Do that do

Three essential hair products that every guy [who isn't bald or has a buzz cut] should have are: Murray`s Pomade, Bumble and bumble Sumotech and ORIBE Dry. The trick to having the perfect do [think George Clooney not Pauly D] rests in the hands, so to speak, of these products.

Murray's Pomade is a great product to control unruly hair and provide immense shine. It works great on thick hair by helping hold it in place. Start with a small dollop; a little bit goes a long way. The only downside is that this product is really hard to get out of your hair.

Bumble and bumble Sumotech works best on thinner hair because it synthesizes the malleable feel of natural waxes to give your hair a firm hold without restricting movement. This product is very lightweight and leaves room for your hair to be retouched throughout the day by dampening your fingers and restyling. 

ORIBE Dry gives a ton of volume to your hair. Doubling as a dry shampoo, this texturizing spray will give your hair height and fatten your hair follicles to create a thick 'blown out' look that lasts all day.

Pheromone for him

My favorite scent on a guy is a toss up between Tide laundry detergent and Gain Joyful Expressions laundry detergent. However, that was until I came across CREED Aventus on one of my weekly visits to Holt Renfrew; I just had to buy it for one of my really good guy friends. [Lucky him.] I absolutely love this cologne; I don't think I've ever smelled anything better. The New York Times called this scent "mesmerizing" which I think is the most perfect description; you won't understand until you smell it.

Choosing a cologne can be tough, especially because there are so many to choose from. If you're currently using Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, get rid of it! That scent was only ever acceptable from grades 9 to 11. Just like fashion, there are new scents every season so don't hesitate to switch up your fragrance frequently but you should always have that one 'go-to' fragrance [like CREED] that will never go out of style. 

Colognes are meant to accentuate not overpower so don't ruin it by overloading! If I can smell you from a mile away, you've put on too much. If you leave a perpetual lingering scent in my room for the next three days, you've put on too much. If your fragrance overpowers mine, you've put on too much. Key word: dab not drown; at the base of your throat or a quick spritz on your chest before heading out the door.

Tip: a good fragrance can last up to five years. Store your scents in a cool dark place, away from direct sunlight at room temperature. Heat and light can alter the chemistry of the scent molecules.

Sniff, sniff!

Big things come in small packages

Speck; SeeThru for iPhone4S/4
Jack Black; All-over Wash
Alexander McQueen; Patent Leather Wallet
Franck Muller; Crazy Hours
Miansai; Leather and Metal Hook Bracelet
Luis Morais; Ebony and Black Diamond Bracelet
Jack Black; Muscle Recovery Balm
Brooks Brothers; Regimental-Stripe Silk Tie
Oliver Peoples; Bernardo Square Framed Acetate Sunglasses
Valextra; Leather iPad Case

As much as I love receiving gifts, there's nothing that I love more than giving gifts! Every year, the boys in my life have been absolutely spoiled because I like to go ALL out. Even if we set a limit, I always seem to go over it because there really are way too many great things out there for guys! I tend to fill stockings with small, practical things like wallets, phone cases, accessories, cologne and other every day items. Boys - not sure what to put on your wish list? Print this out. Girls - not sure what to get your men? Take your pick[s]. Even though it is probably out of your price range, is that watch not to die for? Youtube Franck Muller Crazy Hours to see the unique dial change between hours. And that Brooks Brothers tie - I love; It is so preppy.

He's leaving on a jet plane

Happy MANday! It seems to me that nearly half of my friends are getting ready to jet set off into the abyss over the holidays. I absolutely love travelling; it's definitely something I wish I could do more of. However, there is one thing I hate about travelling - PACKING! [I am the worst at packing but I'll save that for another post.] Even though out of all the luggage you will pack, your carry-on is probably the easiest, there is nothing worse than strapping up your seat belt and realizing you've forgotten your iPod. To prevent this tragedy from occuring, I suggest making a list! [Did I mention that I love lists?] For all you lovely gentlemen who I know won't make a list, I've saved you the trouble and made one for you! This isn't just a random bunch of paraphernalia thrown together; everything has a purpose...

iPad/iPod + noise cancelling headphones: for entertainment; just make sure your battery is fully charged. 

loafers: you'll want to wear a pair of comfy shoes for a long flight and loafers are practically like slippers.

sunglasses: not only will they come in handy when you land in the sunny Maldives but they'll also hide your sleepy, jet-lagged eyes.

passport: I think this one is a given? Just don't forget it or it will ruin your trip.

camera: you never know when you're going to come across a photo op! Besides, you should be documenting every waking second of this trip.

scarf: you may get a bit chilly being at such high altitudes or get stuck beside a passenger who refuses to close their air vent even when they're buried under a blanket. 

cardigan: this is the easiest thing to throw on when it gets a bit cool, it won't take up a lot of room in your carry-on and can double as a pillow if your airline doesn't offer them.

bag: another given; you need something to carry it all in, don't you? But specifically, I mean a bag. Not only are you a man, you are a stylish man. No mini rolling suitcase. Just get a bag. Preferably structured and leather.

Bon voyage my babies!

Bundle up, baby!

Happy MANday! As we transition from Fall to Winter, the days keep getting colder and colder. Pretty soon a sweater isn't going to cut it so I've posted a few pieces I think that every man needs to invest in. A thick, cable-knit sweater is great for layering; I chose a button up rather than a pull over because it's easier to take off... For when you step indoors! [Get your mind out of the gutter.] Next, three key Winter items are scarves, gloves and hats; these seriously make all the difference in the world. I would suggest a scarf and hat made of wool or cashmere for extra warmth. Try to find either leather, sheepskin or suede gloves because they'll lock in heat better than cotton. We can't forget about your feet - boots, boots and more BOOTS! Not only are they this seasons "IT" shoe, they keep the cold rain and snow out while keeping your toes warm and dry. [Stylish and purposeful.] Last but not least - my favorite - the parka! Canadians don't live in igloos but Canada Goose Inc. makes their jackets as if we do. These jackets are designed for extreme cold weather conditions; they are filled with goose and duck down which locks in warmth. Some designs [like the one shown above] are accompanied by coyote fur which has caused a bit of havoc with animal rights activists and groups such as PETA. If you don't support the use of fur, you can opt for one without! If you're out with your lady and she is shivering, be a gentleman and lend her your Canada Goose - no matter how hard it may be to part with [it will earn you brownie points]... Just make sure she gives it back!

Let's Get Graphic

"I slang in my white tee
I bang in my white tee
All in the club, spitting game in my white tee
I bling in my white tee, serve feigns in my white tee
Fuck a throwback, I look clean in my white tee"

OK, I got the point... Dem Franchize Boyz like their white tee's! However, regardless of 'Crime Mob's' love for the classic white, I feel that it is my social duty and obligation to humanity to introduce to you the Graphic Tee. Although I have always been a fan of graphic t-shirts, my most recent obsession came along with one of my latest additions, the Britney! It was back in July that Britney Spears came to town on her Femme Fatale tour and I had the pleasure of watching both her and Nicki Minaj perform. One of my friends was kind enough to give me a shirt from the concert, thus contributing to my love for graphic tee's [if only it were my size]. Although, as clearly stated above, a white tee is very practical for many things [such as 'slang-ing', 'bang-ing', and 'spitting game in'] it is always great to switch it up. Throw on a Graphic Tee with a pair of jeans, khaki's, cargo's, shorts or slacks! These tee's literally go with everything and can transform an outfit from being a total bore to out of this world. Now that is what I call a party on your chest; woop, woop!

Rock My World

Dolce&Gabanna: leather bomber

Emporio Armani: watch

Rag & Bone: shirt

Paul Smith: scarf

DRKSHDW by Rick Owens: jeans

Converse: shoes

Usually I prefer preppier styles but every now and then I like a guy who can ROCK my world! Nothing says sexy like black on black so I chose an all black exterior with just a few hints of color... Mind you, they are pretty big hints. Dark denim is a must have in any man's closet because a dark jean is more sophisticated than a light pair yet still more casual than slacks or dress pants. A leather jacket is the jacket of the season - you just can't go wrong with one. Instead of a tee, I picked a plaid dress shirt to keep this outfit from being too grungy. I have fallen in L-O-V-E with these leather John Varvatos Converse sneakers because they scream cool. I know most of you aren't going to run out and buy a purple scarf but trust me on this, it looks great - however, you can ease yourself in with a grey scarf if you need to. Lastly, add a little bit of arm candy [stack on the same wrist] and you're good to go!

Arm Candy

Although I do make for some really pretty arm candy, it is physically impossible for me to be dangling off of every guys arm, all day, everyday. So for the times that I'm not around, visit Cast of Vices for some accents to liven up those forearms of yours. Not a fan of anything you see? Try a timepiece, a wristband or even some hemps bracelets... Or be daring and try all three! Just don't over do it. Unless you're a girl stacking bangles, less is more.

School Boy Style

I can't be the only one in this world who loves a school boy. Me + congressman, Mark Foley, makes two of us! [Just kidding... That was so uncalled for, SORRY. If you don't know who that is just Google him #vomit.] Carrying on... The three best qualities a man can have are 1) being smart - having an education never hurt anyone and will probably help you 'get somewhere' in life so go to school and stay in school. 2) having a great personality - this includes being sociable, having manners, being a true gentleman and having a sense of humor. 3) having good STYLE - let's be real, I didn't give you my number because I thought you would be able to provide me with some sort of deep, intellectual conversation. I gave you my number because I thought you were hot, dressed nicely and probably used some sort of suave swoon moves to get my attention. Realistically, men's fashion can be broken down into just a few rules: no sandals and socks, no running shoes with jeans, no denim tuxedo, etc. but for those of you who still could use a little help on the style side of things, I've put together a little #trending list for you to follow:

◦ boots; Fall's 'IT' shoe.

◦ scarf; these come in so many different patterns, materials, colors and lengths. Whether you wrap it, knot it or just let it hang, a scarf can add the finishing touch to any outfit all the while keeping you warm in the brisk weather.
◦ colored socks; my obsession because this is something you can have fun with.
◦ cardigan sweater; throw it on over a dress shirt, a sleeveless or a tee - plain or graphic!
◦ TOMS; probably the best casual shoe ever invented, not only because of it's extreme comfort while providing arch support but because of the movement behind the brand itself. For every pair of TOMS purchased, the company gives a pair to a child in need. "Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk. A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause..."
◦ straight leg pants; trousers, slacks or jeans, straight leg is the style. Not too tight, not too loose, somewhere in between.
◦ blazer; similar to a sports jacket but a little bit lighter. This can dress up your outfit, make you look smarter and seem somewhat 'put together' [you could fool a lot of people if you wear one of these and keep your mouth shut.]
◦ backpack; you're going to need something to carry your textbooks around and NO a murse is not an acceptable form of 'baggage.' If you're in school, just use the good old backpack. Besides, there are a lot of really great ones out there like the Herschel Heritage bag.
◦ tan slacks; every man needs a pair of Dockers.
◦ skinny tie; for all those formal events and gatherings.
◦ cuffed pants; probably one of the most trending styles right now for guys, cuffing the hem of your pants adds a casual-cool feel to your attire.

I think you're ready to hit the school yard now!