I’m traveling with my wife this week. Somewhere over the Atlantic, we did The Proust Questionnaire. Something to pass the time, sure. But also a way to connect. One of the questions: What’s your greatest extravagance? (Other than travel, we amended, since the answer was too obvious.) I considered what I’m willing to splurge on. A cabinet with a wink. A book that transports me. An espresso machine that reminds me of someone I adore working with. I look down at my watch, which will soon remind me of swimming with turtles. They’re things that serve functions, yes. But also things that add emotions to my routines.
—LF
MoMa Exclusive Poppin Stow 3-Drawer File Cabinet
I'm redoing my home office and wanted, nay, needed some filing cabinets. These have the proper amount of weirdness for a filing cabinet. —LF
Buy: $399
Conway Electric Smart USBC/DUAL USBC 36W PD Surge Protected Lamp
Re: Home office. This lamp dims, charges your other goods, and looks handsome while doing it all. There's something utilitarian, yet clever about it. —LF
Buy: $300
J. D. Salinger, Franny and Zooey, First Edition
Every man should have a few first editions in his office collection. Does it have to be Salinger's Franny and Zooey?... Yes. Okay, no. But yes. Think Wes Anderson characters in literary form. —LF
Buy: $750
Buck Mason The Caddy Sunglasses
I've been looking for Guy Ritchie–movie–esque sunglasses for years, waiting for the right pair to come along. Found ’em. A perfectly thick black frame. And lenses that work outside as well as inside. I have sensitive eyes. And our apartment gets great light. Sue me. —LF
Buy: $248
Vero Watch The Smokey Bear 80th Edition Forest Green
They had me at Smokey the Bear. Proceeds support the Smokey Bear message, funding educational and awareness efforts. But that's not the only good thing. Sapphire crystal, automatic movement, 120M water resistance, and wait until you see this dial glow. —LF
Buy: $595
OutIn Traveler Espresso Gift Set (Space Grey)
Recently, I was working a project in SFO and the Studio Manager pulled this puppy out. I envied every sip of his afternoon espressos. I'll be gifting this to myself. Thank you very much. —LF
Buy: $189.99
Imogene + Willie Lagos Lounge Short in Spruce
Secret's out. Imogene + Willie is doing it right. These new shorts are made from an open-weave textile that's heavy, substantial, and yet surprisingly breathable. I'll be living in these as summer turns to fall. Paired with a slouchy sweater on top. —LF
Buy: $175
Leica Sofort 2 Hybrid Instant Photo Film and Digital Camera
It's the brand name we all want. Without the fuss. An instant film camera (cue party flash moments), but it also keeps a digital copy (cue handsome Insta feed). And this bundle comes with 100 Fujifilm Instant Film Sheets, a 128 GB Memory Card, a Bag, and a Cleaning Kit. Bang. —LF
Buy: $659.95
American Giant Relaxed Classic Full Zip
The essence—nay, the Platonic ideal—of hoodie. Heavyweight cotton, forgiving fit, true navy. Hard-wearing on a day full of soft red colors. Hang it by your door and it’ll never leave. —CF
Buy: $188
Percival Gove Chore Jacket
This piece, named after Percival founder Christopher Gove, pulls off a tricky balancing act. It’s a more elevated jean jacket and a more rugged chore coat, with a breezy fit that’s perfectly contemporary and easy to throw on. I got mine in mid-blue: an instant MVP for every crisp evening. —CF
Buy: $255
Finisterre Stormbird Rain Jacket
A jacket for any kind of fall precipitation, Finisterre’s bestseller let me donate every other waterproof layer taking up closet space. I adore the terracotta orange—it’s a vibrant color that still goes with everything else I own. —CF
Buy: $320
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack
A bum bag that renders pockets obsolete. Why add bulk to your trousers when you could simply throw this on? Somehow, despite its slim profile, the Conceal Waistpack—weather resistant and made from hyperdurable 1000D CORDURA® nylon—holds my sunglasses, wallet, phone, keys, mints, and an extra roll of doggie bags. —CF
Buy: $125
SPC/LST Cognis Jacket
A padded shirt that’s as soft as it is durable. What did I do without one on brisk summer nights? —CF
Buy: $275
REL Acoustics HT/1205 MK Subwoofer
A subwoofer is an absolute must for recreating the concert venue or movie theatre experience at home. This beauty from REL Acoustics is an excellent entry-level choice that requires minimal space to level up your audio output without sounding overly boomy or bloated. —JG
Buy: $899
