The Nordstrom Men’s Half-Yearly sale can’t be missed. Add to your TO DO LIST: Evaluate the clothing situation and see what needs to be replaced. And of course, why not do it during  Nordstrom’s sale!  If you don’t have a Nordstrom near you, on-line ordering is easy..keep the box..try on the clothes..if they don’t work, repackage and use Nordstrom’s prepaid shipping label to return for credit or exchange. Information below. If you aren’t a store shopper, this is the way to go–easy AND very convenient. Shop on-line from home or office or wherever you are! Nordstrom VISA chargers benefit from DOUBLE Bonus Reward Points June 17-19th.

By mail

Pre-paid Shipping Label – $6.00

Mail your item(s) using the included U.S. return label, and we’ll simply deduct a flat fee of $6.00 from your order refund for return postage.

FREE MERCHANDISE EXCHANGES (U.S.)

Fill out the exchange portion of your pre-paid U.S. return label and drop your exchange in the mail. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail (for online orders) once the package has arrived at our facilities, and in-stock items will be sent right away.

ALSO, Enjoy Free Standard Shipping on your online order of $200 or more.

So whether you need casual, business, dressy- casual or sport wear, check out Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Men’s Sale and save! Also, see below for UGG Australia: pre-order fall/winter gear!

BOSS Black Regular Fit Dress Shirt

$59.97

Tommy Bahama ‘Freemont’ Cotton & Silk Shorts (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$64.90

John W. Nordstrom® Micro Check Wool & Silk Sportcoat

$249.00

BOSS Black ‘Cagan’ Flat Front Trousers

$102.90

Cole Haan ‘Air Colton Split’ Oxford

$129.90

Rock & Republic ‘Floyd’ Relaxed Bootcut Jeans (Evident Blue Wash)

$104.90

Burberry Brit ‘Classic Fit’ Piqué Polo

$72.90

Jack Spade ‘Drill’ Nylon Messenger Bag

$263.90

FOSSIL is a brand that never ceases to amaze me. It says, “I’m hip, I’m serious about what I do and I’m going to look cool while doing it.”  Classic vintage with a touch of ruggedness for every man.  Give FOSSIL for Father’s Day. He’ll appreciate it…. while you enjoy his style!

A sampling of FOSSIL – great gifts for any occasion

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

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

Here’s a fashion timeline brought to you by The New York Times. Ah…the colors, textures, fabrics….

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/a-fashion-timeline-of-the-royal-wedding/

Fashion Fun !