TJC: Reflections ~ The First Something for the Guys

I wanted to incorporate men in my blog world because the truth of the matter is when I see a well dressed man my heart skips a beat.  I love a man who compels me to put aside my “shyness” and tell him, ”You look nice.”  I was once invited to a party at the Magnolia Hotel downtown.  Those parties are typically pretty swank, so I wasn’t surprised to see guys in blazers, ties and full suits.  There was a particular guy that just stood out from the crowd.  He was wearing a black and grey striped cardigan sweater, black dress shirt, black and grey bow tie, dark denim straight leg jeans, a black belt and brown laced boots.  The fact that I will never forget that should tell you this guy reeked style. I knew there was a purpose for the brown boots, and I was determined to figure it out! As I was examining him closely, I noticed something.  The stripes on the sweater were horizontal, and the stripes on the bottom were very small.  Midway through the bottom set of stripes, there was one (1) rusty-brown stripe.  I literally could have screamed!  The attention he gave that one brown stripe….I LOVED IT! As we were leaving I saw him walking to his car.  I stopped him and said, “Can I ask you something?”  He said, “Sure.”  (probably thinking I wanted his telephone number) I said, “So you mean to tell me you wore those boots for that one brown stripe?”  He laughed as he replied, “Oh, You noticed that?” HECK YES I DID, as would any fashionista.  Guys we totally appreciate the effort you put into how you look.

I, personally, love to see men in suits. Some men are just built to “hang a suit”, and I SO APPRECIATE YOU GUYS! LOL :~) (blushing).  Then again, I love to see a man in a NICE white v-neck and jeans. But, then there’s the guy who will play in colors with me! I LOVE HIM TOO!   Guys, dress well…and smell good. We’ll love you for it!

***LOOKS I LOVE*** (by men I adore)

SUITED:

CASUAL:

CASUAL-EDGY:

COLOR BLOCKING FOR HIM: (Red & black, black & grey, khaki & ___, black & white, etc. are all safe choices for the beginning blocker.)

BOWCHICKABOWWOW:

Other great style tips can be found at www.gq.com. <<< I stalk this site on a regular.  I would also like to suggest you subscribe to GQ Magazine.  Or, you can simply “watch the throne”.  Ha! I had to! You made it too easy!

I hope I did some justice. (The BMF will definitely let me know. LOL) These are just looks that “I” found attractive.  Guys, whatever your style, step out of the box a little.  Go for something bold.  After all, they’re just clothes!

“You’re Going To Love A Bleu Man” ~ men’s frangrance

I was asked to suggest fragrances for men.  We all know there’s nothing like a great smelling guy!  One of my all time favorite men’s fragrances is Tom Ford.  Hands down, it could possibly be THE favorite.  HOWEVER, Bleu de Chanel is also a really nice classic fragrance.  If you don’t know how to buy fragrance, the trick is all about the chemistry.  So all scents are not compatible with all men. Nevertheless, this one is great.

The meaning behind Bleu is to embody an idea of freedom, and this is represented by the ”deep blue sea” theme.  Bleu de Chanel contains notes of citrus ( bergamot, lemon, grapefruit ), “deep blue sea” accord, peppermint, pink pepper, nutmeg, ginger, jasmine, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, labdanum and frankincense.  (Deep sigh inserted here.)  This is just one of many suggestions.  Enjoy guys ~ xxxooo

“Hey Fellas…I Have Deals For You!” ~ a deal for him

I was browsing the web and I ran across these great deals HauteLook! The first event they are hosting is on Florheim casual loafers. The loafers are priced around $50 and are sooooo cute! I know that’s not the right word to intice you, but you know what I mean!

The other event is swim trunks by Trunks Surf & Swim. Trunks Surf & Swim is a contemporary yet traditional swimwear collection that focuses on comfort and wear-ability. Trunks Swimwear utilizes fabrics that are comfortable and quick drying, while employing a creative yet subtle design. With its vibrant colors, futuristic prints and durable quality, Trunks offers a modern casual swim short to withstand the summer season. The swim trunks are on sale for $24! Enjoy guys! ~ xxxooo

There are several other events on the site! Check it out!

 

“The Spring Blazer” ~ by banana republic

It’s now time to retire the wool blazers! Spring is in full effect and fellas your blazers should be too. Check out the line of Spring blazers from Banana Republic. I think they’re pretty “cute”. :~) Enjoy ~ xxxooo

"The Spring Blazer" by banana republic

 

“You’re Going To Love…” v-day poetry

? by: TamirSaidit      

Quaint placement of lips shaping to form the shadow of the perfect kiss. I miss those moments more than anything. I wish I had more of those instances caught on film, or video recorded…But instead I’m left to search into the clouds of my mind, trying to reason with myself on how or when or even if it ever happened. So, now when I think of my favorite times with that special woman in my past, its mere guesses at smudged reruns of first dates, first kisses, first love made…All firsts that may not have ever materialized. I may never know because I don’t own any photos and no video recording…So maybe it never happened…Who knows??

-TamirSaidit

Photography by: Pinkk EYE Images

Tamir Salaam is my poet-friend here in Dallas and ladies, this guy is THE TRUTH!  He is not only a poetic god, but he is handsome, a true gentleman and has a fresh-fly-dopeness thing that makes your heart skip a beat!  I know he’s somewhere blushing right now, as he is a bit modest.  He agreed to loan us a couple of poems in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, and I hope you guys enjoy.  Thank you Mr. Salaam…..*snaps* ~ xxxooo

“The Perfect Shine” ~ how to shine dress shoes for men

 

A step-by-step guide to keeping those cap toes sparkling, all winter long.

By Hamish Anderson, Illustrations by Jameson Simpson

Nothing undermines a nicely tailored suit like dull, worn-looking footwear. And while you can—and probably do—pay someone else to buff your oxfords to a perfect shine, there’s something to be said for learning how to do it yourself. It’s simply something a stylish guy should know.

What You’ll Need:
A cloth or old T-shirt. An “on” brush or another old T-shirt. A toothbrush. Shoe polish. An “off” brush. A chamois, or yet another old T-shirt. Elbow grease (though really, you should polish from the wrist).

NOTE: There are two types of polish, cream and wax. Cream makes the leather supple and wax improves water resistance. Both are fine qualities in a shoe, so it’s best to alternate between the two, using a different one each time you shine.

Step 1: Remove shoe trees and laces. Many people don’t bother taking the laces out, but it’s important to avoid getting polish on them, and to shine the tongue, which will start to look different to the rest of the shoe over time if it’s skipped.

Step 2: Put one hand into the shoe, palm down. In your other hand, with a cloth or T-shirt that is barely damp, gently wipe each shoe to remove dirt and grit; if these remain on the shoe’s surface when you shine it, the shoe will scratch.

Step 3: Make sure the shoes are dry. Then apply the polish with an “on” brush, whose bristles are about half as short and stiffer than those on the “off” brush you’ll be using later, or with an old T-shirt (not the scratchy part with your college logo on it). Whatever you use, make sure you work the polish into every part of the shoe in short, circular motions to ensure even coverage. You’ll probably need to go over the heel and toe twice, as these areas get the most wear.

Use a toothbrush to get polish into crevices, such as the area around the bottom of the upper, and the top of the vamp, which, unless you take taxis everywhere, is prone to creasing. Once you’ve worked the polish into the first shoe, set it aside for the cream or wax to sink in, and repeat these steps for the second one.

Step 4: Next, remove the polish from the first shoe with a horsehair “off” brush. This is the one time when a T-shirt won’t do, and if you’re going to be shining shoes of different colors it’s worth getting different brushes for each one. Brush the shoe vigorously, with medium pressure. The ideal motion involves rapid movement of the wrist, with most of the arm stationary as the wrist moves the brush over the shoe in quick, short motions. Doing this means that each bit of leather receives more stokes than it would if you were moving from the elbow, which gives longer strokes. It also generates more heat on the surface of the shoe, which helps the polish sink in.

Step 5: When you’ve removed polish from both shoes with your brush, go over them with a chamois or old T-shirt, removing any excess you may have missed – pay particular attention to the top of the shoe, where polish often collects before finding its way onto your trouser cuffs later. Buff each shoe to a high shine with the chamois, admire your reflection in the toe of each shoe, and consider the job done.

“I Have A Dream….” ~ men in black, grey & navy

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I wanted to repost a short article about men in suits.  Back in the day men used to dress up for work, dinner and play.  Men wore suits and women wore dresses.  I love looking at pictures of the 50-60′s men.  From the suits to the dreamy hair…they were something to see.  Not to mention, black men (who were in the public eye) were typically fighting for causes, marching against fear or speaking out against racism.  They were strong enough to be imprisoned, and even risked their lives so that we could experience a small level of freedom.  Their fight is certainly still ongoing, but we have gotten to this point by the sweat of their brows.  And, they did it all in suits.  I wish the men of our day would opt for the suits and boots vs. the True’s and  J’s (True Religion & Jordan’s). Side Note: The True Religion saga is another subject in itself.  I know that society has evolved and our style of dress is more casual, but men in suits will never go out of style.  We (women) love to see a well dressed man, and personally I hope that era of style comes back around.  For those guys who still opts for the suit, I salute you!  For my brothers who opts for the True’s & J’s, I love you, too!  :~) Enjoy…

“When it comes to the suit, it’s ALL ABOUT THE FIT!” ~ Marco Smith (The BMF)

The following website has EVERYTHING you need for the PERFECT tailored suit.  I hope you find as much pleasure as I did. I’ve been playing around for over an hour. Only if I had a good man worthy enough..sigh. O’Well! LOL — Enjoy!!! xxxooo

http://www.indochino.com/collection/Suits

“Blue Sky” ~ the common man

“My name holds weight, I am never hesitant. Different state resident, this is hood elegance. SLS classic, pursuing my passion. Known for fashion, now I’m Oscar party crashing. Immortal view of a star doing what I’m born to do.” ~ Common Blue Sky

I have been in love with Common for years.  He is so dreamy and when he speaks, I melt.  I secretly stopped reading Serena Williams’ posts on Twitter when I heard they were dating. LOL ~ I was hating hard.  Seriously, Common is one of the best of our time.  If you’re not familiar with his music, this is the time for you to become acquainted.  His new album, The Dreamer/The Believer (download here) is FRESH and more than classic Common.  I definitely recommend it, as I can’t stop listening.  I haven’t decided which song is my favorite, but Blue Sky is so dope.  So, it is my song choice of the day.  Hope you guys enjoy!  Have a great Monday ~ xxxooo

“Mantyhose” ~ men in pantyhose or “men’s leg wear”

I wrote an article some time ago about women and pantyhose (here).  I feel very strongly about wearing pantyhose, because sometimes they just make a dress or skirt better.  Lately, I’ve noticed a trend…men wearing opaque tights, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it.  I believe some areas of fashion and some articles of clothing should be left for the gender it was intended for.  For example, it is considered fashionable for women to wear ties (at least it was at a point).  It is considered fashionable for men to wear skinny jeans.  I just don’t know how I feel about men in stockings and tights.  If they’re not in ballet, a super hero, Robin Hood or Jack Sparrow, I think daily leg wear should be reserved for women.  Just my opinion.  Women, could you go on a date with a man in pantyhose or tights?  Do you consider men in pantyhose (or tights) fashionable, sexy or crossing a line?  Men, am I missing something in this new trend?  Let me know…talk to me!

“Mantyhose…”

“He’s Timeless” ~ men’s time pieces

I’ve referenced men’s shoes a few times in some of my past articles.  But, there is another major component that women pay close attention to on a man, and that is his time piece.  The right time piece on a man is just like the right cologne or the right pair of shoes.  It speaks volumes and is a cool point ranker.  The value in your time piece lets us know a lot.  If you have on a Kenneth Cole watch, I automatically gather you’re a classic kind of guy.  If you’re wearing a G-Shocks watch, you’re probably athletic or you wish you were athletic.  Nixon watches tells me you’re fresh-to-death…you think outside the box.   Movado & Rolex speaks volumes of class and says you’re a wise fashion investor, as they never go out of style.   Jacob’s tell me that you need to stop listening to early 2000′s hip hop music. JOKING!!! LOL – Geneva says you frequent Big-T or the jewelry department at Wal-Mart.  Hey, it is what it is!  Audemar says you’re the Jay to my Bey and we should do this damn thing!!!  In all seriousness, I love seeing a man in a great watch.  It’s a good investment guys!  Enjoy ~ xxxooo

Men's Time Pieces

Men’s Time Pieces by nekibosh featuring dot jewelry

Glam Rock rock jewelry $495 – nordstrom.com

Glam Rock black jewelry $1,095 – nordstrom.com
Movado dot jewelry $650 – nordstrom.com

Diesel jewelry $100 – nordstrom.com

Technomarine steel watch $750 – macys.com

Burberry engraving jewelry $595 – nordstrom.com

Nixon ‘The 51-30 Rubber’ Watch $400 – nordstrom.com

Michael Kors Chronograph Watch $195 – nordstrom.com

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 4,579 other followers

%d bloggers like this: