If you’ve ever visited a department store, you know that the fedoras on hand these days are a far cry from the well made pieces your grandfather wore. Glued-on bands, limited style and color options, and worst of all, “trendy” patterned fabrics have led plenty of guys to think fedoras are nothing more than costume pieces. But not you. You love the way a fedora covers your head in effortless classiness. One man stands between you and the style apocalypse. His name is Stephen Temkin, the man behind Leon Drexler Handcrafted Fedoras, Toronto.

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Next time the Bank of Dad is open, take a look at the facilities. Is the wallet that opens to cover the check when the whole family gathers for a meal or an event looking a little shabby? When the grandkids are slipped a little mad money, does the driver’s license drop out and several coins ring off the floor? Does the word bulging come to mind?

If dad’s wallet is in dire need of a remodel, there is no better time than Father’s Day to take on the construction project for him. Rather than the ripped, stretched and leaky model dad stuffs in his back pocket, consider an upgrade this Father’s Day from Pierotucci, Italian maker of fine, handcrafted leather accessories.

Pierotucci’s Toscanella Trifold leather Wallet in Tobacco

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Father’s Day is just around the corner, and you know exactly what dad wants, right? While you frantically search for the car keys to drive to the mall, consider the following:

Dads of the world do grin in rueful unison as they open the box on the third Sunday in June and see yet another… tie. Most dads are like that — easily pleased with any gift from their kids, waiting for the post-golf brunch or the afternoon barbecue to complete Their Day.

Just because dads are an accommodating bunch does not mean Father’s Day gifts should vary only a bit in color or style (bow tie anyone?) year to year. Particularly not when your perfect dad could have… the perfect shave.

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She does not stand so close now, but whenever you needed her steadying hand, she was there. Your every breath is now presumed, yet she remembers well when the gentle rise and fall of your chest was her only concern. Your nascent smile, the sharp-edged pearl of a budding tooth, rhythmic babbling evolving into the spoken word, unsteady balancing turning to a steady stride–all your firsts proud moments for her, yet bittersweet.

Each of your accomplishments marks a growing independence, inevitable if at first imperceptible. The moments crawl but the years fly for those who nurture. The little boy who clung tight to that capable and gentle hand squeezes hard and then lets go, making his own way in the world. The tight orbit that was parent and child expands every day as the boy becomes a man.

Yet the bond remains, invisible perhaps, but tangible to you two. The strength of the connection corresponds directly to the quality of your character. With such a loving foundation, one can do no less than build a formidable and complex personality, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of robust and meaningful life. Your life, well and truly lived.

Behind every man of distinction is the mother who faithfully protected, guided and, when the time was right, trusted she could watch with love and pride as you made your own path. On her day, honor her trust, love and pride by letting her know how important she is to you.

Happy Mothers Day.

The next time you visit the grocery store or the pharmacy, pay special attention to the hair care aisle. Do you notice anything missing? I have recently become painfully aware that most stores lack a selection of hair brushes marketed specifically for men and their different types of hair. Are men supposed to use the hair brushes that are targeted toward women even though they have different types of hair and different needs? I wouldn’t recommend it. Men should take a cue from their female counterparts and select hair brushes that were designed just for them and their special hair care needs.

Behind every good man is a good hair brush; find out which brush is perfect for you.

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Bridle leather is made from steer hides that have been painstakingly hand colored with vegetable dyes using waxes and tallow. These environmentally friendly dyes produce rich colors with an even consistency and attractive natural glow. Bridle leather is a heavy leather that is known for its quality. It has a stiff feel when new, but it develops a lovely soft texture with use. With care and maintenance, products made from bridle leather will maintain their durability and bring you years of enjoyment and pleasure.

Caring for bridle leather begins with keeping it dry. Getting this leather wet actually causes the natural oils within it to dissipate as the water evaporates. It may sound ironic, but allowing bridle leather to get wet ultimately results in drying it out. If your leather accessory does get wet, avoid the temptation to apply heat to remove the water. Heat will hasten the removal of those natural oils that keep leather soft and supple. Allow the water to evaporate naturally, then you can apply products to restore oils to the leather.

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