Cutter & Buck is a brand I’ve always admired and sought out for that special gift  or addition to the wardrobe. Founded in 1990 in Seattle, Washington, they offer clothing that is excellent quality and unique. In 2007, they became part of New Wave Group, A.B. and expanded their line.

”Cutter & Buck is a premier line of golf-inspired apparel for men and women who appreciate innovative, high-quality sportswear. We believe in using the best fabrics and trims, classic styling, and a wide range of colors to create clothing that looks and performs impeccably. Thanks to our heritage of superb craftsmanship, countless professional golfers rely on our timeless apparel to complement their games. Join us in continuing the tradition.”

If your gift recipient is a sports enthusiast, this is a no-brainer. Check Cutter & Buck’s TEAM SHOP to select  College – NFL – MLB  wear. Not just another shirt -  he’ll appreciate sporting his team’s logo and you, for such a thoughtful gift!

Wisconsin Badgers Men’s CB WeatherTec Bainbridge Jacket

Green Bay Packers B&T CB DryTec Championship Polo

SuperBowl XLV Champ Packers B&T Journey Supima Flatback Half Zip Pullover

LOVE THIS BELT!

The Brighton brand and reversible is THE belt for every man’s wardrobe.  Excellent for travel and the one belt to grab to get dressed everyday…the reversible option means he’s always prepared! A smart-looking belt, indeed!

Brighton Men’s Reversible Croco Belt

Feather-edged Italian calfskin leather with impressive faux croco print. Black reverses to peanut with the swivel of the buckle. Reversible buckle with matt satin finish. 1 1/8" wide. $49

Le Mans – 24 hours June 11-12th Link

First held in 1923, it became the ultimate marriage of sport and business. Each year, auto manufacturers come to the small French city to prove their engineering and showcase their exotic styling.

Drool… The Most Beautiful Cars of Le Mans in The Wall Street Journal.

8 Men Who Make Us Laugh

FROM MORE.COM

“It’s a sexiness all its own. Cool or klutzy, these honeys bring the funny.”

Jimmy’s my favorite of the eight. Who’s yours?

Bob Charlotte / PR Photos

and from Late Night…just released THANK YOU NOTES

“Great gift for grads, dads, Brads, Chads….” Hilarious!

Add these words, Merriam-Webster:

From More Magazine:

so*fa*liz*ing

(verb) “Visiting” friends from the comfort of your couch via laptop, tablet or smartphone.

or one step further from Town & Country and the London Sunday Times:

Sofalites from sofalizing:

“1. To socialize with friends from the comfort of your sofa via online social networks, usually while watching TV.   2. To no longer go out with actual people.”

MEN:  Goodbye Turkey Neck. From The Wall Street Journal

Gym, Check. Diet, Check. Face, Lift

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730804576315223810301688.html#articleTabs%3Dcomments

Thank you Joe, for your humorous article on men and sneakers. While some commentators took offense, I couldn’t agree with you more.

“but I cannot abide it when men wear sneakers with jeans or slacks, which make them look like dorks.”

Or Tourists: “wearing fanny packs and garish sneakers that scream; ..mug me.!”

And as for your wearing sneakers with shorts, do you know how sexy a man is sporting shorts with Sperry Topsiders or loafers? (Of course, no socks please.) Give it a whirl!

cAN we ever talk too much about shoes? Do you have the feeling I prefer tennis shoes for physical exertion, only?  Maybe I’m in denial that tennis shoes have become an acceptable shoe for non-physical American footwear? Woe is me!

Imagine….a cute dressy skirt, blouse and cardigan/jacket with TOMS sparkling canvas flats (see previous Blog). Or casual wardrobe but wear those cute Via Spiga slingback kitten heels to punch it up (below). It’s almost a surprise for the observer….an unexpected. We think beyond the box.

GUYS: stayed turned for what a man says about men’s footwear…. I like this guy!

AT NORDSTROM:

Nine West ‘Tali’ Sandal

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Mention’ Flat

Attilio Giusti Leombruni Perforated Cap Toe Flat

AT BLOOMINGDALES:

New

COACH Daffodyl Cutout Ballet Flats

sooo CUTE and GIRLIE !!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Mouse Ballet Flats

‘The popular MARC BY MARC JACOBS mouse ballet flat gets an update in animal print haircalf and leather embellishments.’

I GURANTEE you’ll have fun with these Marc Jacobs flats. Adorable!

Via Spiga "Dolmen" Slingback Pumps

Wear as “dressier” walking shoe, or pair with capri or ankle jeans and casual accessories.

Stuart Weitzman "Perfecto" Pumps

Available in black or tan. I like the tan to dress up the “walking casual.”

GUYS – LISTEN UP…people are sized up in the first 7 seconds (aka The 7-second Rule). Whether for colleagues, present or prospective employers, on-the-prowl mode or having your wife or S.O. proud to be on your arm, here’s a     5 minute read that makes a difference.

You’re home from work and going out for the evening. Change the wrinkled-smelly-worn-all day shirt?  What does it involve – a little effort and maybe $2.00 for dry cleaning?  Don’t be that guy…put your best face forward. I jumped on Bergdorf Goodman’s Style Tip.

Today’s Style Tip

A man’s shirt should always be fresh.

— Glenn O’Brien, How to be a Man

http://blog.bergdorfgoodman.com/mens-style/todays-style-tip-92

We’re gonna talk fresh in two different ways.

To get started, the  ‘get ready for evening out’ time line assumes there are no children involved. If  kids are involved AND home, add 5-10 minutes for hugs, how was   your day, how’s the homework? Even just a minute or two   to ‘touch base’ is a rewarding ritual.

Quick change artist – only 7 minutes at home before your night out: wash face, quick moisturizing, brush teeth, washcloth pit clean and privates, apply deodorant and maybe a little aftershave, comb hair AND put on a fresh shirt!

12 minutes: Change undies and socks and quick shave.

25 minutes: Add a shower. Spend a few minutes enjoying the water and wash away the stress of the day.

45 minutes: Get horizontal, close eyes and put your feet up before the aforementioned routine. Clear mind, breathe deeply. Stress adds years to your face (and wreaks havoc on the body) so let’s de-stress!

60 minutes:  Spend those extra 15 minutes with a beverage, your mail or the newspaper, or planning  for tomorrow. You’ll be more relaxed and feel ahead of the game.

Extra 5 minutes? Do 2-3 sets of push ups and sit ups. ENERGIZE!  It’ll get the blood flowing and lessen the guilt about missing the gym. If you incorporate this into your routine every other day, you’ll soon see results in your arms, shoulders and abs.

So what does this all mean?  You’ll look and feel 100% better. And whomever you’re spending the evening with will REALLY appreciate it.  Little effort for big rewards.

Now let’s really talk fresh…….

A shirt is an easy purchase to bring in a new season. Buy a few new shirts and ties. If you’re feeling especially dapper, add new socks to the mix to coordinate.  The season’s colors will give you a new look. Don’t keep dry cleaning those shirts that have seen a better day and need to move on…. there’s always those clothes you need for tinkering, hiking, home and car maintenance.  And as I always say, I can wear it to take out the trash! (in style!)

STAY TUNED FOR:  WHAT DO THE LADIES REALLY THINK (and talk about)?

Summer season is upon us with the occasional black tie event. Here’s info from SAKS POINT OF VIEW. 

Ladies, step aside!

The peacocks will be sporting their tails!

Here’s great tips from Saks.

http://www.sakspov.com/black-tie-dressing-for-men/

Black Tie Dressing for Men

Here’s my fav from the link. Love the textures.

Engine of Style in The Wall Street Journal’s OFF DUTY and an ad in The New York Times was inspiration for this post.

Ralph Lauren launches a Bugatti inspired Sporting Watch

Click Tempus  (an online watch magazine based in the UK) gives us the story on this superior timepiece. click  HERE

The Ralph Lauren Sporting Automotive Watch

“It was inspired by the interior design of one of the most celebrated antique cars in the world, one that has elevated Mr. Lauren to an elite status in the car collecting world; the owner of a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic coupe. The outer dial of the RL Sporting Watch is made of elm burl, the same type of wood found on the dash of Lauren’s Bugatti. Within the elm burl frame you’ll find a matte black galvanic dial that, just like the gauges on the Atlantic coupe, feature Arabic numerals for increased legibility.”

Treat yourself:

WHEN IN PARIS……April 28 – Aug 28, 2011 “L’Art de L’Automobile”

“I’ve always seen cars as art. Moving art.” Ralph Lauren  cLICK HERE

See a slideshow about the exhibition at WSJ.com/Cars or cLICK HERE

So truthfully at first, I was ambivalent about Conan’s beard. Maybe a little gruff, made him look older, detracted from his bouffant, but I got used to it. Will Ferrell to the rescue to get our CONAN back – actually, both guys look great! Let’s add the benefits to the mix of exfoliation with every shave! MANgrooming: guys don’t like to talk about it but it’s gotta get done!

BEFORE…..

DURING…..

“Will Ferrell came by to shave Conan’s beard and talk about his new film "Everything Must Go". Alright, he mostly came on to shave Conan’s beard.”

THE BEARDPOCALYPSE

AFTER…..

Andy wears a “knit beard” – hopefully made from yarn!

http://video.teamcoco.com/video/conan.jsp?oid=250234&eref=sharethisUrl

Here are two great dresses from Karen Kane. The black, especially, should be a staple in a girl’s wardrobe.  You can dress it up for evening with jewelry (I’d recommend earrings and bracelet since you have the tie at the chest) and heels.  If you’re wearing a single-color shoe, I’d pair the dress with a patterned shawl – coral goes great – or yellow, pink – whatever your comfort level or you have in your closet. When the dress starts wearing out, it’s a great option for under jackets or cardigans.  Pair the dress with a cardigan and ballet flats;  fun bracelet; wear for Saturday errands or lunch with a friend.  It is easy and fun and you’ll look put together!  In fact, you only need to put on a bright lipstick and touch of blush for makeup (30 seconds?), and you’re good to go!  When the dress is REALLY worn out, put it on for raking leaves or taking out the garbage.  Who says you can’t look good “all the time!”  HA!  You CAN make it work with less effort than you think!

Ralph Lauren is probably my all-time favorite American designer.  I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE Ralph!  His clothes fit my body; are timeless; intriguing; fun.  I think women are afraid to try various designers.  I say, spend time in the dressing room!  Bodies are different and some designers are more curve-friendly than others.  When I say curves, I’m not referring to size.  My daughter is a size 2-3-4 (depending on item) and is curvy!  Anyway, if there is a designer that works better than others, those clothes become the ones you gravitate to.  While I shop all over the “designer empire,” there are some I know will work better for me than others.  Anyway, who says you can’t buy a scarf or shoes from a different designer to “mix it up?”

So back to Ralph ……. Ah, his store on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue is just lovely to stroll through.  Ralph’s use of fabrics and textures – I’m usually excited about what he has out.  Not all the time, mind you, but mostly I’m admiring his line.  Ralph’s “everyday”  clothes fill my closet, along with jackets, coats.  Ralph is a great line for men and kids too.  They’ll always look great.  I took my 19-year old college-student son out shopping last spring.  We paid full price for blue/white stripe poplin Ralph pants and my son paired them with a few shirts from Old Navy.  The inexpensive shirts balanced out the pricier pants, but my son will have the pants long after the shirts are gone.  Don’t be afraid to spring for a pricier classic item that you can pair with trendier pieces.

I’m getting off track again, but here is a Ralph mannequin , saying “This will look great on you too!”

Yes John Galliano, I totally agree with you!  Fashion is about seducing all the senses.  I like to look at it as an art form, which can be appreciated from many angles.  Shoes, purses, dresses, accessories.  Who can debate the inspiration and design that goes into their creation?  How about a perfume?  A familiar fragrance can evoke strong memories. Even decor should be viewed with appreciation and delight. You derive satisfaction in your surroundings. How about a car?  I can get as excited about a cool car design as I can about a gorgeous dress. A few weeks ago in Boca Raton, I went crazy over a new Chevrolet Camaro . She was struttin’ and sassy.  She was all she’s been hyped up to be. Her lines had movement. I perceived power without motion. The Camaro owners even let me sit in the car. They came out from the restaurant because they saw me looking and taking pictures. They were excited because I was excited, and they shared my appreciation of the car.  “Well worth the wait,” they said, as it had been on order.  Oh yes, all senses were involved here.  Total seduction.

Just like the Ferrari and Maserati  parked in front of Truluck’s in Naples, FL, last night.  Which one do I like the best?  Why try to pick?  Just enjoy the beauty of the cars before me.  Who can’t get excited about something like that?

Anyway, back to John ….

Some people’s senses are dulled or they fool themselves into thinking “details” don’t matter.  Shame on you, I say,  or maybe, that’s just too bad.  Beauty is all around us.  We only need to open up our senses to appreciate it.

John Galliano’s fashion philosophy

A recent John Galliano design (Reuters)

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:44a.m.

John Galliano thinks fashion is about "seducing all the senses".
The designer – who works for Christian Dior, as well as his own self-titled label – loves catwalk shows because they bring his creations to life.

He explained: "If a picture paints a thousand words, a show has 20 minutes to bring the muse, the mood and the feel of a whole season to life. I want to seduce all your senses.

"If the clothes are the script, the models are the silent sirens that have to bring the story alive. I love using theatre and magic to tell the tale."
Unlike other designers, John denies having celebrity muses, preferring to make up his ideal women in his head.
He told Britain’s Elle magazine: "I have two mistresses. For John Galliano, she is very English in her soul. For Dior, she is very French. Dior is a beguiling, feminine, yet feisty lady.
"She is elegant, unpredictable and utterly mesmerizing. That is the essence of Dior."

BANG Showbiz