10 Essentials

ERIC CANO

The Fashion Critic to the Masses Names some of His Favorite Things
*this column was borrowed from men.style.com (in the future, I will interview up and coming fashion fiends...who knows, YOU might be next).

Blackberry 7520
"At first, I wanted nothing to do with this. To me, it 's synonymous with finance dorks and pleated khaki pants. I didn't switch to this until I'd finally had enough of my roommate's jokes about my 'Zack Morris-esque' cell phone. Since then, I haven't looked back. I credit this device with simplifying my life."

iPod 30GB (in Black)
"I was one of the last people to have one and I don't know how I ever survived without it. I NEVER leave home without it. It allows me to drown out everything else that is going on around me; furthermore, I love its sleek design. Next to the cellphone, this as the greatest invention of my generation. "




Martin Margiela Vintage Chelsea Boots (in Brown)
"At $900, this is easily the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever purchased. $900 for a pair of boots may seem a bit ridiculous to most people but you can't put a premium on comfort, especially when it comes to your feet. I wear these almost everyday...and they look better with each wear."


adidas Stan Smith
"My dad bought me my first pair when I was a kid and I've been loyal to them ever since. Of all the retro sneakers available, none are as versatile as the Stan Smith. They are an all-season shoe and look great with just about everything (even a suit). They may not be exclusive or have any re-sell value but at less than $60, they won't burn a hole in your pocket either."



Clinique Scruffing Lotion 2.5
"I never understood why anyone would pay more than $5 for a bottle of astringent until my friend put me onto this. Call me a metrosexual if you must, but my face has never been cleaner."




Neil Barrett
"I buy at least a half dozen pieces from his collection every season. I like the way he fuses the classic elements of sportswear with athletic wear. It makes for a product that is simultaneously fashion-forward and masculine. The other great thing is that he keeps distribution on his product very limited so I don't have to worry about every Tom, Dick, and Harry walking around in the same shit as me."




Carmex Lip Balm
"I have pretty large lips that chap very easily so I'm always experimenting with different lip balms. I've tried brands both high and low and nothing comes even close to Carmex. It's cheap ($2 tops), gets the job done, and comes in this great 50s retro packaging."




Jay-Z's Black Album
"Simply put, this album is a masterpiece. There aren't many hip-hop albums that I can listen to over and over but this is one of them. In my mind, this is a testament to his claim as the greatest rapper alive."




UFC
"The UFC has come a long way since its inception in the early 90s and in my mind will soon surpass boxing as the premier gladiator sport. It is the most exciting sport out there."




Hanes V-Neck Tee Shirts (3 Pack)
"I own about 30 white v-neck tee shirts from Hanes. I once read that Calvin Klein made the best cotton tees, but that is complete bullshit. These tees are a staple in my wardrobe and should be in the dresser of every man (unless of course your chest hair happens to connect to your beard)."




A.P.C. Denim (New Standard Fit)
"I've known about these for a while but since my store doesn't carry them, I never bothered copping a pair (I try not to pay full price if I don't have to). This Christmas my aunt and uncle picked these up for me. They're a little stiff at first but once you brake them in, you won't find a better pair of straight leg jeans under $150."







Y-3 BBall Mid (Black on BlackPatent)
"I once sold Black Thought (of the Roots) every pair in every color of these when I used to work at JEFFREY. Simply put, they are the baddest kicks around. There is no better feeling than the one you get when so-called 'sneakerheads' break their necks to get a peek at them. These shit on every pair of exclusive and overpriced sneaker out there. Period."