Issue # 41 - How to be a man in 2011
Hello gents! Well it's been a while since my last issue, and what can i say, i have been busy. But today, in the little free time i possess, I decided to write a new issue based on something we've only really touched upon in the past; how to be a man. Now, I am not saying this literally of course so don't go running for your axes and plaid shirts, those trees don't need to be chopped down today. I am speaking about how to be a Man in a different way. Now most of you know that I have always been one that's against stereotypical Macho masculine ideals. In my eyes, they are horrible out dated, out of fashion, out of style, and need severe revamping. If only every ball cap wearing, running shoes with jeans caveman out there would watch a season of Madmen, they would see what real men looked like, how real men acted.
So here is a list of things that a man should read, learn and apply if he wants to be a real man. Some of them are things you should DO others are things you need to STOP DOING. So pay attention, read carefully and realize that you're not all the man you should be.
1 - Speak like an adult. Yes, this refers to proper grammar, spelling, and context of words, but this point is directed more towards your use of typing. Times are changing, and electronic "talking" is a very dominant source of communication. This is fine and wonderful, but as a grown man, you should not be using TXT speak, you should be typing in proper words. The use of juvenile 'words' such as "ur", "u", "l8tr" and any number of the millions of these tween sayings, is far too pathetic to even put into words. Gentlemen, you are GROWN MEN. The use of words like these makes you look immediately and instantly immature and incapable of holding a real conversation. Sure, maybe some of you are doing it because you're driving, or you're pressed for time, or whatever. But SHE doesn't know that. the SHE i am referring to is the lovely lady you are texting who now thinks you're a 16 year old. Guys, do yourselves a favour and take the time to write full, proper words. Your appeal will increase instantly. Now, that being said, if you have to use short form for WHATEVER reason, texting is the only place you can do this. If you use short form words in online messaging or emailing, you're just plain lazy and juvenile. It takes literally 3 additional seconds to use proper words instead of short form. If that's too long to wait to be perceived as a well read and educated man, then you get what you deserve.
2 - CULTURE YOURSELF - Gents, you NEED to know about a wide variety of things. Sure, you may be really interested in sports or cars, but if that's ALL you can talk about in depth, then there's an issue. A woman likes a man who knows at least a little bit about a lot of things. And if he doesn't know about something, he admits it, then asks to learn. If your knowledge revolves around hockey, video games, and cartoons, chances are you're not going to have very in depth conversation with your lady friend, and if it continues, you won't have a very in depth relationship either. Learn about things around you. Know a little bit about world events. Check out what music is in right now, Immerse yourself, and educate yourself! Gents, women like an intelligent man. So be intelligent.
3 - DON'T ONLY drink Beer - Beer is awesome. It's cold, delicious and says MAN. But in the 40s through the 60s, beer was a weekend drink in the backyard. That;'s where it should stay. Wanna crack a cold one at a BBQ? go ahead. Home from work? crack one and relax. but if you're out, especially with a lady, try something other than a tacky brown bottle. Be able to order something other than beer, and your image and appeal will immediately boost. Having a base knowledge of wine doesn't hurt either. Sure, she might be a beer drinker as well, but if you want your style to take that extra inch forward, order something with a bit of style to it like a gin and tonic, or rye and ginger....if you're a little more fashionable that evening, be brave and ask for a manhattan or an old fashioned. She might not know what it is, but i guarantee she will be intrigued and ask...there's your conversation starter gentlemen.
4 - DRESS LIKE A MAN - There is a time and aplace for every outfit. But if you want to LOOK like a man, and not a boy, then take a couple tips, and tidy up your look. Whatever your style may be, tidy it up, especially if you are taking out a lady, or just want ladies to pay attention to you in general. Ties don't have to be for formal occasions! now that it's nicer outside, throw on a slim tie haphazardly with a dress shirt, jeans and some boat shoes, or if you're partial to shorts and a tee shirt, then upgrade them. get a good slim pair of shorts that look like something a man would wear, not something a 14 year old would wear to a punk show. Get a great fitted t shirt with something other than a stupid saying or a cartoon character on it, and make sure you don't look like you're swimming in it. Remember, if you're one of those guys who thinks everything is too tight, then it's probably just the right size. And skip the flip flops. They're lame, unless you're at the beach. Opt for a pair of boat shoes. They're cheap and add instant style to anything. I have a pair of grey ones i bought at the GAP in Mississippi. they cost me $15 and they are the most versatile shoes i own...and they only have one rule: Never wear socks. In fact, the more you can get away with no socks, the better. Wearing a pair of slim jeans or khakis? Flip up the cuffs a couple times, and show some ankle. Again, instant style.
bottom line guys, if you want to look like a man should look in today's world, then it's as simple as spending a few bucks, picking up a GQ magazine, and making some notes. Trust me, you will look and feel better about yourself, and i am sure you won't mind the additional interest from the ladies.
until nex time,
SG
Subscribe To Style Eye!
Posts
All Comments
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Issue # 39 - Fragrance Reviews
Issue # 39 - Fragrance Reviews!
Well it's been a little while since my last issue, and for those of you waiting, I apologize for the delay. I was hoping that between my last post and now that there would be some exciting new fragrances released that I could write about, but there really has only been one new release worth noting in my opinion. So i have revisisted my collection, and found a few that i don't believe i have reviewed. So for your learning leisure, here they are:
Tommy Hilfiger - LOUD
This is the newest release from Tommy, and while I have never been a fan of anything Hilfiger, this one has a great marketing campaign that adds a very intriguing image to the scent. It's designed to be a play on rock music, with the obvious LOUD name, the bottle shaped like a vinyl record, and the cap being a stereo knob. The packaging is also cleverly sealed with a piece of duct tape, giving the entire feel a very grunge vibe.
Packaging aside, let's get to the scent. I didn't know what to expect from this one, but i was very happy with what i received. It's different, but not in an insanely exotic way. I think it's so different because it's SO basic. By basic, i am speaking of the ingredients, which as far as i can tell there are only 3 of: Patchouli, Rose, and tobacco. That's it. But in my honest opinion, that's what makes it so wonderful and different. Your nose isn't bombarded by a complex combination of ups and downs, but instead is treated to a delicate and well crafted scent. However, i find the name completely misleading. The scent in this bottle is not Loud by any means. In fact it's quite quiet and humble, but a superb scent nontheless. I have yet to own this one, but it's made it to the top of my list.
Kenneth Cole Vintage Black -
THIS is one of my favourites. I am a huge KC fan, and while I am an avid lover of KC Black, KC Vintage Black (KCVB) blows it away. Everything from the flat black bottle to the slightly textured label make this a joy to look at as well as to use. But it's the scent that (obviously) makes it. With green lime, pink grapefruit, white pepper, lavender, dry oak wood, sandalwood and tequila accords, this is immediately different and recognizeable as a scent not to be messed with. When i smell it, it smells of confidence and sexiness, but it's the notes of dewy greenery that take this one over the top. When i smell it i am almost transported to a lush forest after a cold rainfall...don't think pine trees, think thick green leaves dripping with fresh rainwater, in a climate that's JUST cool enough to need a sweater. But don't stop there. the greenery vision is just a small aspect of this delicious scent. If you recall my review on Kenneth Cole Black, I referred to a worn in leather jacket. Well, there is a very minute reference to that jacket in this scent as well, but this time you're not getting cozy with it; this time you're throwing it on, grabbing your aviators, and hitting the open road with the top down. Find this, get it, wear it with confidence.
Givenchy- Pi Neo
I purchased this on a complete whim. I was given a sample of it, and only smelled it briefly, not even on my own skin. It was last summer and I was just looking for something new, something that i thought not too many people would have. I bought this, and while i didn't LOVE it right away, i have grown to really embrace it deeply. The bottle is odd, and a little crazy. I suppose this was supposed to be inspired by the Matrix movies, and the character Neo. And while this isn't what i would picture Neo to smell like, it's still a very refreshing and interesting scent. There is a distinct powdery scent to this one, almost Baby Powder-esque, but it's not in a bad way. It's light and complex, and brings to mind linen shirts, straw fedoras, and sweaty summer days. It's something you can put on for nearly any occasion, but i would keep it to warmer climates personally. It's also very vacation worthy...going somewhere tropical? throw this on and forget about it. You will turn heads without trying. You might not like this one though, it strikes me as an acquired taste. But i love it.
Until next time gents,
SG
Well it's been a little while since my last issue, and for those of you waiting, I apologize for the delay. I was hoping that between my last post and now that there would be some exciting new fragrances released that I could write about, but there really has only been one new release worth noting in my opinion. So i have revisisted my collection, and found a few that i don't believe i have reviewed. So for your learning leisure, here they are:
This is the newest release from Tommy, and while I have never been a fan of anything Hilfiger, this one has a great marketing campaign that adds a very intriguing image to the scent. It's designed to be a play on rock music, with the obvious LOUD name, the bottle shaped like a vinyl record, and the cap being a stereo knob. The packaging is also cleverly sealed with a piece of duct tape, giving the entire feel a very grunge vibe.
Packaging aside, let's get to the scent. I didn't know what to expect from this one, but i was very happy with what i received. It's different, but not in an insanely exotic way. I think it's so different because it's SO basic. By basic, i am speaking of the ingredients, which as far as i can tell there are only 3 of: Patchouli, Rose, and tobacco. That's it. But in my honest opinion, that's what makes it so wonderful and different. Your nose isn't bombarded by a complex combination of ups and downs, but instead is treated to a delicate and well crafted scent. However, i find the name completely misleading. The scent in this bottle is not Loud by any means. In fact it's quite quiet and humble, but a superb scent nontheless. I have yet to own this one, but it's made it to the top of my list.
THIS is one of my favourites. I am a huge KC fan, and while I am an avid lover of KC Black, KC Vintage Black (KCVB) blows it away. Everything from the flat black bottle to the slightly textured label make this a joy to look at as well as to use. But it's the scent that (obviously) makes it. With green lime, pink grapefruit, white pepper, lavender, dry oak wood, sandalwood and tequila accords, this is immediately different and recognizeable as a scent not to be messed with. When i smell it, it smells of confidence and sexiness, but it's the notes of dewy greenery that take this one over the top. When i smell it i am almost transported to a lush forest after a cold rainfall...don't think pine trees, think thick green leaves dripping with fresh rainwater, in a climate that's JUST cool enough to need a sweater. But don't stop there. the greenery vision is just a small aspect of this delicious scent. If you recall my review on Kenneth Cole Black, I referred to a worn in leather jacket. Well, there is a very minute reference to that jacket in this scent as well, but this time you're not getting cozy with it; this time you're throwing it on, grabbing your aviators, and hitting the open road with the top down. Find this, get it, wear it with confidence.
I purchased this on a complete whim. I was given a sample of it, and only smelled it briefly, not even on my own skin. It was last summer and I was just looking for something new, something that i thought not too many people would have. I bought this, and while i didn't LOVE it right away, i have grown to really embrace it deeply. The bottle is odd, and a little crazy. I suppose this was supposed to be inspired by the Matrix movies, and the character Neo. And while this isn't what i would picture Neo to smell like, it's still a very refreshing and interesting scent. There is a distinct powdery scent to this one, almost Baby Powder-esque, but it's not in a bad way. It's light and complex, and brings to mind linen shirts, straw fedoras, and sweaty summer days. It's something you can put on for nearly any occasion, but i would keep it to warmer climates personally. It's also very vacation worthy...going somewhere tropical? throw this on and forget about it. You will turn heads without trying. You might not like this one though, it strikes me as an acquired taste. But i love it.
Until next time gents,
SG
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Issue # 38 - Bar Etiquette 101
issue # 38 - Bar Etiquette 101
Hello Gents. Well, as i have said many times before, Style isn't just about what you wear. It's about how you ARE. That means how you carry yourself, and conduct yourself. This is important in all aspects of your life, especially if you're a single man. Whether you're looking for a fling or a long term relationship, we all know that a highly popular place for random meetings is a bar. But what a lot of you DON'T know is that how you conduct yourself at the bar is as every bit as important as what you wear to the bar. This is unfortunately knowledge that far too many men lack.
For some reason, many of you transform when you walk into a bar, and it's usually 1 of 2 things; Either you change into an overly shy, nervous wallflower who scopes out girls but does nothing about it, or you become the overly pompous ass who uses every lame move in the book to try to get a woman. Newsflash gents, neither of these work, so stop it.
Bottom line, what you say and do at a bar speaks volumes about your underlying character, and while you might think it's good, most times it's not. Truth is guys, sometimes you have to hide certain things about your character when you're on the hunt. So, for your sake gents, here is a list of DOs and DO NOTs that you need to bookmark.
1 - DO NOT ask what the cheapest drink or shot is. Sure, you may just be watching your budget, but to everyone around you, you're just being cheap. There are much better ways to ask this question without asking it. A very simple solution is asking your bartender if there are any specials for the day. This comes across as simple curiosity, and also saves you money.
2 - DO leave a decent tip. Not leaving a good tip is the most basic and easy way to get yourself blacklisted. Both by the bartender, and by any ladies watching you. It astounds me how many of you have no idea what a decent tip is. Here's a rule to live by: NEVER leave any coin(s) smaller than a quarter. This is an insult in the bar world. Also, I know that sometimes depending on the drink and the bill you pay with, there may not be room for anything more than a quarter handy. Don't leave just the quarter. If you have a small bill, leave the whole thing. If you have a large bill, ask the bartender to break it and leave a good tip. Here's why: If you leave a $5 bill as a tip on a $3 drink, you've made yourself memorable and basically have already pre-tipped your next few drinks. The bartender will remember this, and even if you only tip 50 cents the next few rounds, you'll still be good in their books.
3 - DO NOT order premium alcohol just for the sake of making yourself look like a rockstar. Nothing is more pompous and and ridiculous looking than a guy who orders Belvedere, who quite obviously does not drink it in his personal life. If you are not one who prefers premium booze, or can even taste the difference, then just order what you actually like. No one will think you're a loser for drinking the well vodka instead of the top shelf. Be yourself on this one...Unless you order a Smirnoff Ice. That's just not a good idea.
I'm going to stop there for now gents since i have realized that this list could get far too long for one blog to contain. I will continue this in another issue. Until then gents, heed these tips and good luck!
Style Guy
Hello Gents. Well, as i have said many times before, Style isn't just about what you wear. It's about how you ARE. That means how you carry yourself, and conduct yourself. This is important in all aspects of your life, especially if you're a single man. Whether you're looking for a fling or a long term relationship, we all know that a highly popular place for random meetings is a bar. But what a lot of you DON'T know is that how you conduct yourself at the bar is as every bit as important as what you wear to the bar. This is unfortunately knowledge that far too many men lack.
For some reason, many of you transform when you walk into a bar, and it's usually 1 of 2 things; Either you change into an overly shy, nervous wallflower who scopes out girls but does nothing about it, or you become the overly pompous ass who uses every lame move in the book to try to get a woman. Newsflash gents, neither of these work, so stop it.
Bottom line, what you say and do at a bar speaks volumes about your underlying character, and while you might think it's good, most times it's not. Truth is guys, sometimes you have to hide certain things about your character when you're on the hunt. So, for your sake gents, here is a list of DOs and DO NOTs that you need to bookmark.
1 - DO NOT ask what the cheapest drink or shot is. Sure, you may just be watching your budget, but to everyone around you, you're just being cheap. There are much better ways to ask this question without asking it. A very simple solution is asking your bartender if there are any specials for the day. This comes across as simple curiosity, and also saves you money.
2 - DO leave a decent tip. Not leaving a good tip is the most basic and easy way to get yourself blacklisted. Both by the bartender, and by any ladies watching you. It astounds me how many of you have no idea what a decent tip is. Here's a rule to live by: NEVER leave any coin(s) smaller than a quarter. This is an insult in the bar world. Also, I know that sometimes depending on the drink and the bill you pay with, there may not be room for anything more than a quarter handy. Don't leave just the quarter. If you have a small bill, leave the whole thing. If you have a large bill, ask the bartender to break it and leave a good tip. Here's why: If you leave a $5 bill as a tip on a $3 drink, you've made yourself memorable and basically have already pre-tipped your next few drinks. The bartender will remember this, and even if you only tip 50 cents the next few rounds, you'll still be good in their books.
3 - DO NOT order premium alcohol just for the sake of making yourself look like a rockstar. Nothing is more pompous and and ridiculous looking than a guy who orders Belvedere, who quite obviously does not drink it in his personal life. If you are not one who prefers premium booze, or can even taste the difference, then just order what you actually like. No one will think you're a loser for drinking the well vodka instead of the top shelf. Be yourself on this one...Unless you order a Smirnoff Ice. That's just not a good idea.
I'm going to stop there for now gents since i have realized that this list could get far too long for one blog to contain. I will continue this in another issue. Until then gents, heed these tips and good luck!
Style Guy
Monday, January 24, 2011
Issue # 37 - All about the hair
Issue # 37 - ALL about the hair
You've all been there, at some point in your life; Standing in front of the mirror, needing to leave the house to be somewhere, and your hair just...won't....cooperate with you. No matter what style you try, product you use, or technique you apply, your hair just will not do your bidding. So you either opt for the most appropriate hat you can find, or you risk going out on the town with a head that looks as if a raccoon has nested in it. I know that feeling all too well. Sure, sometimes you just can't avoid a bad hair day. But in my case, the main reason these bad hair days were happening was because I was fighting with my hair: a losing battle from day 1. Why or what was i fighting? I was fighting my natural hair, in an attempt to gain a hairstyle I wanted. Basically, I have wavy hair, and desperately wanted straight hair. See, this was in the late 90s / early 2000s, and THE style to have was that god awful "Flat on top, bangs spiked straight up" style. We've talked about this in previous issues, and it pains me to say that a great number of men still sport this 98 Degrees travesty. Back then, I went along with it, and fought every step of the way. Having wavy hair meant that in order for my hair to stand straight up, per the style, i had to keep it extremely short, which didn't really suit my face or body. As soon as my hair got to a certain length, the style didn't hold, and my bangs would flip or curl over, ruining the look i was aiming for. I resorted to all sorts of ridiculously stupid tricks, including hanging my head upside down until the hairspray took hold. It was truly a pain in my ass.
Now, it's 2011 and I am very happy to say that I have forfeited my battle, and have surrendered to the natural wave in my hair. And why the hell wouldn't I? It's a perfect time for wavy haired men to take centre stage again. The beauty of having wavy hair, I am learning, is that it's much more forgiving, and it's easier to pull off the "I don't give a shit" look so many men strive for. Be aware though, this look actually takes a lot of trial, error, and time to pull off, so don't be fooled by the name. So many leading men in today's media have brought back the unruly head of waves; Robert Pattinson, Bradley Cooper, and McDreamy are just a few, and one can never forget the immortal James Dean.
What am I getting at here? it sounds overly cliche, but love what you have. whether you have pin straight hair or a head of tight curls, figure out how to work with it, because 99% of the time, your natural hair is what will look the best on you. Not sure how to pull off a style? Here's a few tips.
First off, determine the length you need. Your hair dresser should be able to help you with this. Personally, mine is long on top and short on the sides....a mix between classic early 60s business man, and the rebel without a cause himself...with just a touch of height that only a confident guy could pull off. But i know that if my hair is too short, not only is the style impossible, but it also makes my head look freakishly tiny. be aware of these. Find the length that works best for your face and hair, then devise a plan.
Find pictures of guys in magazines with hair that you like. Remember, you don't want to EXACTLY copy them, rather use them as inspiration for your own coiff. Bring them to your hair dresser, and explain to them what you are looking for. As long as you're not getting your hair cut at First Choice or Fantastic Sam's, they should be able to start you in the right direction, and begin cutting your hair accordingly.
Be patient. Some hairstyles look effortless and easy, but they take time for your hair to grow into, so be PATIENT. It may be a few months until you start seeing the hair you desire, so use the time in between to start perfecting your look. TIP: I've said it before, and i will say it again, The Secret to Good hair is Dirty Hair. Don't wash your hair every day. It's not your job, so slack off, and let your hair product build up a little bit. If you like a lot of volume like i do, this is your main weapon. After a couple of days, your hair will have just the right amount of buildup to give you styles you didn't think you could pull off. Once again, I will suggest AXE hair products (the ONLY products from axe I will EVER endorse), because they simply work, and work well. Use the spiking paste through dry- to mostly dry hair to get hold and shape without looking crispy, shiny and gross. Hair Gel is not good, so switch to something better, and USE HAIRSPRAY. I will get to why next.
BE PATIENT! Yes, i have said this twice, why? because it's important, and because having a cool look might actually require you to spend more than 3 minutes on your hair. I am speaking from personal experience, and since i know my hair well, I will walk you through how i get the look i get. The very first step is DO NOT MAKE YOUR HAIR THE LAST THING YOU DO. This is important, because when you leave it to last, you tend to rush it, and have no patience with it. Also, if you're running late, you will be more likely to spend less time than normal. Instead, do this: After you shower (without washing your hair), dry off, pick your clothes, etc. When your hair is dry or mostly dry, depending on preference, Put on whatever shirt you're wearing, and go and do your hair. ( you put the shirt on first so you don't mess up your hair putting it on afterwards). For myself, since i need volume, i do my hair in the style i prefer, using just enough product to get the shape i am aiming for, and giving it a light spray of hairspray. Then i leave the bathroom and continue on my routine of getting ready. While i am doing this, every so often, i will run my fingers upwards through my hair, beefing up the volume. The hairspray i applied will aid in it keeping this shape. After about 10 minutes, i will revisit the bathroom, adding a little more product, and revamping the look. This time it's a bit higher, and has way better shape. Repeat the process above, and the third time is usually the final time, adding enough product to hold it, and locking in the look with a decent dose of spray. (TIP: don't use hairspray that says "flexible hold", and do NOT spray too close to your head. You want "barely any product" look, not a "just out of the shower" look). My favourite part of my hairstyle is that if the wind plays with it, or it falls a bit during the night, it still looks good, and just a non-chalant runing of my fingers through it will put it back in place. You may think this is silly, but women will see this not only as a sign of a low maintenance man (even though it took longer than they think), and will also trigger their desire to run THEIR hands through your hair. Not silly anymore, is it?
Ultimately guys, take your time, and above all, as usual, BE CONFIDENT. You may feel weird with the new look, but if you work it like you own it, it will look as if you've always had it. Trust yourself, and for those of you gents still rocking the 98 degrees look, get rid of it. In case you haven't noticed, the best hairstyles are the ones that have been grown out a bit.
Until next time,
Style Guy
You've all been there, at some point in your life; Standing in front of the mirror, needing to leave the house to be somewhere, and your hair just...won't....cooperate with you. No matter what style you try, product you use, or technique you apply, your hair just will not do your bidding. So you either opt for the most appropriate hat you can find, or you risk going out on the town with a head that looks as if a raccoon has nested in it. I know that feeling all too well. Sure, sometimes you just can't avoid a bad hair day. But in my case, the main reason these bad hair days were happening was because I was fighting with my hair: a losing battle from day 1. Why or what was i fighting? I was fighting my natural hair, in an attempt to gain a hairstyle I wanted. Basically, I have wavy hair, and desperately wanted straight hair. See, this was in the late 90s / early 2000s, and THE style to have was that god awful "Flat on top, bangs spiked straight up" style. We've talked about this in previous issues, and it pains me to say that a great number of men still sport this 98 Degrees travesty. Back then, I went along with it, and fought every step of the way. Having wavy hair meant that in order for my hair to stand straight up, per the style, i had to keep it extremely short, which didn't really suit my face or body. As soon as my hair got to a certain length, the style didn't hold, and my bangs would flip or curl over, ruining the look i was aiming for. I resorted to all sorts of ridiculously stupid tricks, including hanging my head upside down until the hairspray took hold. It was truly a pain in my ass.
Now, it's 2011 and I am very happy to say that I have forfeited my battle, and have surrendered to the natural wave in my hair. And why the hell wouldn't I? It's a perfect time for wavy haired men to take centre stage again. The beauty of having wavy hair, I am learning, is that it's much more forgiving, and it's easier to pull off the "I don't give a shit" look so many men strive for. Be aware though, this look actually takes a lot of trial, error, and time to pull off, so don't be fooled by the name. So many leading men in today's media have brought back the unruly head of waves; Robert Pattinson, Bradley Cooper, and McDreamy are just a few, and one can never forget the immortal James Dean.
What am I getting at here? it sounds overly cliche, but love what you have. whether you have pin straight hair or a head of tight curls, figure out how to work with it, because 99% of the time, your natural hair is what will look the best on you. Not sure how to pull off a style? Here's a few tips.
First off, determine the length you need. Your hair dresser should be able to help you with this. Personally, mine is long on top and short on the sides....a mix between classic early 60s business man, and the rebel without a cause himself...with just a touch of height that only a confident guy could pull off. But i know that if my hair is too short, not only is the style impossible, but it also makes my head look freakishly tiny. be aware of these. Find the length that works best for your face and hair, then devise a plan.
Find pictures of guys in magazines with hair that you like. Remember, you don't want to EXACTLY copy them, rather use them as inspiration for your own coiff. Bring them to your hair dresser, and explain to them what you are looking for. As long as you're not getting your hair cut at First Choice or Fantastic Sam's, they should be able to start you in the right direction, and begin cutting your hair accordingly.
Be patient. Some hairstyles look effortless and easy, but they take time for your hair to grow into, so be PATIENT. It may be a few months until you start seeing the hair you desire, so use the time in between to start perfecting your look. TIP: I've said it before, and i will say it again, The Secret to Good hair is Dirty Hair. Don't wash your hair every day. It's not your job, so slack off, and let your hair product build up a little bit. If you like a lot of volume like i do, this is your main weapon. After a couple of days, your hair will have just the right amount of buildup to give you styles you didn't think you could pull off. Once again, I will suggest AXE hair products (the ONLY products from axe I will EVER endorse), because they simply work, and work well. Use the spiking paste through dry- to mostly dry hair to get hold and shape without looking crispy, shiny and gross. Hair Gel is not good, so switch to something better, and USE HAIRSPRAY. I will get to why next.
BE PATIENT! Yes, i have said this twice, why? because it's important, and because having a cool look might actually require you to spend more than 3 minutes on your hair. I am speaking from personal experience, and since i know my hair well, I will walk you through how i get the look i get. The very first step is DO NOT MAKE YOUR HAIR THE LAST THING YOU DO. This is important, because when you leave it to last, you tend to rush it, and have no patience with it. Also, if you're running late, you will be more likely to spend less time than normal. Instead, do this: After you shower (without washing your hair), dry off, pick your clothes, etc. When your hair is dry or mostly dry, depending on preference, Put on whatever shirt you're wearing, and go and do your hair. ( you put the shirt on first so you don't mess up your hair putting it on afterwards). For myself, since i need volume, i do my hair in the style i prefer, using just enough product to get the shape i am aiming for, and giving it a light spray of hairspray. Then i leave the bathroom and continue on my routine of getting ready. While i am doing this, every so often, i will run my fingers upwards through my hair, beefing up the volume. The hairspray i applied will aid in it keeping this shape. After about 10 minutes, i will revisit the bathroom, adding a little more product, and revamping the look. This time it's a bit higher, and has way better shape. Repeat the process above, and the third time is usually the final time, adding enough product to hold it, and locking in the look with a decent dose of spray. (TIP: don't use hairspray that says "flexible hold", and do NOT spray too close to your head. You want "barely any product" look, not a "just out of the shower" look). My favourite part of my hairstyle is that if the wind plays with it, or it falls a bit during the night, it still looks good, and just a non-chalant runing of my fingers through it will put it back in place. You may think this is silly, but women will see this not only as a sign of a low maintenance man (even though it took longer than they think), and will also trigger their desire to run THEIR hands through your hair. Not silly anymore, is it?
Ultimately guys, take your time, and above all, as usual, BE CONFIDENT. You may feel weird with the new look, but if you work it like you own it, it will look as if you've always had it. Trust yourself, and for those of you gents still rocking the 98 degrees look, get rid of it. In case you haven't noticed, the best hairstyles are the ones that have been grown out a bit.
Until next time,
Style Guy
Friday, January 21, 2011
Issue # 36 - The Energy Crisis
Issue # 36 - The Energy Crisis
If you're a guy like me, caffeine is a major part of your waking up routine, as well as an MVP during your entire day. Luckily in today's world there are almost endless ways of getting your fix. So many in fact, that it's not hard to be overwhelmed with your choices. Do you stick with just regulaar coffee? Do you grab an ultra sized energy drink? Do you chew caffeine infused gum? the possibilities are endless, but on the flip side, so are the calories and sugar. Is waking up quicker really worth the sugar intake? Luckily there are a lot of great sugar free and calorie free versions that will do the same job without the waist expanding side effects. Here, I list some of my personal favourites to assist your hunt for energy.
Xenergy by Xyience -
At first, one would look at these and think that it's just another company jumping on the energy drink bandwagon, but Xyience is a major sponsor of the UFC, and the UFC wouldn't promote high calorie, high sugar candy water for its fighters, and alas Xenergy contains ZERO CALORIES, and ZERO SUGAR, and the same solid caffeine kick as other drinks. The give and take of this, like most calorie free items is that there is artificial sweetener in it. So if you're one of those chemical people, you have a choice to make. Xenergy comes in a wide variety of flavours, with Cran Razz being my personal favourite. Don't get thrown off by the silver cans and black cans, they are all zero calories, and sugar free. The only difference i have noticed is that the black cans seem to have slightly more caffeiene, which isn't a huge deal. Try the Blu-Pom version as well, it's fantastic.
Monster Energy Lo-Carb -
Monster Energy is my favourite brand on the whole, and as a one time avid fanatic of the original flavour, I used to scoff this version for tasting "thin and bitter". That was until i realized that the original version has nearly 200 calories per can, and this version, (also known as the blue monster) has only 20. It's got a crisp, clean taste that although is clearly not as sweet as its' monster siblings, holds its own. It tastes like energy drink, and is not fruit flavoured, so be prepared for that. It's got a good kick and is easy to drink so this is definitely one of my favourites.
Rockstar "Recovery" Lemonade -
This one surprised me. I am normally not a fan of the rockstar brand, partially because of the tastes of a lot of them, and partially because one can of original rockstar is the equivalent of eating SIX krispy Kreme donuts (check out eat THIS, not THAT for more info on your fave foods and drinks). But this lemonade "recovery" flavour has only 10 calories, and is NOT carbonated, which is a pleasant surprise. It's sweet enough to please your sweet tooth, but light enough to quench your thirst properly without worrying about ruining your workout. This one definitely ranks on my top 3 and it totally earned the spot.
Honorable Mention - Kick Butt Energy Balls -
I tried these on a complete whim a few days ago, just because they were on a clearance sale. I assumed these, like so many new products out there, were simply jumping on the energy bandwagon. But I gave them a shot....and i was surprised. At 30 calories each, these hard chewy balls taste a little odd and leave an bitter aftertaste, but they actually work. It could have been that i ate them directly after having a coffee, or that i ate 3 of them in a row but they kicked in with a vengeance. These may be somewhat of a novelty, but they seem like a decent quick pick me up between beverages.
Style guy's Pick:
Starbucks Grande "Bold Pick of the day" -
I love energy drinks, and will go to them for a cold, refreshing kick. But nothing will beat the original dark roasty goodness of a cup of good coffee. I prefer starbucks' BOLD picks, and i drink them black. No milk, cream, sugaar, sweetener, or anything, just black. A "grande" size of just black, bold coffee contains only FIVE calories, and a great amount of caffeine to get you moving. And at only $2 and change, it's a money saving alternative to somewhat pricey energy drinks. I recommend the "Anniversary blend" if you can find it, and I also really love "Cafe Verona". Check it out and love it!
Well that's it for today gents!
Until next time,
Style Guy
If you're a guy like me, caffeine is a major part of your waking up routine, as well as an MVP during your entire day. Luckily in today's world there are almost endless ways of getting your fix. So many in fact, that it's not hard to be overwhelmed with your choices. Do you stick with just regulaar coffee? Do you grab an ultra sized energy drink? Do you chew caffeine infused gum? the possibilities are endless, but on the flip side, so are the calories and sugar. Is waking up quicker really worth the sugar intake? Luckily there are a lot of great sugar free and calorie free versions that will do the same job without the waist expanding side effects. Here, I list some of my personal favourites to assist your hunt for energy.
At first, one would look at these and think that it's just another company jumping on the energy drink bandwagon, but Xyience is a major sponsor of the UFC, and the UFC wouldn't promote high calorie, high sugar candy water for its fighters, and alas Xenergy contains ZERO CALORIES, and ZERO SUGAR, and the same solid caffeine kick as other drinks. The give and take of this, like most calorie free items is that there is artificial sweetener in it. So if you're one of those chemical people, you have a choice to make. Xenergy comes in a wide variety of flavours, with Cran Razz being my personal favourite. Don't get thrown off by the silver cans and black cans, they are all zero calories, and sugar free. The only difference i have noticed is that the black cans seem to have slightly more caffeiene, which isn't a huge deal. Try the Blu-Pom version as well, it's fantastic.
Monster Energy is my favourite brand on the whole, and as a one time avid fanatic of the original flavour, I used to scoff this version for tasting "thin and bitter". That was until i realized that the original version has nearly 200 calories per can, and this version, (also known as the blue monster) has only 20. It's got a crisp, clean taste that although is clearly not as sweet as its' monster siblings, holds its own. It tastes like energy drink, and is not fruit flavoured, so be prepared for that. It's got a good kick and is easy to drink so this is definitely one of my favourites.
This one surprised me. I am normally not a fan of the rockstar brand, partially because of the tastes of a lot of them, and partially because one can of original rockstar is the equivalent of eating SIX krispy Kreme donuts (check out eat THIS, not THAT for more info on your fave foods and drinks). But this lemonade "recovery" flavour has only 10 calories, and is NOT carbonated, which is a pleasant surprise. It's sweet enough to please your sweet tooth, but light enough to quench your thirst properly without worrying about ruining your workout. This one definitely ranks on my top 3 and it totally earned the spot.
I tried these on a complete whim a few days ago, just because they were on a clearance sale. I assumed these, like so many new products out there, were simply jumping on the energy bandwagon. But I gave them a shot....and i was surprised. At 30 calories each, these hard chewy balls taste a little odd and leave an bitter aftertaste, but they actually work. It could have been that i ate them directly after having a coffee, or that i ate 3 of them in a row but they kicked in with a vengeance. These may be somewhat of a novelty, but they seem like a decent quick pick me up between beverages.
Style guy's Pick:
I love energy drinks, and will go to them for a cold, refreshing kick. But nothing will beat the original dark roasty goodness of a cup of good coffee. I prefer starbucks' BOLD picks, and i drink them black. No milk, cream, sugaar, sweetener, or anything, just black. A "grande" size of just black, bold coffee contains only FIVE calories, and a great amount of caffeine to get you moving. And at only $2 and change, it's a money saving alternative to somewhat pricey energy drinks. I recommend the "Anniversary blend" if you can find it, and I also really love "Cafe Verona". Check it out and love it!
Well that's it for today gents!
Until next time,
Style Guy
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Issue #35 - Grooming 101
Issue #35 - Grooming 101
When you were between the ages of 6 and 10 or so, you didn't really care what you looked like. Things that are important now like Styling your hair, wearing matching clothing and bathing just didn't seem to matter next to your recess plans and what cartoons were on after school. Then around 6th grade or so, you began to notice these things, and pay more attention to them, ultimately trying to achieve perfection before high school where the game was upped a notch. This continues through college, and then hopefully through the rest of your days. But sadly that isn't true. There comes a time for many men where they just stop caring about the small details that really matter. Sure, you may still care about what your outfit looks like, or you may still want your hair to me immaculate, but for many of you, the tiny details skip your radar all together. This should not happen, and I am making a movement to stop it. Why does this happen? Are you too busy with life that basic grooming goes out the window? Do you get too comfortable in a relationship that you don't feel the need to do these things? Whatever the reason, forget making excuses and get back on the wagon.
In this issue I will cover a few tiny but very important details that far too many men overlook, in hopes to raise awareness and solve the problem at hand:
The Uni-brow
This is quite possibly the most common, caveman-like, overlooked grooming need that men just don't seem to notice. This is when the space between your eyebrows begins to grow hair, making your two brows look as if they're joined as one. Also known as the "bert", referring to the uni-browed Bert of Sesame Street fame. For some reason, men seem to find it feminine to do any sort of damage control on their eyebrows. The question I ask you men is simply WHY? There is a very large difference between plucking your unibrow, and getting your brows threaded to a perfect arch. There is absolutely nothing girly about making sure you don't look like a creature from the stone age. I recall an interview with David Schwimmer (Ross from friends) in a mid 90s DETAILS magazine where he was asked about his thoughts on the uni-brow. His response was as follows (i am paraphrasing here): "It's not attractive, and women definitely do not find it attractive. Shave it, pluck it, wax it, do anything you have to do to get rid of it, because it's not attractive at all." He hit the nail on the head. It's not attractive. Yet too many men are either too absent minded to notice it, or too proud to do anything about it. Personally, I use a simple disposable razor, that costs next to nothing, and anytime i notice a little bit of growth, i just get rid of it. It's that simple. I also wax my eyebrows every now and then just to keep them neat and tidy. You may think it's feminine, but being manly isn't worth looking like a cave creature. Take care of it boys.
Filthy Nails -
There are few things a man can posess that are more cringe worthy than filthy nails. Too many times, I have seen men with this horrendous paws sitting in a restarant, sinking their mouths into burgers and i want to vomit. What is this? Is this a new trend i missed? Are you in too much of a hurry to watch manswers that you can't scrub your hands and clean your nails? Now, as a disclaimer, i understand that some careers mean your nails will become filthy, and possibly stained. I understand this, and to a certain extent that is permitted. But only if you've done everything possible to clean them. Take a nail clipper, use the little knife portion and clean them! This is repulsive, and I cannot think of a single woman who would find this attractive. Again, the nails are something that men find girly to take care of, and again I laugh at their foolish pride. Manicures are not all about getting pretty colours and patterns on your nails, but also about taking care of them, and keeping them clean and healthy. I am not saying go out and get one, but at least think about how YOU would feel if you saw a woman with claws like that.
Wild Nose Hair -
This is a real stat. 76% of women are turned off by a hairy nose. Now I will admit, I am a man whose facial hair grows very fast, and as a downside, so does my nose hair. Luckily this is a very simple fix. Look in the mirror. If you see any poking out, remove them with tweezers, a nose hair trimmer, or if all else fails, pull them out with your fingers. Painful? yes. Worth it? Heck yes. It's unappealing, unattractive, and there is no reason to let it slide. I used to be one of these guys that overlooked it, because i simply didn't notice it. But trust me, you will notice it when a lady backs away from your nasal tenticles. Nose hair trimmers can be purchased for as little as $7 plus the cost of a couple batteries. Get it?
The pit stain/Sweaty pits -
As a man that sweats more than average in warm situations, I sympathize for men who sweat as much as, or more than I do. But I do not sympathize for the men that don't do anything about it. Here's the deal guys, there are many ways to avoid looking like our moist friend over here. First of all, upgrade to a high powered ANTI-PERSPIRANT, not a deodorant. It doesn't matter if you like the smell or not, it needs to stop the sweat, not make you smell like a glacier. Second off, wear an undershirt. Not a muscle shirt, something that covers your armpits. Let the undershirt take the beating, NOT the dress shirt. Try to make sure the undershirt is thick enough quality to absorb your sweat, and not let too much through. If this still doesn't help, check out a product called Drysol. If that doesn't work, well surgery is always an option. Just do what you can to avoid this look. the only time this is acceptable is if everyone around you is suffering the same consequence of an overly heated, or poorly air conditioned bar.
The Patchy Beard -
This one is simple. Until you know you can grow full facial hair, don't attempt to grow it. There is a sickening trend out there of men growing pitiful, thin, scraggly facial hair when it simply looks awful. Stop it. Look at Keanu here. He looks like a weed wacker went to town on his face. Not cool, not attractive. And it makes you look dirty and very un tidy. Combine this with any of the above issues, and you sir, have just confirmed your night alone. Keep your stubble short and neat, and you'll have no problem!
That's it gents, These are all tiny things that will take a total of 10 minutes out of your day, but save you a TON of rejection and self esteem issues. So tidy up boys, and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Until next time,
Style Guy
When you were between the ages of 6 and 10 or so, you didn't really care what you looked like. Things that are important now like Styling your hair, wearing matching clothing and bathing just didn't seem to matter next to your recess plans and what cartoons were on after school. Then around 6th grade or so, you began to notice these things, and pay more attention to them, ultimately trying to achieve perfection before high school where the game was upped a notch. This continues through college, and then hopefully through the rest of your days. But sadly that isn't true. There comes a time for many men where they just stop caring about the small details that really matter. Sure, you may still care about what your outfit looks like, or you may still want your hair to me immaculate, but for many of you, the tiny details skip your radar all together. This should not happen, and I am making a movement to stop it. Why does this happen? Are you too busy with life that basic grooming goes out the window? Do you get too comfortable in a relationship that you don't feel the need to do these things? Whatever the reason, forget making excuses and get back on the wagon.
In this issue I will cover a few tiny but very important details that far too many men overlook, in hopes to raise awareness and solve the problem at hand:
This is quite possibly the most common, caveman-like, overlooked grooming need that men just don't seem to notice. This is when the space between your eyebrows begins to grow hair, making your two brows look as if they're joined as one. Also known as the "bert", referring to the uni-browed Bert of Sesame Street fame. For some reason, men seem to find it feminine to do any sort of damage control on their eyebrows. The question I ask you men is simply WHY? There is a very large difference between plucking your unibrow, and getting your brows threaded to a perfect arch. There is absolutely nothing girly about making sure you don't look like a creature from the stone age. I recall an interview with David Schwimmer (Ross from friends) in a mid 90s DETAILS magazine where he was asked about his thoughts on the uni-brow. His response was as follows (i am paraphrasing here): "It's not attractive, and women definitely do not find it attractive. Shave it, pluck it, wax it, do anything you have to do to get rid of it, because it's not attractive at all." He hit the nail on the head. It's not attractive. Yet too many men are either too absent minded to notice it, or too proud to do anything about it. Personally, I use a simple disposable razor, that costs next to nothing, and anytime i notice a little bit of growth, i just get rid of it. It's that simple. I also wax my eyebrows every now and then just to keep them neat and tidy. You may think it's feminine, but being manly isn't worth looking like a cave creature. Take care of it boys.
There are few things a man can posess that are more cringe worthy than filthy nails. Too many times, I have seen men with this horrendous paws sitting in a restarant, sinking their mouths into burgers and i want to vomit. What is this? Is this a new trend i missed? Are you in too much of a hurry to watch manswers that you can't scrub your hands and clean your nails? Now, as a disclaimer, i understand that some careers mean your nails will become filthy, and possibly stained. I understand this, and to a certain extent that is permitted. But only if you've done everything possible to clean them. Take a nail clipper, use the little knife portion and clean them! This is repulsive, and I cannot think of a single woman who would find this attractive. Again, the nails are something that men find girly to take care of, and again I laugh at their foolish pride. Manicures are not all about getting pretty colours and patterns on your nails, but also about taking care of them, and keeping them clean and healthy. I am not saying go out and get one, but at least think about how YOU would feel if you saw a woman with claws like that.
Wild Nose Hair -
This is a real stat. 76% of women are turned off by a hairy nose. Now I will admit, I am a man whose facial hair grows very fast, and as a downside, so does my nose hair. Luckily this is a very simple fix. Look in the mirror. If you see any poking out, remove them with tweezers, a nose hair trimmer, or if all else fails, pull them out with your fingers. Painful? yes. Worth it? Heck yes. It's unappealing, unattractive, and there is no reason to let it slide. I used to be one of these guys that overlooked it, because i simply didn't notice it. But trust me, you will notice it when a lady backs away from your nasal tenticles. Nose hair trimmers can be purchased for as little as $7 plus the cost of a couple batteries. Get it?
As a man that sweats more than average in warm situations, I sympathize for men who sweat as much as, or more than I do. But I do not sympathize for the men that don't do anything about it. Here's the deal guys, there are many ways to avoid looking like our moist friend over here. First of all, upgrade to a high powered ANTI-PERSPIRANT, not a deodorant. It doesn't matter if you like the smell or not, it needs to stop the sweat, not make you smell like a glacier. Second off, wear an undershirt. Not a muscle shirt, something that covers your armpits. Let the undershirt take the beating, NOT the dress shirt. Try to make sure the undershirt is thick enough quality to absorb your sweat, and not let too much through. If this still doesn't help, check out a product called Drysol. If that doesn't work, well surgery is always an option. Just do what you can to avoid this look. the only time this is acceptable is if everyone around you is suffering the same consequence of an overly heated, or poorly air conditioned bar.
This one is simple. Until you know you can grow full facial hair, don't attempt to grow it. There is a sickening trend out there of men growing pitiful, thin, scraggly facial hair when it simply looks awful. Stop it. Look at Keanu here. He looks like a weed wacker went to town on his face. Not cool, not attractive. And it makes you look dirty and very un tidy. Combine this with any of the above issues, and you sir, have just confirmed your night alone. Keep your stubble short and neat, and you'll have no problem!
That's it gents, These are all tiny things that will take a total of 10 minutes out of your day, but save you a TON of rejection and self esteem issues. So tidy up boys, and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Until next time,
Style Guy
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Issue #34 - Wine Reviews
Issue # 34 - Wine Reviews!
Hello again gents, well it's a snowy day outside, and if you're like me and plan on spending the night in, you might want a good bottle (or two) of vino to keep you company...I had the chance to sample several different wines this holiday season, and am ready to let you know about them!
Truth Wine -
I initially grabbed this bottle for 2 reasons: It was cheap and the bottle design is truly unique. There are 2 wines; truth and dare. I tried truth, in the green bottle, and i will admit that the bottle is really the only reason i bought this. It's a white wine. I can't tell you what type of white wine, because it literally just says White wine. It doesn't specify what the blend is, so it's about as informative as saying "ground meat". That being said, I opened it, and while it wasn't the worst wine I have ever tasted, I can easily say the bottle is the best thing about this one. It's slightly dry and not very complex, which is surprising since there are a lot of great wines coming out of ontario lately. I haven't tried the Dare version yet, but if the Truth variety is any indicator, there will be nothing daring about it.
Inniskillin Unoaked Chardonnay -
Well what can i say? Another stellar contribution from Inniskillin. I admit i was already biased based on my love for their late autumn riesling, so when this was corked i was already prepared for how crisp and delicious it is. Dryer than the riesling, but not ultra dry, there are notes of green apple and citrus, all wrapped up in a buttery smoothness that goes oh so well with white turkey. Chill it to your preference and make sure you swirl give it a brisk swirl in your glass to release the fresh apple notes on top. On a snowy day like today, if white wine is your thing, grab a bottle, and settle in for the night, you're not going to want to put this one down.
Alta Fuzion Torrentes Pinot Grigio -
this was a complete impulse purchase for me, as it was in the "We suggest" bucket at the LCBO cash register. It was about $10, and it seemed like it could be ok. My first mistake with this one was drinking it at room temperature. It lacked character and was decievingly flat, which threw me for a loop right off the bat. The palette was pleasant enough, but the finish just felt :"thin" to me. I am not sure if thin is the proper term to use, but it felt as if it were lacking substance, like there was something missing. similar to drinking a watered down fountain drink. When the bottle was very chilled, it tasted better, but the thin finish was still hard to get by. I am not familiar enough with pinots to know if this is a character of the grape, or if this is just a flaw of this brand itself. I would not suggest this wine at all. Spend a couple extra dollars and get something worth it.
Da Luca 2004 Primitivo Merlot -
I saved this one for last because it is by far the star of my recent wine tastings. My girlfriend gave this to me about 2 years ago with the promise that I would not open it until a special occasion. I went almost 2 years until she gave me the permission to open it whenever I want because she doesn't even like red wine. I opened this last night, and wow. First of all, it's a 2004 which means it's been aging in the bottle for almost 7 years. The swirl opened up aromas of dark cherry and something almost spicy, although i couldn't put my finger on it. It was dry, dark and mysterious with plenty of fruit flavours present throughout. Although it's a dry wine, it doesn't leave that parched feeling on your palette, as it finishes surprisingly smooth. I am not sure if that's a character of this wine, or if it's due to the 7 year aging, but it was pleasant and delicious. I had only planned on having a glass of this, but a second glass was quickly poured, and was equally as fantastic. I highly suggest this wine, as it will be a staple in my collection for a long time to come.
That's it for today gents, but plenty of issues coming up, including some much needed grooming tips for 2011! Happy wine hunting, and I'll see you soon!
Cheers,
The Style Guy
Hello again gents, well it's a snowy day outside, and if you're like me and plan on spending the night in, you might want a good bottle (or two) of vino to keep you company...I had the chance to sample several different wines this holiday season, and am ready to let you know about them!
I initially grabbed this bottle for 2 reasons: It was cheap and the bottle design is truly unique. There are 2 wines; truth and dare. I tried truth, in the green bottle, and i will admit that the bottle is really the only reason i bought this. It's a white wine. I can't tell you what type of white wine, because it literally just says White wine. It doesn't specify what the blend is, so it's about as informative as saying "ground meat". That being said, I opened it, and while it wasn't the worst wine I have ever tasted, I can easily say the bottle is the best thing about this one. It's slightly dry and not very complex, which is surprising since there are a lot of great wines coming out of ontario lately. I haven't tried the Dare version yet, but if the Truth variety is any indicator, there will be nothing daring about it.
Well what can i say? Another stellar contribution from Inniskillin. I admit i was already biased based on my love for their late autumn riesling, so when this was corked i was already prepared for how crisp and delicious it is. Dryer than the riesling, but not ultra dry, there are notes of green apple and citrus, all wrapped up in a buttery smoothness that goes oh so well with white turkey. Chill it to your preference and make sure you swirl give it a brisk swirl in your glass to release the fresh apple notes on top. On a snowy day like today, if white wine is your thing, grab a bottle, and settle in for the night, you're not going to want to put this one down.
Alta Fuzion Torrentes Pinot Grigio -
this was a complete impulse purchase for me, as it was in the "We suggest" bucket at the LCBO cash register. It was about $10, and it seemed like it could be ok. My first mistake with this one was drinking it at room temperature. It lacked character and was decievingly flat, which threw me for a loop right off the bat. The palette was pleasant enough, but the finish just felt :"thin" to me. I am not sure if thin is the proper term to use, but it felt as if it were lacking substance, like there was something missing. similar to drinking a watered down fountain drink. When the bottle was very chilled, it tasted better, but the thin finish was still hard to get by. I am not familiar enough with pinots to know if this is a character of the grape, or if this is just a flaw of this brand itself. I would not suggest this wine at all. Spend a couple extra dollars and get something worth it.
Da Luca 2004 Primitivo Merlot -
I saved this one for last because it is by far the star of my recent wine tastings. My girlfriend gave this to me about 2 years ago with the promise that I would not open it until a special occasion. I went almost 2 years until she gave me the permission to open it whenever I want because she doesn't even like red wine. I opened this last night, and wow. First of all, it's a 2004 which means it's been aging in the bottle for almost 7 years. The swirl opened up aromas of dark cherry and something almost spicy, although i couldn't put my finger on it. It was dry, dark and mysterious with plenty of fruit flavours present throughout. Although it's a dry wine, it doesn't leave that parched feeling on your palette, as it finishes surprisingly smooth. I am not sure if that's a character of this wine, or if it's due to the 7 year aging, but it was pleasant and delicious. I had only planned on having a glass of this, but a second glass was quickly poured, and was equally as fantastic. I highly suggest this wine, as it will be a staple in my collection for a long time to come.
That's it for today gents, but plenty of issues coming up, including some much needed grooming tips for 2011! Happy wine hunting, and I'll see you soon!
Cheers,
The Style Guy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)