Made from high-tech alloy, these come with extra-strong magnets that not only keep your collar at attention, but allow you to adjust your collar's spread - from high & tight to butterfly. Available at WurkinStiffs.com.
- Lesley Scott
Everyone
knows I have an innate love for contemporary housewares. As I was
surfing the Internet today, I discovered a unique sink island offered
by KWC America. This item seems to have taken inspiration from a soda
can, but was then reworked with huge proportions and sleeker
architectural elements. Toss in a few sinks and a cool faucet and you
have the KWC Workstation. This sink island/workstation gives a whole
new meaning to the phrase ‘futuristic kitchen.’ Satisfy the need
for easy preparation as you work a circular sequence around the
central water supply with various compartments that'll go with the
flow- they readily move as you work. As noted from the picture, these
compartments aid in quick preparation and maintain high aesthetics in
your opulent kitchen. The island is also fully customizable and
equipped with ample storage space for your pans and kitchen gadgets.
A vast array of bowls, cutting boards, accessories and faucet designs
can be added to each KWC WORKSTATION design. Preparing food and
washing the dishes has never been so elegant. For only $12,000 it can be
yours for the taking. Visit www.kwcamerica.com for more information.
-- Jared Johnson
If
you're an avid follower of avant-garde art and you possess a liking
to poetry, then Picturing and
Poeting is for you. Authored by Alan
Fletcher and published by Phaidon, this 384 page book is an
informative read for those interested in poetry and elements of
typography. Featuring 272 color
and 40 black and white illustrations mixed with poetry and short
texts, the book is a quick read. Alan
Fletcher (1931-2006) was one of the most creative and internationally
influential figures in the world of graphic design. His last work
features 50 years of his career. For $27.57, this book is ideal for
anyone who crazes an intellectual read. Picturing
and Poeting can be purchased from www.amazon.com.
-- Jared Johnson
Christmas is fast approaching and many people are frantically trying to figure out what to get their loved ones this year. Opt for opulence and set your sights high for luxury. Don't be caught giving the wrong gift to the guy you love this season, get him something he'll love. This Fashiontribes.com gift guide is fit for any man who wants a cool present he can flaunt around.
18-Carat solid gold Zippo- $3,500 for one
What better way to start the gift guide
than with an 18-karat solid gold Zippo. At the price of $3,500 even
the smoke you blow is worth a few bucks. This is the perfect gift for
any wealthy men who want to have a little luxury added to their
puffs. The windproof Zippo can be used perfectly outside; perfect for
when you need a quick light-up between your office and limousine. The
Zippo comes in a custom crafted cherry box for safe storage. The
solid gold Zippo can be purchased from Zippo's Online Store.
Foster Grant Sunglasses- $20 per
pair
If you don't want to spend $3,500 to be cool, then try some hot shades by Foster Grant- these have the same effect. Foster Grant, the world's biggest sunglass distributor offers top notch glasses for men and women who want to protect his or her eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and look trendy at the same time. For an affordable price of about $20 per pair, I personally recommended the aviator glasses. In about seven different styles there is no way to go wrong with this p opular seasonal style. Foster grants can be purchased nationwide in many retail stores.
N.O.A. Timepieces- $1,495- $3,200
“What
time is it?” - the most common question asked during the day.
Impress everyone with a watch by N.O.A.
Founded in 2002, N.O.A is based in Chiasso, Switzerland.
Italian designer Nicola Andreatta is the label's designer, so there's
a juxtaposition of Italian style and Swiss precision. Prices
range from $1,495- $3,200. In addition, the
watches straps are made of alligator skin and it's water resistant to
330 feet or 100 meters. N.O.A.
timepieces are available nationwide at select Saks Fifth Avenue
locations, Bailey Banks & Biddle, Wynn & Co. Watches, Little
Switzerland and top-tier independent jewelers. With so much time put
into the watches' design, it's well worth the purchase.
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet- $3,990 - $21,950 each
What
about the guys who prefer utility over adornment? How about combining
both of these elements into a package for men who love to cook. The
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet grill does just this. It looks great, and
it cooks amazingly. This high-end powerhouse is perfect for outside
entertainment during the summer months- this is one gift worth
waiting for. The grill comes in three models. The one pictured is the
Fully Upgraded Bread Breaker Dual-Fuel Grill Island.
This grill island features a Hybrid Gourmet Grilling drawer system
for cooking with gas, charcoal and hardwood simultaneously. You can
also grill up to 36 chicken breast halves or 24 T-Bone steaks at
once. For the price of $21,950 it can be yours. The ultimate gift to
give to men who love to cook! The grill can be ordered from www.kalamazoogourmet.com.
Helen Yarmak Fur for men- $800 to $100,000
Fur
is popular among women this season, but Helen Yarmak is making it
suitable for men. Her fur is quickly selling out of all her outlets,
so now's the perfect time to purchase one. Every design by Helen
Yarmak is unique, so no two items are alike. That’s why Helen
Yarmak garments are the pride of collectors worldwide. Pricing is
between $800 to $100,000 depending upon the type of fur. Try this
Velvet black coat with Brown Mink Colar on for size. For about $3,600
it can be yours. Contact the Helen Yarmak showroom for more
information. 212-245-0777.
Marrakesh Jacket available from International Male - $69 each
What
a great gift to give to the male teenager of the family. Made 
with
cotton, this International Male Marrakesh jacket boasts colorful
patches on the front and sleeves. There is also back detailing, not
to mention the unique design under the collar. For about $69 it's
perfect for teens and men with a different style. The Marrakesh
jacket can be found on Internationalmale.com
Aaron
Barak Bags- $600 - $1,100
What
perfect time to give a nice accessory to your loved one. Leather bags
by Aaron Barak are the”it” bags to have for this season. Complete
with his signature buckle, Aaron has two lines: Classic and
Monticello – with an offering of more than a dozen different bags
and accessories to choose from. Priced at $600 to $1,100, every bag
is of highest quality and it's the perfect accessory for the affluent
businessman. Every Aaron Barak bag and accessory is made from
their own private leather reserve known as Nickleby leather. Being
that Aaron Barak chooses clean natural hides, the grain remains in
its natural state, and allows for the best fiber strength and
durability, therefore the bag will wear very well and you'll have it
for years to come. Aaron
Barak Luxury Bags can be purchased from www.aaronbarak.com.
Leather Club Monaco Case for LG Chocolate- $39 each
For
those who are getting the new LG Chocolate phone for Christmas try
getting a Club
Monaco case to accompany it. This case is the spawn of
a recent partnership between Verizon
Wireless and Club Monaco. For $39 each, these limited edition black
leather cases will add a stylish touch to any LG Chocolate device.
This is one item that also comes with a cause, for 100
percent of all proceeds from the Verizon Wireless-Club Monaco case
will go to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
Fund, a nationwide organization dedicated to providing public
education, training, and technical assistance to maintain and develop
the professional expertise of advocates working to end domestic
violence. Beginning December 3rd 2006, you can find this case at
select Club Monaco stores, including flagship stores in New York and
Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.
Calvin Klein Underwear Tank Tops- $29.50 per pack
A
basic and crucial necessity many men need is underwear. Why not get
them the latest technology when it comes to tank tops. Technology?
Yes, the latest Calvin Klein Flexible Fit underwear is made from
blend of 94% cotton and 6% XLA™ lastol, a fiber that allow for
maximum conform by stretching to fit and molding to your body.
Because of this fiber, the tops are also wrinkle free and can
withstand multiple washings without wearing and tearing. For about
$29.50, you can a pack of two tank tops. The tops come in black,
white, and other light colors. The tanks can be purchased from
Cku.com.
-- Jared Johnson
In the morning many men shower, shave,
brush their teeth, and flossing is neglected. Both women and men
alike are neglecting to floss daily. A survey taken in Chicago proved
42% of the public skips flossing regularly. Chicagoans take an
average of 34 minutes to get ready each morning and by flossing they
would only add two minutes to their time. The opportunity cost of
this is quite low, however, for it's better to spend two minutes
daily than to spend hundreds if not thousands on a dentist due to gum
problems. According to a recent study in the Journal of
Periodontology, flossing twice daily for two weeks can create
noticeable improvements in your oral health. Therefore, Crest has
come to our aid with their new Glide Deep Clean To-Go floss. As the
most expensive floss on the market, the individually wrapped Glide
floss is a sure hit for those who need clean teeth, and fast. Glide
comes in a pack of 30 single use sachets readily available for any
man on the go. The sachets are small and discrete so putting one in
your wallet or pocket for use after lunch is simple. Glide comes in
cool mint flavoring which leaves your mouth with a spicy mint
aftertaste. Glide is available in many retail and grocery stores
nationwide for a price of about $3.99. A small price to pay for 30
sachets, 18 inches of floss, and most importantly, a bright smile for
all the ladies!
-- Jared Johnson
The new EmerginC products are
generating a lot of pull...it pulls me from my bed in the morning to
clean my face. All jokes aside, the face cleaner is one of the best I
have ever tired in my life. Full of natural ingredients such as
horsetail, rosemary, and pine extract, the EmerginC cleaner leaves
one's face feeling light and rejuvenated without the dry and harsh
feeling. Starting at $27, it's perfect for any skin type and it
readily removes the dirt from one's pores. For $49, the p.m.
fortifier is appropriate for the bedtime protection and recovery of
your visage. When I applied this before
bed, I awoke with a fresher looking countenance and I looked much
better than the day before. The last product included in the men's
EmerginC bundle is the post shave reinforcer. After shaving I applied
this to ease the burn, and for $47 it comes with another function; it
prevents after-shave bumping. This is a big problem for many men who
have sensitive skin, yet by using EmerginC I was able to keep this
under control. I highly recommend EmerginC due to its effectiveness
and for the fact there isn't a highly fragrant scent in any of their
products, which allows for discrete usage. This is one product that
truly works and it's well worth the money. EmerginC can be purchased
from www.emerginc.com. EmerginC is also carried at The Spa at
Caesar’s Palace, Carneros Inn and Spa, Miraval and select
nationwide retailers. On a final note, with Christmas quickly
approaching, EmerginC makes the perfect gift for dad.
-- Jared Johnson
Traveling in between meetings and conferences are hassles and the drudgery is added more so when you don't have the proper bags for your computer, papers, and presentation material. Therefore, Solo has come to our aid in providing top notch laptop cases and messenger bags. Never be caught at work without a stylish bag. My favorite product offered by Solo are the attachés. Choices of either leather or metal are offered, both being equally luxurious. I would recommend having at least one in your closet. In addition to this, I personally like the messenger bags because they're constructed to maximize your overall storage space. There's a large front flap with a full-length zippered main compartment containing a removable laptop pocket. Pockets below aid in quick travel of peripherals and supplies. For about $70, you can take pretty much your whole office within this bag. For those heavy duty travelers who have too much to carry, I prefer the leather rolling laptop case. Instead of holding everything invest $225 to roll everything! It's well worth the money, and made from sturdy leather, it'll last a long time. Visit www.solocases.com to see their entire selection and to decide which case is best for you.
-- Jared Johnson
Cowboys,
horses, and cattle aren't the only things the South has to offer.
Designers Zac Tischbein and Adam Meiras have designed and
manufactured a new line fashion line for men, T-country. T-county was
named after Tuscarawas County, Ohio where Mr. Tischbein was raised,
and features many farm motifs combined with uptown opulence. Carried
by Bloomingdale’s in NYC and Beverly Hills, Fred Segal and Kitson
in Los Angeles, this brand is becoming well recognized for those who
want a theme based outfit. Perfect for those cowboy shoes by Donald
J. Pliner. Blazers start at $290 and shirts run about $150 to $199.
Overall, it's something I wouldn't personally wear, but the concept
is very interesting and fresh such that I had to inclu
de it on my
blog! For more information check out their website at: www.t-county.com
-- Jared Johnson
Shaving
daily becomes a hassle without the necessary items such as a
sensitive shaving cream, face wash, and moisturizer. I personally
enjoy using products that leave me with a fresh smell and most
importantly- a great feeling. Since it's dermatologist approved and
recommended to all men, shaving products by Liz Earle can be
considered an affordable alternative to expensive skin treatments.
Liz Earle's shaving kit is packed with top notch natural ingredients
such as wheatgerm, tree moss, peppermint, cedarwood, coriander, and
vetiver. When I shaved with this kit, I was left with a smooth fresh
feeling, however, I wish Naturally Active provided a men's lotion for
dry skin. Perhaps there will be a future addition of lotion, shampoo
and other hygienic products. Naturally Active's pricing makes this
kit somewhat exclusive compared to other shaving assortments. The
face and body wash start at about $18, the shaving cream is about
$17, and the moisturizer is about $24. If you're just looking to
sample the Naturally Active bundle, that runs at about $20 for the
try-me kit. Products can be purchased from the Liz Earle online store
at: www.lizearle.com.
-- Jared Johnson
You guys all know I am a sucker for new
clothing lines and designers, so with the assistance of RBCPR, I
have decided to introduce the world to this newfound brand by retail mogul Doug Pecore- NYNE.
I personally had a
chance to talk with Mr. Pecore about the brand and his career in
clothing. This brief interview proved to be very enjoyable and gave
me a broader sense of the NYNE brand from the business perspective.
Take a look:
JJ: Hello Doug nice to meet you!
DP: Hello thanks for calling.
JJ: What are the responsibilities and duties of your job?
DP: My position is VP of sales and apparel marketing at Capital Mercury Apparel. I am also the inventor of the NYNE sportswear line.
JJ: How did you prepare for entry into this field?
DP: I had 20 years worth of sales and marketing experience and 17 years with Levi Strauss.
JJ: What are the opportunities to advance in this field?
DP: The apparel industry is perfect for entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
JJ: What skills are most important in your work?
DP: Communication, presentation, understanding a retail map, and the ability to listen for customer needs.
JJ: What is rewarding about your work?
DP: The apparel business is a lot of fun because there is something always changing and things to look forward too.
JJ: What advice would you give a person entering this field?
DP: Ha ha, there is no substitute for working hard!
JJ:
What lured yo
u to the fashion industry?
DP: For me it was about as close as I could get to rock and roll and still have a real job.
JJ: When you launched NYNE in Fall 2004, did you undergo any obstacles?
DP: Yes, many we were unheard of, unknown at the time, the industry was facing many mergers and consolidations from retailers and there was enormous pressure for lower prices and items that have profit potential.
JJ: Describe the NYNE design team for me
DP: We have a terrific design team headed by Howard Marks from Lord and Taylor. We also have Robert Rogers for woven sportswear, Amy Ladden for men's dress shirts, and Michelle Phillips for knits and sweaters.
JJ: What kind of man is your brand targeting?
DP: Our specific target is the 35-year-old male, yet our style reaches men 25-70 who continue to be youth oriented and inspired by fashion with an appreciation for value.
JJ: So it is mentioned in the press release that your brand targets itself towards men. Why did you choose menswear?
DP: There are fewer choices for men, and we believed they needed a little dressing up, there are many options for young men, from vintage looks to jeans, but many dads look a little boring and mediocre. Therefore we felt they needed a face lift, so we saw the opportunities and went for it.
JJ: Do you feel you will ever introduce womens wear?
DP: We would love to in the future, but we have no specific date in mind.
JJ: Your company is expanding quickly from shirts to trousers, sweaters, and blazers. What's next after this?
DP: Dropping the same looks for men a few sizes as to make a great boys wear collection- a look seen in many other retail stores, without the high price points.
JJ: Have you ever considered making men's grooming items such as a fragrance or face products?
DP: We would be open to that as a natural extension of the brand.
JJ:
Where can a person purchase NYNE? Is it carried by any major
department stores?
DP: Were in about 300 Macy's stores, we're carried at Boscovs department stores and many regional department stores. For the larger man, Casual Male carries our bigger sizes.
JJ: Thanks a lot for allowing me to interview you, best wishes with everything!
DP: Sure no problem!
What
a delightful interview indeed! Regarding the clothing, NYNE's
luxurious casual items are priced between $59.50
to $72.50. Compared to other department store brands this is truly a
bargain. Thought-out designs mixed with contemporary fabrics such as
silk gives any man a modern opulence for a reasonable price. Did I
mention they produce other menswear items such as trousers, jackets, and sweaters? With the sweater being my "it" item for the impending winter, NYNE's new
sweaters named the “New Age Sweater” is different
from anything else of its kind. I definitely want one in my closet. NYNE's SNITS (Sweater/Knits)
are very soft sweaters and knits made from intricate fabrics such as fine gauge cotton, lightweight bamboo/nylon, and wool/acrylic.
By incorporating advanced technology within fashion, NYNE stays ahead of the game. All in all, simple,
casual, affordable, and sleek, are only a few characteristics of the
NYNE label. Be ready to stock your closets with many items from them! You
can purchase items from NYNE by visiting their website at: www.wear-nyne.com. NYNE is also
found in select retailers mentioned above in the interview.
Photo credit: RBCPR/NYNE
-- Jared Johnson
Winter brings about dry skin and I know best from living in Chicago all my life. I have to deal with harsh weather constantly, therefore I need a product that will keep my skin protected at all times. From heavy downpours of rain to long weekend snowstorms I know the products offered at Alphamale Skincare are effective for any skin situation. Created by Opie Lopansri, son of an accomplished dermatologist, Opie knows the importance of skincare firsthand. Many men are indifferent towards beauty products, but Alphamale will not lower any man's sense of masculinity, but rather increase it! Since men have thicker skin than women, the odds of dry skin are higher. Applying Alphamale's no sweat hand lotion keeps your hands healthy without the greasy residue allowing for a powerful, non-greasy hand shake after your conference. Razor blade shaving takes its toll often leaving a painful sensation afterwards. Alphamale's shave formula offers an easy solution to deter this discomfort. Combined with the refining face scrub, Alphamale's lineup of products will leave your face feeling clean, refreshed, and ready to take on the world. I agree Opie Lopansri was thinking about healthy skin on the entire body when he created the body scrub formula. Administering to the entire body is recommended for exfoliating dirt, grease, and oil from the body. Using this product will leave your body's skin as smooth as a baby's. These products have a very generous price point of about $16 to $29, with $29 being the most expensive. You can buy all Alphamale products are their website Alphamaleskincare.com. Also, feel free to telephone them at: +1 888 747 4589.
Photo Credit: Alphamaleskincare.com
-- Jared Johnson
