Outfitting Spring Semester with Jack Wills

Spring weather is so variable here in the northeast. It can be bitter cold until May, 60 in early March, snowing in April, or anything in between. Thus, dressing can be a bit of a challenge, and one really needs a variety of styles in their wardrobe for spring up here. 

Jack Wills, one of my favorite British heritage brands, is perfect for outfitting yourself for spring weather in the northeast. Their tag line is "University Outfitters", and they do just that! My wardrobe is filled with sweaters that are perfect for those colder days, vests that make layering during mild weather easy, and bright polos for when it finally becomes warmer. 

The Jack Wills Spring 2013 collection continues to recognize their British roots and collegiate audience. The collection is filled with bright colors that are appropriate for the season, but includes pieces such as printed sweaters, jackets, and cardigans that are perfect for those chilly northeast springs. 

Myself, outfitted in Jack Wills, and top picks from Spring 2013

Every year, Jack Wills searches for what it calls "Seasonnaires" and this year, Im in the running for their Best Summer Job in America to become one of the top Seasonnaires in the US. The Seasonnaire represents the brand as well as the Jack Wills Lifestyle. 

Today is the last day to vote in the competition to help me get to the top 20! If you haven't do so already, please vote for me. I greatly appreciate all the help in obtaining this amazing offer. You can read about how to vote here, or simply:

1. Log in to your Facebook Account

2. In another tab, point your browser to The Best Summer Job Website (chrome and Firefox work best)

3. Search "Wes" in the search box or locate my profile picture seen on my right panel here

4. Vote 3 times!

Discover Barcelona

With all the travel I have done in Europe, prior to my most recent trip I had never visited Spain. Spain is one of the most popular countries to visit, second to France. I recently traveled to Spain, specifically Barcelona for a taste of the Mediterranean. 

I left the dreary New York weather behind for mostly sunny skies and 60 degree temperatures. I could definitely get used to the Mediterranean climate! Barcelona is hands down a beautiful city. It actually reminded me a lot of Los Angeles; there are beaches, hills with winding roads and large homes, a city center, and a touch of smog.

The architecture, in my opinion, was a main focal point of the city. Gothic churches fill the old section of the city, and Gaudi buildings, such as the famed Sagrada Famillia, are spread across the entire city. I can definitely see why many people fall in love with this city. Getting lost in the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic District is fun rather than stressful and worrisome. 

The Spanish lifestyle is as you may have heard, slow and relaxing. Friends and I would enjoy tapas and a bottle of Cava in the afternoon for hours, with no rush by the waitstaff. I got to explore some local, trendy hotspots thanks to a friend that was living there and in town at the same time!  I dont want to bombard you with photos, so perhaps I will make a little Barcelona series.

Dont Forget: Help me become the Summer 2013 Jack Wills Seasonnaire by clicking the link and following the instructions. Greatly appreciate all the help in my effort!

Then, enter yourself in to the awesome $450 Men's Lifestyle Giveaway thats going on featuring a GPS and digital camera. You can enter here

5 Random Monday Thoughts

• It's a real monday for me- waking up early and school all day. So long spring break, you were much too quick.
• Can you believe its snowing here today?! A lot of us in the Northeast are wondering if spring is ever going to come around.
• I recently purchased an iPhone 5 because I had no other option- I found it drops signal and drops between 4G and LTE ALL the time...anyone else experiencing this?
• Over my break I got to explore Spain and enjoy Mediterranean weather. Once I have time to gather all my photos, I will definitely share. Below is a sneak peak.
• Last but not least, I just wanted to remind everyone of 2 exciting things currently going on here at Life Through Preppy Glasses and Skimbaco Lifestyle.

1. Enter our $450 Men's Lifestyle Product Giveaway! You can enter here...leave a comment telling us your favorite look.

2. I would love you help in winning the Jack Wills Summer Internship. Follow the link for instruction on how to vote for me. Search "Wes Holland" on the site! Much appreciated!!

Sunny Barcelona
Photo: My own

Vote For Me: Jack Wills Summer Seasonnaire

I am excited to announce that I have made it into a top round for a summer marketing internship with one of my favorite brands, Jack Wills. 

At this point, it is a competition and the 20 finalists that receive the most votes move onto the next round to receive an in-person interview. With that said, I would love your help in this!

Please vote for me, and spread the word to your friends to casts votes as well. Here's how to vote:

1. Log in to your Facebook account

2. In a separate tab, point your browser here. (Note: the website can be super slow sometimes and take a bit to load all the pictures)

3. Use the search box to search my name, or click through the pages to find my profile picture which you can see in the image below.

4. Cast your 3 votes for me :) and share your vote on Facebook/twitter.

I greatly appreciate any and all votes, as I am super excited about this opportunity!

Men's Lifestyle Product Giveaway with Skimbaco Man

I am very happy to be celebrating 5 months of official Skimbaco Man at Skimbaco Lifestyle. My weekly column Monsieur Curations, sophisticated and trendy fashion and lifestyle tips curated for men, has been hugely successful and we have been delighted to welcome so many new gentleman readers to our online magazine, and offer a man's point of view for the ladies as well.

Who is a Skimbaco Man? 

Adventurous, but not frivolous. Successful, but not cocky. Knows trends, but follows his own style. World traveler, global thinker. Lives life to the fullest.

$450 Lifestyle Product Pack Giveaway

While we here might have a taste for luxury travel, expensive sports gear or imported spirits, there is still one thing for sure: we all have our secrets how to also save money so we can afford the finer things in life. One of those things for men can be daily grooming and getting shaving accessories that are good quality but don't cost much, like the new AXE Face+Shave collection only available at Walmart. AXE teamed up with Philips Norelco and Schick to create a line of everyday face + shave products and our eyes are on Wes who will put these products in test.

 YOU have a chance to win an AXE Face+Shave products and to make it even sweeter prize, we added a Nikon digital camera and a Garmin GPS - perfect for the man on the go! Ladies, if you enter to win for the man in your life (and keep the camera!), it's fine with me! It's quite simple to enter, visit the AXE Face+Shave page at walmart.com and check out the facial profile tool, and come back and comment which look did you get, and ladies, you can answer which look is the most appealing to you. Well, not for you, but for the man in your life! More ways to win and detailed instructions in the Rafflecopter widget. a Rafflecopter giveaway The entire prize pack includes close to $450 worth of lifestyle products for men: Axe Philips Norelco Shave & Groom Kit $49.97 Axe Philips Norelco Detail Styler $17.97 Axe Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer $34.97 Axe Philips Norelco Bodygroomer $34.97 Axe Schick Power Razor Kit $8.97 Axe Chilled Cooling Face Hydrator & Post-Shave Gel $6.78 Axe Shield Sensitive Shave Gel $3.78 Axe Philips Norelco Shave & Groom Styler Head $19.97 Nikon COOLPIX S6300 16MP w/ 10x Optical Zoom Digital Camera Value Bundle with 4GB SD Card and Case $139 Garmin nuvi 50LM 5" Portable GPS w/Lifetime map updates $127.99

Giveaway rules & terms

This contest runs from March 22nd 2013 to April 12th, 2013. This giveaway is hosted at Skimbaco Lifestyle, Life Through Preppy Glasses and Hines Sight Blog. At the end of the contest one winner will be randomly drawn to win a the entire AXE Face+Shave prize pack. Entry is open to anyone over 18 years old in the USA. Unfortunately this prize can only be shipped within the USA. Upon drawing the winner, the winner will be contacted via e-mail. The winner has 48 hours to reply to claim their prize. If the winner does not reply within that time frame a new winner will be drawn. To enter the contest you must use the Rafflecopter options listed and verify your submission via Rafflecopter. The winner's entry method will be verified before being contacted. Failure to complete the entry option will result in being disqualified. This giveaway is solely sponsored by Lunchbox and Skimbaco Lifestyle and has not been endorsed or approved by AXE or its subsidiaries or affiliates. By entering, you agree to look solely to Lunchbox and Skimbaco Lifestyle for any claims in connections therewith, and not to AXE or its subsidiaries or affiliates.

Cafe Select SoHo

It's no surprise that going out to eat is one of my favorite things to do in the city. I love trying the city's well known restaurants and trendy spots as well. I recently tried a restaurant that is new to me: Cafe Select in SoHo. 

The small, inviting spot is located on the east side of SoHo and exudes a slightly trendy vibe. The ceiling is covered in hundreds of white christmas lights, and a large rolex clock keeps the time, hanging near the middle of the restaurant. Most everyone was drinking wine, quite inviting. 

Cafe Select's menu changes seasonally which is great because everything is always fresh. They are currently utilizing their Winter 2013 menu. I did not get a full entrée, but instead opted for wine and the chef's selection charcuterie board. It was perfect for a little night meal. 

Cafe Select would make a great spot for a date with its warm, pleasant atmosphere. I will definitely be back to try more items on the menu and perhaps the brunch. Definitely recommended!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

The days are now officially longer, spring you are almost here. Dare I say: summer, you are right behind her.

• We all have the same relationship with Apple: love their products, they break, they wont fix them. I finally just decided to buy a new iphone after months of trying to get them to give me one. Hello, iphone 5. Any good case recommendations?
• Distractions have been SO abundant in my life recently. Focus is hard to come by.
• Sample Sales are a way of life here in New York. I loved this article about sales with cult followings.
• Spring break is just around the corner...I think it is much needed. Jetting off to Europe on Friday! :)
• New York is a different world at 730am on a Saturday morning- quiet and slightly calm:

Refinement

refinement (n)-fineness or elegance of feeling, taste, manners, language, etc.

For me, refinement is synonymous with class. So what does refinement mean when it comes to your wardrobe and style? Classicism. Here's what refinement in style means to me:

A subtle, yet sophisticated watch tucked under your sleeve. It does not scream for attention, but it is quite noticeable.

Source: Uploaded by user via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

A whimsical touch to a traditional outfit. Colored socks add the perfect, unexpected touch.

Source: monde-des-hommes.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

A simple, understated pair of sunglasses to match the style of the outfit. Tucked away, and always at the ready.

Source: sand-dollar.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

A scarf to add the finishing touches. Whether its a light-weight spring scarf, or a chunky one for winter, scarves tie everything together.

Source: menstyle1.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

What Im Wearing on My Arm

Remember the days of when you never wore a watch? It seemed like more hassle to put one on and never look at it than go without. There is one point, then, when you receive that special timepiece or find that eye catching watch that no one else has, and the rest history. I've become dependent on my watch, and on the rare days I forget to slip it on I feel naked. 

I am a huge lover of timepieces, especially big ones. Even though I have many options to choose from, I find myself wearing the same one practically every day. So why not mix it up a little and add some interest with bangles? It has become quite trendy to load up your arms with bracelets upon bracelets. I like to keep the trend to a minimum. 

I mixed black Hermes bangles with a black watch. I thought the ceramic of the watch look great with the matching ceramic in the bracelets. I would not wear this every single day, but its fun to mix things up a little. A change from my normal silver Roadster to a sport black ceramic Chanel watch and bangles...why not?

Fashion Friday: Spring Desert Boots

The desert boot, also called chukka boots, were popular during the 1940's and 1950's. The name chukka actually comes from the game of polo, and these boots have become popular once again amongst the preppy crowd. We have seen them in J.Crew catalogs over the past few seasons and in many of the major department stores. 

Desert boots are right on trend for spring 2013, in colorful suede to be exact.

Source: stylelover.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

I love these colors for spring wardrobes. These will be perfect paired with light denim or even white denim once summer approaches and an oxford. Shown above are options from Ralph Lauren, Del Toro, Closed, and Clea.

The desert boot is slowly becoming a staple in every preppy wardrobe...its giving the boat shoe a run for its money!