martinpatrick3

Back in the Saddle

2010-02-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, as it turns out, I'm not very good at updating our blog consistantly. But there's nothing like three and a half months of not blogging to make you think that you should start blogging again. We'll see how long I can keep this up. Anyhow, if you haven't been in the store since the last time I wrote on our little web log, then tomorrow would be a good day to stop in. Why tomorrow? Well it just so happens that tommorrow is the start of our winter clearance.

Yep, thats right - clearance! None of that piddley 20% discount stuff that we do on a weekly basis. This is a full on half off a good chunk of merchandise. 50% off Marcoliani, Corgi, Lisa B, Wigens, Coal, Dorfman, Altea, PpH, Paulette Rollo, Dents, Wiebke and a whole mess of belts and 40% select Swims, Grenson, Property Of and a good selection of watches. Also select home furnishings at 50% off and those hats that I can't remember the name of at 70% off. A bunch of other random things will be on sale as well. Heraldic pillows anyone?

In Other News, I Wish Opening Ceremony Wasn't Trying to Ruin My Favorite Children's Story

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

If every fashion blog hasn't told you by now, the Navajo weave is having a moment. So big a moment that you can get just about every garment you can think of in that pattern, including an Opening Ceremony x Pendleton x someone else (probably) jacket featuring a huge blown up version of those little triangles. While I'm sure there are quite a few people who will look terrific in that jacket, I'm not one of them. This hat, however, is more my speed. To me it just reminds me of the stands of high school football games or accidentally getting caught in the morning cold on a late summer camping trip - less REI than Ontonagon General Store. Of course if this still isn't your speed we also just got in these:

Now, the deerstalker is just kind of cool, especially for people who look good in baseball hats (again, not one of them) and the Rabbit fur trooper just makes sense (remember when it snowed this week and you had to brush your car off and that was WAY more difficult than it seemed last March). The ski cap however, is quite the regional specialty. I recently learned that if Minnesota was its own country, it would have the 4th largest population of cross country skiers in the world. I find this a little hard to believe, but I certainly remember that in my ski racing days this style of hat littered ski shops, races and chalets. I suspect trying to figure out whether the hat is for Scandinavians or for skiers would be a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. Regardless, we've got them and they're awesome.

Dorfman Pacific Hats, $15-$45

Of course, if you were looking for sock monkeys, we could get those too.

2009-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's no secret to those around me that my dream job, next to baseball statistician, would be sock and underwear product development. No, I don't mean so that I can sit around and look at people in their underwear all day. Rather, I really appreciate a finely crafted pair of hosiery (which actually makes me wonder why I'm wearing such crappy socks today -- my feet are FREEZING). Lisa B. Socks are a very cushy little blend of Cashmere, Angora and Virgin Wool which would certainly do its part in warming up my apparently thin Chelsea Boots. As I side note, I always thought Angora came from the Angora Goat. It does not. Angora Goats, which are cute, produce Mohair. Angora comes from the Angora rabbit, which looks like this:

Right. You better believe that thing is warm.

Lisa B. Socks $25

You Can't Spell Glove Without Glo

2009-10-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sure you could wear plain black gloves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them being that they're remarkably soft deerskin and Thinsulate lined and fitted enough to wear with thinks other than a parka. Or you could choose brown, which I find to be very distinguished and mature. But who am I kidding, everybody is going to want yellow.

Deerskin Gloves and Suede Mittens, $35

Galoshes, not rubbers. That's just wierd.

2009-10-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

It is well documented that we love ourselves some Scandinavians and, of course, their well designed, handsome products. Swims, our newest line is all of that - a modern update on classic galoshes. They feature a fleeced lining to keep your shoes in pristine condition and a pull loop made of reflective bits. Best of all, there is a color choice beyond black! Brown would be an admirable compliment to our forthcoming collection of shoes (more on that later) and orange is a great choice for the man who really wants the world to know that he is wearing galoshes. And orange will match his new Swims umbrella which, much like the windows in my friends volkswagen, has both auto up AND auto down, a feat of engineering that is simply stunning.

Galoshes $95, Umbrella $89

It depends on what you mean by fantastic...

2009-10-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

It seems like we're just getting more and more loaded up on paper.

Mickey Rourke may be an odd cover boy for a British publication, but Mark Ronson is certainly on point. Newest of note is the much lauded magazine Fantastic Man, which is like every other fashion magazine except that it isn't glossy features insightful and often non-celebrity interviews. Also, all the men in it are refferred to as Mister or when appropriate, Doctor. Its actually quite refreshing, as is Mr. McGregor's faint similarity to Mr. Kennedy (its a stretch, but its kind of close).
Also, we've got this and that.

Clockwise from Top Left, $10.99, $7.99, $45.00, $10.95.

A Brief Note on Gift Giving.

2009-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

As a store for men's accessories, we obviously get a lot of people in searching for gifts. Often times, the accompanying statement will be along the lines of "He's really tough to buy for" or "He already has everything." This is fine, but one thing to keep in mind is that all the employees of this establishment are really good at helping people choose gifts. It comes with the territory. As such, one of the first things I recommend when I hear one of the aforementioned statements is cashmere socks. Most people think I'm kidding, but this is absolutely not the case. I'm happy to say that I've gotten a report back from one of these situations. It turns out the recipient was thrilled (THRILLED!) to receive cashmere socks and may be in for more.

Marcoliani Cashmere Socks - $65

Our Favorite PoMoFoPo Rag

2009-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

In case you need clarification, that would be Post Modern Foreign Policy Magazine. Actually, it isn't really Post Modern at all - really it is the definition of modern in terms of actual lifestyle magazines. And I guess Rag would imply that it is cheap and disposable, which it also isn't. Either way, last I heard we were one of only two places in MSP where one could purchase Monocle. Woot.

Monocle Issue 27 $10

This Happens Every Year When Baseball Season is Finished

2009-10-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for these scarves for, say, seven months. We ordered them waaay back in February and I've had to sit on my hands since then. Lucky for us, they've arrived at exactly the right time as meteorological fall has conveniently lined up with Gregorian Calendar fall. To those holding out (I saw a remarkable number people in shorts or tiny little dresses this weekend), give it up - Autumn won. It always does.

While Altea now makes a fairly full compliment of garments, their primary focus has always been scarves and ties, both of which we stock. The most endearing thing, however, is that they tend to present things in that Italian way that could kind of be confused with East Coast Prep - trade a pocket square and add a crest and BAM! Welcome to New Haven. If you don't understand what I mean, ask to take a peek at their lookbook upon the next visit. Curiously, their website is also a hybrid of Italian and American. The broken English makes for a delightful read.

Top photo Wool Scarves L to R: $65, $65, $115, $75

Middle photo Silk/Modal blend Scarves $115, Wool Scarf $115

Bottom Photo Cashmere Blend Scarves $145

Pulp

2009-09-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

We just unpacked a slew of new magazines journals and books. Of particular note, we've been restocked in totally awesome Field Notes in all their standard butcher paper brown books and the brand new sold-out-from-the-manufacturer Mackinaw Autumn color. Ignoring the fact that this native Michigander is somewhat dismayed by the *ahem* improper spelling of the word Mackinac, the limited edition colors are quite exciting, coming in a trio of Red, Brown and Orange books.

The large publication in the upper left hand corner is two-year old French publication Paradis. The much lauded magazine (printed on uncoated paper, sorry Mr. McKenzie) is a pleasant mix of heady views on art and culture mixed with pictures from famous lensmen like Juergen Teller and Terry Richardson, often of women in various states of undress. Maybe not for kids, but it got the stamp of approval for one staffer's meticulously well kept collection of imported periodicals.

Paradis $19.90, Vman $5.50, Ultimate Card Games $19.95, Dirty Jokes $9.95, Field Notes $10

Famous People Can Be Friends On Your Coffee Table

2009-09-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is something about famous friends from different walks of life that intruiges me. Do they talk about the office or their respective industries? The perks and/or troubles of being of being famous. Maybe just general fame? Do they have seperate dinner parties where one must be of a certain celebrity to garner an invitation? And most importantly do they get introduced to like people in classic American lit, as in "This is Gore Vidal, the Writer." This book will likely not answer any of those questions, but I still like it.

Gore Vidal: Snapshots in History's Glare $40

A Primer on Hats

2009-09-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Previously upon describing a particular piece of headwear that was recieved in the store, I used the phrase 'Jacques Cousteau panache' which, much to my delight, prompted positive responses from more than one person! Seeing as the store is now choc full of winter hats and as that tends to be a relatively important thing in the upper midwest, I figured it would be good to give a rundown a few of the other hats in the store. In the spirit of the previous post, all are expressed in terms of Famous Person Flamboyance (most of which are neither accurate nor true). It should also be noted that this list excludes trooper styles, partly because I haven't watched Fargo in a while but mostly because we've only got one style right now and when photographed it looked more like a fluffy ball. Soon though...

The aforementioned Jacques Cousteau panache
cashmere watch cap $90

Frank Sinatra swagger
felt c-crown fedora $35

Gene Hackman verve (in The French Connection)
felt porkpie $35

Gene Hackman verve (in The Royal Tenenbaums)
leather trimmed wool/cashmere driving cap $125

Brad Pitt je ne sais quoi
cashmere driving cap $155

Angus Young moxie
leather trimmed corded wool newsboy cap $95

Seymor Cassel dash (in Rushmore)
wool driving cap $95

Jason Schwartzman, umm... authenticity (in Rushmore)
wool beret $10

Fidel Castro brio (if he was Irish)
tweed military cap $40

Friedrich von Trapp panache (literally)
felt fedora w/ feather detail $35

Michael Kelso gusto
knit cap $25

Princeton Graduate and Swedish Professional Baseball Player Christian Staehely's, umm, sense of functional irony (in a good way)
wool baseball cap w/ earflaps and quilted lining $95

The King of Sweden Wears These

2009-09-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Or so I would assume, as they're made by our newest vendor: Wigens. Now, a little bird told me that Wigens are the official hatter of the King of Sweden (though I'm having a little trouble verifying that) so one could surmise that when one wears Wigens it is akin to fraternizing with royalty. More on these soon.

Rabbit Fur Gloves $95 Cap $95

Fortunately none of these smell like the river did on my way to the store this morning.

2009-09-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Seriously, what was with that anyway? It was downright foul. That would be something I normally associate with the stinky mill filled river in my hometown. Anyhow, we've gotten restocked in some of our most popular fragrances. They run the gamut from wonderfully traditional (Guerlain Vetiver) to the new standard for sensitive guys who may or may not be in a band (John Varvatos) to the most outspokenly manly (Gucci Pour Homme) which smells like whiskey and cedar and grandpa's den. For whatever reason my girlfriend likes to steal the latter.

$50-$75

One time my mom told me that the new drug kids were doing was wearing their scarves too tightly so it made them light headed. Not Kidding.

2009-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

There was a quote from Scott Schuman (it wasn't on the Sartorialist, but I can't find the link) where he said something to the effect of, "When it dips under 70 degrees, I usually reach for a scarf..." This made me laugh audibly until I realized that I've occasionally been guilty of the same thing. Oops.

Those familiar with our collection of Paulette Rollo scarves know that the collection comes from one of the finest mills in the rugged hills of the Scottish Highlands. We have lambswool, merino, cashmere and few blends of those three. And good luck finding them anywhere else. Of course, these scarves are a bit heavy for 68 degrees but Minnesota being what it is, I'm certain that we'll need them soon enough. In fact, there is already a Liverpool FC scarf in my living room to further facilitate the yelling of obscenities at Lucas Leiva, but that's a different matter all together.

Paulette Rollo scarves, $65-$145

Yes, Please

2009-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Multi Colored Lizard Skin Wallets? Check.
Gator Wallets? Check.
Our favorite Torino Leather Wallets, which happen to be the best selling ones in the store because they're really affordable and well made? Aaaand MATE!

Ringmark Lizard Wallets $245 for special edition colors, other Torino Wallets from $35

Things We Like #3

2009-09-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've been excited for this hat for a while. Last year while combing through different product lines, one of the things we really wanted for the store was a cashmere watch cap, preferably retailing for less than $100. We found a really great line of mostly knit caps that just so happened to have the sought after hat.

Come December, I can see myself not removing this hat for great lengths of time. Its easy to think of occasions where one would wear this - slouching around the house, hung-over bloody marys, waiting outside of Al's breakfast and accidently running over some six year olds on the sledding hill are all things that this hat obviously pairs well with - however I think there is a certain Jacques Cousteau panache that comes from being appropriately dressed except for that little knit hat. It’s the kind of inconspicuous luxury item that we're fans of at mp3.

That being said, we've got quite a few hats from Coal ranging from practical to kitschy, and they've already made quite a splash with the staffers here.

Jameson Cashmere hat $90, other Coal hats from $25

Ira Glass Would Hate This (because he hates irony and wears thick glasses)

2009-09-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

We just got telescopes in the store and of course we had to test them out. What was the furthest away that we decided to focus on? The security camera on the side of the federal reserve building. Take that big brother.

Telescopes $165-$225

One of these things is not like the others...

2009-09-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

These are the new printed materials that have arrived in the store in the last week.

I'll leave it to you to choose the odd man out, though there is probably more than one answer.

Clockwise from Top Left $10, $10.99, $9.95, $7.99

Kind of an Odd Product Assortment When You Think About It

2009-09-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

We've got our latest Pierre Belvedere order in the store. I won't go in to detail, but it's safe to say that we made getting this order in significantly harder than we needed to. Thankfully, it was worth the wait because now we have some really spiffy and downright affordable fountain pens. I know we've been accused of being a bit too fancy at the store sometimes, but fountain pens are pretty darn cool. Actually, the reason I started using a fountain pen was because of the decidedly unfancy movie There Will Be Blood. There is a scene where Daniel Plainview is signing some deeds with a very worn down fountain pen and it makes this really awesome scratching noise. Fortunately for you, these are actually nice and there isn't much scratching. Unfanciness begat Fanciness.

We also recieved some new leather goods, including a portfolio cover that our dear Eduardo has been waiting for so patiently, new leather coasters and a spiffy little shopping list journal.

Pen $35

Kind of like a fall preview...

2009-09-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

...but not really. It's as close as you're going to get from me.

Truth be told its really just the list of orders we placed at the Vegas shows last week. Its neither exclusive to fall nor complete. I will call attention to the lower right corner. Yep. Thats right.

Property Of... at MartinPatrick3

2009-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to think that as an accessory store, we at martinpatrick3 know a good bag when we see it. The problem is that there are a lot of really good bags out there. As in, too many lines where we see them and say, "This is perfect!" only to find another exceptionally similar line in the next row of vendor booths. The general indication that a line of bags is one for our store is one that is unique enough to not have itself replicated in three different places on the trade show floor. One of the brands we've found that fits those criteria is Property Of...

Now, you may be thinking Canvas Bags? For Fall? Surely you jest! I can assure you, these canvas bags are not of the feathery light summer variety. The tight sturdy weave of the canvas is compounded by the waxcloth treatment - not too oily, but enough to provide some protection from elements and the other things in your trunk. Most of the bags also have a leather base. Not just little decorative patches mind you - big heavy, so thick it doesn't roll up very well leather bases. These bags just feel like they were designed for more than one can possibly use them for. They have a throw-it-in-the-back-of-the-truck feel that really can't be appreciated until you have a pressing need to not worry about your bag. Property Of... are up for an adventure, it's just up to you to decide what that will be.

Shown $295, bags $245-$295, wallets $75-$125

Things Our Friends Say That Are Worth Remembering #2

2009-09-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

"HI COOL GUYS!!! So you're like the Jonas Brothers?"
-the terrific jewellery designer M. Cohen, to a trio of long haired, fresh-faced brothers who just happen to be in a band together. Their manager/agent/mom was not amused.

You can get really freakin' awesome M Cohen designs at MP3 in late fall.

Back to School with MartinPatrick3

2009-08-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Apparently it is back to school season. I guess I don't have any real reason to make note of it but it still brings up these nostalgic memories of back-to-school shopping and the pleasure of using a brand new notebook. When I think about it though, grown up versions of most back to school items can now be purchased at MartinPatrick3. Below, back to school shopping for MartyP if he was about to attend the Minnesotashire Academy for Boys and Girls:

Marty's Got a Brand New Bag: Property Of... $245, T11 $155 (but 20% off this week)

Notebooks and Journals: (bottom to top) Semikolon $25, Eccolo $105 and $45, Field Notes $10 for 3

Things to write in aforementioned Notebooks: D&R Pencils $30, Pierre Belvedere Pen $25, Acme Pen $75, Retro 1931 Pen $39 (all 20% off this week)

Places For Things: JW Hulme Porfolio $320, T-11 Bags $12 and $8 (and 20% off this week), Paulette Rollo Coin Purse $45

Through the snow, uphill both ways: Leather Gloves $65, Wool Blend Peruvian $35, Paulette Rollo Wool/Cashmere Scarf $75

Represent! Paulette Rollo Wool/Cashmere Scarf $95, TokyoBay Watch $85, w/ Smart Turnout band (separate)$25, Smart Turnout Cufflinks $75

To impress the other boys and girls: Concord Pewter Brush $85, Guerlain Vetiver EDT $55

For Smoking in the Boy's Room: Tsubota Pearl Cigarette Case $85, Concord Flask $65, Sarome Lighter ~~$95~~ SOLD, Nikolai Rose Pocket Knife Key Ring $45

Endorsement and Defense of Poseurdom

2009-08-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

I went to public school. Always have, from Bryant Elementary in Ann Arbor to the University of Minnesota. So public were these institutions that my high-school was known simply by an acronym: SPASH (that’s Stevens Point Area Senior High for those of you keeping score). We didn't have a dress code. The instructors didn't wear tweed. The building was constructed in 1973. Looking back, it feels a little hollow. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed every school I've gone to, but something tells me I would look back more fondly if the word Academy was included in the school's title and a the staff employed a headmaster instead of a principal. Yesirree, I have private school envy. Maybe it's because I love uniforms, but accordingly I'm in favor of pretty much everything that could possibly have a repp stripe emblazoned on it. That’s why I'm really excited about our new line of wearable goods from Smart Turnout.

Now, plenty of brands have nifty little fake repp stripes (in which case rep just means repeating and not representing), but Smart Turnout is the real deal. Their primary business is producing cufflinks and other striped and crested goods for the finest schools and government institutions in the United Kingdom. Lately however, they've started selling their wares to the masses of people that would like people to assume they went to Eton. Like, for example, me.

In particular, the cufflinks are an impressive harkening back to the days when cufflinks were linked and not toggled. While the enamel doesn't have the benefit of a guilloche, the gold settings have remarkably fine cutouts to more than make up for the flat texture. And just in case anyone is worried about being called out for wearing the insignia of a private school he didn't actually attend, we've selected crests only from British schools under the assumption that most Midwesterners won't be able to tell the difference.

Watchbands $25, Braces (that means suspenders in British) $85, cufflinks $75

I Almost Forgot

2009-08-21T16:31:00.003-07:00

I'm totally cereal... 40% off Summer Scarves and Hats. Darn Right.

Yes, Minor Affiliation

2009-08-14T12:02:00.001-07:00

Recently at our One Year Birthday party, a person with a minor affiliation to the store told a patron about the Best Deal In The Store. At that time it was a leather two-bottle wine bag that was marked at an incredibly low price. The patron got excited and purchased it. That got me thinking, now that we're in full on 20% off mode, which items could take the mantle of BDITS? Which items should gents be clamouring for? There are many, but I think the following are the winners.Concord Executive Clipper

To be honest, I hadn't really ever thought that much about fingernail clippers before. However, I was visiting my parents house recently, and was getting rather annoyed with the state of my cuticles. Fortunately, my youngest sibling had purchased this clipper the last time he was in the store and I took the liberty of testing it to further my knowledge of the product. I bought one the next day. Totally worth it.

Concord Badger Shave Brush with Polished Nickel Handle

Given the nickel handle, this brush feels heavy and professional, but its clean lines will certainly not look out of place in any medicine cabinet. We've got even nicer brushes, ones with Silver Tipped hair instead of standard badger, but for the current price one could do much worse.

Android Force Automatic Watch

People like black watches. People tend to choose black things in general. Usually it has to do with the ease of integrating an item with other possessions but with watches, there is just something about a brown band with a white face that just looks like it belongs on everybody's wrist. This one, with it's straightforward functions and clean lines, is not a bad choice. It also happens to feature a 21 jewel Miyota movement, so reliability is not an issue. Whether or not people think the size of your watch will be compensating for something, however, might be.

$12, $52 and $180 respectively, through August 23rd

Some Very Light Reading

2009-08-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to announce that we now have a very tiny selection of magazines. By very tiny, I mean two titles, but that is more a reflection of the fact that we wont have very many monthly publications. More monthly, quarterly and biannual titles are forthcoming, however two that we already have are the UK versions of GQ and Esquire. While you can buy the American copies while waiting in line at the grocery store, the UK ink requires a bit more searching. While I wont tell you which other magazines we'll be getting specifically, you can count on them generally being manly lifestyle type magazines, ranging from stylish but heady fopo rags to stylish and not-so-heady, em... smut, pretty much. Best part: they're currently 20% off - Just like everything else in the store (till August 23rd).
And, yes Nature Group guys, there is considerably more skin in the British mags.

$10.99 for GQ and $7.99 for Esquire.

Just In From The Desk of Our Favorite Emmy Award Winning Jewler

2009-08-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to have a moonlighting profession. If someone asks me about my profession at a party I really always want to say, "Oh I'm a retailer, but I moonlight as bartender/player of an obscure rock instrument/shortstop for the St. Paul Saints/art thief/assassin/advisor of foreign policy for a small island nation." Sadly I'm none of those things, nor would I really want any of those jobs, unless being an art thief is what Vincent Cassel leads me to believe it is. Either way none of those professions are really doing the general public any good, unlike the delightful Robyne Robinson. Ms. Robinson is a jewellery designer who moonlights as the best darn news anchor in the Twin Cities* and she has the Emmys to prove it. I'm not really sure if she would describe herself that way, but I don't really think she'll jump in to correct me either.

Robyne has been the sole proprietor for the jewellery brand Rox for the last few years, but is just starting to ramp up her men's business. Part of that incline is the announcement of her first men's retailer: you guessed it, MartinPatrick3. That's right. Nowhere else ('cept online, but whatever). The collection is an amalgam of pendants, chains and stones from her travels, resulting in a group of patinaed yet colorful bracelets and necklaces. The fact the each one is absolutely unique is just an added bonus.

*I'm going to put weatherpersons in a separate category for this one. If I were to include meteorologists then Sven Sundgaard would win hands down. You see, Sven lists his favorite sport as Ski Jumping and while I had the opportunity to ski jump as a child, I didn't. Not having a promising ski jumping career is the greatest regret of my childhood.

$45-250

Back in the Saddle

2009-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

After a raucous weekend at the store the whole crew is a bit bleary eyed but back in the saddle none the less. For those of you that missed out, I still have some cupcakes in the refrigerator and if you ask nicely I might let you have one.

Even in the midst of our big anniversary sale, we've got some new things to let everyone know about. Most of them will be hidden for a few weeks yet, but one that is very exciting is the new fragrance from the F/P Homme collection. Creatively titled Numero 003, a follow up to the equally ambitious Numero 001 and Numero 002, the fragrance is marine in nature and slightly woody and carries an adventurous feeling that makes me think of rocky seasides.

There is one aspect about fragrances that I think is remarkably overlooked. You can talk about base notes and silage all you want, but for me a well designed bottle is very important. I wont mention any particular styles, but bottles with hinges or triggers or funny shapes tend to annoy me. I want a bottle that is a big simple shape and has a thick heavy sham. The bottle should spray, not spritz. It should be gripped with a fist, not precariously fumbled in the tips of fingers. Above all, it should feel manly. The F/P Homme bottle is all that and really is the best looking bottle we've got, despite its remarkably affordable cost. On top of everything else, it is included in our store-wide sale (20% off through August 23rd)!

$25 for 30ml, $45 for 100 ml

Insert Requisite "Practically Giving It Away" Sales Pitch

2009-08-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

C'mon Down! We're giv'n ya CRAAAAAZY deals! How can you afford not to... what? Okay. Fine. I'll take off my plaid used car salesman jacket. But I won't be happy about it.

Anyhow, 20% off almost everything in the store, the exceptions being vintage cuff links, vintage books and Rox jewellery (about which you'll learn more in the near future). Yep, 20% off summer scarves and hats and watches and pretty much everything else from now until August 23rd. That means there has never been a better time to stock up on Japanese-made Kitana-quality-steel toenail clippers (or other random obscure item we've got on hand).

Of course, you should also keep in mind that we're having a party on Saturday night, during which I will (maybe) put my car salesman jacket back on.

That includes you Twitter!

2009-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Very high on the list of things that don't make my life easier: technology.

We're a toddler now?

2009-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Holy Crap! Today is August 1st. While this isn't remarkable in its own right, it is the 1st Anniversary of the freestanding martinpatrick3. Yaaaaaaay!

We're celebrating with a party next weekend. Clear your calendars. There might be cake.

A Very Short List

2009-07-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today we have the martinpatrick3 list of things that remind me of Ingmar Bergman movies that I would definately keep on my couch but maybe not in my bedroom:1. These pillows.

2. Thats it.

Marked down from $145 and $195

Things Our Friends Say That Are Worth Remembering #1

2009-07-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

"Renting a U-Haul is the second milestone of manliness, after shaving."
-R. Thomas Court, a man that doesn't even shave much.

Totes Magoats

2009-07-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Twin Cities Luxury and Fashion, NAY, Twin Cities Statement has a fancy new men's section, creatively titled The Men's Book, that is styled by the delightful Christopher over at Brian Graham Salon. In his almost maiden outlined photo set, he's feature not one but TWO bags from MartyP's. We've also got a couple other flavors as well and more autumnal styles on their way. Pick up a copy in your nearest grocery store checkout line or dentist's office coffee table.

Things We Like #2

2009-07-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have a confession to make. Despite my position at the helm of an accessory shop and my propensity to overdress myself with hats, ties, boutonnieres, belt buckles shaped like birds, funny socks, tie bars, cufflinks and lapel pins, I've never really been that into jewellery. I went through a necklace phase a very long time ago, but for the past few years I just haven't really gotten behind bracelets, rings or necklaces (that being said, I am really excited about our newest line, Nikolai Rose). The above list features a few things that technically are jewellery, but I think you get the gist. I'm certainly not opposed to men wearing such adornments, and in fact I've admired a number of well designed pieces that we've had in the store, especially from Tateossian, that I could just not bring myself to wear. It just isn't my MO... save for one very specific type: the ID bracelet.

The primary reason I like ID bracelets is kind of tacky. Most people know that I go nuts for things that have some type of back story or historical pretext (case in point, things we like #1). The thing that tips the scale for me on such a specific piece of jewellery is that its very rare to find a person older than the age of eleven that has engraved anything on the ID plate itself. We have an item that is intended to identify its owner and yet the vast majority of such pieces live their lives unpersonalized. This fascinates me.

Now, I'm a fan of most ID bracelets, but this one has such a feeling of inconspicuous consumption that I just can't help but gush about it. If you see it on a person's wrist, its just a stainless bracelet. With a closer look though, you'll notice that this particular model has 18 karat gold studs in it: a subtle and unique take on something so recognizable.

We have several things with ID links and all are new, so the interesting lack of back story doesn't really apply. But, I hope the next person to buy one will think a more about that little plate.

$115

You'll Have to Come to the Store to See the Resterfield

2009-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

There I go with stupid puns again. Whatever.

We just pulled out some new artwork for our bare walls, although they aren't really artwork in the traditional sense. We have a series of 6 framed and matted Chesterfield cigarette ads, which had formerly been prevalent in American media but of late have been more or less invisible. These particular ads are pulled directly from the Saturday Evening Post circa 1942 and feature illustrations of prominent ladies of the era. Unfortunately, as they are from the SEP, the illustrations are sadly tame and clearly not targeted at American GIs. I guess I don't really know if Chesterfield ads got all that racy, but I'm sure some of them were a little bit wilder than Patsy Garret. These must be the family-friendly, safe-for-kids cigarette ads. Right?

$175 each

Things We Like #1

2009-07-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Anyone that has been in the store recently, or ever really, knows that we're pretty much bursting at the seams with merchandise. Enough that when we moved everything down from the original location, I would still find new things one whole month after we were up and running. To this day we still have frequent patrons discovering 'new' things in the store. So it is with this in mind that I'm officially starting our first recurring feature here on the mp3 blog:

Things in the Store That We Really Like and Feel The Need to Point Out Because They Might Otherwise Get Ignored

Or for short:

Things We Like

For our first things we like feature, we'll be taking a look at my absolute favorite single item in the whole store: The Mr. Winter Document Envelope.

The first thing you should know about Mr. Winter's wares is that they are not really designed with convenience in mind. They are the kind of items that generally require the user to adapt to the function of the piece. Usually this isn't a good thing, but in the case of Mr. Winter it feels like adapting to using a certain piece will make you a better person for it. Mr. Winter are the possessions of tough, well traveled men who have seen things the rest of us have merely read about. This particular item is very simple. It is a leather envelope, but it is a leather envelope that must contain documents important enough to be kept secret from the prying eyes of fellow travelers. Not sales orders, but instructions for something no body knows about. Perhaps that is all a bit dramatic, but like I said you'll feel like a better person for using this.The second thing you should know about Mr. Winter is that each piece is adorned with a recast medallion of some kind, usually religious in origin (mostly St. Christopher). This particular icon is a little bit more unique - a two inch image from Shrine of Mary in Holy Hill, Wisconsin. This may not mean much to most, but being that I was raised both Catholic and in Wisconsin it tugs a bit at the nostalgia strings. Holy Hill, in addition to being naturally quite beautiful, has a legendary history. Tradition has it that the hill was first discovered by Father Marquette in 1673 on his return with Joliet from the discovery of the upper Mississippi. A German priest who had been recreant to his vows seeking to do penance in the new world found a reference to this hill in a strangely discovered portion of Marquette's diary; that on his way to find the hill, he was taken ill in Chicago, and when he recovered he was paralytic. He persisted in his efforts to find the hill and when found he crawled to the summit on his hands and knees and was cured of his paralysis. Every year a good number of pilgrims, some only curious, others with faith that they will be healed of their diseases, visit the hill.

Whether you believe all that is really secondary to the fact that for many people that story carries quite a bit more importance than a leather envelope, and paying a little bit of homage to that is exactly what makes it so cool.

$325

I'll take Buster Keaton over Charlie Chaplin, but that's because I like porkpie hats.

2009-07-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

And speaking of depression era dandies, we received a pretty fantastic new jewellery line in the store this week. The collection, named Nikolai Rose for an amalgam of the founders' elders, was designed with men like the actors above in mind. Whether the line makes you think of foppish prohibitioners or of grunge proper, the rings, key chains and necklaces feature nicks dings and a health dose of patina. The coolest piece however, is a little pin that could be used to either hold one's tie on his shirt or to call attention to his lapel conveniently shaped like a housefly. And conveniently, you can purchase it with or without yellow diamond eyes.

$35 to $ 145

Born on the 14th of July

2009-07-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ah Bastille Day... everybody's favorite non-American independence day that isn't Cinco de Mayo. To think that revolutions could be started by storming a fort with seven prisoners using guns that aren't loaded -- only the French. I think that's why we love them.

Of course in the Tour de France its the day where all the French riders go on silly long attacks that never succeed. This morning when I left the house, there were three French rouleurs and the Russian Ignatiev off the front with a tenuous lead. Clearly that means that Ignatiev will ruin the break by not working and then going solo too early.

Enough about bicycle racing though. The main problem with le quatorze juillet, at least from a martinpatrick3 mindset, is deciding what to drink. You could just drink wine, but that seems a little pedestrian. There is always champagne, but flutes are just so formal feeling (not that has really ever stopped me, but I tend to get too dressed up for things). Besides, champagne alone seems a bit generic and year round. I mean, the only day of the year where everybody drinks champagne is New Year's Eve and it is usually quite cold in December. What we need here is something quite festive yet decidedly summery. My proposal: The French 75!

Now, I could really only find one that was in a flute, but rest assured, they are much less fussy on the rocks. In particular, the name is what draws me to this (okay, I do happen to love both gin and champagne, so I might be biased). Revolutionary holidays call for drinks named after guns and this, like its namesake, works quickly and doesn't require much precision. The best part, if you trust my feeble knowledge of French history, is that the aforementioned revolutionaries invaded the Bastille in order to obtain gunpowder and ammunition. The prospect of a French 75 or three leads me to believe that even 220 years later, their efforts should still be considered a success.

Oh My, Your Magazine is so Hot!

2009-07-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

The newest issue of Minnesota Bride is just about to land on your local newsstand and there is one little page dedicated to gentlemanly groom things. Be sure to check it out if there is a betrothing in your near future.

The cool thing about a lot of wedding magazines, Minnesota Bride included, is that they have photos of actual weddings that have happened around town. The ceremonies look great and all, but I have something that very desperately needs to be said: Gentleman, the boutonniere goes through the buttonhole.

A Brief Word About the Greatest Annual Sporting Event

2009-07-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

You see, the main problem in the Tour de France so far is that the 'other' main contenders failed to force Astana into yellow jersey. Now they'll take easy ride to the Alps, which really don't look that tough.

And don't the cows just love it!

2009-07-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

One thing we've noticed here is that with the great saturation of standard layout horizontal laptop and messenger bags, there has been a pretty decent demand for a cool vertical style bag that maintains a high volume. Previously, all of our vertical bags had been of the light traveling minimalist variety, but I think we now have an alternative. This week we just got in a cool new bag from mp3 stalwarts Malcolm Fontier. It is an updated version of their lighter Entertainer bag, with a new compartment on the back, a cool wallet detail under the flap and a linen canvas lining (so your documents don't get sweaty). It still retains all the standard Fontier features like coated canvas body construction, multi-position magnetic closure and overall vegan-ness (that leather trim? not real). We also received some of their wallets in new colorways in extremely supple vegan leather.$245

Fire Safety < Fire Availabilty

2009-07-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

One of the things we're pretty proud of here at MP3 is ridiculously cool selection of lighters. If you've been in the store, you'll certainly remember what I'm talking about. Now, I should preface this by stating that I don't really smoke, but I have been known to keep a tin of Cohiba Minis on hand just in case (in case what? I'm not sure). Regardless, not smoking isn't a good reason to not own a lighter. I was never a boy scout and even I know that sometimes you need to light a fire. But then, I have history of lighting things on fire. No, not in a good way. I digress but the point is we've got my absolute favorite lighter back in stock -- the JP Windmill.Above are the polished and black. Both are terrific, but they don't hold a metaphorical candle to king of all the Japanese lighters:

Yessiree, there it is. The forest green JP Windmill Stormproof lighter. I'm not sure why the green strikes me as that much better than everything else. Maybe its because it reminds me of camping gear. Or the army. Or something that construction workers carry along with their thermos and steel lunch box.

It packs a punch functionally as well. All Windmills have that nifty blue torch flame and stormproof really means stormproof. These babies never fail to light. This particular model also has the little compression ring, so it attaches to your car keys, boat keys, divot tool, tackle box, grill tools, purse, necklace, whatever! Just don't let the valet kid take it.

$65

I'm not sure why we didn't get this in sooner...

2009-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

The great irony today is that recently I very severely sunburned the tops of my ears. This happened because I thought it was too hot to wear my cotton summer hat and several weeks ago I lost my only straw hat. So of course, what do I unpack today? These very cool bao C-crown hats that are really light. As you can see, they are minimally adorned so as to look appropriate at Canterbury downs or a small tropical island accessible only by those nifty planes with industrial floaties (or more likely, in your backyard with brats on the grill).

$35

TokyoBay Restock

2009-07-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

There are some things in the store that we take for granted, such as our unfortunately finite supply of vintage cocktail shakers (I'm not quite sure what we'll replace those with when they're gone). Fortunately, the supply of cool watches from TokyoBay is seemingly infinite and we're pretty excited that we just unpacked a boxed packed with our five best selling styles, below.

If you are unfamiliar with these watches, you're clearly missing out. All TokyoBay watches feature accurate (important for a watch) and reliable Miyota movements and come in all kinds of preppy colors. Although, if you didn't go to private school, they could just be summery. Or better yet, you could make up a private school. You see that red one in the lower left? Those are the official colors of, er, Pointerbury School. For Boys. Upon Minnehaha. Right?

Now, you might wonder if you have enough Benjamins left in your wallet after you tried to buy that Patek over on the right hand of that link. The answer is Yes! The watches pictured cost a mere three quarters of a Benjamin, leaving plenty of space in your life for a fun and very unserious watch. Lucky you.

Nothing says Happy 3rd of July like beer paraphernalia.

2009-07-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

At mp3 we'd like to think that we're a mostly classy bunch, but that may be at odds with putting on a cowboy hat and one of these babies to hit up the Taste of Minnesota. Now before you go ahead and choose your favorite cheap hipster beer to slap on your favorite belt, consider the interesting sub-genres of beer related belt buckle wearer you could be putting yourself in.

This particular trio says something like "I really love Guided by Voices and the 400 Bar."

And this set says, "I used to live in Wisconsin, but now Minnesota."

And finally this set says, "I consume these beers following my Tea and Finger Sandwiches, while Lawn Bowling."

Or maybe nobody will think about these that much and I'm taking this too seriously.

$20 each plus belt ($25-$95)

When the cat is away...

2009-06-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

... the mice will wear shorts.

yeah. boss out of town. every single staffer. go team.

...and for the record, they smell exactly like you would expect.

2009-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

We've got some very exciting news in the way of martinpatrick3 collaborations: As of right now, mp3 will be partnering with Magers & Quinn to stock rare and collectible books! Woot. Now you might be saying, Sam Sr. why would I want to purchase an old version of All Quiet on the Western Front when I can get a new one that says exactly the same thing and doesn't have janky pages? Well sirs, because this version was printed in the middle of the century as part of a collectible mail-order series that has handsome canvas covers and really sweet plates. And this one doesn't have janky pages because it is in perfect condition.

In addition to AQOTWF we also have a smattering of others including, but not limited to the collected novels of Charles Dickens, a Sherlock Holmes set, a few nautical books, and a beautifully bound collection of journals and letters by Nobel laureate Andre Gide.
The last book, in particular, is remarkable. Jay at M&Q impressed that there really aren't many people who are going to sit down and read a bunch of journals about someone that nobody really cares about, but its still really cool. Practical? Not really (its in French, for one). Awesome? Yes. It was published in 1952 (shortly after Gide's death) and features a beautiful mid-century motif on the leather bound spine and cover. Despite being a weighty two volumes, the paper is incredible light, save the pages with reproduced watercolors of Gide's rather talented friends. The book is also, as could be expected of most things pertaining to bisexual French existentialists, banned by the Catholic Church.
-Sr.

Torino? More like Torin-YES!

2009-06-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the tacky, abomination of a title. It just came out and I could stop my poor fingers from typing it.
Anyhow, we just got reorders from two of our favorite vendors. Dorfman Pacific sent us a box of seagrass drivers that all of you have so loved. If you were waiting for one it would be prudent to come in quickly. Secondly, Torino Leathers, purveyors of only awesome products (seriously), sent some refills on stretchy preppy belts and a handful of leather card cases that flew out the door when we ordered them last. Hmm... just a week and a half before Father's Day -- how convenient!

48 Degrees this Morning

2009-06-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

One of this particular merchant's favorite things about Minnesota is how everyone jumps the gun in declaring summer officially started. This happened last week and was followed by the cold rainy weekend we just had. Nope, not summer yet. Sorry everyone. On the bright side, we're very excited that a box full of summer weight scarves finally came in the mail at the end of last week. All are gauzey 100% cotton in two classic patterns. Available in a sailor's stripe in red, blue or green and a herringbone in red, black, brown or a Peter O'Toolian shade of tan (labeled "Sahara" no less) that is the most classic of the bunch. All around $40.
Also in that box - MORE HATS! Selection and quantities are limited, but all the styles are made from very unique fabrics that are sure to turn some heads. In particular there is a very sharp paper braid C-crown with leather trim that sells for $60 that will be just perfect when summer arrives for real.
-Sr.

A Place for Your Stuff

2009-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

We've just unpacked a handful of new Barrister series valets and organizers. Some are new products for us, others are restocked. For those that are unfamiliar, these are all a deep brown leather organizers for your desk and closet. We'll have some photos up soon, but if you imagine the types of things that Mr. Wemmick might have used in his office, you'll get the general idea. From $115.

-Sr.

Time to stretch out our blogging legs.

2009-06-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Thats right -- we've got a blog now. If this we're 2005 we'd be ahead of the curve, but you've got to cut us some slack here. martinpatrick3 is a fictional character that can't be expected to jump on every new technological advancement around. martinpatrickjr (not fictional) would've done this on a typewriter. Or with a pen and paper. Or standing on a soapbox.
Back on point though, we're blogging. We've got a twitter account too. If we keep up with this as ambitiously as we intend to, you'll be able to use this here weblog to find out details about new arrivals, read our thoughts on various manly topics (whisky, meat, powertools, arm wrestling, the number of ways to skin a cat), get secret passwords to special deals, and a bunch of other stuff we haven't thought of yet. Also, there might be cake.

Regards,
Sr.