Monthly Archives: September 2014

Standard Recommendations – Wool Pocket Square – Suit Supply

September 27, 2014 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , 2 Comments

IMG_2525Gentlemen, it is quit remarkable that autumn has officially commenced, and before you can blink your eyes, winter will be touching down shortly as well. Now, I understand that is a conversation many gentlemen care not to entertain, but the reality is inevitable – winter is coming. Now, with these truths proven to be self-evident, fine department stores are bolstering their inventory accordingly with cold-weather appropriate menswear. Therefore, anticipate that the usual regiment of seasonal woolen offerings will inundate your local shelves. And speaking of woolen, again, I have to endorse this year’s wool pocket squares from Suit Supply.

Offered a few months ago, I recklessly procrastinated, and the result was a stock that was instantly depleted within weeks. To clarify, the wool pocket squares in question were a dynamic tandem, both light blue squares edged with a cream hue and speckled with either burgundy or navy dots. In affairs of the pocket square, Suit Supply stays winning. Luckily for me, both became available once again a month or so ago. And as a treat for myself, on my 38th birthday, I scooped up both pocket squares. Lightweight. Soft. Impeccable design. I cannot complain. I understand some gentlemen may scoff at the $45.00 price-tag, but I’m a pocket square lover, and sometimes one has to pay for style and quality. Once again, I am a satisfied customer. Stay stylish gentlemen.

Style & Substance – Necktie & Pocket Square Coordination

September 23, 2014 By in Style & Substance Tags: , Leave a comment

PS Fall 2014Admittedly, the gentlemanly art of dressing well can be deceptively simple. So simple in fact, there are a certain number of gentlemen that mistakenly oversimplify the exercise. For example, coordinating one’s necktie with its accompanying pocket square should be relatively painless, but some men choose to make the task painfully less painless than is warranted. Suspect department stores traffic prepackaged necktie & pocket square sets; both accessories consisting of the same fabric and pattern. The objective is to make the selection process mistake-free and thought-free. And therein lies the problem – the fact that gentlemanly thought in regards to attire will ultimately result in mistake-laden, sartorial disaster. So, thank you T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s for looking out for the brothers. However, your prepackaged box sets are not really necessary.

Gentlemen, you can select your own necktie and pocket square, and furthermore, they certainly do not have to match. Coordinate – yes. Complement – yes. Straight up match, pattern for pattern, color for color – no. Coordinating both can be simple and fun, just keep in mind what your primary and secondary colors are in your tandem. If your necktie is primarily navy, select a pocket square whose secondary color boasts hints of navy. Alternatively, one can choose like colors (like the Paul Stuart example above), but with differing patterns to create some visual separation. And yet another option is to smartly choose a complementing color. Burgundy necktie – try a lavender based pocket square. If colors stump you, perform a Google search of color wheels and allow them to be your guide. It’s not as hard as you might assume, or be allowed to think. The holidays will be upon us and the box sets will be out in force. Resist the temptation brethren, let the world know you can coodinate your own necktie and pocket square – and even knot or fold either as well!

Style & Substance – The Field Jacket

September 18, 2014 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Field Jacket- Jack SpadeThe military inspired gentleman’s field jacket has witnessed a noticeable reduction in popularity this season, which is quite surprising given its ubiquitous presence last autumn. Nowadays, options are particularly scarce with the venerable pea coat standing tall once again. And that is an unfortunate turn of events, as the field jacket is probably the most underrated piece of outerwear that many gentlemen don’t have in their possession. Primarily based on function, sexy aesthetics are not of tremendous importance here. Nevertheless, let’s be frank, when the temperatures gradually drop to long john appropriate levels, sexy is the furthest concept from a gentleman’s mind. Sometimes what is required is a burly, no-nonsense type of coat to handle the dwindling digits in the forecast. Please don’t misunderstand, pea coats are up for the task as well, but they are a little more refined and dashing. Here, with the field jacket, what is needed is a coat that is constructed for active duty – welcome punishment that inclement weather may bring. So, if you can still locate one on the market, I highly endorse its procurement. I purchased two field jackets last year, and I love both of them. Stay stylish gentlemen.

Black Thought

September 15, 2014 By in Black Thought Leave a comment

Frederick Douglas“Believe in yourself; take advantage of every opportunity; and use the power of spoken and written language to effect positive change for society and yourself.”

-Frederick Douglass

The most wonderful thing about authoring a blog is it allows an individual to project a voice that otherwise may not be heard or recognized. I blog because I strongly feel that I have something constructive, positive to share; and I also enjoy writing and interacting with the reading audience. Now, let us be perfectly candid, there is a bevy of warm garbage circulating around on the Internet right now. Some of these individuals who write need their laptops and computers immediately confiscated and discarded into the nearest incinerator. Words should have a meaning. Words should have a purpose. Instead of adding to the gluttony of mindless, destructive Internet banter; choose to use your voice as an instrument that imparts wisdom, uplifts the spirit, and encourages thoughtful dialogue. And you can certainly have fun doing so. Right now, the landscape is wide open, anyone can create a website nowadays. If you just happen to be that one, just ensure that you add something positive to the conversation. We have more than enough trash out there, please don’t add to the pile.

Gentlemen’s Review – Hugo Boss – Hugo Boss Bottled & Bottled Night

September 9, 2014 By in Review Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hugo Boss Day & NightTouted as the perfect fragrant accompaniment for the successful gentleman, Hugo Boss Bottled and Hugo Boss Bottled Night is at the center of a joint collaboration between Hugo Boss and the National Football League. The collective campaign, Success Beyond the Game, strives to highlight gentlemen whom have attained success beyond their designated discipline. Featuring the New York Giant’s Victor Cruz, Denver Bronco’s Demarcus Ware, and Green Bay Packer’s Clay Matthews III; it is a celebration of success, style, and confidence. Admittedly, my celebrity pales in comparison to the aforementioned athletes, but I have amassed a decent collection of accomplishments in my little corner of life. That being said, both selections from Hugo Boss is under examination today. Let’s get started.

Observations – Hugo Boss Bottled

Top Notes: Apple, Bergamot, Cinnamon

Middle Notes: Geranium, Clove, Tagete

Base Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Veltiver, Olivewood

Hugo Boss Bottled Night

Top Notes: Birch Leaves, Lavender

Middle Notes: Cardamom, African Violet, Jasmine

Base Notes: Lauro Amarelo, Sandalwood, Musky Notes

Beginning with Hugo Boss Bottled, it is clearly apparent that this scent was produced for the purpose of daytime wear. Overall, the fragrance is clean and sweet from top to bottom. Although it is not listed, I detected faint traces of vanilla after the quick burst of apple began to settle down. Extremely light, the Hugo Boss Bottled is great for an office environment because the scent is fairly subtle. So subtle in fact, a gentleman might forget he is wearing it. The longevity is moderate; possible lasting a conventional workday, but not much longer thereafter.

Conversely, the Hugo Boss Bottled Night is much more aggressive. Each progressive note is stronger than the last. The woody highlights are intense and heavy throughout the entire body. It should definitely be worn during the evening, and a gentleman should definitely ease off the number of applications. Whatever your selection, understand that each offering is lifestyle driven. If you are a gentleman that primarily operates during the day, the Hugo Boss Bottled is for you. If you favor the evening, then the Bottled Night is recommended. However, both can be favored if you function during day and night. Preferably, the Hugo Boss Bottled would be my choice simply because I’m an understated sort of gentleman. Ultimately the choice is up to you.

Recommended retail price: Hugo Boss Bottled and Bottled Night: 100 ml $75.00 and 50 ml $60.00 – available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and of course Hugo Boss.

Gentlemen’s Standard Approved

Disclosure: TGS was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes only. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Style & Substance – The Compelling Case for the Briefcase

September 4, 2014 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Polo Briefcase

Ralph Lauren

Now, for purposes of clarity, the following passage is not an exercise in chastisement, rather, it is a passionate appeal to your sartorial senses. If you rightly categorize yourself as a professional gentleman, one that routinely operates within a professional environment, I strongly urge you to resist the temptation of haphazardly slinging a bulky book bag across your suit jacket laden shoulders. Trust me on this gentlemen. As the title suggests, book bags are meant to house, well, books and other random supplies that may have originated from Staples. So, if you have already settled into your permanent place of employment, and the atmosphere is unmistakably business, it is probably safe to retire the last remnant of your cash-strapped college years when you lugged around 4 inch thick Calculus books.

The reasoning is reasonable: 1) You’re not a student anymore. 2) Over time, the weight of that book bag (large straps and all) will ruin the shape of your suit jacket. 3) If your belongings does require something substantial to handle the load, a leather or canvas duffel bag would be a better option. 4) You’re not a student anymore. Apologies, but there is just something off when I see a sharp suit paired with a grungy book bag. And if you’re not a suit wearer – see reasons number 1 & 4. So, in lieu of your trusty book bag, introduce yourself to an old gentleman’s companion – the briefcase. And let’s be honest, 75% of the contents in that book bag can most likely be discarded, much like the contents of your wallet, but that is another blog post for another day. Your business accoutrements could probably benefit from a thoughtful trimming down. Most briefcases are large enough to accommodate your work life anyway. Besides, how much room does a tablet, cell phone, some folders, and a tube of ChapStick occupy? Ditch the beat-up book bag; select a carrying companion that complements your career. You’ll be glad you did.

Gentlemen’s Review – Psycho Bunny – Necktie

September 2, 2014 By in Review Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

IMG_2484If you have been following my blog for any considerable length of time, you probably recognize that I have an unhealthy love affair with neckties. I readily confess, the quantity of neckties in my collection is dangerously bordering on insanity. Nevertheless, one might observe that I collect neckties just as a stamp collector procures stamps, or a sports card collector amasses his assortment of trading cards. At least that is how I rationalize the insanity with myself. With consideration towards material, pattern, and style; I am always on the hunt for that one necktie that conveys both sophistication, character, and charm. That being said, I was presented the opportunity to scrutinize a most unusual necktie under the Psycho Bunny brand. Now, you may ask: What in the world is a Psycho Bunny? Well, I am happy that you asked. Let’s jump into some background. Continue reading →

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