage they provide will warrant their price-tag. It's not everyday that you find a piece that will take you through your 20s, 30s, 40s and then 50s. It's been a goal of mine for the past year to add more pieces that reveal their intricate value in years to come to my wardrobe. 

This sleek double-breasted coat is one such piece that you wear to death and till you can't wear it anymore. From the outstanding clean lines to the stylized military detailing, this coat catches your attention and draws you in. 

I am loving everything about this coat. From the dapper dressed-up feel to the gorgeous pleats at the back held up by a buttoned-down strap, this is one piece that I can't take my eyes off of. The make and superbd construction of this coat means you can wear this with anything. With a suit to work, tuxedo to dinner, jeans to the movies - whatever it is, it will instantly add a whoop of style that won't go unnoticed. 

The red tag is another detail that I am fawning over. It stands out perfectly against the black of the coat and provides a contrast and a sliver of color that only enhances the desirability of this already amazing coat. 

Get this Burberry Prorsum Double Breasted Coat for US$2745.90 at Matches. 

The latest issue of VMAN (out in stores tomorrow) features the season's denim-oriented vision. This vision is taken to a whole other level by some of fashion's biggest male models: Joel West, Marcus Schenkenberg, Alex Lundqvist, Tyson Ballou, Brad Kroenig, RJ Rogenski and Tony Ward. 

I love black and grey and navy. Darker colors are my first choice when it comes to clothes and accessories but I still desire color now and then. So I especially dig it when accessories have dark undertones and a splash of standout color that contrast and yet sync in harmony. 

The black and grey stripes on this 100% cashmere scarf is given a style boost by the hit of lime green that trims the edges of this piece. I am fan of lime green but it's not everyday that you find pieces with lime green that don't look costume-y. 

This is far from costume-like. In fact, it can be used to instantly add another visual dimension to an everyday outfit. The fringed detail provides a layered feel that looks great dressed-up or down. The 100% cashmere will ensure a soft, luxurious feel in the colder months of the year. 

Get this Paul Smith Cashmere Fringed Scarf for US$85.86 at Matches. 

Mood is a funny thing. It can change and swing like a pendulum with a snap of a finger. You know how it's like - the extra 10 minutes figuring out if the black shirt should stay or make way for a white or if a grey is the best option. On days when you don't really know what you feel like, it's great to have double-duty pieces. 

Like this reversible beanie that turns black with a striped under layer or a striped outer with a black under layer. Both are styles which are winners in their own rights. Have the striped layer peek out a little if you need some contrast to your all-black ensemble. Or have the striped layer outside if you want a larger dose of detail. 

The best thing is - you can just flip and switch as soon as your mood changes without being at all flaky. Get this Oak Black/White Striped Merino Hat for US$86 at Oak. 

I've long been a fan of Boots. In fact, I can spend hours in Boots and wreck up alarming bills. The great thing about Boots (the stores in Bangkok where I fly down to do some shopping every month anyway) is that they always have products on sale which just adds to the appeal. I digress a little. 

This serum is Boots' best-selling product with an intensive 1 year independent double-blind study (meaning participants have no clue the products they are testing out) funded by Boots that has shown to actually improve the look of wrinkles and past damage over time. When the report came out on the benefit of this serum, it flew off the shelfs in England. 

I've been using this before the report came out and I do see visible improvements on my skin. I don't have wrinkles but I use this to tackle fine lines caused by years of sun-bathing. The easy, light texture glides on smoothly and is quickly absorbed. My skin feels moisturized and hydrated throughout the day sans the sticky, greasy feel that some products leave behind. 

I know a few people with wrinkles who have used this consistently and their skin is better because of it. There is a smoothness and generally healthiness that shows after 2 weeks of use and a decrease in the depth of wrinkles after 6 weeks of use. With plant extracts, antioxidants, firming peptides that work together to enhance your skin's elasticity and reverse past damage, this is great for post-beach vacations where you skin might have been bullied by the sun. 

The fantastic price point makes this even more attractive and it's really true that you don't need to spend a lot of money for good skin. Get this Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum for US$22.99 at Drugstore.com.

Skulls are just something I cannot get enough of. Skulls and studs especially. When done right, they can make such a sartorial statement that would linger in your thoughts for days and days. At least they do in mine. 

There is just something about skulls that when used to edge up an outfit gives a punch that won't go unnoticed. Which is why I am thrilled by this pair of cufflinks. The silver metal skulls will instantly add a hit of hardness that in distinctly individualistic. 

I would wear this with a tuxedo or suit - injecting an air of doom that contrasts against the formal feel of a black-tie ensemble. A contrast that well, has my name written all over it. 

Get this Alexander McQueen Skull Cufflinks for US$202.50 at Matches. 

Dunhill has been slowly gaining momentum with its ready-to-wear and accessories line ever since Kim Jones, the shy Brit known best for his fresh spin on streetwear, took over the creative direction of this English brand. 

With pieces such as this gorgeous mac, you can't help but sit up and pay closer attention. The simplicity of this piece makes this a winner that will serve you well for years and years to come. I am just drawn to the superbly clean lines and the fresh, crisp feel that this presents. 

From the belt to the collar to the belted cuff detail, this offers you protection from the rain in the best sartorial way possible. The unexpected map lining of London on the inside is an entertaining and intimate way to play with detail. Clever, fun and classic. 

Get this Dunhill Single-Breasted Mac for US$1535.76 at Matches. 

First impression matters and even though they might not be accurate or objective, they still count because it's harder to change an individuals's formed opinion of you than to make a good one the first time around. 

We are all judged to some degree by how we appear - our hair, clothes, nails, shoes, skin. When it comes to clothes, fit is so so important. You can have the sleekest pieces but if they don't fit right, they don't look right. 

Details has a guide to how clothes should fit. All aspect of a modern man's wardrobe - from shoes, to ties, to underwear, to formal wear. These rules are simple and you probably already have them ingrained somewhere at the back of your mind but it's always good to have a refresher. You never know what might hit close to home. 

Check out the rules here. 

 

Karl Lagerfeld, fashion kaiser, shot a spread for the latest issue of VMAN (out in stores November 16th) showing off next season's immaculate tailoring from Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Versace, Comme des Garcons Homme, Dries Van Noten, Dolce and Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo.

The theme being Gentlemen Of Leisure - wealth, power, desirable clothing. But don't look on in envy but instead let it serve as an inspiration. After all, we all start from somewhere....

If you're tired of all the black and greys this season brings but still want a dark, fuss-free color, then navy is the way to go. It's dark enough to hide stains and spills while still offering a sleek alternative. 

I am partituclary drawn to this handsome piece from Jil Sander. The clean, minimalistic lines make this a winner and a keeper. A piece that you will be wearing for a very very long time. The heavy felted wool makes this perfect for colder weather which the 4 button-detail gives this a sleek overall look that is always appreciated in the cold months. 

The two side pockets are big enough to store essentials for if you don't want to carry a bag. The thing I like the most about this is how it transcends a fixed wardrobe role and instead goes with most everything in one's closet. Take this everywhere - it's fantastic for traveling use and because it's so versatile, it means you don't have to pack extra outerwear. This serves for work, play and travel. 

Get this Jil Sander Nelson Double Breasted Peacoat for US$1975 at Barneys. 

I mask my face a bunch of times weekly. It's one of those little small relaxing moments in life that I think everyone should indulge in. I have a myriad of masks that I use according to my mood and skin condition - from tissue masks to sulfur masks to oxygenation masks. This rejuvenating masks is my latest favorite weekly treat. 

I use this on days when my skin needs a bit of a boost. It's great for when my skin is looking dull and tired because this is chock full of plant botanicals that is soothing and revitalizing. It's great for when you need a pick-me-up after hours on board a plane. 

I also use this to help improve my post-zit marks and reduce the look of my pores. So really, this is a good all-in-one mask that deals with spots, balances out oily skin, soothes and calm sensitive skin and restores a healthy glow to dry skin. So for quick weekend trips, I just need to pack one mask to help deal with all my skin concerns. Talk about efficient! 

Get this Dr. Hauschka Rejuvenating Mask 30ml/1oz for US$49 at Strawberrynet.com.