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.

Make a Splash this Summer with Le Club Original

If there is an item that is a must-have for any summer wardrobe, it is printed swim trunks. The trend is certainly gaining ground with many brand showcasing bold prints in bright colors. I have always loved loud swim trunks in the summertime, but some of the best printed trunks cost upwards of $230. 

One of the best parts about staying on top of fashion trends is finding smaller, luxury brands that make great products and are waiting to launch into the next "it" brand. My new summer staple is coming from Miami-based luxury swimwear brand Le Club Original. The brand, established in 2012, is a mens and boys luxury swimwear line that draws inspiration from the colors of the vibrant Miami beaches and streets of Ocean Drive. 

The brand has been gaining traction, with department stores such as Bloomingdales housing the children's collection in all of its store. Additionally, the brand has expanded out of South Florida and into hotels in global destinations such as Aruba, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. 

For 2016, Le Club Original has introduced what it has dubbed the "Splash" collection. The concept behind the collection in quite interesting, centered around some pieces of the collection that are crafted in a new fabric that, when wet, changes from vibrant solids to rich textured patterns.

At first touch, I was quite impressed with the quality and durable feel of the fabric. I opted for the Mosaic Short, as the coral and blue color palette is perfect for the summer and pairing with a pastel colored top. Sizes run true to size with a small fitting a 30in waist. The prints of the trunks are fun and vibrant, and look great when paired with a polo to spend the day running around a beach town such as the Hamptons or Nantucket. The full 2016 Lookbook can be view online.

This would make a great Father's Day gift as a lot of the options come in a matching version for the little guy. That way, both Dad and son can look good while having fun in the sun together! So grab your Le Club trunks, some rosé, and get ready to make a SPLASH this summer!

This post was made possible by Le Club Original. All opinions are my own.

Spring Edge

The spring season has shaped up to be an interesting one thus far. A week of 80s and sun in the beginning of April, followed by cooler temps and May commencing with a week of rain and temperatures barely in the 60s. While spring fever has us all wanting to pull out our bright chinos and leave the jacket at home, sometimes you have to face the reality...or weather...outside!

I have found that if there is one thing that is worth investing in in your wardrobe, it is your collection of jackets. From blazers to traditional outerwear to more edgy pieces, I find that my jackets are what really completes an outfit aside from serving their functional purpose. With the "spring" chill still in the air, a jacket is certainly necessary when heading out for the day. It is the weather that calls for a great spring jacket, namely something that keeps you warm enough if you are wearing short sleeves underneath, but is not heavy like a wool or down piece.

I have been reaching for a piece that is certainly more edgy that some classic styles, however, I find that outerwear is easy to wear whether it fits into your "defined" style or not. This jacket is actually a linen/cotton blend so it is the perfect weight for cool mornings, and sunnier afternoons that transition into chilly cool nights at a happy hour. The leather patches bring a "cool" edge to the piece as well as the motorcycle styling. I paired it with a pair of jeans, a simple v-neck, and boots for an easy, chilly spring look.

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // T-Shirt: Gap // Jeans: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Shoes: John Varvatos

Suitsupply Launches Spring Summer '16 Toyboy Campaign

For me, Suitsupply ad campaigns are quite recognizable. They usually feature vibrant color combinations, and, of course, the dapper men in their awesome suits and sartorial looks. This season, Suitsupply has launched its SS '16 campaign which turns up the dial evermore for the attention grabbing aspect. 

Female models dressed in swimsuits with men all over them? I think the suits are already sold! The concept of this season's campaign is "Tomboys." It is based on the premise that, from a man's perspective, we live a in a world of beautiful, powerful, women that know what they want and are extremely powerful...so what are we to do? Sit back and have some fun!

In the words of the brand, they say: 

"So what's a guy to do? You're a modern gentleman, but the tables have turned. You have a certain way with the ladies...that is, until they have their way with you. You're a playboy, but what happens when the playboy becomes the plaything? 

Well, the water's warm, the women are beautiful, and the sky is drenched by the sun. And most importantly of all, you've got your best suit of armor on your back. Suddenly, it's obvious. There's nothing else to do. Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride."

I think the campaign is making a very strong, bold statement. It will be interesting to see the feedback and responses to the ads is they begin to circulate around the internet and social media world. I personally find it to be quite artistic, and thought the behind the scenes video gave some interesting insight into how the photos were developed.

Tropical beaches, bright colors, and beautiful suits....I think I like it! Here are some of the images from the new campaign.

What do you think?

Images, Video: Suitsupply

Breitling Releases Naval Aviation-Inspired Avenger Bandit

Breitling has released a new watch inspired by naval aviation, the Avenger Bandit, and it is no disappointment. This watch is for the serious watch-lover and embodies all the rich heritage and detail you come to expect from a Breitling.

With its 45mm titanium case, its gray 'stealth' look, its 'military rubber' strap and its high-performance mechanical movement, the new Avenger Bandit more forcefully than ever embodies daring feats and extreme missions.

The timepiece pays hommage to the aviation world with its ultra-sturdy titanium case, a favorite metal in the field of aviation. This watch is built to perform and is crafted to be durable. The satin-brushed finished eliminate any undesirable glinting in the heat of action. This finish is carried through to the gray color dial with tone-on-tone counters which feature a luminescent coating to ensure visibility in low-light situations.

The watch is water-resistant to 1,000 ft, and features a powerful self-winding chronograph on the inside- the Breathing Caliber 13 which is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC. This watch is a token of superior reliability and precision, and should not be taken lightly.

Photos: Breitling

An Unusually Warm Winter

The headlines have been saying it all...the weather this winter has been quite crazy across the entire country to say the least. If you live on the east coast, you are familiar with this very warm December that is quickly coming to an end. I believe in my area, there was one day in the entire month that came in average/below average. Christmas Eve day was 30 degrees above normal...shorts anyone?

With the warmer than normal weather, the heavy sweaters and jackets have stayed in the closet. Forget the big parka or ankle length coat, the weather calls for, perhaps, unconventional winter jackets. I am loving this quilted front, sweater back piece from Ralph Lauren Black Label. The piece is heavy enough for the 50-60 degree days we have been having, and the mixed media styling makes the piece fresh and modern.

While it may not be the normal coat that you will show up to a December meeting in, it certainly does fit the bill. I paired it with cotton pants (rather than wool) and classic suede chelsea boots. The modern Balenciaga bracelet adds of touch of interest while remaining subtle.

How are you adapting to the weather in your area?

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Balenciaga // Boots: John Varvatos

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!

Diptyque Fragrances for Personal and Home

While I do wear colognes throughout the entire year, I find myself consistently wearing fragrance throughout the fall and winter months. Perhaps this is because I'm attracted to more musky, woodsy scents that are nice compliments to these seasons. I also find myself burning candles regularly starting around this time of the year as well. 

With recent additions to my home and personal fragrance collections from one of my favorite perfumers, Diptyque, it is needless to say that good scents are on my mind! You probably will not open a magazine and see an ad for Diptyque or even glance up at a billboard with their name, however, this iconic French perfumer has been crafting quality fragrances since its inception in 1961. The brand has evolved to include a large olfactory range and products for both personal and the home. It is quite popular among the fashionable crowd as the highly recognizable "oval", unique to the brand" mixes well with an minimal interior designs.

Philosykos Eau de Toilette // Feuille de Lavande Candle - Barneys

As the fall season is underway and we will begin to slowly enter winter, seasonal scents come to mind such as the small of a warming, wood fire. I love the scent of a woodsy candle burning in the home on a chilly fall day. Needless to say, Diptyque makes one of the best fragrances of this nature. You can find their classic "Feu de Bois" burning in my house throughout the season. One of my reasons for loving Diptyque is the sheer array of fragrances that they offer. From relaxing "Feuille de Lavande" to the Feu de Bois described above, there really is something for any personality to love.

Feu de Bois Candle- Barneys

Fragrances make a great gift as the holiday season approaches as well. Do you find yourself burning more candles during the fall and winter seasons? What are your favorites?

Baselworld 2015 Salon Preview

If you are into timepieces like myself, Baselworld is probably on your radar. The event, huge in the watch world, is quickly approaching. This year's exhibit will be held March 19-26 in Basel, Switzerland to showcase the newest pieces and trends in Swiss timepieces for 2015. The location is picturesque and I love the modern architecture of the exhibition gallery.

I have been fortunate to get a sneak peek at some of the latest watches that will be debuting this year at Baselworld 2015. The amount of timepieces on display can be overwhelming, however, I have curated a selection of a few from the salon that have caught my eye.

Breitling Chronoliner

This new model from Breitling takes inspiration from a model dating back to the 1950s and 60s. The brand is known as the "official supplier to world aviation" during this era, and the new Chronoliner pays homage to the brand's aeronautical tradition. ts distinctive features include a broad scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic bezel with a star-shaped cut-out that facilitates handling as well as white ceramic numerals creating an optimal contrast. The second timezone is easily read off by means of a red-tipped hand together with a 24-hour graduated rotating bezel equipped with an ultra-accurate ratcheted system. The timepiece is done in a 48mm polished steel case with a mechanical automatic chronometer.

Burberry Britain Icon Limited Edition

I am loving this new limited edition (20 pieces) by Burberry. It has a modern, updated feel from some of the watches of the past and incorporates the heritage check in a subtle way. Additionally this model was designed by Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey. The timepiece is done in 45mm polished and brushed anthracite DLC-treated titanium case complete with black alligator strap. 

Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier

Chopard presents a timepiece which has one of the most prestigious certifications in the world of horology, the Fleurier Quality. The brand is indeed the one that has had the most watches certified by the Fleurier Quality Foundation since the creation of the much-coveted label, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014 Foundation. Done in 18K pink gold with a mechanical automatic movement, this watch will pair well with business attire to make a statement. 

Breguet Tradition Automatique Seconde Rétrograde

Breguet’s latest creation, the Tradition Automatique Seconde Rétrograde 7097 pays tribute to the “souscription” and “tact” watches made by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the late 18th century. Like them, its mechanism reveals the bridges, wheels, escapement, barrel and various other parts that are normally placed beneath the plate. The small offset dial at 12 o’clock – another characteristic of the great master’s legendary “à tact” watches – on the new Tradition 7097 model is overlapped by a retrograde seconds segment promoting optimal readability. I love the combination of the delicacy of the roman numerals and sub-dial mixed the the modernity of the skeleton dial. Available in 18K white or pink gold. 

This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the hundreds of watches that will be debuted at Baselworld. I am enjoying the trends I am seeing, and I also love the homage to their heritage that a lot of brands are showing with their newest models. I look forward to the exhibit opening at the end of this month!

For Women: Mini Bag Trend + Gift Idea

I recently posted a photo on the Skimbaco Fashion Instagram page featuring the Ralph Lauren Mini Ricky Bag which made me realize- the "mini bag" has become quite a trend in the world of women's accessories and would be a great Christmas gift. We have seen all the fashion "it" girls carrying mini version of some designers most iconic silhouettes. The Mini Ricky bag is one of my favorites, incorporating all the elements of the brand's iconic Ricky  Bag into a petite version. 

The mini bags usually take a classic silhouette and offer all the details of that bag in a smaller version with fun choices in color and fabric. Whether its a felt Celine Nano Tote or a bright studded Valentino Crossbody, you will be right on trend with any mini bag. In addition to my top gift picks for women, a mini bag is a great gift for the favorite lady on your list. 

Below are a few of my favorite mini version of some of the "it" bags in the fashion world right now:

1. Philip Lim Mini Zip Satchel- $695

2. Valentino Micro Rockstud Tote- $1875

3 Celine Mini Luggage Tote- $2730

4. Prada Flap-Top Mini Bag- $990

5. Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini- $1675

Celebrity Hairstylist Chaz Dean Releases WEN MEN

Chaz Dean has become renowned in the hairstyling world not only for his celebrity clients but also for his innovative WEN hair cleansing line. Until now, there was not a specific line created with men in mind. Chaz Dean has recently introduced WEN MEN to the WEN line which is an exciting addition.

What makes WEN special? This product will replace your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as it is all-in-one product. It was nice having this as the only bottle in my shower, eliminating a lot of clutter! The secret to WEN is its ability to cleanse without any harsh chemicals that strip hair. The product does this without creating any suds. 

I have been using the product for a little over a week now, and while it was initially hard to get used to no suds, I am loving the product now. The scent is absolutely amazing with hints of tahitian vanilla and amber. WEN MEN has been leaving both my hair and skin very soft. I highly recommend giving this product a try if you are in the market for a new hair and body cleanser.

All Opinions Expressed are My Own

Jack Spade Spring 2015 Presentation

Fashion week is underway in New York for spring collections. A favorite here at Life Through Preppy Glasses, Jack Spade, recently debuted their spring 2015 collection dubbed "urban utility."

This collection drawers inspiration from minimalist painter Josef Albers who was an expert in the way color and the use of color can lend itself to sophistication. Pattern and placement can create a whole that is greater than its part.

In addition, one can see the mix of sport and American sportswear. The streets of New York are filled with outfits that are centered around mixing street wear with work clothes, whether this be a blazer over a sweatshirt or paired with a track pant. This trend is continued in the Jack Spade spring 2015 collection, lending the name "urban utility."

Below are a selection of my favorite looks from the collection:

Photos: Jack Spade