Regarding Michigan weather during prime winter months of December through March, I am unapologetically serious about my outerwear and accessories. When the temperatures begin to steadily plummet and the wind chill makes it feel unbearably lower than the reported forecast, common sense drives me to retrieve the warmest apparel from my closet. So unlike some of my brethren than prefer a light coat, no hat, and no gloves – I definitely fully equip myself to battle Old Man Winter. Especially when my vehicle or home needs clearing of heavy snow, I require suitable protection from potential frostbite. Over the years, I have amassed a varied collection of gloves to shield my hands from harmful exposure. And perhaps my warmest pair is pictured above – the Polo Ralph Lauren Quilted Field Glove. For a mere $68.00, I found a surprisingly warm pair of gloves that have provided cozy service through some very frigid days. Seriously, their appearance belies the warmth and insulation provided when the cold outside makes naked hands almost unbearable. The quilted back is polyester while the palm is a decent grade of leather. The lining is polyester and olefin, which greatly contributes to its insulating qualities. There is ribbed hem around the wrist along with a discreet button closure. They are very lightweight and fit perfectly. I’ve owned my pair for a few months now, and after withstanding the rigors of shoveling snow or brushing my car off, they have maintained good integrity. If you are a gentleman in the market for a good winter glove, this offering from Ralph Lauren is a tremendous bargain.
Tag Archives: Accessories
Gentlemen’s Review – Jesse Jimz – Clean Slate Purifying Face Wash & Toner
As a gentleman matures, so should – theoretically – his taste regarding grooming essentials. My grooming routine has continuously evolved over the course of the last decade. The only grooming products in my bathroom consisted of bar soap, lotion, deodorant, and toothpaste. Speaking of bar soap, it was not that long ago that bar soap served as an all-purpose combatant against dirt and grime. It was my shampoo. It was my face wash. It was my body wash. Nevertheless, I slowly began to realize that bar soap should not be deployed for so many grooming duties. I began to slowly experiment with facial cleansers specifically formulated to address dirt and promote healthy skin. Bar soap can be rough on a gentleman’s face. Besides, do you really want to use the same soap used on your nether regions to be applied to your face. If that does not sound great, check out Jesse Jimz Clean Slate. Touted to cleanse the skin of impurities, restore your skin’s pH level, and even out your complexion. Check out my thoughts below.
Quick Observations
- Jesse Jimz Clean Slate arrives in a dark brown squeezable bottle. The clear liquid dispenses evenly with a light, clean aroma. A nickel-sized amount is sufficient enough to work into a mild lather that covers your entire face. It isn’t slick or oily, so that was a positive.
- The rinse is clean and does not leave troublesome residue. Jesse Jimz Clean Slate also performs double duty as a beard wash, so that is an added bonus for my bearded brethren. While it does not dry out your skin, a good moisturizer is still recommended after you’ve washed your face.
- With the benefit of also being a facial toner; a gentleman can expect a reduction in oily skin, clearer pores, and an even skin tone. Over time, a gentleman should enjoy a healthy and vibrant complexion.
- Jesse Jimz retails for approximately $25.00 for a 6 oz. bottle. I would estimate that a gentleman should be able to use a bottle 1-2 months if product is used every day.
Gentleman Essentials – Hook + Albert – Flower Lapel
Gentlemen’s Review – Modern Renaissance Man – Vintage Accessories
Leather Brooch
Back in late July, we featured an in-depth profile with a small independent company called Modern Renaissance Man. A company that specializes in classic gentlemanly accessories; the co-owner, Tracy Xavier, was kind enough to share the genesis of her small business, as well as her vision for the future and the current state of menswear. So now, today, we are taking a closer look at the merchandise. First, let’s address our favorite piece amongst the varied selections – their leather brooch. Absolute winner. During my interview with Tracy, I wondered aloud if brooches were something a contemporary gentleman could sport with confidence. And then this weekend I saw retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker (turned NFL commentator), Ray Lewis, rocking one on television. So, okay, that answered that question! That being said, let’s jump into the review.
Click here for the rest of my review and more awesome pictures!
Cheap Thrills – Boldly Accessorize Your Look…At A Low Cost
The Tie Bar
Gentlemen – rejoice! Currently, we are enthusiastically enjoying a sartorial renaissance of sorts. Pleasantly inundated with a bevy of stylish options, a gentleman can attire himself in a handsome array of clothing, and he doesn’t have to break the bank in doing so. Sure, dressing great can become expensive if a gentleman allows it. And true, there are some items a gentleman cannot maneuver around without dropping some heavy coin. Nevertheless, there exists pathway to smart elegance that doesn’t include high price-tags. Deft utilization of sharp accessories can make an outfit look right-on-the-money without spending a tremendous amount of it. Here, you will find a collection upstart companies that offer insanely inexpensive, superbly stylish accouterments that can definitely elevate a gentleman’s fashion quotient without stressing your pocketbook. Continue reading
Standard Recommendations – The Duffel Bag
Suit Supply Duffel Bag
Sure, my leather portfolio bag provides adequate transportation for my laptop, but sometimes I feel as if I require a bag that is more robust in nature. During my commute to the office, I may pick up a bottle of 32 ounce Gatorade. Or, I could be carrying a 64 ounce water bottle. If the weather is dreary with the threat of a thunderstorm, a hefty umbrella may be a side companion. For late evening trips to Fitness 19, workout attire would either be stashed in the car trunk in a separate bag, or tossed on the backseat until it was time to change. All that being said, I am steadily leaning towards investing in a large, sturdy duffel bag to house all of my belongings. Especially in the winter when boots are a must, dress shoes can be neatly tucked away, shielded from the salt and muck that accumulates on the sidewalks and streets. Preferably, a combination of leather and canvas duffel would be ideal. Both canvas and leather are hard-wearing, with the leather adding a touch of tough elegance to the overall aesthetic. If you are a gentleman that requires a bag with a spacious interior, whether it be for trips to the office or a weekend trip away from home, investing in an appropriately sized duffel bag could prove to be a wise decision. If you are sure that it will sustain a moderate to substantial beating, ensure that you select a bag comprised of tough material, be it canvas or leather, that will withstand the punishment. In my case, I desire the best of both worlds. And so, the hunt commences.