Spungle

Timbuk2 Dolores (Verdict: A-Mazing!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:04:00 +0000

With only a mere few hours standing between us and what is likely to be a phenomenal weekend, we thought it was only fitting to educate you on the art of hauling beer. You see, back when we were kids, we used large box-like objects made from this lightweight stuff called styrofoam. However, over the years we learned that not only is styrofoam dangerous around open flames and hungry dogs, but that it’s also not the most eco-friendly of materials. In addition, it also sucked to be the schmuck that had to lug the Styrofoam cooler that was just bound to start leaking as you attempted to trudge through the sand (or great lawn) to the perfect spot. So, in an attempt to be more eco-conscious, and also prevent you from looking like an awkward douche-bag, we went hunting for a stealth cooler that functioned well and also was comfortable to schlep. The victor is the Dolores Chiller, by Timbuk2, and we think after just one afternoon with your new found friend Dolores, that you, too, will never sport styrofoam again!

According to the folks at Timbuk2, “we have magically transformed our Classic Messenger into a fully insulated cooler. It's a bit Jeckyll & Hyde because it looks and feels like a messenger but performs like a cooler. Its waterproof TPU liner and total insulation keep the cold and the drips inside so you can stay outside. Did we mention it comes with a built-in bottle opener? (see above)”

To be honest, what more can we say? They’ve summed it all up. It’s an extremely comfortable-to-carry messenger that accommodates ice and icy cold beverages, and keeps you dry. In sum, we absolutely love it and think it’s amazing!

NOTE: Be sure to order it with overnight shipping, no sense in delaying its arrival since we only have 10 weekends left to Summer ’09!

P'3150 (Verdict: Writing Pleasure!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:53:00 +0000

When it comes to fine automobile design, Porsche hits the nail on the head. And when it comes to fine writing instruments, Porsche hits the nail on the head. As we’ve reviewed in the past, Porsche Design makes some phenomenal accessories for the discriminating individual. In fact, with every new creation from their writing design lab, we are thoroughly blown away. So, it’s probably no surprise that we’re absolutely “ga-ga” for their re-tuned P’3150 rollerball.

This ergonomically designed and perfectly balanced pen epitomizes the joy of writing. The cap seamlessly twists to reveal an unbelievably smooth rollerball tip. At times, it feels as if the pen is just gliding across the paper, as writing becomes effortless, and absolutely enjoyable. Although the pen has a respectable weight, it sits perfectly in the pocket without any significant distortion of your suit. In fact, we found that when clients were offered the pen, that quite often we had to check their pockets before leaving our office, to make sure that they didn’t walk off with our new favorite pen. So, if you’re looking for a second job as a scribe, or just want to enjoy the simple pleasure of jotting notes at your next meeting (instead of typing on your tiny BlackBerry), then look no further than their outstanding creation from Porsche Design. We know you’ll love it!

Tommy John (Verdict: Genius!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:49:00 +0000

In light of last week’s review about finding well-fitted clothing, we think it is only fitting (pun intended) that we discuss undergarments. While you may spend hours shopping for clothes that don’t make you look too fat or too boxy, a lot of us spend mere minutes on shopping for our undergarments. In fact, many of us are on undergarment autopilot. We know if we’re boxer or brief guys; we know our undershirt size, and we typically run in, stock up, and run out without paying much attention to what we’re getting. However, if you take the time to make sure that your suit fits you perfectly, shouldn’t you take the time to make sure that your undergarments do as well? Behold, Tommy John!

To quote their site: “Our founder (Tom Patterson) was fed up with the way his clothes fit (particularly his undershirts) and set out to make the ultimate undershirt for himself. It has now evolved into a must have for every man.

Men's undershirts in general do not fit well; they are either too baggy, too short, cut like a box, give you the “fake love handle” appearance, shrink quickly, and are overall unflattering. We make clothes that fit and look better on all men; especially on guys with athletic and narrower builds.

If you are content with the 3 pack of Hanes or Jockey shirts you usually buy on sale at department stores, then you likely won’t value our undershirt.”

At first we were skeptical of their product because we thought it was just white spandex that was going to make us sweat even more and feel uncomfortably tight. However, after just one day of sporting Tommy John under a slim-cut suit, we were sold. Their v-neck actually plunges wide enough and low enough that it is not seen under an open collar. The shirt itself actually hugs your body allowing the tailoring of your dress shirt and suit to be appreciated, without being uncomfortably snug. And most importantly, the shirt does not ride up, avoiding that awkward pseudo-love-handle that they allude to above.

In sum, Tommy John is an affordable alternative to the standard undershirt. Their undergarments are light-weight, comfortable, and most importantly, low-profile. To tell you that we would ever go back to wearing standard undershirts would be a lie—we’re hooked on Tommy John!

AMFYOYO (Verdict: Holiday Weekend!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:01:00 +0000

In the spirit of the long-holiday weekend, we too are taking a break and going to beach. Obviously, we'll be perusing the clubs and sands for the hottest fashions and toys, but we'll also be getting some well needed R&R.

So, Happy July 4th and AMFYOYO!
(Adios MoFo, You're On You're Own)-- just till Monday that is!

Astor & Black (Verdict: TRULY Custom!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:46:00 +0000

When it comes to proper fashion the only option is a bespoke garment. Sure you could go to your local haberdashery, buy a jacket or a shirt off the rack, and have them cut it up/down to your size. But at the end of the day, you’re essentially trying to fit something that was made for someone else. Let’s be honest, you’re not a cloth-filled torso; so why the hell are you wearing clothes designed for the “average American mannequin?” With that said, we are also cognizant of the fact that you get what you pay for, and not all of us have deep enough pockets both figuratively and literally (the average American pant pocket is 4.75 inches) for a custom wardrobe. So, in an attempt to fulfill our insatiable desire for proper fitting menswear, we tried out some of the best custom clothiers while hunting for the perfect shirt and jacket combo. The victor is Astor & Black, and man are we impressed.

Our Astor & Black adventure started with a friendly email with one of their top reps, Berel. He told us that he was more than willing to meet us at Spungle nearly any day at nearly any time day or night. We found a time that worked for us, and before we knew it, we had Berel at the door with fabrics in-tow. The fitting started with a conversation about life, what we do for fun, what we do at work, and how we like to portray ourselves. At first we thought he was just a well-seasoned bullsh*t artist, but soon we realized that he was trying understand the fashion and style of his consumer. His questions were extremely well-crafted: “Do you ever go straight from the office out for drinks?”, “What’s your take on dressing up/down for Sunday brunch?”, “Tell me about your ideal night out.” Taken together, his questions painted a picture, and before we knew it, he was ready to create. In what seemed like a double-jeopardy / rapid-fire session, we were soon peppered with questions about lapels, sleeve lengths, linings, pocket squares, vents, collars, and buttons. After being thoroughly deposed and cross-examined on our ideas of what makes the “perfect jacket” Berel went in for round-two asking us about cuts, collars, sleeves, and monograms for our matching shirt. By the end of this tête-à-tête we felt as if a) there was no way we could ever go to a normal department store and just buy something off the rack, b) there was no way we could ever be happy with what was in our closets, and c) that we really didn’t want to talk about clothing for a long time! However, the verbal questions were just the beginning. Within seconds of completing an extremely complex form that supposedly took all of our discussions into consideration, Berel ran across the room, and introduced us to “his luggage.”

At first we thought he had a midget-sized tailor inside that was going to take our measurements. But, much to our dismay, it was instead packed with hundreds of fabrics. If you thought the questions were tiring, try fingering through one amazing fabric after a next. To say that we were overwhelmed by our options is an understatement. However, Berel, being the professional that he is, quickly and effortlessly took us for an Italian tour through phenomenal Italian-woven threads, and then shuttled us through a rich tour down Saville Row with unbelievable British-woven threads. In sum, we toured the finest European mills from the comfort of our couch, and the convenience of Berel’s roll-on luggage. After a few minutes, we decided on a rich-looking exotic, rough, camel tweed for the jacket and a strong yet subtle check for our shirt. Finally we had created our dream jacket/shirt combo.

Now, we have to admit, the other custom clothiers do talk to you and schlep around books of fabrics, but the Astor & Black experience is on par with no other schtick in town. Especially, this next part… Just when we thought we were done, and ready to be measured, Berel asked us to put on a sport jacket. He wanted to see how we fit in the jacket, how we like our jackets, and also so he could get a glimpse at his over-priced Italian competition. Berel took measurements from the coat, pointed out why and how it did not fit, and promised us that he could not only do better, but that he guaranteed he would. The rest of the time he did the usual stuff- tape measure, scribbles, etc…

For what seemed like an eternity, but honestly was only a couple of weeks, we would get emails and calls from Astor & Black updating us on the status of our order. They were extremely easy to reach and wonderfully responsive- a quality that is NOT universal in the custom clothing business. Ultimately, we were surprised one day to find an oversized box from FedEx that proved to be a wardrobe box, with our jacket and shirt hanging inside. This is a touch that is also not universal. Many of the custom clothiers will send their products in soft UPS/FedEx bags which risks damage. Instead, Astor & Black takes pride in their product and sends it to you properly. Of course, they prefer to deliver it in person to tweak the garments in the event that you have any questions, but in the event that you’re as busy as we are, they make sure that you safely get your clothes.

And the result… AMAZING! We are absolutely, positively, blown-away by their creations. Not only is the jacket everything that we wanted, it is exactly what we wanted. They were able to take hours of fashion-gibberish and make it materialize. The jacket fit like a glove, hugging where it should, and falling properly where it needed to. The shirt turned out to be the ideal complement to jacket, with a collar that worked perfectly with the jacket collar, making it look as if the two were made for each other, and ultimately crafted for the wearer. We cannot convey to you how happy we are with the Astor & Black experience. Of course their threads come at a cost, but with prices that are comparable with those of their competitors, and actually less than the high-end guys, we cannot think of why you should either ever buy a shirt/suit/jacket off the rack, or even experiment with any other clothier. Astor & Black is the company that makes the clothes that you’ve always wanted, but never had the chance to experience. In the spirit of Nike, just do it!

PS Be sure to ask for Berel, he truly is a clothing genius!

KitchenAid Mixer (Verdict: Complete!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:03:00 +0000

There’s something to be said for having a complete kitchen. Now, some may define the complete kitchen as one that has matching silverware and plates, but we think that’s pretty much a collegiate level answer. You can kick it up to grad-school level if you also have matching cups and cutlery, or even junior associate level if you have separate water and bar glasses. But, to really say that you’ve completed your kitchen, you need to have appliances, and in our humble honest opinion, nothing says “finito” like a stand mixer!

You see, we don’t expect you to know how, when, why to use a mixer, but we know that when you bring a girl back to your pad (or guy, depending on your preference), that a mixer on the counter exudes an element of sophistication. For example, it subtly states that you know that a soufflé is folded and not beaten (although I doubt you use a mixer to make a soufflé). A mixer on the counter says that you know that the best cookies are those made from scratch- mostly because there is ample batter to eat. And a mixer on the counter says that you know how to make your grandmother’s famous matzah balls (by mixing together a bunch of crap, making a mess, and then placing an order at 2nd Avenue Deli). You get our drift—you need a mixer!

So, with so many to choose from, and bonuses being so small, which one do you get? Do you go for the top of the line in hopes that you’ll one night take home the next Top Chef? Or, do you go for the middle of the road, preferably one on sale, where you’ll get a ton of bang for your buck without breaking the bank? We vote the later. Which is why, we’re advocating for the newly released KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer.

This whirring wonder packs a stunning 325 watts of raw mixing power- making the toughest dough look like play-dough and weakest of egg whites look like the world’s fluffiest creation. The mixer features a flat beater for batter, hamburger, and other hard to beat concoctions; a wire for whipping egg whites, mayonnaise, and other fluff-worthy creations; and a hook for your favorite yeasty products. In addition, it features an idiot-proof pouring shield to ensure you don’t destroy your kitchen as you add your ingredients, and the bowl locks in place to keep it from sliding away during the high-power mixing action. Taken together, it’s the riding lawn mower of the kitchen!

In conclusion, while you may not cook, you’ll likely find (or look for) someone who does. And with all this rainy weather, nothing is more fun than a cooking date where you both get a little schmutzy while filling your bellies. So, take the plunge, take advantage of this ridiculous sale, and get yourself the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer! We know that you’ll thank us for it!

Cufflinks (Verdict: June's gift!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:37:00 +0000

In thinking of a great gift for both dads and grads, there’s really nothing better than a pair of custom cufflinks. Sure, you could go balls out and get a pair of uber exclusive cufflinks, but in the end of the day, giving a customized gift shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile. So, in breaking from Spungle tradition, here are TWO recommendations:

For dads-to-be, nothing says you’re a proud sperm donor (or ineffective condom user) like a pair of ultrasound cufflinks. At $65 bucks a pair, you can sport your baby’s profile on your wrists and spur tons of conversation at the water cooler about your baby-mama-drama. Unfortunately, it does take 3 weeks for them to be made, so we recommend using your 18-week anatomy scan, otherwise the little tyke might be born before you even rock them.

For non-dads, dads, grads or everyone else, we are huge fans of monogrammed cufflinks. In this economy you really don’t want to rock precious stones as you’re getting your ass fired, and in the event that you have to initial legal papers, you can just look at your wrists for a clue as to what to write. These cufflinks by Shapeways are subtle, sturdy, and affordable. They only take 21 business days to be manufactured and surely to become treasured heirlooms.

So, if you’re anxiously chomping at the bit in hunt of a gift, place an order for a set of custom links and give Dad or that grad an IOU telling him that his wrist-rocks are on the way.

Poof (Verdict: Magic in a bottle!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:29:00 +0000

While we tend to focus our site on luxury products and services, we are cognizant of the fact that our readers are “average Joes,” too! (but, not Joe, the plumber) So, when we stumbled upon Poof, we felt that it was our responsibility to introduce this product to the masses- not just for the benefit of our 150,000+ readers, but for the benefit of everyone around them!

Poof is magic in a bottle. To quote their site, “It’s five minutes until your 9:00 a.m. board meeting. The coffee [obviously not Nespresso ] you had to wake you up starts to churn. You enter the restroom and see a bunch of your co-workers gabbing. What do you do?

Poof it! Just a few drops of this liquid deodorizer in the toilet water and a translucent seal traps your odors in the water, releasing a refreshing scent of Japanese Mint to fill the air! Created for the sophisticated and bathroom conscious, Poof is packaged in an appealing yet discreet bottle that easily slips into your purse, pocket, or the palm of your hand.”

Now, while we’d like to say that our excrement doesn’t stink, we all know that early morning coffee, after a night of cheap Chinese and boozing can take its toll. We found that Poof not only stood up to its claims of leaving the air “poop-less,” but that one bottle was able to last for an incredibly long time. This is the perfect solution for the next time you have to sleep at your girlfriend’s place, go to visit her family, or have to run a 7am meeting after taking clients out the night before. So, if you’re a little concerned about the freshness of the air after you do your “duty,” then pocket some Poof and protect your reputation (and the wallpaper); we know that you and your co-workers will appreciate it!

Popcorn Popper (Verdict: Summer Munchies!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:03:00 +0000

While nothing is more fun than a tin of Jiffy Pop over the BBQ on warm summer night, it kind of sucks to be the one to stand in the rain over a BBQ to just have popcorn on a rainy movie night. And while you could probably make the Jiffy Pop in the kitchen over the range, we all know that the popcorn really doesn’t taste that good, and the fun is the nearly bursting aluminum tin on the BBQ as everyone watches in awe (and fear that you won’t take it off in time). So, in the event that your stuck in your share house on a rainy night, we’d like to suggest an easier, cleanier, and probably healthier option, the Catamount Microwave Popcorn Popper.

The Popper is made from laboratory quality glass, and is 100% idiot proof (both in making the popcorn and in being the dumb-ass that drops the Popper). All you have to do is fill the bottom of the Popper with a single layer of kernels, add the butter to the melting lid, place the Popper in the microwave, put it on high for 3 minutes, and then salt and serve. EASY! Now, if you want to get creative, after making the popcorn, you can flavor it with spices, sugar, cinnamon and the list goes on and on. In fact, we actually made dill-infused butter, and then salted it with garlic and hot-pepper. Talk about some flavorful popcorn! So, in the event that it’s raining, and you still want to salvage the night, be sure to have a Catamount Microwave Popcorn Popper in the cupboard- it really is a true summer necessity!

Leatherman CX (Verdict: useful!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:59:00 +0000

In keeping with the theme of uncluttered weekend bags, we think we have found a new summer necessity, Leatherman Freestyle CX. This handheld wonder tool features not only an ever useful (and incredibly sharp) locking pocketknife, but also needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, and hard-wire cutters. While you may be wondering why you would need pliers, we’d like to remind you that nothing is worse than a rainy night with a dead TV. Now, we’re not saying that you actually will know how to fix a TV just by buying the Freestyle CX, but we do think that you’ll at least stand a chance of saving the day, and helping reconnect the DVD player to the TV with a broken wire by having the CX tucked away in your bag. And, in case you’re still not convinced you need it, did we happen to mention that it has a belt clip—who doesn’t love stuff on his belt!?!

Sperry Boat Shoes (Verdict: SUMMER!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Let it be known, we’re boat-shoe addicts. There’s something about the ease of how they just slip on, on their versatility being perfect with shorts, jeans, slacks, and their ability to take a beating and look the better for it. Best of all, they are summer! Nothing screams summer like sockless summer nights and your favorite boat shoes. Given the aforementioned, you can imagine our excitement when we stumbled upon one of Sperry’s greatest creations, the Limited Edition Authentic Original Boat Shoe.

This fine suede creation is beautifully hand-sewn and features Tru-Moc construction for durable comfort. The supple leather is stain and water resistant making it ideal for whatever weather you encounter, and the rubber outsole has razor-cut “Wave Siping” technology to make sure that you don’t slip as you dodge the deluge. Taken together, this is not just a fine looking shoe, it is a phenomenal summer shoe for those who don’t want to pack their entire shoe collection, but want to be prepared for any and every summer situation.

Nespresso '09 (Verdict: The new Monday!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:36:00 +0000

While we love the work-wardrobe freedom that summer affords us, we truly despise Mondays. To be honest, there’s nothing worse than having a great, relaxing weekend out east, and having to drag yourself to work on Monday morning pretending that you care about the papers you push and the numbers you crunch. However, just because you’re at work, doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself to a little gastronomic solace, to help make the time go by- if possible. As you all know, we’ve been Nespresso fans since the beginning. We’ve loved them since they introduced the Romeo through us, and have always been amazed by their creativity in both machines and coffees. Which is why, you probably aren’t surprised to learn that we are perpetually drooling (and also quite jittery on a caffeine high) over their three new international espresso blends, Indryia from India, Rosabaya de Colombia, and Dulsao do Brasil.

Indriya combines a selection of finest Arabica with a touch of Robusta from India’s major coffee states- Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This southeast blend releases an invigorating aroma that energizes you on a dull Monday and has a flavor of intense espresso that jolts you from your desk. As your palate sores with flavor you notice hints of cocoa, cloves, pepper, and gentle nutmeg. Taken together, it’s a cornucopia of flavor that’s blended to introduce you to your day and get you going at a racing pace.

Rosabaya de Colombia (aka pink-berry from Colombia in Espanol), is made from Columbian Arabicas in the high plateaus of the Cauca and Narino Departments in the south and southwest regions of Columbia. It is described as having a delicate acidity, that is interspersed with notes of wine and fresh fruit. On our sampling, we think the full-bodied fruit hits you first, giving robust open flavors of ripe strawberry, cranberry, red currant and black currant. After finishing the last sip, you’re treated to a long finish that lingers on the palate with a rich berry sweetness and hearty coffee flavor. We believe that this is the ideal mid-day espresso that gives you the caffeine that you need to proceed, but also gives you the sweet treat that you deserve after making it through a Monday morning.

Dulsao do Brasil is crafted from the extremely fragile and uber exclusive Red and Yellow Boubon coffee varieties. These beans are grown in a limited quantity in the coveted hilly Pocos de Caldas region of Braszil. Upon hitting your palate you’ll also appreciate a sweet sense, but drastically different than the coffee above. Instead of berries, you taste hints of fresh nectar, golden honey, pure syrup, and even honeydew. As the flavor explodes in your mouth you then taste the base, a firm cereal/meal flavor with hints of malt. This is the ideal coffee for mid to late afternoon, as you prepare for the final push before you call it a day.

In summary, we are enthralled with these three new coffee blends. Our Nespresso machine has never whirred as often as it has during these taste tests, and we were sad to see the inside of empty sleeves. Indryia from India, Rosabaya de Colombia, and Dulsao do Brasil are truly coffee masterpieces that can definitely be enjoyed any time day/night, but will surely be appreciated as you walk your butt into the office on another dull Monday. Look, what else are you going to get excited about on Monday—the weekend is 4 days away!

Barbour Polo (Verdict: THE '09 Polo!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:46:00 +0000

When it comes to assembling a summer wardrobe, you have to take a number of variables into account. For example, you don’t want to fill your closet with tons of printed t-shirts, so you buy plain t-shirts, ones that can be worn in the winter under a sweater, or comfortably around the house year round. You don’t want to buy polos in a million-and-one colors, because you 1) honestly don’t look good in every color, 2) are going to fill your closet with shirts that you can only wear for summer and a little spring/fall, 3) can branch out beyond just a polo or t-shirt in the summer. Of course, we could go on and on and on about our gripes and sentiments about summer clothing, but instead, we’ll just tell you what we think you need to have, to not only make sure that you look great, but also so that you don’t waste your time and money on tons of crap. The answer, Barbour Competition Polo, 215gm.

To be blunt, you need this polo, and just this polo. It is made from super soft 100% cotton (215gm), features a generous collar with two buttons, a wonderfully comfortable athletic cut that doesn’t make you look boxy or fat (a feat in itself), side vents that make it look great tucked in or out, and herringbone tape to reinforce the sides and the collar. Taken together, this shirt is THE shirt to beat. Now, of course, we love this polo for all the adjectives and descriptors above, but we also are head-over-heels for it because no one else will be wearing this at your next BBQ. Sure you could sport a horse on your chest, or even pop-the-collar if you want to stand out, but in the end of the day, everyone wears the same thing. Be different, get a polo shirt that will invigorate your wardrobe and also, quite possibly, stir up some conversation and get you noticed. Need any more reasons why to get this?

Armand de Brignac Rosé (Verdict: WOW!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:49:00 +0000

When it comes to summer drinks, there truly is no other option than a great rosé. Now sure, you could go to the local store and get yourself a bottle of pink wine and sip it with friends, but that’s not really what summer is about. Summer drinking is about being carefree, relieving the stresses of the year, and indulging yourself as your bask in the sun. So, in keeping with the theme of bringing you not only the most exclusive products, but also the most desirable objects, we bring to you the coveted Armand de Brignac Rosé —truly THE drink of Summer 2009.

As we told you back in April, Armand de Brignac is taking the champagne-world by storm. Their uber-exclusive champagne is rarely in stock, even at its high-end price range. The quality and character of their champagne has been said to rival the great labels (Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, Cristal), while their bottle and it’s presentation puts them in a class of their own. And when it comes to the Armand de Brignac rosé, this champagne epitomizes summer exclusivity. It not only comes at a steep price ($400+), it comes filled with wonderful flavor. The champagne is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier; making for a flavor-forward bouquet that blossoms on your pallet and leaves you with notes of strawberry and black currants. It truly tastes like no other champagne we have had before, and we were greatly disappointed that it is only a 750ml bottle.

So, if you’re looking to blow the top off your first summer party, then you really have no other option than the Armand de Brignac Rosé. It is a champagne that was designed for celebration and is perfectly suited for Summer 2009!

Pro-Keds (Verdict: The Summer 09 Shoe!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:30:00 +0000

What better way to kick-off Summer 2009 than with a brand-new pair of kicks! You see, your summer sneaker has to meet a number of criteria. It first and foremost has to be comfortable; so, all those clunky shoes are out. Second, it has to be lightweight; which means that anything that is made from leather or is bigger than a low-cut shoe is out, too. Third, it has to scream summer! After hunting for way too long for a shoe that meets those three criteria, we found and instantly fell in love with the Pro-Keds Royal Lo Canvas sneaker!

This fine looking shoe is extremely lightweight and made from a durable yet breathable canvas. The moldable rubber sole affords you superb comfort and the reinforced rubberized toe protects your toes as you gallivant from event to event. Most importantly, this classic white summer shoe looks absolutely awesome with a pair of shorts, jeans, or slacks. We really cannot think of an outfit that would not look great with these kicks! So, as you start to build your Summer 2009 wardrobe, we recommend you start from the bottom up, and get yourself a pair of these fabulous shoes. These shoes are Summer 2009!

We're Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:19:00 +0000

After a short reprieve, we're now well-rested and super-charged for Summer 2009! Over the last month, we found hundreds of products and services to feature, and sorted out the very best. So, go get a cup of coffee, call your friends, and let them know that Spungle is back-in-business, and going to blow you away with some outstanding reviews!

Penhaligon's Comb (Verdict: Ivory-esque!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:29:00 +0000

In a time when you have no choice but to put your best foot forward, you cannot risk having a single hair out of place. Sure you could slop your head with gobs and gobs of hair goo, or you could actually display an element of class, and carry a proper comb like a well refined man. While we do not support killing pachyderms to make combs and pianos, we do not see anything wrong with using modern chemistry to create high quality resins that just happen to remember ivory. As such, the Mock Ivory Comb by Penhaligon's is truly the gentleman’s accessory. It is only 8” which means it fits perfectly in your briefcase (and please tell us you’re using a briefcase), and has not only a great look, but also a great feel. It glides seamlessly through even the most tangled of doos, and has lasted our relentless daily torture. So, if you’re looking to put your hairs in place before you walk into that next business meeting, then look no further than this fine wanna-be ivory comb!

Bulldog Cufflinks (Verdict: Balls-Out!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:23:00 +0000

We recently went to a NYC benefit and realized that everyone dressed the same. Sure, there was variety in the tuxedo styles, but for the most part, people all looked uniform from a distance. However, when we sat down at our table of eclectic NYC minds, we realized that the tuxedo actually does lend itself to creativity, specifically in the accessories. So, we took a perusal of what was being flashed and flaunted, and absolutely fell in love with a pair of cufflinks. In fact, for the first time in a long time, we are openly admitting that someone else saw these cufflinks first, but just have to admit that they are too cool to keep to ourselves. So, without further ado, meet the Bulldog Cufflinks by Dunhill.

These uber-cool sleeve accoutrements are handcrafted from sterling silver and are approximately an inch in diameter. Thanks to a gentle curve in the post, these little puppies sit perfectly flat on your cuff, displaying your coolness to all those around. In addition, they have an easy to manage swivel back that makes them easy to put on / take off, which makes them easy to pass around and flaunt. To say that we’re hot for these cufflinks is an absolute understatement—these are must haves for the summer season of benefits; screw the recession!

Tin Cloth Tote (Verdict: Great Tote!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:16:00 +0000

With Spring ’09 officially in full force, we’re not too far away from weekends in the country. And while we all realize that the schlep “out of town” involves bringing not only clothes, but also food and other goodies, we are well aware that just because you’re “schlepping,” you don’t have to look like a “schlepper.” So, we’ve gone hunting high-and-low for our favorite weekend luggage items, and will bring those to you over the next few weeks. To start, we’re going to introduce you to our favorite tote, the Filson Tin Cloth Tote.

This durable, yet stylish bag is made from Filson’s renowned tin cloth and features a nylon taffeta lining. In addition, the straps are made from light and comfortable cotton webbing, making this an extremely lightweight and manageable tote. While we’re not always the biggest fan of the tote because of the threat of rain, we realize that sometimes you just need a bag that can hold a baguet and a couple of cans of soup. So, if you’re looking to tote as you schlep, then look no further than this extremely affordable tote from our friends at Filson.

inMotion iM600 (Verdict: Booming!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

As you know, iPod speaker docks are a dime a dozen. You can waste hours upon hours comparing different styles and features. So, in an attempt to save you from this horribly mundane task, we perused the current list of “hot docks,” and found what we believe to be the most bang for the buck, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600.

This sleek speaker system features a great compact design while packing in a whole slew of functions. This acoustically well-balanced dock not only does justice to your jazz collection, but also features video output, auxiliary input, a full functioning remote control, and an FM radio. In addition, as opposed to many of its competitors, it actually has respectable battery time; with the average charge lasting 5+hrs of continuous playback. Taken together, this little package packs a whole lot of punch, and definitely keeps you bopping to your favorite beats for hours upon hours.

Vaja Balance (Verdict: Simply Perfect!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to handcrafted mobile phone cases, we’ve always turned to Vaja. Their styling and quality manufacturing puts them in a category that is scores above the rest. This is why we were eager to protect our beloved Blackberry Bold with the new Balance by Vaja. This leather beauty has an extremely sleek design and smooth leather finish. We love the low-profile design and, of course, are huge fans of the optional ultraclip. Although it takes time for your case to make it all the way up from Argentina, there’s something to be said for a custom case that can be personalized with text/graphics and is available in a palette of colors. So, if you’re looking to make some folks jealous the next time you slap your phone on the table, then be sure to order yourself a Balance before everyone reads this review!

Phillips Shirt (Verdict: Great shirt!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Sometimes it’s just hard to find the right shirt for the night. You have tons of button-downs but they all sorta look the same. Some with big collars, some with small collars, some need collar-stays, but when it comes down to it, they pretty all can be worn at work and then reused for a night on the town. That’s why we went searching for a new take on the “going out” shirt and are pleased with our find, the Phillips Woven Shirt by Ever.

This simple, cotton, oxford woven shirt features a simple, clean design, a mid-width collar that does not need collar-stays, a spot of pizzazz on the shoulders with the addition of epaulettes. The shirt is cut short enough that it doesn’t need to be tucked if you’re feeling a little wild, but is long enough to be tucked if you need to clean-up your act. All in all, it’s a shirt that is 100% not for work, and designed for 100% fun. So, why not add a little fashion to your spring wardrobe and pick-up this extremely affordable and great looking shirt? We know you’re going to love it!

Perfect Pullup (Verdict: THE Workout- part deaux)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:48:00 +0000

After finding out that the Perfect Pushup wasn’t that unique of a find and that our readers had been using them for quite some time, we started looking for other home “workout stuff.” We learned that you can do a million and one things with doorknobs, door-jams, and other home installations. In thinking about how we could maximize the utility of our precious NYC space, we investigated the current market of home work-out equipment and found out that the manufacturers of the Perfect Pushup actually make a wonderful counterpart called the Perfect Pullup!

This easy to install contraption fits any doorframe from 27” to 36” wide and can be setup/taken-down in a manner of seconds. The kit features the pullup bar, 2 swing arms, 2 rotating handles, and an instructional manual (thankfully). After using this setup for literally just a few days, we found that we were not only able to get a great workout in the comfort of our office, but that we were also becoming incredibly sore. These pull-ups are rough! According to the site, the Perfect Pullup lets you do an innumerable number of painful exercises including but not limited to Australian Pullups and Standing Rows. We’re still not really sure why this isn’t called the Painful Pullup, but we do believe that if the mantra of “No Pain, No Gain” holds true, that this setup is sure to give you a ton of gain!

Sperry Toggle (Verdict: '09's look!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:43:00 +0000

While some would argue that loafers have replaced the old-fashioned “lace-ups” of yester-years, we think that the ubiquity of loafers has gone too far. In fact, we openly admit that we miss toggled shoes, which seem to have gone by the wayside with laced shoes. So, in an attempt to reconnect with our bar-mitzvah era shoes, we went hunting for hot “toggles” for Spring '09, and happily found the Sperry Gold Cup Toggle!

This fine looking shoe takes a new twist on the classic toggle by featuring a single functional pull-through for the laces. As opposed to tying your loafers (which is sooo 2008), with these bad-boys you just slip your foot in and zip that toggle up. In addition to being incredibly fashionable, they also are unbelievably comfortable! They are lined in uber-plush deerskin, feature “Memory-Foam” to contour your foot, have an EVA cushion midsole, and have “Vibram non-marking rubber outsole pads with Wave-Siping for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction.” Taken together, this is the perfect shoe for Spring ‘09 for when you want something classically comfortable for the office, and simply perfect for a weekend get together.

Barbour Quilt (Verdict: Perfect for Spring!)

noreply@blogger.com (Spungle Staff) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:35:00 +0000

When it comes to spring fashion, we always find ourselves at an interesting crossroad. One part of us wants to zip right to the summer collection and bring out the bright colors, cotton blends, and warm weather accoutrements. The other part of us realizes that spring in NYC is totally unpredictable and that it would be unwise to put the winter attire into storage. So, in an attempt to spruce up the wardrobe, yet prepare for mildly, crappy weather, we went hunting for the perfect spring coat, and happily stumbled upon the Flyweight Chelsea Quilted Jacket from one of our favorite haberdasheries, Barbour.

This update to the classic Barbour line of quilted jackets features a front zip with the classic Barbour pull under a studded front flap, a funnel collar, studded pocket flaps, and a great zipped pocket that’s perfect for your Blackberry. As opposed to many other Barbour products that feature the classic box-esque British cut, this great jacket has a great trim profile that is accentuated by adjustable studded waist tabs. It truly is the profile of this jacket that makes it perfect over your suit or over your blazer on your way out for the night. And, as the weather warms up, it’s perfect over a simple tee for a casual yet chic urban look.