Wrap it, Stuff it, Wear it

As most of you have probably started to notice (except maybe you southerners), the air is getting colder and colder. The t-shirt evolved into the sweater which then, in turn, brought along his friend, the coat. I'm sure everyone wishes that they could purchase a new coat each season (or several coats for that matter) but, if you are like me, you can't afford to indulge that urge. "How can I spice up my fall/winter outerwear get-up without going broke?" you may ask. Well, my loyal reader, let me tell you: with a well-picked scarf.

As noted by comedic writer, Christian Lander, the scarf is an important part of any wardrobe. There are many options and fabrics and styles for this neck accoutrement. Generally, the scarf is an easy way to add a splash of color to your wardrobe, and you shouldn't be afraid to go with bright reds or bold rugby stripes. Even if you are a seasoned adult, you can return to your prime by picking one up with embroidered collegiate styling. This trend is a favorite of mine and makes a perfect gift for that natty dresser on your Christmas list.

In order to get a fantastic scarf, you don't need to spend a lot of money. I have several fashionable styles that were purchased for under $20. Recently, my wife purchased me a collegiate cable-knit angora and wool scarf from Forever 21 that is just fabulous. Angora, as you may know, is a soft hair that comes from the Angora rabbit or goat. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing angora is that it has a tendency to shed. Because of this, I would recommend staying away from 100% angora unless it is from a well-respected brand (higher quality does reduce shedding). Another fabric that you want to watch (as far as quality goes) is wool. Since scarves are worn around the neck and against soft skin, you don't want this wrap to consist of coarse or itchy fibers. Giving your loved one a wool scarf is like giving them a carnation to say “I love you”. If you really want to mean it, you should splurge for the red rose of the scarf world: cashmere. Cashmere is just like the perfect girlfriend: beautiful, elegant, makes all your friends envious, looks great dressed up or down, and not too clingy.

Final verdict: try some new styles this season and look for new ways to tie it around your neck.

One, Two, Three, Four...

Over the last several years, the interest in dance has erupted. Each week, millions of viewers tune in to see if their favorite celebrity or no-name hero will make the cut and continue on to the next week. Not only has this blossomed in the television industry, but it has increased in the movie world as well. Movies like Take the Lead, Shall We Dance, and even Step Up 2: The Streets have further fanned this explosive social need.

Having had formal dance instruction (and instructed), I would full-heartedly encourage each and every one of you to get out and get some dance training. Why, you may ask? I shall give you several reasons:

• Not only does dance teach one to move with the rhythm, but it also teaches many things that are applicable in your day-to-day routine; things like grace, poise, and a mental confidence that you can dance better than most people you pass on the street.
• Have you ever been to a wedding/party and watched a couple that turns the head of everyone and makes them turn green with envy at the same time? Imagine if that was you.
• As a male, the ability to lead is SO key. Not only does that help with dancing, but it will allow you to command the dance floor and sweep any woman off her feet... even if that woman is your wife. Dancing casts an amazing spell when it comes to attraction. Even the ho-hum wallflowers become Alpha-Male if they can spin the dance floor in their favor.

Now there are many different kinds of dance to take and they all are wonderful, but I would encourage each of you to try ballroom. Even after your joints have started to tell you that you can't sprint a 40 in under 4.6 seconds, you will be able to utilize this skill. I am a firm believer that every woman (deep down) wishes for her Prince Charming... and if you just happen to be able to do that coveted Viennese Waltz, then it puts you that much closer.

Final Verdict: If you are already in a relationship, nothing spices up the romance like taking a class together... you end up with bruised knees and sore toes, but also a renewed passion that chocolates and flowers can't buy. If you are single... there is nothing that a woman would love more than for you to ask her to take dance classes... think about it.

Snowblindness

As the autumnal air rolls in and the leaves turn to brown you may be tempted to pack away an important accessory until the thaw of spring. What accessory is that, you may ask? The sandal? Ummm no. The cutoff jean mini-skirt? Wrong again. How about I just tell you? The correct answer is none other than sunglasses.

An often overlooked fall/winter accessory is the perfect pair of sunglasses. The important thing to remember when selecting your cold-weather shades is that the frames should be plastic. Your standard metal aviators need to take a back seat because you don't want them freezing to your face. Have you ever put your tongue on a cold piece of metal? Same idea, but picture that metal stuck to your face. The plastic frames will maintain a pleasant temperature while still shielding your eyes from the sun... bright daylight on fresh snow can be quite blinding. Final verdict: if you don't own a pair of plastic-framed sun-shields, look into getting them. Designer sunglasses are great, but if you're like me and lose/break sunglasses just look for a knockoff pair. My favorite pair are from American Eagle.

Sleek and Sexy

A common complaint that I’ve had over the years has been that any dress shirt I bought seemed to be baggy. There were few things I hated more than seeing my shirt “blouse-out” around my waist and give me the appearance of weighing 20 pounds more than I did. I would look at the designer shirts, but was just discouraged to find that a slim-cut designer shirt started at the $200 mark… and even then it would still be “off the rack”. Then, about 15 months ago, I discovered the Brooks Brothers made-to-measure and my world changed forever. Hands down, it is the best deal out on the market.

To begin the process, check out the closest retail Brooks Brothers store (factory stores do not have M2M). Unless they are having a slow day, you may have to set up an appointment to get your initial fitting. The measurements take about 45 minutes while you fine-tune the fit that you want. If you are like me, explain to the specialist that you want a very slim waistline to minimize blousing. The more you explain what you are looking for, the more accurately he can tweak the numbers. Once you have the measurements, you can begin the shopping portion. They have a broad variety of fabrics ranging from the opening-price-point of $150 clear up to over $390 for rare sea-island cotton. After the fabric has been selected, you chose every styling detail possible… cuff, collar (over 10 styles available), placket, and pleating. At the end of the process you have a shirt that is completely customized to your body and tastes… down to even one cuff being larger than the other to account for your watch. Then, in just a few short weeks, you will receive a call to come and pick up your glorious shirt.

Now you may say that $150 is a lot of money and I would totally agree, but it is well worth it. First, I would recommend getting your shirt(s) during one of the Friends & Family or Made-to-Measure sales. That way you will save upwards of 25% off your entire order… which brings the price down to $112.50 a shirt. Secondly, if you pick a regular-finish fabric (anything but non-iron) and take care of the shirt, you can get a solid 10 years out of the shirt. That’s only $12 a year, or 3 cents a day! It’ll be more likely that you’ll outgrow the shirt before it runs out. Thirdly, a perfectly tailored shirt makes an amazing impression. I can’t count the number of compliments or comments I’ve gotten from wearing my made-to-measures. You even carry yourself better because you just know that the shirt looks great. Finally, the cost is only a fraction of what it would be to get an off-the-rack shirt from a designer like Ralph Lauren Black Label (which runs about $230)… just think if we started talking Armani or Tom Ford.

Final verdict: get out and try just one and I promise you’ll never look back. On a side note: stay away from the non-iron fabric just for the simple fact that it doesn’t breathe well and with the shirt being so fitted, you may overheat.

Lucky Charm: not the cereal.

How many times have you gone out and seen someone that was perfectly dressed but then have your initial opinions of them shattered when they talk? While being well-dressed is great, the most important accessory that you can bring to the table is your personality... and more specifically, your charm. Remember to always be on your best behavior, and it never hurts to brush up on the habits of a modern-day gentleman. Your clothes may catch the crowd's eye initially, but your bewitching allure will keep them interested late into the night. Final verdict: always remember to treat women like royalty and treat other men like your friends, even if they are incorrigible. You want your charm to linger after you've left... like the last bite of a perfect dessert.