Fall Fragrance: Reawaken the Senses with BOSS THE SCENT

Just as we change out our wardrobes with the season, exchanging shorts for pants and polos for sweaters, it is important to change out our fragrance as well. Summer is great for lighter fragrance; I personally loved Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue this summer, but just like the the summer days have come to an end, so, too, has my daily use of the fragrance.

A good cologne is an important part of any gentleman's wardrobe. Finding the right one can be difficult, but once you you find "the signature" you know it is right. A great cologne for the fall season is BOSS THE SCENT, by Hugo Boss. It has become my personal favorite, and I can honestly say that this is one of the best fragrances I have used.

The new fragrance from Hugo Boss is all about seduction and wearing a scent that is memorable, since scent is one of the strongest things tied to memory. BOSS THE SCENT is the perfect compliment to the fall season, rooted in notes of an intense, burnished leather. The scent is rich and powerful, yet not overbearing, and is reminiscent of some popular fragrances that cost upwards of $250 a bottle.  THE SCENT contains an exclusive ingredient from Africa: the aphrodisiac Maninka fruit, evocative of passion fruit and rum. The cologne has notes of spicy ginger and Maninka with lavender based in rich leather.

I find this fragrance to last all-day, making at a great choice for day to night or office to happy hour. Grab your favorite sweater and pair with Hugo Boss THE SCENT for the ultimate masculine fall scent.

Available at Macy's











This post was made possible by Macy's. All opinions are my own.

Prepare Hair + Skin for Fall with American Crew

Perhaps it may not feel like fall just quite yet where you are- I know temperatures are going to be over 70 all week here; however, it is important to prepare you hair and skin for the dryness that comes with the fall and winter seasons.

 I am excited to share some great men's grooming tips provided by Patti Davenport, Shave Director at American Crew, that use a few key products from the American Crew line. I know my skin dries out from the hot air heat at home and at the office as well as the brutal temperatures that creep in during January and February.

Below are Patti's tips for getting your hair and skin ready for the dry season featuring three American Crew products that I use frequently, namely daily moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing shave cream, and molding clay.

Daily Moisturizing Shampoo:

"Start off with American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo, which contains botanical ingredients that are suitable for all skin and scalp types to nourish, calm and prevent the skin from over drying. Additionally, this product is a great cleanser for the face/beard as well as the scalp/hair. Helping to cleanse dead skin cells, debris, oil and environmental pollution from the surface of the skin and beard without over drying."

I use this shampoo on a daily basis, starting in the fall and it leaves my hair soft and refreshed. The product has a nice, light scent featuring key ingredients such as Rosemary and Thyme extracts as well as Chamomile extract.

Moisturizing Shave Cream:

I switched to this shave cream about a year ago, and have been very pleased with it. A good shave cream is essential. American Crew's cream features powerful antioxidants that protect and moisturize the skin. I found the cream to be pleasant against my skin and allowed the razor to slide smoothly over the skin. I love the scent of the eucalyptus oil...it is very refreshing!

For added protection, Patti recommends using Post-Shave cooling lotion, saying "Once you jump out of the shower, apply American Crew Post-Shave Cooling Lotion to the face, beard and any skin that is regularly exposed... nape, ears, etc. The ingredients of this lightweight moisturizer help to nourish, prevent and treat any minor skin inflammations, as well as maintain the correct PH on the surface of the skin.”

Molding Clay:

Do you have a hairstyle that requires you to using styling clay daily or often? This may be the product you have been looking for. I found it to have a great hold and to not be too heavy like some other products I have used in the past.

White clay from the Paris Basin naturally heals and stimulates the scalp, making it good for men with sensitive skin and scalp. Other key ingredients include all-natural essential oils such as orange, peppermint, and spearmint.




All products available via American Crew

Bring the Café Home with Fall Coffee Recipes from Nespresso

If you follow my posts or social media accounts, you have probably picked up on my love for Nespresso. I was introduced to the world of Nespresso about two years ago when I received and started using my first machine. Since that point in time, I admit, that no other at-home brew system compares to the Nespresso machine.

Recently, I purchased the newer Vertuoline machine which brews rich, foamy, coffees in addition to espressos. I have been enjoying the machine since bringing it home, and I am excited to bring to you some great fall coffee recipes by Nespresso. Whether you use a Nespresso or not, these recipes are great inspiration for your coffee beverages this season. If you do use a Nespresso, share your favorite recipes and thoughts below!

Grab a sweater, cozy up with a good book, and enjoy!

Nutty Reverso Coffee:

This recipes uses the new intenso coffee pods- if you are a Nespresso owner, I highly recommend this new blend!

1 capsule Intenso blend
1/8 tsp. Almond extract
1 tbs. Chesnut syrup
1 tbs. Hazelnut syrup
3 oz. Half-and-half

Pour syrups, extract, and half-and-half into a glass, brew Intenso coffee onto mixture, and enjoy!

Caramel and Chocolate Latte:

1 capsule Caramelizio blend
2oz milk
1 tsp. sweet ground chocolate and cocoa
1 tbs. chocolate syrup

Combine milk and chocolate with heat in a small saucepan, or combine ingredients in a milk frother. Add syrup and sugar into cup, pouring heating milk into cup. Brew Caramelizio blend into cup, stir and enjoy!

Images: My Own, Nespresso. This blog is supported by its readers and this post contains affiliate links - if you make a purchase we may receive a commission at no cost to you.

Autumn is Cardigan Season

The autumn season is in full season with pumpkin spice lattes and decorated porches serving as evidence. Every year I always get caught off guard by the arrival of the season. It seems like just yesterday I was wearing shorts and t-shirts and now the chilly air calls for one of fall's essentials: the cardigan.

I find myself wearing cardigans very frequently during the autumn season as they are the perfect layering piece for the seasonal temperatures. On a brisk morning, a cardigan functions as outerwear and transitions to a great layering piece while in the still air conditioned office environment during the day. 

The cardigan, a true classic, can be dressed up when done in a refined wool, such as this Thom Browne piece, or it can function as a great companion throughout more casual fall weekends. A chunky, shawl collar style makes for cozy studying in the library or a nice piece for running errands.

To step out into the slightly cool fall air, I paired a wool Rag & Bone Cardigan with pinstripe pants that are modern and attention grabbing. For modern, updated look, I recommend pairing v-neck shirts under your cardigans as opposed to crewneck styles. The top of the outfit remains neutral and muted, with Dries Van Noten pants taking the prize. 

Color can still be worn throughout the fall season. Reach for your more muted tones versus the bright hues you might have lived in during the summer. The deeper red accompanies the season well while offsetting the charcoal tones of the cardigan. This look would be perfect for the office as the refined wool elevates the cardigan. 

Styles with pockets make the cardigan even more functional. Whether you are throwing your phone, wallet, or keys into the front pockets, you will find yourself reaching for them often! 

Cardigan: Rag & Bone // Pants: Dries Van Noten // Sungalsses: Randolph Engineering // Fragrance: Creed

Fall Flannels

If there is one thing that comes to mind when I think of fall besides cool weather and pumpkins, it is flannel shirts. They seem to go hand-in-hand with the season serving as a mascot for fall. The flannel shirt is perfect for a relaxed weekend outfit or during the week if you are on campus. Comfy and warm, the flannel layers well under vests or seasonal quilted jackets.

When I need an easy fall outfit, a flannel paired with chinos and loafers is a go-to. Easy and simple. Whether you wear them traditional as I do or more modernly tied around your waist, these shirts are seasonal staples. Below are some of my favorites that will help make "flannel Friday" a little easier this fall.

1. POLO Twill Plaid Workshirt $98

2. Brooks Brothers Plaid Flannel Sport Shirt $79.50

3. Michael Bastian Check Flannel Shirt $595

4. Burberry Brit Flannel Check Shirt $295

How are you wearing flannels this season?

Transitioning

It might still be summer by the books (until September 22) but a lot of us are getting anxious for fall and making the transition from summer wardrobing to fall wardrobing. With the weather still feeling quite like summer, it can be hard to make the transition.

Transitioning into fall can be easy by incorporating some fall patterns or colors while still utilizing summer staples. I paired this madras sport coat by Ralph Lauren with kelly green summer weight chinos. To add a little more of a transitional feel, I paired the look with a navy polo versus a summer white or brighter, orange polo for example.

Look is still bright and preppy, but screams neither summer nor fall. The look was easily accessorized with an equestrian inspired belt by Knot Belt Co and classic brown loafer.

How are you incorporating elements of fall wardrobing into your daily outfits?

Fall Essential for Summer Nights

With Labor Day weekend impending, summer nights (and maybe some days) are becoming slightly cooler. I noticed this the other evening while enjoying a bonfire with friends. Out are the sticky July nights, and in are light knits perfect for these cool nights.

The rugby is a preppy staple that is iconic in the fall, however, a lightweight cotton option is perfect for transitional days and nights. To stay in the moment and not acknowledge the approaching end of summer, I selected an option with a nautical navy & white stripe that is slightly reminiscent of summer days passed. Pair with a sleek jean and accessorize with simple pieces like a classic belt and bracelet for an easy look that is perfect for a late summer's night bonfire or stroll on the boardwalk.

Rugby: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Miansai // Belt: Ralph Lauren

If a rugby is not your style, there are a lot of great options out that as we transition into the fall with cool nights. I also love the atlantic terry sweatshirts from Ralph Lauren- they are perfect after a long day on the beach and super comfortable. If you are going for something casual, the jersey hoodies from Lacoste are a great alternative.

Italian Heritage with Suitsupply Fall '14

It is already time to start thinking about Fall clothing...where has the summer gone?! For me, fall clothing has become one of my favorite seasons for dressing with tweeds, wools, and rich color palettes  of browns, charcoals, and greys. You may remember that I took a visit to one of my favorite menswear brands, Suitsupply, in the spring.

When I started to see photos of their Fall/Winter '14 collection pop up online, I really enjoyed what I was seeing. For this season, designer Murray Coetzee looked to archives of some of Italy's finest fabric producers for inspiration, and then took this inspiration and focused on it through a modern lens. The collection includes patterns ranging from subtle checks to bold windowpanes and classic houndstooth down in suits, coats, shirts, ties, and socks.

For me, texture is always a reoccurring "trend" when it comes to fall pieces. Suitsupply's collection includes a mix of cashmere blends and hardy tweeds which are done in a palette of burnt orange, ochre, and forest green with accents of neapolitan blues and deep navies. 

The Suitsupply concept is all about using the best fabrics while making their pieces accessible. CEO Fokke de Jong says in regards to the new fall collection, "It's about seeing the past through a modern lens- which is our signature approach to fashion." Designer Coetzee says, "We designed clothes for the contemporary guy who's serious about style, but like to have fun with it, too." Whether you are looking for a few classic pieces to fill in your wardrobe or a whole new look, I think the F/W '14 collection from Suitsupply will have a lot of options. 

The new collection is slated to be in stores and online by mid to late August. It truly does include some stand out pieces from a double-breasted overcoat to eveningwear done in corduroy. Which looks are you loving for the fall?

Images: Suitsupply

ByMisha Presents Collection During New York Fashion Week

On Tuesday evening, design ByMisha presented her Fall/Winter 2014 collection at a trendy loft space in SoHo. The presentation was filled with stylish attendees sipping cocktails and viewing the new collection, filled with skirts, blouses, trousers, and dresses in silks, laces, and prints. 

The Fall/Winter 2014 collection takes on a feminine flair with its soft pastels yet incorporates that downtown flare we all love in details such as high-low hems, exotic looking cap sleeves, or relaxed versus tailored styles. The brand prides itself on fusing modern sophistication with timeless elegance which was definitely visible in the fall collection. 

Overall I think the collection will be perfect for the city girl that is looking for trendier pieces (such as the skirt shown above) and pieces that are perfect for running around SoHo or a night out on the town. I love the story behind the brand, with Misha, the designer, originating in London. The entire collection can be viewed online at ByMisha.

Rustic Pop of Color

It is well known that I love a good sweater during the fall and winter. I also adore color. Adding a pop of color to an outfit brings it to life and makes it more interesting than the sea of blacks, browns, and greys that can be seen all over the sidewalk. 

Use seasonal hues as the basis for the outfit while selecting a shirt, loafer, or pant in a hue that "pops" or contrasts with the rest of the outfit. Below, I centered a look around a chunky cardigan in a dark olive green, perfect for the season. Paired with traditional slim chinos the outfit is classic and simple, however, I added a brighter orange oxford that compliments the dark green well and elevates the outfit. 

Select dateless styles such as the shawl collar cardigan. This one, by Ralph Lauren Black Label, works well as a sweater or as outerwear on a warmer day because the gauge of the knit is quite heavy, similar to this sweater jacket. The slim chinos, by a great New York based designer, Peter Manning, add a modern touch of urban sophistication with the orange pebbled loafers tying the look together. Finish off with a simple accessory such as a timepiece or metal bracelet. 

Color is one of the easiest things to play around with in fashion and can have great payoffs. How are you wearing color this season?

Cardigan- Ralph Lauren Black Label (similar, color) // Chinos- Peter Manning // Oxford-  Polo Ralph Lauren (similar) // Bracelet- Miansai 

Elbow Patches

It is not truly fall or winter until elbow patches are worn. They are a must that should be in every preppy wardrobe. I love the detailing that they bring to sweaters, cardigans, and blazers. I prefer the classic suede elbow patch, however, they can be found in a variety of fabrics and patterns. 

I paired a plaid sweater with sueded elbow patches and even a suede shoulder patch with a pair of olive colored denim. The sweater is warm and cozy in wool while the colored denim in  dark olive is perfect for the season. I finished the look off with a pair of simple, brown loafers. This outfit is great for running around campus, the weekend, or even a casual Friday at the office.

Are elbow patches a fall essential for you?

Sweater -Ralph Lauren (similar) // Denim -Ralph Lauren // Loafers -Ralph Lauren

Classic Northeast Prep

There are some things that remind me of quintessential northeast prep- Ivy League quads, the Radnor Hunt, the Main Line, to name a few. There are also certain outfits that I envision one wearing at any of the above places. For me, the Barbour jacket and cashmere cable sweater are among those items. 

On a chilly day last week, I put on a cashmere cable knit sweater and a classic Barbour jacket and thought to myself, "I am so northeast prep right now." The pieces are effortless yet exude a classic, timeless sense of style. 

Is your Barbour jacket and cashmere a go-to to compete warm during the cold fall season in the Northeast?

Featured:

Jacket: Barbour

Sweater: Ralph Lauren

The Sweater Jacket

Now that the clocks have been turned and it is dark by 5pm it is really feeling like fall, and dare I say winter. There is a strong chill in the air in New York, but its not quite time to dig out the down parkas. This weather is perfect for what I like to call sweater jackets- those sweaters that are very chunky and heavy enough to be worn as outerwear. This style of sweater has become a bit of a trend, and I think that they can make for some great outfits.

Below, I have created a very New York look in all black, reminiscent of this tonal outfit I wore a few weeks ago. I paired a heavy wool Ralph Lauren Black Label sweater that has a belt similar to a trench with black skinny cargo pants and a simple black v-neck.

The sweater jacket is very versatile, and when the temperatures are still not absolutely freezing, it transitions well from the street to the office (which is always freezing!). The sweater I am wearing has a bit of the "moto" edge to it with the multiple pockets on the front, making it perfect for Fall 2013. As always, the details of a sweater really make the sweater in my opinion. 

Shown:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Do you embrace the sweater jacket style? Share how you style yours below.