Elevate your Self Care Routine with Hawthorne

In the shuffle of transitioning from the Holiday season to starting a New Year, sometimes it is easy to de-prioritize ourselves, focusing on larger resolutions - getting a promotion, losing weight, etc.

However, 2022 is about keeping a focus on all the self-care routines we discovered during the Covid pandemic. If there was one thing that the pandemic brought to light for most of us, it was the realization that self-care is truly a must, and most of us were likely so busy moving from one thing to the next that we didn't have much of a focus on self-care.

Whether it is as simple as placing your favorite scents throughout your home that evoke a sense of calm or happy, or making a bigger focus on treating your body well - skin, shower routine, etc - putting an emphasis on self-care does not have to be a challenge. 

One brand in particular that can help men elevate their routines and make self-care a priority in 2022 is Hawthorne. 

Meet Hawthorne

Hawthorne was founded in 2016 by Brian Jeong and Phil Wong and has been designing modern personal care products for men. Their brand features the sleek modern aesthetic and luxurious fragrances you know and love from designer brands that cost $300+ for cologne, but at a fraction of the price thanks to their direct to consumer business model.

I was able to try the Hawthorne Handwash and Candle. You can purchase these two popular items in either the Smoky and Earthy Home Upgrade or the Citrus Home Upgrade.

The packaging has a very sleek and modern feel, on par with today's top brands. I found the scents to be strong but not overpowering. The candle had no problem filling a large living/dining area with fragrance. The Smoky and Earthy scent reminds me of some of my favorite fragrances from popular brands like Diptyque and Tom Ford.

I also love that all Hawthorne products are 

Sulfate-Free. 

Paraben-Free. 

Silicone-Free. 

Phthalate-Free. 

Cruelty-Free. 

Personalized and Tailored to Your Preferences

Through a short 5 minute quiz, Hawthorne's algorithms tailor all products to you based on your responses to the questions. This helps them determine attributes such as skin type, hair length, and shower frequency. You will also have the option to purchase a data informed subscription or do a one-time purchase. 

Take Your Quiz

Hawthorne Favorites

The bundles are a great way to explore multiple product lines within the Hawthorne brand, or get a great deal on something you love. If you are looking to dip your toes into the brand, Nordstrom carries a curated collection of items that you can purchase individually.

Shop Hawthorne at Nordstrom below as well as my favorite bundles:

Sandlewood Collection Bundle - $115

Dark and Woody Candle Set - $85

As we head into the remainder of 2022, remember, self-care is never selfish! 

This post was made possible for Hawthorne. All opinions are my own.We are supported by our readers - when you purchase a product using a link on our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Bespoke Menswear from Knot Standard

Bespoke or custom menswear from online retailers is nothing new in the world of men's fashion. In fact, I have tried some of these companies and additionally have seen presentations from companies in this area of the menswear market. 

In a time of men's fashion trends where silhouettes are becoming ever more tailored and refined, I think the need for affordable custom or bespoke products that are easily accessible is ever increasing. I know that I have a challenge finding shirts that do not balloon or pants that fit at both the waist and legs appropriately. While high-end designers tend to have superb fits, sometimes we are not always looking to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new piece for our wardrobe. 

I was introduced to one of the fastest growing custom menswear brands, Knot Standard, and thanks to them, was able to experience their product and experience firsthand. Let me start by simply saying, if you are in the market for affordable, quality menswear, whether for work or play, and a great fit, Knot Standard meets all of these needs!

 The company was founded in 2010, and I love the entrepreneurial spirit behind it. It has evolved to one of the fastest growing companies as ranked by Inc. Magazine, with showrooms in New York, Washington D.C.,  Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Dubai. Additionally, spaces are slated to open in Chicago and Los Angeles in the coming months. 

Personal designers are on-hand in the showrooms to assist with fittings and selections, but the product is also available online. With that being said, what is the online experience like? In one word, I would sum up my experience as effortless. 

There are two major aspects of the online experience, namely selecting your garment and inputting your measurements to ensure the perfect fit. I, of course, find the first part to  be the hardest as I want everything! In the end, I opted for a classic blazer in an iconic herringbone pattern. 

After selecting your piece, there are two choices for getting your measurements into the Knot Standard system- building a 3D body scan using the computer's camera, or following a guided process of taking key measurements of your body so the computer can generate an image of your body, and as a result your pieces will be made to fit your exact measurements. I opted for the latter, and must say that the measurement process was very simple!

I really enjoyed the customization options Knot Standard gives you. For $375 you would not expect to be given the option to select the lining color, have a monogram, or working buttonholes; however, these are all options during the online customization process!

I received my blazer a few weeks after placing my order. It arrived in a nice garment bag, and when I opened the package to try on the piece, I was shocked. I have to be in honest in saying that I was a little skeptical of inputting various measurements and ending up with a blazer at this price point that would fit appropriately. Needless to say, when I slipped on the blazer, it fit like a glove! The fit truly rivals some of my $1,495 sport coats. 

With that being said, I encourage to move at a fast pace to check out Knot Standard!

Finding Spring Fashion Trend Inspiration

I love a good coffee table book- it can add interest to a room and also be a conversation starter. Not to mention, most are great sources of information as well. While I am not one to generally follow "trends" and tend to stick to more classic style and dressing, I do like to stay up to date on current colors, fabrics,  and styles. 

I came across a great coffee table book that compiles all the trends from Mercedes Benz Fashion week Spring 2014 into a book that is perfect for the living table, or in my case, on top of my vintage suitcases in the living room. The SFP look book series features all the renowned designers including Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors, J. Mendel, and an array of others and takes their runway shows and compiles them into high quality images. 

This perfect is perfect for perusing with a cup of coffee when you are looking for a little inspiration for that next outfit. If you are looking to add to your coffee table book collection and love fashion, I recommend the SFP fashion look book. This book would also make a great reference tool for a fashion student or someone who works in the industry.

Where do you search for your fashion inspiration?

An iPhone Attached at the Hip

The bag phone was out and brick phones were in, and then we went from Blackberry to iPhone. It seems like we have never been more connected and, dare I say, dependent on our phone than we are today, they are figuratively "attached to our hip". With Blacksmith-Labs, your iPhone can now be literally attached to your hip, in full-grain cowhide leather.

Leather goods are becoming more and more in demand as we see many synthetic materials flooding the market place. I always love coming across a new brand and hearing the story of how it came to life. Blacksmith-Labs was born on Kickstarter in October 2013. The founders really set out to make a case that was differentiated from others, mainly on quality of materials and construction.

The company has since grown and now features 3 different product lines- Barrett, Bruno, and Horween. I got my hands on the Bruno, and let me just say that it feels much nicer to have soft, supple leather in my hand versus hard plastic!

The Bruno is one of the company's signature items- featuring a minimalistic look and design that allows for the slimmest profile while hugging your iPhone. It also features hand-stitched leather and the brands signature metal alloy clip, something unique to Blacksmith-Labs.

Discovering new cases for the iPhone is always fun, and I enjoy being able to mix up the "look" of my phone by changing out cases. The Bruno was something different than I ever had. Note that the iPhone will only slip into the case without any sort of small plastic, protective covering on the phone. While I do not carry my phone on my hip, I do find that the clip is useful for inside a that may not have a lot of pockets, etc and the clip is also functional for traveling.

Stylish Headphones from V-MODA

Music has become an integral part of the everyday routine for many, especially those of us in the city running around the streets and subways. It is a source of distraction from the chaos around us. With that being said, I was always one to just use the small, white earbuds that we are all familiar with because it was just easy. However, the quality is definitely lacking. 

Since listening to music is a large part of my daily routine, I thought it was time to find a great pair of headphones. My hesitation with "classic" style headphones was their chunkiness and appearance. However, I was introduced to V-MODA and their Crossfade 100 headphones. These headphones not only pack some serious punch, by they are also incredibly stylish, with the company getting its design inspiration from Milan.

If you want quality audio as well as quality construction in a luxurious product, the V-MODA would be a great pair of headphones. I was impressed by the craftsmanship in the manufacturing and some of the key features of the Crossfade 100's such as noise isolation (perfect for traveling on buses, planes, etc.), its audio share cable, and not to mention its 5-star rating and not to mention receiving the DJ Tech Award "Best Headphone of the Year." DJs such as Avicii, Nero, and Empire of the Sun actively use these headphones.

The Crossfade 100's in matte black metal are very sleek and modern. They paired well with my iPhone on the go and are highly functional with SpeakEasy Mic Cable, and are also useful in the home or office with the addition of BoomPro Mic.

Disclaimer: Product received in exchange for review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Focus on the Eye with Shiseido

We all have our own unique skin routine in the morning and night filled with our favorite beauty products. Mine generally consists of facial cleanser and the occasional detox facial mask. Some areas go without much attention, one of those areas being the eyes, especially for men. 

Shiseido has introduced a new total revitalizer eye serum specifically for men. I never used a product for my eyes, but was intrigued by the new product. It is designed to tackle dryness, sagging, and dark circles. All of these sounded very appealing, especially after a late night out followed by an early morning.  

I have been using the product twice a day for a week an can already see a reduction in my dark circles. The key ingredients in the new product are an eye bio complex and a damage defense complex. The cream is light, and easy to apply. 

The Men Total Revitalizer Eye is $45 and will be available from Shiseido starting in February. 

Note: This post was made possible by Shiseido. All opinions are solely my own

Spa Day: Ritz-Carlton Westchester

The Thanksgiving holiday was the perfect opportunity to enjoy for pure relaxation, taking a break from the books for the weekend. Instead of heading to the malls and stores and standing in long lines on Black Friday, myself and a few friends had a spa day at the Ritz-Cartlton in Westchester. 

Located within a short train ride to the city or the perfect go-to location when in the suburbs, the spa at the Ritz in White Plains offers a space of luxury and serenity to step away from the busy lives we lead.  The day spa features a rooftop indoor pool, multiple massage rooms, salon, shop filled with high-end products. 

The spa offers an array of services including skin, touch therapy, massages, facials, and body treatments. The full menu can be viewed on their website. I received a 60-minute full body massage. From the minute I stepped into the spa, I was in a serene environment from the plush robs, to the scents of lavender, to the relaxation room while I waited for my massage therapist to arrive. 

Swedish massages start at $85 for 30 minutes and range to $200 for 90 minutes. Other options such as stone therapy are also available. I think I found an excellent place to escape the bustle of the city while not going to far from home. 

Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Westerchester

3 Renaissance Square

White Plains, NY 10601

Nest Fragrances

Recently, I have been enjoying shopping for home decor and accessories. I have been filling my apartment with great finds, ranging from art to decorating with memories. Part of my recent focus on home has included candles. There is something relaxing about getting home from a long day and having a glass of wine and lighting a candle to make the apartment smell great.

I had heard about Nest Fragrances for quite some time through the likes of the infamous Bergdorf's Instagram account and seeing other industry insiders raving about them. The story behind the brand is quite interesting, launching in 2008 in Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, and serving as a go-to for clients such as Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, NARS, and Ralph Lauren.

I finally got my own Nest candle, and I must say, the scent is amazing! I have the grapefruit scent  which is incredibly fresh and vibrant, yet relaxing at the same time. 

Have you tried or do you use Nest fragrances? I would love to know what your favorite scent is. I know a lot of people rave about the holiday scents, so that may be my next purchase!

From the Lab

I was recently exposed to an amazingly convenient service- beauty delivered to your door from From the Lab. This company partners with some of the best cosmetic labs around the world to acquire the most ground breaking products before high-end beauty brand introduce them to the market. This means amazing prices- members of From the Lab get access to new products at up to 80% off retail prices before these products are available to the mass market. 

Labs are located around the world in Switzerland, Italy, France, and the United States. After procuring a new formula, it is brought to From the Lab for review by consultants and experts. Only a selection of plant-based and synthetic ingredients are used. 

Finding a good facial cleanser can be difficult. I struggle to find something that leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, but does not leaving an oily coating or weigh it down. I was introduced to the AM/PM Cleanser No. 586 from From the Lab. This new, ground-breaking formula was created around the idea of a water-free cleanser. Yes, thats correct, washing your face with tap water can actually be removing moisture from the skin. European women have been utilizing water-free cleanser for quite some time now. 

The cleanser is very simple- just place some of the formula on to a cotton swab and cleanse face in the morning and evening. This cleanser features ingredients such as winged kelp, tomato stem cell cultures, and organically cultivated peppermint floral water to hydrate, protect, and soothe and relax the skin. 

I have been using the cleanser for about 3 weeks now and love how my skin feels soft and is staying hydrated even with the weather turning quite cold here in New York. I use it in the morning and do not notice any oil generated on my skin shortly after use which is very important for me. 

You can join From the Lab and get access to amazing products delivered straight to your door for $19.95 a month.This includes full 30-day supplies of one, two, or three products the first week of every month. 

Note: This post was made possible by From the Lab, however, all opinions expressed are my own.

Fall Trends: The SFP LookBook

The world of fashion is always one step ahead- presenting spring collections in the fall and fall collections in the spring. I know I have a list of favorite shows that I watch each Fashion Week, and that list seems to get longer each year. With that said, it can be easy to forget what the trends are for each season by the time the collections are in store.

The SFP LookBook is the perfect tool whether you're a die hard fashionista, stylist, or just love the world of fashion. This style guide features over 2,500 looks from the FW 13' collections presented at New York Fashion Week. I love that all the pages are in full color, making it easy to identify key colors for the season.

The looks include the designs for both men's and women's wear, making the publication universal. Designers include Diane Von Furstenberg, Naeem Khan, and Michael Kors to name a few. 

The FW '13 collection edition pictured here is the inaugural volume, so I cannot wait to the compilations of future seasons. I currently have the book placed on the coffee table for easy reference. It has become quite the conversation piece when guests come over-fashion is a universal language. As you prepare to update your closet and transition into Fall 2013, I recommend the SFP Lookbook as your ultimate style guide.

This post was made possible by Schiffer Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Nespresso: For Coffee Lovers

I love, love, love my coffee. I not only love the taste of a rich, bold blend, but I also must admit that I do love the little jolt embodied in coffees and espressos. I have recently entered the world off home brewed espresso thanks to my friends at Nespresso. 

The Lattisima+ is the ultimate at home machine for any coffee lover. This model includes a milk frother, so I can now make cappuccinos and lattes at home...could not be easier! The machine is nothing less than luxurious as one would expect from a European brand such as themselves. I love the red color because it brings so flair to my kitchen counter. 

Im fully entering the Nespresso brand concept as I continue to stock up on pods, pod holders, and hopefully next some proper espresso glasses. I have been enjoying trying all the different varieties of flavors. The boutique offers a limited edition flavor which is currently Hazlenut. Needless to say, I have been stocking up on that flavor! 

image via

I am lucky to able to frequent one of the few Nespresso Boutiques currently in the States. I have been stopping by their SoHo location quite often since picking up my machine. The boutique offers a cafe on the lower level with dinning and espresso, and a shop upstairs offering an array of accessories, pod flavors, and Grand Cru tastings. 

The Smith

One of my favorite ways to meet up friends is over dinner. Texts are sent out in the afternoon and the OpenTable emails hit your inbox for confirmation a bit later. My most recent outing was to The Smith. Ive heard many people talk about it, walked by the one in the East Village more times than I could count, but never actually went. 

I was unaware that they had 2 locations in the city with one in the East Village and one in Midtown. We opted for the one uptown. It was absolutely great. Enter into a tiled dinning room, the entire front facade open to the warm June air. 

The uptown crowd was what one would expect: men in blazers,  and each woman with a Cartier Love Bracelet on her arm. My friend and I both had the Mediterranean salad....very good! I cant wait to come back here for brunch.

Source: thesmithnyc.com via Maribeth on Pinterest