Diary of a Labellover By A. Fashionista

Morphing from Man to Gentleman

In Jewish culture, a boy becomes a man at his Bar Mitzvah.  However, the question remains, at what age does the man become the Gentleman?   I have met many men in their 20's with successful careers who have the maturity level of the 12 year old Jewish boy waiting for his rite of passage.  Understanding that being a gentleman holds one of the keys to success in life, this doesn't mean you have to change who you are, its merely just refining certain parts.   Therefore,  I have put together a mini- guide, with the help of my British Esquire friends to give you a sense of where you are in the rite of passage.

1. You open doors for a woman in any situation.

2. On a date, you compliment the woman when you first see but only once.  Sincerity is critical and over-complimenting a woman is a turnoff.

3.  You have graduated from the electric razor to double safety razor and you actually employ the technique of a shaving brush.

4.  Your closet has a winter suit and a summer suit. If you emulate Cary Grant, there may even be a tuxedo.

5.  You realize the essential role a collar stay plays in wardrobe. Who doesn't luv the collar stay?

6. You may not be a Mixologist but you can make a killer Martini.

7. You understand the importance of being connected but when you are with "her" , emails can wait.

8. The gut instinct can sometimes fail you. However, you never do a deal with someone you mom wouldn't like. (Mom's really do know best)

10.  When entering into negotiations  you remember a few  of the basic rules:  keep cool.  know your threshold.  Never underestimate history - even if it is the first time you are in negotiations with other person, you should understand their style and have a sense of how they operate.

Answer Key:

-If you can't mix a martini, you have more than 2 suits and you answered "true" to less than 4  other statements, then your rite of passage is not yet complete, and you are still a BOY.

- If you answered "true" to 4 of the 10 statements but still only have one all around suit in your closet, you FAIL and are considered to be a FRAT BOY.

-Answering "true" to to more than 7 of the 10 statements is giving Frank Sinatra a run for his money..you've got game baby...

The Modern Lost Art of Shaving - Your Grandfather's Way

I thought it was important to call out a father-son tradition that needs to be revitalized. When boys were young there father's taught them how to shave.   They may have even taken them to a real barber shop where they were give a proper shave with a straight edge razor.  Nowadays, however, many guys use either disposable razors, the ever popular Mach 3 Turbo or even worse an electric one! 

It would be so nice for guys to revert back to the proper way.  Think about it.  Shaving in the tradition of our great forefathers. The technique is an art because the best way to shave is with a straight edge razor or a safety razor.  It will give you the closest, smoothest shave every time.  I highly suggest a trip to a barber shop, for the royal treatment, I promise you won't be disappointed!  Once you experience it,  you will realize that your disposable, even your Mach 3 just isn't cutting it.

Why make such a big deal about a man's daily morning routine? Because it is just that and as much as guys are into keeping their bodies fit, if their facial hair is looking unkempt, well.. let's just say the entire package is important. Therefore, I have devised a few simple Shaving tips to get men started on path to a smooth and stubble-free existence:

A.Fashionista's haute tips for keeping that grizzly hair in check:

• Leave the straight edge for the pros. Unless you know what you are doing.  Let that be your indulgence.  However, the best choice is to invest in a double edge safety razor. What makes the old school safety razor better today's modern Mach 3?  Simple - unlike today's multi-blades, the single blade actual gives you a closer shave, without the pulling of the whiskers and common skin irritation that occurs from today's razors.  Merkur , a German manufacturer of fine shaving supplies, has an outstanding reputation, with a variety of safety razors to suit every need and price range.  Their basic razor  is the perfect choice for the beginner.
  

•  A shaving brush made from badger hair is essential.  Great for exfoliating the face and to ensure the perfect lather because the hair absorbs the hot water, you can guarantee a fresh, smooth, in-grown hair-free face. While, the badger hair brush is a slightly more of costly item, imported brands like Merkur and Vulfix makes some beautiful brushes, its all worth it when you are getting up close and personal or going on that important job interview

•  Last but certainly not least is the foam used. My recommendation?  Taylor of Old Bond Street , which has been described as "intoxicating" or  Baxter of California which makes the Super Close Shave Formula are both superb choices for that close shave.  A less expensive alternative is shaving soap.  Honeybee has a line with different essential oils. No matter what you decide, just make sure

No matter what you decide, whether you tread safely with the safety or go rogue with a straight edge, one thing is certain, you will have the cleanest, smoothest, most touchable, kissable face...There is nothing sexier.....

A Space fit for a Diva

Wednesday night I was lucky enough to attend a beauty event hosted by Social Diva at the exclusive beauty spot, Space NK in SoHo.  Champagne and wine was served by suave, good looking waiters,  photogs abounded with their pap-style cameras snapping pics of divas getting glammed up in this swank and chic design space.    The brands that Space NK carries are from the most esteemed beauty and skincare professionals in biz, hand picked by Nicky herself.  My first impression?  Space is for people looking for more sophistication and consultation than they get at the beauty grocery store with the black and white awning.

The SoHo store is Nicky's flagship in the US. Perusing the store with champagne in hand, I spoke with their knowledgeable staff at length about the different lines, including a new upscale men's line called Amenity.  I was impressed that they were thinking outside the proverbial box by adding a foot spray containing glycerin, willow bark and other humectants that sooth dry cracked feet and keep those dogs moisturized. It is a great way preventive to the dreaded Athlete's foot and the immediate cooling effect the spray has would be for an active man.   Keep an eye out for their latest and greatest iCream   as well because guys have issues with wrinkles too! The capsule packaging and 5 patented ingredients give the eyes an immediate lift and reduce puffiness.  The only thing the guy needs to be careful of is that the woman in his life doesn't steal it from his medicine cabinet!! ;-)

Of course, the credit  for this glam night must go to Peg Samuel,  founder of Social Diva ^TM, not only for being a gracious hostess- greeting, everyone personally at the door, but also for having her finger on the pulse of the the hottest events, fashion and beauty brands, and overall sassy personal style (who else can pull off yellow nail varnish and make it look glam?)  After all, Peg wrote the book on How to BE a social diva.   She is taking her network bi-coastal, expanding to the city of Angels - where the glitterati divas reside.  Don't miss the chance to get VIP alerts on the latest Diva news, fab discounts and more; signing up only brings you one step closer...

After speaking with Peg, I can tell you that she is one of the most down to earth, inspiring women I have met in awhile.  She has worked v. hard to get where she is today but the appearance is that it was effortless.  Yes, I left Space NK that night  with some great swag, with some great product but most importantly feeling inspired.

 

A gentleman prefers the spa

It used to be that only women were allowed to indulge in the "spa day".  However, with the launch of several high end skin care lines for men; Anthony and Jack Black, being the major players, we are seeing an evolution occur in the spa industry - the rise of the "gentleman's spa".  Although I am not into the "metrosexual male" (guys that wax their eyebrows and wear clear nail polish is too much) I do believe that personal grooming goes beyond brushing your teeth, shaving and wearing deodorant.

It is ironic that men spend all of their time at the gym, running miles on a treadmill and pumping iron so their bodies are lean, but then their nails bitten and rough and their complexions are sallow and tired.   Luckily,places like Nickel Spa and Okeanos  both located in NYC, cater to mens' needs.  Nickel is  4,500 square feet of pure masculine spa services from massages and facial to laser hair removal, and all with a masculine, modern vibe, that is sure to cater to the young, hip urban male.   Okeanos, is a luxurious Russian banya, complete with fully stocked bar.  Massages, body work and facials are really the specialty here.  At any given time men can be found relaxing in the Sauna, playing chess or chatting at the bar with the owner.

If you are geographically-challenged, never fear!  Spafinder.com is an intuitive search engine that can help you find the perfect rejuvenation spot, whether it is for just the day or a whole weekend.

Once you begin to pamper yourself it will become addicting.  Nothing is sexier than a relaxed, groomed man with nice hands! ;-)

Shopping on Rodeo Drive and you dont have to worry about parking

Yes. Ever think you could shop with your own personal shopper on rodeo drive and not pay the Beverly Hills price tag?  At rodeodriveresale.com you can.  This brick and mortar store located in sunny SoCal in West Hills, also has a robust and intuitive online store so geographically-challenged fashionistas, like myself, living on the east coast, can still reap the beni's of the consigned,fabulous authentic designer clothing and accessories.  

The two things that set them apart from other consignment shops:  1) 30 & 60 day layaway 2) personal shopper program. 

The layaway program is a blessing from the fashion godz! As long as the item is valued at $50.00, Rodeo makes it easy for someone to buy that sought after Chanel suit or rare bag they have always longed for but didn't want to go into debt-of-a-small-country over.  When you find what you like, just fill out their layaway form which requires a 25% upfront deposit.  If you decide to do the 60 day layaway program just be sure to make your second payment by the 30th day.   Pretty soon, that must-have bag will be yours!  It's that easy!

Wish you could have the personal shopper that the social and fashion elite get at Barneys, Bergdorfs and higher end 90210 boutiques? Become a preferred client of rodeo drive resale is your way in to VIP treatment, expedited shipping, and personal recommendations based on your style preferences.  All it takes is a few minutes to fill out a a style survey and voila! you will receive email notifications when your sizes and designers are available in the boutique.  Did I mention that you are saving 60-70% off the original retail price as most of the clothing and accessories consigned is from socialites and celebrities?? 

I know I have my eye on this delicious pink Ferragamo handbag.  In 60 days I am hoping it will be mine!
 

A. Fashionista's summertime grooming gospel for men

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner meaning summer is about to begin. My gym, the NYSC, in the last two months, has gotten ridiculously crowded with people, no matter what time of day I go.  Everyone is scrambling to get their bodies fit for bathing suit season - the girls doing extra squats and lunges while the guys grunt louder as they pump out a few extra sets of chest flyes.    That said, I have 3 basic guidelines, a "grooming cheat sheet" if you will, that I think every man should follow.

• Back waxes are imperative for any man with a hair shirt!  - if women can endure Brazilian waxes every 3 weeks, men can overcome the intimidation of the back wax in order for it to be as smooth as a baby's bottom.  Trust me, there is nothing more peevish for women than a man with hair shirt!  Chest hair is fine because it is signifies masculinity, however back hair is another story!  Lucky for men, if you do it once in the beginning of summer, chances are the wax could last all summer. If you live in NYC, my waxer Yaffa, at Dyanna, on 39th between Lex & 3rd is great and inexpensive.   Just the other day  she told me how a couple came in so that the BF could get his back waxed! Apparently, the girl had to hold his hand the entire time.
• Invest in the "Gold" if you are going to go sockless - No matter how good looking you are, foot odor can be a problem if you wear non-breathable shoes without socks.  I suggest, saving yourself the humiliation, and worse, the possible athlete's foot and investing in a container of Gold Bond Foot Powder.  Not only will your shoes be void of anything malodorous but your feet will remain dry and comfortable even on the most humid of days..
• Don't underestimate the importance of a skincare regimen - I had blogged about this before and I will say it again - a religious skincare regimen does wonders for the active guy.  This includes: cleansing, toning (summer time - if you have oily skin) and moisturizing.  Use products specifically created for men - Kiehl's "Facial Fuel" line is great because it works with all skin types and contains ingredients such as Caffeine and Vitamin E - both known to be significant  ingredients in skin cell repair.  After all, a man's skin can get tired and dull looking.  The other line I like, Anthony Sport is a skincare system that make makes it simple for the guy  on the go, a handy travel kit with all your skincare needs  AND a portion of the proceeds go to fighting prostate cancer.  Let's not forget to sunblock on the face because having pre-cancer cells cut off your face isn't attractive!

Follow these 3 simple guidelines and you will be the complete package - letting your inner confidence shine through because you are not sweating the small stuff- literally! lol

Guys-start thinking logically about your skin

In my style consultations with a few clients and friends, the one thing that to my fault I sometimes overlooked was recommending a good skincare regimen.  As a woman, I am uber-conscious of my skin and the products that I put on it-from cleanser to lipstick.  However,  I never realized the importance of it skincare for men until I started shopping for moisturizers for my dad.   Since he worships the sun, and is 100% Czech, he gets v. dark, so all the more reason as he gets up there in age to find a good skincare regimen that includes SPF.

With the research and testing I did, I came across one brand that stood out from the pack:  Anthony Logistics.  Not only do I love this line because they donate part of their proceeds to the fight against prostate cancer, which is a cause close to my heart but also because they use plant-based ingredients in their products.  I found the website to be full of useful tips and free of any "beauty" jargon that may turn a guy off.  Recommendations for products by skin type also take the guess work out choose the product that is right for you. 

Anthony has complete skin care lines for men, focusing on solutions for anti-aging, anti-acne, razor burn, ingrown hairs and dry skin, he really has addressed the vanity issues that face men today.  Their moisturizers are fragrance free, not tested on animals, lightweight and non-greasy and some have SPF.  Body care and shaving  products specifically designed with a man's skin in mind are also available in different fragrances.   And ladies,  convenient " skincare kits" make the perfect gift for your man, especially if he travels.

Designed for the man on the go, Anthony Sport offers mult-functional and multi-beneficial skin and hair care products designed specifically for the man with no time. And with their recent foray into fragrance with their "Body Essentials" line, you are sure to turn on the special woman  in your life with one of their  four spicy scents!

So what are you waiting for? Make the logical choice about the skincare products you choose. I know you will notice a difference with Anthony Logistics for Men.  You will also feel good that you are donating to a good cause because cancer is a terrible disease.