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collar stays, titanium
Furnishings

MANly Facts: Collar Stays

Men own too many pairs of less-than-useful collar stays. You need just one nice pair since you only wear one shirt at a time…plus it’s easier to keep track! Nab your titanium collar stays now….for less than $15! Titanium Collar Stays regular $10.00 USDextra long $13.00 USD

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travel. shirt pack
Fashion

MANly Monday: Travel in Style

Ey chaps! It’s that time of year when you’re hitting the road either with family, your significant other, or just doing the annual boys trip to….(no comment). Or maybe it’s just ramped up travel for work. Either way, you need/want to arrive in style and ready to hit the ground running if need be. A quick change at the airport or in your hotel room can happen if you’re carrying the sullivan shirt pack. This genius contraption made of canvas

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{Reuters}
Dresses & Outfits

The Job Differentiator…

The job market is more competitive than ever, but if you’re looking for employment, one of your biggest challenges is to find a way to differentiate yourself in a sea of applicants. What I said to a recent group of Armed Services veterans during a recent training session is that, “I can help you with your visual resume but the rest is up to you!” Let Blueprint for Style help you stand out in a crowd with a visual resume

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saladin, vacation, capsleeve, dress
Dresses & Outfits

Essential Vacation Piece: Dress

When I saw this, I was immediately transported to a beach….with thoughts of strolling a beach, sunning on an oversized beach chair, and sipping a pina colada. This Saladin capsleeve dress is made using hand made embroidery. The only thing that is missing is a large floppy sunhat. note: this dress fits narrow across the chest so for larger busts, size up two sizes….

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Fashion

Traveling With No Style

I’m not a travel snob but I do believe there’s a certain level of appropriateness you should aim for… ok, seriously “aim high”! I was moving through the Baltimore airport and was just….disappointed to say the least. I know its 5am but you had to know you were getting up early to get here, right? Maybe it’s because it’s BWI as opposed to so e other more metropolitan or sexy airport….. yeah- let’s go with that although I secretly don’t

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Etiquette

Travel: Drinking at 30,000 Feet

Do you love traveling as much as I do? When you’re ‘in/up for the long haul’, what’s your drink of choice? Mine used to be Bailey’s and cream (in addition to any red wine if I’m in first class or going overseas). Well, according to Professor Barry Smith, founder of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London, your taste buds change in the friendly skies…making the Bloody Mary the ideal drink! It has something

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flip flops, abejas
Accessories

Essential Vacation Piece: Shoes

In summer, I admit that I love to tool around in flip flops. Recently however, I’ve been on the search for a summer essential that is equal parts ‘lazy’ and ‘effortlessly chic’. I discovered Abejas flip flops and they sealed the deal. They are flip flops – yes! – but they’re leather so a more adult and chic version. I envision wearing these for years and the cognac color getting that just-right-patina look like your favorite luggage or handbag. I’m

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Men's Matters

MANly Monday: Summer Take on the Navy Blazer

The navy blazer is one of the key elements in any professional man’s closet but it’s summer, so do we need to change the way we handle this item? it’s still essential go lighter in weight try a plaid pattern the thinner/more refined the line/pattern, the more easily it can be dressed up wear with light grey, white, or camel pants shoes should be cream nubuck or in the cognac/luggage family ….which means your belt should be…(you guessed it)! Options:

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Morning Beats & Reading Treats: Morning Coffee

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias, Millstone® Coffee, and Mr. Coffee®. This is what my mornings have become…. Some fun, melodic tunes, a fashion magazine, and my morning coffee! I’ve always been more of a morning person but this new habit has sealed the deal – not to mention that I can do it outside on my deck before the

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Thrive, book review, Arianna Huffington
Books

Book Review: Thrive

I’m part of this book club, From Left to Write and one of the books we reviewed for May was Thrive by Arianna Huffington. The book was prompted by a broken cheekbone and nasty gash over here eye which was caused by passing out from exhaustion. Whoa! In spring 2009, I missed a flight for work and had a meltdown. As I was sitting in O’Hare airport, I ran my fingers through my hair and came up with a fairly

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Grooming

MANly Monday: Black Tie Tutorial

It’s always the season for black tie but unless you’re in the mix often, you can sometimes forget what’s what and how to handle that tricky invite wording! Here is the easiest version of what you need to know: Black tie/black tie required = a fairly formal event and guests dress accordingly. The term “black tie” means guests are expected to wear tuxedos, bow “ties” and formal gowns, which are most often floor length (ladies) Black tie optional = you can take

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walmart, unlimited data plans
Events & Happenings

Ode to Mom: In Prep for Mother’s Day with Walmart Best Plans

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. I hesitated doing any post related to Mother’s Day and that’s simply because I don’t have a mother….anymore. My mother passed away in 2001 and since then, I haven’t actually celebrated the holiday – truthfully, I’ve tucked myself away from the day and the corresponding celebrations. This year I wanted to try

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GQ - suits - casual
Men's Matters

MANly Facts: Casual Suits

What makes a suit casual isn’t that it’s wrinkled or that your posture says ‘slouchy’ but that the fabric, fit and lack of accessories should say ‘comfortable’. A cool attitude and casual shoe don’t hurt too….

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How-to Spring Clean Your Closet

I’m a big fan of TopShelf Clothes (indeed I even talk about them in my book, Without Saying A Word) so when they asked for my insights on “spring cleaning”, I jumped at the opportunity! Spring cleaning is all about getting ready so let’s get ready to be more stylish!! Warm weather seems to come out of nowhere, and while it’s a pleasant change, it also leaves you scrounging your bedroom for last season’s clothing. {original phot removed} I’ve got

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Walker's Legacy
Books

“How Every Professional Woman Can Amp Up Her Style Game”

In conjunction with Walker’s Legacy, I’ll be spending an hour on Google Hangout to talk to women about the game changing pieces to add to their wardrobe! Our session will be hosted by Brittany Jacobs, so join us! Monday, April 28th 1:00 – 2:00PM EST Join by clicking here: tell me the game changing pieces to own! Use hashtag #WSAWstyle

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Accessories

Francesco Russo: A Fetishist to the Sole

Sergio Rossi. Costume National. Miu Miu. Yves Saint Laurent. Self-proclaimed “shoe fetishist”, Francesco Russo creates truly sexy footwear. Are you familiar with the iconic YSL “Tribute”? Well he designed that…. As the designer of women’s footwear for Dior, the 39-year-old launched his namesake label last September on Paris’ Rue de Valois. Having seen some of his renderings (see above), I am anxiously anticipating how I can scoop a pair of these new “classics” like the R026. “It looks like your

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Health & Fitness

Plum To Some. Prune To Others.

Plums. Yum! Prunes. Yuck! “Including improving digestion, drinking the dark purple juice may also help to prevent chronic diseases because of antioxidants it contains. The sweet and slightly tart juice also provides a good source of certain essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your overall health.” Read more at Livestrong. I was feeling slow and bit bloated. I thought I needed to do a juice cleanse so I could feel ‘light’ again but I was in the grocery store

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shopping habits - whowhatwear
Features & Series

7 Shopping Habits to Nail Before Turning 27

Why only seven habits? Because the average person starts to unravel after seven items and it also made sense to keep it “doable”. Why 27 years old? Because it’s the age that many young ladies and men start to think they’re the ish and are finally making their own money – and many choose this time to go crazy! I can’t stop the socialization process but I can help to counter it. Seasonal wardrobe budget – this is the biggest money/budget saver so you

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Features & Series

MANly Facts: On Being “Normal”

In a recent Esquire survey, 44% of men said it was not important to be perceived as normal and fully 29%  said that they “honestly really never thought about it”. My question: then who do they dress for?

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Footwear

Monday MANifesto: Sock vs No Sock

That is the question… The answer? Do whatcha like…kinda. In reality though, socks for men are a must in the workplace. No self-respecting man will go into an office wearing a well-fitted suit and awesome shoes, and no socks. I don’t see it. Plus they offer an opportunity to get  a little jiggy with your look. In addition to the self-respecting part, think about the weather. If it’s cold, rainy or snowing, it’s just dumb. Why freeze when you can

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Features & Series

Shopping for Gamechangers: Cliff Notes Version

This is the last in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. This last session is focused on the tidbits to go after the items you want, and have them for awhile. Fabric – if it’s something you love, stick to cotton, silk, denim and wool. With cheaper or synthetics, you never truly know what you’re going to get Location, location, location – if you’re purchasing an “investment” item, stick to reputable places and places you know well. You

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