Men’S Style Blackbook
A BETTER SHAVE
A buff body in half the time
k at work o o l r u o y p Amp u
DRIVE HER WILD IN BED TONIGHT
TRAVEL SMARTER Seduce her with the right scent
Men’S Style Blackbook ///
7:00 AM
How do I get a
Family.) Start by gently cleansing your face. Then wet a face cloth with very warm water and place it over your beard for a couple of minutes. This allows the beard to soften and the pores to open so you can get down to the root of the hair. Once the beard is soft, use a good quality shave cream and work it in with a premium shaving brush. Now, here is where most guys mess up. You need to work with a sharp blade which means replacing the blade every three or four shaves. Take very short, light strokes and rinse the
better
shave in the morning?
A
chieving a professional shave at home is easier than you think if you follow a few pro tips. Rick Ricci, owner of Toronto’s Truefitt and Hill says preparation is key to great results. (Truefitt and Hill provide shaving services to the Royal
blade often. You can get the same quality shave with a disposable blade as you can from a high tech one. It just takes longer. Rinse your skin thoroughly when done and apply a moisturizer to protect and soothe. Eternity for Men offers a particularily refreshing aftershave balm, that calms stressed skin and smells great.
I bought some new pants for work that are slimmer, but my
boxer Shorts are
bunching CHECKLIST ✍
✍
Spray your cologne in the air in front of you then walk through it. You’ll get just the right amount for the day. Try the new Davidoff Champion for an energizing scent or Pure Nautica for a masculine, laid-back feel.
Steam out any shirt wrinkles by hanging it in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will relax any creasing.
Socks should complement the colour of the pant, not the shoe.
Keep a quick shoe shine ✍ sponge in the front closet. That
✍ Opt for a watch with a metal ✍ or leather band. Keep the sport watches for weekends.
B E S T DRE S S ED
AM SECRET ///
Tie width should match the ✍ jacket lapel and shirt collar. The trend is to trimmer silhouettes.
way, if you notice a scuff you can give it quick buff before heading out.
The best-dressed men in the world all practice one morning ritual: They stop and look at themselves in a full-length mirror before leaving the house. It allows you to ensure lapels are lying flat, hair is styled and the tie rests just at the belt buckle.
up. What do I do?
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Today’s pant silhouettes are about ½” slimmer than those five years ago.That means that traditional cotton boxer shorts and their excess fabric aren’t going to fit in these trim pants. “I recommend guys look for a silhouette called “slim fit” or “ergonomically cut,” says Calvin Klein Underwear’s Claudia Tonna. She says these form-fitting boxer briefs, briefs and woven boxers are cut from high-tech microfiber fabrics that are processed to have the softness, comfort and breathability of cotton but offer moisture management and support. “They are remarkably comfortable.” Better yet, the form-fitting silhouette will fit in the slimmest pant cuts.
PHOTOS FROM TOP: Studio Wartenberg/Corbis, istock, Calvin Klein Underwear
MORNING STYLE
8:00 AM How do I get better
results
in the gym without
spending hours
pumping iron?
“T
HOW IMPORTANT IS
DIET TO GETTING BUFF AT THE GYM?
☛ PHOTOS FROM TOP: Olivier Cadeaux/Corbis, istock
“I’d say it is more critical than your actual workout program,” says Jill Duff, a Toronto-based personal trainer and holistic nutritionist. “Most guys don’t understand how important your diet is to getting great results. I tell them the most important thing is to look at the quality of their food. Best advice: Load up on vegetables. Men underestimate the power of vegetables.” She says most guys get enough protein – about 1 gram per kg per day. But they eat too many processed foods. “Improve the quality of the food you eat and you’ll see better results in the gym.”
he key is intense supersets,” says celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. “When I was researching my Five Factor Fitness program I examined the world-class Bulgarian powerlifting team, which produced Olympic champions yet trained only ten minutes at a time; their sports scientists discovered that higher levels of testosterone and growth hormone – the two principal hormones responsible for building muscle and burning fat – were secreted by the body during short, intense workouts rather than longer, more tempered sessions.” This information paired with the power of variation to keep the body constantly adapting resulted in impressive results. “Varying the number of reps and sets constantly shocks the body into growth.” Dial up your workout by working the larger muscle groups (chest, quadriceps, back and hamstrings) twice a week and smaller muscles (biceps, triceps and shoulders) once a week. Try pairing a dumbbell chest fly with a dumbbell tap squat. Or a single-arm dumbbell row with a dumbbell stiff-legged deadlift. Add in five minutes of rotating ab exercises at the end and you’ll be buff in no time.
WORKOUT SMARTER ✩✩ ✩✩ • Replace running shoes every six months to ensure optimum support and cushioning. • A 20-minute high-intensity cardio workout can burn 400 calories. • Five minutes on a stationary bike to warm up can prevent injuries when weight lifting. • Can’t seem to make it to the gym? Type it in your calendar as an appointment. You’ll be less likely to skip it when you have it down in writing. ///
KEEP IT
SLIM
AND
TRIM
9:00 AM How often Should I
replace my suits? W
orkplace dress codes may have relaxed considerably in the last decade, but don’t be fooled: clients and management still pay careful attention to how you present yourself. However unfair, they do make judgments on your talents and ability based on your appearance. “If you want to be taken seriously in business today, you have to look current. This is especially true if you are working in a global environment with peers from around the world,” says Les Minion, president of Hugo Boss Canada. And while men’s fashion trends move slower than women’s, the silhouette changes from year-to-year. “You need to update your suits every two years. The proportion and shape changes considerably and you’ll look dated if you wait any longer.” He says a trim two-button suit, white dress shirt and slim tie is what modern businessmen around the world are wearing. Add a slim lace-up dress shoe and short overcoat and you have the underpinnings of a modern wardrobe.
My boss invited me to dinner at his home.What do I wear?
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If you want to be taken seriously in business today, you have to look current. PHOTO: Strellson
However casual the invite may be, treat this dinner like any other work function and dress appropriately. A sport jacket paired with a fine wale corduroy pant or trim flannel pant is a good bet. Or a cotton suit worn with a dress shirt sans tie. A spritz of the new Eternity For Men Aqua will ensure you smell as good as you look. Remember to bring a bottle of wine and flowers. And if your boss has a dog, a dog bone will win you extra points.
I get overwhelmed when walking
through men’s stores.
What do I really need this fall
to look modern?
Cool new menswear lab e ls to check out
9
FA L L FA S H I O N
MUST - HAVES
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Stone Island: Okay, this isn’t technically a new label but it is new at Harry Rosen in Canada this season. It’s one of the most advanced sportswear labels. Each garment features a compass patch that buttons onto the upper sleeve of the left arm. We particularly like the jacket that changes colour depending on the temperature.
{ Combat boot }
{ Pea coat } { Brushed flannel plaid shirt } { Slim dark denim jean }
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Levi’s Made and Crafted: This replaces the Capital E line that was shuttered last year. The line offers premium denim fabrics with authentic detailing.
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Thom Browne: Holt Renfrew will soon introduce Browne’s signature line of shrunken-fit suits and sportwear.
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“K PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: BOSS Orange, istock, Levi's, Napapijiri
eep it slim and trim,” advises Holt Renfrew’s Lanita Layton. She says that is the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for fall clothing. When it comes to dressing for work, Layton suggests investing in a slim two-button suit or a trim double-breasted model. Next add a mini-checked dress shirt with spread collar and a skinny tie. The big accessory to complement this look is a pocket square. Choose a colour or pattern that picks up a colour in the tie, suit or shirt – but don’t match it exactly. Investing in a handful of pocket squares will make your wardrobe appear far larger than it is. A pair of novelty cufflinks will also add personality. “When it comes to casual wear, every major designer showed some variation of the combat boot. They were most often worn untied with the pants tucked in.” Common Projects offers a particularly hip distressed officer’s combat boot in washed black nappa leather. (Available at Holt Renfrew.) These were usually worn with some type of peacoat, another key item for the season. Add a checked sport shirt and a pair of denim jeans trimmed with flannel or brushed cotton. The current way to wear casual pants is rolled up to a Milanese length resting just above the top of the boot.
Napapijri: (meaning Arctic Circle in Finnish) is a Swiss sportswear brand that uses the Norwegian flag as its logo. The warm outwear pieces sport numerous badges and crests and include fun accessories such as a steel flashlight that clips to the waist of a coat. Available at Harry Rosen.
{ Trim down vest } { Two-button grey suit } { Narrow white dress shirt } { Slim black tie } { Pocket squares } My cologne tends to wear off by noon most days. What can I do? The length of time a fragrance lasts depends significantly on your body chemistry. And some people tend to have a challenge making their scent last. The best way to tackle this challenge is to start the day using a shower gel such as ckfree hair and body wash. Then, try the ckfree deodorant stick. This is called layering and it will extend the length of your cologne considerably.
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1:00 PM WHAt’s the best strategy for
business travel?
S
When I pull out • Slip a pair of underwear, socks • Save room in your toiletry bag and folded dress shirt in your by packing a 15ml travel-sized carry-on just in case your bags bottle of your favorite scent. Calvin Klein's Holiday Coffret arrive several days after you. Collection gives you • Fold your suit jackfive great fragrancets inside out then es in one set. wrap them in dry• Most airlines cleaner plastic to SMARTER now offer seats prevent wrinkles. with added leg• Pack socks inroom for a small adside your shoes to ditional fee. On flights keep their shape and over two hours, the save precious space cost is well worth it. in your suitcase. • Sign up for fre•Booking an earliquent traveller proer flight can save travel time. Flight delays tend to grams at hotels – even if you don’t travel that often. stack up as the day progresses.
TRAVEL
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my overcoat
from the overhead
bin in a plane,
it comes out
completely
wrinkled .
Any suggestions?
S
trellson’s Fly Coat has to be one of menswear's best-kept secrets. Priced at $375, this coat performs better than jackets three times the price. The three-quarter length sleek jacket is cut from bonded nylon making it water, wind and wrinkle-resistant. A zip-out liner al-
lows four season use while inside pockets house mobile phones, pens, airline tickets and passports. There are even ventilation grommets under the arms for added comfort. Visit www.strellson.ca for store locations across Canada.
IMAGES CLOCKWISE: CSA Images/Archive/Getty , Cole Haan, BOSS Black, Strellson, Coco Flamingo/Getty
tanding in endless lines at airports can not only raise your blood pressure, but put serious strain on your feet and back. Luckily, Cole Haan has just launched what may be the best travel shoes on the market: They are both remarkably comfortable and stylish. Leveraging Nike’s Research and Development Facilities, the footwear brand has cut the weight of traditional shoes in half while incorporating Nike Free technology into the ventilated soles. Stretch laces and elastic at the heel mean slipping off your shoes at security checks is no problem. The line is called Cole Haan FLX and the styles range from a slip-on desert boot to sleek dress shoe to lace up leather sneaker – priced from $98 to $195. The line is currently available through Cole Haan’s Toronto flagship store at 416-926-7575.
6:00 PM
◆
CUT YOUR
I’m throwing a big
bash next weekend
great music.
www.elibay. com
M
ixMeister DJ Mixing Software is one of the best DJ programs on the market. It allows you to create professional quality mixes using very simple software that works on a PC or a Mac. What’s unique about this program is you create your mix using a visual timeline that stacks songs (imported from your iTunes library or Windows Explorer) one on top of another. It shows you on a graph the optimal places to change songs via beatmixing or fading and automatically calculates and implements the beatmatching and tempo adjustments for you. Want to add in a few special effects like audience applause or a jet airplane taking off? No problem. Just insert them where you want them. The program even offers random and smart
◆
playlists for mix suggestions. And you can tweak your mix over and over until you get it just right. Then play it, burn it to a CD, stream it over the Web or reshape it in real-time for live performances. The MixMeister Express Program, our favourite, retails for $69.99 US. It’s available at www.mixmeister.com.
I’m heading
up north This PHOTOS FROM TOP: Howard Pyle/Corbis, MixMeister, Eton, istock
CHILL STRESS
and need some
we e ke n d
but the
power supply at
the cottage isn’t reliable.
Any suggestions?
The pioneer of stress management, Eli Bay has launched a website with tips, methods and an online stress management course that seriously works wonders. We personally love the “Let Go” CD.
Eton, a leading creator of green-powered electronics has just launched a solar-powered sound system that not only charges your iPod or iPhone thanks to a high-efficiency solar panel, but offers good quality sound in a durable, splash-proof case. (Speakers are sealed on the inside keeping sand and water out.) It’s called the Soulra and it promises to solve the perennial problem of low battery life on your iPhone just when you need it most. What impressed us most was the full-range speaker drivers that provided crisp highs, balanced mids and bassboosted lows. There’s even an audio line input for added flexibility. The Soulra retails for $200 US and is available at www.etonsoulra.com.
Fluxblog.com
☞
Matthew Perpetua founded the first MP3 blog in 2002 and it has only gotten better. It’s a great way to discover breakout bands long before they hit the mainstream. ///
8:00 PM
My boss just invited me
to a dinner that says
black-tie optional.
What does this mean?
The phrase “black-tie optional” means that the event or dinner is formal and requires dressing up. You have the option
of wearing a formal tuxedo, a dinner jacket with tuxedo pant or a black dress suit. If you attend more than four formal dinners a year, it is more economical to invest in a tuxedo – Hugo Boss and Z Zegna have particularly good sleek modern versions. Just avoid the cummerbund and vest. If a tuxedo is out of the budget, try this pro trick stylists use. Wear a black suit with a white dress shirt and slim white silk tie. White-on-white looks the most formal and will make a simple black suit look far more expensive and sophisticated.
My best friend
just set me up on a
blind date.
We’re meeting at a new restaurant.
WHAt do I wear?
W
hen in it comes to dressing for dates, it’s always better to overdress. You can’t go wrong with a slim two-button wool suit paired with a slim white dress shirt and narrow black tie. The Rat Pack made it a uniform and almost every menswear designer showed the look for fall. For evening, leave the oxford lace-up shoes at home and try a brown Chelsea boot. It will give the look a modern spin. If you do arrive at the restaurant and find it is more casual than you thought, just slip off the jacket and roll up the sleeves. You’ll look perfectly dressed.
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The second option is to pair a slim sports jacket with a clean, dark denim jean. Worn with a dark sports shirt and a great lace-up boot, the look is polished but relaxed. Just make sure the jeans aren’t worn or distressed. And it goes without saying that you should be well-groomed and polished.
“I don’t like a lot of citrusy scents on men,” advises New York designer Marc Jacobs. “I prefer spicy, musky scents on guys – especially those with pepper in it. Pepper is something that just kind of hits you. It has a dull spicy quality without seeming exotic.” This fall, try a fragrance with pepper notes like Marc Jacobs’ Bang scent. There is a masculinity to the note that also offers a warmth. Paired with vetiver, the effect is sophisticated and sexy. You’ll definitely get a woman’s attention with this type of scent. How to tip: Parking valets: $2 when you drop off your car and $2 to $5 when you pick it up. Add a couple more dollars if is raining. Waiters: 15 to 20% of the bill before taxes. Coat check: $1 to $2 per coat.
HOW TO TIE A
B OW- T I E
IMAGES CLOCKWISE: AFP/Getty Images , AFP/Getty Images, Marc Jacobs, Jeffery Smith, Bruell/Keystone/Corbis
I’m tired of my cologne. I’m looking for something new and a little different? And one that will impress women.
11:00 PM How do I drive my girlfriend
wild in bed
tonight?
women love fiery passion from a man they desire and who desires them, but they prefer a slower approach rather than a stampede to their private parts. For instance, a woman loves to be undressed and admired – slowly – with anticipation built by sensitive touching and teasing.” “Next, tell her how much you desire her. All women have reservations about their bodies so tell her how
What’s the best way
to pick up a woman at a Bar?
sexy and beautiful she looks, how her body turns you on. Repeat from time to time during sex. Explore her all over, head to toe, alternating between being gentle and firm. This helps her relax and increases the sensuality.” “Learn how it works for her. Arousal for women takes time. For some it can take up to half an hour before she reaches her peak level. Find out what turns her on by asking her to
show you what she likes. Then do it.” “And finally, leave a lasting impression. For women a sexual experience doesn’t end immediately at orgasm. Afterwards they want to cuddle, be held close, hear your appreciation and be kissed. You may have driven her wild in bed but it won’t be repeated if you turn away and act as though it was just a physical release.”
“Forget the usual pick up lines and flattery. Most attractive women have heard it all and it makes them recoil. Most women react well to a guy who’s confident, respectful, interesting and takes the initiative.” “ Do catch her eye from a distance (don’t stare – too aggressive!) and give her a warm, friendly smile. Wait for a smile or an enquiring look in return to see if she returns the interest. If she seems to, move closer. Women respond better if a guy approaches them from the front if possible.” “Once close, make contact and tell her your name. Read her body signs to see if she’s responding such as turning toward you and tilting her head. Ask if you can get her a drink stating you were about to get one for yourself. (Makes her feel less obligated.) Give her a sincere compliment about her smile or that she looks “great.” Don’t remark on her clothes or her figure – too intrusive. “Stand, look and act confidently and ask her about herself. Show genuine interest and listen. Look in her eyes and concentrate on her face (even if she has a plunging neckline!).” “If in a bar, ask her if you can join her. Her response will show her interest. If she’s unenthusiastic, move on pleasantly. If it works out and you spend the evening chatting, keep the conversation light. Give her your business card or phone number and then ask for hers. Follow up next day saying how much you enjoyed her company and suggest a firm time to meet again.”
SMELL GOOD IN BED Intense versions of your favorite scent are blended to amp up the sex appeal. We like the addictive facet of euphoria men intense. It's a blend of rich woods, smoldering patchouli and vetiver is seriously sexy. ///
IMAGES FROM TOP: Patrik Giardino/Corbis, John Springer Collection/CORBIS
“For men, sexual stimulation is mostly visual. For women, it’s emotional and psychological as well and requires subtlety, sensitivity and sensuality from their partner,” explains sex and relationship expert Valerie Gibson. “To drive your girlfriend wild in bed, your aim should be to pleasure and satisfy her. If you’re successful, she’ll be begging for more.” “ To start, take your time. Most