Men's Matters Archives | Page 8 of 25 | Blueprint for Style

Footwear

A Fashion No-No For Any Self-Respecting Professional Man

Details recently did a piece on the Complete Guide to Slip-On Shoes and somehow these slip-on sneakers slipped into the line up. Why? How? I’m unsure but, for any professional man who understands that his style quotient rests heavily on what he wears after hours, this is not your answer. they scream grunge they are frequently seen on skateboarders the checkered-pattern version {seen below} was seen in Fast Times at Ridgemont High they won’t match anything in your closet…..I hope

2012/08/10

Grooming

The Best Shave Ever!

Your face is your calling card; and if you’re calling card is wrinkled, dirty, road-weary, or just not fresh, who’s going to want it? No matter the season, climate, or apparatus, we’ve done our research to provide the top keys to getting the best shave ever: You’ve got to soften the skin ~ this is using a pre-shave because you need your products to tenderize and penetrate the skin For double-edge razors, you must have the razor angled at least

2012/08/10

Men's Matters

So Blue But So Right

We’ve talked about this time and time again, but every man needs to own a blue suit (top two to own). Park & Bond created a photo series that explores the versatility of the blue blazer from now thru November. It’s navy blue. It’s double-breasted. It’s slim fitting. It’s super 130s nailhead wool. It’s got brown horn buttons. It has besom pockets. It’s versatile and impeccable, and under $600!

2012/08/07

Furnishings

Men’s Style: Yay or Nay?

This is a picture of Kenyatte Nelson, a PR big-wig with P&G Prestige. This picture was featured in Details Street Style section and I wanted to get your take on whether you liked it the look or not. My opinion: overall I love the use of color in some of the accessories (but not all to avoid overkill); and the fit and styling of the jacket is absolutely perfect. The rolled up jeans I’m not too hot on although very “in”

2012/07/30

Grooming

ONLY For Men Who Are Comfortable Naked

I’ve seen them. I’ve felt them. I’ve even fondled them {does that sound slightly unnatural?}. I’ve laid eyes on them post-first-wash. I’ve reveled in their beauty and simplicity. Indeed James Perse‘s stretch-cotton jersey boxer briefs are ‘the truth‘. They’re soft, supple, breathable yet fitted enough to keep everything in check. You don’t have to dump out your entire underwear drawer yet ~ just buy one…and I’m 90% certain you’ll be on the hunt to acquire more. You may even feel the

2012/07/27

Men's Matters

Gentlemen’s Q&A

Question: I need a “summer suit” and already have a khaki one. Is that enough? Do I need something else? What else could possibly be out there for me to try…and to quiet my girlfriend? Answer: Khaki is great choice for summer especially in a Super 100 material. The other two truly summer options are a white suit {a la Colonel Sanders} and seersucker {a la a deep South tradition}. The white suit can make you look like a bit

2012/07/26

Bottoms

A Dapper Don & His Denim

I saw this picture in GQ (it was from Backyard Bill; focused on New York Fashion Week, September 2011) and instantly fell in love. Not with the model, Armando Cabral, but with his casual command of denim. There are a few other pictures in the photo journal and here’s what I got out of them: you never see denim ironed (a BIG no-no!) you don’t see denim dragging the ground you don’t find too much craziness on top you do

2012/07/25

Grooming

Dopp Kit Contents

We’ve been doing some informal (read: stealth) recon on the contents of men’s dopp kits, and we wanted to give you the scoop on our study results to date. Here are the top 9 items: toothbrush deodorant shaving cream razor facial moisturizer nail clippers toothpaste {we’re still not sure why this wasn’t at the top with toothbrush} contact lens/solution small bottle of leftover hotel moisturizer Do you agree? Are missing something? Share HERE, so we can perfect the contents of

2012/07/20

Furnishings

Building Your Basics & Batman

For men, this is simple because it doesn’t require quantity just the right baseline to get you started. Esquire produces The Handbook of Style and I love their insights and share them with you often. Recently, I conducted a corporate training session on “Dressing for Your Corporate Climb” and here’s one of the tips I shared with the men around wardrobe basics: 5 shirts 4 ties 3 suits {your first should be navy or grey, then the other and then a

2012/07/20

Grooming

Well Suited for Style

The right suit highlights your physical upsides and downplays your shortcomings….does yours? If you don’t get Esquire, here’s an easy cut-out they did a while back that kinda hit the nail on the (proverbial) head ~ we tweaked it a bit but the bones remain. You are… You want… You should avoid… Long & Lean (e.g., Barack Obama) horizontal lines to create breath/broadness; three-button jackets that match the scale of your torso vertical lines (they emphasize your height); tight suits and

2012/07/17

Grooming

Fashion News: Hugo Boss Is Gone

Well the real truth is it’s not all of Hugo Boss but rather their top-of-the-line Boss Selection line that is being folded into the Boss core brand. Remember Boss has – Boss Black {upscale, modern}, Boss Orange {urban cool}, Boss Green {sportswear}, and Hugo {contemporary line}. What does that mean for you and why should you care? If you don’t own or have never aspired to wear any of their made to measure suits then this doesn’t affect you. If

2012/07/13

Grooming

A Suit That Says Style

Men’s suiting can be a mystery and it shouldn’t be (we’ve all seen the guy above and thought “nice suit but that’s not for him“)…it’s the one area where there isn’t much grey – either do it right and look right, or you’re wrong. When you’re buying a suit: Prioritize – you want several suits but navy blue is the standard. After that comes charcoal grey. Resist the temptation to get black (it’s for undertakers, busboys and hitmen). Spend wisely

2012/07/10

Grooming

Men’s Summer Suit Q&A

Question: Should I wear wool in the summer? Any tips on the right colors? Answer: Yes; and yes. The right suit colors are light grey, khaki or stone. Interesting that gentlemen from areas with desert-like conditions will tell you that wool is the most comfortable fabric because it regulates body temperature. In it’s thinnest form (super 100’s), wool breathes easily and stretches thanks to the fiber’s natural elasticity. Bonus: creases fall out when hung up ~ that won’t happen with

2012/07/05

Furnishings

A Guide to Watches

A watch doesn’t have to be diamond-encrusted or have a fully handmade movement like a Patek Philippe to be fabulous and heirloom-worthy. a watch is men’s jewelry – it says who you are and who you aspire to be know what you’re looking at…. water resistant– you can shower with it but avoid swimming; it’s resistant not waterproof quartz– powered by a battery and more accurate than other movements complication– anything beyond timekeeping like calendar movement– all the itsy, bitsy

2012/07/02

Summer Skin Care for Men

Fellas ~ summer means you can see the ladies out showing more skin, but it also means you’re likely going to be flashing a little more as well. It starts with your face and a recent GQ video did an excellent job covering sunscreen, a too-much-sun snafu, and exfoliants. It doesn’t take much but a little time and you can make it count!

2012/06/29

Bottoms

$231 Summer Outfit

Shopping List: Polo Ralph Lauren washed cotton-twill cargo shorts ($22.50) ♦ Polo Ralph Lauren custom-fit oxford shirt ($30) ♦ Dolce & Gabbana perforated leather tri-stripe sneakers ($133.50) ♦ Paul Smith striped cotton scarf ($45) Style Notes: this is your travel outfit to Miami or any other beach location (you’ll want the scarf for the plane); the sneakers are “fresh” enough to rock with any linen outfit you’ve got; and the shorts are a basic and work on vacay or at home for a

2012/06/22

Men's Matters

Youth Is Wasted On The Young, Fashion On Everyone

Exemplaire is a new knitwear line by Jean-Victor Meyers and Louis Leboiteux. The two friends don’t even have design backgrounds (Meyers is the grandson of L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt). These guys are supposed to know a things or two about the ‘finer things’ so just keep your eyes peeled for their pieces like a knitwear motorcycle jacket {very Mr. Rogers meets Led Zepellin} and your ears open for where you can scoop it other than Barneys New York. Clearly, I’m

2012/06/13

Accessories

Pepper & Spice and Everything Nice

Karlsson’s Vodka Batch – 2008 Vintage: 2008 Country: Sweden Producer: Karlsson Tasting Notes: only 1,980 bottles made in 2008; potato-based; earthy and peppery vodka This is what you give the man with everything, but who many need a little zip added to his day (or his drink)…!

2012/06/12

Grooming

Put the “Man” Back Into Father’s Day

Grooming is the gift that keeps on giving ~ because a fab face is the first thing you see on any man (and then his overall style). Whether it’s The Art of Shaving‘s kits (our favorite is the TSA-approved, 4-piece sandalwood scented carry-on kit for $50), or razors (Gillette’s most advanced technology in the Ivory Fusion razor for $80 but get 20% off with code “DAD20”); or just an old school, manly shave at The Grooming Lounge. And, of course, we would be remiss if

2012/06/11

Men's Matters

Men Should Beat Their Bare Chests!

It’s from back in the time of the caveman, remember? Men would find food, kill it, beat their chest with their fists, and then drag the food back for the clan to eat it (or at least that’s what they showed on television). Honestly, there’s no need to do that today especially if you’ve got this Club Monaco Bailey v-neck sweater ($89.50). Loving it because the linen-cotton blend is perfect for summer; the straw color goes with anything; the slim

2012/06/06

Men's Matters

Deal With Your Daddy Issues

Meaning…..handle your Father’s Day shopping like today! Here is the most exhaustive gift guide we could find (we’ll just keep refreshing and using this every year….lol): The ‘Norm But Needed’ Items: socks & underwear, btw $11-$24 belts, btw $29-$186 (with the nicest being by Ian Velardi for $126) leather wallets, btw $30-$165 (this Bruno Magli for $79 means it’s off your list for next year) The ‘Baller, Shot-Caller’ Items: shaving brush, btw $45-$300 (the light horn set is ‘good business’

2012/06/04

Furnishings

Waistcoat, Want Not

It’s not for everyone….but I didn’t need to tell you that, right? This Hollander & Lexer Picasso waistcoat ($73) says suave and confident. It adds a dip of dapper to denim, and dresses down slacks just enough….you either like, rock it, and roll with it; or no. Again, it’s not for everyone but if you’re looking for a wardrobe item that can flex for you without showing all of your muscle, this is an item to consider. Hollander & Lexer

2012/05/30

Grooming

No “Boo” For The New Blue

Every summer, your girlfriend/partner/wife/significant other implores you to add some color, right? And every summer, you purchase the obligatory bright sneaker, cool Havaianas, yellow shirt, or white pants, right? Note: she’s just trying to help… That said, surprise her by adding a summer blue to your repetoire. It’s light enough to keep her off your back, but manly enough to keep the fellas from giving you too much grief! We love it because: it’s still goes with all your navy,

2012/05/29

Footwear

Try Harder…Seriously

Girls, aren’t you a little bit tired of seeing men show up for casual events in sneakers, flip flops, birks, or even huaraches? I am! Guys~ try harder….really! It doesn’t take much…it’s not like your summer footwear closet has to be that extesnive, but a slight push beyond glorified flip flops or your summer sneakers is smiled upon. And here it is ~ no fuss, all leather, will wear well with time, says you care but not too much, and

2012/05/25

Men's Matters

Put Denim In Your Dance Shoes

I was trolling the internet and found these Paul Smith Muse denim trainers ($123)~ they are made of grey denim with a white suede toe-cap (hot, right?). They caught my eye not only because of the color but because they were the perfect mix of sneaker-dock shoe-drive loafer, but could clearly be dressed up for date night. I like ’em and they’re going fast at Matches ~and they caught my eye, they will undoubtedly catch the eye of any lady

2012/05/24

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

A Fashion No-No For Any Self-Respecting Professional Man

The Best Shave Ever!

So Blue But So Right

Men’s Style: Yay or Nay?

ONLY For Men Who Are Comfortable Naked

Gentlemen’s Q&A

A Dapper Don & His Denim

Dopp Kit Contents

Building Your Basics & Batman

Well Suited for Style

Fashion News: Hugo Boss Is Gone

A Suit That Says Style

Men’s Summer Suit Q&A

A Guide to Watches

Summer Skin Care for Men

$231 Summer Outfit

Youth Is Wasted On The Young, Fashion On Everyone

Pepper & Spice and Everything Nice

Put the “Man” Back Into Father’s Day

Men Should Beat Their Bare Chests!

Deal With Your Daddy Issues

Waistcoat, Want Not

No “Boo” For The New Blue

Try Harder…Seriously

Put Denim In Your Dance Shoes

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