Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Art of Shaving and Lacoste

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day

W

e men don't expect anything for this holiday as Valentine's Day is more for the ladies in our lives.  Having said that, buying a gift for the man in your life can be more difficult than us shopping for you guys.  There's an abundance of ads and commercials helping us decipher what women want but ladies, you pretty much have to go it alone.  Below are some items to inspire your shopping.

The Art of Shaving

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othing makes a man feel more like a man than a good old-fashioned shave.  There are four elements to the perfect shave: 1) soften the beard, 2) lather up, 3) good razor, and 4) moisturize.  The Art of Shaving's all in one kits are the perfect solution to a man's shaving needs.  Built on tradition and the essence of shaving, they have brought back the touch and feel of shaving eliminated by the electric shaver.  

Lacoste

C ologne like perfume is a popular gift but unless you know your significant other well, it's a hard gift to pull off.  Everyone has their own personal favorites and what you may like on someone else may not smell as good on the person you're buying it for as natural body odors and oils can drastically alter the scent of a cologne.  Eau de Lacoste is a fun an easy way to buy cologne for the man in your life.  From light and refreshing to earthy and woodsy, purchasing the entire line or a pair of your favorites will satisfy even the pickiest of men.

ASPECD Shirts

ASPECD Shirts

An ill-fitting shirt is one of the first things that are noticed because our eyes are naturally drawn upwards.  Sleeves are too long, body is too wide, or neck is just a little off--rarely is a shirt perfect off the rack.  ASPECD philosophy of "better fit, made easy" holds true with nine precise sizes and free alterations to make purchasing the perfect shirt effortless.

Look to APSECD for your next button-up.  New customers receive 20% off their first purchase.

Wardrobe
Shirt: c/o ASPECD
Jacket: DKNY
Tie: Knottery c/o Sprezzabox
Pants: Express
Shoes: Lacoste
Hat: Bailey of Hollywood

Tee with Snaptee

     I recently teamed up with Snaptee to design a custom tee shirt.  Snaptee is an amazing app that let's you turn your favorite design or memory into a tee shirt.  

     Get your custom City of Gentlemen tee here!!

Wardrobe

Shirt: City of Gentlemen by Snaptee (Order here)

Jeans: Scotch & Soda

Jacket: Projek Raw

Shoes: JD Fisk

Accessories: Dartmoor, Panerai, Lacoste

::Spring Blues::

     It seems mother nature can't make up her mind.  It's sunny and warm one day, next day it's raining again.  However, this gave me the opportunity to use a vintage style sweatshirt that I had picked up for next winter season.

     It's a distressed styled sweater that will look better over time with more distressing and fading.  

     As always, thanking for reading.

::Wardrobe::
Sweater:Jeans:: Scotch & Soda
Shirt: J Crew
Shoes: Lacoste
Bag: Jack Spade
Accessories: You Are Pretty & Handsome, Chai Jewelry, Tateossian, & Mateo Bijoux

::Brown on Brown::

     I recently got a great carpenter bag thanks to Wood & Faulk.  I stumbled over this little leather company from Portland, Oregon a while back and have loved their stuff ever since.  Matt's leather goods should cost 10 times what he charges, but "sshhh," don't tell him.

     This whole wardrobe was inspired by a rugged urban theme.

     The leather jacket went well with the dipped leather bag.  I toned downed the urban look with a hipster style sparrow print polo.

     Distressed boots melded the urban theme.  I'm not really a fan of baggy jeans, but can't go skinny with boots.  Think slim through waste and thighs, but choose a larger leg opening for boots.

     The quality on this bag is simply amazing.  I didn't include more pics, but this bag actually opens like a carpenter bag and has stainless foot pads to protect the bottom.  This is actually a workman's bag, just with style.

     The color block scarf added visual interest and broke up the browns.

::Wardrobe::
Bag: Thanks Wood & Faulk
Jeans: J Crew
Jacket: Bod & Christensen
Shirt: Topman
Shoes: JD Fisk
Scarf: Mr. Brown by Duckie Brown
Belt: Lacoste

English Country Hipster

I love the hipster look, but it’s regulated to the young crowd.  To me, the hipster look takes its cues from the prohibition days mixed with some English Country.  To update it and make it more age appropriate, I mixed more of the English Country.  It’s all about print and textures.  The suspenders, bow tie, and colored socks make it hipster, but the textural shirt and tweed keeps the outfit from looking like I’m holding onto my 20s.

Jacket: J Crew
Pants: John Varvatos
Shirt: Lacoste
Bow Tie: J Crew
Pocket Square: The Tie Bar
Shoes: Cole Haan
Socks: Happy Socks
Folio: Coach

Street Sense

So I just bought these super cute boots when I was over in Texas. They are basically Eastland style winter boots, but with a little street edge to them. Remember that street doesn't mean baggy. Keep everything fitted and streamlined. I’ve been wanting to shoot this great graffiti wall in Sacramento so here’s inspiration all around the new boots. Click on each picture for details and fashion credits.

Show off that you don't follow rules. Tie bar is actually what 

retailers use to hold together the folds on button down shirts.

And we get to the inspiration. Solid black work-rain boots, but because it's a dull black, 

it lends itself to street rather than dress. Throw the cuffs up to show 'em off.

With street style, it's all about not worrying if something is out of place. If the collar pops, leave it. 

If jean cuffs are uneven, who cares?

 I needed some type of color, but still keep the street edge. What better way then to accessorize with gold. I absolutely love the vintage gold digital Casio. It's a great contrast between luxury and vintage.

Jacket: Civil Society
Shirt: Ben Sherman
Jeans: Seven
Tie: J Crew
Shoes: Lacoste
Bag: John Varvatos Star USA