The Rules.

Rule no. 398:

The History Channel is not a substitute

for reading a book every now and then.

To get your copy, click HERE

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Hommework Grand Re-Opening.

If you're in El Paso, don't forget to stop by Hommework's official Grand re-Opening. Tonight, starting at 6pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It's sure to be a party worthy of an A+.

Hommework Contemporary Mens Clothing

2603 N. Stanton, El Paso TX

Grand Re-Opening@6pm

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

The Tie Bar.

In the next few weeks, I've got a couple of events which require that I wear a tie. Now, there is nothing I hate more than feeling restrained and ties are like seatbelts for my neck. [remember: when riding in an automobile, ALWAYS wear your safety belt]

A few weeks ago, though, I tried something new. A bow-tie! Something about the hanging ends of a regular neck-tie make me uneasy but the bow-tie on the other hand, was completely fuss free. Once it was on, there was no messing with it at all. I was probably one of the sharpest dressed guys there that night, if I do say so myself.

Just a couple of days ago, I came across a site called TheTieBar.com. They offer a WIIIIIDE variety of ties in different patterns and styles, including [you guessed it] Bow-Ties!! What's best about this site is the fact that the ties are dirt-cheap. $15 for a bow-tie?!...and its not on sale?! Come on!!

If you need a variety of ties for a variety of events, I'd definitely suggest you check out TheTieBar.com. Keep in mind, pre-tied ties (regular or bow) are for infants. Be a man and read on to find out the proper way to knot your bow-tie.

Got questions or comments? Email me!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Accessorize. : Watch Me Now!!!

In continuation of my "Accessorize." series, I bring you: Watches. Probably the single item I get complimented most on is my watch. [whichever one it may be on any given day] I love watches! I couldn't even tell you how many I have.

When I talk about a watch, I'm definitely not talking Rolex. While Rolex is nice, I'm no fool. For something that I change everyday, I'd rather spend much less for more watches than [insert insane dollar amount here] for one watch.

Today, rather than find examples online, I'm pulling watches from my own collection. These are some of my favorites that are definitely in heavy rotation.

First up, a brown-faced, brown-strap watch by Daniel Steiger. My mother actually gave me this watch. She gets this catalog from Timepieces, Intl. which actually has a lot of great watches and they almost always have a 2-for-1 deal. Their watches start at about $120 and usually don't run past $300. Anyway, when you get 2-for-1,the price is always nice.

This is one of my Geek Chic favorites. The Casio Databank in yellow. Purchased at Hommework, I think this is my most used watch. I feel like it truly does go with everything because of its geek-factor. Even if it doesn't "match", people still get a kick out of it.....and I'm all about putting on a show. These cost about $95 and Hommework actually has a few in stock right now. [Quick Tip: Don't live in El Paso?Hommework will ship for a flat rate of $5.95]

This next one is also a bit geeky but what can I say?! I've got the braces, the glasses and the tech-savviness that qualifies me for the gig. I must say that I LOVE SWATCH!!! They truly do take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! The ticking sound is so loud, I sometimes focus on it to clear my head. My Swatch has a barcode design and is super-casual. I believe I purchased this one for about $65.

I also have an affinity for chunky watches and this one fits the bill juuust right. This is a G-Shock Japanese Limited Edition watch which I also purchased at Hommework. This one was a bit pricier but definitely worth it. At $199, it features a black croc patent-leather strap with purple stitching, backlight, timers, alarms, calendars, 13 different languages, etc.... If you find one, get one.

For "dressier" occasions such as the occasional wedding, business meetings and dinner dates, I opt for a basic silver Kenneth Cole watch. This was a gift from a very good friend of mine and I believe they are usually about $95. You really can never go wrong with a Kenneth Cole watch. His timepieces are typically very safe but always classic.

And finally, to prove that a good deal can be found by just looking in the right places, my "go-to" black watch. This one is by Lambretta and I snagged this for $25 [only $25] at a store closing sale. There are always good and bad aspects to unstable economies. BAD: the store closed. GOOD: I got a watch for $25!!!! The store was The Jeanery in San Diego and it used to be one of my must-stops whenever I'd visit that fantastic city. Now, I'll have to settle for whatever else I can find.

Now, here are a few tips in watch selection and watch care.

1] When watch shopping, in order to get an everyday watch, look for something reliable with a classic, round shape.

2] Pick a watch that fits your wrist! Having a secure-fitting watch is key to maintaining the watch's life. If it's jumbling up and down your arm as you are running around all day, something bad is bound to happen to it. [such as the NUMEROUS times I run into walls, arm first.]

3] When storing watches, its all about comfort (for the watch). I have a canvas tray where I keep most of my watches. They are easily found and the canvas protects them from scratches. If you've got a watch box to keep them in, more power to you!

4] If you have a significant number of watches, check that the batteries work at least once a month. There's nothing worse than finding out at the last minute that your battery is dead!

5] I said it once, and I'll say it again....make sure the watch fits!!! If purchasing a metal link watch, most jewelers will do the first fitting for free. This means removing any extra links and making sure the watch is just the right fit, while preserving the extra links (should the be needed in the future) in a neat, little paper envelope.

If you've got questions or comments pertaining to this post, don't hesitate to email me! I'm always open to suggestions.

Watch out!!!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Mind Your Manners.

Did you just spend a weekend with friends at their vacation house? Were you recently invited to an event hosted by a friend? Did you have a birthday party (for yourself)?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, good for you!! Now, SEND A THANK YOU NOTE!!! Trust me, it's a very nice gesture that can take your friendships very far.


I prefer using blank white [or simply colored] notecards. Nothing fancy, no snooty monogrammed BS, just simple, classic white notecards. GrassrootsStore.com has 100% recycled notecards available in a variety of colors.

Also, keeping a few on hand can come in handy in a pinch. Especially if you are running late and need a card for a gift.

"Thanks so much! I had a great time and I really appreciate the gift. Can't wait to do it again!

-Farzad"

Remember, keep it simple!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Hommework. Contemporary Men's Clothing.

Hallelujah!!! The men of El Paso finally have a place to shop and shop well! Hommework is a store with a clever name and an even smarter selection. They've got everything: watches (which I go crazy for), some great products from unique brands (Shades of Greige, Maison Bibliotheque Jeans, GRN Apple Tree, ALIFE shoes, Creative Recreation, etc.), and now, Recess - a women's store. Hommework opened in October of 2008 in one of the busiest areas of town. Following a slow and steady buzz, they are ready to move to a hotter, busier location. Hommework has garnered local and regional media attention in Texas Monthly Magazine and was even honored with various nominations in this years EP Media Group "Best Of" awards.

Shoes by Creative Recreation, Sneaky Steve, ALIFE, etc.

The thing about Hommework is that it has brought something to El Paso that it was truly lacking; GUTS! For so long, options for men's fashion have been ruled by places like Dillard's, Express, and GAP; places that are found in every mall, in every city with what seems to be the recycled fashions of years past. Then, along came Hommework, with their excellent selection of bold sneakers, near-perfect denim, accessories, shirts, jackets, everything!!! That is not to say that there weren't (2) other places in ELP for guys to shop, but Hommework is the place that makes it truly accessible.

Maison Bibliotheque

I definitely put my plastic to good use there during their first few months in business and I gladly repeat every few of weeks.

Since we follow them on Twitter (and you should too, twitter.com/hommework), I know that they just re-opened at a new location. They are now located at 2603 N. Stanton, El Paso, TX 79902 - between Babycakes by Marcy & Luka 7. This is an even better location than the previous. It's now even closer to the hottest street in El Paso, around the corner from some of the greatest restaurants in the area and ready to offer you some world-class service.

The best thing about Hommework/Recess, aside from the clothes and events, is the fact that no matter who you are, they treat you the way that businesses should treat their clients- with fun! Owners [and married couple] Alby and Crystal Bocanegra truly treat every customer as if they've known them for years. It's all about keeping it light and its great to have a shopper's retreat that realizes just that.

I'm also happy to hear that in the coming months, a lot is in store for Hommework. A second location on ELP's eastside, an online store and they are participating in the"Bring It Downtown" fashion event this coming Sunday, July 26. [Read more about the event at TheRestIsJustIcing.blogspot.com, also tkts for the event are available at Hommework]

Keep up with this store as I see only bigger and better things to come!

Visit the HommeworkEP blog at hommeworkep.blogspot.com

To follow Hommework on Twitter, click HERE

To follow TheMensFashionBlog on Twitter, click HERE

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com