Tan
And we’re not talking Jersey Shore here men. Just something light and simple, so your blue veins aren’t showing underneath your translucent skin. Try Jergen’s Tinted Moisturizing Lotion that will give you a natural looking tan in about three days. Apply it all over the body after the shower, just lie you would any other lotion, but make sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards…if you don’t, you’ll have little orange stains in the crevices of knuckles, in between fingers, etc.

if you can’t afford a trip to Bermuda right now, try a tanning bed and these Bermuda 10 Cent Lily Cufflinks

If you have a big nose, part your hair to one side. Of course this only works if you have long-ish hair or enough to at least part. But parting it to one side minimizes the ultra-symmetrical look that highlights your rather large nose and doesn’t put it in the spot light so readily.

Pug Enamel Cufflinks

Grow a beard. It makes a small chin and facial structure look more masculine. (And use facial hair to define a round face)

Wear colors that complement your eyes (i.e. if you have blue eyes, go for light blue shirts. Green…green sweaters, accessories.)

Blue Textured Collared Shirt, Daniel Dolce

Chew Whitening Gum after meals. Yes, you heard right. Chewing whitening gum can release/get rid of some of that plaque or grim around teeth after meals. Just make sure it’s sugar-free, because it kind of defeats the purpose if it’s not. And it will add some whitening shine to your 60 watt smile.

Doctor Slogan Cufflinks

Change your razor blades regularly. All that bacteria builds up between the blades and goes right back on your skin in the next use. Shaving also reduces a minimal top layer of skin, so by adding extra bacteria to that new skin, you’re just asking for trouble. Buy extra packs of blades and switch out every week (or four to eight shaves).

GQ.com recently featured a collection of must-have bags for fall 2012. But we’re thinking in terms of a more transitional fashion sense, like from winter to spring. Taking inspiration from GQ writer Matthew Sebra, we’re proud to feature the coolest, most functional bags this season (and next). The best part is, the all seem to be made impeccably, and many are classics, ensuring your purchase won’t be short lived.

Here are the Best Bags from New York Fashion Week:

Nothing is better than a beat-up, vintage inspired rucksack (nothing beside, let’s say, cufflinks of course…) This season we’ll be seeing a lot of canvas/wool blends mixed with leather accents. The great thing about this is it keeps the weight of the bag on the lower scale.

Richard Chai Fall Collection 2012

Simon Spurr Fall Collection 2012

Irish Dog, Hand-Painted Coin Cufflinks

Fun, playful, and still latching onto Spring and Summer, these no-hassle, yet elegant, totes from John Bartlett are perfect for the seasonal transition. It came go to the office, as well as the beach, and we love the little details consisting of red and white stripes. Reminds us of our own fun accessory we like to call the Red Mint Cufflink…

John Bartlett Fall Collection 2012

Red Starlight Mint Cufflinks

As we reported in our earlier blog, entitled “Three Designers We Adore,” Joseph’s Abboud’s fall collection is stunning. He may even take the prize for NYC Fashion Week’s Best Runway show (in our book anyways). And as always, pair Abboud’s collection with anything from Aymara this fall season. The juxtaposition of light airy Butterfly Cufflinks and sturdy canvas bags will fit the aesthetic season.

Joseph Abboud Fall Collection 2012

Aymara Brown Sea Rectangle Butterfly Cufflinks

Michael Bastian Fall Collection 2012

Bastian’s collection also made our blog pages last fall, featuring orange James Dean inspired looks. Remember our “Fall Trend Report 2011: Numero Dos”? Now we couldn’t help feature his 70s meets French Decadence inspired bag for this year’s new Fall collection. And pair this decadent bag with these Persian Rug cufflinks:

Persian Rug Cufflinks

So the morning after Valentine’s Day, you may have woken up, looked to your left or right, and been somewhat disappointed with the looks of the lady next to you. Don’t worry, this happens. Positively normal. All women can’t be spectacularly beautiful, especially when rising with the sun in the early morning hours. The following women have all woken up on the wrong side of the bed, had mascara run down their dimpled cheeks, and alas, also morning breath. BUT they happen to be some of the world’s most beautiful women of 2012. Because, you know, this list changes every year to make room for someone younger, chiseled, and a better lipo job.

“Sexy is a state of mind.”==Miranda Kerr, Victoria Secret Model

No it’s NOT Marilyn Monroe, sorry gentlemen. But you can carry her with you everyday with these vintage-inspired Marilyn Monroe Cufflinks

According to askmen.com and our personal poll of patrons, we’ve come up with the Top Five Most Beautiful Women list. Of course we could’ve made a Top 99 List, but who wants to go through a pointless list of the other 94 possibly-mediocre women? (If you would like to see the other candidates, check out askmen.com and see what they think). So without further ado, let’s start with number 5:

Kate Upton, Sports Illustrated 2012

Blue Fleur di Lis Cufflinks

Askmen.com says: “How does the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still compete with all of the sexy photo spreads and porn found online these days? By featuring the most gorgeous bikini beauties in the world. And Kate Upton was 2011′s best find. Upton’s classically curvy body and face full of girlish charm make her an easy choice as a breakout model. Even a video of her doing the Dougie at a Clippers game went viral. If she can make the dumbest dance craze in years look sexy, just imagine what else she can do”

Emma Stone

Yes right Jim Carey, like you’re going to snag Ms. Stone. Do you think you are Ladies Man, Homer SImpson Cufflinks

Miranda Kerr, Getty Images

Adriana Lima, Victoria Secret Model

Sterling Silver Heart Cufflinks, CLM

What are the best American rides out there for 2012?
Chrysler 300 SRT8

Gear Shifter Silver Cufflinks

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Red Sportscar Convertible Cufflinks

“Not to be outdone by the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Chevrolet’s hottest Camaro packs a 580-horsepower supercharged V8 shared with the Cadillac CTS-V. It’s said to lap the Nürburgring in 7:41—but considerably more relevant, we suspect, will be how long a patch of rubber this 21st-century pony car will leave in front of your local pizzeria.”

Sterling Car Cufflinks

Buick Verano

Electric Auto Stamp Cufflinks

“Buick’s image has been liberated by parent GM’s deep-sixing of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Saturn, and by the brand’s runaway success in China. Together, they’ve created the need to occupy greater psychic floor space, so it’s no surprise that the Verano—the smallest Buick in ages—was crafted from the underpinnings of Chevrolet’s best-selling Cruze, or that Buick’s goal was to build a supremely quiet appliance that could help shift its traditional Perry Como-listening customers into something more fuel-efficient without alienating potential younger, hipper customers. With a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder among the available powerplants, everyone’s image of Buick, not just its own, may have to change.”

Unusual Flowers and/or Plants

1-800-FLOWERS.com has a wide variety of Valentine-appropriate flowers and gifts, all of which can be delivered directly to her home or workplace.

Azalea Bonsai

Japanese Flower in Yellow, Italian Silk

The Scoop: “Satsuki Azalea bonsai have been grown in Japan for centuries and are widely considered the premiere variety for this use. They bloom later in the Spring than other types, producing generous quantities of bright pink blossoms. Satsuki Azaleas are easily styled and their glossy green leaves deliver an attractive presentation even when the trees aren’t in bloom. These trees prefer an outdoor location with filtered sun to partial shade.”- from 1800flowers.com

From 1800Flowers: “Make their day glamorous and elegant–send an exotic surprise their way with this truly original bouquet of long-lasting, deep purple Dendrobium orchids. Send a 15-stem orchid bouquet or double their surprise with a 30-stem gathering of tropical beauties.”

Perfume

Burberry,  Brit Sheer Refillable Purse Spray Set

Burberry Brit Sheer is a fresh, fruity-floral fragrance that is playful and vibrant, embodying the youthful spirit of Burberry Brit. Young and charismatic, the Burberry Brit girl embodies understated elegance and individuality. With a fresh, natural joie de vivre she has a passion for adventure and romance.

Notes: Bright Yuzu, Pineapple Leaves, Litchi, Mandarin, Grapes, Pink Peony, Peach Blossom, Nashi, White Musk and Creamy Amyris Woods.
Style: Seductive. Hypnotic. Sparkling.

Robert Graham Pink Spotted Cufflinks

J’adore Dior Perfume

Radiant, sensual, sophisticated, J’adore is a fragrance that celebrates the renaissance of extreme femininity and the power of spontaneous emotion with a brilliant bouquet of orchids, the velvet touch of Damascus plum, and the mellowness of amaranth wood.

Dior J’adore is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Notes:Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk.
Style: For the confident, sensual woman who celebrates her femininity – this is Dior’s golden girl.

And what to wear on your special night out together? Try these Pink Pearl Silk Knot Cufflink Trio

Spa Choices, Pampering Gifts

Askmen.com says: “Help turn her own bathroom into a relaxing spa experience by getting her everything she needs to pamper herself. Start with some smells-good-enough-to-eat bath and body products. Don’t forget some candles, an essential oil burner or a reed diffuser to set the mood. You can get everything you need at The Body Shop.”

Philosophy Sweet Talk™ Trio

Lingerie

Balconet Push Up Bra, by Victoria’s Secret, $148

“This glamorous balconet bra makes its point with chic polka-dot embroidery and a sparkling center bow. Inspired by iconic Parisian fashion and crafted with a nod to European couturiers, this padded push-up and the rest of our Designer Collection pay homage to Victoria’s Secret’s seductive heritage.”

Jewelry

Self explanatory. Go with your gut.

Aymara Convex Ruby Spotted Butterfly Cufflinks

Aymara Rain Drop Mirage Butterfly Cufflinks

Todd Snyder

At first glance, one notices similarities in this line and Gilded Age for fall. But rest assured, they are very different. One thing to notice is the rolled up pants in several designers’ shows (we’ve also seen it in the last post about Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Armani). Todd Snyder’s line shows up yet another way to pair this “rolled up pant look” with an outdoorsy flair, albeit another layered one, with pops of unexpected color, like rustic orange, in between the browns, greys, and khaki colors.

Todd Snyder, Fall 2012

Vintage Orange Italian Silk Pocket Square

What we love: the working man’s boots, layered cardigans, rolled up fitted pants, fur lined coats, fingerless gloves (especially in olive green) coupled with a simple beret. All amount to one sexy, effortless look for fall.

Todd Snyder, Fall Fashion Week 2012

French Vineyard Stamp Cufflinks

Joseph Abboud

GQ Reports: “In his first fall collection for Joseph Abboud, newly-enlisted designer Bernardo Rojo goes in for the kill. First up, details, lots of them: flecked wool and houndstooth trousers, slick Glen plaid and flannel suits with wide lapels, luxe trucker and cruiser jackets, chunky turtlenecks and cable knits, and one well-groomed mohair suit jacket. These unlikely combinations mingled with equally curious colors, from pinkish brown to you-stay-classy burgundy to winter white. Blended together, it all became a two-pronged look: one part super-fly businessman, one part tree-chopping outdoorsman.”

Joseph Abboud, The Details for fall 2012

Joseph Abboud, Fall 2012 Fashion Week

Gilded Age

This upcoming fall season, Gilded Age (GA), it seems to be all about layering (well of course) and the mixing of textures. In this ultra modern, yet throw back to the 90s with a nod to sophistication, GA sends a rough, refined message to viewers (and wearers). We Love: the well-worn leather jackets, chunky sweaters, layered fabrics and textures, soft leather boots without adornments, and pops of unexpected color on hemlines.

Gilded Age, Fall Runway Show 2012

Caymanian Sea Turtle Hand Painted Coin Cufflinks

GQ Reports: “Racing stripes were subtly woven into scarves and sweaters and the subdued, dusty grays and blues used throughout ensured this season stay on the softer side of chopper culture.” So that’s the unexpected color pops we love?

Vintage Motorcycle Cufflinks

Let’s take little Alex’s new looks. Bless his soul, his runway dreams are still magical. With the physical help and design aesthetic of Sarah Burton, the end result for Fall is a grey dapper, dandy, old school English aura:
Alexander McQueen, Fall 2012

Pair these Alexander McQueen looks with a Black and Grey Silk tie, like this one from Daniel Dolce:

It’s obvious that 90s fashion has long left us–we’ve swapped the oversized pants and greasy looks for tailored, exquisite suits, cropped pants, and long socks.

Alexander McQueen, Fall 2012

Grey Victorian Flower Cufflinks

Next up we have the ultimate suit designer, Armani. GQ Magazine reports:

The Vibe for Fall 2012
This is a collection for the urban pioneer: a layered look with duster coats resting loosely over flannel suiting or draped knits, and topped with a felt fedora. Mr. Armani moves away from the futurism that has punctuated recent collections and focuses instead on soft tailoring, the cornerstone of the Armani aesthetic.

Emporio Armani, Fall 2012

Grey Magador Italian Cotton Silk Tie, Daniel Dolce

And finally, the champion of three, Burberry brings in a grey masterpiece, slightly similar to McQueen’s runway looks. GQ magazine reports: “A gray scale—that’s how Christopher Bailey weighed his collection this season. Using a series of refined two- and three-button wool gray suits in deepening shades, he’s updated the Gregory Peck look with colorful, textured splashes—Navajo-inspired patterns, bags in maroon and navy suede, mustard-tipped trenches, and watch out for the owl and cat-face bundle-necked sweaters. This is where trad meets mod.” And yes, it breeches the line and teeters between traditional and ultra modern. Love.

Burberry, Fall 2012

Grey Whispers: Cashmere, Wool, and Silk Scarf

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way — in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”-Charles Dickens

Aymara Brown Sea Rectangle Butterfly Cufflinks

As we saw yesterday, great literary figures have a major influence on fashion, as well as their works. Dickens, with his classic Great Expectations, Christmas Carol, and Oliver Twist, has, after a long 200 year stretch, greatly affected our fashion sense.

“Please sir, I want some more.”

Something you may not know about Dickens: “He was obsessive-compulsive. Looking in the mirror and combing his hair was an obsession of Dickens. He would do this hundreds of times each day as well as rearranging furniture in his home because if it wasn’t in the “correct” position, he wouldn’t be able to concentrate. He also made sure that his bed was always aligned north-south, he believed that this would improve his writing. He’d touch certain objects three times for luck and was so fixated on cleanliness that he would frequently clean other people’s homes too.” and “He practiced hypnotism Dickens was always interested in mesmerism and often practiced on his wife (a hypochondriac), his children and friends — to great results.” Or so says National Post’s Melody Lau.

KeywordHerringbone Driving Cap, $35 Banana Republic

And let’s face it America: One of Britain’s greatest novelist ever would have probably not “made it” had he lived today. His commercial success came while he was still living, which is a huge success for any author. But with modern man’s lack of appreciation or funding of the arts (not to mention the excess of video games, internet, Nooks, McDonald’s chicken nuggets, the invention of the espresso machine…), there is hardly a place for unprecedented literary talent in today’s hustle bustle and financially motivated society.

Tateossian Rt Scoubidou Brown Black Cufflinks

But then we always have fashion and thank the heavens for that. If we cannot fund all the great writers and authors out there, we can at least fund the fashion scene, which happens to be the most lucrative commercial artistic venue we’ve seen in centuries. Want to look like Oliver Twist? Try these green relaxed pants from Banana Republic and Rugged/Chic Silk scarf from Daniel Dolce:

Polo Ralph Lauren Straight Fit Pants $79.50

Gotta have something to put your books and soup bowls in too!

It’s not cheap to look shabby, is it?

Frye “Logan” Flap Briefcase  PRICE: $478.00

Sterling Sharpei Cufflinks

Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby captured the wealthy Hampton American way of life during the Prohibition era, rich with turn of the century fashion, scandal, and lush parties. While the women took the main spot light for fashion, with their cloche hats, drop skirts, and boyish hair cuts, the men sauntered in the background complementing their new head strong ladies with staple pieces and sharp clean lines.

Golden Metal Collar Pin

Recently, sauntering on the Parisian Runway for Spring 2012, we saw an inspiring come back of the Prohibition Era clothing.

Spring 2012 Great Gatsby Looks

Antique Gold Metal Collar Pins, Set of Six

First it comes by way of the woman and inevitably men’s fashion is shaped by it. Take these Three Drop Waisted Looks from Paris’s Spring Fashion Week. Harpers Bazaar reports: “In perfect Calvin Klein fashion, Franciso Costa interpreted the trend through a minimal lens, with an emphasis on easy shapes, light hues and the t-strap shoes of the day. Marc Jacobs wowed with flapper dresses worthy of a modern day Daisy Buchanan, while Ralph Lauren took the most literal approach with drop waist beaded dresses paired with feather cover-ups and pin-striped gangster suits for ladies — ideal for girls who like a 20s vibe but don’t have that boyish shape. It’s perfect ware for Spring fêtes — and hey, at least the cocktails are legal this time.”

Read more: Three Is a Trend: Gatsby’s Got It – Harper’s BAZAAR

Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl Cufflinks

GET THE LOOK:

Since Spring is around the corner (yaaah!), try adding a basic Linen Suit to your wardrobe. Something to wear at a summer wedding, and you can mix and match the pieces. For instance, wear the jacket with basic trousers rolled up at the bottom for a more casual look with nice socks underneath (spend the extra $10 or so). Pair the linen pants with a solid cuffed shirt and bow tie.

Red Ambassador 100% Silk Bow Tie, by Daniel Dolce

Match it all up with a broken in pair (yet still shined and sleek) of Brogues and top it off with a silk handkerchief.