Summer Fragrances: Editor's Picks

A man's cologne tells a story. The scent has the ability to attract or repel people from your social circle. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so you might as well smell good in the process.

First of all, don’t bathe in your cologne. A spritz here and a spritz there is good enough. You don’t want to make people pass out from the fumes when you pass by. We have all made that mistake before, you know who you are. Lets go with one spray in the upper chest/neck area and one spray on either arm. You can do a spray on each arm, if you please, but limit yourself to 3 sprays!! When you put cologne in places that sweat forms, its smell reacts with your body chemicals to produce your own unique scent; if the cologne is right for you, this truly is a "scent" and not an "odor". If the cologne is not right for you, then that's a different story.

Before I start the top 3, I just wanted to let you guys out there know Acqua Di Gio will not be on this list for one major reason...do you know anyone who doesn't own a bottle of this cologne? Trust me, this product has run its course. It's over and done with and now makes people want to vomit. It is time to branch out and smell different people!

My Picks:
Number 1 for this summer is Tiffany for Men. I know what you're thinking, "Did he just mention the expensive, famous-for-mostly-women jewelry brand? That's right, and you wont break the bank in order to smell classy. After you purchase this cologne, you really can afford to have breakfast at Tiffany's. At $75, this cologne is subtle and smells great. The scent isn’t overpowering and will make a lasting impression on the people you meet. Made with citrus oils and rich woody aroma, this scent is great for outdoor gatherings.

Number 2 is Lacoste Esstentials for $65. This cologne is sure to get the ladies' attention. The scent is infused with spices, for a fresh, heart pounding smell. Splash it on and head out to the bar. Also check out Lacoste Red and Silver.

Number 3 is Dirty English by Juicy Couture, for $52. This scent is brings out the passion. Mixed with pepper and mandarin, this scent is for the evening and will help you live fast and in the moment.

Farzad's Picks [written by Farzad]:

1- Marc Jacobs Men by Marc Jacobs - This is the perfect cologne for any occasion. Its subtle enough for a quiet dinner with your girlfriend and it definitely comes out to play when you do. Remember what Joey said about the cologne reacting with your body's chemicals as you sweat? Well, this cologne is a perfect example.

2- Prada Man by Prada - So fresh and so clean, clean! Seriously, if you are having a stank day, try this. It smells clean and soapy, but not like you just stepped out of the shower. I'm talking clean like "fresh" clean. Give it a spray and you'll see what I mean.

Dalit's Pick [written by Farzad]:

Le Male by Jean-Paul Gaultier- When I [Farzad] asked Dalit what her favorite fragrance on a guy was, she immediately responded with this pick. I totally agree with her that it smells really good but it is a bit strong so you might want to go easy with this one. I mean it, maybe just one spray. Before you get dressed. One day early......ok, so maybe it's not THAT strong, but you really do wanna go light on this one.

*Click the cologne name to be linked to their site for purchase or inquiries.

-Joey

joey@themensfashionblog.com

**Remember to spray accordingly. Friends don't let friends over-saturate**

Album of the Moment. 06.17.09

Chester French - Love The Future

A relatively new band on Star Trak records, Chester French has become one of my favorite new bands to keep an eye on. Having started the band during their freshman year at Harvard, D.A. Wallach and Maxwell Drummey are steadily rising to music greatness. They recently toured with Lady GaGa on her "Fame Ball Tour" and this summer, they will be touring with Blink-182. Their debut album was released on April 21, 2009 and has been all over the place!

They're a great band and are very fan-centric. As soon as I heard their single, She Loves Everybody, I checked out their website and signed up to be a "Chester French VIP". Shortly after, I received a few emails from the band which were actually written by D.A. and Max themselves (as far as I could tell). When I ordered my album through their site, there was a significant delay in the delivery so I sent an email to check on it and D.A. personally wrote me back to apologize and assure me that it was on its way. Who does that anymore?! I'll tell you who, Chester French. I have a feeling that as long as they can, they'll continue this great contact with their supporters.

The first time I heard their music, I immediately though "electronic-Beatles-fun". That was literally exactly what went through my mind. Smart lyrics, great beats, not to mention, the guys have great style. Just check out D.A.'s tux on their album cover above..how awesome is that??!! My fave songs off "Love The Future" are: Bebe Buell, Time to Unwind, and Sleep.

Just a couple of weeks before the release of this debut album, the band gifted fans with a mixtape, "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1"", which is still available for free on their website, featuring collaborations with so many other great artists. Among my faves from the mixtape: Ciroc Star feat. Diddy and Jadakiss, What a World with Common and Nerd Girl with Janelle Monae.

Chester French is definitely worth checking out. They are bringing something new and fresh to the mix and I'm sure to be a supporter for years to come. Check them out on tour this summer and/or buy their album.

Follow the link to buy the album, download their free mixtape and find out more about the band, including tour dates, blog, and lyrics.

Chester French HomePage

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

I Want One! 06.17.09

The Amazon Kindle

Something I've been wanting for quite some time now is the Amazon Kindle. I just want to be able to take my books with me wherever I go. This device is awesome and totally lets me do that. It works on a (free) 3G network, provided by Sprint, so you can instantly download new titles, its as thin as a pencil and it'll even read to you.....that is, if you cant read for yourself. With the capacity to hold over 1,500 books, you can take your reading library with you anywhere. If you like to read and you've got $400 to spare, pick this one up.

To buy, read about and get the full listing of Kindle features, click HERE.

- Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

News.

TheMensFashionBlog.com is working on a weekly e-mail newsletter and a possible monthly mailed-out newsletter. If you are interested in signing up, advertising or have questions about these services, please email me at admin@themensfashionblog.com

Thanks!

FF

Word on the Street: Sale of the Day

Kenneth Cole Reaction

Reaction 1.7 FL OZ

$45.00

Now 30% off!

www.kennethcole.com

ClarinsMen Products

I don't know about you but I have always had trouble with shaving. I use an electric razor on a daily basis but every once in a while, I feel the need to shave with an actual razor. My problem is that I don't have the slightest clue what to do. Today, I tried something different. As opposed to shaving cream, shave oil is much more beneficial to your skin. Most shaving creams contain soaps, which dry out your skin. If you have very oily skin, this could work in your favor, but if you have normal to slightly oily skin, as I do, this can pose a problem. The great thing about shave oil is that it immediately softens your hair, making shaving easier, and it hydrates your skin. I might have gone a bit overboard this morning with 2 pumps of the oil (I'm sure I would have been fine with just one) but the end result was like nothing I've ever had before. My face was literally softer than a baby's ass.

 

Try ClarinsMen products. They aren't reformulated women's products, rather they are made specifically for men's skin. I recommend the Huile de Rasage (shave oil) and the Baume Hydratant (moisturizing balm). Both products are definitely worth it. Each one weighs in at just over an ounce and while that may not seem like much, you really don't need a lot to achieve great results. Shave oil = one pump. Moisture Balm = 1/2 pump. Use the Moisture Balm after shaving, in place of after shave, to soothe your face and aid in repair of whatever mishaps you may have had during shaving.

 

Click HERE to go to the men's section of Clarins.com.

 

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

City Spotlight: Denver

Denver is perhaps one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Most people overlook Denver and the Rocky Mountains when planning a vacation but I hope this article will help you plan a future vacation to The Mile High City. Denver has it all: skiing, breweries, great shopping, awesome downtown night life, and picturesque views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

If you're going to stay in Denver, stay downtown at one of the numerous hotels like the Grand Hyatt or local hotels like the Hotel Magnolia. Transportation is easy with the RTD light rail system and can take you all around town. During the summer, make sure to catch a Rockies baseball game at Coors Field. After the game, the LODO district (Lower Downtown) has numerous pubs and clubs to help you get the night going....and keep it that way. The Sports Column, LODO's, and The Tavern, are all local, cool and casual hot spots with great nightly drink specials. If you're looking for something trendier, then check out Monarch or Spill located on Market Street.

Denver also has some amazing restaurants. Located in the historic Larimer Square District, the Samba Room offers some of the best Cuban food around. I recently had the Spanish Paella and I was blown away. It was incredible! If you are looking for something more casual, the 16th Street Mall is an entire outdoor pavilion in the middle of downtown. They have restaurants like the Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Maggiano's Little Italy and the Hard Rock Cafe.

If you're looking to shop, then get ready for a mile-high shopping experience! Located just minutes from downtown, the Cherry Creek Shopping District features stores like Burberry, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus. This area also has some great eateries mostly located in Cherry Creek North, like Cherry Cricket, which is known for their mouth-watering burgers.

If you are looking for outdoor activities, Denver is centrally located to many National Forests where you can bike, hike, camp, river raft or just take in Mother Nature. For more information on Denver, please visit www.denver.org

-Joey
joey@themensfashionblog.com

Father's Day Gift Guide

We've got just under a week before Father's Day and if you haven't found the perfect gift for Dad, now's the time to get it. Here's a little gift guide (all under $100) to help you out.

$0-$50

Shirts from Gap - Gap has a lot of classic styles that are easy on the wallet. Ranging from $39.50-$49.50, this is the perfect gift for a giver on a budget.

Perfect Wash 'Henry' Checked Shirt

Swim Trunks - Summer is here and I'm sure you don't want Dad hitting the pool in the same chlorine-faded trunks he's been swimming in for the past four years. Do him a favor and get him one of these options.

Gap Solid Blue Boardshorts - $29.62

Mossimo Blue Plaid Boardshort - $19.99

BOSS Orange 'I Male' Swim Trunks - $49.00

- For the Wine Aficionado

Waring Cordless Wine Chiller - Dillards.com - $49.99

$51-$100

As you may or may not have heard, the 2nd generation iPhone is now available for $99. Of course, you have to sign a 2-yr contract with AT&T but if Dad has been wanting a new phone, this may be the time. Pick it up at Apple.com.

Oakley Hijinx sunglasses - $90 - Oakley.com

Fossil Watches - Fossil.com has always had a huge selection of affordable watches. With quite a few in the $75-$95 range, These make a great last-minute gift idea.

Analog Black Dial

Colognes-There are various designer fragrance gift sets ranging from $49.50-$76.50. Pick the scent that you feel best describes your Dad.

Lacoste Polos -These are classic looks for any lazy Sunday. Whether Dad hits the golf course or fires up the grill, he'll look and feel great doing them in this polo. Black is a very popular color with these shirts, but help Dad be bold! Get him some color!

Lacoste Piqué Polo - $79.50 - Bloomingdales.com

I hope everyone has a great Father's Day!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com