want: kaboom

Christopher Kane Explosion T-Shirt
$248
I normally wouldn't say my tastes are aggressive, but there's something immediately appealing about this t-shirt. Christopher Kane's graphic approach to womenswear is the kind of evocative design that you wonder why no one has ever thought to do what he's created. I really loved the "Planet of the Apes" show from Spring 09 and the creepy nuclear clouds from Resort 10. That same intensity has obviously translated to menswear in which the image of a mushroom cloud is at once strikingly bold and in your face, but oddly minimal, bare, and discreet. I'll throw this on my last minute wish list that a very wealthy Santa should leave under my tree.

want: tequila sunrise

Corzo Tequila, $48
Yes, a nice,warm adult beverage can get you through the cold doldrums of a long, dreary winter, but I've found that tequila still has that warm sting when you drink it any time of the year. I wish I was more of a tequila connoisseur (a New Year's resolution for 2010, perhaps?) and knew more about the complexities of the spirit, but it was Corzo's simple, yet bold bottle design that struck me enough to be worthy of a try (Fabien Baron designed it, 'nuff said). And the best part is you can have your name engraved on the bottle, a big proud red flag that this elegant bottle is all yours. Consider this my ideal stocking stuffer.

wanted: the cardigan

Marled wool Shawl-Collar Cardigan
J. Crew, $138
I have a theory that J. Crew has gotten too expensive since it has received the Obama seal of approval (seriously, why does NOTHING go on sale at the men's shop on Broadway?), but I can't resist this cardigan. I don't know if it's age or the fact that I shopped a ton this year, but I can't think of too many things I want for Christmas, but this cardigan has shot to the top of the list. Boardgames and Moon Shoes just don't do it for any more. However, this cardigan with the marled black and white knit looks like something Steve McQueen might have worn next to a fireplace in his chalet après-ski on the set of "Le Mans" and in my constant quest to steal any drop of his cool factor and impeccable style, I must have it. I won't participate in Black Friday, but the link will quickly get forwarded to Santa (a.k.a. my parents).

wanted: gomorrah

Gomarrah
directed by Matteo Garrone, 2009
Available November 24, 2009
Criterion Collection
"Gomorrah" is a great film on many levels, if not solely for its perfect opening and closing scenes. Everything else in between is pretty good too, but the violent opening and closing moments are some of the most beautifully cinematic and chilling scenes I've seen all year. This is high on my list of gifts I'd like to find under the tree this year.

“he was bad, he was trouble and he was beautiful.”

"Let's Get Lost"
directed by Bruce Weber
1988

Thanks to an ever so beneficent resource, I gave my dad a DVD copy of Bruce Weber's "Let's Get Lost" for Father's Day. I hope he enjoys it as much as I enjoy watching the trailer.

want: carry all

Jack Spade, Plaid Market Tote
$149 (on sale)
Have you ever noticed that every so often a piece by Gap will last you a long time? Upon arriving in a city in which it's a necessity to have something that can hold more than just your keys and wallet, I've been carrying around my reliable old black messenger bag from Gap that I've owned since freshman year in college. However, it is starting to show its age and my mouth dropped at this tote I saw while doing some masochistic perusing at Barneys. Although the word SALE was splashed across almost every tag in the store, unfortunately I've indulged enough since I've moved here. And there's always next season. At any rate, I loved the texture, size, unique print, and lightness of the tote, but I wondered is it better to get a tote that can weather any storm (it's made out of cotton canvas, which looks nice but it's not always conducive to protecting your goods during a downpour like it was today) or go for what appeals to your sense? Functionality or style? That is the question.

P.S. A snippet of the random/awkward elevator chat I had on the way to the fifth floor:
Asian Guy in Trench: It's crazy out there.
Me: Yeah. It looks like there are some deals.
Asian Guy in Trench: Yeah, I just bought my mom a $10,000 ring and I still have more shopping to do.
Me: Zang!
Asian Guy in Trench: I have a Platinum Card, so it's okay. (laughs)

The Barneys elevator doors open.
Recession? What recession?

want: the one we all strive to be

Steve McQueen
photographs by William Claxton
$19.99“One time when I was with him, he drove a brand new Ford convertible, with only thirty miles on the speedometer, at top speed for such a long stretch of the Texas highway that the engine began to smoke and eventually caught on fire. He slowed down and shouted to me, “Clax, when I tell you to jump, jump!” We did jump out of the car just as it burst into flames. Steve sat on the side of the country road at a safe distance from the burning vehicle and laughed his head off.”—William Claxton

Who needs Black Friday when you can window shop online?

want: she's got legs

Patrick McMullan Studio 54 Shower Curtain
$32
I didn't think twice about the importance of a shower curtain until I had my own apartment this year. My first shower curtain was a basic clear curtain in the vein of the one from "Psycho." There's something really sexy about seeing someone in the shower, but the plastic blurring out all the bits and details of what's behind the curtain. That might be sick truth to admit, but it's a fact. My second curtain was a map of the world. I loved that curtain because not only did it function as a shower curtain but it was an educational tool as well. So many people would come up to me at parties and thank me because they finally found where Botswana or Easter Island is on the map. I found this curtain the other day on Urban Outfitters website and I need it. It features my two favorite things: women in heels and black and white arty paparazzi shots. Having this curtain would definitely add something to look at while using the bathroom instead of the towel rack or the rubber duckie soap dispenser.

want: cartier tank française watch

Carter Tank Française Watch
$4,500
*Want: Holiday edition returns. Stay tuned for more gifts I'm craving this holiday season.
I used to wear a watch religiously. The leather band on my Kenneth Cole watch I owned since high school broke after I came back from Italy in 2006 and the battery died in the other Kenneth Cole watch I used to wear. I haven't bothered for whatever reason to replace or repair either. I miss wearing a watch. It's a classic, simple accessory for a man and I really loved both of those watches. When I grow up, I want the Cartier Tank Française watch. It's been the model for every watch I've ever owned and makes a great statement--well designed, durable, and timeless. I know everybody is strapped for cash these days, but Santa, Mom, Dad, whomever, can I wake up Christmas morning with this in my stocking? Pretty please?

endorsement of the week: kiehl's lip balm

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
$6.50
I first became introduced to the benevolent world of Kiehl's products via my reliable arbiter of taste and all things esoteric, my beyond talented friend Julie. She gave me their moisturizer as a Christmas gift one year because she too sympathizes with people who fight the constant battle of staying matte and clean when you're dealt oily or combination skin. I soon picked up the face wash and I haven't turned back. It's a shame guys aren't always hip to this kind of stuff because I swear by this as an essential in my life. When I was at Sundance earlier this year the temperature and elevation dried me out more than I expected, so who did I turn to solve another skin issue? Kiehl's, of course. Side note: My Sundance buddy, Stephanie, and I were treated to a random tale from the cute girl behind the counter at the Kiehl's store in Park City about how she sprayed Evian Moisturizing Mist on concert goers atop a moving party bus during some summer music festival. Stephanie and I like to joke that this girl was clearly having some sort of Girls Gone Wild Kind of moment. I'm positive she had to be wearing a bikini top and some top 40 rap jam had to be fueling such wildness. Anyway, I bought the Kiehl's lip balm and it's only $5 or $6, depending on where you get it and it's definitely a great investment. The New York City cold has already started to descend upon me and where would I be without my lip balm so that I don't get the awful Krispy Kreme lips*? It'd be a great stocking stuffer or a cheap gift for a friend.

*Krispy Kreme lips look like the first bite you've made into a KK Doughnut and the glaze immediately flakes up. Imagine those flakes on your lips. You know what I'm talking about.