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The Art and Craft of Shaving: Series Two

Friday, August 17th, 2012

 

 

Series Two: The Art and Craft of Shaving

Here’s an “Art of Shaving” exclusive from one of our favorite readers, Rafael Quinones. He’d like to share his take on the craft and mystery of shaving…

Pisces Cufflinks

In a recent interview, self-titled cufflinks connoisseur Raf “The Man” Quinones says the following about his shaving regime:

“I always do the cold water rinse and use the Alum Block.”

“Alum is a mineral that has been used as an antiseptic since the days of ancient Egypt. It’s alcohol-free, but it doesn’t feel that way. It will instantly stop all bleeding from a cut because it naturally closes the pores and eliminates any bacteria, so nothing can get infected. It stings a lot, or a little, depending on how you shaved…but at least it lets you know what areas you were too rough on. Just rinse it off after a couple seconds.”

Eight Pair Silk Knot CufflinksEight Pair Silk Knot Cufflinks

After the right shave, your skin should feel silky smooth, like these Silk Knot Cufflinks

What else? Did you know: Rose water helps!

“While I’m showering and shaving, I keep a bottle of rose water in the fridge. This gets it nice and cool. Then I spray the cool rose water all over my face, which feels refreshing and soothing—but also the rose water acts like a natural toner for your skin, keeping it moisturized.”

What’s your last step in your shaving routine?

“Lastly, I use an alcohol-free after shave balm to moisturize, and for keeping the facial skin smooth. It also helps prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation after the shave.

ED HARDY "LOVE KILLS SLOWLY" OVAL CUFFLINKSYou don’t want to see ED Hardy on your face after shaving…

Oh! Last thing—I’m sure you saw it on the videos, but DO NOT USE TOO MUCH PRESSURE while shaving. The razor is really sharp and you will cut yourself if you press down. The razor is heavy, and at the right angle it does all the work itself—all you need to do is guide it.”

Aquarius The Water Carrier Coin Cufflinks

Aquarius-The Water Carrier Coin CuffLinks
Thanks Mr. Quinones for your readership and your shaving tips. If YOU would like to contribute to our blog or have comments/advice to share with our readership, simply write to us at cufflinksman@gmail.com

 

Stay tuned for the POST SHAVE PROCEDURES

Trying to Beat the Heat in NYC?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

 

 

 

In case you haven’t noticed, there has been a record heat wave going on in New York City. (Also, in case you haven’t noticed, CLM is based out of NY so we’re speaking from the thick of it.) It’s seriously…swampy out there friends.

Silver Propeller Cufflinks

Silver Propeller Cufflinks

So how do New Yorkers stay cool? Of course it’s a rarity for anyone to actually have central AC, and those window units spike your electric bill throug

h the roof (where all the heat resides. ‘Cause, you know, heat travels upwards…) Well, turns out there is a reason why there is a Starbucks on every other corner in Manhattan: to save us all from the heat via iced drinks, fraps, and…you guessed it, central AC. Maybe your office AC broke down, maybe it’s still too stuffy at your desk, where to go? You guessed it…Starbucks.

Summer Silk Knot Cufflinks

Summer Silk Knot Cufflinks

Other ways to stay cool, and we’re not strictly talking temperature here.

Cut Off Shorts:

This look is in for both men and women alike. Take an old pair of jeans, or even new because they will still look awesome, and simply cut where you want them to end. Give yourself a few extra inches because they will ride up once they are on your body and become shorter. This is always true when washing, the frayed ends will make the length rise slightly. It’s better to cut them too long at first, then too short.

Handkerchief to dab off excess moisture in style

Baby Blue Italian Silk HankieBaby Blue Italian Silk Hankie

The Perfect Sandal (or Mandal)

Unless you have perfect manicured feet, there is no reason for men to wear flipflops. One of the biggest fashion faux pas is a snagged toe foot in a flip flop in the summertime. Don’t be a victim this season. Try something sporty like these Nike slip ons (http://www.zappos.com/nike-solarsoft-slide-black-white?zfcTest=fw:1)

Men's Sandals

Check out this amazing, informative article from Askmen.com: http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/454b_mens-sandals-dos-donts.html. They give you a complete low down on the DOs and DON’Ts of male sandal wearing…also known as Mandals.

Salvatore Ferragamo Maldives Sandal - Credit: NeimanMarcus.com

“It can be downright difficult to find a men’s sandal that is both simple and stylish if you want something other than flip-flops. The solution: a cross-strap sandal. There are no bells and whistles here; just two uncomplicated straps to hold your foot in place. It’s also the perfect sandal if you find a traditional flip-flop that slips on between your toes to be uncomfortable. Just be careful not to go with certain faux-leather types or you could risk looking like grandpa at the retirement home.”

Sterling Shoe CufflinksSterling Shoe Cufflinks

Mini water bottle with fan attached

Beat the Heat

A fresh hair cut:

Hot Summer Haircuts

Check out Groupon or Living Social to find cool deals in your area. You can search by neighborhood, or find the hot deals of the day. Maybe even go for an old school razor shave at a traditional barber shop. Remember those? The ones with the red and white swirling sign? Check out this website featuring FRESH NEW HAIRCUTS FOR MEN in 2011.

Post-Memorial Day Essentials

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

 

 

Summer Essentials that are…essential.

Self tanner. Only because you don’t want to be the only one half naked at the beach without a shimmering glaze. A slight tan makes you look thinner and hides imperfections–so use generously, but carefully. We recommend Neutrogena’s Mist Spray. It’s around $9-12 dollars and can easily be picked up at any drug store.

Tan is better.

Neutrogena's Mist Tanning SprayA classic beach bag, with a twist. Or a stripe. Or many stripes. Hey, it’s like the classic nautical way, right? This one from Target is around $30 (however there is no price listing online, so you have to get it in the actual store). Functional, unisex, and beach-approved.

Mossimo Supply Co. Red Stripe Washed BackpackMossimo Supply Co. Red Stripe Washed Backpack

Silver Propeller CufflinksSilver Propeller Cufflinks

A new tank. Optimized for the beach, of course. This one from PacSun is light weight, inexpensive, and will go with just about any color shorts. Wear it with white shorts/relaxed slacks, a red bathing suit bottom, or even khakis. Can also be unisex…because you and your girlfriend love to share clothes, right?

On the Byas Eddy TankOn the Byas Eddy Tank from PacSun

Get the basics

Basic Nautical Silk Knot CufflinksBasic Nautical Silk Knot Cufflinks

A new water bottle. Like a new-age, swanky cool one. Read this awesome description: “Platypus plusBottle Handheld Hydration Based on the supreme versatility of the original Platy bottle, Platypus has upgraded the Platy-plus bottle to make it the finest one-liter vessel on the planet. First, they created an all-new film that is softer and more flexible, yet even more durable for added value. Then added an all-natural, silver-ion based anti-microbial called SlimeGuard, to help keep the taste-free films gunk-free too. Together with a more ergonomic shape and a handy carry loop, you just won’t find a better bottle on earth.” And all for $12.

Platypus PlusBottle 1-liter Water Bottle with Push/Pull Cap

Platypus PlusBottle 1-liter Water Bottle with Push/Pull Cap

Octopus CufflinksOctopus Cufflinks

Got octopus?

Spring Essentials: 2012

Friday, April 20th, 2012

 

Enough with the baggy shorts already! This season is all about trim, slim swimming trucks. You don’t want them too tight (no need to see a bulge or lack thereof), but they shouldn’t be down to your knees either. On the runway this season, we’ve seen some really cool looks from DSquared2 & Michael Bastian (of course), as featured on GQ in their spring trend section.

DSquared2 Swimming Trunks for Spring 2012DSquared2 Swimming Trunks for Spring 2012

The spring season always comes with its up and downs–in weather that is. One day it’s 75 and the next it’s 59. Be prepared with an all-weather, light-weight Parka, which happens to be one of the hottest trends right now. Check out this JCrew version:

JCrew Parka for Spring 2012JCrew Parka for Spring 2012

Get these looks while you can. Pair this green parka with Aymara’s Green Tea Leaf Butterfly Cufflinks and you’ll be donating 10% of the purchase to a Peruvian Butterfly Sanctuary! Do some good this season, through fashion.

Aymara Green Tea Leaf Butterfly CufflinksAymara Green Tea Leaf Butterfly Cufflinks

Sweat shorts in the summer? Who woulda thunk it? Well GQ did, as well as several high-brow designers. It’s a good way to stay comfy and cool during beach season. Like the new swimming trunks, it defeats the “style” purpose if they’re unnecessarily baggy and what not, so keep it trim.

DSquared2 Sweat Shorts for Spring 2012DSquared2 Sweat Shorts for Spring 2012

Pink and White Bandana, Silk, Spring 2012Pink and White Bandana, Silk, Spring 2012

And what about some hot new kicks for the season? Mark Anthony Green from GQ Magazine says, “We’ve been aggressively lobbying for Nike to properly revitalize one of our favorite OG sneakers, the Cortez, for years, and now—to pay homage to the shoe’s fortieth anniversary—they’ve finally done it. (You’re welcome, world.) The Cortez was once the most advanced running shoe on the market; now it’s a perfectly nostalgic sneaker for the street. We think the freshest way to wear a pair is with a suit that can use a kick of color.” Check em’:

The New Nike CortezThe New Nike Cortez

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FIELD CUFFLINKSTrack and Field Cufflinks

What To Put In A Homemade Gift Basket

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

 

 

 

Fruit, Pie, or Baked Good

The classic fruits like oranges and apples, accompanied with a fresh baked apple or pumpkin pie. Nothing like a warm, toasty pie for your neighbor or family friends. Homemade biscottis, cookies, and muffins are relatively easy to whip up as well, plus you can make batches to put in other baskets.If you’re not a baking kind, local bakery is fine or just a nice jar of country jam or preserves will do!

Think Outside the Basket

Think Outside the Basket

Apple Pie RecipeApple Pie Recipe

VINTAGE ARKANSAS RAZORBACK CUFFLINKS

Orange Cufflinks

Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? At least someone in every family will positively love you for adding this gift basket essential. For extra quality, try to get/order chocolate that is from a single location/country. For instance chocolate from Guatemala, using local cocoa bean and sources make it extra special.

Cufflinks and Tie Bars

Commemorative tie bars and cufflinks from your family’s favorite NFL team will make their season. Don’t forget, there will be a football game on Christmas Day. We have all your NFL goodies and gifts at Cufflinksman:

Baltimore Ravens Tie Bar $34Baltimore Ravens Tie Bar $34

Country Club Silk Knot CufflinksCountry Club Silk Knot Cufflinks

Coffee and Tea

Self explanatory. Any kind of freshly ground coffee from Starbucks, Marshalls, or Dean& Deluca. Tea from Teahaven or local store. Get tea in bags, unless you know they have a tea strainer in the cupboard.

Ribbons

 

 

 

 

Holiday Ribbons!!

Holiday Ribbons!!

 

 

 

 

Festive ribbons make everyone happy.

Gardening Lotion

After all that holiday cooking, gift wrapping, and monkeying around the house, people need a little lotion. Plus skin gets cracked and dry during the winter season, so these miniature lotions make great gifts.

 

 

 

 

Hand Therapy Gardener's Lotion from Crabtree and Evelyn

Hand Therapy Gardener’s Lotion from Crabtree and Evelyn

 

 

 

 

An Ornament

It could be a homemade ornament from one of your children (or yourself…), a collector’s item, a picture frame, or a little memento from the city you live in! These add a personal touch to the generic gift basket, especially when it’s thoughtful and particular to who your giving it to.

Enamel Reindeer Cufflinks

 

 

 

 

Enamel Reindeer Cufflinks