Must-have Items - OCT 14

Some styles are meant to be recycled time and time again. 

Wingtip, with its vintage appeal, is just too charming to be left out in the shoe rack for long. After all, the perforated shoes are meant to be worn and flaunted outside the streets.

As the renaissance of brogue shoes unfolds, the major runways not only parade the classic oxfords, as the style also lends its old sophistication to other types of footwear.

This time, you have a wider variety of options - from the traditional dress shoes, to sneakers, boots, and other casual designs.

photo (clockwise from bottom left - Vans sneakers, Cole Haan oxfords, Cole Haan boots,  Aldo sneakers)

Grooming Essentials - OCT 13

Mario Badescu Skin Care presents:

Vitamin A & E Hydrating Balm

(an aftershave balm and moisturizer in one)

*A combination of vitamin A & E in the form of peanut oil and cucumber extract to help soothe sensitive skin. Other active ingredients include aloe vera gel, and super sterol ester.

*Use to massage face and neck after shaving and toning.  Apply once, daily.

for more information, visit the official website at http://mariobadescu.com/

Featured Brand / James Perse LA - OCT 12

clockwise from top left: plaid reversible zip front jacket; standard white shirt; contrast waist fleece pants; oversized cashmere scarf; seavees desert boots

photo courtesy of James Perse website

Style Quote - OCT 11

"Dressing well is not about labels.  It's about developing personal style.  And that's something you learn, not buy." 

- GQ Magazine

photo courtesy of Generic Surplus website

Hottest Trends - OCT 11

Make it a double!

After fading at the turn of the decade, and consequently giving way to the slim silhouetted and trendier single breasted jackets, the double breasted style is returning to the fashion stage big time.

Popular during the 30s, 50s, 80s until mid 90s, the overlapping front flaps with two button columns are now back in many designers' collections.

In fact, not only the regular jackets are embracing the comeback but coats, cardigans, and vests are sporting the style as well.

Now we can truly say that there's a lot of flap going on in the fashion scene nowadays.

photo courtesy of GQ

Must-have Items - SEPT 29

Not everyone is accustomed to military time but that doesn't mean one can't sport a military-inspired watch.

After all, men are all about brute, strength, and power.

Not all is cut for the armed forces.  And while majority of us will never get to wear badges, epaulettes, and battle uniforms, we can all use military-like timepieces and conquer our combative inclinations.

photo

(clockwise: Bell & Ross, Burberry, Bulova, and Timex)

Grooming Essentials - SEPT 29

For men on the go

THE BODY SHOP 2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash

*Save time by using 2 in 1 wash that cleanses body and conditions hair.

*Moisturize and soothe your skin with camomile essential oil or organic honey.

*Choose your favorite scents - with notes of lemon, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, amber, etc.

*Formulated for all skin types for men

Visit the nearest The Body Shop store or log on to www.thebodyshop-usa.com for more info.

Featured Brand / Mihara Yasuhiro - SEPT 28

Hottest Trends - SEPT 27

Move over Scotts!  The Native Americans are here!

This season, the reigning popularity of tartan is seriously threatened by the emergence of an equally colorful but more intricate design - 

the Navajo pattern.

The weave, made famous by Pendleton Woolen Mills, is conquering the runways and window displays, as various designers (from casual labels like Uniqlo to couture such as Ralph Lauren and Trussardi) are leading the rest of the pack into the season's general direction.

The native marks are seen everywhere -  from apparels, to accessories, down to footwears.

Join the alliance!

Must-have Items - SEPT 1

Can't get enough of denim!

As if tattered jeans are not enough, denimologists have something extra to celebrate this season as the blue cotton twill fabric invades the upper garments yet again.

Denim and chambray shirts are back in the show, featuring slimmer silhouettes and modern lines.

Grab one for yourself and get ready to don America's "official" workwear.

Featured Brand / Oak (Black Label) - SEPT 1

photo courtesy of OAK NYC official website

Hottest Trends - AUG 31

Men of Harem!

If you're the guy who enjoys a lot of space and freedom for your family jewels, rejoice!  The day of liberation is here!

Since last season, drop-crotch pants have been among  the hottest staples on the runways.  These punky pieces are made from various materials, ranging from cashmere sweatpants to jeans (see photo - from G-Star latest collections).  

The styling is likewise different from designer to designer.  Some are judiciously everyday wearable, while others are bordering towards haute couture. 

Too sissy?

Well, a thought to ponder:  John Mayer has been sporting this kind of style and allegedly, he has never enjoyed so much attention to his trouser mouse since he started stepping into these pants.  Now if you can only be brave, you too can be legendary.  

Grooming Essentials - AUG 21

New product from Kiehl's

FACIAL FUEL AGE COMBAT

Skin Revitalizer for Men

* Moisture treatment for men to combat skin-aging

* Helps improve skin's firmness while diminishing the look of facial lines and evening out skin tone

* Oil-free, fortifying skin therapy moisturizer and skin strengthener

* Appropriate for all skin types

Visit Kiehl's store at Greenbelt 5 Ayala Mall in Makati City, Philippines, or log on to Kiehl's website at www.kiehls.com for more info.

Featured Brand / Fred Perry - AUG 17

photo courtesy of Fred Perry official website

Hottest Trends - AUG 15

High tops re-invented!

Same cut, new styles.

Men who prefer ankle--length footwears will now have more options than the regular sports shoes, desert boots, and the perennial Chuck Taylors.

This season, brands from Bally to Tod's, and designers like Neil Berrett and John Varvatos have made some innovations to give the classic cut a contemporary look.

Some of the current versions are in canvas and soft leather finish, and are styled as boat shoes, sneakers, and other hybrid, modern concepts.

photo
(top: Lacoste / bottom: Sebago)
available in Mall of Asia

Must-have Items - AUG 15

We've seen the wide debut of these modern plaid shirts as early as the 4th quarter of 2008 but it seems that their expiration date has been surprisingly prolonged.

In fact, there are still lots of new designs coming out in different colors and shades, such as this shirt from Nike. Yes. The trend has fully extended from couture designers to sports brands.

Ask the Scots. Tartan has a potent staying power.

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In the Philippines, summer is definitely over but you can still be politically correct to fashion critics if you wear hats and shades during the sunny days.  After all, in a country where weather is unpredictable, it is rather practical to be covered...than never.

Straw fedora hats with narrow brim are still very much available in leading designer stores, while aviator and wayfarer sunglasses are up to this day the popular style in eyewear.

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Finally to complete your get-up, follow the latest trend in waist band by choosing leather woven belts.  They're sophisticated and classy.  No need to elaborate.  Just tighten up!

Arriving soon...in style.

photo courtesy of MagazineDee.com