Cologne: The Women's Aphrodisiac

Has a woman ever walked by you and you notice her take a extra look or even linger a little longer than usual. Most guys just assume its because they think their hot, now this might be true in some instances but one of the top reasons for this behavior is from a woman senses picking up on something. Men fail to realize how crucial cologne or body sprays are. There are several types some that are day time appropriate and some that are more for the after 5 affairs. Wearing too strong of a cologne can be a definite turn off. Every scnet doesnt work for every male you really have to test a few to see which ones work best with your natural body scent.

There are a few scents that work for a lot of men that I would recommend:

(in order of apperance)

Kenneth Cole Black is a classic it works with most mens natural body aroma..it definitely goes from a Business meeting to Happy Hour!! starting at 30.00$

Very Irresistable not to the cologne scene but definitely a classic, so suavce and soo manly with touches ofgreen mint, grape fruit peel, mocha and hazelnut wood, this sensual fragrance is full-bodied. starting at 49.95$

Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme has an underlying scent of Sandalwood and cedar, its just rich a enough with a a slight floral tone great for day and early evening. 68.00$

Giorgio Armani Armani Code is a blend of Lemon, Bergamot, Aromatic Mediterranean Notes, Guaiac Wood, Tonka Bean its very Sexy,Fresh ,and Masculine. 68.00$

CLEAN Men has a very relaxed yet subtle aroma, with hints of Ruby Red Grapefruit, English Lavender, Wild Raspberry, Clove, Lime, Olibanum, Patchouli, Musk, this aromatic blend is definitely a winner with the fairer sex.79.00$

Quote of the Day

If it’s true that men are such beasts, this must account for the fact that most women are animal lovers. ~ Doris Day

DB Debonair Gentleman of the Week~Kanye West

Soooo for most of you this should come at no surprise that Kanye West is this week's ~Debonair Gentleman~. His risk taking and nonchalant approach to fashion is why his style is soo Official!!! He has no problem pushing the envelope on fashion, whether its a random hue of magenta or venturing into his own shoe line with Louis Vuitton he is definitely ahead of the fashion curve. His LV shoes sold out Nationwide within hours!! Not bad if you ask me. He has managed to pull off the slick skater look and slide right into the suuit without missing a beat. He is constantly imitated but rarely duplicated. Believe me I've seen plenty of guys try to pull his look off but its not just about clothes its a mental thing. You cant buy Kanye's swag it comes so natural to him no matter how many of his looks you try to imitate it just takes a certain type of ~I DONT GIVE A F^%$ attitude that makes his look his own. Furthermore, Kanye is definitely a style icon of this generation and i cant wait to see what he comes up with next.

The Art of Blazers: Pairing with Gym Shoes and Boots

So there is definitely an art to pairing gym shoes with blazers. By no means should you ever pair a tailored blazer with anything you would EVER wear to the gym. If you decide you want to dress down a blazer with a pair of casual shoes , there are a few rules to follow:

1. NO AIR FORCE 1's EVER !! Black Air force 1's are not considered a dress shoe for all of the people who weren't certain..lol It doesn't matter if their white or some fancy limited edition, they should not be worn with blazers. They are too casual, especially if its an after 5 event.
   
2. Work Boots: this includes Nike boots, Timberlands, Rockport Boots,and boots of the sort. When pairing a boot and blazer you want a very sleek boot not something rugged that looks like it could endure a Atomic Bomb.


3. Always go for a classic style; preferably leather, calf skin, or coated suede . Choose neutral colors like Black, Charcoal, Dark brown or Cognac. These colors go with a lot!!


4. Cowboy boots are acceptable, as long as they aren't too gaudy or over embellished. As with any boot its better to stay with a neutral tone,avoid Light brown hues(wheat or nubuck) and metallics.
   

Don't forget to match your Belt, It always helps to tie the look together!!

(In order-TOD's Owen's Lace-Up 395.00$, Gucci Leather Boot 765.00$, both available at NeimanMarcus.com~Kenneth Cole NY Web Ring 195.00$ available at Kenneth Cole retailers.)

Pen Pal

There are certain things a man should have: A tailored suit, a nice watch, a pair of handmade Italian shoes and A luxury writing instrument.Not just for an executive or high powered business attorney this is something that every man should invest in. Alot of men nowadays take this simple item for granted. Are you brand loyal, Dont think that you fav company carries pens well your wrong. Currently just about all the major designers have added luxury writing instruments to their mens accesories lines. From Cartier to Montblanc they can range in price from the low 's 100- 1500$ depending on material and writing style(fine,medium,ball point,and fountain). shown top-Cartier Pasha Blue Stripe Lacquer Roller Ball Pen 785.00$ available at Cartier Retailers. bottom- Cross-Townsend Medalist Fountain Pen 135.00$

~Quote of the Day~

The vanity of loving fine clothes and new fashion, and placing value on ourselves by them is one of the most childish pieces of folly-Matthew Hale

Watch Chronicles:Death of the Cheap watch

Now I thought about how I could tactifully discuss this topic without making anyone feel bad about their watch, but I came to the conclusion..I cant..

Being some what of a watch nerd and a former employee for one of the largest luxury watch retailers in the country I feel that Im credible enough to discuss the topic. It eats me up inside to see young men flaunting these japanese manufactured watches, that are gaudy and have low quality diamonds. How do I know that their low quality.. well there is no way you are going to get a stainless steel watch with 2.20 ctw. of high quality diamonds for 500$.The target market for these watches are flashly guys who, like to flaunt and sometimes perpatrate to people that they are in a certain social status. For those of you who are saying "Whatever my watch is great all the chicks love it" know this they really dont in the back of their minds their wondering the fastest and most efficient way to destroy it. Also if you insist on wearing these tin cans with spit crystals, know this defintely a play watch they shouldnt be worn to work, with a suit or tux.. its not a dress watch and cannot by any means be passed off as such. Do not try to slide it on with a blazer or sweater, T-shirts and really casual apparel...

Top 10 Men's Fashion DO's and Don't

1. DO match you belt to your shoes~it helps to tie together looks especially when the suit is black and shoes are brown or vice versa.
2. DO NOT wear soft sole shoes with Tuxedos~Most soft sole shoes are very casual and dont look very elegant. A nice hard sole tie up dress shoe is always a safe choice.
3. DO NOT wear white dress shoes- no matter how fly you thought POPS off the Wayans Brothers was those shoes were never meant to be worn in real life.
4. DO pair wear cotton scoop and v-neck tees with blazers and cardigans. A classic tee can go from day to night especially when worn in a dark hue.
5. DO NOT walk around with a hand towel like its part of your outfit. Its looks tacky and extremely extra.Just because you saw it in a music video doesnt make it right.
6. DO NOT let your boxers or briefs be visible to the general public, contrary to what your friends tell you its not attractive, so either buy a bigger shirt or pull ur pants up...Your choice.
7. DO wear cufflinks~ some people think that they are outdated but nothing looks better to me then to see subtle and crisp french cuff and non-gawdy cufflings peeking from under a well-tailored Suit
8. DO invest in a high quality cashmere or wool blend sweater in black or charcoal. If your daring go for a vibrant tone or pastel.Make sure that its a hue that compliments your skin tone. The piece easily transcends from fall to winter and day to night depending on style and color.
9. DO NOT wear jeans that are tighter than your girl friends~Im not sure who started the trend but im making it my mission to stop it. For no reason should you be borrowing your gf or sisters skinny jeans.
10. DO invest in a tailored suit~ The average guy can usual find one off the rack suit, but for the rest of the male population buying a tailored suit is a wise investment..even off the rack suits usually require some alterations.

So Im sure there are things I missed but for right now these are the things on the for front of my mind. Hope you were taking notes.....

Shoe Obsession~~BRUNO MAGLI

One of the best quality hard and soft sole mens shoes. Crafted in Italy,the Bruno Magli selection ranges from soft sole loafer and athletic tie ups to hard sole loafers and dress shoes. Ranging from low 300$ to high 600$. With such great quality these shoes are definitely worth the investment. They are stylish and slick and can be worn with both jeans or a suit.(shown-Bruno Magli 'Ramazzole' Slip-On -425.00$Nordstroms.com)

The~MUST~have

One of must have of the year, is the American Apparel Fine Cotton short sleeve T-shirt. V-neck or scoop .. either one will do the trick. This great find is so versatile, you can take them from jeans and cardigan to a sport coat and slacks. This shirt is complimenting to both men with a slim and athletic build. It is a steal at just 19.00$ for v-neck/17.00$ for scoop(available in 20 colors)...www.americanapparel.com

DG Debonair Gentleman of the Week~ IDRIS ELBA

Whether you refer to him as DJ Driis or Idris Elba.. He is this week's DG!! Many of you recognize him from the recent blockbuster hit"Obsessed" as "Derek Charles" aside his on screen wife Beyonce Knowles. Not particularly my favorite movie, but he definitelely made it easy to watch. Also a feature star in Tyler Perry's "Daddy's Girls" as "Monty" aside Gabrielle Union , or "Stringer" from The Wire(FYI- One of my favs) he has been making his way through Hollywood giving Denzel a run for his money. He exudes masculinity and sex appeal, with such a natural ease. He also always looks SO DEBONAIR in just about anything he wears,Whether its a black V-neck with an afghan scarf, three piece suit, or shorts and trainers. He has owned and mastered his swag with such grace. He and his stylist have definitely perfected his look.....

Quote of the Day

Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.-Gore Vidal