Spring Trend Alert

Denim shirt $59.90 mango.com

Desert clarks $95 endless.com

Denim jeans $79.90 mango.com

Leather lace up $149.90 mango.com

Image credit, mango.com and endless.com

Ditch the white shirt and put the fun back into work!

Tired of playing it safe with the trusted white dress shirt? Is your power blue giving you the blues? Face it, the dreaded office is the one place most of us spend almost half of the day so why not look great while experiencing probably the most fun you never want to have again. I've always loved flipping through my father's GQ magazines, smelling his cologne staring at his shoes...all of them, so it was an absolute joy for me to have had the pleasure of working my magic in the Men's department at one of your better retailers. When styling real people or mannequins, it's important to know your customer and a little something about the way men shop. They are in and out..period! Therefore being the visual creatures that they are, one has to basically "put it together" in a way that isn't too intimidating. I for one, when doing my thang absolutely refused to use a white shirt when styling. I've probably done that once and they were a high quality dress shirt with a little twist..and if you must do a white shirt please add a spark of personality with a great tie!! My point is to show you how to get out of the white or blue shirt way of thinking by mixing textures or patterns that can translate a very sartorial and sophisticated look. When doing so, keep with the color story by choosing a color or two in the shirt and build your choice of necktie around it. Add a pocket square using the same concept. Here are a few pics of "work" to help you visualize the method to the madness.

Power Hour in the Boardroom

Think you can't? Think again.



Mixing patterns is easy just stay in the family.

Something's got to "pop" around here.

FRAGRANCE FEATURE

I was strolling through the men’s fragrance department at one of the better retailers and ran into my good friend, an outstanding and exceptional lady and dynamic sales professional. We started talking fragrance and how to choose one that is right for you (men that is). Ladies, this is good information for you as well. There will come a time when you’re faced with choosing a scent for that special man in your life so you’re at the right place. One of the first questions she likes to ask her customer is what have you worn in the past that you like? Most customers will begin by expressing their dislikes. She’ll introduce scents in a reverse order, starting woodsy then working backwards. Chances are they really don’t know what they like. With that out the way, we can now begin to have some fun. Here are a few useful tips to help you along your fragrance journey. I’d like to give a very special Thank You to Miss Annie in Men’s Fragrances at Nordstrom for sharing her time and expertise with me.



Fragrance Tips













Let your body chemistry dictate the fragrance.

Come clean to experience different fragrances, spraying scents on paper is no good. Place the fragrance on your body and allow the warmth of your body oils to work naturally.

Wear the scent; never let the scent wear you! If this happens chances are you’re dry so stay hydrated to keep the scent.

Sets are good for layering it helps the fragrance lasts longer. No use for after shave, that’s fine, use it on your body followed by the fragrance for a long lasting effect.

Spray scents on the back of your neck, pulse points, and on lower extremities. The latter works well with fragrances that is very strong. This allows the scent to rise gradually instead of knocking yourself and everyone else out!!

The time of year is important too when deciding how heavy or light of a fragrance to choose. During the summer months linen and cotton fabrics come to mind, opt for fragrances that are light and citrusy. Hanae Mori is a good pick! The winter months naturally require warmer, leathery/woodsy type scents that are heavier and won’t get lost under winter gear. Try YSL, Bulgari Bleu or Bulgari Soir.



Take your time, try a few different scents, walk around and come back. In time you’ll find which ones is a good match for your chemistry. In the meanwhile we love you just the way you are!