Tag Archives: Details

Style & Scents – L’Homme Idéal Parfum – Guerlain Paris

June 19, 2026 By in Grooming Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

There are some fragrances on the market that, when smartly paired with proper gentlemanly attire, the gentleman fully understands he is going to be a problem – in a spicy sort of way. Now, let us assume you are that rakish gentleman, and your presentation is sartorially immaculate. Well, Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum wholly understands the assignment. This is a fine fragrance formulated specifically for you. This is elegance, confidence, and masculinity all secured within one bottle. Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is a 2024 release created by perfumer Delphine Jelk for Guerlain Paris. Guerlain scents are widely recognized for its mature and sophisticated approach to fragrances. And as an older gentleman, I am leaning more towards colognes that project maturity without smelling woefully dated. Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum checks all the right boxes. Let’s tap in.

  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum arrives with a modest, minimalist presentation. Straight out of the box, you will be handling a densely constructed glass bottle with a moderate bit of heft. Do not drop this beauty on your foot. The bottle is a beautiful geometric square, with the cologne housed within a smaller, square-shaped compartment inside. A simple dark grey label with the fragrance name is centered. The black cap snaps securely in place with the Guerlain emblem, two intertwined cursive letter Gs, etched on the top. The design is indeed very basic, but tasteful. Nonetheless, the bottle takes cues from the scent itself, clean and bold without the desperate need to be loud. I like it a lot.
  • Now, let’s dive into the note breakdown. Top Notes: bergamot, orange blossom, spices, and almond.  Middle notes: rose, vanilla, and leather. Base notes: vetiver, sandalwood, and tonka bean.
  • Did You Know? The scent of bergamot & cherry are known for reducing stress, quieting anxiety, improving sleep, and balancing one’s mood. Moreover, studies show that vanilla has been associated with to elevating a person’s mood, relaxation, and reducing negative emotions.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is a smooth, mellow fragrance that sits tightly on the gentleman’s skin. It is warm, rich, and deep. The amaretto delivers a beautifully refined cherry scent, but it is not overly sweet. It starts off with a bit of energy, but quickly tones down into the woody notes. The woody notes are not strong to my nose, so don’t expect an outdoorsy vibe here.
  • It is not the type of scent that will jump off a gentleman’s skin and fill a room. If you are looking for a scent that yells its arrival, this is not the fragrance for you. Slightly boozy and balanced, it is designed to pull a person in for closer inspection. Nevertheless, there is a fine line here. A gentleman can quickly go from sensual to suffocating. I made the error of over-spraying, and while it may not have choked out a room, it certainly had me in a stranglehold. Proceed with caution, 3-4 sprays would be a safe bet. And you can expect 6-7 hours of longevity.
  • Ideally, this scent is a fall and winter fragrance, but cool evenings in the spring offer the perfect opportunity to extend its service. Michigan is on the cooler side this year, so I have been able to wear it more. Summer heat would be just too much.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is for the understated, classy gentleman that does not beg for attention, yet he unsurprisingly commands it. Strictly business in nature, and best worn during the evening hours, Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum should be worn when the moment demands a touch sophistication, masculinity, and confidence.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum retails for $199.00 3.4 oz., on the Guerlain website. It is currently on sale at FragranceNet and Jomashop.

Living Your Best Life – Perennial Resilience

June 16, 2026 By in Best Life Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Approximately 5 years ago, I set out to address my mental health by embracing the practice of gardening. A complete novice to the hobby, I studiously absorbed articles online, diligently watched videos, and consulted with friends who also enjoyed the fulfilling practice. I completely overhauled my front yard, as I carefully selected an array of perennial flowers to reduce the yearly maintenance of replanting. My guiding principles for performing any task are governed by patience and attention to detail. And so, amongst my groups of flowers, I planted some Asiatic Lilies because I loved their vibrant color and blooms.

For years, my lilies flourished every spring and summer unscathed – until this year. To my utter dismay, I discovered my newly budding lilies chomped down to the core. I am not going to lie; it was a punch to the gut. Panicked, I scoured the Internet for possible solutions and reached out to friends for answers. The information I received varied. Depending upon the damage, either the stems would still grow or perhaps a few blooms could be coaxed out of the botanical wreckage.

Well, to my delight, my lilies have showcased their resilience and are fighting to put on their seasonal floral display. It all started 5 years ago in my garden. Meticulously plucking out stubborn weeds, replacing the dirt with new nutritious garden soil & manure, digging holes as the sun beat down on my sun hat, and dropping in my beauties with some plant food. The fountain was solid. The work was detailed and performed with patience. And despite the setback, they will be blooming in all their glory.

Sometimes in life, we will face adversity that will seemingly chew us down to the core. We may believe that we may never recover; we may never be the same person again. Well, allow my Asiatic Lilies to be a meaningful metaphor made for that moment. Because, if we have lived enough life to understand, adversity is all but guaranteed to challenge how we feel about ourselves. Nevertheless, when your foundation is strong, your core principles stout, you will always have the opportunity to reemerge victorious – perhaps even better than before. Sometimes, the setback is the setup for the comeback. I will be sure to check back when my lilies have showed up and showed out – just like you will in your personal journey.

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Style & Substance – Lake House 3-Eye Lug Boat Shoe – Timberland

June 12, 2026 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

A few years ago, my family and I traveled to Northern Michigan for a quick weekend getaway. A college friend owns a quaint cabin on a lake that she rents during the spring and summer. And so, we booked some time for the great escape. It was timely, as our metropolitan area was hit by heavy thunderstorms. Subsequently, we lost power at home through that weekend (a lot of discarded food upon our return). Quietly located off the beaten path, the cabin’s rural surroundings, for the most part, do not boast paved walkways that are forgiving on your feet. To navigate the local area, proper footwear was definitely required to traverse the rocky, uneven terrain.

Now, for these circumstances, I prefer to employ footwear that captures a hybrid aesthetic of casual and ever so slightly dressy. I need a shoe that looks good, is comfortable, and is durable. Timberland offers such options in the form of their lug-soled boat shoes. The handsome upper is a sophisticated interpretation of a traditional boat shoe, equipped with a thick rubber lug outsole to handle gently rugged outdoor activities. This is not a traditional “boat shoe”, so practice caution if walking on wet surfaces. I do not like being too close to large bodies of water, so I was safe in that respect.

The marriage of refinement and ruggedness is designed for the gentleman who desires a functional, stylish presentation for indoors and outdoors. I lean into this style of footwear because it departs from the standard sneaker options. It smartly elevates a casual environment without being annoyingly loud. Yet it offers enough fashionable detail to distinguish itself from the crowd. And as an added bonus, the chunky lug outsole provides just a little extra height to my stature. Vanity. Yes, I know. We all have some hang-ups, right?

I have always been a fan of the Timberland brand. I have found them durable and relatively inexpensive, as discounts can be secured year-round with a bit of shopping patience. And if not Timberland, other reputable brands on the market offer a variety of options that check the necessary boxes of masculine appeal, comfort, long-wearing, and class. I highly recommend this style for spring and summer during casual moments that call for relaxed chinos and perhaps a classic polo top.

Product Details

  • Upper made with Premium Timberland® Leather
  • 3/4-length leather-lined footbed
  • 360° functional lacing system
  • Leather lining
  • Traditional handsewn construction
  • Rubber lug outsole
  • Imported
  • Cost – $170 – currently on sale for Father’s Day

Style & Substance – Florsheim x Duckie Brown – Classic Penny Loafer

April 26, 2026 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

As time passes, it is difficult to reconcile how long I have been writing here at The Gentleman’s Standard. The loafers pictured above were purchased around the year 2009, and my style evolution was still in its early phase. I was branching out beyond my sartorial comfort zone, as I experimented with color, fabric, and new fashionable additions to my wardrobe. For example, my shoe game ranged from standard dress oxfords to thick-soled boots, but that was the extent of my modest footwear collection. During that period, I began to explore a variety of footwear options – penny loafers being the first incorporated into my rotation.

The Florsheim x Duckie Brown joint venture presented a prime opportunity to try something new. The soft suede is infused with a gentle rose hue that offers an unexpected, if not lively jolt to my presentation. It is not every day that you see a gentleman with dusty pink wheels peeking from underneath stone-colored khakis. Crazy to think these shoes are that old. They are perfect for spring and summer, as they lend an updated vibe to a vintage, classic look.

Nearly 17 years ago, you would have been hard-pressed to catch me rocking loafers, especially in a soft tone like pink. Nevertheless, I embraced the clean, sophisticated approach – and the inner confidence to sport this look in public. Trust, people noticed, and the compliments were never in short supply. Keep it stylish gentlemen.

Style & Substance – Square in Square Geo Woven Silk Necktie – David Donahue

August 16, 2025 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The old saying is slightly cliche, however, health is most certainly wealth. And to be certain, a gentleman’s health encompasses many facets representing the mind, body, and spirit. Now, the reference to wealth is not necessarily bound to the accumulation of monetary assets. Rather, in this context, it is the abundance and value of his personal human capital. It is human capital comprised of the aforementioned mind, body, and spirit. It is a gentleman’s responsibility to allot the proper care, resources, and management toward these three key areas. Being a good steward for one’s health and well-being should not be viewed as a complicated, fussy exercise. Simply, self-care should be intentional activities that encourage positive effects on your well-being.

For example, two weeks ago, I unexpectedly found myself temporarily freed from the duties of being a father and husband. Cognizant of the fleeting time I possessed, I escaped away to a local shopping mall. Once there, I treated myself to a good movie (The Fantastic Four) and procured a jazzy David Donahue necktie on sale for an incredibly low $33.00 – marked down from $135.00. I have a deep affinity in my heart for neckties. One could argue that I own too many (do not ask). Nevertheless, some gentlemen collect watches, others have tastes for fine liquor, and many others love cars. I on the other hand gravitate to the beauty of a lovely necktie. I like the feel of different fabrics, as well as looking at the beauty of diverse colors and decorative patterns.

The necktie pictured above boasts a rich, beautiful hue of plum that will pair nicely with either a lavender, pink, or solid white dress shirt. The necktie’s abstract, geometric pattern can playfully complement any conservative leaning dress shirt -think solid or striped- that hangs in a gentleman’s closet. The 100% woven silk adds subtle texture and a medium weight that is sure to guarantee an exquisite dimple along with a graceful drape. It was a great afternoon. If but for a few hours, I was able to enjoy the temporary emancipation from life’s demands. And when your plate is a full course meal of requests, problems, and conflicts that require a substantial amount of personal attention – it can be exceedingly overwhelming. Therefore, it is imperative that one carves out time to introduce calm into chaos. It can be as simple as a movie and necktie. Be well and be the first to put yourself first.

Style & Substance – Knock Your Socks Off – A Modest Endorsement for Colorful & Patterned Socks

June 8, 2025 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

There is something to be said about the contemporary gentleman that grants thoughtful attention to his appearance, or at the bare minimum, conveys the impression that he gives a subtle damn about it. Generally speaking, a man will direct his focus on garments that are decidedly most visible: shirt/sweater, pants, and footwear. Simple. A gentleman’s socks, on the other hand, are quite the distant afterthought. Your hosiery deserves a lot better; don’t you agree? Your standard collection of solid blue, brown, and black socks are rightly exhausted, and a gentle refresh is definitely in order. As we have transitioned into spring with summer steadily on the horizon, a gentleman’s options are plentiful with colorful & patterned socks in stock and at the ready for purchase.

So, why should a gentleman elect to employ the services of a pair of seemingly garish hosiery about the ankles? Short and sweet answer: personality. You can quietly, smartly distinguish yourself from the homogenous masses. Allow me to recount a true story for the audience. One day, I was walking around a local mall on my lunchbreak, and I crossed paths with a former colleague from many years ago. After exchanging pleasantries and inquiring about one another’s families, she playfully commanded me to show her my socks. Sheepishly I raised the hem of a pants leg to reveal my sock selection for the day. I do not remember what I was wearing, but I do remember that she nodded with approval and complimented me for staying stylish.

The sartorial exercise is not terribly difficult to execute. As a simple rule of thumb, especially when the occasion is informal, I attempt to not match my socks with my trousers. Instead, I coordinate my socks with a top, necktie, or pocket square. And on the occasion when that is not a possibility, I aim for a lighter hue to make by socks stand out from my pants. For example, if my pants are dark blue, I would then opt for a shade a touch brighter and mix in an interesting pattern to ensure a distinct difference in appearance. Especially for warmer seasons, I lean into whimsical motifs that may see flowers, bees, flamingos, or butterflies adorning my ankles. However, if that direction is a bit much, one can never go wrong with variegated stripes, polka dots, or a combination of the two.

Ultimately, the objective should be to infuse your presentation with a hint of personality and character that elevates your style above the monotonous, humdrum offering of dark and solid. And if the execution strays a bit off course, no worries, you are a gentleman willing to take sartorial risks. I am willing to bet that you hit the target more times than not. It all starts with opening your mind and starting the process. There are plenty of shopping destinations such as Target, Macy’s, T.J. Maxx, and DSW that are stocked with affordable options for a gentleman. You can experiment with what works with your outfits without breaking the bank. You need only worry about the compliments you receive from the public!

Living Your Best Life – Giving It the Best That You Got – Finding Joy

December 28, 2023 By in Life Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

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An important component to parenting is the level of effort one expends to be engaged with one’s offspring. A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked why I took the time to wrap Christmas gifts in such a fancy manner. Ultimately, the gift wrap would be hastily torn to shreds anyway. He did not really understand the reason for it all. And that is a fair question to pose. Well, there are two primary reasons why I decide to take the time to gift wrap items with a little extra flair. Now, it may be a cliche sentiment, but it really is the thought that matters. Somewhere in my children’s subconscious thoughts, I hope they are developing a deep appreciation and thankfulness for their father’s engagement. Years and years from now, it is my hope that I have created special memories they can recall when they are older. I want them to remember that during their formative childhood years; their father was an involved father. I feel overwhelming pride knowing that I am trying my best.

wp-17037497823152356965055761133696So, sure the little ones (I suppose they are not so little now) tear through their gifts like Tasmanian devils, but it well worth the effort to have a beautiful Christmas tree presentation with a colorful medley of decorative gifts underneath. My son even tagged along with me as we visited Michaels and Target to procure the necessary items to create a Palmer Winter Wonderland in the house. Hopefully, he is learning some lessons along the way. We did not purchase anything too ornate or spectacular, but the purchases enhanced the holiday spirit around the house.

wp-17037497826143480946093318733622The secondary reason for going the extra mile with gift wrapping affects me directly. Given that I do not have any harmful vices that would produce pleasure, but are nonetheless destructive, I am left to seek out positive outlets to trigger beneficial dopamine releases. Dopamine is an organic chemical that affects areas of the brain associated with temporary feelings of satisfaction, motivation, pleasure, and happiness. Therefore, it is common to find me in the yard during the summer tending to the family garden and mowing the lawn. The reward for the fruits of my labor is a great sense of accomplishment and pride. I never thought I would be that guy, but spending time out with nature and nurturing plant life is truly rewarding. Nowadays, I am always on the lookout for a project that elicits some inkling of happiness. 

wp-17037962854744167442503024111754Honestly, I would be dishonest if I said every aspect of my life was perfect and happy. No, unfortunately, that is simply not the case. Life can be indiscriminately unforgiving. Some days are really challenging. So, I wholeheartedly try to utilize every tool in my well-being toolbox to achieve as much balance as possible. The present above is one that really brought a smile to my face. The wrapping paper was heavier than the normal, standard variety one would purchase. The grayish blue surface was speckled with a glitter-like, grainy touch. It almost has a shimmer to it. It was simple, yet elegant. I used some excess paper to make a little bow which I affixed to the box with rustic piece of Christmas twine and bell. It’s amazing the sense of peace I feel as I fold, cut, tie, and tape my way to a finished project. I was really pleased with the results, and every time I saw it underneath the tree, I smiled inside with warm pride.

  • Gentlemen’s Best Life Challenge #1 – Identify an activity that engages and brings happiness to the life of another person(s). 
  • Gentlemen’s Best Life Challenge #2 – Identify an activity that brings personal contentment and a sense of accomplishment with yourself.

 

 

What I Am Rocking Right Now – Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

December 27, 2023 By in What I'm Wearing Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Hi everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed and had a joyous Christmas. Well, COVID-19 finally decided to visit the Palmer household. Somehow miraculously, I was not infected by the virus, but the rest of my family were not as fortunate. Thankfully, everyone has recovered and are healthy, but during that time I just did not have to energy to write as I was holding down the house. Soon after, I was especially busy with the requisite Christmas shopping, decorating, wrapping, and other various happenings going on with the holiday. And when I finally sat down to write, I received an odd error message regarding my Internet connection not being secure.

Therefore, I could not post any content on the Internet. The WordPress team finally resolved that issue, so I wanted to check in with a fun post about a daddy/daughter sneaker ball I attended a few weeks ago. Now, I probably own well over one hundred pairs of footwear, yet surprisingly only two pairs in that collection are sneakers. I do own some sneaker/dress shoe variants from Allen Edmonds, but those are suited more for business casual environments. The dance offered me the opportunity to blow the dust off my Converse sneakers and hit the town with my daughter. Here is how it all came together.

  • For a gentleman, it is always savvy to smartly complement your companion’s outfit. My daughter’s dress was pink, so I decided to wear a pink button-down dress shirt.
  • To accessorize the look, I selected a pocket square, a flower lapel button, and striped socks all in varying hues of lavender or pink.
  • I wanted to convey a sophisticated street presentation, so I ditched the necktie and paired some dark denim jeans with a powder blue sport coat.
  • Of course, I had to top off the look with an elegant, gentleman’s brim.
  • Since it was a sneaker ball, the shoes really needed to be the highlight of the outfit. I must admit, I bought this particular model/color with my daughter in mind about a year ago. I am somewhat of a serious guy, so I wanted a playful and colorful pair of sneakers to contrast my personality. The sneakers complemented her playful shoes and tights perfectly.
  • This was the first time I had dressed up in a long time. My sneakers garnered compliments all evening long. I think the biggest nod of approval was from an elderly man I saw in a store (I stopped to get my daughter dessert afterwards). He was literally staring me up and down. When he realized how long he was staring at me, he offered an apology, and expressed appreciation for my outfit – especially the hat and shoes.
  • I think outfit worked really well. I think I will try to look more in the future. Converse is in the midst of a sale with some really cool colors and models to offer.

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.

About Face – Rejuvenating Skincare – Filorga’s Hydra Hyal Skin Serum

June 7, 2016 By in Review Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

FilorgaWell, a gentleman learns something new and extraordinary almost every day. Now, willingly admitting full ignorance, I was oblivious to the existence of a certain molecule that is being touted as an effective tool to wage war against aging and wrinkles. Naturally occurring within eye tissue, human skin, and connective tissues throughout the human body, this wonder compound is hyaluronic acid. Until I started this site, I truly did not afford any attention to the matter of aging skin. However, my perspective has evolved over the years, and as my years slowly advance, I am far more conscious regarding the health of my skin. Many men would shun such affectation, however, showcasing a mug like Clint Eastwood really isn’t a personal preference – a Nelson Mandela glow is more my speed.

Enter Filorga Laboratory and its newest skincare offering Hydra-Hyal. Hydra-Hyal boasts 4 types of highly concentrated hyaluronic acids that promise to replenish, hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin. Utilizing two plant-based boosters (galanga leaves and seaweed), Hydra-Hyal pledges to stimulate the production of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the dermis and epidermis, and restore skin’s natural reserves. Formulated as a serum, as it is applied topically to the skin, the molecule also helps retain water in the skin’s surface, thus skin cells are hydrated and dryness alleviated.

The result: a supposedly rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Hydra-Hyal arrives in a cool frosted glass tube with a metallic pump top. When the top is compressed, a preset amount fills the dropper for usage. It is a small amount, but it certainly spreads generously on one’s face. The texture is slick, but not tremendously oily. It readily absorbs into the skin absent bothersome residue or film. The scent is surprisingly fresh with slight floral notes that smells great. A word of note: The serum should be utilized in conjunction with a regular moisturizer during your grooming regimen.

Product Specifications

  • Hydrating, smoothing and plumping: 4 types of hyaluronic acid deeply penetrate the skin, instantly hydrating, smoothing and plumping it.
  • Long-lasting, youth-enhancing effect: 2 plant-based boosters stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the dermis and epidermis in order to restore the skin’s natural reserves.
  • A radiance-boosting effect: The combination of a skin-renewal ingredient and a revitalizing NCTF© complex restore the skin’s fresh-looking, clear appearance.
  • Hydra-Hyal contains Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF®, Filorga’s proprietary technology/mesotherapy complex containing revitalizing and anti-aging ingredients, which together to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, restore the skin’s fresh-looking and clear appearance.

There is a popular saying in African-American culture that jokingly declares that “black don’t crack”. Heavily relying on the notion that our melanin shields us from harmful UV radiation, it is generally accepted that our skin ages very well. Nevertheless, some added assistance cannot hurt. Filorga’s Hydra-Hyal is worth an honest look.

Filorga’s Hydra-Hyal can be purchased on Filorga.com, select Nordstrom stores or on Nordstrom.com, for $69.00.

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.

Review – Perry Ellis- Perry Ellis Red

June 4, 2016 By in Review Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Perry Ellis RedContinuing with our influx of Father’s Day recommendations for select fragrances, today, Perry Ellis Red is in the spotlight for review. In my experience, Perry Ellis offers casual, sporty fragrances properly suited for relaxed daytime performance. Now, Perry Ellis Red is billed as a fresh, masculine scent that reflects a gentleman’s fearless confidence and sexy sophistication. All that being stated, let’s get to the specifics and examine how Perry Ellis Red performs.

Observations

Top Notes: Juniper Berries, Italian Bergamot, Citrus

Middle Notes: Apple, Leather, Amber, Sichuan Pepper

Base Notes: Sage, Oakmoss, Sandalwood

  • Perry Ellis Red is a casual, standard scent that forgoes complexity and instead opts for a straightforward, aggressive burst of sweetness courtesy of juniper and citrus notes. Amber assists with lending more elements of sweetness with a soft, warm delivery. This theme continues through the heart of Perry Ellis Red before it finally settles into a natural, woodsy base.
  • The woody base is just as dominant as the top and middle notes; it really is a tale of two scents as each half is fully distinguished from the other. The conclusion is remarkably robust, so a gentleman should be lenient with his initial application.
  • Now, to reiterate, Perry Ellis Red starts strong and it ends stronger. If too much is applied, the top notes can be overwhelming, as pointed out by my wife. It’s projection is wide and far. I experimented with applications for a week, and concluded that 3-4 sprays was the sweet spot to hit without the scent becoming too obnoxious. Its life is significantly long. Traces of its scent will certainly be apparent at the end of a gentleman’s day.
  • The presentation is ordinary fare for a cologne flask with the exception of a red transparent, glass middle surrounded by the flask’s black body. It’s plain, but if you are not one that places a premium on appearance, this should not be an issue.
  • As with previous experiences, Perry Ellis Red proved to be well-suited for casual environments and daytime affairs. Lively and vigorous, a gentleman can trust Red to be trusted scent that won’t lose a spot in his rotation of cologne.
  • Perry Ellis Red 3.4 oz. $65.00 – Available at Perry Ellis, Macy’s, and other fine men’s department 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.

Gentlemen’s Review – Burberry – Mr. Burberry

May 30, 2016 By in Review Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Mr BurberryThe month of June is but a few days away, and now is as good as time as any to contemplate what type of Father’s Day gift would be great for that special gentleman. Today, up for review, is the latest offering from Burberry – Mr. Burberry. Introduced in April 2016, Mr. Burberry is the gentleman’s alternative to My Burberry. Touted as sophisticated and contemporary, Mr. Burberry is the creation of a collaborative effort between Chief Creative & Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey and perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. Moody and dark with a prominent presence of wood and spice, the custom monogramming is an elegant finishing touch to complete the package. Now, let’s dive into the details

Observations

Top notes: Tarragon, Grapefruit, Cardamom

Middle Notes: Cedar, Birch Leaf, Nutmeg

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Vetiver

  • The introductory period with Mr. Burberry is a promising affair, sweet notes of grapefruit tempered by hints of nuanced bitter ones. Soon, the sweetness prevails, albeit briefly, before Mr. Burberry settles into an earthy feel that extends from the heart to the base. My sole complaint: I wish the top note lasted a little longer. This scent is properly suited for evening events.
  • Mr. Burberry can be characterized as earnest and brooding. Composed mostly of wood and spice, this is a serious fragrance suited for the professional gentleman. It does not project very far, however, it does display a concentrated intensity within a short-range. Therefore, don’t allow yourself to be influenced by the seemingly inhibited nature because it can pack a punch if applied liberally. You’ll overwhelm yourself and your immediate company.
  • The warm dry-down enjoys an extended longevity; the woody base will not abandon a gentleman for sure. The ending could benefit from the addition of a citrus or flower companion to contribute a bright contrast to the moody finale, but some gentlemen may be fine with how Mr. Burberry concludes.
  • The presentation is clean and elegant, drawing inspiration from the iconic black Burberry trench coat. Housed in blackish-grey, dense glass; Mr. Burberry is topped off (literally) by a weighted cap in reference to horn-look buttons and a hand-knotted sliver of black gabardine around the throat. It really is a handsome bottle to present on Father’s Day.
  • Mr. Burberry 30 ml ($55), 50 ml($68), 100 ml ($88), 150 ml ($115) – complimentary monogramming up to three initials at Burberry.com and select Burberry stores.
  • Available at Burberry, Nordstrom, Sephora, and other fine men’s department 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.

Review – Vince Camuto – Eterno

May 23, 2016 By in Review Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Vince Camuto EternoAside from a few intermittent episodes of cool temperatures as a coy reminder of winter, spring has stubbornly arrived, and a gentleman can start considering a fresh, new fragrance to welcome the season in properly. Combined with Father’s Day – fast approaching – it is certainly the perfect time for a gentleman to perform an inventory of his cologne stock and afford thoughtful deliberation regarding such an acquisition. Well, The Gentlemen’s Standard is here to assuage any worrisome, moral dilemmas one may encounter – a gentleman’s scent is serious business. Collaborating again with our friends representing Vince Camuto; its newest offering Eterno is the fourth Camuto fragrance to be offered since 2012. Past encounters with Vince Camuto fragrances have been pleasant, so the promise of sampling another beautiful fragrance is great. Now let’s see if Eterno continues the tradition.

Observations

Top Notes: Citrus, Mint

Middle Notes: Cedar Wood, Patchouli

Base Notes: Saffron, Bourbon

  • Vince Camuto Eterno commences with a warm open that exhibits remarkable restraint during its introduction. Subdued traces of citrus and mint are light and springy with an even temperament that does not overwhelm the senses.
  • The middle and base notes are deep with a strong woodsy flavor with mellow hints of spice. A gentleman can be generous with his application of Eterno without worry of offending individuals around him. Again, the overall scent is smooth and defined, as none of the notes are particularly overbearing.
  • Now, given its quiet demeanor, Eterno may be susceptible to fading into the background as a gentleman’s day progresses. Exhibiting a moderate staying power, the scent itself can get drowned out by fragrant, environmental noise. Eterno sticks with you, but only a person close enough to you will be able to appreciate its concluding notes.
  • Vince Camuto Eterno is presented once again with its signature, rectangular glass bottle, but only this time in a white version. Reminiscent of a flask, the glass bottle is encased with a white leather composite with accompanying logo embossment.
  • A gentleman will be served best when Eterno is worn during intimate affairs where the proximity of human contact is relatively small. Eterno is fresh – absent busy notes that can overwhelm and confuse. The transition between notes is clean and deliberate without any of stages overpowering the other. Eterno is definitely made for the gentleman with a relaxed lifestyle where a soft, masculine scent can be appreciated up close and personal.
  • Vince Camuto Eterno  3.4 oz $75.00 – Available at Vince Camuto, Macy’s, Dillard’s 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.

Review – Timberland West Haven – The Business Casual Boot

December 8, 2015 By in Review Tags: , , , , 5 Comments

IMG_3129After a few sporadic days of exclusive previews, a gentleman can rest assured that winter is indeed coming. If last year was any indication, one can expect generous amounts of snow and bone-chilling temperatures once again, and dress preparations must be undertaken accordingly. Of course, particular attention will be afforded to a gentleman’s selection of outerwear and accessories. Coats, gloves, and scarves will be deployed to combat what awaits outside. However, today, we’re focusing on an essential sartorial element that is often taken for granted…footwear – namely boots.

Now, with formal or casual options being pretty much straightforward choices; it is the in-between game, the business-casual game, that trips many gentlemen up. Yes, it is not as easy as it may appear. To perfectly execute the styling of a business-casual presentation for boots, a certain balance of refinement and ruggedness must be achieved. To illustrate this point, today we are lucky to have the Timberland West Haven on deck to serve as an example. So, let’s vault into the details before the next snowfall buries us all.

IMG_3139Now, if you are familiar with Timberland, you will already understand that the rugged element is a quintessential staple that pervades many of their models of footwear. However, how is refinement and sophistication addressed when discussing the aesthetic of a business-casual boot? Well, the dynamic amalgam of business and casual succeeds with the commencement of a casual, roughened baseline and then deftly infusing formal elements to soften the tough exterior.

With the West Haven, all the signature rugged components that make Timberland, well – Timberland, are accounted for. The durable cotton laces. The robust, sturdy soles – made with 34% recycled rubber by the way. The supple, pliable full-grain leather. Lastly, the West Haven boasts a zipper that lends a sly hint of attitude as you head into the office. And now, let’s focus on the dressier elements that raises the West Haven’s status from your standard boot to a higher, more dignified pedigree.

Fully present, we have a cap-toe with an adjacent perforated cap design just before the vamp. There are also decorative perforations along the quarters. One can observe beautiful stitching that encircles the entire sole. As previously mentioned above, full-grain premium leather is employed for hard-wearing usage and sophistication.

The boot’s silhouette is streamlined enough to separate itself from the regular chunky boot category, which definitely designates it as office ready. And on your way to the office, a gentleman can be comforted that the West Haven sole provides traction with its exclusive Gripstick™ technology. Oh – the West Haven is supremely comfortable and very forgiving on a gentleman’s heel and sole.

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Gent Hints – How To Wear the West Haven

  • The business casual boot is best utilized when worn with trousers boasting tweed, heavier khaki, corduroy, or denim material. The beautiful  marriage of refinement and ruggedness best suits a gentleman when the landscape is replete with snow and slush.
  • The strip of leather that forms a small loop on the back of the boot, it’s called a bootstrap, and it affords leverage when a gentleman is putting on his boots – use it.
  • The standard boot tends to grant additional space for a gentleman’s foot. Therefore, to accommodate the extra room, moderately thick cotton or woolen blend hosiery is recommended.
  • The roominess will probably lead to moderate creasing along flex points, but that should not pose an issue if you regularly polish your footwear.
  • Perhaps a little too rugged for board meetings (unless you are a total rakish rebel), the West Haven is however perfectly suited for your standard office space.

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Product Specifications

  • Anti-Fatigue Technology: Made specifically for people who spend long days on their feet, our exclusive anti-fatigue technology is built into the midsole, and uses geometric cone support to provide exceptional standing comfort, shock absorption and energy return all day.
  • Anti-fatigue removable foot-beds with soft synthetic leather covers
  • 100% Organic Cotton Laces: The fabric is made of 100% certified organic cotton (USDA National Organic Program, or equivalent, certified).
  • Premium full-grain leather uppers
  • Silver Rated Tannery: One or more major components use at least 50% leather tanned in a facility rated Silver or higher by a third-party environmental audit. The Leather Working Group judges and classifies tanneries based on energy use, waste production and water treatment.
  • Convenient side zip for easy entry
  • Timberland® exclusive Gripstick™ outsole is made with super-sticky 34% recycled rubber
  • Retails at $180.00
  • Imported

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For more information for ordering, please visit the Timberland website HERE for details.

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Review – Tommy Bahama – St. Kitts for Men

November 3, 2015 By in Review Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Tommy Bahama St KittsCurrently, here in my home state of Michigan, the temperatures have commenced their annual descent into chillier territory. Nothing drastic mind you, but apparent enough to remind local residents that cooler days are indeed on the foreseeable horizon. Such is life in states with frosty temperatures during the span between late October and early April. Therefore, on occasion, a mental respite can be summoned by way of a relaxing cologne to serve as much-needed distraction – there is subtle psychological element to wearing cologne that cannot be dismissed. That being stated, allow me to direct your attention to the latest, limited-edition offering from Tommy Bahama: St. Kitts for Men. With wintry conditions ahead, let’s gauge the performance of St. Kitts for Men, and then we can decide if it provides the mental getaway that a gentleman requires from time to time when the weather outside is frightful.

Observations

Top Notes: Kaffir Lime, Mandarin Orange, Star Fruit (Carambola)

Middle Notes: Cedar, Sea Salt, Watery Accord

Base Notes: Driftwood, Ambergris, Creamy Musk

  • After a departure from its signature curved bottle – departures being Tommy Bahama Compass and Tommy Bahama Island Life – St. Kitts is a return to its unique style, arriving in a deep cobalt blue container with a very soft texture. If I were being picky, the presentation would be beautifully topped off by a brass top instead of the brass colored plastic that arrives with the product. It slightly detracts from the overall visual, but that is only for the gentleman that obsesses over details. Minor, but worth mentioning for those that care about such nuances.
  • From its introduction to its middle act to its conclusion, the transitional phases are steady and smooth. Each note flows into the other seamlessly without overpowering each other. The highlights of the top and middle notes are the mandarin orange, star fruit, and watery accord. In tandem, a gentleman enjoys a mildly sweet opening that lasts for a generous amount of time.
  • The closing notes are slow and sustained. Again, it does not dry down with a strong presence, so there is a risk of being overpowered in an environment of competing scents. So don’t trot off to the casino where the cascading smoke will negate your efforts to smell great.
  • A gentleman will surely benefit from generous applications, nothing over the top, but 8-10 sprays from the bottle should suffice and last a decent portion of the day.
  • Tommy Bahama St. Kitts for Men is not strong by any means. And actually, because of its soft notes, I could imagine a woman wearing this. Therefore, if you’re the type of gentleman that prefers a more rugged scent, this offering from Tommy Bahama may not be for you. Definitely a spring and summer cologne, St. Kitts for Men can be a welcome change of pace as the days become duller and gloomier. St. Kitts for Men is consistent. From beginning to end, its identity never changes, sweet and fruity, it affords a gentleman a softer approach to fall and winter while conjuring up thoughts of more pleasant temperatures to come.
  • Tommy Bahama 3.4 oz $65.00 – Available exclusively at Tommy Bahama locations or online at http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Men/Mens_New_Products/PRD_200420/Mens+St+Kitts+34+oz+Cologne+Spray.jsp
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.