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winter-dress-boots
Footwear

Monday MANifesto: The Ins and Outs of a Perfect Winter Dress Boot

Here are all the characteristics that make a boot both a “dress boot” and a useful piece of cold-weather gear: Insulation from the ground (thick, multilayered soles) Inner insulation (warm lining, padding, etc.) – think moisture-wicking, traps heat in, and consider the thickness of the lining Waterproofing Wind/air resistance (non-porous material) Sole traction – leather soles are nice but rubber outsoles are the only answer Upper-ankle height or greater – ankle-height is more common; laced boots are generally considered dressiest,

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navy-blue-chinos-men's-chinos
Bottoms

Manly Mondays: Navy Blue Pants

Navy blue chinos are a must-have for men. They work for casual Fridays, dress up nicely with a sportscoat, and are ideal to travel from season to season. Everything you need to know to wear them more often than you should….

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johnny-hodges-jazz-saxophonist
Features & Series

Manly Mondays: Mr. Johnny Hodges

Every Monday in 2014 (less a few time-sensitive posts and in-the-moment expressions) will be dedicated to the men in my life! Manly Mondays is back! This week we’re taking a glimpse at Mr. Johnny Hodges, a jazz musician. Born in Cambridge, MA in 1906 He blew the alto saxophone Considered one of the definitive alto saxophones players of the Big Band Era He’s most famous for his time with the Duke Ellington band His first instruments were the drums and piano

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Men's Matters

Only For A Man’s Head

Gents- there are only four ways to keep your head warm for winter. We’ve chosen the best options whether you’re heading to the mountain for a weekend retreat, running to the metro to head to work, jumping in your car to scoop your ‘lovely’ for a night on the town, or in need of a weekend drink with the fellas. You can’t escape the cold (ahem…the polar vortex) so just look good while you’re in it. Chose one or some!

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Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Infographic: White Tie Edified

White tie. Black tie. Formal. After 5. What does your invite say? Here we show a great infographic that we found on a fab blog, Lifestyle by PS. It was created by the GentleManual ~ and it’s one you should bookmark now! So far, I haven’t received any invites for any of the abovementioned…..but good to know anyway.

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fold a suit jacket, travel
Fashion

If You Travel & Wear Suit Jacket

This post is for you….even if it’s just going to happen once over the holiday season. This cool site, Real Men Real Style, provided the picture and I love it….(because it’s what I do)! They actually show three options to fold a suit jacket. The only advice I’d add is: Use those flimsy plastic bags from the drycleaners when possible to help avoid wrinkles No matter what, always fold your jacket inside out

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Features & Series

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Finding the perfect gift or even something different often takes a little doing when it comes to men because they don’t always know what they want (that we can afford…besides the Masarati). We’ve created a pretty cool lookbook of things he’ll love and use (and even needs)! Is there something else you’d add to the list? This list works for any man that travels, wants to smell good (but manly), practices a bit of hygiene, likes to show his fun

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men's footwear, brent to boot new york
Footwear

Men’s Fall Footwear: The Black Bootie

Bootie may not sound macho but the boot is. We’ve gone with To Boot New York (again) but there are other options (a slightly more dapper, upscale pebbled leather version, or an old-school, dressier balmoral oxford brogue look). It’s for work, play, weekends, travel….if you’re a professional who chooses to keep it simple but wouldn’t mind adding a touch of polish to the mix once in a while. The black bootie plays nicely with suits and denim – Winning! To

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Footwear

Men’s Fall Footwear: The Brown Boot

This is it. Wear it with denim or slacks. Take it on your weekend trip to Las Vegas or your business day trip to New York City. It goes from now into winter, and then into spring. Done. To Boot New York Brennan But if you need other options, try this washed suede desert boot or a similar leather brogue boot.  

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To Boot New York, monk strap, mens shoes
Footwear

Best Bargain Shoes for Men

I’ve gone over it time and time again, and the end result is the same, To Boot New York, pound for pound, has some of the best contemporary shoes for men. Whew- I said it! Yes- there is always Ferragamo, Cole Haan, John Lobb but right now To Boot New York is killin’ it. The leather is quality. The styles are contemporary. The selection is varied but well curated. The lasting factor is there too. For fall, the best shoe

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Men's Matters

To The Man Who Needs Help Finding “His” Brand

Unlike women, men are more creatures of habit especially when it comes to style. Thus, it would make sense that once you find a brand that you love, you stick with it….but WAIT! The problem with that thinking is that Sizing changes Quality changes Fit changes So, what do you do? Answer is easy: educate yourself on fit, styling, and fabric, and then know your measurements. What I’ve always told my clients, go tot the nicest place/store you can find

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Footwear

Spruce Your Shoes For Fall

It’s easy. It’s ‘what’s hot‘. It’s inexpensive. It’s colorful. Colored shoelaces ~ available lots of places but we found them at Hook and Albert, and settled there because they were between $6 – $8.

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John Varvatos
Men's Matters

How-To Update Your Look From Confused Teen To Full-On Adult

This was the question posed from a 20-something year old man who really wanted to add a bit of “edge” to his overall look without going full-on motorcycle man. The answer is to look for a style icon, or someone you can emulate. And that person would be John Varvatos. Add a few edgier touches like a leather jacket and moto-inspired pieces Always wear some type of scarf Include boots in your rotation more regularly Think put-together-then-tossed-around as your look

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fall footwear, men's socks
Footwear

Fall Footwear for Men

Looks from: Saks Shoes by: To Boot New York Socks by: Hook & Albert and Paul Smith Fall footwear for men: we love this look because you can turn your favorite pair of shoes into an entirely new pair with some whimsical socks and bright laces…..

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Molton Brown, sportbalm, men's beauty
Grooming

Men’s Beauty Must Have: Warming Balm

It sounds like an oxymoron to say “men’s beauty must have” but guys need to take care of themselves too! I was already looking at this balm, two former athlete-friends mentioned it and then I saw it featured in a magazine…..so I’m sure you’re supposed to have this Molton Brown is already a recognized name in beauty ~ not too fem but not too sterile either. Molton Brown Body-Warming Sportbalm ($26) promises a little love for pre- and post- exercise

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men's cologne for summer
Grooming

Summer Scents for Men

Don’t be smelly….but don’t overpower a woman either. Your scent should follow you into a room, linger, and dissipate when you make your exit. If you smell it, it’s too much. If people are waving their hands when you walk around [but not waving at you], then you’re wearing too much. Here’s the body chemistry scoop: in the warmer weather, you sweat more and that changes the interaction of your scents. Lighter scents with notes of citrus, for example, respond

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summer feet, foot maintenance, footwear
Footwear

Feet Can Stink

Given it’s summer and we’re adding heat to the mix, feet can stink therefore, it’s essential to avoid ‘the stank’! Three options to avoid stinky feet include: Shoe trees – cedar shoe trees not only help maintain shape but absorb moisture. Moisture breeds germs. Reduce germs, you reduce odor…. Deodorant– it works the same as the stuff under your arms. Deodorant for better scent, or an antiperspirant to reduce moisture. It’s easy and [we pray] in your bathroom already! Botox–

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boys weekend, beach packing, travel
Men's Matters

Boys Beach Weekend

Pack this….. Do we really need to say more…? We have you covered for the beach (duh!), the club, an upscale brunch, walking the strip for honeys & more…. If you need help getting this stuff, just let us know!

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madras, shorts, men's summer essential
Bottoms

Appeal to the Preppy: Madras

We’re talking about classics because men, in general, buy to build not because of fads or what’s in fashion. A classic however preppy is the madras shorts. It’s your opportunity to add a dash of dapper color without turning too many heads or raising eyebrows….we love the basic pair found at Orvis or these from Brooks Brothers. If you don’t own them, consider a pair….because if you have a work-related BBQ or a weekend in the Vineyard, this is what

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what to wear, summer weddings
Men's Matters

What Men Should Wear To Any Wedding

At some point this year, likely this summer, you will have to attend or perhaps even be in a wedding. You should wear everything sartorially fabulous to every wedding! Think of it this way ~ lest you arrive naked, no one is going to ousted you from the event, so take a few liberties…. Here are the must-do considerations: 1. The occasion requires a suit {evening wedding means darker color like midnight navy, or go with seersucker or khaki or

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mens sportcoats - blazers
Men's Matters

Blazing Trails With The Right Blazer

Take a look at the picture….it’s a typical get-up for any guy (blue pants + white button down) but, when you add the blazer {and pocket square}, we’re talking something completely different. It just takes the right blazer to bring a look together ~ to add that little touch of polish that says you understand fashion but aren’t a slave to it. Photographer Justin Bridges snaps this (for GQ) knowing full well it’s says a mouthful. Done….and done! This Zara

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Kentucky Derby-races-southern dressing
Furnishings

Your Clothes For the Kentucky Derby

If you’re not going to Churchill Downs, don’t fret. You can look Kentucky Derby-ready simply by following our four step plan: 1. First, find where they’re showing the Derby…not just showing it but actually celebrating it! 2. No matter where you are, plan to sport your white trilby 3. You must have a blazer. If you’re south of the Mason Dixon line, you can go with seersucker otherwise, navy blue is your go-to best bet 4. Sport neckwear by Collared

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men's shoe vamps
Footwear

Do You Have Shoe Vamps?

Every male client I have asks “What are shoe vamps?” And then undoubtedly a quizzical look…. The answer: it’s the piece of material that starts at the toe and covers the top of the foot. A short/low vamp makes the foot look small; and a longer vamp is money…. Now, say ‘thank you‘ to GQ!

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mens blazer, spring essentials
Footwear

Eight Spring Essentials For Men

Men don’t care about “outfits”. They care about closets that have the right clothes. Here are your spring essentials to build a better wardrobe. Eight items: from head to toe, they are the basics that every man should own.

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