Category Archives: Recommendations

What I’m Wearing Right Now – Jean Paul Gaultier – Le Male Le Parfum Intense

November 1, 2023 By in Grooming, Recommendations Tags: , , Leave a comment

I have lurked around enough online fragrance communities to realize a great misconception amongst that particular audience. It is the thought that every gentleman should harbor a deep affinity for complex, unique fragrances born from the creative noses of master perfumers. However, if you are an ordinary guy that fancies a designer, mass-appealing fragrance such as Dior Sauvage, well, that designated selection is somewhat frowned upon. And in some cases that choice of cologne is mocked and belittled. Some of the reasoning behind the intense dislike for Sauvage: Everyone allegedly owns it. It is too mainstream. It lacks creativity. And…Johnny Depp reps it in Dior commercials. I suppose no one wants to smell like Captain Jack Sparrow.

Now, there is nothing wrong with an honest, true appreciation of a beautiful, well-crafted scent. However, when that attitude leans heavily elitist, the views and opinions can be downright obnoxious. Generally, for the everyday gentleman, it roughly comes down to 4 As for cologne: aroma, affordability, audience, and affection. Is the scent profile pleasing? How much does it cost? Are you wearing it to elicit compliments or just personal enjoyment? Perhaps both? How does it make you feel when you wear it?

It all comes down to this: Wear what you love. You can walk outside right now in the real world, and no one is going to grade your cologne against another fragrance – if you’re even wearing cologne at all. So, that brings me to what I am wearing this season. Yes, a mass produced, designer fragrance that does not push any boundaries. However, as I stated before, wear what pleases you the most. And besides, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense (that’s a mouthful) smells fantastic during cooler months. Here are just a few of my thoughts on the fragrance.

  • Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense is a 2020 release; created by perfumers Quentin Bisch and Natalie Gracia-Cetto. I was not even in the market for a new cologne, but a chance visit to my favorite spot – Von Maur – presented the opportunity to sample the new offering as it was just hitting the market. It was love at first whiff. With Le Male Le Parfum Intense, the note breakdown is as follows: cardamom (top), lavender + iris (heart), and vanilla +oriental + woodsy (base).
  • Within the muscular, signature sailor inspired bottle you’ll find a warm, slightly spicy scent that is gracefully sensual without being aggressively carnal. You’ll smell like a sexy beast with more emphasis on sexy and less on beast. So yes, upon applying a few sprays from the golden atomizer, I instantly feel like a smooth operator (think Big Daddy Kane circa 88-89′).
  • As the cologne evolves, the middle and base notes produce a soft powdery sweet licorice vibe. I know that may appear as if this scent leans feminine, but assuredly it does not. Despite the aromatic, fresh feel during the dry down; the smell is sufficiently dark with enough weight to be comforting and intimate. And actually, this is one of my favorite bedroom scents, as it conveys an inviting amount of coziness. This is not a loud scent. The last thing you want is an aggressive smell that chases your boo from under the covers and out the bedroom door.
  • With this scent, one can go an easy 6-8 sprays without overdoing it. Nevertheless, be mindful that everyone has a different body chemistry, so experiment with what works best for you. Depending on the number of applications, a gentleman should get a solid 6-7 hours of performance. And even after, you would still be able to detect it, albeit lying intimately closer to the skin.
  • JPG Le Male Le Parfum is formulated for the measured gentleman that aims to project quiet authority and confidence. This is definitely a cologne designed for cooler temperatures, so fall and winter is a perfect time to deploy this beautiful scent. Depending on the environment and occasion, I believe this scent is business casual appropriate. You can definitely wear this to the office, and it would be great for a classy date night with that special someone. It is a serious scent without being too rigid.
  • Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense retails for $106.00 2.5 oz. and $135.00 4.2 oz. True, that price tag may be a little steep for a lot of guys. However, being three years removed from its launch, you can probably purchase it from and online discounter. And Macy’s runs a sale seemingly every other week, so there’s that option as well. If not there, it is available at Jean Paul Gaultier, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Von Maur, and other fine men’s department stores.

Standard Recommendations – Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil

February 7, 2020 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hello everyone, my extended holiday hiatus has come to a close, and I am ready to start writing again. Today, I wanted to spotlight an item I discovered in the men’s grooming aisle at Target – Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil. Currently, as an owner of a full beard, it might be hard to imagine that many years ago, I was incapable of growing any facial hair at all. I actually started getting meaningful growth during my first year in college. Fast-forward to the current day;  I am able to grow a full beard without any issues. Now, a full beard requires the appropriate, required maintenance because a dry, scratchy beard can be quite problematic. I am always willing to experiment with a new product, so I decided to purchase Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil while I was shopping. My wife noticed the bottle and wondered aloud why I needed help growing my beard. I explained it was more for maintenance, and if a fuller beard was also a consequence, then that would be an added benefit.

Observations

  • Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil has a mildly aromatic, fruity fragrance. The scent is sensibly light, and it generally fades away within the first hour or so. Still, it smells great as it is applied to your face.
  • The product is moderately oily, but your facial hair and skin will definitely absorb the product quickly; leaving no greasy residue behind. A gentleman will definitely feel a difference in beard texture with consistent usage.
  • Depending on the thickness of your beard, I would estimate that 3-5 pumps should supply a sufficient amount of beard oil to satisfy a gentleman’s needs. I purchased a 2.0 ounce bottle, and with continuous usage everyday, I have nearly half a bottle left after three months.
  • I’ve never had a patchy beard, but there were a few small areas that required some reinforcement. I did notice some improvement in those areas. Generally, I never grow my beard beyond my jawline. However, I was able to achieve significant below my jawline and midway down my throat. My beard was always moisturized and soft.
  • Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil retails for approximately $10.99 at local store chains such as Target. Overall, I think this is a great price with respect to the product. A bottle should render months of dedicated service, your beard with definitely be softer, and you should observe some good growth after a month or more.

Style & Substance – Rampley & Co. – Pocket Squares

August 4, 2018 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Because, for the discerning gentleman that appreciates a polished presentation, the true characterization of personal style is based upon the intimacy of detail. It is the thoughtful approach to coordinating the discreet sartorial elements that comprise one’s ensemble. The separation of thought is clear. There is a defined distinction between a deep consideration for one’s appearance and the act of merely selecting clothing from a nearby clothing basket. Subtle details grant the biggest differences in a gentleman’s outfit. The turquoise imbued shoelaces. The incredible softness of a cashmere necktie. The elaborate motif belonging to a silk pocket square with hand-rolled edges. Or, in other words, a pocket square from the Rampley & Co. collection.

Photo credit: Glen Palmer for The Gentlemen’s Standard

 

Founded with the guiding principles to offer eye-catching designs built on exemplary craftsmanship and superb materials; Rampley & Co. embraces the mission to bring British luxury to the worldwide marketplace. Partnering with prestigious museums, institutions, and artists; Rampley & Co. offers unique patterns and designs on premium fabrics such as linen, silk, and tweed. Because of its distinctive design, the best attribute of a Rampley & Co. pocket square is the varied look each fold presents when housed in the breast pocket.

Photo credit: Glen Palmer for The Gentlemen’s Standard

 

With its undisclosed details known only to the wearer, it is the aforementioned intimacy of detail that grants a gentleman the projection of sly confidence. That is what I desire the most – being proud of an artful ensemble. Trust, a well-coordinated outfit often exudes personality and charm. A silk pocket square adorned with a large hummingbird in the center with a smaller identical motif sprinkled throughout, well, this square screams nothing but personality. It’s light. It’s vibrant with color. And it’s large enough so it does not feel paltry in a gentleman’s breast pocket. The only downside: It’s going to cost you. Most times, being stylish does carry a monetary requirement – the scope of financial strain varying from gentleman to gentleman. A pocket square from Rampley & Co. will cost approximately between $64.00 and $97.00. I humbly suggest you take a look at their offerings, as their collection is quite striking.

Photo credit: Glen Palmer for The Gentlemen’s Standard

https://www.rampleyandco.com/

Standard Recommendations – Wurkin Stiffs – Magnetic Collar Stays

March 31, 2018 By in Recommendations Tags: , , Leave a comment

I am old friends with Wurkin Stiffs and their famous magnetic collar stays – we go way back in the day. Well, at least the earliest days of my adventures in blogging, when my preferred blog-publishing service was Blogger. The year was 2008. I spotted an advertisement in Men’s Vogue – yes, that was actually a magazine for gentlemen years 2005-08 – that touted the benefits of securing one’s collar with its power stays. Now, standard collar stays are intended to provide structure and weight via the underside of a gentleman’s shirt collar. Collar stays help keep the gentleman’s collar in place and resists the collar’s unintended nature to curl at the tips. Unruly, wayward collars can be annoying and ruin an otherwise elegant presentation. Finer shirts arrive with simple plastic collar inserts. Some, however, come equipped with metal collar stays providing strength and much-needed longevity.

Wurkn Stiffs stepped up the game by offering magnetic collars – guaranteed to hold a gentleman’s collar neatly in place. The collar stay slides into the collar insert as per usual, and then the collar stay is held in position by a strong magnetic “button” that is placed underneath the shirt. The shirt collar can be adjusted per the gentleman’s preference. Now, perhaps you are thinking: Securing one’s shirt collar with a magnetic accessory is an unnecessary exercise in affectation. However, this small measure of prepping your collar provides a tremendous visual benefit to your appearance. It only takes a few seconds, and adjustments throughout the day is minimal – if any adjustments are required at all. Three lengths are available: 2.0, 2.5, and 2.75 in pairs of one or three.  One pair will retail for $20.00 while 3 pairs retail for a cool $39.50. Ten years later from my first introduction, the Wurkin Stiffs power stays are still a must for a gentleman’s collection of style accessories.

For more purchasing information, please visit https://wurkinstiffs.com/ for details.

Standard Recommendations – Anthony Facial Scrub

March 2, 2018 By in Recommendations Tags: , , Leave a comment

Humbly offering full disclosure to the audience, the concept of exfoliating my face was completely foreign to my skin care regiment. As a matter of complete truthfulness, I cannot exactly define my skin care regiment as a meticulous regiment at all. The absolute bare minimum entailed a rudimentary scrub and rinse by way of bar soap; followed by a complementary application of body lotion – not the most gentle, skin-friendly routine in the world. Nevertheless, I was an average gentleman, ignorant to world of pampering of one’s skin. Pamper is perhaps a slight exaggeration, however, dutiful attention to detail is something I did not embrace in regards to my face. However, over the course of past years, I have slowly incorporated skin care products and tactics to properly address my skin concerns.

One such tactic is the process of exfoliation. In regards to the skin, it is the process of removing old, dead skin cells from the epidermis. When skin cells regenerate and old cells skin die, the accumulation brings about a duller complexion and the likelihood of acne increases. Exfoliation removes the collection of these dead skin cells and dirt, thus affording a brighter, cleaner look for the skin. Exfoliation can be achieved with various methods, however, this post explores the utilization of granular facial scrubs. Due to the skin sensitivity of one’s face, I generally employ the services of a light exfoliating agent as anything abrasive can deliver more harm than benefit.

An excellent choice for such a task is the Anthony Facial Scrub. It contains algae, aloe vera, chamomile, and vitamin C – all the skin nourishment a gentleman’s face begs for. Unlike other scrubs I have used in the past – such as St. Ives Apricot Scrub – this scrub is not overly granular. And pleasantly, it generates a generous and rich lather upon being worked into the skin. It is almost akin to a skin cleanser. The scent retains a fruity hint but it is not obnoxious. As with other exfoliating facial scrubs, I would humbly recommend utilizing this product 1-2 times weekly. And remember, since you are performing the process of stripping away a superficial layer of skin, follow up with a good moisturizer to replenish hydration and our skin’s natural oils. I am trialing a moisturizer from Kiehls currently, so those results are to follow. The Anthony Facial Scrub is a little pricey – $36.00 for a 8 oz. bottle – but the experience and results are well worth it. Anthony Facial Scrub or any of their products can be purchased from their website, Sephora, Nordstrom, or any other fine men’s department store.

Standard Recommendations – Jack Black – Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap w/ Blue Lotus & Lava Rock

June 14, 2017 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Alright, allow me to address a significant detail that could prove to be problematic for some gentlemen: The Jack Black Turbo Body Bar is going to cost you $15.00 per bar. Yes, there is not a need to reload the page and read the previous sentence again – you read it correctly the first time. Now, I won’t gloss over the price-tag and pretend that this would not pose an issue for the average gentlemen. Because, in all likelihood of a gentleman’s standard shopping practice, he can procure an 8-10 count of regular soap for far less and utilize it for far longer. Without any doubt, the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar is a specialty soap. So, what makes this soap so special that a gentleman is willing to drop $15.00 on a single bar? Well, I am happy that you posed that question, let’s discuss the why in more detail.

As I have become more comfortable, relaxed, and confidant with my grooming regimen; I have settled upon the reality that it perfectly fine for a gentleman to pamper himself. Disabuse yourself of thoughts that include fanciful affectations accompanied by a long, drawn-out preoccupation with a mirror. Seriously, it is not that serious. Caring about one’s appearance need not be complicated; it only requires thoughtful, detailed attention to hygiene and health. Now, regarding the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar, this is one of the best body bar soap that I have ever used. First and foremost, the lather that it generates is absolutely incredible. It is wildly rich and ridiculously foamy. With only 3-4 circular rotations in your washcloth, a gentleman will certainly enjoy a lather that builds and builds during his entire time in the shower. The bar itself is gigantic – it didn’t fit into my meager plastic soap dish. It is double the size of average bar soap by far.

And with its brawny body, the soap’s fragrance is powerful and robust without being too heavy. Its pungent aroma will surely dominate your bathroom, but in a good way. The exfoliating qualities arrive with a modest granular texture that isn’t overly abrasive, however, a gentleman can expect soft and smooth after exiting the shower. It is gentle on the skin, but it gets the job done. Now, the label does tout the ability of this soap being a pain exfoliant, but I cannot attest to that fact. At the time of usage, my back was really sore, but I did not enjoy any noticeable difference in pain levels after using this soap. Nevertheless, the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar will leave no doubt that it is working hard, generating a superb lather, and dutifully scrubbing away dirt without leaving any nasty residue. And actually, I did notice the absence of soap scum that sometimes builds up from regular soap.

Now, let’s revisit that price-tag. One can argue that $15.00 for a bar of soap is steep. In the interest of full disclosure, I was able to use a single bar for approximately 1 month before I had to open another bar. Sure, your standard soap from Target will perhaps last longer. However, as I stated before, this is a specialty soap and there is nothing wrong with a gentleman that pampers himself. The Jack Black Turbo Bar would make a great Father’s Day gift or really a gift for any occasion. This is a product that I definitely recommend for a gentleman that wants to experience an invigorating washing experience – you won’t regret it.

Product Specifications

Natural Lava Rock: gently polishes skin, leaving skin supple, smooth and clean

Blue Lotus and Ginkgo Biloba: help combat fatigue and stimulate the senses

Murumuru and Shea Butters: nourish and hydrate skin

Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Palmate, Water, Potassium Palm Kernelate, Fragrance, Palm Kernel Acid, Pumice (Lava Rock), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Potassium Palmate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Gluconate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Protein, Sodium Chloride, Palm Acid, Nymphaea Coerulea (Blue Lotus) Flower Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran, Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract*, Cymbopogon Schoenathus (Lemongrass) Extract*, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Alvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Rumex Cripus (Yellow Dock) Root Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Petroselinum Crispum, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Tetrasodium EDTA, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492) *Certified Organic

For more product details, please visit Jack Black HERE for information.

Face Time – Natural Skincare – Brickell Men’s Grooming Products

July 7, 2016 By in Recommendations, Review Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

BrickellContinuing our coverage of skincare products specifically targeted toward the gentleman concerned with Father Time ravaging his skin wrinkle by wrinkle, today we explore Brickell Men’s Products. Offering a full array of products formulated to pamper a gentleman’s face and body, Brickell was kind enough to extend samples of their products that address the gentleman’s face. Touted as organic and all-natural, this is my second experience with such a product line. And truthfully, given the company’s mission to offer an organic alternative to its chemical brethren – why would I want to slather toxins on my mug? My skin needs all the help it can get. I’ve never been dedicated to organic products, but I am starting to change my stance on the matter. That being said, let’s examine how Brickell performs.

Observations

Beard Oil – Presented as an oil, but the feel is not greasy at all. Its fragrance is rather robust, definitely masculine, but not too overwhelming. The scent does not linger when applied to one’s beard – and that is a great benefit because the after shave has a scent all of its own. I don’t think both combined scents would be a problem, but if you use another after shave, the fact that the oil’s smell dissipates is nice. Application requires 3-4 drops into your palm as very little is needed to fully address your beard. Of course amounts will vary depending on the thickness of one’s growth. To fully benefit from the oil’s conditioning and hydrating capabilities, I humbly recommend utilizing it in the morning and in the evening.

Instant Relief After Shave – Light and masculine, the faint hints of coconut present itself with a warm welcome when applied to the skin. Once again, a little will take a gentleman a long way in terms of usage. Actually, I would really suggest that you monitor the amount you dispense, as I poured too much on one occasion and it required a good deal of rubbing before it was absorbed into my skin. Other than that, the after shave really is soothing to the skin, and will leave it very soft and pliable.

Renewing Face Scrub – Now, the face scrub is truly interesting. It is gelatinous in form and has a very strong, robust fragrance – almost woodsy in tone. The promise to energize your senses is a promise kept as the coffee extract and green tea have a very pronounced scent. It is a little too strong for my taste, but fortunately it does not linger once washed again. This particular scrub is also very granular, so if you have sensitive skin, the exfoliating grains may be bothersome. However, I know people who don’t feel as if they are really cleaning unless they can feel the product working. If you are this type of person, then this product is definitely for you. It should also be added that despite its extremely granular texture, Brickell promises that its scrub is still be suitable for sensitive skin.

Smooth Brushless Shave Cream – The interesting thing about the shave cream is it has a very light lather – it’s almost nonexistent. That may surprise a gentleman that is accustomed to shave creams that produce large, rich lathers. With the lack of lather, I was really concerned that my skin wouldn’t have the protection needed during shaving. Surprisingly, my skin was fully protected and my wasn’t left irritated at all. It seemed a little strange, but I surmise I have been psychologically conditioned to feel the need for big lathers. Brickell has succeeded in dispelling that notion.

Product Specifications

  • Aloe Vera is one of the best things you can put on your skin. It penetrates the skin to supply moisture to the tissue. Countless studies show how it does everything from fighting skin aging, treating acne, to healing irritated skin.
  • Jojoba naturally softens, moisturizes, and protects skin by creating a protective cushion on your skin. It reduces skin water loss, allow the skin to naturally heal itself after a shave or a long duration in the sun.
  • Shea Butter is a 100% natural cream chock full of vitamins A, E, & F. It’s a natural fat with moisturizing properties to help alleviate dry skin.
  • Fresh coconuts due to it’s amazing deep moisturizing abilities. It also strengthens your underlying skin tissue, in addition to removing excess deal cells on your skin’s surface (which make your skin look flaky in texture).
  • Vitamin E is one of the most critical antioxidants and free-radical killers known to man. It helps to heal and protect cellular membranes from free-radical damage.
  • Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown in studies to slow down and potentially reverse some of the signs of aging.
  • Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally produced substance by the body which gives skin its volume and fullness. It’s the ultimate moisturizer capable of binding 1,800 times its own weight in water.
  • Olive Oil is a natural fat which gives skin a fuller appearance with a combination of Vitamin E and A. Studies have also shown it’s a powerful anti-aging agent, helping to fight free-radicals.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is found naturally in sugar cane. A large amount of research has shown AHA helps fight skin aging by facilitating the removal of dead skin cells.

I recommend Brickell grooming products for the gentleman that appreciates a sophisticated grooming regimen with a natural, rugged appeal. Brickell offers either a direct one-time purchase or a subscription service. I cannot speak to their subscription service, but I like the fact that you don’t have to lock yourself into a subscription service if it is not desired. There are a few products that I will be purchasing on my own accord to trial, more specifically – the purifying charcoal men’s soap. Yes – a charcoal bar of soap. Check back to read how that experience unfolds.

For more information please visit Brickell’s Men’s Products for further details.

Standard Recommendations – Anthony New York – Anthony Fresh 5

June 8, 2016 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Anthony Fresh 5If your grooming regimen closely resembles my grooming regimen from approximately 10 years ago, you would probably agree it consists of the basics: soap, water, and body lotion. In my early 30s, I resolved myself to allocating the proper attention to my standard grooming routine and introducing a few upgrades to my bathroom flow. Moisturizers, exfoliating scrubs, cleansers balms, etc. were all married into my newly established lifestyle of hygienic care. Now, if you find yourself weighing whether or not your medicine cabinet or dopp kit requires a bit of retooling; the Anthony Fresh 5 Kit is a fantastic introduction into the curious world of men’s grooming.

The Anthony Fresh 5 kit will introduce you to a few quintessential grooming products that will instantly supplant your bar soap as the king in the shower. Because, for all intents and purposes, your bar soap is probably functioning as your body wash, your shaving cream, and your shampoo. Not good. A well-groomed gentleman requires specific hygienic tools to perform specific hygienic tasks. And this brings us to the Fresh 5 kit. The standouts in the Anthony Fresh 5 Kit is definitely the facial scrub, cleanser, and moisturizer. When used in tandem, my face was left with a feeling of freshness and softness.

The facial scrub and moisturizer both had a pleasant fruity scent that lightly faded away soon after application. The scrub had a light grainy feel, but not too rough where it irritated my skin. I was surprised that the facial scrub actually produced a moderately rich lather when worked into the skin, much more so than the cleanser. The cleanser, odorless by all accounts, washed away cleanly without any evidence of residue. The same can be stated of the facial scrub. The body wash is best used with a body sponge (or loofah if you’re that particular) to maximize its lathering capabilities. It has a mild woody fragrance and the eucalyptus really does wake up the skin. The shave cream had a light lather – I wish it was a bit richer – but is did provide more than sufficient protection for my skin during shaving. All in all, this is a great starter kit to own, give as a gift, or accompany you during travel.

Product Contents

  • Facial Scrub 2 fl oz
  • Shave Cream 1.0 oz
  • Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash 3.4 oz
  • Glycolic Facial Cleanser 1.0 oz
  • All Purpose Facial Moisturizer 1.0 oz

Retails at $30.00 (a $55.00 value) and is available Nordstrom, Sephora, Anthony.com, and other fine men’s stores

Gentlemen’s Standard Approved
Disclosure: TGS was not financially compensated for this post. Item was purchased for personal use. The opinions expressed are completely my own based on my experience.

Standard Recommendations – Victor & Rolf – Spicebomb Digital Art’ Eau de Toilette (Limited Edition)

December 19, 2015 By in Recommendations Leave a comment

Spicebomb Holiday 2015-1Just in time for the holiday season, Viktor&Rolf pixelizes camouflage to embellish the bottle of its iconic men’s cologne Spicebomb. Serious and masculine in tone, this warm and spicy fragrance is suitable for the sophisticated gentleman at the office or off the clock. This digital art limited edition of Spicebomb offers not only a fantastic fragrance, but it also presents to the wearer a uniquely designed bottle in the form of a contemporary pixelated design. This is a fragrance that wins our endorsement.

Gentlemanly Observations

Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Elemi, Pink Pepper

Middle Notes: Cinnamon, Saffron, Chili

Base Notes: Leather, Tobacco, Vetiver

  • The introduction of the top notes is resoundingly deep and spicy. The warm scent can definitely be characterized as a heavier fragrance, but it is not too heavy to be deemed as overwhelming.
  • Slowly transitioning into the middle notes, the distinct presence of cinnamon, accompanied with faint hints of vanilla, can be appreciated for an extended period of time.
  • The scent settles nicely with sweet tones of tobacco and leather. However, the fragrance begins to slowly disappear after a few hours. Honestly, I wish the cologne’s finale lasted a bit longer.
  • Given that fact, a gentleman will be tempted to administer a few extra applications in the beginning. I would strongly dissuade a gentleman from taking such extreme measures. Given the relative strength of the top notes, applying too much in the beginning with aspirations of attaining a long-lasting ending will only result in a headache inducing nausea.
  • Therefore, I recommend dispensing 4-5 sprays from your glass replica hand grenade, and reserving its utilization for moments that don’t require an extended performance – a late evening engagement would suffice. Trust, it is a seductive scent, but don’t expect it to last from the early morning to late evening.
  • Spicebomb 3.4 oz $115.00 retail – Available at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Sephora, Von Maur or any fine men’s department store.
Gentlemen’s Standard Approved
Disclosure: TGS was not financially compensated for this post. Item was purchased for personal use. The opinions expressed are completely my own based on my experience.

Standard Recommendations – Nice Laundry – Hosiery

December 1, 2015 By in Recommendations Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

NiceLaundry_PrepsterLet’s exercise some gentlemanly candor here; residing on the hierarchy of sartorial importance, hosiery most likely hovers near the bottom. On the most basic level, the primary function of one’s hosiery is merely to act as a protective layer between one’s feet and footwear. However, some men have even relieved their hosiery of that obligation. Socks – a minute detail in style born out of necessity. Nevertheless, for the select few of sophisticated gentlemen, there is a working belief that every detail holds significance. Details thus make the stylish gentleman, as each detail carries an individual weight that reveals a gent’s character. And so we arrive at today’s endorsement – Nice Laundry. The Gentlemen’s Standard is no stranger to their excellent work – check out the review HERE.

NiceLaundry_PrepsterTrioPrices begin at $49 for six pairs of their standard stock. Their Exec offering is $59 for 6 pairs. And if you want to totally reinvent your sock collection, $99.00 will fetch you 18 pairs to kick-start your new hosiery endeavor. Patterns vary from reserved (solid colors) to adventurous (camouflage). The premium blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex guarantees supreme durability and comfort. After 1 year of wearing, washing, and drying (not recommended, but alas I did not commit full attention to the instructions); Nice Laundry delivers a high quality sock without blowing up your wallet. So, for this holiday season, if you’re rolling with the ubiquitous gift of hosiery for that special gentleman in your life; Nice Laundry is a fantastic gift for Christmas.

NiceLaundry_Prepster Bag

For ordering information, please check out Nice Laundry HERE for more details.

Standard Recommendations – The Nose Hair Trimmer

April 22, 2015 By in Recommendations Tags: , Leave a comment

Panasonic TrimmerA gentleman’s grooming regimen usually entails the obligatory cadre of routine bathroom rituals: the fundamental shower or bath, the brushing and flossing of teeth, hair management, and the required application of moisturizers and deodorant. However, there are certain grooming requirements that largely go undetected or ignored. And as a gentleman ages, these grooming requirements can become problematic if left neglected. Case in point: A few months ago, I was experiencing a slight tickle inside my right nostril. Quickly surmising that I needed to blow my nose, I proceeded to relieve my nose of any mucosal debris, but alas it did not resolve the issue. Further inspecting my nose in the mirror, I was horrified to discover a long strand of hair swaying back and forth like a kite in a gentle wind.

Panicking, my mind raced – how many people had I spoken to with this unsightly, giant hair hanging out my nose? The resolution was simple: Go forth to a department store and purchase a nose hair trimmer. Sure, I incorrectly thought only men that served in World War II required the use of such a device, but now was not the moment to be prideful. No one would have to know what goes on in my bathroom – although now you do – just as long as I didn’t have hirsute nostrils come the next morning.

So there, I present to you an embarrassing moment in my mid-adult years. If you have this issue, trust, it only takes a few seconds to address, maybe once a month. The investment – the money and time – pales in comparison to the notion of having Cousin It camping out inside your nose. A gentleman can go all out and spend up to $50.00 for one or be frugal and procure a trimmer from a discount department chain such as TJ Maxx. I remember my electronics instructor from 11th grade, he had hair protruding from his both ears and nostrils. Not to mention that his chest hair was on a jail break from his dress shirt, but that is another blog post. But, anyway, I cannot allow myself to go out like that. You should not either.

Standard Recommendations – The Long Handle Shoe Horn

April 13, 2015 By in Recommendations Tags: , Leave a comment

Long Handle Shoe HornRegarding our footwear, at one moment or another in our lives, we have probably committed the same sartorial shoe sin: haphazardly cramming one’s feet into an unsuspecting pair; unfairly treating them like worn, downtrodden slippers. Nothing can ruin an otherwise dapper presentation more than a dubious association with run-over kicks. So, in the spirit of simplifying a gentleman’s life, along with maintaining the appearance extending the life of his shoes, I highly recommend purchasing a shoe horn. Well, not just any shoe horn, I am espousing the virtues of a long handle shoe horn – preferably one with an ergonomic, rubberized handle and spring-aided, flexible head. Excellent for gentlemen with compromised ranges of motion, one can slip in and out of his beloved wingtips without crushing the counter and beating up the quarters. Relatively inexpensive, a long handle shoe horn can be procured at any reputable retail store or fine men’s department store. Definitely a wise investment, your back and your shoes will thank you immediately.

Standard Recommendations – Fabric Shaver

January 2, 2015 By in Recommendations Tags: , Leave a comment

 

EvercareEvery now and again, certain woven fabrics are susceptible to pilling – the development of tiny balls of fibrous fuzz on a garment’s surface. Wearing one’s clothing on a routine basis will ultimately bring about customary abrasion; resulting in stray fibers breaking free and forming those small unsightly balls of fabric nearly everyone abhors. The more expensive the fabric or the longer the fiber being woven, the likelihood of pilling lessens tremendously. Nevertheless, even these factors cannot totally negate the possibility of pills forming on your garment. To combat this clothing defect, I recommend investing in a fabric shaver. This small simple accessory removes unwanted pills and lint by way of spinning blades underneath a ventilated metal guard. Your garment can be returned to nearly fresh condition when employing the services of a fabric shaver. Readily available at store chains such as Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, a gentleman can expect to pay no more than $10.00 for a fabric shaver. This small investment will be well worth the cost, as adding this battery-operated accessory to your clothing maintenance will reap long-lasting benefits.

Standard Recommendations – Merona 4 Pocket Wool Utility Coat

December 2, 2014 By in Recommendations Tags: , , 1 Comment

Target Field JacketIt was but a short time ago – September 18th to be exact – that I proudly proclaimed my adoration for the gentleman’s field jacket. A robust option employed to engage gradually declining temperatures before they totally bottom out, I declared the field jacket as an essential piece for fall/winter outerwear. That being said, I would like to direct your attention to Merona’s stylish interpretation of said piece of outerwear. Wait – Merona? Yes – that Merona.

Now, before I offer my unsolicited endorsement to the audience, I would like to address a misguided belief circulating throughout the style universe for men. Some dapper gentleman will have you believe that if you’re not wearing an expensive, brand name article of clothing, somehow you cannot be stylish. That is simply nonsense. Yes, in the midst of our renaissance of sorts for men’s style, style snobs have become rather aggressive with their critiques of what is and what isn’t stylish.

Granted, there will be occasions when a gentleman will have to lay down some serious coin for quality and aesthetically pleasing menswear. Nevertheless, true style is more so the how a gentleman artfully arranges his ensemble rather than the what he is arranging. And now, back to that Merona jacket. Yes, it is a Target house brand. And yes, it is probably manufactured in China. However, those facts do not disqualify this jacket from being a great jacket. I know this from first-hand account.

True, I have items in my closet that can be considered expensive. However, I am not a gentleman that will shun any particular brand due to its origins. This offering from Merona is a fantastic choice for moderately cold weather. It delivers in the department that it was manufactured for – warmth. It is neither slim or bulky, but it is sufficiently heavy. The construction is tight and is excellent at blocking out arctic wind, or as some people like to call it – the hawk. With a heavyweight wool & polyester twill shell, this jacket will definitely keep you warm when the temperatures fluctuate between the high 20s to low 40s.

And for style, the shoulder epaulets and 4 pocket design certainly lends an air of no-nonsense masculinity. It doesn’t have a hood, so ensure you equip your person with a hat and scarf. Offered in charcoal heather, ebony, and dark grey; this jacket can be obtained for a ridiculously low $79.99 with 60% off a second jacket if you choose to splurge. Don’t allow the price, or the fact that it is a Target jacket mislead you, this is a great value. If you are in the market, at least afford yourself the courtesy and check it out if you happen to be in a Target. You won’t regret it. Stay stylish gentlemen.

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.