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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2011/06/09/of-time-people-and-pateks
Of time, people and Pateks. By Matt Jacobson Founder 06.09.11 1 Comment. I’ve shared my collecting passion before, but I haven’t gone deep on my watch nuttiness. In college, a friend’s dad was a long time Rolex dealer and he turned us on to vintage Rolex sport or tool watches, which in the early ‘80’s could be had for $200-$300. Submariners were the waterman’s watch of choice, and our heroes from Jacques Cousteau. To Hawaii’s North Shore chargers wore a sub. While I’ve remained committed to Rolex steel s...
focusonthedonut.com
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2011/01/13/the-ultimate-college-job-remembered-the-at-ease-reunion
At Ease Clothing Store Reunion. By Matt Jacobson Founder 01.13.11 3 Comments. The Ultimate College Job Remembered. Most college jobs are a fleeting afterthought. A campus job, ticket taker at a theater, or whatever retail gig that happens to be available. Detaching myself from stuff has been an attained goal in 2010. But, I have hung on to several pieces from my At Ease days. From shoe trees to a pair of the Alden loafers, I’ll never let them go. Thanks Joe for bringing us all back together l...On 0127&#...
focusonthedonut.com
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2009/10/04/shell-cordovan-a-little-known-luxury
By Matt Jacobson Founder 10.04.09 4 Comments. A Little Known Luxury. Take your personal imprint. Only shell does it through wear, not washing. This magic comes through the lengthy tanning process ( see this amazing video here. But, it’s not just about shoes, it’s about amazing accessories, that take on that delicious rubbery feel. Nick Gabarro of Gabarro Straps–sorry, to the trade only — is known worldwide for his special shell cordovan watch straps that are the bands of choice for enthus...In NY and Las...
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/category/manhattan-beach
Things Found–My personal time capsule. As I prepare for the move next door into my renovated beach bungalow (Project 137), I've started getting stuff together, going through the necessary items, and chucking, eBaying or Craigslisting the rest. As part of the meditation, I came across my version of a time capsule: my wallet from my senior year at Aviation High School, 1979. Continue Reading. International Harvester Scouts…A Cub Scout’s Dream. Surf Artist Raymond Pettibon. Of time, people and Pateks.
focusonthedonut.com
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2010/03/21/defender-90-an-old-fashioned-road-trip-proves-the-validity-of-un-boring-rides
Defender 90: An old fashioned road trip, proves the validity of “un-boring” rides. By Matt Jacobson Founder 03.21.10 1 Comment. Sometimes the soul just calls for a good old-fashioned road trip. Having just picked up two Steve McQueen photo/bios ( McQueen. And McQueen’s Machines. I was inspired, not just by the details of the amazing cars of the consummate cool cat, but the stories of his impromptu dashes across California in some of Italy and Germany’s finest. Full external roll cage by Rob Phillips.
focusonthedonut.com
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/category/transportation
Defender 90: An old fashioned road trip, proves the validity of “un-boring” rides. International Harvester Scouts…A Cub Scout’s Dream. As you can probably tell, it’s the introduction to the things that I love that are as important as the things themselves. I love the surf mats, because of the memories that the smell brings, or the feel of my father’s shell cordovan wallet. Continue Reading. 8220;Grail” Things…1970 Mercedes Benz 280se Convertible. Defender 90 Redux No Boring Cars. The Quiver, Right-Sized.
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2010/08/29/when-you-only-need-one
When You Only Need One…. By Matt Jacobson Founder 08.29.10 1 Comment. I made a choice years ago that even though a suit and tie weren’t always required, they were always preferred. As you can probably guess I’m an archivist of traditional clothing items that I’ve owned, and many of my favorite ties have survived my selling days on the floor of trad emporium At Ease in Westwood Village. I’ve written about my shirt source, the one and only Freddy Vandecasteele. In the search for the simple tie solution, I’...
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2010/02/03/new-year’s-eve-morning-with-sam-kamaka-kamaka-ukuleles
New Year’s Eve morning with Fred Kamaka….Kamaka Ukuleles. By Matt Jacobson Founder 02.03.10 2 Comments. As a kid, I was in love with assembly lines. Maybe it was the Cub Scout trip to the Rold Gold pretzel factory in El Segundo, the surfboard shaping and glassing bays of my teen years, or the industrial films that were shown on the rare rainy day recesses at Grandview School, but I love seeing how things I love are made. You know by now that I’m an enthusiastic, but not outstanding uke player. An accompl...
focusonthedonut.com
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2009/07/22/freddy-vandecasteele
By Matt Jacobson Founder 07.22.09 5 Comments. Custom shirts as value and the alternative to “ironic T-shirts. I’ve gotten to the point, and to the age, where expensive, ultra washed and ironic printed tees, are not only unappealing, they feel ridiculous. Sure, in this city and industry, I’m a bit anachronistic wearing a suit and tie most days. I don’t expect others to do the same, I just like it, and it’s kind of become my thing. Has the concept nailed. And his humble and thoughtful posts as well as cust...
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http://www.focusonthedonut.com/2009/10/18/rubberized-canvas
By Matt Jacobson Founder 10.18.09 2 Comments. That summer-time smell, from surfmats to Mackintosh Coats. Growing up on the beach in the pre-boogie board era made for interesting wave riding tools. The L.A. County beaches’ black ball flags meant that surfing was forbidden after 11 am on most summer days, so we got creative. A few years ago, I was cleaning out an old garage, and found a dead stock surf mat. I opened a box, and before I saw it, I smelled it: that same summer smell that took me back 30 y...
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