Dapper Dopp Kit

As I get ready each morning and reach for my go-to products that I can seem to ditch, I wonder what other products are found in guys’ Dopp Kits? I’m the kind of guy who will try just about anything but here are a few products I currently can’t live without. Don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments below and maybe I will give them a whirl.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: There are a couple options for this cleanser but the "For Normal to Oily Skin" option is the perfect consistency and leaves my face feeling clean but not over-dried. The fragrance free is a bonus. What guy wants his face to smell like a flower?

 

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica: The general use may be for anti-aging but it doubles as the perfect moisturizer. It has a thick consistency that keeps your face hydrated all day. The perfect double whammy.

American Crew, Fiber: If your hair is anything like mine, ditch the products that add shine. Shine in my hair makes it look greasy and doesn't give the hold it needs to last the entire day. Enough said.

Tresemme Waterless Foam Shampoo: For the days when your hair actually is unwashed, use the foam shampoo to get your hair feeling and looking better without having to wash it with real shampoo. Cuts down the AM routine even more and leaves more time for coffee.

 

Burberry Prosum Fall Menswear 2012

Although my head is still reeling from all of the Golden Globes coverage and talk of the females in “glittery headbands” and “fish tail gowns,” I want to take you back to a place before the 2012 Golden Globes–to Milan. I got a chance to catch the Burberry Prosum Menswear show online and I must say, the impeccably tailored suites, and the use of velvet and duck head umbrella handles still have me mesmerized. Take a look at a few of my favorite looks from this year’s show. Photos courtesy of New York Magazine. 

I've got to admit, usually I am not a fan of the newsboy hat but the way the gat adds a great pop of color-- I am learning to appreciate it. Don't event get me started on the yellow tote, If only it weren't $2,500 it would already be on its way to my house.

These scoop neck sweaters were a big hit on the runway and the colors and pattern give the entire look a bit of excitement.

This photo speaks for itself but so I'll say just a few words. Velvet, duck head umbrella handle, teal & olive. Such a great look!

 

Initially this vest wouldn't be something I'd choose as a single garment but when paired together it screams "professional badass."

 

If you haven't figured out the shirt-tie pattern matching by now, this is yet another reason to jump in the bandwagon. How can you resist?

To Murse, or Not to Murse

It seems as though man bags or what I like to call the “murse” has been an increasingly popular trend for men. Whether it’s a duffle, tote, or messenger bag, more and more men seem to be rocking the satchel as an everyday accessory. Personally, I love to look and have been known to rock a leather messenger bag into work but maybe I should start looking for a casual look for the weekends? Time to weigh in folks, what do you think?

The Battle for Bow Ties

Ever since Mr. Brad Goreski came in the scene in Rachael Zoe it seems as though everyone cannot stop talking about the bow tie. If any of you know me, you  know that I too am a HUGE fan of the vintage trend. What I have realized however, is that it seems most people are either on team bow tie, or just don’t understand. Take one scroll through the men’s apparel Pinterest page or favorite fashion magazine and it is jam packed with gents rocking this neck wear.

It’s time for you to decide readers, are you team bow tie? Can any guy rock the trend? Tell us why or why not. We want to hear your thoughts.

Photo courtesy of www.myrevelment.com

Watch Wisdom

This blog topic has been on my list for a few months now and ironically, when scanning the New York Times and sipping on my first cup of coffee (of the three I had this morning), I came across a trend story on the very same subject: men’s vintage watches.

I’m attributing this to my recent obsession with Mad Men and please, spare me the “how could you have just started watching” lecture. I just can’t get enough of which is ironic because currently I don’t own, nor do I even use a watch.  I do however, think unique time pieces are the perfect way to show your unique style in a subtle way.

Courtesy of padronwatches.com 

We’re also seeing more women ditch their tiny time-teller and opting for the men’s watch. What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it?

Courtesy of michaelkors.com 

These are some of my current faves. Find your own from a local Minn. vendor, Padron Watch Company. These babies are restored to mint condition and available online and at Martin Patrick 3. 

Giving Snow Shoes a New Meaning

I like to consider myself fairly modest when purchasing footwear for every season. I like to keep it simple. This is why if you ever search my closet, or the back seat of my car, you’ll usually find: a pair of black dress shoes, a casual pair of moccasins (a’ la Eddie Bauer), a fun pair of Fred Perry’s (found on sale at Martin Patrick 3) and your typical male summer must-have, leather flip flops (American Eagle).

One pair I splurged on earlier this fall was a pair of Clarks Original Desert Boots. When I first got them I figured they’d go well with some dark denim and a button-down and now, I can’t stop wearing them. They’re the perfect boot to dress up or down and the fact that they’re always comfortable is an definite plus. I can wear these over and over and not get sick of them and I’m pumped to pair them with a flannel in the colder weeks right around the corner.

What do you guys think about these classics?

courtesy of ae.com

Nautical Nonsense

Spring is right around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already started to indulge in a little pre- spring shopping.  There’s just something about the combination of white, khaki, red and navy that instantly puts me in the mood to find the nearest yacht and hop aboard (in my dreams). The warm weather may not be in full-force yet but here are 10 (because 5 wasn’t enough) of my spring must-haves for every guy. Ahoy matey! 

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The Gift Guide that Gives Back

In usual fashion, as December crept closer I did my best to avoid the pending doom most refer to as holiday shopping. As the snow fell and thousands of gift guides were created, I must admit, nothing was really impressing me or encouraging me to pry open my wallet and let the shopping madness begin. That is nothing until I came across a couple of items that inspired me not only because they look cool and I know my friends and family and family, but because the money I would spending would have a deeper a meaning. It would no longer be about how much I spent or how I was going to top the previous years. It was about that extra something that accompanied the gift, hope. I hope for those of you still stuck with the daunting task of finding the perfect gifts enjoy my very own gift guide for 2010. Without further ado, here is my gift guide that gives back.

1. Gasoline Rainbows:

Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols have put this album together after their visit to Louisiana and witnessing the destruction of the BP oil spill for themselves. For only $10 you can purchase this album (with featured artists like Damien Rice, Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend and more) and your proceeds will go towards cleaning the Gulf. Great music and a great cause. It doesn’t get any better than this.

2. FEED Projects:

FEED Projects’ has stated their mission as follows “FEED Projects’ mission is to create good products that help FEED the world.”

This awesome organization sells bags, stuffed bears, scarves, backpacks and a few other accessories and builds the donation into the cost of each item.

Depending on which item you buy, you are purchasing school meals, books and other human necessities for children across in need. My description does not even do it justice so check this out for yourself, I promise you, you will be glad you did.

3. The Jed Foundation:

The Jed Foundation’s mission is to combat suicide among college students. It’s website states that “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and untreated mental health problems prevent thousands more students from graduating every year.”

The website has a number of different ways you can get involved or make a donation. It also sells a “love is louder” t-shirt for $30 (includes all shipping + handling) that aids in the fight against suicide among college students. With the recent suicides of youth across the United States I don’t believe I need to stress how important this issue is.

4. Water Bobbles:

The money you spend on this gift may not go towards a charity but I am very passionate about the environment and these unique Water Bobbles can help reduce the use of bottled water.

Although some of you may not agree with spending $10 on a water bottle, after reading  some of the statistics on the website I think you may change your mind.

I myself used to attest drinking tap water over bottled water for reasons such as the taste or smell, but these water bottles have built-in filters (that last up to two months) that filter your tap water while you drink it! Just fill it up and be on your way.

5. eGiftCards:

If you’re shopping for those who already have their heart set on something, considering purchasing them an eGiftCard online instead of heading to the store for the plastic.

eGiftCards work the same as regular gift cards without loading the plastic card and this way, no one has to worry about losing it in their purse or wallet.

The Social Media Contest. Can We All Be Winners?

First and foremost, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for such a large hiatus between postings on this blog. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to read my posts and participate in the dialogue that occurs on this platform.

Now, moving on:  The online dictionary defines a contest as “a race, conflict, or other competition between rivals, as for a prize.”

Why the vocabulary lesson? Well, The number of contests via social media landscapes such as Twitter and Facebook has exploded in the last year. Industries are offering everything from makeovers to modeling opportunities and the number of organizations that have jumped on the contest bandwagon is rapidly increasing. When utilizing the American consumer’s hunger for free merchandise during these times of recession, so much more is offered than a simple exchange of a product or service.

Contest such as those held by 77kids by American Eagle, The Swagg iPhone app and Spalon Montage (to name a few) have the opportunity to not only build brand awareness, but develop brand loyalty among the tangled web clutter. We’ve even witnessed marketing agencies such as Fast Horse, Inc. hold a contest for the opportunity to land its newest intern position.

Now, I personally have not kept an official ‘fan’ count on each of these Facebook pages but am willing to bet that all have drastically increased after the encouragement of consumer interaction and the chance to receive free goodies. Let’s face it, everywhere we look a plethora of opportunities to score free goods and services are presented via social media. Each day consumers can log on, find some of their favorite brands and enter for a chance to receive something completely FREE! Who wouldn’t be involved in that?

This may in fact be the ultimate vehicle for two-way interaction among a consumer and his/her favorite products. Regardless of the number of times you inquire about reviews or comments from consumers on an everyday basis, the exchange is often no comparison when free merchandise is involved. The second you offer a reward for those opinions, the floodgates open and the number of those looking to participate in the conversation drastically increases.

So my question to you readers is this: What is your perception on the social media contest? What would it take for you to become a part of the conversation? I want to hear the good, the bad and even the ugly.

Love What You Do, Do What You Love

As college graduation is quickly approaching I have continued my usual endeavors on the social media landscape: tweeting, blogging and connecting with professionals and students in the public relations industry. In the beginning of the school year when I first really started utilizing social media most of my friends asked me why I did it. My usual response was something along the lines of not only doing it to connect with professionals but to connect with people in general and learn from who are experiencing it right along with me. At this point where the school year is almost over, I have read countless blog posts and pr-related articles and now realize I not only keep up with the landscape to connect, I do it because it’s something I love to do.

My routine everyday now consists of time spent surfing the net to find articles about the industry that interest me, and of course sharing these articles with others. Upon discovering my new-found passion for the social media landscape I can’t help but be reminded of what one of my professors said to our class not long ago. He discussed salaries based on agency, corporate and non-profit work but made a valiant effort to remind us that it’s not just about money. As our days as students are quickly dwindling it’s easy to look ahead and ask, “where can I make the most money?” The most important thing for college grads and those looking for a new position is that you really should love going to work everyday. Nothing is worse than completely dreading walking in the front door everyday and spending the entire time you’re there staring at the clock waiting for your next lunch break.

Although the job search for most of us right now may seem pretty daunting, it’s okay to still be picky and turn down offers if you simply feel they aren’t right for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new offer, especially right now when they are few-and-far-between. However, I found it helpful to think of myself down the road if I were to get a certain position. In a year am I still going to love going into work everyday? What about five years? ten?

To you professionals reading this who love your jobs: How did you find the job you love? What did you do to get there.

To you future professionals: Have you found what you think is your dream job? How do you form guidelines in your search to find something you love?