AGB Style

2013 BMW M6 Coupe

2012-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lusting after an M5 but simply don't want or need those extra two doors? Say hello to the 2013 BMW M6 Coupe ($TBA). This third-generation supercar-turned-daily driver is powered by a high-revving 4.4L V8 with M TwinPower Turbo Technology, which produces 560 hp and a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds, a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, an M specific chassis that's more rigid and robust than that of the standard 6-series, optional M Carbon-Ceramic brakes, standard 19-inch light-alloy wheels, available Adaptive LED headlights, a carbon fiber composite roof, a head-up display, and an agressive body that's sure to make sweaty the palms of anyone fortunate enough to spot one in their rearview mirror.

Dockers Camo Alpha Khaki

2012-02-25T17:05:00.001-05:00

Take the ruggedness of jeans, a khaki-like design, and a dash of camouflage, and you've got the Dockers Camo Alpha Khaki ($75). The Alpha is built with jean-like construction techniques like over-lock stitched seaming and heavier weight fabric, but maintains a polished khaki cut. And thanks to that fabric, they wear, wrinkle, and age like great denim, meaning they'll look even better a year from now than they do when you first put them on.

Joseph Abboud F/W 2012

2012-02-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

The label's designer, Bernardo Rojo, looked to the classic 1930s style of the movie "The Sting" for inspiration for the label's Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

Rojo's detail work showed, with elbow pads on jackets, large buckles on the belts of coats and large scarfs draped close to the neck. His runway show ended with a dozen models wearing different tuxedos, punctuating Rojo's message that formal is back.

"I think it's time to dress up, dressing down, we have had it for a long time," Rojo said. "But it has to be in a contemporary way. I don't want to make it old."

Rojo also showed an array of perfectly slim (but not skinny) suit trousers.

Joseph Abboud: The Outerwear

Even for the most swaggerous among us, Rojo showed a fur-lined coat. It was perfectly executed, with some swing to it, and pretty damn impressive for the newly-energized brand.

A New Way to Keep Shirts Fresh While Traveling

2012-02-18T08:47:00.002-05:00

Keeping dress shirts looking crisp while traveling is hard. The Shirt Shuttle (about $50) makes it easy. This simple travel helper features a curved-edge folding board to ensure that your shirt remains uncreased, and a lightweight, water-resistant case that's specially formed to keep your collar looking great, and includes inner pads to help minimize creases and an integrated hanging hook. Keeping the rest of your wardrobe looking nice is up to you.

The 15-Minute Chest Workout

2012-02-15T11:10:00.000-05:00

If you have only 15 minutes to train, don’t mess around with fancy exercises that waste, time.

The best workouts aren’t always flashy—plenty of simple routines get the job done. This simple one just blasts your pecs with heavy weight and hits the muscle fibers from every important angle.

Directions

To keep the workout to 15 minutes, you’ll need to rush your warm-up on the bench press a bit. Steadily work up in weight, resting only as long between warm-up sets as it takes to change the plates.

This hustle means you won’t be optimally prepared to lift your heaviest possible load for four to six reps—so you should therefore use a slightly lighter weight—but that’s the tradeoff for getting the workout done quickly. To minimize the problem, rest two minutes after your last warm-up set before you go heavy.

1) Bench Press

SETS: 1 REPS: 4–6

2) Incline Dumbbell Press

3) Parallel-Bar Dip
SETS: 1 REPS: 8–10

Rag & Bone F/W 2012 from NY Fashion Week

2012-02-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

What was reigning at Rag & Bone this season? Tons of herringbone, lots of horizontal stripes, and many a contrast collar.

Rag & Bones gives the Hudson Bay blanket coat an updated look in subdued, brown neutrals.

Here's that blanket coat again in burgundy-and-berry.

Street Style!

2012-02-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

J.Crew Camouflage Rubber iPhone Case

2012-02-08T07:55:00.001-05:00

J. Crew introduces this new cloud camouflage rubber iPhone 4G case by J.Crew is in fact one of the nicest ones we have come across recently, as most others are either too wild or just boring. (about $25.00)

Study: Twitter More Addictive Than Cigarettes And Alcohol

2012-02-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

According to a study led by Wilhelm Hofmann of Chicago University’s Booth Business School who looked at 205 people aged 18 – 85 checking emails or social networking on Twitter may be a stronger desire than alcohol, tobacco and even having sex. From the study:

Resisting the desire to work was likewise prone to fail. In contrast, people were relatively successful at resisting sports inclinations, sexual urges, and spending impulses, which seems surprising given the salience in modern culture of disastrous failures to control sexual impulses and urges to spend money.

Desires for media may be comparatively harder to resist because of their high availability and also because it feels like it does not ‘cost much’ to engage in these activities, even though one wants to resist. With cigarettes and alcohol there are more costs – long-term as well as monetary – and the opportunity may not always be the right one.

We kinda saw this one coming...

Prada Rolls Out New Phone

2012-02-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

Making heads turn with its monochromatic stylings, LG and Prada's latest baby is putting on a night-mask, ready to be unleashed on well-heeled types around the globe. Alongside the custom Android skin (atop a Gingerbread OS), the Prada Phone by LG 3.0 packs a respectable dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera and LG's NOVA display -- stretching up to 4.3 inches on this fashionista phone.

The Five Minute Fix

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

1) Travel roller cologne, $26 by Kiehl's; 2) Face towelettes, $15 by Lab Series; 3) Hair potion, $23 by Aveda; 4) Deodorant, $5 by Tom's of Maine; 5) Vinyl case, $8 by The Container Store; 6) Oil-free moisturizer, $18 by Baxter of California

At the end of a particularly long day, all you want to do is take a shower and grab a drink. (Right?) But sometimes a shower isn't an option. There's no time to run home. Or perhaps, you're just feeling grimy after a stressful meeting with the boss, getting caught in a mid-day monsoon or sweating through your sweater in an over-heated office.

Prep a simple kit to keep handy—in your desk, your bag or your car—that allows you to clean up in five minutes or less. Everyone has their own routine, but here's a look at our go-to kit. Oil-free facial wipes and lotion to revive skin and combat shine, a dry shampoo that wicks away grease while doubling as a grooming creme, some aluminum-free deodorant and a travel-size rollerball vial of cologne. All kept in a reinforced, leak-resistant vinyl pouch.

Building A Wardrobe: The First Six Suits To Buy

2012-02-01T07:33:00.000-05:00

If you are just building a wardrobe, we recommend you have what many consider to be the four pillars of every man’s wardrobe: Solid Charcoal, Solid Navy, Charcoal Pinstripe, Navy Pinstripe. These four classics will cover you in almost any situation and provide a good mix of tradition and style. From there, expand your wardrobe based on your personal preferences. If you like to show off your stylish nature, go with a more modern colored pinstripe or a sleek sharkskin. For a more subtle look, go for a traditional plaid or classic charcoal herringbone. Finally, add a light linen or cotton suit to give you versatility into the summer months. To summarize, start with a classic foundation and build from there.

Street Style: Chris Brown

2012-01-31T06:23:00.000-05:00

Be Sure Exercise Is All You Get at the Gym

2012-01-30T06:44:00.000-05:00

When you go to the gym, do you wash your hands before and after using the equipment? Bring your own regularly cleaned mat for floor exercises? Shower with antibacterial soap and put on clean clothes immediately after your workout? Use only your own towels, razors, bar soap, water bottles?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, you could wind up with one of the many skin infections that can spread like wildfire in athletic settings. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association recently issued a position paper on the causes, prevention and treatment of skin diseases in athletes that could just as well apply to anyone who works out in a communal setting, be it a school, commercial gym or Y.

The authors pointed out that “skin infections in athletes are extremely common” and account for more than half the outbreaks of infectious diseases that occur among participants in competitive sports. And if you think skin problems are minor, consider what happened to Kyle Frey, a 21-year-old junior and competitive wrestler at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Mr. Frey noticed a pimple on his arm last winter but thought little of it. He competed in a match on a Saturday, but by the next morning the pimple had grown to the size of his biceps and had become very painful.

His athletic trainer sent him straight to the emergency room, where the lesion was lanced and cultured. Two days later, he learned he had MRSA, the potentially deadly staphylococcus infection that is resistant to most antibiotics.

Mr. Frey spent five days in the hospital, where the lesion was surgically cleaned and stitched and treated with antibiotics that cleared the infection. He said in an interview that he does not know how he acquired MRSA: “The wrestling mat might have been contaminated, or I wrestled with someone who had the infection.”

The Risks
Recreational athletes as well as participants in organized sports are prone to fungal, viral and bacterial skin infections. Sweat, abrasion and direct or indirect contact with the lesions and secretions of others combine to make every athlete’s skin vulnerable to a host of problems. While MRSA may be the most serious skin infection, athlete’s foot, jock itch, boils, impetigo, herpes simplex and ringworm, among others, are not exactly fun or attractive.

Steven M. Zinder, a trainer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and chief author of the new paper, said in an interview that these recommendations are not esoteric.

“It’s what we all learned — or should have learned — in sixth-grade health class,” he said. “It’s all common sense. You need to keep yourself and your equipment clean. You never know who last used the equipment in a gym. It can be a great breeding ground for these bugs, some of which are pretty nasty.”

While hand hygiene is most important over all , avoiding fungal infections requires a daily change of athletic socks and underwear; carefully drying the armpits and groin and between toes (perhaps blow-drying the feet on low heat); and using foot powder. Shower shoes can help prevent infection as long as they don’t keep you from soaping your feet.

If you plan to work out in a gym or use a locker room, Mr. Foley suggested that before choosing a facility, you quiz the management about the cleaning agents used (they should be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency) and daily cleaning schedule for all surfaces and equipment. If exercise mats are not cleaned between classes, he suggested bringing your own. Antibacterial wipes or spray bottles should be provided and used by everyone to clean equipment after a workout.

Nike Air Foamposite One Metallic Red

2012-01-29T13:22:00.001-05:00

Nike welcomes a new colorway in its popular Air Foamposite One for Spring 2012. Decked out in a bold metallic red colorway, the Penny Hardaway signature model comes outfitted with a translucent outsole and black accenting, along with traditional carbon fiber plate detailing. For those interested, these will be dropping on February 4 through Wish, with other select Nike dealers taking stock in the coming days.

Business Wear: The Oxford Dress Shoe

2012-01-28T10:53:00.000-05:00

The time has arrived to bid a fond farewell to those square toed, thick soled favorites of yours. Yes, we are speaking about those rectangular leather lace-ups that some men call dress shoes. Truthfully, there has been a public outcry for their demise for many years now. Nevertheless, companies keep producing them and unsuspecting gentlemen keep purchasing them. Please, cease and desist wearing them. In their place: sleek wingtips, cap toes, and even few whole-cuts with a decorative brogue. You need a rotation of 3-4 shoes: black, brown, and burgundy.

Design Your Own New Era Fitted

2012-01-26T06:15:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time, now no more will you have to long for the release of a mustard yellow Red Sox cap, thanks to New Era By You ($60). This new service from the ubiquitous MLB hat maker lets you customize nearly every aspect of your hat, including the color of each panel, bill, logo, and stich, making it possible to create nearly any combination you desire. Warning: the building tool is Flash-only, so don't expect to be ordering your masterpiece from your iPad.

How To Network In Person

2012-01-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

It's 2012, so we've all mastered the finer points of social networking, right? But in an age of personal-brand-building, it's easy to forget that networking in person is one of the most beneficial ways to market yourself. After all, it's the genuine, personal connections that make an impact--not the random Linkedin requests.

How To Do It:

Confidence is key.

A proper introduction calls for a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. A good attitude is contagious. It makes it easier to bring up what you're passionate about, and it makes them actually want to listen to what you have to say. And remember to dress the part. What you're wearing is essentially the first impression you give someone, even before you open your mouth.

Practice makes perfect.
Of course, it helps to be an outgoing person, but networking is a skill that can be perfected. Ask a buddy to help you out—have him or her turn to you at unexpected times and play the part of the person you're hoping to speak with. If you can tune out distractions and get your point across succinctly, you're good to go.

Ditch the sales pitch.
Just go for a natural conversation. Show interest in the other person by asking questions about them. This will create authentic opportunities for you to bring up what you do (and what you're looking to do).

Keep it short and sweet.
Nobody wants to be cornered and you don't want to be remembered for commandeering someone's time. This is mingling, so keep the conversation light but relevant. After 15 minutes you should know whether or not this is someone you'll want to follow up with.

And then follow up.

If things went well, you likely exchanged contact info or swapped business cards. Make sure to follow-up the day or two after, with a quick email or note reminding them of your conversation and what you can do for them. This is your opportunity to briefly outline your potential in whatever goal you're looking to accomplish, be it a job opening or collaboration.

Street Style: Red Tail

2012-01-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

The men of the George Lucas film Red Tail are the inspiration for this post, fashion/style knows no color.

David Beckham & H&M Launch New Underwear Line

2012-01-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

British soccer star David Beckham is the newest entrant in the mens underwear business. He's teamed up with global retailer H&M to launch his own Bodywear line that will be available in 1,800 H&M stores worldwide beginning February 2.

Unlike the underwear he previously modeled for Emporio Armani, Beckham's collection for H&M features minimal branding on the waistband.

Beckham says he and his design team concentrated on the fit and style of the new undies to ensure the product is not only something that he would wear but one that he would be proud to put his name on.

Prices for the collection will range from $12.95 to $29.95.

Stress-Busting Secrets for Busy Folks

2012-01-19T18:53:00.001-05:00

Everybody’s job is stressful, but not everyone suffers equally. Unfortunately, all that mental anguish has serious consequences: A new study from Yale University reports that prolonged stress actually shrinks the size of your brain, raising the risk of cognitive disorders and reducing your brain’s ability to deal with that stress.

Here are some tips that may help you manage your own stress and deal with the many daily challenges you may face.

Strategize. Take the time to thoroughly study the issues you face, including potential unintended consequences and plan Bs and Cs—like a chess player, or, well, a general. Think it through until you’re at least 80 percent sure, then go for it, and don’t be afraid to course-correct over time. Being ready to adjust makes the surprises in your job less stressful.

Laugh it off. After a bad day, laugher can help to assuage stress. Share a joke with friends or play a practical joke on a co-worker, but make sure you know the person well, and be ready to have your target prank you back.

Take a 5-minute vacation. Shut the door to your office, turns off the lights, pop on the headphones, and blasts some tunes. It’s not a thinking time, it’s an only-in-the-music time. Once your head is clear, your ready to face the next challenge.

Confide in your coworkers. Nobody else understands the stresses of your job better than a coworker. Venting to a buddy midday can help you remember you’re not alone in dealing with stress, and a good friend can even ease some burdens if you’re feeling pinched.

Controlling Winter Eczema

2012-01-17T23:16:00.004-05:00

If you suffer from eczema, it may seem that your problems get worse in the winter. You may figure it has something to do with the weather. You could be right because cold, dry air can play a role in flare ups. But, then again, the weather may not be the only changes that have occurred and what you are doing could be causing more problems than the low temperatures.

Outdoor Activities
Warm seasons are generally associated with outdoor activities, but some people spend a lot of time outside in the fall and winter. Those who work outdoors probably have little choice. Then, there are household tasks such as tending to fall gardens, raking leaves, and shoveling snow, that also needs to be done. There are also activities that you may want to do, such as sledding, ice skating, and attending football games.

What you need to realize is that the more time you spend outside, the more you increase your chances of aggravating your eczema, especially if you don't take measure to counteract the conditions you are exposing yourself to.
BathingOn a blustery day, when you have been on the go, a hot shower or bath can seem like a savior, feeling as if its warmth reaches to your soul. But, when you have eczema, what actually happens with those hot showers is that you spend the season drying out your skin and robbing it of nutrients. Even when the temperatures drop, you need to keep your bathing water warm. It also becomes increasingly important to use a moisture rich body cleanser.

Heatmost sources of heat produce dry air that can can dry out your skin. To help reduce some of those effects, try to avoid baking yourself in the house or in your vehicle. Use blankets and extra layers of clothing for added warmth. Also, invest in a humidifier to circulate moisture throughout your home.It's natural to turn up the heat when you're cold, but you need to realize that most

Moisturizing
You may be failing to counteract the drying circumstances of the season, which means you could be aggravating your eczema. In the summer, you may apply moisturizer once a day and do fine. When it's cold, you really should moisturize more often and you should also use a thick moisturizer such as body butter if you aren't already in the habit.

Wardrobe Changes
When it's cold, you may start wearing different types of clothing and that may include different fibers.. Remember that wool and polyester are not generally recommended for people with eczema. Certain dyes can also aggravate the condition. Be observant of changes in your wardrobe that may be linked to flare ups.

Also, be aware that sweat can aggravate eczema. This is particularly important for those add extra layers of clothing and then engage in physical work. Make sure that the layers closest to your body are breathable and absorbent fabrics.
You can't control the weather but you can control how your respond to it. If you make the right choices, winter eczema may become a thing of the past.

Jac5 Enters Luxury Men's Underwear Market

2012-01-13T07:43:00.000-05:00

The expanding luxury men's underwear market just got a new entrant -- jac5. The new underwear brand launched online as well as in Hong Kong's trendy Sheung Wan district.

Jac5 bills itself as the thinking man's solution to all that isn't quite right with what is available in today's marketplace. The brand even claims to have addressed, and solved, the age-old problems of itchy waistbands, uncomfortable fits, mediocre manufacturing, and products with a short life span and no sex appeal. For jac5, it's all about delivering style and comfort.

Jim Christopher, the man behind the brand, uses his five much-loved Jack Russell terrier dogs as inspiration and mascot for the brand.

"I felt there was void in the men's underwear market," say Christopher. "Quality, style and comfort were in decline, and so I decided to assemble the best possible team to create an irresistible product line of men's essentials. Jac5 is a brand with a sense of humour, and we don't take ourselves too seriously--except when it comes to design and quality."

Headphones That Look As Good As They Sound

2012-01-11T00:52:00.000-05:00

Fanny Wang has introduced its Custom Colors option for its premium headphone line. Whether you want to look good at the gym, on a plane or in the coffee shop, Fanny Wang is letting you personalize your unique style via its interactive website.

Music fans will be able to choose from an array of colors for seven different parts of the Fanny Wang headphone: outside band, inside band, center disc, sound chambers, accent strip, ear muffs and cord. With more than 1 million possible color combinations, it is easy to “amplify your sound” while rocking something that reflects your personal style.

Welcome to Exclusivity: The Electric Room NYC

2012-01-07T14:37:00.000-05:00

The most exclusive nightclub and bar in New York - at this moment, anyway - is in the basement of a new hotel, just off its loading dock and garbage area.

If you look for the the Electric Room from outside the Dream Downtown hotel near the trendy Meatpacking District, don't look for a big, flashy sign that advertises the place - because you won't find one.

The only way you'll know you're getting close to it is if you see a series of small, blue-neon lightning streak signs and gritty walls covered with funky art.

And if you arrive before the clock strikes midnight, you won't find anything.

Why? The Electric Room only opens at 1 a.m.

The intimate spot holds just about 100 people, no lie, which is is sure to make it a tight door.

First, if you succeed in finding the club, then you have to deal with the task of actually getting passed the red-velvet ropes.

High-voltage name, low-voltage design

Despite its high-voltage name, the Electric Room doesn't look like an over-the-top designed nightclub.

Besides a bar and an elevated DJ booth, the room is decorated in a simple yet edgy, British punk kind of way.

Reclaimed wood covers the club's walls and floors. You'll see an array of inviting Chesterfield couches - some in caramel leather, including one with a giant Union Jack flag painted on it, and one done in a peacock-blue velvet. In terms of art, you'll see painted mirrors, including one featuring a Sid Vicious portrait.

$22 cocktails

Prices definitely do not match the modest decor.

A single, basic cocktail will set you back $18, before the automatically-added 20% gratuity (another $3.60).

Not a dance bar

This is certainly, not a dance bar, but an intimate spot to "see and be seen", to relax on the couches and have a drink.

How Many Suits Should A Man Own?

2012-01-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

The depth of your business wardrobe really depends on two things: the demands of your job and your sense of style. On average, most guys should own at least four to six suits, with variation depending on several factors. If you’re with a laid back company without too many social engagements, you can probably get away with two to three suits – solid charcoal, solid navy and maybe a subtle pinstripe. If you work in a professional services environment, like finance or law, you most likely want to have nine to twelve suits. Build your wardrobe around a solid foundation of versatile, well-made suits and then expand based on personal style, work demands and geographic conditions.

Gucci Leather Stripe Loafer

2012-01-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

Gucci leather stripe loafers in dark brown ($460).

Credit cards can be a better deal than debit cards

2012-01-01T14:10:00.001-05:00

For years, consumers have been told that debit cards have more benefits than credit cards. Debit card users don't run the risk of going into debt and damaging their credit score like they do with credit cards, so the story goes. But some experts are beginning to question that logic. For consumers who diligently pay off their credit-card balance each month there's little reason to use debit cards, says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at SmartCredit.com, a credit-monitoring site. They won't incur interest rate charges, or late fees, and they can avoid annual fees by using credit cards that don't charge them.

The reason boils down to rewards. During the recession, credit-card rewards programs were cut back significantly but they started to make a comeback about a year and a half ago. This year, competition has intensified, and credit-card rewards are becoming more generous while debit-card rewards are fading. Credit-card rewards have become attractive in part because they're not subject to the new lower interchange fee that debit cards have, says Feddis. Chase, for instance, offers 1% cash back on all purchases made with its credit cards -- twice what its now-defunct debit rewards program paid. (Two Chase cards offer up to 5% cash back on certain purchases.)

Meanwhile, Capital One's Venture credit card lets users rack up airline miles quickly. A cardholder who charges $20 will get 40 airline mile points. Compare that to the Capital One Rewards debit card that awards between 5 and 20 airline mile points for a $20 purchase. A Capital One spokeswoman says changes in the debit landscape have had no effect on its credit-card marketing activities and that both cards launched prior to regulatory changes that impacted debit cards. She adds that debit-card rewards also accumulate when consumers arrange for direct deposits to their checking account and use the account to pay bills online.

Just something to think about.

Street Style!

2011-12-31T12:38:00.003-05:00

Six Tips for Six Pack Abs

2011-12-29T12:07:00.000-05:00

Six Tips for Six Pack Abs from one on the most recognizable celebrity personal trainers, natural bodybuilders, and fitness models--- Ulisses Williams, Jr.

Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011-12-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

The Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee HPE800 ($235,000) takes Jeep's top-of-the-line SUV and turns it into a veritable speed demon by expanding the factory Hemi V8 from 6.4 to 7.0 L and adding in a twin-turbo forced induction system to achieve 805 hp and a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds. Of course, all that power isn't useful if you can't harness it, which is why it also boasts an upgraded transmission system, 15.1-inch Brembo brakes in the front and rear, and a lowered, more sporty suspension, and to make sure no one mistakes it for the "regular" version, it also packs lighter alloy wheels, a carbon fiber front end, and a custom leather interior with an Alcantara steering wheel. It'll arrive in 24 well-appointed garages next year.

How Seaweed Can Save Your Skin

2011-12-23T07:05:00.000-05:00

Balms and serums containing sea ingredients will last longer if you store them in the fridge. Side benefit: They'll feel amazing when you apply them.

"Marine ingredients like algae, moss, and kelp are chock-full of vitamins that help with cell turnover. They also have moisturizing properties, help skin appear less wrinkly, and feel soothing, especially after shaving," said Amy Wechsler, dermatologist and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection.

Some products to consider are:

1. The Art of Shaving Ocean Kelp Shave Cream
$22, theartofshaving.com
Kelp extract and coconut oil create a luxurious lather.

2. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Transformer
$30, kiehls.com
Amino-acid-rich blue algae reduces pores.

3. Anthony Algae Facial Cleanser
$36, anthony.com
A restorative daily wash with algae, aloe, and lavender.

4. La Mer Radiant Serum
$250, lamer.com
Brown algae and antioxidants target dark spots and brighten skin tone.

5. H2O Plus Oasis Men Oil-Free Post Shave Balm
$20, h2oplus.com
Soothes your face with menthyl lactate and brown sea kelp.

6. La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Revitalizing Emulsion
$135, laprairieGreen microalgae improves elasticity.

Holiday Gift Idea: Touchscreen Crock-Pot

2011-12-20T11:27:00.001-05:00

If you are like me you're still struggling with last minute gift ideas for friends who seem to have everything. Here's one I just ran across, because everyone has to eat right? The Crock-Pot Touchscreen Slow Cooker. Think of it as a ‘starter’ chef. With a removable stoneware pot and glass lid, its a favorite supper-maker can cook up hearty meals and serve them table side with this all-in-one ensemble. Cookbook included – the chef’s hat is not. Crock-Pot® Touchscreen Slow Cooker, $129.99

Classic Old School Style with A Modern Twist

2011-12-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

BKc “Green Mile” Shawl Collar Cardigan: A beautifully hand constructed, 100% lambswool knit cardigan, embellished with leather buttons and felt “1920″ BKc applique. Available at the Brooklyn Circus ($270).

Aveda Men Pure-Formance hair care

2011-12-15T00:04:00.003-05:00

Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shampoo & Conditioner is PH balanced for men andmade specifically for men. It’s clinically proven to leave your scalp feeling calmer, healthier, less irritated and less itchy.

Seventy-two percent of users experienced a reduction in oiliness and greasiness, while 65% experienced a reduction in scalp dryness and itchiness.

Overall, it smells great, gives a nice tingle to let you know it’s working, and best of all it gets the job done!

Street Style!

2011-12-14T13:10:00.001-05:00

Jay-Z is not the kind of celebrity that frets over a style, or thinks too much about how he can dress memorably for the moment. Yet, his personal style exudes a kind of confidence and assurance that he's comfortable with what he wears. That's "swag"!

Shaka King NY: S/S 2012

2011-12-11T09:15:00.001-05:00

As temperatures continue to fall across the country, menswear designer Shaka King (SKNY) decided to heat things up in Atlanta by unveiling his Spring Summer 2012 collection.

King continues with his muted tones, but takes a slight departure from his signature style with this scoop front top with contrasting color on the sleeve.

Sock It To Me!

2011-12-09T19:15:00.001-05:00

Wool. Merino wool. Lambswool. Cashmere. Generally, these cold weather fabrics are associated with luxurious men’s furnishings that include an array of sweaters: v necks, crew necks, turtlenecks, and any other type of neck that a gentleman could think of. Well, it is time to extend the consideration to an unlikely accessory-your socks. Yes, socks. Toes are not magically shielded from winter temperatures. Woolen socks can provide some much needed warmth when walking chilly sidewalks. Time to momentarily set aside your trusty cotton partners and give a stylish woolen pair an equal chance.

Street Style!

2011-12-06T07:15:00.001-05:00

How to Throw an Awesome Holiday Party

2011-12-03T00:11:00.001-05:00

While throwing parties is often seen as the responsibility of our female counterparts, men—particularly bachelors–have a long history of throwing memorable shindigs. The 1949 edition of Esquire’s Handbook for Hosts says: “Granting that you are a bachelor and not a hermit…you are going to entertain pretty regularly in the apartment and not spend all of your time prowling after a pair of nylon legs.” The book goes on to teach the reader how to cook an impressive meal, mix and serve drinks like a pro, and entertain guests with conversation, games, and even fortune telling.

Unfortunately, this kind of education in being the consummate host, along with the art of hospitality in general, is sorely lacking for the modern man.

So today we'll discuss some of the basics of how to host a great party. Since this is one of the most popular and best times of year to do so, we’ll be focusing on throwing a holiday party, but most of the tips will also apply to throwing a soiree any old time.

First, pick a party type or theme.

The type of party you decide to throw will depend on how large or small you’d like the gathering to be, how formal or informal you want it, your budget, and the personality and interests of you and your friends. Here are a few ideas:

Cocktail Party
A cocktail party is a semi-formal affair that takes place earlier in the evening, say between 5 and 7, or 6 and 8, and this party can serve as a get-together before another event later in the evening. Cocktails (obviously) and beer are served, and you might like to set yourself up as the charming home bartender to dispense these drinks. You’ll want to offer light snacks or hors d’oeuvres along with the beverages.

The menu usually includes a choice of dishes, with a minimum one hot, one cold, one salad, one bread, one beverage, fruit and/or cheese and/or dessert. Nothing served should require a knife, be impossible to manipulate on knee-balanced plate.

The Sit-Down Dinner

A good option for those who want a classy, but more structured and intimate gathering. For a nice sit-down dinner, invite a group of friends to break bread with you, and serve them a multi-course meal—at least soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. Offer wine or beer before and during the meal, and coffee afterwards along with dessert.

Special Theme Parties

White Elephant Gift Exchange
Everybody brings a wrapped gift to the party (usually something cheap and/or funny). People then draw numbers (as many numbers as there are people). The person who gets number one, gets to choose the first gift and unwrap it. The next person can then choose to either “steal” the gift the first person opened or pick one of the wrapped gifts. This goes on with each consecutive person being able to choose from the things that have already been opened or from the unwrapped pile. If someone “steals” your gift, you can then choose to steal someone else’s (but you cannot steal back the gift that was just taken from you) or draw from the pile. And so on and so forth.

Christmas Lights Tour

Many companies charge big bucks to drive people around in a limo to look at the best lights in town. But you can save money by becoming your own tour guide instead. Borrow your friend’s old Suburban or rent a giant van and map out a route through town that will take you past the homes with the nicest light displays. Then have your friends over for a bite to eat, load them in the car, turn on some Christmas tunes, and become their personal tour guide to holiday wonderment.

To add another element of fun, try playing some Christmas Light Bingo. Make up some bingo cards with squares with things like:

Christmas tree seen through house window
Christmas tree in city park
Animatronic reindeer
Nativity scene
House in all blue lights
Santa

And so on. Provide your passengers with some bingo dabbers. The first person who gets bingo wins a prize.

Caroling
If you have friends who are outgoing and not afraid to do things less-sentimental folks consider “cheesy,” give a caroling get-together a try. Meet at your place, and then go out to do some caroling around the neighborhood. If someone plays an instrument, tell them to bring it along. When you’re done caroling, have everyone come back to your house for some eggnog, hot chocolate, and cookies.

For a twist on the caroling tradition, try a caroling scavenger hunt. Divide your guests into teams and give them a list of places to carol: a hospital, old folks home, hotel lobby, shopping mall, restaurant, etc. Assign each location points based on hard it will be to get in there and carol. In each place the team goes to, they must sing 1-3 carols and have someone there sign off that they did it. The team that returns at a set time with the most points wins.

Tree Trimming
Invite your friends over to help you trim your Christmas tree. String the lights on the tree before they get there (putting on the lights is a real fun killer). When your friends arrive, put on some Christmas tunes and hang up the ornaments together. If you or one of your friends knows how to tickle the ivories, take time to gather around the piano and sing some carols. When you’re done decorating, provide people with grub and beverages for a job well done.

World AIDS Day: Retailers Join Forces To Raise Awareness

2011-12-01T00:44:00.001-05:00

Today is World AIDS day, a day for people worldwide to unite and fight HIV, support those living with the virus and remember those who have died. Once again, some fashion retailers are getting involved by releasing special clothing items to support the cause.

Gap, for instance, is offering a special-edition Anchored in Hope (PRODUCT) RED T men's shirt in charcoal gray for $24.95. Fifty percent of the profits will be donated to the Global Fund.

Nike has come out with a Nike (RED) x World AIDS Day collection that includes special-edition Cheyenne backpacks, peacoat-style Destroyer jackets and a Nike (RED) Zoom Meriwether shoe. The collection will be available at select stores starting Dec. 1 and online.

The Black Leather Bomber Jacket

2011-11-27T19:16:00.001-05:00

Black leather bomber jackets are making a comeback this season. Popularized by fighter pilots during World War II, this jacket has just the right bones. The 2011 version is all-black (ditch the Indiana Jones brown!) with just enough military details to keep the macho mojo going. Wear it in all the ways hip-hop head-turner J. Cole does here—and keep it on inside the club to drop a bomb on the competition.

Miami Beach's Delano Hotel the Jewel of the Beach

2011-11-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

The original icon of South Beach as we know it, Delano has a hearty dose of the flash, sass and sophistication that everybody heads to Miami for. From the moment guests saunter up the breezy stairs and into the dramatic, billowing white-draped lobby (the brainchild of acclaimed designer Philippe Starck), the surreal trip begins.

While it’s considered an Art Deco “boutique hotel,” Delano has almost as much to offer as any resort you’d find in Vegas, with enough enticing facilities to keep you on-site the whole trip. There’s the sexy Rose bar (with its highly social pool table), an indoor-outdoor penthouse spa/solarium, and the stunning palm-ringed pool, with its soothing underwater music and its signature: seemingly floating silver table and chairs. Alice in Wonderland–style whimsy is everywhere, including the poolside “orchard” — a landscaped lawn dotted with such curiosities as an antique daybed and oversize chessboard.For sushi, there’s the Blue Sea; for sumptuous seafood, there’s master chef Claude Troigros’s elegant Blue Door Fish; for more casual brasserie fare and late-night dining, there’s Plat Bleu; and for late-night mingling and live music, there’s the Kravitz–designed The Florida Room piano lounge, a hot spot since it arrived on the SoBe scene.

Tim Andreas and Banjo AD revamped the spa and the guestrooms, expanding on Starck’s original vision. Gone is the severe white-on-white-on-white milieu; in its place is an enhanced, updated palette and a new, casual opulence.

AT&T Drops Bid to Buy T-Mobile

2011-11-26T01:03:00.001-05:00

Thursday, AT&T issued a formal statement withdrawing its intent to merger with T-Mobile. The company had previously agreed acquire T-Mobile for $39 billion. Yesterday, on Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S., AT&T released a statement announcing its intention to withdraw its request from the FCC.

Fight Holiday Bulge With This Fat Burning Vid

2011-11-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

Just in time for the Holidays and New Year’s resolutions, our friend Brandon Carter has put together a new Abs / Fat Burning workout video designed burn off some of the calories you gain at the dinner table and office parties.

2013 CADILLAC XTS

2011-11-23T10:22:00.000-05:00

It's about time Caddy got around to updating its flagship sedan, and update they did. The 2013 Cadillac XTS ($TBA) replaces both the aging (and hideously ugly) DTS and STS, breathing fresh air into the company's full-size lineup with all-new styling, the company's all-new CUE infotainment system — think multitouch and proximity sensors — and, surely, plenty of other goodies that have yet to be announced. Expect to see it in showrooms early next year.

Converse All Star Coated Sneakers

2011-11-22T21:01:00.001-05:00

"Chuck, meet Boots. Boots, meet Chuck." Okay, so that's probably not how these Converse All Star Coated Canvas Sneakers ($70-$80) came to be, but the concept isn't far off. Available in tall and normal varieties, these kicks combine the classic Chuck outline with coated canvas uppers, D-Ring eyelets, leather ankle patches, and rounded boot laces. Just the thing for pairing with jeans and a hoodie on a gloomy winter day.

LA Fitness Acquires 171 Bally Total Fitness Clubs

2011-11-21T19:40:00.001-05:00

Health and fitness club members throughout the country could soon notice changes to their fitness clubs as consolidation in the industry continues to take place. This afternoon, LA Fitness, announced it is acquiring 171 clubs from Bally Total Fitness, for $153 million.

The acquisition involves Bally clubs in 16 states plus the District of Columbia. The deal is expected to be completed on Nov. 30. After completion of the transaction, Bally will continue to operate its remaining 100 clubs.

The states in which the Bally clubs have been acquired are Arizona, California (Southern California), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon,

Pennsylvania, Washington, the District of Columbia and certain locations in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.

For part of this year, Bally had been in talks with Gold’s Gym International, Irving, TX. Officials from both companies met in early August in Chicago. According to a source, among the topics that were discussed were Bally’s club operations, facilities, real estate and finances. Gold’s was to visit about 40 Bally clubs, according to a source. But talks of a possible Gold's acquisition of Bally cooled later.

The LA Fitness acquisition of Bally marks the second big deal in the industry in the past four days. On Tuesday, Life Time Fitness, Chanhassen, MN, announced it had acquired four clubs operated by Lifestyle Family Fitness, St. Petersburg, FL, in Ohio and Indiana and that it could acquire up to another five in North Carolina.

In August, Equinox, New York, announced it was purchasing four The Sports Club/LA clubs from The Sports Club Co., Los Angeles. That deal went for $130 million, according to a source, and was finalized in October.

Fight Flu/Burn Fat With This One-pot Meal

2011-11-21T14:26:00.001-05:00

Ingredients
900g beef

200g mushrooms
1 butternut squash
3 turnips
2 tbsp tomato purée
125ml red wine
2 onions
285ml beef stock

Beef up your immunity
Escape the flu epidemic by loading up on a recipe tailor-made for fighting back. Beef offers good-quality protein as well as zinc, which has been shown to cut the severity of cold and flu symptoms. The squash contains beta-carotene, and the mushrooms are bolstered with cytokines – both are powerful natural remedies that build your body’s antiviral defences. When your office is under public health lockdown, you’ll be the only one who doesn’t need a protective suit.

Method
Fry the onion in oil for 3 minutes, then add the meat, veg and other ingredients, along with half a pint of beef stock. Stir together, bring to the boil, then cover and place in the oven at 160˚C for 3 hours or until the meat falls apart on your fork.

Street Style!

2011-11-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Bo' Diddley Diddley Dee, RIP the Overweight Lover

2011-11-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Heavy D, or Dwight Arrington Myers, was a rapper from a time when horns weren't used ironically musically, when the idea of a hip-hop ballad was new and taken ever so seriously, just as sunglasses inside. Choreographed dancing and rapping were practices not entirely opposed; they were celebrated. For that time, and until he passed away one week ago today, Heavy D was a man who owned what he was —

take, for instance, his own line from "Gyrlz, They Love Me" (How can that big old boy get all them womens?), or, you know, that yellow suit up there — and created his own success from it. Which is something we believe in, and is something like a style legacy.

While Heavy D may have transitioned from this life to the next, at the very least, we know "Now That We Found Love" will play on at house parties as long as people can appreciate getting the party started....

Thinking About Starting a Business? Read This

2011-11-15T19:06:00.001-05:00

With the U.S. and global economy pretty much stuck on stupid, and upwards of 15 million Americans unemployed or underemployed, rightfully, many are faced with creating their own job rather than joining the topsy turvy job market again.

But, most new business startups fail. But many of those failures are preventable. Enter "The Lean Startup", EricRies' latest book, which offers a fresh new approach being adopted across the globe, changing the way companies are built and new products are launched.

Ries defines a startup as an organization dedicated to creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty. This is just as true for one person in a garage or a group of seasoned professionals in a Fortune 500 boardroom.
What they have in common is a mission to penetrate that fog of uncertainty to discover a successful path to a sustainable business. The Lean Startup approach fosters companies that are both more capital efficient and that leverage human creativity more effectively. Inspired by lessons from lean manufacturing, it relies on “validated learning,” rapid scientific experimentation, as well as a number of counter-intuitive practices that shorten product development cycles, measure actual progress without resorting to vanity metrics, and learn what customers really want. It enables a company to shift directions with agility, altering plans inch by inch, minute by minute. Rather than wasting time creating elaborate business plans, The Lean Startup offers entrepreneurs - in companies of all sizes - a way to test their vision continuously, to adapt and adjust before it’s too late. Ries provides a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in a age when companies need to innovate more than ever.

For those expecting a detailed step-by-step roadmap of the Lean Startup, you're likely to be disappointed. The subject is simply too large to be covered in one book, and many of the individual concepts have already been covered in other sources, which Ries does a great job of suggesting. Importantly, this book is not a laundry list of steps on the path to success, and the book never presents itself as such. What it does do is lay out a framework with which you should approach your startup, and some specific considerations that need to be made throughout its evolution. That in itself makes this book worth checking out.

Andrew Nowell F/W 20111

2011-11-14T13:02:00.001-05:00

More from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection of Washington, DC based menswear designer Andrew Nowell .

BMW to Introduce Electric/Hybrid Cars in 2014

2011-11-10T06:17:00.000-05:00

BMW recently previewed is i3 and i8 electric cars which will be introduced in 2014. The i3 electric car is capable of traveling from 0-62 mph in less than 8 seconds, and its high-speed charger can power the vehicle up to 80% capacity in an hour flat. The spacious interior of the i3 is well equipped for daily driving needs – it seats four and has a boot capacity of 200 liters. The i3 also makes sustainable strides in terms of its material use – the interior is outfitted in renewable raw materials like natural fibers, and all leathers used are naturally tanned.

The BMW i8 concept is a sexy plug-in hybrid sports car built to bring drivers high performance thrills with a low-carbon footprint. The vehicle’s drivetrain combines a modified version of the i3′s electric drive system in the front with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine that produces 220 hp at the rear. This hybrid system gives the hybrid electric car impressive torque for a fast acceleration time of 0-62 mph in less than five seconds, while allowing it to travel for 20-30 miles in all-electric mode – perfect for making quick trips around town.

For longer trips, the i8′s combustion engine kicks in and works with the electric drive to allow the car to travel 250-350 miles on a single tank of gas. In terms of mileage, the i8 is able to eek out as much as 94 mpg, with customer fuel consumption expected to fall between 40.4 – 56.5 mpg when driven hard. The vehicles were engineered to have a very low center of gravity, an optimized 50/50 weight distribution, and an ultra lightweight set of components that cancel out the extra weight added by the electric drive system.

Gold -- The Season's Hot New Color

2011-11-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

Style mavens across the universe are calling "gold" the new "it' color of the season. Worn properly, the vivid color is a great way to set yourself apart.

Three Golden Rules:

1. A little goes a long way, so wear only one gold piece (whether it's a jacket, socks, or trousers) per outfit.

2. Unless you're trying to look like a dandy, pair it with neutral shades like white, gray, and navy.

3. In addition to wearing the color as a solid, try it in patterns—like a blue-and-gold-striped university scarf.

Pulling A Look Together with Accessories

2011-11-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

Gold bracelets, sunglasses, and wallets can bring an outfit to life in ways that standard black and brown can't. Look for rich, deep hues rather than blinding yellows.

Clockwise from top: Sunglasses ($165) by Illesteva. Wallet ($150) by Acne. Lapel pins ($500) by Cast of Vices. Cuff links ($265) by Giles and Brother. Bracelet ($240) by Eddie Borgo. Cuff ($6,500) by David Yurman. Bracelet ($63) by Cast of Vices.

Hold It Together With Calvin Klein Body Sculpting Underwear

2011-11-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

Winter is coming, and along with it, a few extra inches of holiday girth, thanks to all those fireside Manhattans and your coworker's addictive Christmas cookies. While adding a few more sit-ups to your workout routine, consider Calvin Klein's new Core Sculpt underwear. Unlike older, overall silhouette shapers, Core Sculpt's T-shirts and tank tops are designed with a compression fabric that focuses on the core area—managing to flatten the gut—while mesh inserts improve breathability. Slip one on under your wool sweater and no one will be the wiser—till spring, that is.

($55-60.00 at Calvin Klein.com and select Nordstrom stores.)

Street Style!

2011-11-06T16:55:00.001-05:00

I'm not really sure that white T-shirts will ever go out of style, but this young man gives his v-neck white T and bit of personal style that is all his own. Truly, all of us should develop a sense of personal style and confidence and own our look as this guy does.

Protecting Your Lips From the Winter Cold

2011-11-04T06:21:00.000-04:00

With cooler weather quickly approaching, putting a layer of protection on your lips is just as important as layering your clothes. Although some lip balms are more effective than others, all were created to do one thing, and that is to heal and protect your lips. Here is a quick guide to help you choose a good lip balm.

Know your place - Depending on where you live, a dry climate, windy city, or just a cooler place, choose one designed for where you live. For example, drier and sunnier climates suggest sunscreen, while colder climates call for moisture rich, oil-based balms.
Keep it natural - No need to stress yourself over all the fancy names and ingredients. If you stick with balms made with natural ingredients, you shouldn’t have to worry about your already chapped lips feeling irritated.
Keep it oily - Vegetable oils, like sunflower seed and olive, are great ingredients to look for in a lip balm. Vegetable oils promote healing, and restore your natural oil production.

So there you have it. Protect your lips, and that’s one less thing you have to worry about on that first date!

Cashmere: Keeps you Warm in Style

2011-11-02T07:26:00.000-04:00

In an effort to maintain a respectable level of masculinity, your average gentleman tends to shy away from attire that may be deemed too delicate or effeminate. And that is perfectly fine if that is your preference and those are your rules. A notable exception to your rules: cashmere. The elegant epitome of cold weather refinement, this majestic offering from the Kashmir goat should definitely enjoy extended residency in your closet. If you are purchasing cashmere for the first time, your first encounter will probably involve some variety of winter sweater.

Here are few selections you should have in your dresser drawer and how you should be wearing them.
Gentlemen, we are wearing turtlenecks again. Under blazers. Under sport coats. Or simply by themselves. Because, we all know that the right kind of turtleneck is undeniably cool; we are talking Samuel L. Jackson circa year 2000 John Shaft cool. Not bad company to be in. Just ensure that you keep the silhouette tailored to your fit and the colors relatively dark.

The most desirable attribute that well-dressed gentlemen primarily seek in cashmere is its signature luxurious softness. However, one would be remiss to forget another important quality: durability. To be sure, your cashmere sweater should be supremely resilient. Therefore, selecting a sweater with two-ply construction would be in your best interest. Two-ply simply means that two cashmere yarns have been spun together to produce a significantly sturdy piece of thread.

Even if you haven’t exactly secured that corner office yet, and a sport coat & blazer may be a smidgen too much for your cubicle. Nevertheless, a cashmere cardigan married with woolen trousers, pressed khakis, or tailored denim will keep you from looking like a financially distressed college student.

Will & Jada Smith to Produce new Talk Show for Queen Latifah

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

Black star power is aligning again for Queen Latifah to host a new daytime talk show produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Latifah, Shakim Compere and their production company Flavor Unit will reportedly team up with Will Smith and James Lassiter’s Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television. Together, along with Jada, the group will serve as executive producers to the project.

This wouldn’t be the first time Latifah has worked with the Smiths. Many remember her guest role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airopposite Will. And Latifah and Jada shared the spotlight in 1996′s Set It Off.

Hopefully her stint as a talk show host will last longer than her previous efforts; she hosted The Queen Latifah Show (1999-2001) which only aired for two seasons.

The show is scheduled for a fall 2013 premiere.

BlackBerry Teams with Porsche on New Phone

2011-10-30T21:49:00.000-04:00

For the discriminating BlackBerry fan, the Bold 9900 isn't the ultimate BBM-running device, now it's the limited edition Porsche Design P'9981 from BlackBerry.

The P'9981 has the same internal specifications as the BlackBerry Bold 9900, but it sports a unique look and feel — styled by Porsche Design. At $2,000 US, its also 10 times as expensive as the Bold.

Don't get me wrong — the phone is beautiful. The design is sleek and futuristic and retro all at the same time. But $US2000? If you really need a phone to match your vintage 911 or Boxster Spyder, this might be the phone for you. Ah, who are we kidding? It's still a BlackBerry.

Orlando Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort

2011-10-24T10:58:00.003-04:00

Built in 1984, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress well before Orlando became what it is today is an affordable vacation get away (currently running about $135 a night). Following an extensive $45 million renovation of all 815 guestrooms and suites earlier this year, the megaresort is an attractive option for families who want all the spoils of a theme park vacation, and then some.

The sprawling resort occupies 1,500 acres just beyond the Disney enclave, complete with hiking trails and a private lake. And its location just off the interstate is minutes from area attractions — and only 15 miles from downtown — making it the ideal home base for vacationers seeking more than a Mickey sighting.

The 800,000-gallon lagoon-style swimming pool is a great spot for families.

Upstairs, the rooms are styled with contemporary dark wood furniture and thoughtful amenities, including iPod charging stations and flat-screen televisions. Dale Chihuly–inspired artwork hangs on the walls, and the oversize showers have rainfall showerheads and are clad in glass tile.

Guests have their pick of on-site dining options, including Hemingway’s for seafood (the seared Florida red snapper and signature crab cakes are nice options) and the White Horse Sports Bar & Grill for a more low-key meal. In the morning, grab brunch at the scenic Palm Café, which overlooks Lake Windsong — then hit the water in a canoe, sailboat, paddleboat or kayak, all of which are included in the resort fee.

Camp Hyatt, the resort’s on-site kids club, offers supervised activities (including meals) by the full day, half day or just for the night.

Cremo Moisturizer

2011-10-21T07:05:00.002-04:00

The new Cremo moisturizer ($9), by the folks behind the buzzed-about Cremo shave cream, is a lightweight lotion that provides 24-hour moisture and visibly improves skin. Plus, it's affordable and available at your local CVS or Walgreen's.

The Test Drive

The stuff is easy to work with. Squeeze out an almond-size dollop of the cream, rub it between your palms and it instantly melts into a gel that smoothes over your face easily. It takes just a moment, but once the moisturizer absorbs, there is no sticky residue or greasy shine. What's more, there are no dyes or fragrances to irritate your skin or clash with your cologne.

The Results

This really feels like you don't have anything on at all. At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, your face feels clean and refreshed. There's no stinging sensation, even after shaving. And after a few days, we noticed a reduction in redness and irritation, probably due to

natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like mugwort and aloe. In short: this is our new go-to moisturizer. And at this price, feel free to slather it on every day. The only drawback? There's no SPF, which isn't exactly a dealbreaker.

Debit Card Fees are Coming: How to Avoid Them

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-04:00

Between school ID cards and debit cards many of today's youth may have swiped their way into adulthood. BofA recently announced its intention to charge most customers who use their debt card for purchases a flat monthly fee of $5 starting next year. The bank is also testing a new array of checking accounts with higher fees. SunTrust Banks has followed suit and announced plans to add a $5 monthly debit-card fee for purchases to some accounts and is raising some checking-account fees. Citigroup is raising fees and adding a $1,500 minimum balance on basic checking accounts, though there are ways around it. Not to be out done, Wells Fargo will soon begin testing debit-card fees.

The new and higher fees come as a regulation that took effect this month cut the average fees that merchants pay for debit transactions to about 24 cents from 44 cents. In addition, federal rules that have reined in overdraft fees have cost banks billions of dollars, which they are trying to make up in more-direct consumer charges.

The higher costs will hit young people with modest balances especially hard: A customer with a basic Bank of America checking account who uses a debit card to make purchases would pay $6 or $9 a month for the account, based on current test markets, plus $5 for debit-card use—or up to $168 a year. Already, the average checking account costs $250 to $300 a year to maintain, after including infrastructure, regulatory requirements, security protections and other costs, says Nessa Feddis, senior counsel at the American Bankers Association. Interest income on small accounts offsets only a little of that. "At the end of the day, revenue has to be higher than expenses," she says.

Young people—and even their parents—don't have to stay in financially unhealthy relationships. The changing landscape calls for new rules for your consumer affairs.

• Know your partner. The kind of financial institution you choose can make a big difference. Credit unions are nonprofits. Online banks eschew bricks and mortar, keeping costs down.

• Protect yourself. You should carry cash as well—ideally enough to cover the purchases you would make with a debit card. (The new debit-card fees don't apply to ATM withdrawals.) All of them may offer free checking accounts or charge much lower fees, though you still have to shop around for the right deal. In particular, be sure you have access to convenient ATMs where you won't be charged for withdrawals.

The green stuff is still accepted just about everywhere (except for travel). It works even when the power is out, and when you run out, you run out; by contrast, if you spend more than you have using a debit card, you will pay overdraft fees. You can also write more checks, but, really, who wants to do that?

• Make a commitment. One way to save money on bank fees is to play by the company's rules and use more of its services. Just as you can save money by bundling phone and Internet services, you may be able to save on fees if you have some mix of a credit card, car loan, mortgage, brokerage account or checking account with the same bank. Banks and financial-services firms want more of your business and may reward you for it.

• Compromise. Get a travel- or cash-rewards credit card and use it smartly. Put most of your monthly purchases on the card and set aside money each week to pay for them when the bill is due. You can even pay the bill more often than once a month, if it makes you feel better. Just be sure the full amount is paid by the due date each month.

If you do it right, you might earn enough from credit-card rewards to offset bank fees—and that's the best kind of equitable relationship.

Michael Kors Launches Mens Underwear Line

2011-10-18T08:41:00.001-04:00

Michael Kors is launching a full-scale men’s underwear program this fall as the company continues to expand its men’s business. Starting later this month, guys will be able to gird their loins in Michael Kors-branded undies, "loungewear, and sleepwear," reports WWD when the collection arrives in Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus.

The underwear—boxer briefs and briefs—will come in three-packs and will be priced from $29 to $34. "Fashion styles in microfiber and Modal are displayed on hangers and retail for $28 each," WWD writes. "The line also includes T-shirts, shorts, lounge pants, and pajama bottoms. The color palette is largely black, white, gray, and powder blue with new colors to be injected seasonally."

The iPhone 4S: Faster, More Capable

2011-10-16T12:13:00.001-04:00

Perhaps, the best iPhone yet.

Not surprisingly, there is a lot of talk in the blogosphere about the new iPhone 4S which was two weeks ago. Some pundits seemed underwhelmed. “Where’s the iPhone 5?,” many wondered. Arguing over names is silly — Apple could have easily called this device the “iPhone 5″. Presumably, they chose not to for the same reason that some actually felt underwhelmed: the iPhone 4S looks exactly like the iPhone 4. Fair or not, if a device looks the same, many will assume it is largely the same.

But that would be selling the iPhone 4S well short. While it does look the same as the iPhone 4, the 4S contains innards that are a significant upgrade over the previous model. The two biggest changes are the faster chip — the A5 over the A4 — and the much-improved camera. Combine those with the new iOS 5 software, and you have what will definitely be a worthwhile upgrade for many users. And when you throw in the amazing new voice-driven “intelligent assistant” Siri, it becomes quite a different object.

The A5

First of all, the iPhone 4S blows away the iPhone 4 when it comes to speed. For the past week, I’ve been testing all of my most-used apps and the differences range from solid to awesome. At first glance, the speed difference may seem subtle. But over time, it adds up and becomes apparent. I would switch back to my iPhone 4 and get frustrated by the lag.

Apps that used to take a longer time to perform a task — applying a filter in Camera+, for example — now work much faster. More generally, every app seems to load quite a bit faster. The best way to see this is to load the Settings app that is built into iOS. On the iPhone 4, it can take up to 3 seconds to load. On the iPhone 4S, it loads in less than a second. And the 4S is faster at switching between apps when multi-tasking.

Better still is the performance boost that games get. Apple showcased Infinity Blade 2 during their demo last week, but the improvements to even less graphic-intensive games is impressive. Apple says that graphics can render up to seven times quicker thanks to the A5.

The Camera

This new camera in the iPhone 4S goes above and beyond. If the point and shoot market wasn't in trouble already, it will be now.

Much will be made about the upgrade from 5 megapixels to 8 megapixels with the iPhone 4S. But the bigger difference is the engineering behind the new camera. Apple notes with pride that their engineers were able to completely re-architect this tiny camera to produce images that are on par with the nicest point-and-shoots available. They credit five “precision elements” to record incoming light (versus four in the already excellent iPhone 4 camera) and the inclusion of a larger f/2.4 aperture to bring in more light.

Yep, point-and-shoots are screwed. (In case that wasn’t already abundantly clear.)

Also great is that the iPhone 4S camera can shoot 1080p video for the first time. The iPhone 4 is limited to 720p. The 4S also features video stabilization, to ensure your home videos won’t make viewers want to vomit. Testing this out, it seems to work pretty well.

iOS 5 & iCloud

Considering that Apple has been talking about iOS 5 for several months now, and developers have been testing it out and showing it off for almost that long. I’m not going to focus on it too much. I too have been using a developer build of iOS 5 for months, and it is without question a worthwhile upgrade. If you have an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, you absolutely need to download it immediately. With the iPhone 4S, all the new features simply run faster and a little bit more smoothly.

The best addition to iOS 5 is the revamped Notifications system. Yes, it’s a bit like the system that Android and webOS have had for a while, but once again, Apple took their time to make sure they did this right. Gone are the annoying blue pop-ups that would get lost when another notification came in. Now you have a full-on notification center to keep track of everything you miss when you’re away from your phone or simply not in the mood to check it. Again, having used it for a few months now, I’m spoiled. There is no way I could go back to the old system.

Other key new features of iOS 5 including Twitter integration, the new iMessage (SMS killer), Reminders (an Apple-built to-do list), and a faster version of the Safari web browser.

But the biggest change of iOS 5 may be that you can now setup and manage your iOS device without having to use a PC or a Mac at all. When you boot up a new device, a short tutorial walks you through how to enable the services you wish to use, and activate your phone. It’s quick and painless.

You can also now use iCloud to back up your phone and for the don’t-call-it-syncing of your data. iTunes in the Cloud and Photo Stream are great additions for people who simply do not want to manage content through the iTunes desktop software. Apple comes closer to an “it just works” system than anything I’ve seen previously. Regular people will be able to use this.

Siri

All of that sounds great. And these things would be enough to get millions of people to buy an iPhone 4S without any questions asked. But the true killer feature of the device is Siri.

Yes, others have done voice controls before — even Apple has had them baked into iOS for a few years. But most, including Apple’s previous attempt, have been awful. Others, like Google’s voice services built into Android, are decent. Siri is great.

In the coming weeks and months, we’re going to hear: “both fill-in-the-blank-Android-phone and the iPhone 4S have voice control functionality”. But that’s like saying both Citizen Kane and BioDome are films. True on paper. Decidedly less true when you have to actually experience them.

You really have to use it yourself to see just how great Siri actually is. Using it for the past week, I’ve done everything from getting directions, to sending emails, to sending text messages, to looking up information on WolframAlpha, to getting restaurant recommendations on Yelp, to taking notes, to setting reminders, to setting calendar appointments, to setting alarms, to searching the web. The amount of times Siri hasn’t been able to understand and execute my request is astonishingly low. I’ll say something that I’m sure Siri won’t be able to understand, and it gets it.

A number of folks have written that while Siri looks good, it seems like a feature that gives good demo but won’t actually get used. I disagree. I think this is a feature that will sell the device. And I think all of Apple’s rivals will have to act quickly to counter it. We’ve all seen the science fiction television shows and films where people talk to their computers like human beings and the computer understands them. That future is now.

Further, I do believe Siri has a real shot at disrupting the stranglehold Google has on mobile search. No one is going to beat Google at their own game, but with Siri, Apple has a way to change the game. Right now, just Yelp and Wolfram Alpha are partners. But this is just a first release of Siri — it’s actually in “beta”. Just imagine what will happen when Apple partners with other services to expand Siri further. And imagine when they have an API that any developer can use. This really could alter the mobile landscape.

To activate Siri, you simply hold down the home button for a couple seconds (similar to the old voice controls). Or there’s a setting you can turn on so that when you bring your iPhone 4S up to your ear, it will activate Siri. Obviously, if you’re on a call, it knows not to do this.

The one downside of Siri: because it uses server-side software to decipher what you’re saying, you have to be connected to the Internet in order for Siri to work. But that shouldn’t be an issue in most circumstances.

Before you ask: no, Siri will not be available as part of the iOS 5 upgrade for other devices. It will be an iPhone 4S-only feature. Apple is vague as to why this is, but they do say that part of it has to do with processing power. I also asked about the possibility of Siri coming to the iPad 2 (which has the same A5 chip) — I was told that for now, Siri will be iPhone 4S only.

“So”

Those are the key elements on the iPhone 4S, in my mind. Each of them makes the iPhone 4S a worthy purchase in their own right. But it’s Siri that really puts it over the top.

As for upgrades, it’s a tougher call. If you already have an iPhone 4 and still have time left on your two-year contract, it will be a pricey decision to upgrade to an iPhone 4S — especially since you’ll get the iOS 5 features (again, minus Siri) as an upgrade for free. If either speed or the camera are of the utmost importance to you, you should upgrade. If not, go to an Apple Store and see for yourself just how cool Siri is and then decide.

If you’ve had an iPhone 3GS and have been waiting a couple years for the next iPhone to come out, now’s the time to upgrade. If you’re worried just because this is not called the “iPhone 5″ , you’re being foolish.

If you’ve never owned an iPhone before and the 4S will be your first one, you’ll love it. I suspect that millions of Verizon and Sprint customers in the U.S. are going to be in this bucket.

As a bonus: the one issue I’ve had with my Verizon iPhone 4 is that it’s basically useless in much of the rest of the world (which uses GSM, not CDMA). But the iPhone 4S is both GSM and CDMA compatible. Even if you’re a Verizon (or Sprint) customer, you can take it overseas and use it there (for an undoubtedly large carrier fee).

As for battery life, the 4S seems solid. That’s impressive given the faster processor. I would get about 7 hours in heavy usage over mainly 3G on any given day. If I was only on WiFi, more. Apple’s own specs do note that standby battery time has decreased a bit, but it’s not something I noticed enough to make note of.

Leading up to last week’s event, like everyone else, I kept reading the rumors about a new iPhone with a larger screen and completely different form factor. Quite frankly, I was hoping they were wrong. The iPhone 4′s design is the pinnacle of smartphone design in my opinion. I simply could not imagine how they could alter it to make it better. Even making it thinner would mean that it wouldn’t fit as nicely in your hands for taking pictures. Android fanboys are going to love that statement.

I’m happy that Apple decided not to change the form factor even though they had to know there would be some backlash from a certain segment of the population. Instead, Apple focused on the other thing they do best: refining already great products to make them better. The iPhone 4 was a great product. The best smartphone ever made. Now it cedes that title to the iPhone 4S.

Blue Claw Co. Worton Weekender Bag

2011-10-14T07:46:00.001-04:00

Blue Claw Co. is an upstart bag company out of Maryland that was born out of an inspiring trip to Argentina. Their current line is made entirely in the USA and provide an upscale look without breaking the bank. Leather and ballistic nylon are two of our favorite bag materials, and the Worton Weekender contains both. It’s the brand’s largest bag and features an easy to clean, waterproof liner to protect your possessions rain or shine. (About $315)

Street Style!

2011-10-11T09:03:00.000-04:00

Olga De Nogga Fall/Winter 2011

2011-10-09T13:08:00.002-04:00

Designer Olga De Nooga debuted some of here new menswear collection during DC Fashion Week's Menswear September 24, 2011 at the Washington Post Building. Olga's collect can best be described as bright, bold, elegant, luxury. More of her designs after the jump.

Get Back Into Training With These Four Lifts

2011-10-07T07:29:00.001-04:00

Life happens. Whether you’re a student whose summer vacation derailed your discipline or a family man with more important things to focus on than your bench press, various circumstances are always conspiring to keep you from your workouts. If you’re ready to head back into the gym, we’ll meet you halfway with this program, which will help you add muscle and strength fast while focusing only on the most essential exercises.

When you’re just getting back into the swing of things. Its best to focus on just four lifts—the deadlift, front squat, chin-up, and overhead press—and get good at them. These exercises will be all you need to see muscle and strength gains for a long time to come.

On day one start with the deadlift heavy, the front squat with moderate weight, and the press and chin-up light. The next workout, the front squat will be heavy, the deadlift light, and so on. This will help you avoid getting too tired your first time back in the gym, and will allow you to prioritize one lift at a time to master good technique.

Perform the workout three times per week, resting at least a day between each session. (Approximate Time Needed: 40 mins)

Off Topic: So long friend !!

2011-10-06T02:47:00.001-04:00

Wow! It felt like I’d just been slapped in the face this evening when i heard the news that Steve Jobs, the tech industry’s one true icon, was gone — taken from us far too soon, at the age of 56.

But There it was: On Twitter. In my email. On the Apple homepage .

Say what you will about the dynamic maverick who built and rebuilt Apple over the course of four decades, but Steve Jobs was a visionary. A maker of things. A doer who intimately understood the excitement of a new product. How the interchange of 1s and 0s could produce a sublime piece of software. Steve Jobs got all this. We admired him for it. Some loved him for it. None of us will forget him for it.

So long friend, we'll miss you.

Kicks with Style: New Balance newSKY

2011-10-02T18:20:00.001-04:00

New Balance released their brand new silhouette, newSKY on October 1 at Nordstrom, Shop New Balance, and New Balance stores. Constructed out of 95% PET (post-consumer plastic bottles) these sneakers are so eco-friendly it hurts. New Balance’s aim with newSKY is to represent an innovative, yet fashionable, approach to both material and shoe design as part of a greater effort to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for today’s consumer who is looking to maximize their style while minimizing their environmental impact.

Andrew Nowell Menswear Fall/ Winter 2011

2011-10-01T11:35:00.004-04:00

Washington DC's budding fashion industry continues to turn heads as designers showcased their works September 24, 2011. One of our favorite designers Andrew Nowell Menswear showed this denim top coat, with wide lapels, and removable sleeves.

More from Nowell's Fall/Winter 2011 collection after the jump.

Nowell's collections can be best described as modern, sexy, masculine, and edgy. He draws inspiration from the illustrations of Tom of Finland, 125th Street in Harlem, (Rock Band) Nine Inch Nails and Saville Row.

Kicks with Style: Adidas Samoa

2011-09-28T07:19:00.004-04:00

First introduced as an '80s training shoe, the adidas Samoa is back in a street-ready version. A retro suede overlay on the toe box, reinforced rubber toe, and full-grain leather build give this reissue an authentic look and feel. The updated look also makes it a fall must have (about $55 US).

Street Style!

2011-09-26T14:09:00.002-04:00

Bell & Ross Vintage Redefined

2011-09-22T11:37:00.000-04:00

Bell & Ross has created an elegant yet rugged vintage looking, but style, but more refined timepiece for its latest collection. The watch takes inspiration from those worn by WWI pilots, who needed a precision instrument without all the bulk required by those on the ground. You can see all the pieces at Bell & Ross Online.

RazoRock: Aftershave Wax

2011-09-20T00:44:00.000-04:00

Post shave or “Refresh” (as my barber likes to call it), is the final step in making sure that your newly shaved face is equipped with the right tools to combat shaving irritation.
The company RazoRock, designed a 100% natural handmade aftershave wax that does just that: heal and moisturize! Packed with more essential oils than I have ever seen in an after shave product, the following oils make the product what it is: Lavender, Coriander, Juniper, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Patchouli, Fir Needle and Lemon.

Andrew Nowell Menswear

2011-09-18T17:08:00.000-04:00

Washington DC Menswear designer Andrew Nowell showed some of his stunning designs at the recent Washington DC Fashion and Beauty Expo. Here's a short behind the scenes his spring/summer 2011 collection at DC Fashion Week 2010 recently.

Nowell is one of my favorite menswear designers and certainly one worth watching.

Lessons in Layering

2011-09-17T08:17:00.000-04:00

When it comes to fall wardrobes, it's easy to end up layering on things purely for pragmatic reasons—it's cold in the morning or it's raining when you leave. So it's not hard to find yourself piled under a mismatched set of clothes. But if you want to layer up like a proper gentleman, look no further than new French label Ami. After all, who has mastered that art of layering better than the Europeans? Designed by 30-year-old Alexandre Mattiussi, the cool collection is a mix of timeless pieces (think tweed jackets, cable-knit sweaters) and modern favorites (slim button-downs and raw denim). All of which have been thoughtfully paired with a continental sensibility. And while fall is a season of earth tones, the key is to introduce an element of color or texture—a bright, crisp shirt peeking out under a sweater, a pop of sock in a surprising hue, or a bold knit layered under a tweed jacket.

Mondrian Los Angeles

2011-09-14T07:43:00.005-04:00

When it opened back in 1996, the 237-room Mondrian hotel was the enfant terrible of the West Hollywood strip; now it’s one of the grandest dames of Hollywood. Redesigned in 2008, the hotel still has all the Alice in Wonderland ingenuity of the original — like the imposing 30-foot mahogany doors at the entrance — but now with a new measure of comfort.

The spacious guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, hills or the sexy infinity pool. You’ll spot a huge mirror hanging opposite your bed, but don’t be fooled: It’s actually your flat-screen TV. Oversize daybeds in the guestrooms are perfect for a nap after a day of shopping.

Dual-head rain showers are energizing before a night out.
The best amenity at the Mondrian, though, is its location. Stroll around the shops on 3rd Street or Melrose, then lunch at Koi. Downstairs, outdoor nightspot Skybar attracts the rich and famous, with folks queuing up early to get in. There may be a line, but with a stay here, you’re already in.

The views of L.A. are still unrivaled, and the scene at Skybar is hot as ever. And while you still might see a star sipping a cocktail at the bar, it's more likely to be a confident leading lady than a striving supporting actress.

Shaka King NY (SKNY) on E!

2011-09-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

Shaka King is certainly one of my favorite menswear designers. His designs are cutting-edge, comfortable and fresh. Shaka heads his own design house under the name of Shaka King NY, although he's currently based in Atlanta, Ga, USA.

Samsung MV800 Compact Camera

2011-09-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

The Samsung MV800′s ($315) killer feature stares every user right in the face — that is if they want it to. Its 3.0-inch touch screen display can rotate 180 degrees, allowing users to easily frame self portraits or other awkward shots we’d rather not know about. It’s a new convenience we’ve seen on mid-tier DSLRs before, and we’re glad to see trickle-down to point and shoots. Speaking of shoots, the 16.1 Megapixel camera packs everything you’d expect in a decent pocket cam including a 4.7~23.5 mm Schneider Lens, 5X optical zoom, built-in HDMI port and a MicroSD slot. An integrated photo editor, panoramic mode, 3D photo converter and a slew of artsy filters round out the MV800?s software offerings. You can find better cameras out there for this price range if image quality is your top concern. For true Narcissists, though, it’s the next best thing to personal paparazzi.

Fall Fashion 2011: Double Breasted Swag

2011-09-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

It used to be that wearing a suit to work was an act of submission, of following a code. But today it's more like an act of aggression — that in a world in which suiting up is increasingly seen as optional, wearing a suit, much less one of the new breed of slim-cut double-breasted suits, brands you a maverick. The DB suit is swagger incarnate.

Finding the Right Suit
The beef most have had with old-school DB suits is that all the extra cloth can make even the fittest guy look kind of beefy. To prevent the undue appearance of extra pounds, look for wools (or wool-silk blends) in the ten-to-fourteen-ounce range. When in doubt, it's always better to go light than heavy.

Details, Details, Details
There are all kinds of configurations for the buttons on a DB jacket, and for our money, the six-on-two (i.e., pretty much all the suits pictured here) is the most versatile and flattering. Also: There is a time for a notch lapel in a man's style arsenal, and the DB suit ain't it. Look for peak lapels that provide some angles (and some attitude) to the proceedings.

For Abs: Go Hard 'Core'

2011-09-03T12:01:00.001-04:00

It’s easy to knock out a few crunches or situps at the end of a workout and believe you’ve worked your core. Wrong! Effective ab work should never be an afterthought. To avoid that, plan your core work on days in between regular lifting. You’ll get better results—an even more shredded torso and core. To avoid over-training, we’ve limited the workouts to three exercises per session. That’s plenty. The moves will challenge your balance and stability and require only 20 minutes.

DIRECTIONS:

FREQUENCY: Perform two core workouts per week for four weeks in between your main workouts.

TIME NEEDED: 20 minutes

The three exercises in each workout will vary. Perform them as a circuit, completing one set for each, one after the other, and resting as little as possible in between. Repeat for the prescribed number of sets. To get started Click Here.

Victorinox Updates Old Classic -- The Original

2011-09-02T17:53:00.000-04:00

After going for nearly a quarter century virtually unchanged, this fall,the Victorinox Swiss Army Company has decided to give it's classic watch "the Original" a shot of modern styling.

The updates include a, slightly larger (40mm) stainless steel case and nylon NATO strap to replace the old mesh band. The dial is brushed aluminum with stencil punch outs and the hands have been beefed up, making them easier to read. And it's not just pretty—it's still water resistant up to 330 feet and the hardened mineral crystal is virtually indestructible. The watch comes in four monochromatic colors --- olive green, tan, gray and black.

Price at around $295.

FEMA launches Android App just in time for the Hurricane

2011-08-27T18:35:00.003-04:00

FEMA’s had a mobile version of their website available for a while now, but all that information does you no good if you can’t get an internet connection. Given the fragility of mobile networks during disasters, going without web access is a very real possibility.

Enter FEMA’s new, self-titled Android app, which puts a wealth of emergency preparedness information right in the palm of your hand just in case.

The app contains information and advice on what to do for disasters ranging from earthquakes to wildfires, and everything in-between. Also present is the emergency kit checklist, which outlines all the items and provisions one may need to get through some trying times. Very useful, especially because some things they recommend (like a “whistle to signal for help”) aren’t exactly the first things to come up when brainstorming the contents of a survival kit. For those worst case scenarios when the best bet is to head for a nearby shelter, the app lists locations where it should be safe to hunker down.
It also provides a quick way for disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance, although it’s my sincerest hope that none of you readers will ever have to. While it’s essentially a pocketable version of the FEMA site, it’s a valuable resource in it’s own right, especially with Hurricane Irene poised to barrel up the East Coast in coming days.

Creating an app is a smart move for FEMA, especially considering the state of most mobile networks during an emergency situation. Cellular networks are quickly jammed up by handsets try to make calls, as some of you may have noticed during this past week’s earthquake. FEMA recommends sticking to text messages and emails when trying to contact others, and that the app works fine sansdata connection only helps. One less thing for the network has to cope with will hopefully mean everyone can get in touch with everyone else without too much headache.

How to Correctly Pronounce Designer Names

2011-08-24T07:07:00.001-04:00

Label Whore?

Remember when you weren't sure if Ralph Lauren's name was pronounced like the girl's name or the Italian actress Sofia Loren? Here's a cheat sheet of some labels from across the pond that aren't as easy as our own Thom Browne and Michael Kors.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua: Ala-SAND-roe del-LA-kwa

Ann Demeulemeester: ann DEH-moo-lah-MEE-ster

Bottega Veneta: BO-teg-a VEN-eta

Burberry Prorsum: BUR-bur-ree proar-SOME

Comme des Garçons: Comb day gar-SON

Dior Homme: dee-OAR OM

Dolce & Gabbana: DOLE-chay and gab-BON-a

Dries Van Noten: DREEZE van KNOW-ten

DSquared2: DEE squared

Givenchy: Zshee-VON-she

Gucci: GOO-chi

Hedi Slimane: Eddy slim-MAHN

Hermès: AIR-mehz

John Varvatos: John var-VAY-toes

Junya Watanabe: JUNE-ya Wah-TAH-nah-bay

Kris Van Assche: Chris van-ASH

Lanvin: lon-VAUN

Louis Vuitton: loo-E vo-WE-ton

Maison Martin Margiela: MAZE-on Mar-TIN mar-GEL-a

Moschino: mo-SKEEN-o

Raf Simons: rauph SEE-mon

Salvatore Ferragamo: Sal-va-TOH-reh Fair-a-GAH-moe

Veronique Branquinho: Ve-ro-NEEK BRANG-kee-no

Versace: ver-SAH-chay

Yohji Yamamoto: YO-jee ya-MA-moto

Yves Saint Laurent: EVE Sane-LOR-aunt

Zegna: ZANE-ya

The Hair You Don't Want !

2011-08-23T06:58:00.008-04:00

With a wide array of products on the market there is no
excuse for unwanted body hair. Trim it, Shave it,Wax it or Laser it. Hey, everyone has something that they’re self-conscious of, and if unwanted hair is one of them, there are plenty of solutions!

Room with a View: Dana Hotel & Spa Chicago

2011-08-21T11:35:00.002-04:00

An astonishing number of people want to keep up with the Kardashians. Well, give it a try. Make like an overpampered reality star and stay at Kim K's favorite boutique hotel in Chicago, the Dana. This 216-room spa and hotel is just steps from the Windy City’s (in)famous Michigan Avenue and right in the heart of trendy River North’s restaurant row. You can’t turn right or left out the front door without bumping into a bistro, café, eatery, boutique, department store or wine bar.

‘Tricolored Calfskin Sneakers’ By D&G

2011-08-20T17:59:00.001-04:00

D&G introduces new reinforced metal eyelets. Crust leather insert at back at heel and along topline. Leather innersole and lining. Rubber soled tricolored calfskined sneaker. Starting at $325.

Jay-Z + Kanye a Marriage Made In Hip-Hop Heaven

2011-08-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

In this age of the regional hit, the no-budget viral video, the Twitter star. It seems the center of the hip-hop world has been weakening, and the genre readjusting to life built from the bottom up.

Against this back drop, along come a marriage made in hip-hop heaven ---Jay-Z and Kanye West. These are two old-fashioned icons, the last of a dying breed. There are younger stars who have their sort of dominance on their mind — Lil Wayne and Drake primarily — but the landscape they have to navigate doesn’t favor the lengthy reigns of old, especially when the entrenched powers refuse to cede any ground.

Still, by all measurements, Watch The Throne is a collection of relevant socially themed songs in an age of financial and political unrest is a challenge these two artists at least pay lip service to. Like a charitable donation, it’s a combination of maturity and duty. But the real tests on “Watch the Throne” are musical, not conceptual. The scattered nature of this album’s creation is evident most in the production, which can be roughly segmented into three categories. There are the Southern-inflected tracks, which are the most obvious concessions to modern hit making, and which are curiously few here: just “H•A•M,” produced by Lex Luger, and two of the album’s highlights, both with unprintable titles, produced by Hit-Boy and Southside. (Mr. West also receives production credit on almost every song.)