Nightlife Supplements » Fashion

Nightlife Presents: Professional Image Consulting

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:24:23 +0000

Hey all,

JC here. Today I’m letting all our fans and readers know about a service I’ve been asked to introduce. The service is Image Consultations.

Have you ever wanted to upgrade your wardrobe, and didn’t know what direction to head?

Want to make a more polished and professional impression at work?

Want to save money, by learning how to shop smartly?

Ever wanted to update your look, and remain congruent with your personality?

What will a Consultation do for you?

Please note, this will be more than just a simple suggestion session, but a full on image consultation and transformation session. I’ve spent many hours working with guys, getting their wardrobe right, and coaching them in several areas. The transformations can be shocking, depending on a person’s starting point. A consultation will have you looking better, and more stylish, than 99% of men in nearly any city. I do the “heavy lifting” for you, so you can look your best, and be your best self.

If you’re interested in an image consultation, or want more information, send an e-mail to jchannell@nightlifesupplements.com

Looking forward to working with you,

Eight More Tips for Personal Hygiene

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:00:09 +0000

This is part two of our personal hygiene series, and contains 8 tips for improving personal hygiene. These tips apply to both guys and girls, though a lot of guys may want to read them more closely. Go forth, and be well groomed!

1. Clip your finger and toe nails.
Avoid looking like a prison escapee, or psychopath, by keeping a trim on you nails. Aim for a trim every week or two, depending on the growth rate. Do own an Emory board and clippers to do it yourself. The splurge on a manicure and pedicure is something the ladies love to do. Many guys don’t, but should consider it on occasion. Guys, if you do, probably keep it private.

2. Use Sunblock.
This is a huge no-brainer as well. If you live in a tropical climate, which gets sun year round, or love to work on your tan when summer comes, sunscreen is a must. This keeps you from looking like a lobster if you get to much sun, and can help to prevent skin cancer.

3. Use lotion.
Moisturizing helps prevent dry skin, and keeps skin soft and pliant. Mainly use this on hands, elbows, knees and feet. These areas are especially prone to abuse, drying, and rough skin. Girls, this helps prevent a case of man hands. A girl with rough hands, is killing her sexy mojo. Guys too. Girls don’t want to be touched buy a guy with sandpaper mitts. Get over the stigma, and just do it.

4. Get adequate rest.
Getting enough rest affects many areas of health, including skin. Having puffy bags under your eyes, because you thought you could go on a bender, and still make the 9am meeting, just doesn’t work. Sleep is your body’s recovery time. A wise man once said ”if you burn the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are.”

5. Drink plenty of water.
Much of the human body is water, thus making water intake crucial. Lack of proper water intake can affect your physical strength, skin, and waste elimination. This is doubly true if you like to hit happy hour a few times a week. The dehydration from drinking can carry on for days if you don’t catch up. Sports drinks are a great way to hydrate, if normal water gets boring.

6. Exfoliate periodically.
Sloughing off dead skin cells is a great way to make your skin appear fresher, clean, and blemish free.
Our bodies do this naturally, and can use a bit of help from time to time. Girls often do this, but many guys don’t. If theres a stigma about a guy getting a mani or pedi, it’s doubly true for a facial. For normal use, try using a shower brush, or natural sponge that has a rough texture to it. Also, puck up a product that specializes in exfoliation. For facials, try one once every couple of months, to keep your skin looking great.

7. Use a gentle face wash to prevent overdrying.
Many cheap and mass marketed soaps, and scrubs can work great for your body at large, and take a toll on your visage. This can lead to overdrying of the face. We’d suggest using one wash for your body, and a specific face designed scrub or wash. The best face washes will also help with exfoliation, or moisture.

8. Go to the dermatologist if you have acne or blemishes.
There are a ton of OTC products for acne or blemishes. If you find these aren’t doing the trick, don’t hesitate to visit the dermatologist. They can provide scripts for powerful products, albeit expensive, that will clear up one of your greatest assets in no time,. Than cal also help prevent, or curb things such as excema, psoriasis, and more.

(Big thanks to Steve N, who helped a ton on this one.)

Please leave a comment. We LOVE them!

Ten Tips for Personal Hygiene

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:29 +0000

The following tips for personal hygiene will keep you fresh, clean, neat, and fancy free. Follow these tips, as they are important for personal and professional results. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Teeth:

1. Brush at least once daily.
Brushing daily prevents the buildup of plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria on your teeth and gums.
The buildup of plaque leads to tooth decay. Non-removed plaque can harden into tartar. Plaque also irritates the gums, and can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

2. Floss daily.
Cleaning between the teeth with floss, covers the area your toothbrush cant reach. Flossing is important in prevention of the aforementioned gum disease.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.
Your dentist, can check on your oral hygiene techniques, to make sure you’re doing them correctly, prevent and fill cavities, whiten your teeth and more. Don’t be a stranger to the dentist. Yes, we all have nightmares about dental drills, but don’t let that stop you.

4. Whiten your teeth.
There are a lot of options for this now, so there is no real excuse for not doing this. Whitening toothpaste doesn’t do much, so don’t expect a lot. There are tons of whitening strips out there, which do a fair job. The only real way to get this done right is to go to the dentist, and have them do it. If may cost a pretty penny, but you get what you pay for.

5. Use mints or gum to have fresh breath.
One of the easiest ways to reduce plaque causing bacteria is to chew gum with xylitol. Plus, it gives you great breath. Let’s face it, with dragon breath, your not getting the kiss. Plan ahead and grab some xylitol gum.

Body:

1. Shower daily.
Consider this a requirement rather than a suggestion. It doesn’t matter if your European, this is still necessary. The Irish shower, won’t cut it. Just do it.

2. Use deodorant/antiperspirant.
This is also a necessity. Use as natural product as possible. Some products can cause lymph gland blockage, in the prevention of sweat. That’s not an excuse not to use it however. There is never an excuse for unchecked body odor, unless you are actually in the gym, or exercising. Proper use of these products will keep people from clearing a 10 foot radius around you, or wearing gas masks.

3. Keep eyebrow/ear/nose hair trimmed.
This one is broken way too often. I’m looking at YOU Peter Gallagher! Trim those eyebrows yesterday!
It seems as people get older, the more hair creeps into the nose, and ears. Don’t fall victim to this one, unless you don’t mind being the “guy with the furry ears.” Get a beard/mustache trimmer to keep this in check. In fact they make nose trimmer specifically for this task. Get one. Use it.

4. Get regular haircuts.
Being shaggy works great if your a cartoon character, and not so well for everyone else. This keeps a sharp and professional appearance. Aim for a cut every 3-4 weeks.

5. Use a great cologne or perfume.
Many people are remembered for a signature scent. Have at least 2 or 3 scents you can rotate for different occasions. Use a lighter, fresh scent, for more causal purposes, and a heavier, more formal scent for serious affairs.

Stay Tuned for part II!

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The Nightlife Guide To Dressing Right For Your Body Type

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:00:17 +0000

Guys come in a lot of shapes and sizes. There are different rules for dressing well, depending on on your shape and size. The following are a few tips, that will help guys to look their most dashing.

Heavy Guys:

1. NO horizontal lines or patterns.
This will only increase the illusion of your bulk. Go with solids or vertical stripes. Dressing in all black may make others wonder is your doing a Johnny Cash impression, or going to a funeral. Ignore them. All black is the best weapon color wise for big guys.

2. Buy clothes that fit.
A LOT of big guys wear clothes that are even bigger. That XXL isint doing anything but make you look bigger, and isn’t fooling anyone anyways. On the other end of things, clothes that are too small will make you look like an overstuffed sausage. NOT a good idea. Find items that are flattering, and fit you well.

3. Lay off the Hawaiian shirts..unless you’re Gabriel Iglesias.
Shirts with large prints will draw attention to your upper body, which is not good if your packing a keg instead of a six pack. Gabriel Iglesias can do this because 1. He’s a comedian, and it’s part of his shtick, 2. He’s famous. Unless you anywhere near as funny as him, avoid this blunder at all costs. If you haven’t seen Gabriel’s stand up, search for his videos TODAY.

4. Avoid double breasted suits.
These will most likely just add to the bulk in the torso region. A very well cut one can help, but most don’t. Tread lightly in this area, and if in doubt, go with a dark, pinstriped single breasted suit, with a single vent. Double vents can emphasize outsized posterior regions. Also, try using pocket squares, to add a dash of color.

5. Wear v necks often, and NO turtlenecks.
A v-neck t- shirt or sweater will draw the eye downward, and balance out your face. A turtleneck will just make you look like a turtle. On dress shirts, try a spread collar with a Windsor or double Windsor knotted tie. It’s all about proportion and balance. A spread collar and thick tie, will balance out a thicker face, and draw the eye downward.

Athletic:

1. Wear tapered shirts.
If your chest is decently bigger than your waist, most normally cut shirts will drive you bananas. All the extra cloth at the waistline, will just bunch up. Buy shirt that account for your v-taper. For dress shirts, custom made shirts are becoming more affordable, and will show all all the gym time you’ve put in. I personally suggest J. Hilburn, and have bought from them.

2. Choose relaxed fit, or bootleg jeans.
Relaxed fit jeans will often provide more room in the thigh, and seat, to accommodate all those sets on the squat rack, and lunges. I LOVE my Lucky 181′s in this category. Avoid skinny jeans, as they will under emphasize your legs, and make you look like a flamingo.

3. Buy clothes that fit.
This should go without saying. However, most well built guys but clothes that are too big, just to have more freedom, and comfort. This isn’t the best solution. A shirt big enough to accommodate your guns or quads, will hang loose everywhere else. Shop around until you find a few brands that are cut for athletic guys. Jackets will likely need to be taken in at the sides, so leave room in your budget for tailoring.

Short:

1. Try vertical stripes.
A vertical stripe will help emphasize the height you do have. Choose suits with a pinstripe pattern that is rather thin. Big stripes are a no no.

2. No baggy, cuffed, or pleated pants.
Fitted, straight leg pants and jeans, will emphasize the vertical, and create straight lines that give the illusion of more height. Pleats and cuffs will break these lines, so avoid them. Choose your jeans with low a rise as possible. It’s all about lines and proportion. The low rise will improve your proportions.

3. Wear shoes with a thick sole or heel.
Guy’s options are a bit limited when it comes to height enhancing foot wear. Boots are often the best option, without getting in to specialized footwear. Moto boots, and cowboy boots have thick soles, and are great for adding a bit to your stature. Choose dress shoes with thick soles also.

4. Improve your posture.
This isn’t really a pure fashion tip per se, but will help regardless of what your wearing. Standing up straight will approve your overall appearance, and your perceived confidence. Try the Alexander Technique, as it’s results are well based. There are videos available, if you search.

Skinny:

1. Add layers to increase the appearance of mass.
Layering with t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets, adds a bit to your torso, which is a good thing. Experiment as your climate allows.

2. Horizontal stripes and colors will help
A horizontal stripe will make you appear wider, and emphasize your shoulders. Avoid a single color, which will make you look even skinnier. Try different colors for pants and shirts, to give a break in the middle. Also avoid all dark colors. Try patterns, such as plaids and bright colors in fitted shirts.

3. Don’t wear baggy clothes.
Wearing a large when your a small, won’t help, or fool anyone. Wear clothes that fit, and are cut to emphasize the muscle you do have. Make sure your jackets are the right length, just under your bum. Too long, and you will look like a kid playing dress up.

4. Wear straight leg, or bootcut jeans.
The cuts will help balance you out, and minimize the beanpole look. Avoid at all costs the hipster skinny jeans. This is a bad fashion statement, regardless of who you are. Doubly so for tall and skinny guys. Do choose dark denim. This is a hard and fast rule, no matter what your body type.

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The Ultimate Nightlife Checklist (8 Tips for preparing to go out)

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:00:39 +0000

1. Take gum or mints.
Your not getting the kiss if your breath is foul. This is doubly true for smokers. Preferably brush before you go out, then take some mints for a refresher. This also helps if you drink. Smelling like a bottle of Stoli might be a turn on for some, but not the type you’d ever really want to go home with.

2. Make sure you smell good.
This involves showering, and scent. Smelling like a vagrant after a few hours on the dance floor, isn’t acceptable, no matter how good your Justin Timberlake, or Kylie Minogue for the ladies, impression was. Small spray bottles of your favorite scent are easily available. Bring one with, just in case.

3. Bring protection.
At this point, this is beyond a no brainer. Ignore this at your own risk.

4. Have an emergency $20 in your wallet or purse.
Maybe your card will get lost, or something will happen. You always want to be prepared for a cab ride, cover charges, or helping a friend. It’s like cheap insurance: you won’t appreciate it until you really need it.

5. Dress appropriately.
Make sure your wearing the right type of clothes for the venue your going to. Trying to get in that hot new Ultralounge won’t work if you’re wearing nikes, old jeans, and a faded t shirt.

6. Personal Cards.
You don’t have to be a CEO to have these. Everyone should have them for networking purposes, if nothing else. You can give these to the doorman, favorite bartender, venue manager, and interesting people you meet during the night.

7. A pen and pad.
This is great for writing down anything you may need to remember during the course of the night. Names, numbers, directions, new places to go…whatever.

8. Hangover prevention.
No one likes the feeling of being hit by a truck the next day. Fortunately, there are easy ways to head that off ,if you do like to have a few while out on the town. The best solution is No Hangs. These have been proven many times over to work great. An alternative solution would be a multivitamin, b complex, and an electrolyte pill combo. The helps to replenish what your body loses during the night. The best time to take such a combo would be with your last drink, or before bed.

J. “you don’t have to be a boyscout to be prepared” Channell

Men’s Nightlife Style Guide

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:00:06 +0000

Come Friday night, it’s time to blow off some steam from the long grind of the week. The possibilities are many, and the sky is wide open. You want to make sure you look your best, because you never know who you might meet. The Nightlife style guide is a few tips for guys, to look their best. The rules for the pub or club are different than those for the office. Dress accordingly.

Their waiting. Are you ready?

Do:

1. Leave the work shoes at home.
The oxfords are perfect for that meeting with the head of accounting, and have no real place in a club. Your nightlife shoes should be trendy, and a bit flashy. Lately the trend has towards cool ankle boots, and thin square toed shoes. If you’re going to wear sneakers, sport an upgraded Steve Madden, or Puma type sneaker. The Nike cross trainers are for the gym. Nightlife is where you can take some chances, and wear things with more flash than in “normal” life. So, if you’ve got those gold snakeskin boots, this is the place to wear them.

2. Wear great pants.
The khakis, and dress slacks are for the office. Leave them there. Grab a great pair of well fitting jeans, linen pants, or cords. Velvet pants can be used too. Women tend to be very tactile, and having items with a great texture can help to cross the touch barrier. There are many worse things than a woman telling you how awesome your pants feel.

3. Rock a trendy or very well cut shirt.
This is your chance to wear shirts with crazy designs, or tight fitting shirts. Be a rockstar! Wear some colors too. All black is for the goth or emo kids. Unless your a artist who revels in the pain, this is your time to shine. Pick a shirt that invites a conversation, and lets your inner Mick Jagger, David Bowie, or Steven Tyler loose.

4. Accessories.
Don’t be afraid to own a couple of rings, a necklace, cool glasses, and chain wallet, or leather wristbands that are exclusively for going out. Own at least one accessory that invites a question, and is a great way for a woman to strike up a conversation if you’ve caught her eye. Picking up item on trips is a great way to do this, because it has a great story attached to it. “I got this necklace from a bazaar in Turkey, when I was…..” is a great lead in and communicates the right things about you.

5. Enlist a fashionable woman’s help.
Most women have an innate ability for fashion, and will be a big help in picking out great items for you. Just like you can remember batting averages, and who won the 1985 Super Bowl, women have a gene for this. A girlfriend, female friend, or impartial walker-by can help out a ton. Don’t trust the sales girls. They magically think everything looks great on you. The only great thing will be their comission for snookering you. Grab a woman who can help, because when you go out, you know who your dressing for, and it’s not the guys in your entourage.

Don’t:

1. Wear ANYTHING Ed Hardy or Affliction unless your a Jersey Shore cast member.
These had a run a while back, and are fading fast at the time of writing. Most of the guys who wear these have a certain type of attitude. Don’t be lumped in with those yahoos. Besides, if everyone is wearing them, it doesn’t really make you stand out. Do you really want to be thought of as Affliction shirt guy #27? Didn’t think so.

2. Wear 597 gold chains unless your Mr. T.
I pity the fool who breaks this rule! A few accessories are good. A lot isin’t. Keep it to a few well picked tasteful items. Leave the excessive necklaces, rings, and bracelets to rap videos. Also, the gold chain and chest hair thing went out in the disco era. It’s dead. Leave it buried.

3. Sport the “Blow out” spiked hairdo.
A little hair gel, or styling product is good. If someone can impale themselves on your hair, it’s too much. Easy does it.

The Ten Commandments of Men’s Coats and Jackets

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:00:23 +0000

What’s a well dressed man to do when the weather gets nippy or downright freezing? What’s a man to do when a full suit isin’t called for, but jeans a button down won’t cut it? A great men’s coat or jacket can make a strong statement that a man has it together. You won’t find any fleece, or nylon jackets here. Leather, wool, suede, and cashmere are the tried and true. Men everywhere, let this be your coat and jacket style guide.

1. Thou shall own a Pea coat.
There come from military heritage, and are a truly classic item. Traditionally made of wool, they can also be found in leather. It’s hard to go wrong with one of these. Black, charcoal, and navy are all acceptable colors.

2. Thou shall own a navy or tan blazer.
A wool blazer is a timeless article, that can be dressed up with khakis and slacks, or worn with jeans and loafers. Skip the brass buttons though. Leave those to the yachting yahoos. Have a local shop switch them out for something darker that compliments the jacket. Dark grey buttons work well. This item will be dry clean only, so don’t try to clean it yourself. It’s a professional jacket, treat it as such. Think of Will Smith in Hitch when you think of this jacket. Sharp.

3. Thou shall own a leather bomber jacket.
Is there a more classic men’s item, other than a white tee shirt or jeans? In fact these look great WITH those items. Stick to quality leather, and take care of it, and one of these will last you decades. Black and brown are acceptable colors. Avoid one with elastic at the waist and arms. Pair it with a pair of Aviators, and star in your own version of Top Gun.

4. Thou shall own a leather or suede blazer.
These have come under fire a bit lately, as some people associate them with the boy band of the late 1990′s. Pay those people no mind. A suede or leather blazer are the more urbane, and trendy alternative to the more traditional navy wool blazer. If dressing up is called for, but not to a suit level, consider one of these. These pair great with a brown belt, mocs, and a dark pair of jeans for a first date. Go get ‘em!

5. Thy jacket shall fit properly.
The sleeve length needs to correct length. The ideal length is the edge of the sleeve hitting the base of the thumb. Any shorter or longer send a signal you don’t want to send. Avoid the recent trend of skinny leather jackets too. You don’t want to look like an overstuffed sausage.

6. Thou shall own a sheepskin or shearling coat.
These are another classic men’s item. These can be worn by ranchers, Hollywood stars, and you. Search and you can find pictures of Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Steve McQueen in one of these. That’s pretty good company, don’t you think? Stick with tan or dark brown leather, corduroy, and denim. These are very warm, and are great for when the weather turns south.

7. Thou shall own leather care products, and use them.
Well cared for leather can last decades. A great leather jacket is a great investment, and a quality one can cost several hundred dollars. So, be wise and protect your investment. Leather is made from a living thing, and can dry out, and crack over time, if not cared for. Make sure you awesome jacket gets care at least a few times a year, and it will be around for a very, very long time.

8. Thou shall not own a motorcycle jacket unless you also own a motorcycle.
A men’s leather motorcycle jacket will be made from top quality, tough, durable leather, and be built to last. A moto jacket is best owned, if you actually own a motorcycle. If your wearing one, and no bike is in sight, it may come off at try hard or worse. It also gives the wearer a tough, cool, and carefree impression. If you were born to be wild, grab one of these.

9. Unless thou are English or a professor, avoid the Tweed sportcoat.
This one may ruffle some feathers. Tweed sportcoats were traditionally used as hunting jackets in England, and somehow were adopted by college professors. Unless you fall into those categories, or ARE an Oxford don, leave this one to the resale shops, and your weird uncle.

10. Thou shall own a men’s overcoat is the climate warrants it.
These are cut and to be worn over a suit, and a very heavy and thick. The best ones are made of wool, cashmere, or a blend of the two. If you can, make sure it’s waterproof. The nicer ones are very formal, and have velvet lining on the collar. This coat has it’s roots in England. While the Brits haven’t always gotten things right. Tryanny, and taxation without representation anyone? This is one thing they nailed. If you live in the great white north, where the weather is below freezing for many months of the year, this is a great and elegant option. Or you could just move to Florida and play golf

A Few Good Men’s Coats and Jackets:

GUESS Hooded Peacoat

Men’s Double Breasted Overcoat in Pure Cashmere

Men’s Brown Sheepskin Shearling Car Coat

Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Suede Leather Sport Coat Jacket

Lauren By Ralph Lauren Navy Blazer

What’s you favorite type of coat? What are your favorite things to pair it with?

The Ten Commandment’s of Men’s Accessories

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:00:17 +0000

What gets noticed often? Many times it the items that complete the look. The colorful ties, classy cuff links, the classic briefcase, the timeless watch. Every man should choose these carefully and well. Chosen well, these are the finishing touch and extra personality in the well dressed man’s wardrobe. Chosen wrongly, they just look garish. Enjoy our style guide for choosing men’s accessories!

1.Thou shall own quality products.
This is rule number one for a reason. In fact, this applies to all of your purchases. Buy the best you can afford, and it will last you forever. With many classic men’s accessories being made of leather, i.e. belts, and wallets, also need a bit of tlc from time to time. Don’t shirk in this arena, or premature wear will take your pieces to an early grave. Allow your accessories to live long and look awesome.

2.Thou shall have a decent wallet.
Way too many guys own a wallet that looks like it’s been fished out of a dumpster, after being run over by a truck. If your still using you nylon and velcro surfer wallet, it’s time for an upgrade. A quality leather wallet is the standard. Many companies make great ones, including Coach. Ostrich, crocodile, eel, and stingray wallets exist, but are usually priced in the stratosphere. If you keep your wallet in the back pocket like most, these will take a beating before you get your money’s worth. Stick with good old fashioned quality cowhide. Also, a too thick wallet can ruin the line of well fitting pants. Periodically clear out unneeded cards, and receipts. Check out the great selection here.

3.Thou shall own cuff links.
Cuff links go with French cuff shirts, and take your level of dress up a big notch. When a man has to look his best, a suit, tie, and French cuff shirt usually get their numbers called. Great cuff links are a conversation starter in themselves. Some of the cooler ones I’ve seen are made from coins no longer in circulation. The options are endless. Pick a pair that suits you, and run with them.

4.Thou shall own colorful pocket squares and ties.
Ralph Lauren has said that “the last thing on gets noticed first.” Pocket squares and ties are where guys can get a bit crazy with designs and colors. Let your colors shine! (thanks to Carson on this one). A good tie collection can make it seem like you have a larger wardrobe, as these often get noticed and remembered. Aim to have at least 10, depending on how often you wear them.

5.Thou shall own a quality leather bag or briefcase.
Leave the backpack to travelers of high schoolers, and the small man bag to feminine men. What you need is a great leather messenger type bag, or an old school briefcase. Halliburton makes the silver attache you see large ransom sums delivered in at the movies. as does Samsonite. Fossil and Kenneth Cole make great leather messenger type bags for men.

6.Thou shall have care products for your leather.
Leather is made from a living thing, and can wear out long before it’s due date by drying out, and cracking. Keep your leather products supple and in good shape using some of the myriad of products available.

7.Thou shall chose the following items sparingly: rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
The amount you can wear is usually in reverse proportion to your age. Unless you’re Keith Richards, easy does it. Everyone has seen the guys in his 50′s trying to hang on to his youth by dressing much younger, and getting it horribly wrong. Don’t be that guy. Dress well AND age appropriate.

8.Thou shall own 1 pair of killer sunglasses.
A great pair of shades will definitely enhance your suave factor. It’s very hard to go wrong with classic Rayban Aviators or Rayban Wayfarers . Leave the sports sunglasses for the Saturday pickup game with the boys.

9.Thou shall not own belt buckles the size of Texas.
Unless you own a ranch, or are a real cowboy your buckles should not be overly large. No having your name on it either. Stick with something small, no bigger than a deck of cards, and attached to quality leather. If you actually live in Texas, on the other hand…….

10.Thou shall own a great watch.
Most guys wear very little jewelery. So make this a prime investment. A great classic watch can be handed down over generations, and usually hold their value quite well. Some men can pull off gold, but the safer bet is steel or silver. There can be great replicas available in the $300-$1000 range, that will appear and function much like $3000 plus watch. This area has come a very long way from the $25 Rolex most people think of when the word replica is used. If you choose this route, do research and buy carefully, as many scammers exist, and a normal retailer may not service your look -alike.

A Few Good Men’s Accessories:
Gear Shift Cufflink (for the car lover)

Fossil Perry Bag in Black

Breitling Men’s Navitimer

Cartier Men’s Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch

Omega Seamaster James Bond Mens Watch

TAG Heuer Monaco

What Men’s accessory rules do YOU live by?

The Ten Commandments of Men’s Dress Shirts

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:15:16 +0000

The Ten Commandments were delivered to me from a pillar of fire in the desert. I pass them on to you, that your shirts may look divine.

1. Thou shall own at least 1 amazing white dress shirt.
Is there anything more flattering, or versatile? It can be paired with an old pair of jeans, or with your best suit. If you can swing it, have it custom made. Shoot for a bit of texture, or a sheen to the fabric, to make it stand out from all the lesser white dress shirts. Wear it proudly, because this shirt WILL make you look like a million bucks.

2. Thou shall buy brands that fit you well.
Some brands are tailored differently, depending on where the designer is from. Shop around until you have a couple of designers that just simply work for you. After you find them, this makes subsequent shirt selection much easier. I’m a huge fan of Hugo Boss and Ted Baker.

3. Thou shall wear colors that compliment thy complexion.
There are charts, diagrams and whatnot for this. Some men look better in certain colors. Find yours and buy many of your shirts in these colors. Ask a woman for help on what looks best on you.

4. Thou shall avoid contrast collar shirts.
Name a guy in a movie that wears contrast collars, that’s not a complete jerkwad. Seriously. Lumberg from Office Space, and Mr. “greed is good” himself come to most people’s minds when you wear one. Unless that’s the image you want to portray, steer clear. Want suspenders with that?

5. Thou shall wear V-neck or no undershirt.
The open shirt collar and crew neck t underneath was fine in high school. But your a man now, and should dress like one. Either get V-necks, or go without if the climate warrants it. No undershirt is sexier. Women WILL notice.

6. Thou shall not be afraid of wearing colors or stripes.
There are colors for a dress shirt, that are not solid blue or white. There are worse things than being the “blue shirt guy” at the office, but unless your in accounting, you may come off as boring or worse. Throw in some grey, turquoise, pink, pale green, pale yellow, and even a pale purple. A little won’t hurt. Promise.

7. Thou shall pick a collar that compliments thy face.
The traditional point collar the the tradition and mainstay of shirt collars, and works for nearly every great dress shirt. If you’re a thin, wiry guy, try out a narrow collar. If you’re a bigger guy, try out a spread collar to balance out your visage.

8. Thou shall own at least 1 French cuff shirt.
The French cuff dress shirt is the cream of of the crop, then it comes to upscale dressing. This is the dressiest shirt a man can own, short of wearing a tuxedo shirt in full black tie. When you HAVE to go beyond, and take it to the nines, no other type of shirt will do. Make sure you don’t shirk on getting interisting cuff links to complete the look. Great cuff links are a conversation starter in themselves.

9. Thou shall not have visible monograms on your shirt, unless thy name be Thurston Howell III.
This falls in the no-fly-zone of men’s shirts. The last time most people had their names written on their shirts was summer camp, or high school gym class. Having your initials on your shirt as an adult smacks of something beyond snobbish elitism. If you’re important, people already know, you don’t have to proclaim it with letters on your chest. Unless you’re Superman…………

10. Thou shall own several custom made shirts.
Custom made shirts can be relatively affordable. For the price of a very nice off the rack dress shirt, you can have shirts custom made. Think $125 on up, depending on the fabric, style, design. If you live in a big city, there are several places that can do it for a price that won’t break the bank. No shirt you will ever own, will look quite as good, as one custom made just for you. A few of these may be one of the best style purchases a man can make.

A few Good Men’s Dress Shirts:
J. Hilburn (I have shirts from here. Custom for a great price.)

Ted Baker (Brit style at it’s finest.)
(No affiliate links this time)

What makes a great men’s shirt? What are your shirt commandments?

J. “happiness is a fast car on an open road” Channell

The Ten Commandments of Men’s Suits

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:00:46 +0000

Continuing our Ten Commandments series of men’s fashion, today we are addressing the hallmark of men’s style, the suit. The suit may have taken a less prominent role in business dressing over the last decade, but for dressing up, leave the khakis at home. A great suit is where the big boys come to play. Let the following commandments be your style guide.

1. Thou shall buy off the rack and have it tailored, unless thy name is Rockefeller.
Very rarely will a suit off the rack fit you exceptionally well. Made to measure suits, and bespoke tailoring are exceptions, but out of reach for many in the price department. Having your suiting tailored blurs these lines, and more so makes the suit look like it was made for you, and you alone.

2. Thou shall limit thy dry cleaning.
Dry cleaning involves harsh chemicals, and stresses that shorten the lifetime by a measure of years. Unless yours gets a stain, keep the cleaning to 2 or 3 times a year at most.

3. Thou shall leave thy bottom button undone.
Why is the bottom button there, if it’s not meant to be buttoned? No one is really sure, but it’s just not done. It’s like spitting into the wind, or pulling on Superman’s cape. Avoid at all costs.

4. Thou shall own a black, blue and charcoal suit.
These three are your staples, the bread and butter, or meat and potatoes, of men’s suiting. Every man should own all three. These three can be dressed up, or down for nearly any occasion. You can even be buried in your black suit.

5. Thou shall match the weight of the suit with the season.
Heavier weight suiting will keep you warm when the weather turns cold, but make you sweat in the summer. Lightweight, or linen suits are great if you live in warmer climes, or are a cast member of CSI Miami.

6. Thou shall buy cotton or wool, or linen if your climate warrants it.
These, for most men, are the only acceptable and durable choices. The higher the count, the finer the suit, with the price rising accordingly. Shoot for Super 120 and above. Regarding velvet, silk, and other materials: if you have to ask it it’s for you, it’s probably not.

7. Thou shall buy 2 or 3 button suits, and tread lightly with double breasted.
Two and three button are classic, all other things being equal, and will not go out of style. One, four or even five button jackets seem to come and go, and follow short lived trends. Be aware of this, if you do decide to buy one. Double breasted can smooth out bigger guy’s bulges, but if done wrong, can add to the bulk in the torso area. Caveat emptor.

8. Thou shall have the proper accessories.
A suit is part of a full outfit. Do not, under any circumstances, completely slack on rounding out the look. You may not always use them, but a well dressed man MUST own the following: great shoes, matching socks, a great shirt, 2-3 matching ties, cuff links, and a tie bar or pin.

9. Thou shall consider American, British, and European styles..
American styles tend to be better for bigger guys, and have a very traditional and conservative look.
The British suit is very flattering if your of tall, average or athletic build, and tend to give an authoritative air to the wearer. Think of Sean Connery as James Bond as a great display of the English style. For most men. it’s hard to go wrong with the English style suit. European or Continental styles are NOT for bulky guys. This style is the most close cut and form fitting of the three styles, and can be a big boom or bust, so choose wisely.

10. Thou shall buy the best suit thy can afford.
This is not a time to pinch pennies. Think of the times you wear a great suit, interviews, important meetings, funerals, and attending weddings. In short, if you need to look your best, a suit is called for. Don’t mortgage the house to buy a a great one, but don’t pinch pennies either. A great suit is an investment into the brand of YOU. A great suit will last many years, and more than pay you back the purchase price in having you look simply amazing.

A Few Good Men’s Suits:
Calvin Klein Suit, Black Solid

DKNY Suit, Charcoal Solid Slim Fit

Hugo Boss Suit, Pasolini Navy Solid

Calvin Klein Suit, Black Stripe

BlueFly, my favorite online site for men’s suits.

What say you? What are YOUR suit commandments?

Big thanks to Daniel R. and Steve N. for your input!

Also check out The Ten Commandments of Men’s Denim and The Ten Commandments of Men’s Shoes.

(P.S. Stay tuned for the Ten Commandments of Men’s Shirts.)