Mostly essential, but not really.

Everyday carry, some more vital than others.

I’ll be honest, I end up going out with a tote bag of some description all the time. I try to avoid doing it if I can, but more often than not, I end up doing so.

It’s usually because I don’t like putting things in my pockets. I don’t like the way it feels, and I want to protect my clothing from sharp edges. Therefore, the need to carry everything continues.

Particularly in the workwear community, E.D.C. (Everyday Carry) is a term used to describe essential items that a person needs to keep on them at all times throughout the day.

I’m not going to claim I keep all of these items on me at all times, so let’s keep it broad. Treat this more as essential items I own, rather than ones that I carry with me every day, although some of them I may do!

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Despite the title of this blog, these items are essential. I'm as blind as a bat and a liability without them.

I get asked a lot about my glasses. I went to Specsavers for years, being upsold all sorts of things and never completely satisfied with what they had on offer. I didn't quite like the idea of the mass production of their frames, so I often just settled for the best I could find there. One optician even tried to sell me a pair from Will.I.Am’s range, which didn’t go down too well.

A few years ago, Ace & Tate opened up in Manchester, and it seemed everyone was excited about it, even people I knew who didn’t wear glasses.

Around the same time the store launched in Manchester, I went on holiday to Amsterdam, where the brand coincidentally comes from.

Amsterdam is one of my favourite places; there’s lots to see and do and plenty of great clothing shops to check out.

You couldn’t walk far without coming across a branch of Ace & Tate. Aside from it being the city of the brand’s origin, everyone just seemed to dress so well.

I came back to Manchester inspired and picked up a pair.

I went for the Chuck Large in the Olive Gradient. I originally wanted the Tortoiseshell option, but they didn’t have them in stock.

I was a little hesitant when I heard they were Olive, as I thought they would be more green. They look a little brown, if anything, with the slightest touch of green. I like them.

When I read the description for them online, it said something along the lines of, 'Do you want to look like Clark Kent?' and I thought, 'Yeah, I want to look like Clark Kent.'

After all, he’s quite the Ivy stylist.

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Keep it slick

Morgan’s Pomade has been a go-to for me for a few years now. It was recommended by a friend and is perfect for achieving the look I want for my hair.

I use the High Shine, Extra Firm Hold version, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

It gives your hair a nice shine and keeps it in place all day without needing to restyle it. It also washes out super easily.

I think my love for side-parted hair probably came from Sean Connery. I’ve been a self-confessed James Bond nerd since I was really young, too young to see one of the films. Even though Connery didn’t have the high shine finish that I apply, he always had a perfect haircut.

Head to Morgan’s Pomade

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A self-inflicted essential

One of my greatest loves is coffee. I drink way too much, and if I don’t have a cup by around 11, I get a headache.

But, I don’t smoke, and I don’t drink as much as I used to, honestly.

I’ve spoken about Trickett before in a blog, where I interviewed founder, Iain.

It’s a brand inspired by the weird and wonderful, and anything and everything. One of those inspirations is Napoli. Naturally, if your brand offers a Neapolitan flair, coffee is one of the things you have on offer.

They offer quite a few different blends, including various flavours, both decaffeinated and caffeinated, which I’ve tried. However, my favourite has to be Harem.

Trickett claims it’s the best of the best, and I’m in total agreement.

I use it with a Moka pot or a coffee dripper all the time.

Check out Trickett.

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But you can’t drink coffee out of your hands?!

You’re right, and that’s why I use a Rise Lowball Tumbler by Klean Kanteen. (Cue 1950s cheesy advert music.)

I love this little tumbler. I never thought I’d be one of those guys who commutes with a coffee, but I am who I am.

They come in a range of colours, but I chose the one called Autumn Glaze Red.

I got this from a really cool shop in Manchester called Deadstock General Store, run by Bindle Store. They sell lots of lifestyle and homeware items from around the world and are located in the Northern Quarter. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the city.

You can check them out here

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The Bag

I use lots of different bags, but the one I’m mainly using at the moment is this classic Boat and Tote by New Balance.

I got mine really cheap from a New Balance outlet in Florida, but you can also find it on sale on their website now for just £17. It also comes in different colours.

Go and check it out.

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An eye on the time

Admittedly, this was my everyday carry until recently. I haven’t been wearing it as much since I lost one of the strap bars. It's a very affordable fix that I just haven’t got around to yet, but I will!

Either way, the watch I wear is the Smith & Wesson Military Watch.

They normally make guns, which I’ll never own, but they do make good watches!

It’s clean and simple, and comes with three different straps that you can change easily. It’s also 30m water-resistant, though I haven’t tested that!

I picked mine up from Jump The Gun in Brighton.

The beauty of being able to change the strap means you can also add your own.

I tend to wear a replica of the one Sean Connery wears as James Bond in Goldfinger, because I’m a nerd.

I’m not sure where I got mine, but you can find one here.

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Those are some of the essentials; as always, I’ll think of more that should have been included! But it’s something I would love to revisit again.

What are some of yours?

Thanks for reading,

Tom