Issue #33 - Fragrance reviews!

Issue #33 - Fragrance reviews!


The Holiday season was a fruitful one, and I was fortunate enough to receive new fragrances and sample new wines; all of which made the holidays fantastic. I have had some time to sample them all, and am passing on my reviews to you! Today's issue is fragrance, and the next issue will be wine! Enjoy!

Ralph Lauren "Big Pony" # 1 -


I personally love everything about the Big Pony line, since what it lacks in fragrance, it makes up for in complete style. The bottles are fun, and look great together if you have the collection. I already owned #2, and was very eager to test this one out. #1 is the Fresh/Sporty scent of the line, and it opens up very bright with lime and grapefruit and what I believe is a splash of mint. This is a total eye opener of a scent, and completely fits into its fresh title. There is a note within it that is similar to the #2 scent, but I cannot quite place it. It's slightly sweet, but invigorating, like a brisk run on a chilly day. As with #2, (and #3, see below), it is quick to fade, so i suggest getting the 75ml bottle and bringing it with you to reapply as needed. It's not an overpowering scent so a few sprays won't kill the people around you. I recommend this for morning application (mint is known to help reduce your morning grogginess), or as an after-workout refresher. NOTE: The spray from these bottles are not direct, and are more of a broad mist than a direct spray, so apply accordingly.

Ralph Lauren "Big Pony" #3 -


This "Adventurous" scent contains mint as well as ginger root, which lends an exotic, slight spiciness to this fragrance. It's got more body to it than #1, lending a warm, almost "thicker" feel to it. I don't know if I would use the word adventurous to describe this scent, but it's definitely unique and holds its own in this lineup. At first there seems to be a lemony- citrusy scent combined with the faint aroma of ginger, but as it dries, the oriental feel of the ginger comes through and mellows it out. Then it turns sweeter on the base notes, almost slightly floral as it fades. The bottle is fantastic as they all are, using 4 basic colours that perfectly compliment each other.This scent can be used all the time and would particularly be great on a spring day in my opinion. As with the others, it's not overpowering, so a few sprays will work, and it fades quickly, so carry it along with you. All in all though, very cool scent. Oh, and I got this as a gift with a matching gym bag! Very cool.

Burberry Sport  -


I have always been one to shy away from "Sport" scents, as i find them often too aquatic, too citrusy and just too sporty, and in a market flooded ( pardon the pun) with aquatic scents, I prefer to choose mine carefully. I received this as a gift, and I have to admit, for a sport scent it's quite nice. First off, the bottle is very cool. The cap actually slides over the entire bottle, and is engraved with the name of the cologne. When the cap is off, it unveils a dramatic looking red bottle. I am surprised they chose the dark red and black colour scheme, since it says "mysterious and edgy" more than it says "sporty". That being said, the scent speaks for itself. It opens up with very refreshing grapefruit and sea accords, with a slight hint of ginger, then mellows out to a very slightly floral scent before finishing off manly with cedar and musk. It's decently complex, but not mysterious by any means. It is what is says it is; a sport fragrance. It's clean and crisp, but much like many new fragrances, it does not last long. I am beginning to believe that this is now done on purpose. As a special little gimmick to tie in the sport ideal, the packaging comes with a wearable rubber bracelet, a la liveSTRONG style, with the burberry name stamped into it. A little cheesy, but cool nontheless. This is a solid showing by Burberry, as they never truly disappoint.

Dolce and Gabbana - Light Blue -


This one has been on my wishlist for some time now. I purchased the female version last spring for my lady, and have been awaiting the moment to add this one to my collection, in addition to my other D&G bottles; Masculine, D&G, and The One ( The One Gentleman was just released!). I received this about a week ago, and I love it. It's very aquatic, much like the regular D&G, but much lighter. It opens with a frozen Grapefruit peel (an ingredient which seems to be common in today's issue), and holds notes of  juniper, rosewood, musk, incense, and more. The only problem is, you can't fully smell all the amazing, exotic ingredients and instead mainly get the airy, crisp aquatics...which isn't a bad thing, just a little disappointing. It IS a fantastic scent, and instantly recognizable, however at some point between the heart notes and dry down, my nose thought it was Aqua Di Gio by Armani. The notes are very similar and equally as aquatic at some point. The truth is, i want to fully love this scent, but it may take some time to completely embrace. The super boring bottle is also kind of a "meh" factor. It's identical to the D&G bottle, just with frosted glass and a light blue cap. I get that they were aiming for simplicity, but it's nowhere near as elegant as it could be. All in all, it's a good solid scent, and actually lasts a decently long time. It's not amazingly unique but it's worth the buy.


Well there you have it gents, 4 more fragrances for your learning pleasure. I hope this has helped if you were looking for something new. Next issue i will be reviewing different wines i sampled this season, so stay tuned!


Until next time gents,
S.G.

Issue # 32 - Why your bachelor pad needs an update

Issue # 32 - Why your bachelor pad needs an update


Alright guys, well it's a new year and with this new year, should come new outlooks and new change. And what better way to start off the year than by fixing up that bachelor pad you're so fond of. I find it concerning that far too many single men create their living space to appeal to...other guys. Gents, your pad should be a place that appeals to women at the same time as saying something about you, and ultimately entice your lady friend to spend the night...It should completely say who you are, what you're about, but also be intriguing and welcoming to ladies. Unfortunately this doesn't happen as much as it should. Far too many men's living spaces are adorned with frat boy novelties, way too many sports items, juvenile posters of swimsuit models and dirty laundry...does this sound like something that would impress a lady? Didn't think so. So, here are some ideas to help you make your pad less of a man cave, and more lady friendly...as well, i will be giving a few hints along the way to help make sure your night...is a good one.


#1 - STAGE THE PLACE. Think of it like an open house. You want the room to speak highly of you. Why? So you don't have to. If your space speaks volumes to your personality and interests, then you can spend less time answering questions or talking about yourself, and more time asking about her. So how do you do this? Put things that interest you in the room. Display books that you love, or magazines you subscribe to (use your judgement on those Maxims though), photos of vacations or places you've been, cds or movies you love, etc. Use your common sense, and use restraint. If you're a sports guy then put out SOME of your favourite stuff....don't plaster the walls with it. You want your space to be comfortable and welcoming...not looking like a sports store. A few conversation pieces never hurt either. Have an autographed drum stick from your favourite band, or a photo of you and a famous athlete? Leave them in a visible spot, they will come in handy if the conversation comes to a crawl. You might think these are stupid ideas, but women pay attention to these things. You want the room to speak about you so half your work is already done.


# 2 - CLEAN UP. Nothing is a deal breaker more than a dirty place. It's understandable to have a little bit of clutter if you have a small place, but be neat, tidy and clean. Dirty laundry should not be visible. Dishes done, nothing in the sink, etc. You want your place to be completely comfortable and relaxing. When it comes to the bedroom, same thing. Clean, tidy and there should be NOTHING on the bed. If i need to explain why, you're beyond help.

#3 - SET THE MOOD. This, in my opinion is the most important rule. Why? Because if your lady friend managed to overlook your messiness, and slugged through the awkward conversation, and is still around, then setting the right mood is your absolute last chance to impress her and continue the night. So listen up gents. Don't take notes from cheesy love movies, or reach for the Barry White CD. there are 4 things that are totally crucial in getting this right. Once you have these 4 things, you can modify to your preference. They are as follows:
 - Lighting - Lighting may very well be the make or break of your success. Dim lighting is instantly romantic and sends all the right vibes. I suggest installing a dimmer switch on all your lights for instant ambiance. If you do not have dimmers then candles, as always, will work perfectly. They are instant mood setters. A couple things to keep in mind though. Do not have candles set out right off the bat, you risk sending the wrong message immediately and can jeopardize your night before it even begins. Also, choose unscented candles. Unless you know what she likes or hates, unscented tealights are a sure bet.


- Music - It may be stereotypical, but music plays a key role in setting the mood. Now this should go without saying, but I am going to say it anyways. Choose a subtle playlist that will equally set the mood for the evening, but also not be distracting, or overtake the conversation. Also nothing too cliche or suggestive. Be a gentleman. A personal favourite selection of mine is an album called "Sundown- music for unwinding". Make a playlist that will last several hours, and also with a solid mix of mellow and upbeat music. If you have a turntable or record player, it may be to your advantage to use this instead of other forms. It lends a certain vintage charm to the evening.


- Scent - It is extremely important for your place to smell good. Scent has the incredible ability to evoke emotions and moods more than any other sense in the body. Using a subtle atmosphere of scent will add a subconscious layer to the mood that she may not even realize is there. Don't go crazy with sprays or candles. if it's overpowering it has the exact opposite effect and can ruin the night. I suggest using an odor eliminator like Febreze long before she arrives to get rid of any lingering smells of laundry, cooking, etc. This will give you a clean canvas to work with. Again, if you don't know her taste in scents, opt for something light and clean smelling. No food smells or overpowering florals. Bath and Body Works has a fantastic line of room sprays that are concentrated and long lasting. I suggest the Fresh Linen or Sea Island Cotton fragrance. Spray once in each room 30 minutes before her arrival. Out on the town, and not sure if you'll have company? Bath and Body works also sells plug in fragrances. Plug it in, and arrive home to a fresh smelling place.


- Drinks - Gentlemen. It is extremely important to have a variety of refreshments on hand to offer. If you know what she drinks, stock it. If you don't, or you have a surprise guest, it's important to have something to offer her other than Sunny D, coors light, or tap water. A good rule of thumb is to always try to have a bottle of white and red wine on hand, and maybe some vodka. A stocked bar would be optimal, but if you are without one, then a selection of wine almost never fails. Also, bottled water and some mix would be perfect. You don't want to be the shmuck that can only offer a luke warm can of beer on your futon.


On a final note guys, you want to just get rid of any and all items in your place that have a frat boy vibe to them. Women want a man and a gentleman. Not a toga wearing boy. So get rid of the Anna Kournikova posters, the beer bong and anything else that stinks of college immaturity. Oh, and now that i think of it, make sure you have some wine glasses to go with that wine. You don't want to serve her in an empty mason jar your mom gave you salsa in.


Until Next time gents,
S.G.

Issue # 31 - Product Reviews

Issue # 31 - Product Reviews


Hello gents! Well Santa has come and gone, and hopefully he brought you all what you wanted. Me, i got several fantastic fragrances under my tree and a few other surprises! This issue was just going to be a fragrance review, but I decided to give my input on a few other items i have used recently. So without further ado, Check out these items!

Boss In Motion White Edition - Fragrance


This arrived under my tree from my fantastic uncle this Christmas, and it was definitely something I was hoping for. As you all know, I am a sucker for a cool bottle, and this one caught my eye the first time i saw it. A stark white sphere with classic Boss orange accents makes this a can't miss bottle on my shelf. I also really enjoy the BOSS logo engraved into the sphere in the same white as the bottle. Classic. This fragrance boasts notes of Orange, Pineapple, Bergamot, Basil, Cypress needles, Black pepper, Cinnamon, Bark, Saffron, Coriander, Clary sage, Rose absolute Vetiver, Citrus, Labdanum, Amber and Musk, however over half of those notes are nearly indistinguishable in this scent. I have worn it a few times now, and while i do enjoy it, i wish more of the spicy notes made their way through. Upon spraying, the orange notes are bright and clean, but vastly different from the orange onslaught that John Varvatos Artisan delivers. This orange is more muted, with vague basil and bergamot notes peeking through. The mid notes are a combination of the top notes fading and the basenotes coming through...it turns slowly from crisp, just out of the shower to a warm semi spice, reminding me somewhat of an orange chai tea. While several reviews I have read have slammed this scent for being too "chemical" and "fake" smelling, I enjoy it and would recommend it for someone who wants to play it safe with their scent. It's not edgy or attention getting, but it's a great subtle fragrance that can be worn really anytime. The one major downfall i noticed however, is that it's very quick to fade; a trend i am noticing more and more with today's fragrances. I am not sure if this is due to lack of quality in ingredients, or if it's done purposely to cause the wearer to apply more than once a day (thus increasing consumption and buying a new bottle sooner), But this is definitely a bottle to bring with you if it's your choice for the day, as you will most likely need to reapply. I give this scent a 6/10 and recommend it for spring time use.

Head and Shoulders hair endurance for men - Shampoo

 
You should recognize this from that great NFL commercial with Troy Polamalu. It's for men with thin (read, THIN, not specifically thinNING hair), and it claims to make hair fuller and thicker after using it a couple times. Now if you're a guy with thin hair like myself, this stuff actually works. First of all, it smells fantastic, and staying true to H&S, it's thick and lathers like a champ. If you're a guy that washes his hair every day (which i don't suggest, since the secret to awesome hair is dirty hair), then this is good to use daily. I prefer to use 2 different shampoos, relying on Axe's Deep Clean shampoo and scrub, in the green bottle to take care of the hair product gunk in between using H&S hair endurance. That works for me, but you can find your own routine. As I have mentioned before, if you have a more elaborate or tough to style hair style, try not washing your hair for a few days, and styling it when dry. It makes a huge difference, and you might discover some interesting new looks!

 

Megalomaniac Homegrown - Wine

 
I came across this at the LCBO the other day, and being the amateur wine enthusiast I am, I had to give it a shot. I like to try a new wine every week if i can. The label of this one caught my eye right off the bat, since it's a spin-off of the Magritte painting entitled "The Son of Man". This painting has been reproduced and bent in many different ways since its birth. This wine had a very grass roots feel to it, and since it was local, i decided to give it a shot. The one thing i found strange about it was that it was simply called "White Wine"..which was odd to me. Regardless, i cracked it before a pasta dinner, and gave it a shot. It's a very crisp wine, with notes of Grapefruit and apple on the top, and a slight buttery finish. It's not a sweet as a Reisling (my personal favourite), but it doesn't have the bite of a Chardonnay...so i am guessing it's somewhere in the middle. It finishes well and is a very nice simple wine, great for just socializing with friends or a lady friend. It's price tag is below $15 which is a bonus. Again, as with our basic wine 101 issue a few months ago, this should be paired with white meats and savoury dishes, especially if there is a little, -or a lot- of spice to them.

 

Henri Bendel Candles -

 
Henri bendel is a French Designer, and he has a line of absolutely FANTASTIC candles. For those of you who don't know, I am a complete candle addict, and have recently been able to get my hands on one of these. They are readily available in a few different scents at Bath and Body Works, but with a $30 price tag, sometimes they are hard to fit into the budget (Hint, they're half off this week). Bendel uses only top quality ingredients and essential oils to achieve the amazing scents in his room-filling candles, and once you smell them, the $30 price tag seems worth it. I recently got the Fig scent (it's not what you think), and while i haven't lit it yet, just the smell on its own is amazing. If you are fortunate enough to get your hands on his unbelievable "firewood" scent, you will be blown away by its sheer natural aroma. These candles can be burned sparingly because the scent travels fast and lingers a long time. TIP: Instead of blowing your candles out, place a plate or a lit over it. The candle will be extinguished and the lid will keep the smoke inside so you don't ruin your lingering scent with that overpowering birthday candle smell. These candles are totally worth it gents, especially if you're having a lady over.

 
Well that's it for now, watch for more fragrance and wine reviews coming soon, and stay tuned for Issue #32, why only other bachelors like your bachelor pad.

 
Until next time gents,
S.G.
 

Issue # 30 - A revisit to etiquette

Issue # 30 - A revisit to Etiquette


Well gents, the Christmas season is upon us once again, and that means that the party train is in full force. This time of year is a stocking fully stuffed with gatherings, family events, parties and socials, and it's important for a stylish man to be equipped with etiquette, and all the trimmings. Because remember, style isn't just what you wear, it's how you are.


Those of you that have been reading all along might remember an issue based on proper party etiquette a few months back. I apologize for the redundancy, but I feel that there is an extreme lack in knowledge of proper party etiquette (especially among the younger generations today), and I figured, what better time than the christmas season to refresh everyones memories. So without any further babbling, let us begin.


1 - Always bring something for the host -

This is a rule that I find gets overlooked more and more these days, and It's about time it stopped. When someone is inviting you into their house for a party, whether it's BYOB or Alcohol is provided, it's always a great sign of respect to bring something small for the host. It's not only a sign of respect, but it's also a sign of appreciation. Think of it as a thank you. Like you're saying "hey, thank you for letting me into your home, letting me use your facilities, preparing food for me, and potentially letting me crash on your kitchen floor".
Now don't get all worked up, you don't have to get them a thoughtful gift, a bottle of wine will suit just fine. As mentioned in many previous issues, there are a lot of fantastic wines available for under $15. I suggest a no-thinking-needed white wine like the Gewurtztraminer-Riesling from Open, or the always amazing late autumn riesling by Inniskillin.


2 - Be prepared to share -

All parties are different. Some people supply no alcohol at all, and leave it up to you to bring your own. Some parties are BYOB, but there is a table prepared with small amounts of alcohol from the host. Some are fully stocked with the option of bringing something you want. When i throw parties, i prefer the pot luck method, I supply a small amount of the neccessities; vodka, rye, rum, gin, mix, and each person brings something of their own. Everything goes onto a table, and everyone can drink what they wish, much like a pot luch lunch in a workplace. Regardless of the type of party it is, be prepared to share your booze. You never know when a friend will show up empty handed, or someone runs out of their drink of choice.


3 - Respect your surroundings  -

Unless it is very well known that YOU are the guest of honour, it's important to remember that the party is not about you. It's a gathering of people, selected by the host, in the host's living space. Your host has most likely put at least a decent amount of time into the decor, the food and the music, and it most certainly was not centered around you personally...so respect that. Whether the host has taken the time to construct a well thought out jazz playlist, or just put their iTunes on shuffle, it is not appropriate to complain about the music selection, or ask to change it. Chances are, your taste in music will not match the rest of the room's, so just let it be. The same goes for the food selection. If you are not a fan of the food provided, don't eat it.


4 - Don't abuse the open bar -

If the party is BYOB, but there is also alcohol provided, do not manipulate this factor. Don't be the guy that shows up with 2 cans of budweiser, then mooches the free jagermeister. The bar is not there for you to have a field day. It's there as a courtesy and your host was kind enough to supply it, so don't abuse it.


5 - do NOT be "THAT guy" -

This is a very broad rule, but one of the most important. Don't be THAT guy gentlemen. Do not get wasted, become obnoxious, vomit, yell, dance on tables...you get the point. Bottom line gents, judge your surroundings, and be classy. It's perfectly fine to catch a solid buzz, but just watch the party, and judge your actions accordingly.


6 - Be an adult -

This one is for the younger guy. Take into consideration the age mixture of the party you're attending, and the overall atmosphere. You will find that there will most likely be very few people interested in doing a beer bong, or a keg stand, so don't even offer.

And perhaps the most important of all the etiquette rules;

7 - LEAVE YOUR ALCOHOL BEHIND -

Very few things are as tacky as leaving the party with the booze you showed up with. The general rule of thumb is to leave it behind. This, much like bringing the host a bottle of wine, is a sign of respect, and a wordless thank you for a great time. It doesn;'t matter if there is less than a drink in the bottle, or if there's only one bottle of beer left in your case, leave it behind. The host may keep them for another party, or in my case, keep it aside for the next time you visit. This is very important and needs to be adhered to.


Now, before i get emails from people, it's also very important to remember to use your judgement for each party. Each one is different, and you know your friends much more than i do, so just go with what you feel. But please guys, take these points to heart. Nothing is less stylish than a man with no etiquette.


Until next time,
S.G.

Issue # 29 - My Top 5 scents for winter 2010/2011

Issue # 29 - My top 5 scents for Winter 2010/2011!


Well hello gentlemen, and how are you today? It's the first of December and I have found myself in a very festive mood indeed. It's cold, it's grey and it snowy, and that means that winter is upon us. While most people shudder at the thought of winter, I find myself bursting with energy for some odd reason. Not only is this my favourite time of year in regards to the holidays, but it's also my favourite time of year for fragrances. So many of my personal collection are at their best in the winter time, and I have been waiting to share them with you! Some would argue, but I think that everything just smells better in the cold weather. The scents are crisper and linger in the air and your clothes longer, without the sweaty musk of summer to wisk them away. It's for this reason I absolutely love this time of year for a great scent. So my friends, without further ado, here are my top picks for winter this season!

Burberry Brit -


This has been a winter staple for me for the past 3 years now. It's absolutely perfect for a cold night, whether it be out on the town, or next to a fire with your lady. It's deep, musky, sensual and classic. It's a timeless scent in my opinion, and it almost always evokes compliments. I am almost through my first bottle and this will most certainly be replenished as soon as i use the last drop. I prefer wearing this at night time, and it absolutely rocks formal occasions. Word to the wise though, use sparingly. It's a strong scent so 1-2 sprays maximum. Any more than that and it turns from alluring to appauling.

John Varvatos Vintage -


It's well known that I am a huge fan of the Johnny V family, and vintage is no exception. Following along the same line as the original, this scent has fantastic notes of leather, suede and tobacco, but is also very woody with almost a sweet accord on the topnotes. This is a very manly scent, with a rustic feel to it. It brings to mind big corded sweaters and chopping wood on a winter morning during a brisk snowfall. It's a warm scent that evokes emotions of safety, and has just a hint of the classic manliness that characterizes old school scents. The only drawback of this scent is that unfortunately like many of the JV scents, it wears off much too quickly. Which is a shame since the basenotes of leather and tobacco are just way too awesome to fade that fast.

Lacoste Pour Homme -


This scent is completely different than the one above, but also similar in some ways. It has a hint of vanilla-like sweetness on the top that's just enough to be completely alluring. It's fantastic for day or night use, but i use this almost always in cold weather only. It requires only a couple of sprays, and when paired with a wool coat or cashmere scarf it holds all day long. It's somewhat woody, somewhat powdery, and somewhat fruity all at once. Admittedly I wasn't a fan of this one at first, but it grew on me tenfold. Definitely worth a purchase.

Burberry The Beat -


Some of you may remember this scent from my pics for summer, well it's back and in its proper home now. While it works in summer, it excels in winter, blasting its peppery topnotes into the brisk winter air with unmatched force. It's manly but not overpowering and extremely distinct. The bottle is sleek and classy, and this scent is simply one of a kind. Your nose will get used to it, but it will maintain its head turning power all day long, especially if placed properly. This one is at the forefront of my winter arsenal (i'm wearing it right now in fact). It comes in 3 different sizes, and it does take a little while to fall in love with, so try a tester first...but i guarantee you will love this one.

Carthusia Uomo -


It took me a while to narrow down my list to only five scents, and while i considered keeping this one a secret, I just couldn't. This is a scent directly from Italy, and it has a hefty price tag to go along with it. This was given to me as a gift last autumn, and I did not like it at all upon first smell. It took a little while to grow on me, but when it grew, it grew at breakneck speed. This is an astoundingly masculine scent, extremely woody and undoubtedly european. Although i generally go for the heavier scents, this was a bit deep even for me...but the more i smelled it the more i fell in love with it. It has complexities beyond the naked nose, which leads to its mystery. two sprays is almost too much for this one, and it lasts a very long time....with a price tag of 100 euros, i use this one sparingly, as much as i would love to wear it every day. It's a perfect cold weather companion, and bridges the gap between autumn and winter perfectly. It brings to mind old school christmases and fireplaces and long treks to find the perfect tree. I love it, and if you can find it, and are willing to spend the money, you will love it too.


So there you have it gents, my top five picks for this winter. It was a hard choice, and it was so tough to narrow it to just 5 that i included some honourable mentions....and when i say honourable mentions, I mean I should have just extended the list because they are as good as any of my picks. They are as follows, in no particular order: Kenneth Cole Black - as per my review this one is just fantastic, like slipping on an old, perfectly formed leather jacket, amazing. Gap Blue no. 655. This has been discontinued in Canada, but is still available in select places in the US. it's an amazingly unique and original scent that I was SO excited to find again, since my original bottle is 12 years old this month, and i only have a few drops left. And with a price tag of around $20, you can't go wrong. Also, an old standby, Polo Black. manly, dark and warm. One spray is enough to last the whole day, and it's just a classic, manly scent.


So there you go guys, I hope this helps, and if you have any winter time favourites of your own, let me know!

Until next time,
S.G.

Issue #28 - Sports are not style.

Issue # 28 - Sports are not style.

We've all seen him. We all know him. He's the guy that wears a sports jersey for no athletic reason at all, and he's gotta go. Far too often men resort to the sports jersey as an outfit and it's just plain ridiculous. Did you run out of actual shirts? Is it laundry day? Do you, for some reason need to wear breatheable mesh clothing to wisk away your moisture on a daily basis? Or do you just like wearing a piece of clothing with someone elses' last name on it? Whatever your excuse for donning 2 massive numbers on your chest or back, you need to seriously reconsider this style choice. Now before the sports addicts get all crazy on me, please let me explain.


There are very few times where this garb is acceptable. These are outlined below:


IF YOU'RE GOING TO THE GAME - If you are actually ATTENDING the game in which your jersey applies, then more power to you. I am not much of a sports guy, but I know that team spirit is very important, and if you're that much into your team, then go for it big guy. You will most likely be surrounded by like-minded sporties, wearing like-minded jerseys so just go for it. The face paint and crazy hats can be cut back a little bit though.


IF YOU ARE WATCHING AT HOME - This one took me a while to add, but I decided to include it since not everyone can afford to go see their team play. So, if you are watching the game at home, or at a buddy's house, or anywhere NOT in public then go nuts. Your team won't see it, but if you think it makes a difference then do it!


This concludes the times and places it is ok to wear your jersey. Why so few you ask? Because these are JERSEYS, not clothes. No one will mistake you for an actual player of the team you are wearing, because even the athletes wear actual clothing in public. Some of you might say it's in tribute to your favourite player, much like wearing a band t shirt. This, although a reasonable excuse still is not acceptable. Why? Because band t shirts aren't made of reflective lightweight mesh and do not look like you're wearing a tent with giant numbers on it. Yes, each jersey is different, but they are all bad. Basketball jerseys have no sleeves, and well we've already been over how wrong that is. Wearing one over a t shirt doesn't help the problem since you will just resemble a rapper from the late 90s, and they are cut long, so you will always look like a little boy in daddy's clothing.


Hockey jerseys are designed to fit over padding, so unless you're wearing full hockey gear to the mall, don't put this on. You look ridiculous. You don't need to wear a leaf on your chest so people know you like Toronto. It's not nearly as important to them as it is to you. Football jerseys, although better than the other two, are still unacceptable.


Bottom line gents, jerseys are not stylish. They don't look as good as you think they do, and in the end no one really notices what name is on your back, nor do they really care. Want to show your colours? Every team has a ton of merchandise you can get that is far better suited to everyday wear. Do I suggest it? No. But if you are determined to wear your celtic pride, then opt for a more fitting t shirt.


On a side note, since this topic isn't enough for a full issue, I will touch upon other sports related items that are just not acceptable: The beer opener hat, the sports team beer coozie/holder, and the puffy sports starter coat.


Until next time gents,
S.G.

Issue # 27 - John Varvatos Artisan Fragrance Review

Issue #27 - John Varvatos Artisan Fragrance Review

I was VERY excited to pick up this fragrance last week. I will admit, probably a bit too excited, but i couldn't help it. I absolutely love John Varvatos fragrances, and have never been let down by them. I even purchased  John Varvatos for women for my girlfriend a little while ago, and she loves it.


Now, like everyone else, I was immediately in love with the bottle. I mean, look at it. It's completely different than anything you've seen on a fragrance bottle, and really stands out among my collection. When i first knew i would be getting this, I did some research on it. Normally I test the scent before i purchase, and I STRONGLY suggest you do the same. However in this case, i was receiving this from a friend who had a brand new bottle and didn't use it. I very quickly volunteered to tae it off his hands. I looked up reviews from users, and I was very surprised with what i found. I was expecting this scent to be similar to the scents of his other fragrances; Earthy and masculine, with tobacco and leather making their cameo appearances. In fact, i was looking forward to it. I was surprised to find out that this is a very clean, citrusy and fresh scent, very different from his other offerings. 


It pained me to see that the majority of the reviews were negative ones, comparing this scent to that of a strong bathroom cleaner, or a dust polish. I started to doubt the scent. When i received it, i sprayed it and was very surprised to smell this light, very citrus heavy, spicy mix. It indeed smelled very clean, and opened up with a blast of oranges that you wouldn't expect from JV. I later realized that the woven wicker type bottle kind of represented a basket you would pick oranges with. Clever. The scent settled into a slightly ginger-like plane with citrus notes still evolving through it. It is a very pleasant fragrance, and although it's very citrus oriented, I can see this being worn year round.


The only downfall I noticed was that it fades decently fast after the heartnotes reveal themselves...which isn't all THAT much of a downfall, since you get to re-apply it and experience the uplifting and happiness-inducing scent all over again. All in all I really like this scent, although i am still getting accustomed to it. It reminds me slightly of the way Lacoste Red did when i purchased it; in the way I always forget, just for an instance what it smells like...until it all floods back to me.


Strangely enough, although it can be worn at any time, anywhere, i see myself wearing this on a bright, cold winter day...the blast of citrus might just work!


Until Next time gents,
S.G.