Eau De Lacoste L.12.12, inspired by the original polo tennis shirt designed by founder Rene Lacoste, was initially launched by the eponymous company in 2011. Now in 2014, Lacoste is celebrating their tradition with a limited edition relaunch of that fragrance. Borrowing from the simplicity of the white L.12.12 polo tennis shirt; the fragrance itself is housed within a discreet white bottle with the iconic crocodile affixed to the upper right hand corner, and with L.12.12 Limited Edition stamped in neon yellow in the bottom corner. The bottle also sports a textured pique panel running down both sides. And now, lets examine the fragrance itself.
Observations
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Cardamom Seed, Rosemary, Cedar Leaf
Middle Notes: Tuberose, Ylang Ylang, Olibanum
Base Notes: Atlas Cedar, Vetiver, Leather, Suede Accord, Georgywood
Upon the initial application, one will discover that the top notes are remarkably intense – especially the hints of citrus. With an unabashedly bold introduction, a gentleman might be astonished and alarmed by the heavy notes in the beginning. With those facts on the table, it would be wise to employ a feather-light touch when dispersing the aromatic contents. For best results: Direct the spray nozzle center mass, an arm’s length away from the body, and fully depress the spray nozzle once. Trust – you only require one light mist.
The transition to the middle and base notes is a little smoother. As long as you don’t get overzealous with the initial blast, the remaining notes will settle nicely with a long-lasting, masculine scent that will be noticeable without being overbearing. The wood, leather, and suede lend an earthy splash, but it is very subtle. Personally, I would recommend this scent for any function that transpires outdoors. The fragrance is afforded the opportunity to breathe a little, and it is strong enough to stand up to the varying smells that await outside. With Father’s Day approaching, this may great gift idea to consider.
Eau De Lacoste L.12.12 Limited Edition 3.3 oz. $65.00 – recommended retail price at any fine men’s department store
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.
Under the sartorial microscope today, I will be closely scrutinizing a standard gentlemanly accoutrement with an unexpected twist. Now, the gentleman’s belt is an indispensable accessory whose sole pragmatic function is securing one’s britches at an acceptable level, thus preventing the undesirable sight of dingy undergarments or ashy butt cracks. Dreadfully – it could be a combination of both. The standard issue belt arrives simply as a flexible strip of leather, dotted with incremental holes, with a buckle attached to one end so that a gentleman can fasten it around his waist. And so, that brings me to the product I am examining today. In the interest of fairness and honesty, when I first spied Mission Belt Company on the television show Shark Tank, I was thoroughly skeptical. A belt with no holes? I was not sold on the idea.
So, it was very surprising when a representative from Mission Belt Company reached out to me for a review. It was the perfect opportunity to address my skepticism. Perhaps my initial assessment, albeit by way of television, was unfounded and without appropriate merit. Could a belt absent its signature holes actually be worth the investment? Sure, there are hole-less belts on the current market in the form of d-ring and braided belts. However, this particular belt, with its unique ratchet mechanism, was unlike anything I have personally utilized. So, I decided it was worth a fair perusal.
Now, I would be woefully negligent if I did not mention the “mission” portion of Mission Belt Company. I don’t want to butcher their vision and mission, so what follows is their philosophy for the company:
“Here at Mission Belt Co, we don’t just want our customers to look good – we want them to feel good too. That’s why a dollar from every belt sold goes to fight global hunger and poverty. Having lived and worked across the globe, we’ve seen firsthand the struggles of those who aren’t as fortunate in their circumstances through no fault of their own. There are so many industrious, motivated men and women striving for a better life for themselves and their families. Sometimes, the only thing holding them back is a little capital to get started and break the poverty cycle. A few hundred dollars to buy a cow, a few chickens, or supplies to sell, can mean the difference between unemployment and a productive, independent business.
So we decided to start a company that is so focused on fighting world hunger and poverty, that you’ll know about our “Mission” from the second you hear our name. We’ll be the first to admit that our no-holes belts are pretty awesome, and you’d probably want to have one regardless of our Mission. But even more important than producing the world’s sleekest, most stylish, and most comfortable belts, is making sure we can do it in a socially responsible way. Every time you put on your belt, and hear the ‘click click’ of the perfect fit, you can remember that you too are a part of the Mission.
So that we can focus on making our world-class belts, we searched around for a well-known and respected organization to work with, and found just that in Kiva (www.Kiva.org). Kiva is a non-profit, peer-to-peer ‘micro-lending’ organization that helps provide opportunities to support economic development and entrepreneurship, mostly in developing countries, as part of its efforts to alleviate poverty and create more economic opportunity. Before you think we’re loan sharks, Kiva doesn’t collect nor pay us any interest on our funds. Rather, we help to increase the supply of credit for borrowers who might not have access to traditional banking services in their home countries.
As stewards of our time, talents, and resources, we take our Mission seriously. We aren’t Sally Struthers preying on people’s emotions and we aren’t charity-tourists taking a trip around the globe to hand out school supplies to starving kids. We’d rather avoid the airfare and the photo-ops, and get the most bang for our belts by focusing our Mission on three key aspects: sustainability, transparency and impact.”
Honestly, I think their mission is very admirable. I cannot speak to its impact or magnitude, but its concept is admirable nonetheless. For more information regarding Mission Belt’s social entrepreneurship, please visit HERE for details. Now, on to the observations.
Observations
True story: Upon unearthing the mission belt from its package, I jokingly remarked to Stephanie that it smelled and felt like real leather. And to my amusement, as I turned the belt over for inspection, engraved on the underside: Yeah…it’s real leather. I surmise Mission Belt anticipated the doubt. Clever.
So, addressing the quality of leather, it is definitely soft and extremely pliable. This is certainly not some stiff, plastic piece of imitation leather that you will be securing your trousers with.
The stitching is tight with no noticeable frays or loose threads.
For leather selections, the standard register of business colors are available: black and brown. For more adventurous, fashion-forward gentlemen; colors such as red, blue, and even gray can be purchased.
The buckles are seriously heavy-duty. A gentleman is presented with options of brushed stainless steel, gold, or brass. The designs are varied, yet simple; ranging from plain solids to colored solids to a three bar design with color.
The underside the belt is embedded with a small rigid track that “catches” a small metal clip that is housed within the belt clip. Think of a roller coaster on its ascent, you can hear the belt clicking as you insert it into the belt buckle.
To release the belt and remove, there is a small lever that sits on the side of the buckle. Pull the lever away from the body, and the belt easily releases.
If a gentleman loses a little weight, the buckle can be removed, and the desired length of leather can be cut off to accommodate the difference in waist girth. Simply re-attach the buckle and you are good to go. This is probably cleaner than punching more holes in a standard belt, or perhaps just going to buy another. However, once you cut that leather, it is no going back. So, if you are a gentleman that has weight fluctuations, it may not be a good idea to go slicing your belt.
Speaking of width, there are two belt widths currently available: 35 mm and 40 mm.
A gentleman can expect to pay between $26.99 (kids) to $34.95-39.95 (adults).
Usage is relatively simple. Just insert your belt to fasten, and then pull the release lever to loosen. While the buckle is really sturdy, the release lever could be prone to wear and tear if your touch is heavy-handed.
In conclusion, I think Mission Belt Company has presented the gentleman with a great alternative to the standard belt. Given a gentleman does not change out belts that frequently, the investment could be worthwhile. The leather is quality and the sturdiness of the buckle and the ratchet mechanism should provide dutiful service without breaking. Again, be aware that if one does decide to size down due to weight loss, any leather cut off cannot be recovered – so tread lightly. So, despite my initial doubts, I have to give Mission Belt Company a thumbs up for a quality, innovative product. Check them out for yourselves: http://missionbelt.com/
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.
Today, we are discussing every gentleman’s favorite bathroom grooming ritual – shaving. And on deck we have the Jack Black Beard Lube being examined. Spanning the duration of this website, I have been granted the privilege of documenting my grooming escapades with a variety of skincare products, and this perhaps ranks as the most interesting to date. When preparing for a traditional shave, a gentleman is usually armed with three grooming products – aside from his trusty razor – that he employs during his shaving regimen: pre-shave oil, shave cream, and a post-shave soothing agent for the skin.
The Jack Black Beard Lube combines all three grooming entities into one tube to cover all the bases a gentleman requires when taking a sharp blade to face. The beard lube is indeed interesting. I am generally accustomed to a shave gel with a decent enough lather to provide not only sufficient comfort to my skin, but also a mental comfort of knowing the blade will glide across my throat absent the threat of severing my carotid artery. Now, since you are reading this post today, I obviously did not slit my throat using the Jack Black Beard Lube. Nevertheless, that does not speak to actual shaving performance. So, without any further delay, let’s dive into my observations and thoughts on this highly unique shaving product.
Observations
The beard lube retains a light, creamy texture as it emerges from its dark blue tube.
Immediately, you will discover that this particular shave cream does not lather like any previous shaving cream you have employed. Now, the product may appear to be creamy when you squeeze it out of the tube, but it is a little oily when you rub it on the skin.
Despite the noticeable absence of a rich lather, the cream is still visible enough on the skin, so re-application isn’t necessary if you feel you’ve missed a spot. It doesn’t dry out as some shave gels have the reputation to do, so again, repeated applications is not needed.
A jelly bean sized amount on the fingertip is sufficient enough to cover perhaps a 1-2 inch radius on the skin. Of course, this is all dependant upon how much you prefer to use.
The shave itself is smooth. Again, mentally, you will have to adjust to not seeing your face lathered up. Nevertheless, the oils assist the razor in moving gently across the skin with no snags or tugs. For thicker beards, I would definitely suggest using an electric razor to plow through your facial wilderness before trying to shave any closer. I say that because the tube is relatively small and the retail price is expensive. So, you don’t want to liberally use the shave cream unnecessarily.
Post shave: the skin is left refreshingly soft and smooth. No irritation. No blood. No burn. It should be noted that this product has macadamia nut oil as an ingredient. I am allergic to nuts, but I did not have any adverse effects. However, this is just my experience. If you have a severe nut allergy, proceed with caution.
Available sizes: 3 oz ($11.00), 6 oz ($17.00), 16 oz ($33.00)
The only drawback would be the price. Honestly, it is a great shave cream. And given that it is essential 3 product combined into 1, a gentleman may be receiving a bargain. Nevertheless, if you are shaving 3-4 times per week, you might run the risk of blowing through a few tubes a month. And that can add up quickly. So, if you have the disposable income to enjoy such a luxury, I would definitely recommend this product. If you are a gentleman with a moderate revenue stream, purchase this for yourself during those special times when you want to treat yourself.
Product Specifications
Beard Lube – Conditioning Shave with Jojoba & Eucalyptus
An entirely new way to shave. Unlike traditional shaving foams and gels which can dry out skin, our award-winning Beard Lube® is a pre-shave oil, shave cream and facial skin treatment in one easy-to-use product specially formulated for men’s shaving needs.
The unique formula contains phospholipids – a rich source of essential fatty acids that are essential to the function of cell membranes – to bind moisture to the skin and support the natural skin barrier. The lightweight, penetrating formula not only helps prepare your beard by penetrating and softening whisker growth, it holds in moisture so your shaving blade glides easily. Refreshes skin, too, for an easier, smoother shave and less razor burn.
The unique see-through texture lets you see where you’re shaving, helping to prevent nicks and cuts–especially great for shaving side burns, moustache and head. Won’t clog your blade, because it is super light and rinses easily.
Key Ingredients
Macadamia Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil and Glycerin provide a lubricating, protective cushion.
Phospholipids bind moisture to the skin and support the natural skin barrier.
Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Menthol refresh and revitalize skin.
Heather helps calm and soothe skin.
For more information about Jack Black products, please visit Jack Black HERE for more details.
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.
For the discerning gentleman that appreciates the unspoken sophistication that an unobtrusive accessory may grant; the patented adjustable collar stay from Swiss Stays is under TGS’s microscope today. Birthed from sartorial necessity by custom clothier and founder of Astor & Black, David Schottenstein, the adjustable collar stay was invented to mitigate any frustrations that may arise when trying to coordinate the correct collar stay with the correct shirt collar. Now, for the sake of definition, a collar stay is a small shirt accessory, fashioned in the shape of shirt collar tip, designed to slide into specifically cut pockets beneath the shirt collar. The purpose is to provide much-needed stability and weight to a shirt collar that can that may be prone to floppiness and slackness.
Now, a collar stay may arrive in the material form of brass, stainless steel, titanium, plastic, mother of pearl, horn, etc. Some shirts may already possess collar stays upon purchase – most likely of the plastic or brass variety. They are also designed with varying lengths for the differing collar styles that may be on the market. With Swiss Stays, the available materials for purchase are as follows: plastic (PVC), stainless steel, brass, and titanium. For review purposes, TGS was shipped both the PVC and titanium versions. Pertaining to length, the offerings from Swiss Stays have four adjustable positions for a gentleman’s preference as demonstrated below.
So, let’s jump into the dapper details of these unique collar stays. As mentioned above, the uniqueness of these collar stays reside in the function of adaptability. The titanium collar stays are decidedly sturdy and strong – almost to a fault. It is going to take a little finger strength to adjust your stays into the desired positions. I’ve found that the easiest method is to use your thumb to push apart the two moving parts, and then push them together simultaneously to move back into the starting position (visual #1). With the passage of time, perhaps the moving parts will loosen sufficiently for the various configurations. One thing is for sure, these collar stays won’t break anytime soon.
Now, the PVC collar stays were much more flexible than its titanium associate. It should be noted that although the material is plastic, it still feels stronger than the plastic stays one might find in a newly purchased shirt. This plastic version from Swiss Stays would probably suit the gentleman who isn’t particular about floppy collars, but may be intrigued about the possibility of keeping them in check.
Housed in a metal package that closely resembles a vintage Zippo lighter, three pairs of any collar stay of choice sit neatly arranged in two rows of three. Each version of collar stay must be returned to its original folded position to be placed back into its case. I should also add – as a gentleman who has misplaced a few collar stays over time – the metal storing case is a nice touch. It allows a gentleman to smartly keep track of his stays.
And now – pricing: Available in four different materials and price points (PVC $8; Stainless Steel $20; Brass $30; and Titanium $50), they come in packs of six and fit all 24 different styles of shirt collars on the market. Also available, a sterling silver leather gift set ($150). Depending on your sartorial lifestyle, a cool set of these unique collar stays could be the solution you have desired to tame that undesirable case of runaway collar. If you’re already an owner of a few collar stays, this offering from Swiss Stays may be worth your attention. If not, they may afford a fresh approach to how you handle your shirt collar. Stay stylish gentlemen.
The gentleman’s pocket square: A discreet piece of sophistication whose primary objective is to effortlessly elevate the overall sharpness of a suit. Now, for seemingly decades, the pocket square was relegated to bland neutrality – no offense to the crisp, clean elegance of the gentleman’s white handkerchief. However, recent developments on the sartorial front has emancipated the classic accessory from the confines expected stodginess and monotony. Widely and roundly believed to be on the cusp antiquation, the contemporary pocket square has emerged reinvigorated, offering a countless amount of variety and selection. And perhaps none are as unique as the pocket squares available from Armstrong and Wilson.
Founded in 2009 by Ontario Armstrong and Clifton Wilson – each a finalist in Esquire’s Best Dressed Real Man in America – Armstrong and Wilson has sought to reinvent tradition surrounding the pocket square, and they are more than succeeding. With an astute attention to detail; the duo infused their reinterpretation with an exciting variety of color and pattern, blessed the inventory with exquisite material, and added a detail that has become their signature – a button. And now, with a surging popularity, it is not uncommon to spot their product being worn by the likes of Chris Bosh, Mos Def, Michael A. Smith, and Lebron James.
Personally, I first noticed these fashionable pocket squares a few years ago, but the pricing precluded my inclusion with the aforementioned players of the Miami Heat roster. Stunning visuals aside, dropping $55 to $85 on a single pocket square just wasn’t in my budget at the time. However, with a few job advancements and a purchase of a high quality camera, the plunge was ready to be made. So, here we are today, ready to offer an honest evaluation of the merchandise for the audience. So, let’s dive right in and break it all down for you.
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.
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 →
To be sure, some gentlemen absolutely abhor the notion of wearing a suit, as they would sooner employ a sport coat as a viable alternative. So, when an occasion begs for a discreet level of business attire, said gentleman promptly retrieves his sport jacket of choice from the closet. Pretty simply – right? Well, not quite that simple. The sly substitution of a sport coat arrives with a curious dilemma of its own. Unlike the complete business suit, the sport coat quietly resides, draped around its wooden hanger without the devoted companionship of a matching trouser. Thus, the critical mission of expertly coordinating a pair of trousers becomes not as simple as previously imagined – that suit doesn’t look so terrible now. No worries, may we present to the audience, a quick and dirty guide to find the right pair of trousers for your sport coat. Continue reading →
Sure, the economy is still on a relatively slow mend, but the atmosphere is certainly inviting for bright, driven entrepreneurs to start a business and create a market for themselves. And one such market that is thriving is within the realm of fashion. More and more people are tapping into their creative genius, eliminating the middle man, and taking their product directly to the consumer. Aided by the expansive world of the Internet, small business owners are taking advantage of the renewed interest in men’s fashion. And they are offering incredibly stylish, seriously affordable merchandise for the discerning gentleman that yearns for sartorial refinement, but may not want to drop $200.00 on a pocket square or $300.00 on a tie bar. Recently, I have had the pleasure of speaking with one such small business, Modern Renaissance Man, about a wide array of gentlemanly accessories currently available on their Etsy website. Created by Tracy and Mike Xavier, accessories from Modern Renaissance Man offer an interesting spin on classic accoutrements. Here is how our conversation went.
Today, we are going to talk about a subject that elicits feverish passion every time the subject is examined. If you reference the picture above, of course we are talking about shaving. Yes, this simple grooming ritual seems to fire up gentlemen across the nation when we broach the discussion here on the site. In one corner, we have gentlemen that prefer the ubiquitous safety razor. And in the opposite corner, we have gentlemen that prefer a classic straight razor. And in another corner, we have a contender that no one every speaks of – the disposable razor. Truthfully, I have never written about disposable razors because I never utilize them. The handling is clumsy. They are terribly stiff. And the blade is not comfortable. Nevertheless, I was extended the opportunity to trial the new Bic Flex 4 Perfect Razor. Ironically, the Flex 4 may be marketed as a disposable razor, but it didn’t “feel” like a disposable razor. Please read further to understand what I mean. Continue reading →
Continuing with a review of grooming products offered by Zirh International, today I will share my experience with their Protect – Daily Facial Conditioner, or in other words…their facial moisturizer. I cannot make any spectacular claims that this moisturizer has dramatically reversed the aging process or miraculously knocked 15 years off my face. I would have to check back with the audience in 2-3 years to make that claim. What I can say is this: The Protect Daily Facial Conditioner felt very pleasant when applied on my face. The scent was very fresh, not excessively oily, and hydrated my skin very well. All in all – a pretty good product. Check out further observations below.
Observations
Following in the footsteps of the Zirh Clean Face Wash, the facial moisturizer also retains a light, subtle citrus fragrance.
Given the presence of a citrus scent, it is not as strong as the Zirh Clean Face Wash; which is good since a double dose could be a little overpowering.
The consistency is moderate; being not too creamy and not too watery.
There is a slight greasy feel to the moisturizer, but it fades away after application.
I didn’t have any problems with skin irritation or break-outs.
For usage, expect to use two dime size quantities, roughly the size of a fingertip, to sufficiently cover the entire face.
Keeping with this quantity, one should be able to extract more than a few months of usage out of this product.
Although menthol is not an active ingredient, there is a cooling sensation felt when applied to the skin. Perhaps it is the chamomile agent working on the skin. Whatever it may be, it feels nice.
Retails for approximately $32.50 for a tube of 3.3 fluid ounces. This may send many gentlemen running for the hills. However, if healthy skin is a priority, the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities could be very appealing for that discerning gentleman.
Product Specifications
Environmental defense moisturizer
Daily skin conditioner for oily to normal skin types. Fights the negative effects of free radicals from environmental pollution and sun damage. Helps to slow the appearance of aging and improves skin’s texture and elasticity.
Key Ingredients Vitamin E: an anti-oxidant from soybean oil soothes and helps rejuvenate the skin Avocado Oil: a moisturizer that infuses the skin with protein without leaving an oil film Chamomile Extract: an anti-inflammatory that calms the skin Pycnogenol: a powerful anti-oxidant extracted from pine bark helps improve skin smoothness and elasticity
For more information about Zirh products, please visit ZirhHERE for more details.
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.
To be sure, pertaining to matters of a gentleman’s suit, its style, more specifically how it is worn, has slowly transformed over the decades. What was generally unacceptable decades past is now being passionately embraced by a younger demographic; and they have vigorously applied their own spin on the gentleman’s standard uniform. Take for instance the gentleman’s dress shoe and how it is married to the aforementioned suit. The dress oxford, be it a cap toe or wingtip option, has long been the widely accepted choice for proper footing. No more. Over the years, the loafer has been welcomed as a viable selection. Initially frowned upon by the establishment, the loafer is now being actively recruited to fill the shoes of, well, your regular dress shoes. And the look works – extraordinarily well in fact. Tassels, metal bit, or maybe just a plain vamp; rocking a pair of clean, chiseled loafers with a suit just isn’t right – it’s right now. However, here at TheGentlemen’s Standard, we endorse wearing some socks to complete the look. But hey, we’re based in Michigan, so the weather doesn’t grant many days of sockless aplomb. So, go ahead, rock your loafers with confidence gents. Boom!
Gent Hints
By default, the black loafer is the quintessential favorite for occasions that demand more business, formal attire.
However, brown is perfectly fine, especially if they arrive in the darker variety with a mirror-like gloss.
High vamp = formal look.
Short vamp = casual look. Wear these with a sports coat.
No socks, no problem. Dust the insole with some trusty GoldBond powder to absorb moisture and funk.
Alternatively, if dusty white feet isn’t your preference, a stick of antiperspirant works great too.
Plain vamps are welcome to all ages.
Tassels are a little more mature. Kiltie loafers are really, really mature.
Metal bits are welcome to all age groups as well, and they exhibit a little more charm.
Business meeting? Walk carefully. Loafers may or may not be appropriate. Use your best judgment.
Eau De Lacoste L.12.12, inspired by the original polo tennis shirt designed by founder Rene Lacoste, was initially launched by the eponymous company in 2011. Now in 2014, Lacoste is celebrating their tradition with a limited edition relaunch of that fragrance. Borrowing from the simplicity of the white L.12.12 polo tennis shirt; the fragrance itself is housed within a discreet white bottle with the iconic crocodile affixed to the upper right hand corner, and with L.12.12 Limited Edition stamped in neon yellow in the bottom corner. The bottle also sports a textured pique panel running down both sides. And now, lets examine the fragrance itself.
The Gentlemen's Standard 