J.Crew Sterling-Silver Tie Clip

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Put a twist on all your spring ensembles by finishing off a cool look with an even cooler accessory. Not strictly just a functional device to keep your tie on the straight and narrow, this J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip is also a stylish piece in and of itself, particularly when paired with a funky tie and a half-sleeve, casual button-down. Essentially, whenever you’re considering wearing a tie, be it for fun or for a formal event, no outfit will be complete without a sleek tie clip, such as the J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip, this spring.

78 UNIQUENESS

Pick up on this burgeoning trend now and you’ll seem like you’ve really got your finger on the pulse of style. To be really unique, consider getting this particular model engraved with something personal or even downright naughty on the back -- it’ll be your (barely concealed) secret. To really stand apart in the style department, make sure you don’t just wear your J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip with a suit and dress shirt; experiment with all manners of casual apparel, like a button-up and tie combo underneath a track jacket or hoodie, and teamed with relaxed bottoms like jeans or shorts.

DURABILITY

At $85, the J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip is a bit expensive for a small piece of metal. However, this must-have spring accessory should last you a lifetime, making it a worthy investment. Yes, it may come and go as a trend item, but be assured it will always come back and it won’t take up much room in your closet. To ensure the longevity of this piece, keep it in a box or resealable bag when you’re not wearing it to prevent tarnishing. When it’s looking a little discolored, wash it with warm soap and water, or try a rust-busting mix of 1 cup warm water, a dash of ammonium chloride and a 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap.

Club Monaco Franklin Leather Messenger Bag

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Finally, a bag that’s big enough to carry your work or travel essentials in, while actually increasing the cool factor of your ensembles rather than detracting from it. Two interior pockets plus one large exterior pocket compartmentalize your stuff to help keep you organized. And although it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop partition, it has more than enough space to accommodate one, so simply slide your computer into a protective sleeve, then place it in the bag. You’ll still have room to spare for all your other goodies as well.

UNIQUENESS

Super-soft, buttery leather gives this bag a luxe appeal, while the clean lines lend a minimalist feel that ensures you’ll be able to pair this satchel with a suit and tie as easily as you will with casual threads. Chunky silver zippers add a subtle (but tough) rock 'n' roll vibe to the bag. Whether you’re traveling on a plane, commuting to the office or just walking around town, this Club Monaco messenger bag is the ultimate carryall for guys because its soft shape and spacious interior means it can adjust to accommodate all your on-the-go needs.

DURABILITY

At close to $200, this bag is not unreasonably priced as far as leather goods go, but dropping that kind of cash on one item, particularly an accessory, makes most people cringe. If you think of the bag as an investment piece, however, you know that in the end it will be worth what you paid for it because you’ll be using it everyday for many years to come. To lengthen its life span, buy a spray to protect the leather against water damage during wet seasons, and once a year, use a polishing cream to soften your bag as well as remove any scuff marks.

A.OK Clear Wayfarers

THE ASKMEN TAKE

A good pair of Wayfarers should be in every man’s wardrobe, but some may not have the funds (or the dedication) to pick up theoriginal Ray-Bans. This downtown take on these classic frames are a great substitute at only $28. Then again, the A.OK Clear Wayfarers aren’t actually sunglasses, they are faux eyeglasses. This begs us to ask the question: What’s the point?

UNIQUENESS

Wayfarers are one of those items that has seen more than a few life cycles of cool, going in and out of vogue every five years or so. Currently, they are all the rage among everyone from Ivy League prepsters to the downtown scenesters (is there even a difference anymore?). These clear-lens versions from A.OK are big, plastic and very hip. They will certainly get you noticed, and that’s really the point of fashion, isn’t it?

DURABILITY

Most eyeglasses are meant to last years, because if you have them, you probably need to be wearing them. Then again, the A.OK Clear Wayfarers serve no purpose other than to add a certain level of chicness to its wearer (hence the inexpensive plastic used both for the frames and the lenses). However, for only $28 we can’t knock the durability too much. And if you are simply looking for a true face accessory, these Wayfarers from A.OK are a good choice. However, don’t say we didn’t warn you when all your friends and the girl you are trying to pick up at the bar start making fun of you for wearing eyeglasses with fake lenses in them

Forzieri Driving Gloves

THE ASKMEN TAKE

This item appears in our Fall Fashion Preview 2009.

Rock out this fall by adding some badass accessories like a pair of leather driving gloves to your outerwear. Hardly your run-of-the-mill black gloves, Forzieri’s driving gloves feature intricate stitching, perforated detailing across the fingers and knuckles, and a snap closure at the wrist. Together, these elements combine to bring an unexpected edge to any cold weather gear you pair with them. Debonair enough to team with your dressiest coat yet sufficiently rugged to wear with your worn-in leather jacket, these gloves represent everything we like about rugged accessories -- and they manage to maintain an upscale feel.

UNIQUENESS

If you live in a climate that gets anywhere close to 32F during the fall or winter, gloves are more of a necessity than a fashionable afterthought, so you probably already own at least one pair. What’s less likely, however, is that you’ve gone beyond plain black or brown woolen or leather gloves. Think of Forzieri’s driving gloves as your ticket out of a fall style rut. While others will continue slipping on their boring basics, you’ll be taking a subtle but thrilling risk, leaving everyone wondering how even in thrifty times you manage to look so damn good.

DURABILITY

Made of high-quality Italian leather, these gloves were built to last: Expect to own them for 10 years or more and you'll never need to fear that they’ll go out of style. At first, $120 will seem like too much to spend on an accessory, but consider that these are a luxury item and you may change your mind. For the same price, you’d never get a brand new designer coat, but you’ll certainly get a solid pair of gloves. In the end, despite the fact that you won’t be able to show them off  year-round, you’ll wear these gloves enough to get your money’s worth; so, they’re a great way to invest in a sumptuous item without wreaking havoc on your bank account.