Gucci Wildspitze Scarf

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Gucci brings you a gray and dark gray combination scarf in a lightweight, woven wool-silk blend of 95% wool and 5% silk. Sateen stripes run down the center toward the fringe ends, culminating in an embroidered Gucci logo crest at one end. This 74-inch long and 14-inch wide scarf is the perfect size to tie around your neck in multiple ways.

UNIQUENESS

The Gucci Wildspitze scarf is neither a classic nor a retro throwback look that requires a new coat or wardrobe to show off its stripes. It is, for lack of a better phrase, a modern scarf for the modern man. The gray on dark gray color palette keeps it from being too serious and the stripes of sateen add a bit of frivolity to your look without being silly. To call the Wildspitze unique would be an overstatement. In fact, the look is truly understated, and that is the point of this scarf. You can throw it on over a coat without much thought or worry or add it to a topcoat before heading out.

DURABILITY

Understatement in fashion is rarely highlighted or appreciated, except by those needing a change of perspective. All too often we get caught up by the latest trend or movement and forget that sometimes we simply need and want a reliable accessory to carry us through. Here then is where the durability of the Gucci Wildspitze scarf becomes apparent. No one can be sure what the next trend will be, but you can count on this scarf to keep you warm and stylish -- especially if you take the time to learn how to tie it correctly. The only drawback will be the fringed ends, which will begin to show a bit of usage after a few years.

L.A. Eyeworks Rufus Frames

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The fact that you need to wear eyeglasses should not condemn you to a unfashionable life. In fact, with the ever-increasing variety and availability of cool glasses to choose from, even those with 20/20 vision have been known to purchase a pair of spectacles simply for their hip style. These Rufus frames from l.a. Eyeworks are exactly the type of glasses that can make you almost glad your vision is impaired, and they have the power to convert even those with perfect eyesight into specs devotees.

UNIQUENESS

l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are not exactly on par with your average LensCrafters offering. Designed for the customer with inferior optical abilities -- but a superior sense of style -- these frames will instantly set you apart in a crowded room. Softly angular edges keep these eyeglasses modern, while the thickness of the frames gives them a weightier, retro feel. For an updated spin on '60s cool, go for a simple yet elegant look a la Raphael Saadiq by teaming your glasses with smart separates, likecashmere pullovers, perfectly fitted blazers and slim-cut trousers.

If vintage clothing isn’t your thing, channel the future by pairing these specs with an electric-colored blazer, distressed denim and some high-tops. For guys who really want to make a statement, these frames are also available in khaki, eggplant, gray, and tortoiseshell on a cocoa-colored background.

DURABILITY

First off, these frames are made of plastic, so we can’t really guarantee they’ll stand up to a significant amount of mistreatment. That said, as far as plastic goes, l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are about as high-quality as they come. Additionally, because you can wear these year-round and geek chic continues to be a popular theme in men’s fashion,  you really will keep these eyeglasses until they physically destruct. The major setback of these spectacles is their price. Considering, however, that you’ll keep this sleek eyewear for approximately five years and that $250 is an average price nowadays for fashion-forward specs, you probably won’t feel cheated by purchasing these frames.