Retro 51: A Seriously Fun Way to Collect

Since 1990, Retro 51’s mission has been to design and manufacture pens that bring fashion, fun, and value to the consumer. Today, they have become one of our most popular brands by new and old collectors alike. Their pens have the look and feel of writing instruments of the past, yet incorporate all of today’s technology.

In 1997, Retro 51 released their Tornado collection and today most of the top sellers are part of this collection. Originally they were only available in ballpoint but now they also feature rollerballs, fountain pens, and pencils. In addition, they also come in different widths so it’s easy to find one that feels right to you.

The best parts of the Tornado line, though, are the limited edition pens. These pens are so special because only a small amount is produced, and they feature themes such as animal rescue, medicine, and American history. Be warned though, once you start collecting you will want them all! Make sure to check our site for the newest models.

In addition to selling their pens, we also stock a selection of Retro 51’s accessories. Their desk sets give a touch of class to any work area and are great for wedding books. We also stock their stands and trays for displaying your favorite pens. Lastly, need a refill? Then Executive Essentials is the one-stop shopping for all your ink and eraser needs.

The best part of collecting Retro 51 pens is how affordable they are. Most of the pens start at under $50 and many are priced at only $20. You will be amazed at the quality you are getting for that price. So, go ahead and splurge without feeling guilty. We promise not to tell.

Writing is a gift: Montblanc’s pens for a cause

Montblanc has been and continues to be the number one collected pen on the market, and they take that responsibility seriously. Along with that corporate responsibility also comes a great deal of social responsibility. That tradition continues with their UNICEF Meisterstück pens. Montblanc has been working with UNICEF for 13 years now and this new edition of pens might be their finest work yet.

The most traditional of the UNICEF line is the Classique line. It is available in fountain, rollerball, or ballpoint. These pieces feature a unique sapphire top as well as special lettering indicating that this is a special edition. The Doue classique line features a silver cap that has the first six letters of eight major languages. This design commemorates Montblanc and UNICEF’s goal of promoting the written word.

The most unique looking of all the styles is the Solitare line. This pen (again available in ballpoint, rollerball, or fountain) is bound to be a conversation starter whenever you use it. The characters all have silver lettering over a blue background with each language on a different line. There is nothing quite like it, and it’s bound to be even more of a collectible as time goes on.

These pens are only available until March 31, 2018 so this is not an item to wait on. Three percent of all profits will be donated to UNICEF and Montblanc has committed to donating at least 1.5 million dollars. They will use this money to fund writing programs all over the world, especially in underprivileged countries. We highly encourage you to learn more about UNICEF and the incredible work they do around the world. You will find that there isn’t another non-government organization that does what they do. Please contact Executive Essentials today for pricing.

The classic that never went away, the catalog case

Everything seems to be getting smaller these days, and this includes briefcases. However, if you work in a paper-dependent profession, you might feel left behind. The good news is that catalog cases (also sometimes called sample cases) are still around and there are still many options for you to choose from.

The first choice to make is wheeled or a non-wheeled catalog case. Most cases are wheeled, but a few options for a non-wheeled still remain. The only reason to do a non-wheeled case is just personal preference, for most people the wheeled cases are better due to the weight of the paper. The second choice is materials. The main three materials are nylon, vinyl, and leather. Nylon holds up the best over time, vinyl gives a leather look with more durability, and leather gives a rich look that can’t be beat.

Once you decide on your material the next decision is if you want an 18’’ or 20’’ and what kind of pocketing you are looking for. Most catalog cases have a front pocket to put your small items in and have a place for a laptop computer. Some even have side pockets. Also, almost all catalog cases have combination locks built in, but once in a while they don’t so make sure your case has it before you buy.

Before you use your new catalog case make sure to pack it how you are going to use it and try wheeling it around the house. Make sure that it fits everything you need and feels comfortable to walk with. If you are using it outside in the snow make sure to give the case a wipe down every so often and oil up the wheels, because the road salt does dry things out. Taking good care of your case will allow it to have a dependable life.

Top 10 Graduation Gifts

When I was in college, my roommates & I loved to end our long day of studies by watching Late Night with David Letterman, and our favorite part of the show……Dave’s Top Ten List.

With Graduation fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make Executive Essentials very own Top Ten List to help our many customers find the perfect graduation gift for their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Executive Essentials Top 10 Best Selling Graduation Gifts:

10. Business Card Holder: Jac Zagoory Atlas Business Card Holder

9. Leather Backpack: Piel Leather Large Buckle- Flap Backpack

8. Leather Duffel:

For Women: Clava Leather Nantucket Duffel

For Men: David King Leather Two Pocket Duffel Bag

7. Monogrammed Leather Padfolio: Bosca Nappa Leather Letter Pad Black

6.   Monogrammed Leather Wallet:

For Women: Bosca Nappa Leather Slim Credit Card Case

For Men:  Johnston & Murphy Leather Slimfold Wallet

5. Leather Handbag:

For Women: Lodis Women’s Business & Casual Totes
For Men: Scully Leather Man Bag Black

4. Leather Messenger Bag: Kenneth Cole Leather Messenger Bag

3. Laptop Briefcase:

For Women: Jack Georges Milano Collection Madison Avenue Tote
For Men: Sante Fe Vaquetta Leather TSA Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

2. Engraved Pen: Cross ATX Ballpoint Pen Medalist

And the #1 Top Selling Graduation Gift……….(drum roll please)

1. Engraved Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Ballpoint Pen

Executive Essentials is the ideal place to shop for today’s finest graduation gifts, check them out today!

Timbuk2 Messenger Bags Invite Environment and Customer Approval

Timbuk2, a city in the Tombouctou Region of the West African nation of Mali…no that is Timbuktu; Timbuk2, a San Francisco based messenger bag company started in a garage, in the 1980’s…yes, that is the Timbuk2 I am talking about!

Who made the first messenger bag? New York based company Globe Canvas for telephone linemen.  However, New York City bicycle messengers soon realized the benefits of the design, and Globe Canvas “messenger bags” were soon spotted all over town.  Timbuk2 wasn’t far behind, and they soon began to capture the hearts of mainstream America. People walking down the street noticed the brightly colored, well-made bags, and wanted them for themselves.

Timbuk2 is a young company that not only provides durable messenger bags but also is concerned with the environment. “Like rice and beans, we keep it simple when it comes to being pro-planet. We make durable bags that are tough as hell and built to last. So while our competition is piling up in landfills, we stay on your back, hugging you for a lifetime. Tales of Timbuk2 bags outlasting jobs, lovers, pets, and train wrecks are not uncommon. These stories give us the confidence to guarantee our bags will last a lifetime.”

Some of Executive Essentials’ best-selling bags include the:

• D-Lux Messenger Bag
• Netbook Messenger Bag

Along with all Timbuk2 bags, these are both made of rugged ballistic nylon, heavy-duty stitching, and waterproof liners.  Each bag comes with a padded adjustable shoulder strap, and many organizational features like a key ring tether. While the messenger bags share many desirable features, they also have characteristics that make each unique for the particular needs of their owners. Check them out at Executive Essentials!

 

Retro 51’s New Harley Davidson Pens Will Get Your Engines Running

Harley Davidson, Disney, and Tornadoes. What do all three have in common? They’re all Retro 51 pen collections, of course. Established in 1991, Retro 51 is redefining the way we think about pens. The company makes affordable, unique and original pieces that anyone would want. From Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse to Full Throttles and Road Writers, Retro 51 has a pen for you, especially with the addition of new pieces to the already popular collections.

In continuation of the distinctive Harley Davidson collection, Retro 51 released the Flathead line. This includes three new pens designed around Harley’s Flathead engine. Like the flathead engine, the pens are powerful in their simplicity.

Along with the new line of Harleys, Retro 51 also added the Abbondonza pens. This collection was named for the Italian word meaning, “more of everything,” which pretty accurately describe these pens. They are made from acrylic resin to ensure their beauty and long life.

As if the Harleys and Abbondonzas weren’t enough, the company also updated some classics. The Scriptmaster is now available in the second series, and the Tornado Rollerballs now come in five new colors including ice blue, Venetian marble, purple, charcoalium and Verona marble.

One thing remains constant with these pens; they are unlike any designs I’ve ever seen. Check them out at Executive Essentials.

Visconti Captures Famous Painter’s Iconic Style with New Collection

They already have Van Gogh, so why not add another monumentally important painter such as Rembrandt to the brand’s pen collections. While the Van Gogh pens mimic the deep color schemes and style of his impressionist paintings, the Rembrandt pens take a different approach. The pens are modeled after a technique of Rembrandt’s involving using the contrast of light to create volume and drama. Those, indeed, would be the two words I would use to describe the Rembrandt Collection.

I would expect nothing less than this impeccable attention to detail and new design from the brand. Visconti is known worldwide for being creative and technological innovators, and that is epitomized with the Rembrandt Collection.

The 12 new pens in the series offer a vast array of colors and styles ranging from deep blue fountain pens to ivory-white rollerballs. All pens in the collection are accented with a palladium finish, a newly designed indestructible clip, and a finely and beautifully engraved metal cap ring around the center of the barrel.

Another brand that similarly combines new technology with flawless style is S.T. Dupont and the new Carbon Fibre pens are a testimony of that. These pens offer a smooth and unparalleled writing experience because of the lightweight technology used to construct the pens’ refills.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for an art collector, or a pen enthusiast, I would definitely recommend one of the Visconti or S.T. Dupont pieces. See for yourself at Executive Essentials!

Fashion Benefits Gulf Oil Spill Animal Victims

Hadaki is known for its fun, original and affordable bags. There are totes, shoulder bags, messenger bags, weekend travel bags and many more types. Each size comes in a variety of popular colors and designs, and now the proceeds will help more than just the company.

Hadaki announced that 10 percent of all June sales will go directly to the Audubon Nature Institute’s Wildlife Rescue Program to help the animals affected by the recent devastating Gulf oil spill. There are countless numbers of animals in grave danger because of the spill, and the number continues to grow. Audubon is doing everything they can to help all the victims, and now you can help, too.

The Audubon Nature Institute is a Louisiana based not-for-profit organization composed of nine major museums and parks all dedicated to the education and survival of nature. Audubon is on the forefront of helping the victims of the Gulf oil spill, and many companies, like Hadaki, are developing partnerships with Audubon to help the animals. It’s a great way to help our community, and look great while doing it.

Do your part in helping the animals affected by the oil spill by buying one of Hadaki’s great bags!

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Still stuck on what to get dad for Father’s Day? I’ve got an idea for you.

Try a Grand Band money clip. They come in your choice of stainless steel or sterling silver, and there are eight different designs to choose from. Most plates can be engraved so you can make sure that your gift is personal, original and meaningful.

Whether Dad is a golfer, banker, teacher, doctor or anything else, he still needs something to hold his cash, credit or business cards together. The Grand Band is the perfect accessory to hold everything. Wallets can sometimes be bulky to carry around in your pocket all day long, so the Grand Band is a sleek new alternative to the wallet.

 

Waterford and Waterman on Sale Now!

I didn’t always understand the demand for nice pens. Throughout my entire school career, I used whatever I bought at Walgreens or office depot, and they worked just fine. It wasn’t until I started seeing these other types of pens that it hit me. Pens can truly be beautiful accessories to any desk, and there is a monumental difference between the Walgreens Bic and a Waterman or Waterford fine writing instrument.

Waterman and Waterford Pens have elegantly and intricately designed pens, and they are now on sale at Executive Essentials. If there was ever a time to invest in this type of product, it’s now. Whether you need a gift for Father’s Day, a graduation present, or just think it’s time to add some class to your desk, Waterman and Waterford have the pens and prices for you.

Just to highlight a few, the Waterford Rainbow Arista Prism Rollerball Pen is a good pick. Its contemporary colors and shape come in your choice of multicolored mocha or rainbow, and marbled caramel or purple. Polished chrome appointments accompany each pen to make them stand out from any other design.

Another good choice would be the Waterman Expert II Ballpoint Pen in Dune Blue. The vibrant gold trims, deep blue lacquer, and mesmerizing reflective effect ensure a distinct elegance and originality.

Of course, you should browse the selection for yourself because there are more than 20 designs on sale. With colors ranging from fire engine red to deep sea blue, there is sure to be a pen for you.