Q&A+ What Caught My Eye (No. 42)
Today’s President’s Day in the U.S., making it a bank holiday and one I’m gladly going to celebrate from bed to finish this newsletter. While nothing is particularly interesting or of note to write about, I still wanted to make sure I had a jazzy little introduction for you, dear Reader. So, I turned to my Instagram to ask others what they want to know. Here are a few answers for you. Enjoy. Cheers. Happy Monday.
Q: I hope this isn’t rude but how much do you spend on clothes and stuff?
A: I don’t think it’s rude to be curious, but I think it’s a bit dangerous to count other people’s money. I don’t actually spend that much on new clothing. I work a lot with brands behind-the-scenes, and many of their PR contacts are more than generous with me. Combine that with the fact that nearly all of my “new” purchases are second-hand (which I’m always going on about and sharing my tips) and I’d say I’m well below any figure you may have in mind for me.
Q: Any book news????
A: Yes! The book release date was slightly delays into the Spring as we wrap up the last bits of the editing process and the illustrations (did I mention yet that each chapter will be illustrated by my longtime collaborator, Miguel Carranza??). But I have firm dates set in the calendar now with three launch parties already in the books for the weekend of May 17-May 19, as well as a couple smaller events in the Pittsburgh area. More details, RSVP links, etc to come in the coming weeks. I’d love to see you there.
Q: Who is your style inspiration?
A: While you often see me post on my Instagram Stories about, say, a Hollywood icon like Paul Newman, I don’t really dress to emulate anyone in particular. I think if I were to wear a suit because X person wore a suit or buy this particular pair of sunglasses because Y celebrity has them, I’d feel like I’m just throwing on a costume. Of course, with that being said, I’ve been influenced by a lot of touchpoints in my personal style (most notably Bina Daigeler’s costume design for Tár), but I wouldn’t say that it’s a one-to-one match. Instead, I take ideas and throw them into what I like to wear regularly — oversized cashmere sweaters, a simple pair of sneakers, and a baseball cap are heavily in my rotation and have been for years — to (hopefully) make something that’s uniquely my own versus a poor imitation of someone else.
Q: You mentioned before you work four jobs? So you write for a living or…?
A: I know it’s a bit confusing because I kind of jump around when it comes to topics and can be a little unclear what I actually do every day. So, my full-time job is as a Marketing Director in the luxury pens industry. On top of that, I freelance for a few publications regularly, or take a one-off assignment in bigger magazines like Robb Report or GQ. On top of that, I consider my novel to be another facet of work outside of freelance, and I’m contracted for two more books after my first, Arthur, is out, so that keeps me busy. And lastly, I work with a few companies in a consulting and PR capacity. It seems like a lot — and it can be — but I really love staying busy. With that, a couple of these items will soon be consolidated in the coming year, if all goes right for the direction I want to take my career (keep your fingers crossed for me).
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
While it’s a genre that I haven’t previously explored, I’m really enjoying detective novels lately. While I have previously read my fair share of Poirot, Chandler’s Marlowe is more hard-boiled, more real in a sense. Chandler’s conversational, first-person prose is engaging, allowing for me to have another layer of in-world experience with the plot, something I thoroughly enjoy.
Buy: Here
Nota Bene Podcast
Funnily enough, I’m not an “art guy” — but I am a dishy gossip guy. Nota Bene hits this spot for me, allowing for me to listen to two names in the art world talk about gallery openings, dining in Italy, festivals in London, and all the little anecdotes that come with a vastly different lifestyle than my own.
Listen: Here
It’s a Passion Thing
As I leap into a more entrepreneur-like role in my professional life, I’ve been inspired to read others’ stories on how they’ve “made it” in a field that they’re passionate about. Austria-based magazine, It’s a Passion Thing, is built on this idea, profiling makers, business owners, and creatives on their journey to success. I’ve bought a few back-issues to keep me motivated for what’s to come next for me.
Subscribe: Here
Amélie
For a short period, this French classic has been rereleased for Valentine’s Day. I was able to catch it Sunday morning, tucked up in a turtleneck and sipping a La Croix I snuck in. It’s delicious as I remember it (the movie, not my seltzer). I hope this genre of film makes a comeback. I miss “weird” movies at the theatre.
ROTERFADEN Taschenbegleiter, Size S (30% Off!)
You may soon tire of me talking about these notebooks, but you’ll have to forgive me. They’re just simply the best I’ve used in terms of organizing everything in one place. I’ve heard from a couple commenters that the price is a little high, so I thought I’d share with you that the small version of the Taschenbegleiter is now 30% off. Get it while you can and thank me later.
Buy: Here
Chateau Marmont Keychain
By now you probably know that the Chateau Marmont remains a steadfast favourite for me. I’ve been eyeing one of these keychains for years now, but with a $200 pricetag, I think that’s just outrageous. But, with that said, how nice would this look dangling from the Louis Vuitton Speedy I posted about last week?
Buy: Here
Blackstock & Webber Mason Horsebit Loafer
Looking into what I’m going to wear on my book tour (more on this soon!!), I'm drawn to these loafers by Blackstock & Webber. While my tried-and-true Gucci loafers will be in the rotation, these are a beautiful chocolate tone that I think will look quite good against the three navy suits I keep in rotation.
Buy: Here
Tivoli Music System Home
I want a better audio system in my writing studio. I think it would give me an excuse to take a proper break instead of scrolling on my phone on the couch during my lunch (my studio has a lovely sitting room with a couch, a record player, and an electric kettle — which is divine). This one by Tivoli may just fit the proverbial bill. It’s a clean design but has a bit of charm while not being overly flashy — I mean, just look at the screen. It’s just designed enough to still look new in a few years (I find that if technology looks too new, it appears outdated much quicker, paradoxically).
Buy: Here
Luke Edward Hall’s Design Project: Amaru
I’m a longtime fan of Luke Edward Hall’s work, and seeing this restaurant come to life only confirms my suspicions that LEH is, truly, a Renaissance man. Designed for Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, this Peruvian restaurant is a great balance of whimsy and elegance, which has become a signature of Hall’s work.
Learn More: Here
College Classes - German & Italian
Well, between those four jobs I talked about above and a floundering social life, I’ve decided to now take two language classes a week. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it already, but I’m enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - Madison for German lessons every Tuesday. And now this weekend, I’ve paid my fee to take Italian II at a local community college every Wednesday. With so much of my work in Europe nowadays, I hope this can be a good way to engage with my clients (and hopefully I can use it as a tax write-off too).