Issue # 48 - Underneath it all
Hello gents, and a happy November to you all. I was originally going to write an issue on shaving tips and products in honour of Movember, but I stumbled onto a topic that I found to be much more important, and much more concerning than how to avoid razor burn, or why that chin-strap facial hair is a bad idea. And since it was a direct request from a female reader, I hope you pay some very close attention guys. (Note: The chin-stap facial hair is a very bad idea).Why is it important that you read this issue? Because it touches upon a topic that not only have I never covered, but a topic that the vast majority of men simply don't realize is a severe issue for women: Your Underwear.
We all have them; Those ratty, worn in, faded, baggy, skid marked, ultra comfortable underwear, with at least one hole in it (probably near the waist band...am i right?). Whether your a brief guy, a boxer guy, or somewhere in between, chances are you've never looked at your underoos as anything but a layer between your junk and your zipper. Neither cut nor colour nor style has ever mattered much to you, outside of having a basic preference for comfort reasons. You find the pack with the most pairs for the lowest price, grab it and forget about it, despite the fact that they look like they were made from old gym shirts in grey, navy blue and off white. After all, you're a MAN, right? Why should you spend more than 4 seconds looking at underwear?
BECAUSE WOMEN LIKE IT.
Think about it. Your girlfriend, your ex girlfriends, the girl you're sleeping with, your friend, ANY woman. They all have a ridiculous amount of under garments, right? They will spend countless hours and dollars completing their arsenal of bras and panties, all with specific uses in mind. Their collection ranges from sexy underwear to cute underwear, to matching bras and panties, to comfy/period underwear (if you got grossed out or turned off by that, please grow up), to a collection of panties for specific outfits, because comfy or not, they'll be damned if you see panty lines through their pencil skirts...they take the time and the effort to do these things guys, and you can be damn sure that 9 times out of 10, if they have even the slightest thought that you might be seeing them out of their clothes, they'll be sure to be wearing something for the occasion. Why? Because they want to look good for you, and want to feel good about themselves.
So why do you not do the same? Think about it. You're in the heat of the moment, and as her pants come off, you see a sexy little number that looks so good you almost want to leave them on her. We've all been there. Now put yourself in her shoes...as your pants come off, she sees... two holes under the elastic waist of your boring grey cotton hanes jockeys that have been through so much use they've lost their once form-fitting appeal and now hang lifeless like tiny little ugly board shorts. Sexy.
Wake up guys. I know as men we're not raised with the ideal that we should have sexy or attractive underwear. It's not part of our wiring. But I highly suggest you change that. This not only falls into the category of style, but also into the category of being a gentleman. Why should she have to put in all the work of trying to be sexy for you, when you don't even think twice about it? Think about how disappointed you would be if you got her back to your place, pulled off her outfit that was driving you crazy all night, only to reveal torn, ratty and just plain ugly panties. Now imagine how she feels. Am I making sense here gents?
Now I am not saying go buy a bunch of banana hammocks or stripper underwear, because those are equally as horrifying to her. But what I am saying is put a little more effort, a little more thought, and a little more coin into your drawers. I'll admit that I myself was oblivious to this issue until about a year ago. I purchased what I thought to be a style I usually wore, and I was mistaken. They were in fact, completely different than the Jockey shorts I was intending, and instead were snug fitting mini shorts, falling somewhere between the length of briefs and the length of jockeys. At first, I was uncomfortable with the idea of them, but upon wearing them I quickly changed my mind. They were snug, comfortable and I barely noticed they were there. But more interestingly, I felt more confident with them on...and if you know anything about this blog, it's that confidence is key. I went back and bought 3 more packs.
Listen guys. She finds it sexy when you have nice underwear on. So go get some. It's really simple, and it makes her happy, which will in turn make YOU happy. You follow? It's a no brainer. If you don't want to get rid of your old ones, then don't. But at least only wear them around the house, and instead don a great new look for when you're with her. She'll notice. And you just might notice how you feel when they're on as well.
I'm almost done here today gents, but I will send a few tips your way before I leave. If you're not sure where to start your search for new skivvies, I suggest H&M if you have one near you. They have the underwear I was referring to. They come in packs of 3 for only $14.95, and even better, they come in colours and designs that are as manly for you as they are sexy for her. A personal favourite of mine is black with white pin stripes, and the solid black with white waist band. Simple and classy for you, sexy for her. For my second tip, I'm going to crush the brown elephant in the room and go there: There is absolutely nothing attractive about skid marks (although we've ALL been there). If you're a man who is prone to this phenomenon, I have a few words of wisdom. First, wipe better. I know you're in a hurry to get back to whatever video game you're obsessed with right now, but if you can spend 25 minutes reading on the toilet, then you can spend 30 extra seconds to make sure you're not going to leave a trail in your knickers. As a secondary line of defense, opt for the black underwear when you can. This way, if you just couldn't wait to get back to your spike tv, then at least you have some decent camouflage to hide it.
Until next time gents,
SG
PS - You're welcome ladies.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Issue #47 - The Secret
Issue #47 - The Secret
Good day gents! Today's issue is about something i feel needs to be brought to light again, but this time a little more in depth. Today's issue is on how to instantly be more attractive. Easily, and for free. It's so simple, you would think more people would understand it, but in reality there are so many people that just don't realize how easy it really is. Forgive me ahead of time, this issue will seem a little bit introspective, but really i think it's a very important point that a man needs to understand and master if he truly will understand what style is all about.
The secret, gentlemen, is Confidence. That's it. It's the root of all style, and all attraction. It's the single most important tool you can possess, and is more powerful than we fully realize. Women instantly recognize it, and you will notice how quickly you feel completely different, and embrace it.
So where do we start? Well i can't very well ask you to feel instantly confident if you don't have it already in you. That wouldn't be fair. Each man is different, and each man has different factors in his life which contribute to his confidence, or subtract from it. I'm not a psychologist, and I am not about to get into all the tiny things you can do to create a confident self. SO, instead i have decided to give you some very easy and effective techniques to depict confidence...to wear a mask, if you will. Hopefully if you take my words to heart, and apply these tools, you will actually build real confidence within you, and be able to reach a level of style you never knew you could find. So what's first?
EYE CONTACT - This is massive, and is the number-one-first-and-foremost important aspect to confidence. Eye contact not only establishes contact, but the eyes are also very intimate. Think about it: you meet an attractive woman at the bar, and after just enough liquid courage, you walk over to say hello...what do you think is more attractive to her? Looking around the bar and at your shoes, or looking her dead in the eye and saying hello? Eye contact establishes confidence right out of the gate, and with enough practice, you can deliver messages with your eyes that she doesn't even know she's receiving. This is huge guys, and if you're too shy to even maintain eye contact for 5 seconds, then you're beyond my help sir. This is the first skill to learn. It doesn't matter if you're completely void of confidence, suck it up, look her in the eyes, and you have your foot in the door.
KNOW YOURSELF - What makes you happy? what 'pumps you up'? what makes you feel on top of the world? Think about that. Walk with that thought in your brain. Carry yourself as if you're untouchable. It may sound stupid, but it does wonders not only for your own confidence, but how you are perceived by everyone around you.
BODY LANGUAGE - This goes hand in hand with the above tactic. Once you have found that 'zone' that makes you happy and feel invincible, focus on your body language. Square your shoulders, keep your chin up (but not in the air like you're a snob or trying to hide a bald spot). Walk confidently, shake hands with conviction. These are all small details that all add up to, or at least the perception of, confidence. Think of it as saving your money for something you really want; even though you may only be placing in a couple dollars at a time, every little bit helps. Combine your body language with sustained eye contact, and you sir, are on the road to success.
JUST BE YOURSELF - Forget the bullshit you see on tv. Ignore the chick flicks and the stuff you've read in your last girlfriend's cosmo. Ignore all the stuff you think you should say or do, and just be yourself. And for the love of all the women in the world, do NOT, under any circumstances use a lame pickup line. It's not hard guys, JUST BE YOU. Women are not some sort of mythical goddesses that you need to prove yourself to in order to receive some magical passport to a wonderful land full of unicorns and forbidden fruit. They're humans like you are. They feel nervous, they are shy, they are all the things that you are (except maybe not as hairy or gassy), so remember that it's most likely they are feeling all the same stuff you are. Relax.
ADMIT FAULTS - This is going to be a hard one for a lot of guys to do, but it works. it shows that you are secure with yourself (even if you're not), and makes you much less intimidating, and defuses the whole situation. What i mean is, if you stutter, or are at a loss of words, or are feeling overwhelmingly nervous, then do something unheard of: Admit it. Saying something as simple as "wow, sorry i am nervous" has more power than you even realize. It immediately makes the situation more comfortable. The fact that you can admit your nervousness can allow her to either admit her own, or find it very cute that you admitted yours, or both. So swallow your pride, since the secure and open man is much more attractive to women than the close off tough guy. And if she prefers the closed off tough guy, then you can walk away, since she has some growing up to do.
Guys, that's about it. I can't tell you how to BE confident in yourself, but with these tips, hopefully you will get a good enough response to boost your confidence to where these all become second nature to you. I've said it many times, but i will say it again, STYLE is not all about the clothes you wear. It's about YOU, and how you carry yourself in every way. You can wear everything the magazines tell you to, but if you're not confident in yourself, then you're just wearing clothes.
Until next time gents, stay classy
SG
Good day gents! Today's issue is about something i feel needs to be brought to light again, but this time a little more in depth. Today's issue is on how to instantly be more attractive. Easily, and for free. It's so simple, you would think more people would understand it, but in reality there are so many people that just don't realize how easy it really is. Forgive me ahead of time, this issue will seem a little bit introspective, but really i think it's a very important point that a man needs to understand and master if he truly will understand what style is all about.
The secret, gentlemen, is Confidence. That's it. It's the root of all style, and all attraction. It's the single most important tool you can possess, and is more powerful than we fully realize. Women instantly recognize it, and you will notice how quickly you feel completely different, and embrace it.
So where do we start? Well i can't very well ask you to feel instantly confident if you don't have it already in you. That wouldn't be fair. Each man is different, and each man has different factors in his life which contribute to his confidence, or subtract from it. I'm not a psychologist, and I am not about to get into all the tiny things you can do to create a confident self. SO, instead i have decided to give you some very easy and effective techniques to depict confidence...to wear a mask, if you will. Hopefully if you take my words to heart, and apply these tools, you will actually build real confidence within you, and be able to reach a level of style you never knew you could find. So what's first?
EYE CONTACT - This is massive, and is the number-one-first-and-foremost important aspect to confidence. Eye contact not only establishes contact, but the eyes are also very intimate. Think about it: you meet an attractive woman at the bar, and after just enough liquid courage, you walk over to say hello...what do you think is more attractive to her? Looking around the bar and at your shoes, or looking her dead in the eye and saying hello? Eye contact establishes confidence right out of the gate, and with enough practice, you can deliver messages with your eyes that she doesn't even know she's receiving. This is huge guys, and if you're too shy to even maintain eye contact for 5 seconds, then you're beyond my help sir. This is the first skill to learn. It doesn't matter if you're completely void of confidence, suck it up, look her in the eyes, and you have your foot in the door.
KNOW YOURSELF - What makes you happy? what 'pumps you up'? what makes you feel on top of the world? Think about that. Walk with that thought in your brain. Carry yourself as if you're untouchable. It may sound stupid, but it does wonders not only for your own confidence, but how you are perceived by everyone around you.
BODY LANGUAGE - This goes hand in hand with the above tactic. Once you have found that 'zone' that makes you happy and feel invincible, focus on your body language. Square your shoulders, keep your chin up (but not in the air like you're a snob or trying to hide a bald spot). Walk confidently, shake hands with conviction. These are all small details that all add up to, or at least the perception of, confidence. Think of it as saving your money for something you really want; even though you may only be placing in a couple dollars at a time, every little bit helps. Combine your body language with sustained eye contact, and you sir, are on the road to success.
JUST BE YOURSELF - Forget the bullshit you see on tv. Ignore the chick flicks and the stuff you've read in your last girlfriend's cosmo. Ignore all the stuff you think you should say or do, and just be yourself. And for the love of all the women in the world, do NOT, under any circumstances use a lame pickup line. It's not hard guys, JUST BE YOU. Women are not some sort of mythical goddesses that you need to prove yourself to in order to receive some magical passport to a wonderful land full of unicorns and forbidden fruit. They're humans like you are. They feel nervous, they are shy, they are all the things that you are (except maybe not as hairy or gassy), so remember that it's most likely they are feeling all the same stuff you are. Relax.
ADMIT FAULTS - This is going to be a hard one for a lot of guys to do, but it works. it shows that you are secure with yourself (even if you're not), and makes you much less intimidating, and defuses the whole situation. What i mean is, if you stutter, or are at a loss of words, or are feeling overwhelmingly nervous, then do something unheard of: Admit it. Saying something as simple as "wow, sorry i am nervous" has more power than you even realize. It immediately makes the situation more comfortable. The fact that you can admit your nervousness can allow her to either admit her own, or find it very cute that you admitted yours, or both. So swallow your pride, since the secure and open man is much more attractive to women than the close off tough guy. And if she prefers the closed off tough guy, then you can walk away, since she has some growing up to do.
Guys, that's about it. I can't tell you how to BE confident in yourself, but with these tips, hopefully you will get a good enough response to boost your confidence to where these all become second nature to you. I've said it many times, but i will say it again, STYLE is not all about the clothes you wear. It's about YOU, and how you carry yourself in every way. You can wear everything the magazines tell you to, but if you're not confident in yourself, then you're just wearing clothes.
Until next time gents, stay classy
SG
Monday, October 3, 2011
Issue # 46 - The little things
Issue # 46 - The little things
Hello there gentlemen! How are we this fine october day? I'm well, and i hope you are too. Now that the weather is a bit colder, and the styles are a bit more layered, intricate and put together, it's important to remember the tiny details of your look, as these are the most important details. It's the little things that can keep you just shy of looking fantastic. Sometimes these are so easy to overlook or completely forget about, but it can really make a massive difference. Some of them i have mentioned in past blogs, others i haven't, but they are all important, so check it out!!
1 - Proportion, Proportion, Proportion
Did i mention it's all about proportion? When you see a photo of someone dressed to the nines, something your subconscious notices is that everything is in proportion. Not only are they dressed to their body type (ie, long torso, short legs, etc), but all the details of their look are proportioned. One of the BIGGEST mistakes i see today is the miscommunication of tie to lapel. There are guys with big fat jacket lapels wearing super rockstar skinny ties, and guys with super skinny hipster lapels, with big giant 1980s power ties. THIS DOESN'T WORK. The rule of thumb is that the width of your tie at the widest point should mirror the width of your lapel at the widest point. This of course, like everything can be adjusted to your personal style, but for the most part it's something not to shy away from. Now, i am on a budget just like you are, so instead of spending ridiculous money on a bunch of jackets and a bunch of ties, just try to remember to put thinner ties with thinner lapels, and visa versa. No one will break out the ruler to make sure, but your look will immediately seem more put together.
The proportion detail also goes for every other part of your look. Longer winter jacket? Clip it between just below the waist and haf way down your thigh. Don't let it touch your knee, or it will look far too long. Wearing skinny jeans? use a top or jacket that is equally proportional, or you will end up looking like a Milli Vanilli wannabe. It's ALL about proportion.
2 - NO detail is too small.
There is nothing that should be overlooked in your look, ESPECIALLY if it's a formal or special occasion where looking good is very important. Gents, I am talking about the very tiny, minute details that are often overlooked; Wearing a tie? make sure the back of your collar is pulled tight and crisp, and be SURE it covers the tie. A little bit of tie poking out the bottom, no matter how little, can take the shine off your look in an instant. Wearing a tie bar? be sure you have one that fits your tie. They come in all sizes, for all sizes of ties, so use a small one for skinny ties, etc. and try to always ensure it's perfectly straight. A little bit of moving around throughout the night is obviously going to happen, but for pictures, and the beginning of the night, be sure it's straight as an arrow, to get that polished look you're trying to get. Showing some ankle? Then make sure your socks are perfect. If you're matching socks to pants, be sure they aren't faded more than your pants or it will look odd. Doing the coloured sock pop? Then be sure the colours work with what you're wearing and aren't just shock value.
I know these may seem trivial, but there is a lot to be said about nailing the small details. They may be tiny little things, but when all put together, they make the total difference in how you look, how you are perceived and how you carry yourself.
3- Back to BASICS
Guys, the majority of the little things can be covered right off the bat if you just remember the basics. Things every man should know and have in his style arsenal: Ties should run button to button. That means from your top collar button to the button on your pants. Your tie should NEVER exceed past your belt line. If it does, it's too long. You can toy around with making it shorter, but be cautious, it's a style that can be hard to pull off. Wearing black pants and black shoes? then NEVER wear white socks. It doesn't look good. period. As i write this, i am sitting behind a gentleman wearing a full black outfit, and very blatantly obvious white sweat socks (with gray heels and toes it would seem). This should never happen. ever. don't even think it. Having a pop of colour in your socks is encouraged, but white is a no-no. You know this guys. These are all basics.
If you pay attention to the little details guys, you should have no problem looking perfectly put together every time. One more thing, and this is exremely important: Please try your best to show your underwear as little as possible. It really doesn't look cool. Pull your pants up and be a big boy ok? Thanks.
Until next time,
Cheers!
SG
Hello there gentlemen! How are we this fine october day? I'm well, and i hope you are too. Now that the weather is a bit colder, and the styles are a bit more layered, intricate and put together, it's important to remember the tiny details of your look, as these are the most important details. It's the little things that can keep you just shy of looking fantastic. Sometimes these are so easy to overlook or completely forget about, but it can really make a massive difference. Some of them i have mentioned in past blogs, others i haven't, but they are all important, so check it out!!
1 - Proportion, Proportion, Proportion
Did i mention it's all about proportion? When you see a photo of someone dressed to the nines, something your subconscious notices is that everything is in proportion. Not only are they dressed to their body type (ie, long torso, short legs, etc), but all the details of their look are proportioned. One of the BIGGEST mistakes i see today is the miscommunication of tie to lapel. There are guys with big fat jacket lapels wearing super rockstar skinny ties, and guys with super skinny hipster lapels, with big giant 1980s power ties. THIS DOESN'T WORK. The rule of thumb is that the width of your tie at the widest point should mirror the width of your lapel at the widest point. This of course, like everything can be adjusted to your personal style, but for the most part it's something not to shy away from. Now, i am on a budget just like you are, so instead of spending ridiculous money on a bunch of jackets and a bunch of ties, just try to remember to put thinner ties with thinner lapels, and visa versa. No one will break out the ruler to make sure, but your look will immediately seem more put together.
The proportion detail also goes for every other part of your look. Longer winter jacket? Clip it between just below the waist and haf way down your thigh. Don't let it touch your knee, or it will look far too long. Wearing skinny jeans? use a top or jacket that is equally proportional, or you will end up looking like a Milli Vanilli wannabe. It's ALL about proportion.
2 - NO detail is too small.
There is nothing that should be overlooked in your look, ESPECIALLY if it's a formal or special occasion where looking good is very important. Gents, I am talking about the very tiny, minute details that are often overlooked; Wearing a tie? make sure the back of your collar is pulled tight and crisp, and be SURE it covers the tie. A little bit of tie poking out the bottom, no matter how little, can take the shine off your look in an instant. Wearing a tie bar? be sure you have one that fits your tie. They come in all sizes, for all sizes of ties, so use a small one for skinny ties, etc. and try to always ensure it's perfectly straight. A little bit of moving around throughout the night is obviously going to happen, but for pictures, and the beginning of the night, be sure it's straight as an arrow, to get that polished look you're trying to get. Showing some ankle? Then make sure your socks are perfect. If you're matching socks to pants, be sure they aren't faded more than your pants or it will look odd. Doing the coloured sock pop? Then be sure the colours work with what you're wearing and aren't just shock value.
I know these may seem trivial, but there is a lot to be said about nailing the small details. They may be tiny little things, but when all put together, they make the total difference in how you look, how you are perceived and how you carry yourself.
3- Back to BASICS
Guys, the majority of the little things can be covered right off the bat if you just remember the basics. Things every man should know and have in his style arsenal: Ties should run button to button. That means from your top collar button to the button on your pants. Your tie should NEVER exceed past your belt line. If it does, it's too long. You can toy around with making it shorter, but be cautious, it's a style that can be hard to pull off. Wearing black pants and black shoes? then NEVER wear white socks. It doesn't look good. period. As i write this, i am sitting behind a gentleman wearing a full black outfit, and very blatantly obvious white sweat socks (with gray heels and toes it would seem). This should never happen. ever. don't even think it. Having a pop of colour in your socks is encouraged, but white is a no-no. You know this guys. These are all basics.
If you pay attention to the little details guys, you should have no problem looking perfectly put together every time. One more thing, and this is exremely important: Please try your best to show your underwear as little as possible. It really doesn't look cool. Pull your pants up and be a big boy ok? Thanks.
Until next time,
Cheers!
SG
Monday, September 26, 2011
Issue # 45 - New Smells for a new season
issue # 45 - New smells for a new season!
Well hello gents. It's been a while since i've reviewed some fragrances, and i figured it was about time to get back to it! Recently i've tested some great new smells, and I am very much excited to share them with you. The autumn usually brings out a bunch of new smells, and below i've listed 3 of them that i highly recommend. So without further ado, here they are!
Hugo Boss Just Different -
After several let downs with Hugo Boss scents, I was reluctant to try this one. To be honest, the only reason I paid any attention to this one at all was because the spokesperson is Jared Leto, whose music and personal style i am a large fan of, and because of the bottle itself; red on black is a slightly sinister combination that stands out among ornate glass bottles and frilly design of other fragrances. All things considered, I was still expecting a let down typical of recent hugo boss scents; heavily synthetic smells with no real personality, a lot of chemical essence, and an extremely short life span. However, I am very hapy to announce that "Just Different" is just that: Different. It's a bright, refreshing scent that opens with a blast of mint, but mellows into a heart that blends cool citrus with warm notes of basil, transforming it into a completely different character. The basenotes are what gives this scent its massive uniqueness, evolving into a rich, warm, masculine scent of patchouli and cashmeran, which in itself is a combination of several warm, intimate scents. This is an absolutely perfect everyday fragrance for the man on the go, transitioning flawlessly from a busy workday to a mellow date night. It screams confidence and energy, and i highly suggest this as a staple in your collection.
CK ONE Shock -
Again, being a man who loves marketing and great packaging, this bottle jumped out at me. It's shaped like the traditional CK ONE bottles, but is glossy black with a neon green "SHOCK" added to look like graffiti. The ad campaign is similar, using a lot of grainy security cam type images with a noticeably green overtone to them. From looking at these two aspects, I expected this scent to be somewhat dramatic, highly explosive and colourful...upon spraying, it wasn't nearly what i thought it would be.
Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad scent at all, as i will soon tell you. It just caught me off guard, as the marketing and the product don't match each other, in my humble opinion. Much like Tommy Hilfiger's "LOUD" was rather quiet. That being said though, Shock is actually a ridiculously complex and compelling scent. I've worn it a few times, and have fallen in love with it, although never being able to place the notes...it is a soft, yet attention getting scent, with a vanilla-esque warmth to it; familiar and comforting. But there was something i just couldn't place, and it drove me crazy. As i researched the notes of this scent, i was absolutely floored when i saw what it includes. The top notes are a great mix of tangerine and cucumber, mixed with...get this: RED BULL. Yes, the energy drink. This has to be a first for the fragrance world, and it makes total sense why it was a familiar, yet unplaceable scent. It goes on to mellow into some of my favourite heart and base notes of Tobacco, black pepper and cardamom, and is a very long lasting scent. I suggest this for night time use, or any time you really want to make an impression. The most shocking part of Shock? How many compliments i've received while wearing it. One last thing, it's a potent scent, so don't overdo it. This one whispers and screams at the same time.
John Varvatos USA -
I end today's issue with one of my very favourite line of scents, and favourite designer, John Varvatos. I have reviewed almost all of his fragrances (there are still 2 i can't seem to get my hands on), and it's no secret that I absolutely love everything this man does. His newest scent is no exception and I'm quite excited to write about it. You'll notice that he has discarded his trademark bottle shape, for a much different, much more dynamic flacon. It has a spring loaded cap and a sleek bottle, and is undoubtedly masculine. The top of the cap, is apparently inspired by a subway token, which i find very intriguing. The most intriguing part of this though is, not surprisingly, the fragrance. My nose expected a familiarity of his fragrances; heavy orange influence with tobacco and leather, as several of his scents use in varying levels. What i got was something extremely unexpected. John Varvatos USA uses top notes of red ginger from Laos, juniper berries and cedrat. The heart blends blue spruce, green cardamom absolute and osmanthus absolute, while a base introduces vetiver, Venezuela tonka and belambre. It's highly complex yet suprisingly light and crisp, fusing the high energy networker and the laid back artist. Varvatos says this scent is for a man who loves wearing jeans and dresses unconventionally, and for a man who is effortlessly charming and confident. If that sounds like you, or who you want to be, then i highly suggest this one. It's at the top of my list for my next addition to my collection, and i hope you dig it too!
Well gents, that's all for now. I am eagerly awaiting a test of the new YSL fragrance, and will let you know when i get it. Until next time gents,
SG
Well hello gents. It's been a while since i've reviewed some fragrances, and i figured it was about time to get back to it! Recently i've tested some great new smells, and I am very much excited to share them with you. The autumn usually brings out a bunch of new smells, and below i've listed 3 of them that i highly recommend. So without further ado, here they are!
After several let downs with Hugo Boss scents, I was reluctant to try this one. To be honest, the only reason I paid any attention to this one at all was because the spokesperson is Jared Leto, whose music and personal style i am a large fan of, and because of the bottle itself; red on black is a slightly sinister combination that stands out among ornate glass bottles and frilly design of other fragrances. All things considered, I was still expecting a let down typical of recent hugo boss scents; heavily synthetic smells with no real personality, a lot of chemical essence, and an extremely short life span. However, I am very hapy to announce that "Just Different" is just that: Different. It's a bright, refreshing scent that opens with a blast of mint, but mellows into a heart that blends cool citrus with warm notes of basil, transforming it into a completely different character. The basenotes are what gives this scent its massive uniqueness, evolving into a rich, warm, masculine scent of patchouli and cashmeran, which in itself is a combination of several warm, intimate scents. This is an absolutely perfect everyday fragrance for the man on the go, transitioning flawlessly from a busy workday to a mellow date night. It screams confidence and energy, and i highly suggest this as a staple in your collection.
Again, being a man who loves marketing and great packaging, this bottle jumped out at me. It's shaped like the traditional CK ONE bottles, but is glossy black with a neon green "SHOCK" added to look like graffiti. The ad campaign is similar, using a lot of grainy security cam type images with a noticeably green overtone to them. From looking at these two aspects, I expected this scent to be somewhat dramatic, highly explosive and colourful...upon spraying, it wasn't nearly what i thought it would be.
Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad scent at all, as i will soon tell you. It just caught me off guard, as the marketing and the product don't match each other, in my humble opinion. Much like Tommy Hilfiger's "LOUD" was rather quiet. That being said though, Shock is actually a ridiculously complex and compelling scent. I've worn it a few times, and have fallen in love with it, although never being able to place the notes...it is a soft, yet attention getting scent, with a vanilla-esque warmth to it; familiar and comforting. But there was something i just couldn't place, and it drove me crazy. As i researched the notes of this scent, i was absolutely floored when i saw what it includes. The top notes are a great mix of tangerine and cucumber, mixed with...get this: RED BULL. Yes, the energy drink. This has to be a first for the fragrance world, and it makes total sense why it was a familiar, yet unplaceable scent. It goes on to mellow into some of my favourite heart and base notes of Tobacco, black pepper and cardamom, and is a very long lasting scent. I suggest this for night time use, or any time you really want to make an impression. The most shocking part of Shock? How many compliments i've received while wearing it. One last thing, it's a potent scent, so don't overdo it. This one whispers and screams at the same time.
I end today's issue with one of my very favourite line of scents, and favourite designer, John Varvatos. I have reviewed almost all of his fragrances (there are still 2 i can't seem to get my hands on), and it's no secret that I absolutely love everything this man does. His newest scent is no exception and I'm quite excited to write about it. You'll notice that he has discarded his trademark bottle shape, for a much different, much more dynamic flacon. It has a spring loaded cap and a sleek bottle, and is undoubtedly masculine. The top of the cap, is apparently inspired by a subway token, which i find very intriguing. The most intriguing part of this though is, not surprisingly, the fragrance. My nose expected a familiarity of his fragrances; heavy orange influence with tobacco and leather, as several of his scents use in varying levels. What i got was something extremely unexpected. John Varvatos USA uses top notes of red ginger from Laos, juniper berries and cedrat. The heart blends blue spruce, green cardamom absolute and osmanthus absolute, while a base introduces vetiver, Venezuela tonka and belambre. It's highly complex yet suprisingly light and crisp, fusing the high energy networker and the laid back artist. Varvatos says this scent is for a man who loves wearing jeans and dresses unconventionally, and for a man who is effortlessly charming and confident. If that sounds like you, or who you want to be, then i highly suggest this one. It's at the top of my list for my next addition to my collection, and i hope you dig it too!
Well gents, that's all for now. I am eagerly awaiting a test of the new YSL fragrance, and will let you know when i get it. Until next time gents,
SG
Friday, September 23, 2011
Issue #44 - The Fine line
Issue #44 - The Fine Line
Hello gents! Well fall is officially here, which means that any store that carries good men's clothing will be carrying a lot of the items (or similar items) to what you've (hopefully) been seeing in men's style magazines. GQ just released 2 great style issues, and SHARP just released the massive fall issue of their style guide. They're both available at corner stores, so you have no excuses.
That being said, this issue is being written specifically about the looks you see in stores and magazines. I call this issue the fine line because there is indeed a very fine line between dressing well, and dressing like a mindless clone. Gents, if there is one thing that i hope this blog has taught you, it's that style is not just about what you wear. It's about your own personal style working with your clothes. If your outfit doesn't speak a story about you, then you've wasted your time and money, and that's just not good, now is it?
For example. Today i saw a young guy, wearing an outfit completely constructed out of what were obviously all brand new clothes. These clothes looked to have also all been bought together, with this particular outfit in mind. This is definitely something i applaud, and i think many, MANY more men should shop with outfits in mind. All things considered, it was a decent outfit, and probably would look extremely well put together on a store mannequin, as it was most likely taken from one. Yet something about him looked off. His look may be deemed "stylish" but it lacked any essence of personality. There were no objects or accessories that spoke about him. The clothes were too new to have any wear patterns on them. He fell into the trap of trying too hard to look good, and ended up being invisible; a trap that far too many men fall into.
Never fear gents, this can be avoided. The first and easiest way to keep from crossing this very dangerous line is simply knowing yourself. What are your colours? We all have different skin tones and we all have colours that just click for us. Some of you can work anything, others cannot. This young man didn't do the most basic of basic research on himself. He has black hair, and dark features, and admittedly "fake and bakes", giving his skin a decently dark, albeit fake, hue. Now the rules of thumb would say to put him in lighter colours, however on this particular gentleman, darker colours work much better. He unfortunately opted for a pink/orange/green large checkered button down over a crisp white v neck tee. Either of these items on their own would have been fine, but he just simply didn't do any studying. He completed the outfit with a pair of navy blue pants, and gray espadrilles, with no socks. Again, totally stylish items, but when paired with the rest of the outfit, and no personality, they fall flat and don't have the impact they should.
So. How do we avoid this? First, know your colours. If you know you look good in blues, then work with those. Expand and push your boundary, but don't take it too far. This dude should not have been wearing bright checkers, and to a certain extent, although a white v neck is my number one go-to classic item, on him, it fell flat. He would have looked much better in a black or charcoal shirt.
The second step is almost as easy as the first: Try not to wear too many new items at once. Why? because even though they might look awesome, they haven't been worn in, and don't have that patina that other clothes have. Believe it or not, the simple washing of an item a few times can give it a whole new vibe. Now this doesn't apply ALL the time. If you're going to bust out a brand spanking new outfit, anchor it with a couple items of your own to bring out your personality. For example, the other night I wore a brand new blazer over a brand new vest...but anchored it with worn in jeans and some beat up boots. The result? A clean, new stylish outlook with lived-in appeal. A good friend of mine wore an almost entirely brand new outfit, and completed it with a brand new accessory, and totally rocked it. All she added of old items were a black tank top and aviators. But she worked it. So there are exceptions to every rule guys.
Bottom line, do your homework. It sucks to admit to yourself that you just can't pull off a look, but unfortunately it's a part of life. There have been many times where i've had to reluctantly hang an item back up on the rack because, as much as i loved it, i just couldn't pull it off. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO YOUR OWN PERSONALITY. Bring yourself out in your look guys. It makes the entire difference between looking top notch, and looking like a copycat. Trust me.
I have a few more issues ready to go guys, so i will see you soon!
SG
Hello gents! Well fall is officially here, which means that any store that carries good men's clothing will be carrying a lot of the items (or similar items) to what you've (hopefully) been seeing in men's style magazines. GQ just released 2 great style issues, and SHARP just released the massive fall issue of their style guide. They're both available at corner stores, so you have no excuses.
That being said, this issue is being written specifically about the looks you see in stores and magazines. I call this issue the fine line because there is indeed a very fine line between dressing well, and dressing like a mindless clone. Gents, if there is one thing that i hope this blog has taught you, it's that style is not just about what you wear. It's about your own personal style working with your clothes. If your outfit doesn't speak a story about you, then you've wasted your time and money, and that's just not good, now is it?
For example. Today i saw a young guy, wearing an outfit completely constructed out of what were obviously all brand new clothes. These clothes looked to have also all been bought together, with this particular outfit in mind. This is definitely something i applaud, and i think many, MANY more men should shop with outfits in mind. All things considered, it was a decent outfit, and probably would look extremely well put together on a store mannequin, as it was most likely taken from one. Yet something about him looked off. His look may be deemed "stylish" but it lacked any essence of personality. There were no objects or accessories that spoke about him. The clothes were too new to have any wear patterns on them. He fell into the trap of trying too hard to look good, and ended up being invisible; a trap that far too many men fall into.
Never fear gents, this can be avoided. The first and easiest way to keep from crossing this very dangerous line is simply knowing yourself. What are your colours? We all have different skin tones and we all have colours that just click for us. Some of you can work anything, others cannot. This young man didn't do the most basic of basic research on himself. He has black hair, and dark features, and admittedly "fake and bakes", giving his skin a decently dark, albeit fake, hue. Now the rules of thumb would say to put him in lighter colours, however on this particular gentleman, darker colours work much better. He unfortunately opted for a pink/orange/green large checkered button down over a crisp white v neck tee. Either of these items on their own would have been fine, but he just simply didn't do any studying. He completed the outfit with a pair of navy blue pants, and gray espadrilles, with no socks. Again, totally stylish items, but when paired with the rest of the outfit, and no personality, they fall flat and don't have the impact they should.
So. How do we avoid this? First, know your colours. If you know you look good in blues, then work with those. Expand and push your boundary, but don't take it too far. This dude should not have been wearing bright checkers, and to a certain extent, although a white v neck is my number one go-to classic item, on him, it fell flat. He would have looked much better in a black or charcoal shirt.
The second step is almost as easy as the first: Try not to wear too many new items at once. Why? because even though they might look awesome, they haven't been worn in, and don't have that patina that other clothes have. Believe it or not, the simple washing of an item a few times can give it a whole new vibe. Now this doesn't apply ALL the time. If you're going to bust out a brand spanking new outfit, anchor it with a couple items of your own to bring out your personality. For example, the other night I wore a brand new blazer over a brand new vest...but anchored it with worn in jeans and some beat up boots. The result? A clean, new stylish outlook with lived-in appeal. A good friend of mine wore an almost entirely brand new outfit, and completed it with a brand new accessory, and totally rocked it. All she added of old items were a black tank top and aviators. But she worked it. So there are exceptions to every rule guys.
Bottom line, do your homework. It sucks to admit to yourself that you just can't pull off a look, but unfortunately it's a part of life. There have been many times where i've had to reluctantly hang an item back up on the rack because, as much as i loved it, i just couldn't pull it off. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO YOUR OWN PERSONALITY. Bring yourself out in your look guys. It makes the entire difference between looking top notch, and looking like a copycat. Trust me.
I have a few more issues ready to go guys, so i will see you soon!
SG
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Issue #43 - Fall Back In
Issue #43 - Fall Back In
Well hello gentlemen! It's been a long summer, and while many beers, barbecues and bonfires were had, there was also a lot of writing for a whole new round of issues for the fall and winter. Since the weather is starting to (kind of ) cool down, and as you know am admittedly an autumn freak, I decided to start the new issues with something I always think is a great welcome to the colourful season ahead: Cocktails.
br>
There's just something about sitting outside on a cold autumn night, sipping on a warming little ditty you mixed up at your bar. Whether it be a glass of red, or a simple splash of spirts, or an intricate mix, there's an autumn drink for everyone. Below, i've listed my favourite classics, as well as a few new ones and some in betweens. Cheers!
The Good Life - Cabernet Merlot
Maybe it's just me (it probably is), but since i've switched my preference to red this summer, but i find white wines to be more "daytime" or "Summer" wines, and reds to be more night time, and autumn-ish. That being said, In preparation for the coming fall, i've sampled several red wines of all different varieties. Some very good, some pretty bad, and all an experience. I've learned a lot about wines this summer, and what i have discovered the most, is that ultimately wine is all about your personal taste. If you like it, then who cares how much it cost or where it's from.
That being said however, there is still something to be said for enjoying a great wine, and serving a great wine to your hopeful female company. Thus, after rigorous testing, I still will suggest picking up "The Good Life" Cabernet Merlot. I've given it glowing reviews in previous issues, and it still ranks high on my tastebuds. It's a big red wine with lingering flavour, and a little price tag. At only $12.95 a bottle, it's a total deal, and the hip retro 50s artwork will inspire conversation in an awkward silence emergency.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt -
Not a Scotch guy? Neither was I, nor would I call myself a scotch guy at this point in my life. But that doesn't mean that i don't enjoy a glass every now and then. I've recently attended a mini seminar on spirits and have learned a significant amount about a type of alcohol i've always been a stranger to. This was the scotch that i started on, and it coincidentally happens to be highly recommended as a starter scotch in general. Not implying that it's not high quality or less flavourful than others, but that it's palate is mellow and is more tolerable to a beginner scotch drinker.
Pour an ounce into a glass and try it for yourself. It should be enjoyed at room temperature, and enjoyed neat, or wish a small splash of water to open up the flavours. Rocks, or mixing is not "acceptable", but if you're training at home, feel free to add some cubes, or a small splash of ginger to get yourself acquainted with the unfamiliar tastes.
The Kraken Spiced Rum -
There is a distinct autumn quality to this rum, both in its taste, and its outstanding design and marketing. It's definitely a conversation piece and a fantastic bottle that you will want to be seen. But above all that, it's a dark, hearty spiced rum that pairs perfectly with that 'it's not that cold out but my nose is kinda numb' feeling, after raking a pile of leaves, or putting up halloween decorations. The great thing about this rum though, is its versatility. It's fantastic neat, on the rocks or mixed with cola, but my favourite way to enjoy it is with hot apple cider and cinnamon. It's a perfect warming drink for a late afternoon chill, and nothing says you can't bring a flask along with you for unexpected apple cider encounters. It's smooth, spicy and a perfect addition to the fall. Once it gets a little colder heading into winter, switch it up with the super cinnamon and vanilla kick of Lamb's Black Sheep Spiced rum, for something festive. And hey, try them both with Egg Nog. You won't be disappointed.
Disaronno Amaretto -
This one is simple gentlemen. It's sweet, warm and syrupy. It mixes with just about anything you can think of. It's easy to drink, and ladies usually like it. It's a no brainer. Mix it how you please, but i suggest either neat at room temperature, or with a few rocks.
Want an added autumn kick? Disaronno also happens to pair perfectly with cherry tobacco. If you don't have a pipe, that's just fine, but if you do, try it...it's a fantastic match.
The Manhattan -
A classic for a reason, The Manhattan is an absolutely perfect autumn cocktail, and it's pretty idiot proof. All you need is rye, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters. Traditionally, you would add ice and bitters to your glass, while adding 2 parts rye and 1 part vermouth to a shaker of ice. Shake, strain, garnish with a lemon twist and cherry. Done. It's a perfect combination of sweet and bitter, and is a perfectly classy drink. Experiment with changing the ingredients if you desire; swapping rye for bourbon (i prefer maker's mark but the new Jim Beam Red Stag bourbon will add a hit of black cherry to the drink), or use flavoured bitters instead of the traditional. (I use peach bitters occasionally to brighten it up a tad).
Finally, for those of you gents who are tried and true beer guys, I didn't forget about you! Below i have listed 2 superb autumn beers:
Muskoka Breweries "MAD TOM" IPA -
This beer is absolutely fantastic. While some may argue this as a summer beer, i really do prefer it as an autumn beer. It's crisp and refreshing, and full of hoppy goodness, as all IPAs should be. But what this one has that sets it apart is a very distinct grapefruit/citrus taste. It's unexpected, but very welcome. I am not talking about artificial, overpowering, sweet candy grapefruit taste. This has an almost bitter, real grapefruit note to it, which is all at once unsettling, but very intriguing. I'll admit that on first taste, i was a little thrown off, but after the first bottle, i realized that it really is as refreshing as the first sweater day of autumn. And it's the perfect bonfire companion...besides that cutie you've been eyeing all night.
HOBGOBLIN ALE -
This, is by far my favourite autumn beer thus far. I discovered it a couple of years ago, and bought it simply because of the label (i am a huge halloween fan). It's an absolutely fantastic brew, with notes of toffee and chocolate in it's rich dark hue. It's good chilled or at room temperature, and i prefer mine to be somewhere in between. it's definitely not a light beer, and it's got a lot more flavour than a lager, so if you're a coors light guy (which i really, really hope you're not), then this will take some getting used to. But hey, even if you have a bottle around for the sheer look of it, it will inspire conversation and imagination.
Well there you have it gents! Stock your bars with any or all of the above, and you'll be ready for the autumn ahead. Now grab a sweater, fix a drink, and go watch the leaves change.
Until next time,
SG
Well hello gentlemen! It's been a long summer, and while many beers, barbecues and bonfires were had, there was also a lot of writing for a whole new round of issues for the fall and winter. Since the weather is starting to (kind of ) cool down, and as you know am admittedly an autumn freak, I decided to start the new issues with something I always think is a great welcome to the colourful season ahead: Cocktails.
br>
There's just something about sitting outside on a cold autumn night, sipping on a warming little ditty you mixed up at your bar. Whether it be a glass of red, or a simple splash of spirts, or an intricate mix, there's an autumn drink for everyone. Below, i've listed my favourite classics, as well as a few new ones and some in betweens. Cheers!
Maybe it's just me (it probably is), but since i've switched my preference to red this summer, but i find white wines to be more "daytime" or "Summer" wines, and reds to be more night time, and autumn-ish. That being said, In preparation for the coming fall, i've sampled several red wines of all different varieties. Some very good, some pretty bad, and all an experience. I've learned a lot about wines this summer, and what i have discovered the most, is that ultimately wine is all about your personal taste. If you like it, then who cares how much it cost or where it's from.
That being said however, there is still something to be said for enjoying a great wine, and serving a great wine to your hopeful female company. Thus, after rigorous testing, I still will suggest picking up "The Good Life" Cabernet Merlot. I've given it glowing reviews in previous issues, and it still ranks high on my tastebuds. It's a big red wine with lingering flavour, and a little price tag. At only $12.95 a bottle, it's a total deal, and the hip retro 50s artwork will inspire conversation in an awkward silence emergency.
Not a Scotch guy? Neither was I, nor would I call myself a scotch guy at this point in my life. But that doesn't mean that i don't enjoy a glass every now and then. I've recently attended a mini seminar on spirits and have learned a significant amount about a type of alcohol i've always been a stranger to. This was the scotch that i started on, and it coincidentally happens to be highly recommended as a starter scotch in general. Not implying that it's not high quality or less flavourful than others, but that it's palate is mellow and is more tolerable to a beginner scotch drinker.
Pour an ounce into a glass and try it for yourself. It should be enjoyed at room temperature, and enjoyed neat, or wish a small splash of water to open up the flavours. Rocks, or mixing is not "acceptable", but if you're training at home, feel free to add some cubes, or a small splash of ginger to get yourself acquainted with the unfamiliar tastes.
There is a distinct autumn quality to this rum, both in its taste, and its outstanding design and marketing. It's definitely a conversation piece and a fantastic bottle that you will want to be seen. But above all that, it's a dark, hearty spiced rum that pairs perfectly with that 'it's not that cold out but my nose is kinda numb' feeling, after raking a pile of leaves, or putting up halloween decorations. The great thing about this rum though, is its versatility. It's fantastic neat, on the rocks or mixed with cola, but my favourite way to enjoy it is with hot apple cider and cinnamon. It's a perfect warming drink for a late afternoon chill, and nothing says you can't bring a flask along with you for unexpected apple cider encounters. It's smooth, spicy and a perfect addition to the fall. Once it gets a little colder heading into winter, switch it up with the super cinnamon and vanilla kick of Lamb's Black Sheep Spiced rum, for something festive. And hey, try them both with Egg Nog. You won't be disappointed.
This one is simple gentlemen. It's sweet, warm and syrupy. It mixes with just about anything you can think of. It's easy to drink, and ladies usually like it. It's a no brainer. Mix it how you please, but i suggest either neat at room temperature, or with a few rocks.
Want an added autumn kick? Disaronno also happens to pair perfectly with cherry tobacco. If you don't have a pipe, that's just fine, but if you do, try it...it's a fantastic match.
The Manhattan -
A classic for a reason, The Manhattan is an absolutely perfect autumn cocktail, and it's pretty idiot proof. All you need is rye, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters. Traditionally, you would add ice and bitters to your glass, while adding 2 parts rye and 1 part vermouth to a shaker of ice. Shake, strain, garnish with a lemon twist and cherry. Done. It's a perfect combination of sweet and bitter, and is a perfectly classy drink. Experiment with changing the ingredients if you desire; swapping rye for bourbon (i prefer maker's mark but the new Jim Beam Red Stag bourbon will add a hit of black cherry to the drink), or use flavoured bitters instead of the traditional. (I use peach bitters occasionally to brighten it up a tad).
Finally, for those of you gents who are tried and true beer guys, I didn't forget about you! Below i have listed 2 superb autumn beers:
This beer is absolutely fantastic. While some may argue this as a summer beer, i really do prefer it as an autumn beer. It's crisp and refreshing, and full of hoppy goodness, as all IPAs should be. But what this one has that sets it apart is a very distinct grapefruit/citrus taste. It's unexpected, but very welcome. I am not talking about artificial, overpowering, sweet candy grapefruit taste. This has an almost bitter, real grapefruit note to it, which is all at once unsettling, but very intriguing. I'll admit that on first taste, i was a little thrown off, but after the first bottle, i realized that it really is as refreshing as the first sweater day of autumn. And it's the perfect bonfire companion...besides that cutie you've been eyeing all night.
This, is by far my favourite autumn beer thus far. I discovered it a couple of years ago, and bought it simply because of the label (i am a huge halloween fan). It's an absolutely fantastic brew, with notes of toffee and chocolate in it's rich dark hue. It's good chilled or at room temperature, and i prefer mine to be somewhere in between. it's definitely not a light beer, and it's got a lot more flavour than a lager, so if you're a coors light guy (which i really, really hope you're not), then this will take some getting used to. But hey, even if you have a bottle around for the sheer look of it, it will inspire conversation and imagination.
Well there you have it gents! Stock your bars with any or all of the above, and you'll be ready for the autumn ahead. Now grab a sweater, fix a drink, and go watch the leaves change.
Until next time,
SG
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Issue #42 - What you need for this spring!
Issue # 42 - What YOU need for this spring!
Well gents, the weather has broken, the snow is gone, and the leaves are in full bloom, and that means spring has sprung. Time to start breaking out all things spring, and putting away all things bleak, bland and winter-esque. If you're like me and have been preparing new looks and new ideas to break out once the snow has gone, then now's the time to do it! A few days ago, I began compiling a list of things you're going to need to fully embrace all that spring has to offer. Some of these things may not be to your taste, but i guarantee if you try them out, or put your own spin on them, then you will be as breezy as an early june afternoon.
Spring is an earthy season. Everything is coming out of its winter long sleep. Animals shed their winter coats, and you should as well. Indulge in the freedom of not having to wear layers and finally feel a breeze on your skin that won't give you frostbite.
Boat Shoes -
First thing first, get yourself a pair of boat shoes. I believe i mentioned these last issue, and there was some confusion as to what these were, and how to wear them. There were also a couple "are you serious?" comments. My only response to those is, Stop living in a cave, and pay attention to what's going on around you. Boat shoes are NOT just for boats. They come in a massive variety of colours, fabrics and styles and are insanely versatile. They can be dressed up or down, but are most useable in laid back atmospheres, where casual is the word of the day, but you can bring your own style to the table. The shoes pictured here are almost identical to the pair that i own, and i love to pair them with a slim pair of jeans, and a slightly messy dress shirt and an equally slightly messy tie. Try it out. You can wear socks with these if you wish, but i would completely advise against it. Showing ankle is actually a very cool thing to do.
Straw Fedora -
If you don't own at least one of these, GO. GET. ONE.
these hats are insanely versatile, super stylish, and add a certain flare to most outfits. * There are so many different ways to wear this hat; tilted far back, tilted low and forward, etc, each one giving a different vibe to your entire look, and changing peoples' perception as well as your own attitude. This hat is a complete throwback to the golden era, and is just as perfect with a shirt and tie as it is with a white t shirt and beer while mowing the lawn. So go make yourself a manhattan, light your pipe, and let summer come to you.
* This hat is not magical. It will not add flare to ALL outfits. By this, i mean do NOT wear this hat with a cheesy graphic tee, bad sandals (with socks especially), or anything that doesn't match the colour of your hat. Versatile or not, this hat is still an accessory, so colours and fabrics need to be taken into account. If you're dressed like a slob, this hat will only make you look worse. Trust me.
Coloured Wayfarers -
These have become essential spring/summer wear. They're overly simple, durable, and add a great pop of colour to your outfit. It's important to think spring here, and use these as a focal point, and not as a matching piece. You want them to be a statement, not matchy-matchy, which will look like you've tried way too hard. However, if you want to match a pair to your belt or shoes, then go for it! They're an idiot proof way to add flare without even trying. Oh, and don't worry about the name tag; Ray Ban made the originals, but if you don't have, or don't want to shell out the cash to get the real thing, there are a lot of accessible, super inexpensive knock offs that do the trick just fine. I own several myself, and trust me, when they get crushed in the bottom of your beach bag, or your buddy sits on them in your jeep, they're much less painful to replace.
The Linen Shirt -
Yes, it's finally time to break out your light colours again, which makes it finally ok to wear your crisp white shirts again. Or if you're like me, then you can continue to wear them. But why stick to the same old crisp cotton shirt, when you can opt for a light, airy linen shirt? It breathes excellent, and gives you that 'i'm in the tropics' feel when you're just sitting in your back yard. They're ok to look a little bit wrinkled, and also seem to hold fragrance a little bit better than most shirts, in my opinion.
The Right Music -
Music is completely a matter of preference, and this need for Spring is simply an opinion. When i think of spring, i think of Paris, and when i think of Paris, i think of sitting on a cafe patio, watching people walk by, sipping on a glass of wine, and listening to some vintage traditional French cafe music. I don't even know if that's the correct way to describe it, but that's how i describe it. I searched for a collection of these types of songs, and was totally lucky enough to stumble upon "Cafe De Paris", a compilation of the EXACT music i was looking for. Yes, it is very french, and it's totally an acquired taste, but for the right occasion, the right guests, the right drinks and the right atmosphere, it will set the scene of your party perfectly.
A good white wine -
You don't need to be a wine pro to know what tastes good and what doesn't. In today's world there are SO many options available, that wine no longer has to be an intimidating foe. I use white wine as an example here, but by all means, a good red wine is also a must have for the season. I try to have several bottles on hand at all times, usually of different types. White wines generally give the vibe of light airy sunny days, while reds, I find, are more intimate and formal. Just an opinion. For white wines, I usually go with a riesling, or an Unoaked or Lightly Oaked Chardonnay. I prefer Life is Good Unoaked Chardonnay, and also STRUT's Chardonista, pictured to the left. These wines are super inexpensive, and go really well with any afternoon patio or dinner party. Quick note, a lot of people "like" wine, but only if they're super cold. This is improper. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind for white wines, is to take them OUT of the fridge about a half hour before serving. They will be at approx. perfect temp for serving. The reason: Having your whites too cold will numb out the flavours of the wine giving a bland, watery taste. For red wines, do the opposite and put them IN the fridge a half hour before serving. The reason: Although many drink reds at room temp, sometimes this can cause the alcohol in the wine to take over the taste, not allowing the drinkers to get the full flavours. Chilling it allows the alcohol to mellow out a bit, and the real taste to come through.
At the end of this issue i will give you guys a great recipe for white wine, and some other treats.
NEW Eau de Lacoste (L.12.12) -
Of course, no issue of seasonal needs would be complete without a fragrance. In this case it is the fantastic new fragrance from Lacoste. The Eau de Lacoste line is brand new, and has 3 fragrances in the collection; White, Blue and Green, each with a distinctive personality. Similar to the 2010 release of Ralph Lauren's Big Pony line, except much, much better. After taking a little while to sample each scent, it was a hands down decision to go with White; a decision i have not regretted for a single moment. It's exactly how you would expect it to smell from looking at it; Pure, simple, clean and fresh. It starts out bright and airy, and unlike most new scents, it doesn't fade within an hour, it actually lasts. The more i smelled this on my skin, the happier i got. It brings to mind the sensation of a summer breeze blasting through the car windows as you cruise carelessly down the highway listening to death cab for cutie, or the excitement and anticipation of a first kiss on a windy summer night. It's an absolutely perfect release for spring/summer 2011, and it's definitely becoming one of my go-to fragrances. My next purchase (if you care to know) would be the green scent. Then the blue.
Well gentlemen, there you have it! My list of items you need to own for this spring! Did you notice anything? If not, go look again, i will wait.......are you back? And? ok fine, i will tell you. all of the above can be used together, and will work perfectly! Now if only you had a fantastic drink recipe and maybe a super easy light dinner idea for you and that certain someone on your patio...
The Summer Breeze (a style guy original)
1 oz Fragoli Strawberry Liqueur
4 oz white wine (chardonnay preferably)
splash of soda
Pour fragoli into wine glass, allowing some of the baby strawberries to fall in. These make a great visual garnish. Add wine, top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon twist. This is a perfect pre dinner cocktail, or after dinner drink. It's light and fruity, and insanely easy to make. But your guests don't need to know that.
Effortless Brie -
1 wheel of brie cheese
2 red onions
6 large white mushrooms
1 large white french baguette
this meal is insanely easy to make, but will taste like you're a pro, and impress the heck out of her. I guarantee it. Chop onions into strands. Chop mushrooms. Sautee them in butter until golden brown and translucent. Reduce to a slow simmer, to keep them warm. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place Brie in oven in a pyrex bowl or casserole dish. While brie is heating, cut the baguette into small squares. after about 20 - 25 minutes, stick a fork in the brie. If the centre is gooey, it's ready. Remove brie from oven, and cover with the onion and mushroom mixture. Cut brie open, letting the cheese ooze out. Serve immediately with bowl of bread squares and a spoon. Add pepper if desired. It's easy: dip the bread into the cheese and eat. It's a perfect meal for a romantic night and is guaranteed to spark conversation. Pair this with an Unoaked or Lightly Oaked chardonnay for an unreal taste combination. You can thank me later.
Until next time gents,
SG
Well gents, the weather has broken, the snow is gone, and the leaves are in full bloom, and that means spring has sprung. Time to start breaking out all things spring, and putting away all things bleak, bland and winter-esque. If you're like me and have been preparing new looks and new ideas to break out once the snow has gone, then now's the time to do it! A few days ago, I began compiling a list of things you're going to need to fully embrace all that spring has to offer. Some of these things may not be to your taste, but i guarantee if you try them out, or put your own spin on them, then you will be as breezy as an early june afternoon.
Spring is an earthy season. Everything is coming out of its winter long sleep. Animals shed their winter coats, and you should as well. Indulge in the freedom of not having to wear layers and finally feel a breeze on your skin that won't give you frostbite.
First thing first, get yourself a pair of boat shoes. I believe i mentioned these last issue, and there was some confusion as to what these were, and how to wear them. There were also a couple "are you serious?" comments. My only response to those is, Stop living in a cave, and pay attention to what's going on around you. Boat shoes are NOT just for boats. They come in a massive variety of colours, fabrics and styles and are insanely versatile. They can be dressed up or down, but are most useable in laid back atmospheres, where casual is the word of the day, but you can bring your own style to the table. The shoes pictured here are almost identical to the pair that i own, and i love to pair them with a slim pair of jeans, and a slightly messy dress shirt and an equally slightly messy tie. Try it out. You can wear socks with these if you wish, but i would completely advise against it. Showing ankle is actually a very cool thing to do.
If you don't own at least one of these, GO. GET. ONE.
these hats are insanely versatile, super stylish, and add a certain flare to most outfits. * There are so many different ways to wear this hat; tilted far back, tilted low and forward, etc, each one giving a different vibe to your entire look, and changing peoples' perception as well as your own attitude. This hat is a complete throwback to the golden era, and is just as perfect with a shirt and tie as it is with a white t shirt and beer while mowing the lawn. So go make yourself a manhattan, light your pipe, and let summer come to you.
* This hat is not magical. It will not add flare to ALL outfits. By this, i mean do NOT wear this hat with a cheesy graphic tee, bad sandals (with socks especially), or anything that doesn't match the colour of your hat. Versatile or not, this hat is still an accessory, so colours and fabrics need to be taken into account. If you're dressed like a slob, this hat will only make you look worse. Trust me.
These have become essential spring/summer wear. They're overly simple, durable, and add a great pop of colour to your outfit. It's important to think spring here, and use these as a focal point, and not as a matching piece. You want them to be a statement, not matchy-matchy, which will look like you've tried way too hard. However, if you want to match a pair to your belt or shoes, then go for it! They're an idiot proof way to add flare without even trying. Oh, and don't worry about the name tag; Ray Ban made the originals, but if you don't have, or don't want to shell out the cash to get the real thing, there are a lot of accessible, super inexpensive knock offs that do the trick just fine. I own several myself, and trust me, when they get crushed in the bottom of your beach bag, or your buddy sits on them in your jeep, they're much less painful to replace.
Yes, it's finally time to break out your light colours again, which makes it finally ok to wear your crisp white shirts again. Or if you're like me, then you can continue to wear them. But why stick to the same old crisp cotton shirt, when you can opt for a light, airy linen shirt? It breathes excellent, and gives you that 'i'm in the tropics' feel when you're just sitting in your back yard. They're ok to look a little bit wrinkled, and also seem to hold fragrance a little bit better than most shirts, in my opinion.
Music is completely a matter of preference, and this need for Spring is simply an opinion. When i think of spring, i think of Paris, and when i think of Paris, i think of sitting on a cafe patio, watching people walk by, sipping on a glass of wine, and listening to some vintage traditional French cafe music. I don't even know if that's the correct way to describe it, but that's how i describe it. I searched for a collection of these types of songs, and was totally lucky enough to stumble upon "Cafe De Paris", a compilation of the EXACT music i was looking for. Yes, it is very french, and it's totally an acquired taste, but for the right occasion, the right guests, the right drinks and the right atmosphere, it will set the scene of your party perfectly.
A good white wine -
You don't need to be a wine pro to know what tastes good and what doesn't. In today's world there are SO many options available, that wine no longer has to be an intimidating foe. I use white wine as an example here, but by all means, a good red wine is also a must have for the season. I try to have several bottles on hand at all times, usually of different types. White wines generally give the vibe of light airy sunny days, while reds, I find, are more intimate and formal. Just an opinion. For white wines, I usually go with a riesling, or an Unoaked or Lightly Oaked Chardonnay. I prefer Life is Good Unoaked Chardonnay, and also STRUT's Chardonista, pictured to the left. These wines are super inexpensive, and go really well with any afternoon patio or dinner party. Quick note, a lot of people "like" wine, but only if they're super cold. This is improper. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind for white wines, is to take them OUT of the fridge about a half hour before serving. They will be at approx. perfect temp for serving. The reason: Having your whites too cold will numb out the flavours of the wine giving a bland, watery taste. For red wines, do the opposite and put them IN the fridge a half hour before serving. The reason: Although many drink reds at room temp, sometimes this can cause the alcohol in the wine to take over the taste, not allowing the drinkers to get the full flavours. Chilling it allows the alcohol to mellow out a bit, and the real taste to come through.
At the end of this issue i will give you guys a great recipe for white wine, and some other treats.
NEW Eau de Lacoste (L.12.12) -
Of course, no issue of seasonal needs would be complete without a fragrance. In this case it is the fantastic new fragrance from Lacoste. The Eau de Lacoste line is brand new, and has 3 fragrances in the collection; White, Blue and Green, each with a distinctive personality. Similar to the 2010 release of Ralph Lauren's Big Pony line, except much, much better. After taking a little while to sample each scent, it was a hands down decision to go with White; a decision i have not regretted for a single moment. It's exactly how you would expect it to smell from looking at it; Pure, simple, clean and fresh. It starts out bright and airy, and unlike most new scents, it doesn't fade within an hour, it actually lasts. The more i smelled this on my skin, the happier i got. It brings to mind the sensation of a summer breeze blasting through the car windows as you cruise carelessly down the highway listening to death cab for cutie, or the excitement and anticipation of a first kiss on a windy summer night. It's an absolutely perfect release for spring/summer 2011, and it's definitely becoming one of my go-to fragrances. My next purchase (if you care to know) would be the green scent. Then the blue.
Well gentlemen, there you have it! My list of items you need to own for this spring! Did you notice anything? If not, go look again, i will wait.......are you back? And? ok fine, i will tell you. all of the above can be used together, and will work perfectly! Now if only you had a fantastic drink recipe and maybe a super easy light dinner idea for you and that certain someone on your patio...
The Summer Breeze (a style guy original)
1 oz Fragoli Strawberry Liqueur
4 oz white wine (chardonnay preferably)
splash of soda
Pour fragoli into wine glass, allowing some of the baby strawberries to fall in. These make a great visual garnish. Add wine, top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon twist. This is a perfect pre dinner cocktail, or after dinner drink. It's light and fruity, and insanely easy to make. But your guests don't need to know that.
Effortless Brie -
1 wheel of brie cheese
2 red onions
6 large white mushrooms
1 large white french baguette
this meal is insanely easy to make, but will taste like you're a pro, and impress the heck out of her. I guarantee it. Chop onions into strands. Chop mushrooms. Sautee them in butter until golden brown and translucent. Reduce to a slow simmer, to keep them warm. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place Brie in oven in a pyrex bowl or casserole dish. While brie is heating, cut the baguette into small squares. after about 20 - 25 minutes, stick a fork in the brie. If the centre is gooey, it's ready. Remove brie from oven, and cover with the onion and mushroom mixture. Cut brie open, letting the cheese ooze out. Serve immediately with bowl of bread squares and a spoon. Add pepper if desired. It's easy: dip the bread into the cheese and eat. It's a perfect meal for a romantic night and is guaranteed to spark conversation. Pair this with an Unoaked or Lightly Oaked chardonnay for an unreal taste combination. You can thank me later.
Until next time gents,
SG
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