October 26th, 2010
In the land of ties, the only thing better than a new necktie is a free one. We’re facilitators of happiness here at ABC Neckties, so we just happen to have a couple opportunities for you to get your happy, happy hands on some free merch’.
. Songberries Blog — $25 Gift Certificate — Ends 26 October
. For One Another Blog — $25 Gift Certificate or Necktie of Your Choice — Ends 3 November
. I <3 Giveaways — $25 Gift Certificate or Necktie of Your Choice — Ends 3 November
Readyyyyy BREAK.
October 22nd, 2010
Wearing Dress Shirts
Whether you are looking for a shirt to wear casually or wondering what to wear to a black tie event, A Man Fashion explains everything you need and more. This blog walks you through attires such as business casual, business formal, and formal while explaining what shirt is appropriate, what price ranges you should expect, and what tie you should or should not wear.
Cell Phone Etiquette
Classic Timeless has an quick and interesting post about using cell phones. Many people have not learned proper etiquette when it comes to the timing of answering a call, text, or e-mail, especially while in the middle of a face-to-face conversation with someone. A text is not that important; they can wait. If you have trouble with this, you are not alone. I used to get yelled at during dinner almost every night (and still do whenever the parents come see me at school).
Not for the Faint Hearted
From 1817-1920 (prohibition), America enjoyed the taste of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. This type of Guinness is brewed with extra hops, giving it a much bolder flavor. After 90 years without the extra stout Guinness, the beer has returned to the states and is available at your local liquor store. Ben at Gear Patrol authored a write-up about this newly released beer.
Dress to Impress. It’s Interview Season
If you’re a college Junior, Senior or “Super-Senior,” the time has come to look for your summer internship or full-time position. Companies are recruiting at campuses all over the country, interviewing the best of the best to join their team. His Fashion Eye recently wrote an article on how to dress for your interview. Check it out and good luck landing your dream job.
Shopping Help
All — well most — guys hate shopping. On Tuesday, the guys over at See Jack Shop posted a quick article giving 5 shopping tips for guys. It could be very helpful and save you some cash.
Photo1: a-man-fashion.blogspot.com, Photo2: gearpatrol.com
October 20th, 2010
Entourage has become one of the top shows for guys on all of television. Featuring life in Hollywood, expensive cars and clothes, and plenty of gorgeous women, there’s no reason not to watch this show. If you haven’t seen the show, hop on Netflix and make the time to catch up. It will be worth it.
The show features a crew from Queens, NY who have followed their buddy, actor Vincent Chase, to California. Eric “E” Murphy is Chase’s best friend and manager, Johnny “Drama” Chase is Vincent’s older half-brother and washed up actor, “Turtle” is Vince’s old friend from home, and Ari Gold is Vince’s corporate-giant agent. Each character has their own style and personality, so I decided to choose who is best dressed.
Ari:
Always sporting the best of the best, may it be Armani or Brooks Brothers suits. His fierce, driven, and egotistical personality is always coupled with his dress attire. He commands attention and respect in any room he enters. He gets my vote for best dressed. I would do anything to have his job.
Turtle:
Turtle’s style is just not me. He’s super casual and definitely brings some New York style to Cali. You can usually see Turtle in some exotic Air Force’s with some baggie jeans, a polo, and his New Era hat. Turtle seems to always be the one walking in his friends’ shadows. Maybe a wardrobe change would help step up his game?
Vinny:
Vinny is the pretty boy of the group — always dressed casually, yet nicely. On a typical day, you would see Vince with his long, curly hair, aviators, a necklace, a hently sweater, jeans and some chukka boots. Whether it be his style, status, or both, whatever Vinny does works.
Drama:
In my mind, Drama is just a washed up loser that is funny to laugh at. He is a cool guy, but he just won’t accept the facet that he is not a star actor and never will be. His style is somewhat rugged, usually wearing a flannel, light jeans, and some boots. Drama’s style has as much promise as his acting career.
E:
You can always see E in his aviators rocking business-like style, with a casual touch. He is almost always wearing jeans and a button-up with no tie, and sometimes sports the tieless suit. He is very clean cut with a young looking face, and does a great job with Vinny Chase’s acting career.
My vote: Ari Gold
What’s your vote?
Photo1: cuzoogle.com, Photo2: iamflashdance.blogspot.com, Photo3: blackoptical.com, Photo4: poptower.com, Photo5: joeonthetube.com
October 18th, 2010
When I first started using computers in elementary school, I remember being told by my teacher to search using Ask Jeeves. At the time, Google was practically unknown (to me at least). Now Google is my homepage and the only place I go for an internet search.
Microsoft has launched its Bing search engine, but to no surprise, it has failed–at least in gaining any real leverage over the number one SE. What can anyone do to beat Google? It seems impossible. However, people are starting to get warm in their search for an answer. Teaming up with a major social media platform and reinventing the entire search environment could be what it takes to take a bite out of Google’s 72% of the pie.
Microsoft announced on Thursday that they are now teamed up with the guys at Facebook to recreate Internet search. Their plan is to incorporate each user’s Facebook friends into Bing. This new innovation will let you see if your friend “Likes” the jeans, ties, or Sperry’s that you’re looking to buy.
I think this could potentially be very cool and helpful, but only if all my friends switched over to Bing (which will never happen). I honestly think Facebook is making a mistake by teaming up with Microsoft, but they have done an amazing job with everything else in the past, so we’ll see what happens. Like Computerworld said in this article, “People prefer Google to Microsoft, but they prefer Facebook to Google.” Not everyone can just wait for their friends to switch to Bing. It’s going to take millions of people making the switch on their own. Will you ever say goodbye to Google?
Photo credit: Google.com
October 15th, 2010
Men Love to Eat:
At some point in every man’s life, they are going to find themselves going out on a date. The Art of Manliness has an entertaining blog post on how to master the art of the date. Be sure to check it out here.
Be Casual:
In response to a reader’s question, Dennis from Made to Measure gives a detailed rundown on classing up your casual wardrobe. Lose the baggy jeans and lose the cheesy graphic tees. Don’t buy jeans with rips or stains. But, buy one dark pair, one light pair, and they will last for years. Check out everything else Dennis has to say about a casual fall wardrobe.
Pulling Off the Rugged Look:
Be unrefined, but not unkept. Choose traditional, “box” cuts rather than the recently popular skinny look. Oh, and don’t be afraid to throw on a muskier cologne. Interested? Here it is.
Watches I Wish I Had:
If you’re at all interested in watches, you have to check out Hodinkee. They have an interesting blog with a wide range of articles, this particular one being a feature on Michael Jordan sporting his Urwerk 103.03 watch. I wish I had that kind of money to blow. Here is the watch the MJ bought as a thank you present for a Chicago Bulls Assistant Coach…wow.
Google TV:
Have you seen Google TV? Sony announced today that they will soon be issuing pre-orders for the new Sony HDTVs equipped with Google TV. Among plenty of other features, Google TV allows search right on your TV for anything from live TV to recorded shows to your favorite YouTube video. Check out what Gizmodo had to say.
Photo Credit #1: artofmanliness.com
Photo Credit #2: hodinkee.com
October 12th, 2010
From the beginning of college basketball, Indiana has been a consistently prominent program respected by everyone involved in the game. IU is known most for winning 5 NCAA National Championships and legendary coach Bob Knight. Although there have not been nearly as many W’s on the schedule in the recent past, IU Basketball fans always keep a positive attitude by remembering the glory of the past and how great it will be to witness one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) program turnarounds in history. With that being said, I will leave you with a list of, in my opinion, the top 5 greatest IU Basketball moments. My list may be very different than yours. What would you change?
#5: Eric Gordon
Although Eric Gordon isn’t necessarily a “moment,” I couldn’t help but include him on this list. Gordon was one of the most incredible players I have ever seen play. I was able to watch him play in his senior year in high school at North Central and knew right away that he would be in the NBA just two years later. Gordon amazed the crowds at Indiana and continues to shine in the NBA as well as for Team USA.
#4: Kirk Haston’s Buzzer-Beater
In the 2000-01 season, Kirk Haston famously hit a last-second three point shot to be Michigan State. At the time, Michigan State had the longest-running winning streak and was #1 in America. This famous shot sealed a 59-58 win and gave IU its first ever win over a #1 ranked team in Assembly Hall.
#3: IU-Maryland Championship Game
At age 12, I was lucky enough to see Indiana play for the 2002 National Championship against Maryland in Atlanta, GA. The city was buzzing with fans talking trash, singing fight songs, screaming chants, and getting ready for the big game. I even remember a drunk IU college girl kissing me on the cheek as I waited to get into the stadium. Although IU did not come away with the win, everyone involved will still always cherish the memory of that great day.
#2: Marco Killingsworth’s Dunk
As time began winding down against #1 Duke in 2005, IU stole the ball and passed to Marco Killingsworth for a dunk to take the lead. I was at the game for my birthday and, to this day, have never heard anything like this. It was an overwhelming, indescribable feeling that literally shook my world. Here is a must watch video from the student section. It was an awesome game, but IU ended up losing this one.
#1: IU-Duke in 2002
On Indiana’s run to the NCAA Championship in 2002, it came up against #1 seed Duke in the Sweet 16. IU took a 4 point lead with just 11 seconds left, but IU guard Dane Fife fouled Duke guard Jason Williams on a made three point shot. Williams went to the line, missed, the ball got rebounded by Duke forward Carlos Boozer, AJ Moye blocked his shot, and IU won the game. At this moment, my dad was jumping around screaming with my sister and I in each of his arms. I will never forget this moment.
Photo Credit: spablab’s Flickr
October 8th, 2010
100 Days of Ties:
Will at Momentum of Failure is in the middle of a 100 day commitment to wear a tie to work in his casual work setting. In an effort to bring back traditional classiness to the workplace, he is urging others around the world to do the same. All he asks is that readers send in pictures (like this guy at The Effortless Gent) of their more formal day in the office.
The Social Network, Sean Parker:
Have you seen The Social Network yet? I just saw it on Saturday, and I highly suggest seeing it. In the film, Justin Timberlake plays the part of Sean Parker, the creator of Napster. Parker was heavily involved in the early stages of Facebook, but I’ll stop there so I don’t ruin the movie. Anyway, check out this blog post over at Men Style Power on the real Sean Parker who is apparently quite generous in real life. Very interesting article, especially after seeing the movie.
The REAL Sean Parker
Showing Some Skin:
When it comes to button-downs, there seems to be widespread confusion on the correct way to wear them. Do you only unbutton one button, or two…or three? What about if there are buttons on the collar? I always see people with those unbuttoned, but I was told growing up that I wasn’t supposed to do that. How do you think button-ups should be worn? Thighs Bigger Than Your Head gives their take.
New Ways to Shave:
Whether you are an electric razor guy like me, or a fan of the classic razors, you need to check out this blog post over at Be Better Guys. Michael Gillman from GroomingGuys.com gives his take on the two best razors on the market today, as well as, in his opinion, the best electric razor. Christmas is right around the corner, I may have just added something to my list.
Photo Credit: menstylepower.com
October 6th, 2010
Born in California in 1977, Brady grew up playing football and eventually landed in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. Brady entered the NFL draft in 2000 only to get shafted as a sixth round pick. This sixth round pick then went on to win in 3 of his 4 Super Bowl appearances, capture the NFL’s single-season passing yards record, and established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
Not only has Brady won 3 Super Bowls, but he is also a 3-time cover model for GQ Magazine. Brady has also been featured on the cover of Esquire, Details, People, Life & Style, TV Guide, and of course, Sports Illustrated. In fact, Sports Illustrated named Brady the SI Sportsman of the Year in 2005. Brady was offered over $1 million to be the next Calvin Klein model, appeared on Entourage, interviewed on Letterman, and has even appeared on Saturday Night Live. This guy does it all.
Being a tall, well put-together NFL quarterback and a fashion icon, Tom Brady obviously knows how to work his magic with the ladies. Brady’s persona has attracted famous females like Tara Reid, Maria Menounos, and his Brazilian model wife Gisele Bundchen. The couple has a one-year-old son Benjamin. Lucky kid.
When it comes to fashion, Brady does not mess around. Brady has commented on how so many men let their woman pick what they wear, saying “you gotta draw the line somewhere as a man.” Brady’s sophisticated fashion sense has landed him impossible-to-get photo shoots with Steven Klein and Bruce Weber, who Askmen.com refers to as the Peyton Manning and Brett Favre of the fashion world. With all this being said, it is quite apparent that Tom Brady is living the American Dream.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wztDFRpWkR0[/youtube]
Photo 1: boston.com; Photo 2: details.com; Photo 3: popcrunch.com; Photo 4: celebrtysmackblog.com
October 1st, 2010
Hermés Tie Case: $1,975
Every man likes fast cars, nice clothes, new electronics and nice vacations. Am I right? A blog I found over year ago, Gentleman’s Gadgets, offers a daily dose of motivation to work hard to make the millions you’ve always dreamed of. The blog, dubbed the “Inspirationsource for Men,” features products that I honestly will probably never be able to afford. This doesn’t mean it’s not fun to look at a $9,100 fountain pen or a $940 bottle of Black Tot Rum. The site even features a $1,975 tie case by Hermés that is perfect for you tie-loving readers (if you can drop that kind of cash). Whatever it may be, this website is a great stop for men interested in luxurious and cool gadgets. Check out the blog here.
Gentleman's Gadgets: Bentley 80-11 Continental GTC
A Guide to Bad Taste, updated usually once or twice a week, is an enjoyable and humorous blog about fashion. The blog features stories on dress pants, dress shirts, jeans, watches, you name it. A recent post elaborates on pants with embroidered symbols (baseball bats in this case). The point of the post was that people should not wear their profession on their sleeve, or pant leg, in this case. Although, some pediatricians do wear ties with stethoscopes on them because they are “the silliest of doctors.”
A Guide to Bad Taste: Embroidered Pants
Overall, it is a quick and enjoyable read with bits on fashion and style.
Begin your browsing.
Photo #1 and #2: gentlemansgadgets.com
Photo #3: guidetobadtaste.blogspot.com
Every man likes fast cars, nice clothes, new electronics, and nice vacations. Am I right? A blog I found over year ago called Gentleman’s Gadgets offers a daily dose of motivation to work hard to make the millions you’ve always dreamed of. The blog, dubbed the “Inspirationsource for Men,” features products that I honestly will probably never be able to afford. This doesn’t mean it’s not fun to look at a $9,100 fountain pen or a $940 bottle of Black Tot Rum. The site even features a $1,975 tie case by Hermés that is perfect for you readers (if you can drop that kind of cash). Whatever it may be, this website is a great stop for men interested in luxurious and cool gadgets. Check out the blog here: www.gentlemansg
Every man likes fast cars, nice clothes, new electronics, and nice vacations. Am I right? A blog I found over year ago called Gentleman’s Gadgets offers a daily dose of motivation to work hard to make the millions you’ve always dreamed of. The blog, dubbed the “Inspirationsource for Men,” features products that I honestly will probably never be able to afford. This doesn’t mean it’s not fun to look at a $9,100 fountain pen or a $940 bottle of Black Tot Rum. The site even features a $1,975 tie case by Hermés that is perfect for you readers (if you can drop that kind of cash). Whatever it may be, this website is a great stop for men interested in luxurious and cool gadgets. Check out the blog here: www.gentlemansgadgets.com.
A Guide to Bad Taste, updated usually once or twice a week, is an enjoyable and humorous blog about fashion. The blog features stories on dress pants, dress shirts, jeans, watches, you name it. The most recent post, from Tuesday, elaborates on pants with embroidered symbols (baseball bats in this case). The point of the post was that people should not wear their profession on their sleeve. Although, some pediatricians do wear ties with stethescopes on them because they are “the silliest of doctors.”
Check out this blog for some bits of information on fashion and style. It is a quick and enjoyable read. http://guidetobadtaste.blogspot.com/
A Guide to Bad Taste, updated usually once or twice a week, is an enjoyable and humorous blog about fashion. The blog features stories on dress pants, dress shirts, jeans, watches, you name it. The most recent post, from Tuesday, elaborates on pants with embroidered symbols (baseball bats in this case). The point of the post was that people should not wear their profession on their sleeve. Although, some pediatricians do wear ties with stethescopes on them because they are “the silliest of doctors.”
Check out this blog for some bits of information on fashion and style. It is a quick and enjoyable read. http://guidetobadtaste.blogspot.com/
