Perry Now!

THE GERM-FIGHTING GYM TOWEL

2009-10-30T16:08:00.002-04:00

Even the cleanest gyms in town can be breeding grounds for germs and cooties. So how can you protect yourself from the microscopic critters working out with you in the weight room? Start by exposing a bit less flesh.

Don’t believe us? Well, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, barriers like clothing or towels between you and shared surfaces (like gym equipment) can help decrease the risk of getting a staph or MRSA infection.

That said, we’re thinking we’ll start wearing a long sleeve tee shirt and workout pants instead of shorts and a muscle tee.

Next, we’ll top it off with the Safe Side Towel – a special workout towel has "gym" printed on one side and "face" printed on the other so that you won’t wipe your face or body with the gym side. Pretty clever, eh? Made from bamboo blended with a little cotton, the Safe Side Towel is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, eco-friendly, soft and absorbent – so the question then becomes, how many would you like to order?

To pick up a few, click to: http://www.athleteoutfitters.com/

COCKTAILS THAT CARE

2009-10-30T10:52:00.003-04:00

These days, you gotta have a gimmick, and if it’s an eco-friendly one, then so much the better. Though we’ve rarely met a cocktail we didn’t like, we were even happier than usual to find ourselves face-to-face with a bottle of Modern Spirit’s TruVodka, one of the most eco-friendly alcoholic treats around.

How so? Well, they make the stuff in small batches, from good stuff like organic, locally grown ingredients. Then they wrap it up in recycled, recyclable or biodegradable packaging – all very admirable, but the real kicker is that for each bottle you buy, Modern Spirits will plant a tree.

To do that, the company works with non-profit groups like Sustainable Harvest International to plant new trees in tropical zones (where they are cut down in the greatest numbers) with the goal of passing on a better planet to the next generation.

Is that cool or what? In fact, we’re liking this idea so much, we’re going to dedicate ourselves to creating a small forest – over the next couple of years of course. Care to join us? Click to: http://www.truvodka.com/

BETTER SWEATER DRESSING

2009-10-29T15:27:00.001-04:00

When a suit’s not required, most of us spend a fair amount of time in sweaters. Sweater dressing is easy, practical and looks good – it’s a no-brainer – but it’s a thin line between wow and whoa, so you need to know what to keep in mind.

How to do the sweater better this fall? Start here:

At the office: If you work in a business casual office, a dressier v-neck or crewneck sweater with a shirt and tie works well with or without a jacket. For a quirkier yet stylish office look, try a cardigan with shirt and tie. At the office, your best bets are sweaters in solid neutrals or classic colors like gray, brown, beige, and navy. Your sweater fabric should be upscale as well – meaning absolutely no sweatshirt fabrics or polar fleece. Instead, look for lightweight and streamlined fabrics, like cotton, wool, cashmere, either on their own or blended with other fibers to help maintain the sweaters’ shape.

At the game: Bust out the flannel and fleece it up – don’t hold back. You’ll need the extra warmth as outdoor sporting events in the fall can be astonishingly cold. If you want to upscale your look a bit – hey, you never know who you might bump into at the stadium – then try a beefier knit with a lot of texture for a more pulled together look. Our suggestion? Our very own Perry Ellis Raglan Sweater at http://www.perryellis.com/Sweaters/Raglan-Sweater/invt/49fg8211ps&bklist=icat,4,shop,pemen,pedmsweaters

For Sunday Brunch: Try a sweater with graphical interest like faded Argyle sweater or the sporty yet pulled together pip-mock sweater, which are, conveniently enough, available at Perryellis.com. The V-necks on both sweaters work particularly well on fellows with a slim or athletic build.

From now till eternity: Words to live by – avoid seasonal or holiday motif sweaters. Even David Beckham couldn’t pull off that now infamous reindeer print cardigan last winter, and chances are you won’t fare much better this year. Our advice? Stick to the simpler classics, meaning solid colors, color blocks, argyles and cable knits. If you must have a pattern, just be sure to keep checks and plaids on the subtle side. Then just for laughs take a look at http://www.uglychristmassweaterparty.com/ , which is dedicated to honoring and celebrating sweaters-gone-horribly-wrong.

ROCKING OUT IN BROOKLYN

2009-10-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

We plan to be the first ones in when the doors open for Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present, the traveling exhibition that touches down at the Brooklyn Museum on October 30.

Who Shot Rock & Roll is the first major museum exhibition on rock and roll to put photographers in the forefront, acknowledging their creative and collaborative role in the history of rock music.

Featuring roughly 175 images, the extensive exhibit shines a light not only on some of the world’s most famous rock legends, but also celebrates the photographers who created some of the world’s most iconic images (for example, the shot of Jimi Hendrix with his flaming guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967).

On view will be behind-the-scenes shots of Ike Turner, Little Richard, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Ramones, Tina Turner, and Amy Winehouse to name a few -- all seen through the lenses of high-profile photographers such as Mick Rock, Richard Avedon, David Gahr, Pennie Smith, Jean-Paul Goude, Henry Diltz, and Max Vadukul.

The exhibit runs through January 21, 2010 – but if you can’t make it to Brooklyn, you can pick up a copy of “Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History” the companion book to take you on a magic carpet ride through the last 55 years of rock and roll imagery.

TIE CARE 101

2009-10-26T17:31:00.002-04:00

If you’re a neck-tie wearing guy, chances are you have a couple of favorites in heavy rotation, which is all well and good because most ties can last for years if you treat them right. How to give your ties a long, happy life? Here are a few pointers:

Hang it up, bro: Though they seem a little old school, it’s hard to improve on the tie rack – so use one to hang up your ties. While ties on hangers are OK for the occasional overnight, they’re definitely not a good idea for longer-term storage. A bunch of ties wrapped round a hanger will almost invariably get tangled up, slide off, hit the floor and commence wrinkling activities, so again, might we suggest a tie rack?

Knots so much: As soon as you come home, take 10 seconds to unknot (not pull apart) your tie to help it look better, longer. Don’t have 10 seconds? Then leave your tie knotted and lay the groundwork for permanent creases and wrinkles – just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Hit the road, Jack: If you and your ties are hitting the road, there are a couple of ways to take them along for a virtually wrinkle-free ride. The gold standard for crush-proof, wrinkle-free ties is the classic tie case – it’s like a wallet for you ties. Next option: fold ties loosely and store them in the pockets of the suit jackets you’ll be traveling with.

Another option? Use your shoes as a carrying case – gently roll up your ties, lightly wrap them in tissue or clean socks and lightly tuck them into the mouth of the shoe (not jammed into the toe). Just keep it to one tie per shoe, and no matter which method you use, be sure to hang the ties up as soon as you arrive to keep wrinkles at bay.

Give ‘em some air: Chances are you own more than one tie, so change ties daily – never wear the same tie two days in a row. Just like your shoes, tie fabrics need a little time to breathe, let the wrinkles fall out and restore their original shape.

Waiter, is that a tie in my soup? Stains – they’re the sworn enemy of the tie. How to avoid them? It’s called a napkin, so get to know ‘em and wear ‘em high on your lap as possible but stop short of the napkin-as-bib look. You can also try wearing a tie tack to help keep the silk out of your soup. If you still manage to stain your tie despite your best efforts, get it to the dry cleaner as quickly as you can – and be sure to tell them what caused the stain so they can treat it with the appropriate antidote.

TRACY MORGAN, MAD GENIUS

2009-10-23T15:52:00.002-04:00

If you’ve enjoyed comedian Tracy Morgan’s endearingly whacked-out performances on “30 Rock,” “Saturday Night Live,” YouTube and beyond, you’d probably agree when we say that Morgan is either off his rocker or off his meds.

Be that as it may, he’s also something of a mad genius. So we hope you’ll excuse us this weekend, because we’re taking the phone off the hook and spending some quality time with Morgan’s just-released (Oct. 20) book “I Am the New Black,” his warts-and-all autobiography.

Chronicling his rise from the projects of Bed-Sty, Brooklyn to television stardom, amidst battles with alcohol and diabetes and a disintegrating 20-year marriage, Morgan tells all, in his trademark take-no-prisoners style. We listened to a free excerpt on Itunes the other day and were instantly sold. To listen to an all-too-brief excerpt, head to Itunes for the free download and listen up.

INCREDIBLY USEFUL SITES

2009-10-22T16:21:00.002-04:00

Call us lazy, but if you give us a simple site, we’ll use it. ‘Save us some time or money and we’ll be friends for life. Our latest incredibly useful online obsessions do both, which is why we’re doing some heavy book-marking these days. Perhaps you might want to enlist the help of the following sites as well:

PerryEllis.com: Shameless self-promotion or super smart shopper? To be honest, it’s a little bit of both, but prejudices aside, the site has some great deals on at the moment, so you can get the jump on the holiday rush by shopping now for gifts for your dad, brothers and in-laws at great prices. You’ll also help them look a good bit more stylish to boot.

GasBuddy.com: Type in your zip code and presto, up pops a list of the best gas prices in your neck of the woods. Simply genius!

Cnet.com: We don’t buy any electronic or digital gadgets ‘till we’ve checked in to see what the brainiacs over at Cnet.com have to say. Written in plain English, with pros, cons and comparisons of one model over another clearly spelled out, cnet.com reviews are our go-to guides for all things gadget.

Lifehacker.com: Think of it as a post-modern “Helpful Hints from Heloise” for the hipster crowd. Put another way, it’s a great daily blog that features tips, shortcuts, and downloads that help us get stuff done smarter and more efficiently.

Translation.babylon.com: Simple translations, from English into 18 or so other languages, done in a split second. Individual words, phrases, whatever you like – they can handle it, quickly and for free. Comes in seriously handy when the Japanese relatives come to town.

FIRST DATE DRESSING

2009-10-21T12:53:00.003-04:00

Dressing for a job interview is one thing, but dressing for a first date with someone you’ve had your eye on for months? Now that’s a challenge. Wildly over-dress and the first date may well be your last; under-dress and risk being branded an unpresentable schlub who won’t be getting a second date, much less anything else.

How to get it just right? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Baseball or royal ball? Figure out where you’re going – is it a jeans and parka night at the stadium, formal black-tie gala or something in between? Before you think about getting dressed for the big night, have a very clear picture in your mind about the formality (or lack thereof) of the occasion. When in doubt, it’s better to err slightly on the side of over-dressed. For example, a blazer, jeans and sneakers worn with a shirt and tie can work well at a baseball game, whether you wind up cheering from in the nose-bleed seats or whooping it up in the corporate sky-box.

Hairy situations: Yes brushing, flossing, fresh breath and a shower are always appreciated, but don’t forget the little things either. Remember to groom your beard and sideburns if you’ve got em. Give the nose hairs and yes, dare we say it, ear hairs a trim. If your eyebrows are Andy Rooney-esque, may we suggest hedge-clippers? Just kidding – actually, we’d recommend a pro shaping – but firmly tell the aesthetician that you want to keep them as natural-looking as possible. To give them a point of reference, just tell them your brows should take their cues from American Idol – your brows should be a lot more David Archuletta than Adam Lambert.

Keep it simple: Your mouth should do the talking, not your clothes, so skip corporate logo tees, Def Leppard tees and sports team jerseys. In general, it’s best to keep writing, lettering and designs to a minimum – are you listening Jon Gosselin? Put it this way, your date may not notice a good shirt, but trust us, she will remember a bad one, possibly forever. Your best bet is to go with a fitted, solid color t-shirt in a low-key neutral that’s either totally plain, or has a subtle design, like the Organic Vines Tee by Perry Ellis.

Cover your assets:If you’re not a natural fashion hound or your body isn’t Ryan Reynolds-ripped, then head for the middle ground – your clothes don’t have to stop traffic but they should fit well. Shirts should fit close to the torso and tuck neatly into pants without a lot of overhanging fabric under the arms or bunching around the waist. You want to give her an idea as to the shape of the body underneath your clothes – not obliterate it. Pants should follow the lines of the body – again with the goal of finding the happy medium between “Dancing With The Stars” tight, and Lil’ Wayne baggy/below-the-butt loose.

Hold the headgear: On that all important first date, just say no to baseball caps, Axl Rose/Brett Michaels headscarves and cowboy hats – they won’t hide thinning locks for long. Instead, if you’re loosing your hair, get a good cut and let your bald flag fly. Chances are she’s figured out your follicular challenges already or if all goes well, she’ll find out soon enough, so skip the headgear – and keep it real.

POCKET-SIZED PHOTO PRINTER

2009-10-20T15:59:00.002-04:00

When we heard last year that Polaroid film would cease production, we nearly shed a tear. Granted we hadn’t used our Polaroid camera in 10 years, but the news did make us nostalgic for the early 90’s – back when we were the hit of every party, shooting off photos and handing them out to drunken friends.

However, very soon we’re going to be back in business ‘cus we’re picking up a Wasabi – Dell’s pocket-sized, portable printer that instantly prints photos from most mobile devices onto cool little, adhesive-backed 2 x 3 inch prints.

All you do is send your images via a PictBridge, Bluetooth or wired connection to the Wasabi and in less than a minute, you’ve got a pretty decent full color photo to share or perhaps save for blackmail purposes down the line.

The actual printing process utilizes zero-ink technology (or ZINC for short), a process that uses heat to activate the crystals embedded in the special photo paper as it passes through the printer. The Wasabi comes in black, pink or blue and can be had for about $100, which includes a starter pack of photo paper. For more info, click to www.Dell.com.

KICKS FOR THE LONG HAUL: SNEAKER SECRETS

2009-10-19T15:55:00.002-04:00

Sneakers, kicks, athletic shoes, trainers, whatever you call yours, there’s a right way to treat em and a wrong way. If you want yours to last and look their best for as long as possible, be sure to give them a regular dose of TLC. Here’s where to start:

Pick your pair and give ‘em air: The way we see it, your best options are either canvas or leather kicks. Unless you’re OK with sweat-soaked feet, skip the patent leather and weird synthetic combos no matter how cool they may look. Canvas or leather will allow air to circulate throughout the shoe and allow your dogs to breathe – thereby minimizing the opportunities for foot-funk to gain a toe-hold. Also, let your kicks breathe without you in them– air them out after every wearing, dose the insides with a foot spray before wearing again and give them every other day off.

Walk like a (clean) man: Want to peep your kicks pristine? Then treat them more like you would a dress shoe and keep them out of dirt’s way – side-step puddles, don’t stomp around in mud, stay out of the sandbox, avoid construction sites, barns and bars with sawdust-strewn floors.

Hey, just stuff it:The only way to prevent creases on leather kicks is to preserve them in amber, which does defeat the fun of ownership a good bit. Instead, bust out your kicks as often as you like, but stuff ‘em when you get home – either with a shoe tree, wads of newspaper or clean socks – anything to help maintain and support the original shape of the leather and to prevent creases from settling in.

Paint one on:Check for scuffs and dirt every couple of wearings – before your kicks start looking dingy. Remove surface dirt on leather with a little bit of soap and a damp cloth. If you have scuffs, our favorite cover-up is Kiwi Liquid Shoe polish in black or white.

In a truly desperate moment we’ve even went so far as to hide a few small dings in the leather with a black Sharpie pen and White-Out. For canvas kicks, the classic Clorox Bleach Stick is great for cleaning up white soles and minor spots.

Another way to instantly freshen up your kicks? Wash your laces or buy a fresh pair if your old ones are beyond redemption.

GET YOUR INTERVIEW LOOK TOGETHER

2009-10-16T10:33:00.002-04:00

Part of the interview process is for an interviewer to get to know you, check out your skills and try to determine if you might be a good fit for the company. Simple enough, but don’t kid yourself – they’re also being paid to make essentially a snap judgment about you, and to pick up on your more subtle clues – such as personal presentation, judgment and sense of appropriateness, etc.

So, as they’re the ones holding the keys to your future, you might as well dress for them – and save your more creative ensembles for those heady days after you’ve landed the job. Also, keep the following in mind:

Leave your sexy, back at home: Show no extra skin beyond your hands, neck and head. Shirts open at the neck and tight pants may kill ‘em at the club, but in the light of day, they can quickly turn off an interviewer. Your best bet? Unless you’re going for a job at ad agency or fashion magazine, err on the conservative side, at least for that initial meeting. By conservative we mean a suit, collared shirt and tie, with leather shoes (not your kicks).

Be fresh pressed:

…And well groomed. Well-tended facial hair is OK; a five o’clock shadow at 10 am is not. Brush your teeth and carry some mints along for a last minute touch up. And wrinkles, ah, wrinkles – you simply cannot walk into an interview in a wrinkled suit or shirt – you have got to look well-tended. Put it this way, wrinkles tell the interviewer you couldn’t be bothered and so why should they bother with you?

Clear the air: As in, don’t knock the interviewer out with the scent of coffee, cigarettes or cologne. Skip all three on the day of your interview to guarantee you won’t leave a trail they’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.

Shut it down: Turn off every electronic device in your bag – that means the Iphone, the Blackberry, the Nintendo – and whatever else can make noise or go off and disrupt the interview. Also, now we’re begging here, take the sunglasses off your head, pull the headphones out of your ears and power down the Bluetooth – none of them should be visible during an interview, no exceptions.

Go stealth: Carry a briefcase or high-end messenger bag, and have everything organized neatly inside so you look pulled together and in control, not scattered. Also, don’t carry extra stuff like newspapers, shopping bags, coffee cups, etc – again, the clutter you carry into the room with you will effect their opinion of you – and not in a good way.

HANGOVERS: GIVE ‘EM THE BOOT

2009-10-15T10:35:00.003-04:00

Oops, you did it again. You got yourself a hangover, and we’re guessing you’re not all that happy about it. Can’t blame you though ‘cus hangovers stink.

The question is, how do you do to fight back once you find yourself in the thick of the hangover battle? While there’s no single cure-all for cocktail-induced illness, we can offer up a few ideas that might help speed your recovery – or at least help dial down the morning-after nastiness.

AVOID THE SUBJECT: Easy for us to say, but don’t get a hangover in the first place. Help stave one off by alternating every drink with a glass of water throughout the night to help dilute the effects of the alcohol and minimize the effects of alcohol withdrawal in the morning. Before you go to bed, drink another glass of water (or two) for extra measure.

START SIPPING: To combat a case of what we like to call "the dry thirstys," start sipping. Some people swear by Gatorade for its electrolyte-replenishing qualities, while others stick to fizzy drinks like ginger ale and 7Up or Sprite mixed with seltzer. Avoid drinks with caffeine as anything more than a cup of the stuff can add to the dehydration problem, which is about the last thing you need.

GO BACK TO BED: If it’s a weekend, try to sleep in and/or take a few naps during the day so your body wont have to work that hard and can start recovering from the abuse. If you’ve got to hobble through a work-day with a hangover, our heart goes out to you man – but push yourself through till 5 pm and go to bed as soon as after work as you can.

Also, do yourself a favor and keep the hangover news to yourself. No need to share it with your boss, your cube-mates or the coffee cart guy. If anyone asks, tell ‘em you might have a touch of the flu and they’ll probably keep their distance for the rest of the day.

CLEAN YOURSELF UP: Hit the shower, but don’t just stand there in a steamy coma. Instead wake up your body with the element of surprise – by switching back and forth between hot and cold water. Some say the technique helps clear the foggy brain that often goes hand-in-hand with a hangover.

DON’T POP PILLS: Yes, if it all possible, we’re suggesting that you white-knuckle it through your hangover and resist the urge to and take aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen for a hangover.
While they’re all relatively safe and effective drugs on their own, once you essentially mix them with alcohol, their side-effects include thinning of the blood, liver damage and stomach bleeding.

If you just can’t crawl through the day without some pill-induced relief, to minimize their potential damage, take ‘em as far into the next day as you can so you’re system has had some time to flush out the alcohol.

CARD SHARK: NEVER MISS MOM’S BIRTHDAY AGAIN

2009-10-14T12:23:00.003-04:00

Greeting cards. Most of us remember to get them long after the occasion has passed and that yes, again, we’ve forgotten to send a card to mom and our little sister for their birthdays. Add in a few nieces and nephews – whose birthday months we can barely remember let alone the actual date – and well, one can see that family relations can get a little strained.

So, how not to look like a selfish, forgetful, ungrateful twerp of a son/brother/uncle? Check out jackcards.com – a "greeting card concierge service" – and never space on a birthday or special occasion again.

Here’s how it works: sign up with jackcards.com and load in the special occasion dates you want to send cards for. Select the cards you want and forget all about it.

About a week before the card is due in your relative’s mailbox, it will arrive in yours, stamped and ready for you to add a message, sign and pop in the mail.

The service costs about $3 -$6 per card, which if you ask us is a small price to pay for family harmony.

FIND NEW MUSIC THE LAZY WAY

2009-10-13T10:58:00.003-04:00

Love hearing bands on-the-rise but too lazy to go out to a club to find ‘em? Well you could spend hours trolling the depths of YouTube ‘till you locate a couple of bands worth a listen or you could just ask your kid sister what she likes.

However, in this age of information overload, we’ve adopted three-pronged approach and invite you to do the same so you wont miss a beat. Here are our favorite combo of old and new school outlets for new and interesting tunes:

INTERNET RADIO: Try http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/ for excellent new and classic "Brit rock" streaming live from London, try Absoluteradio.com. We’re fans because it’s helped us "discover" a bunch of great new bands we never would have found on our own. Better yet, when they toured the US, many of our discoveries played smaller venues where tickets went for less than $30 – and that totally rocks as far as we’re concerned.

MUSIC TELEVISION: And we’re not talking MTV, we’re talking "Fearless Music." We’ve been fans of this late-night, 30-minute, all-music show for a couple of years now because it’s simply brilliant – each episode features performances by 5 –to-7 up-and-coming bands, recorded live – with no fuss, virtually no patter and minimal introduction. Billed as "a real life concert brought straight into your living room with genres that span from Indie to Alternative to Hip-Hop and everything in-between," the show airs in over 200 U.S. cities, usually at 12:30 am on Friday or Saturday nights, but check your local listings – and set the TiVo.

MUSIC NEWSLETTER: Written and edited by professional music fans with really good taste, the OhMyRockness.com weekly email newsletter is like having a super cool buddy in the business who gives you the heads up on bands you should check out.

We’re signed up for their weekly show list email which serves up a comprehensive list of bands, large and small, who are playing in our town in the coming week. Included in the email are links to their handpicked selection of tunes from the OhMyRockness.com podcast, which are always worth a listen – and it’s all for free, which is OK by us.

TIE-SHOPPING TIPS

2009-10-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

Neckties. At some point in life, we all need to wear one, and when that day comes, it helps to know what to look for -- particularly if you’re doing the buying. For those of us who have to tie one on every day, the trick is to buy a good quality one that will last pretty close to a lifetime.

Where to start? Here are a couple of pointers:

THE FABRIC: Silk is your best bet in terms of durability and overall look. A close runner up is the silk and polyester blend. Knit ties, though they have their place, also have a tendency to loose there shape, so you need to understand going in that they’re probably not going to last as long as their silkier brethren.

THE FEEL: The fabric should feel smooth and luxurious and have a little weight to it. However the heft should come from a light-weight lining, as the lining is there to weigh the tie down a bit, give the back a more finished appearance and give the tie body without making it look like a cardboard cutout.

THE LOOK: A nice, high-end tie generally will be cut on the bias, which is a more expensive and skillful way of cutting diagonally across the fabric. This fancier cutting technique allows the tie to lie flat down the center of your chest once you’ve tied it. If you’re not sure what a bias-cut tie looks like, ask the sales people to show you the difference.

THE DETAILS: Look for loose threads and if there are a few visible, keep looking for one that’s been finished more carefully. If you do find a few loose threads after you’ve had the tie a while, then cut the loose threads – never pull them as one wrong pull can virtually destroy your tie.

THE TECHNIQUES: If you’re looking for a new way to tie one, then look no further than http://www.neckties.com/content/howtotieatie.html. There you’ll find illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to tie everything from the Windsor to the St. Andrew knots, plus a few even we’d never heard of before, such as the Plattsburg, The Atlantic, and the Kelvin.

The Road To Recovery (Sartorially Speaking)

2009-10-12T12:39:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Glen Palmer

To merely state that the national economy has been in critical condition would be a massive understatement. Standing on the cusp of economic disaster, a financial flatline was narrowly averted. With market stability somewhat under control, the arduous journey out of recession has slowly commenced. As consumer confidence steadily increases, so should the gentleman's confidence in his stylish wardrobe.

This Autumn, Perry Ellis expertly utilizes fun fabrics, purposeful pattern, and charismatic color to reflect the progressive imagination required in today's work environment. As the nation proceeds forward with much needed innovation & creativity, the contemporary gentleman is sure to be concurrent with the latest trends & fashions. Perry Ellis is here for assistance.

The Professional Gentleman
The sartorial redundancy of Casual Fridays spreading into the rest of the work week and even weekends. The need to distinguish one's self apart from a competitive field in a recovering economy. The exploding popularity of the AMC's Emmy & Golden Globe winning series Mad Men. Whatever the case may hold, gentlemen are devoting much more needed attention to their attire. They should be. Workplace professionalism is paramount and it begins with the suit. Dark hues such as charcoal gray is huge this Autumn. Also, classic patterns like herringbone & houndstooth has been updated with a polished & modern appeal.

The Business Casual Gentleman
Sartorial confusion is a state of mind that the gentleman can ill afford. In times of job uncertainty, the gentleman's attire must be decisive and definitive. Now, the concept of business casual has left many men dazed and confused. For many years, we have watched an uninspired parade of polo tops and khakis. The time has arrived to blend out and cease blending in. Time to separate yourself from the flock.Your appearance is relaxed, yet the formality of your dress is never disputed. Always great options: v neck sweaters, flannel odd trousers, wool cardigans, and crisp cotton dress shirt. If your favorite suit is overkill for your office, the gentleman can simply deconstruct his suit. Your suit jacket, vest, or trousers can be worn as separates while adding variety to your look.

The Traveling Gentleman
With the possibility of numerous business commutes a reality, the gentleman must be fashionably adroit in his navigation. Style should never be sacrificed in the name of comfort. Combined with a houndstooth sport coat, a crew neck sweater layered over a sport shirt is both easy and smart. Your transit is as smooth as the wool blend trousers you are sporting. Now, cotton is very forgiving when it comes to cozy travels, so invest in fabrics like corduroy & gabardine. And don't forget the weekend bag or duffel carry on luggage. You have some important possessions to carry!

The Casual Gentleman
Opportunity knocks and you should be ready to answer the door. One never knows who has an watchful eye on them. From the boardroom to the game room, sartorial fluidity should never be disrupted. Look just as fantastic off the clock as you look on the clock. The soft touch of a velvet blazer in deep chocolate. Crisp and rugged denim jeans. A luxurious cashmere turtle neck. Casual is never synonymous with sloppy. The distinguished gentleman is at ease at work and play. And his style reflects it.

About Glen Palmer
While some attend prestigious powerhouse schools to gain a sense of fashion, style and poise, Glen Antoine Palmer is a gentleman who has an innate sense of what looks good on today's man. Mr. Palmer will admit to anyone that his sense of style was limited before meeting his lovely wife Stephanie, to whom he gives many accolades for steering him in the right direction. However, these days, Mr. Palmer is enjoying his seat firmly behind the fashion wheel. The Sartorial Everyman, Mr. Palmer has constructed a style ideology that reflects both classic and timeless sensibilities; while embracing modern interpretations. Mr. Palmer created The Gentlemen's Standard blog to usher in a sartorial renaissance for the well dressed and distinguished urban gentleman. Glen is also style contributor for Detroit Fashion Pages. Through these venues, Glen is able to touch upon a myriad of style and fashion details often missed by today's hurried gentleman. In the near future, Mr. Palmer aspires to open a business that not only sartorially educates; but also offers affordable & elegant clothing to add to a gent's blossoming wardrobe.

FOOTBALL AND FASHION?

2009-10-09T12:00:00.004-04:00

Submitted By Contributing Blogger Joe Walsh

With summer long gone and your sweaters starting to work their way back into the rotation, we are already approaching the quarter-pole of the NFL season. Most of the big questions remain unanswered: Is Brady back to form? Jury’s out. Are Favre and the Vikes for real? Probably - as long as Adrian Peterson stays healthy. Can Shannon Sharpe continue to show consistent week-to-week improvement in his studio attire? Let’s hope so!

Sharpe might be the biggest surprise of all. After years of leading the league in fashion flags, the former tight end has tightened up his game. In spite of sporting an NFL frame, Sharpe was always working suits that were cut with shoulders too broad, making him look even boxier. That is to say nothing of the venal sin of knotting his tie so large it looked more like a chest protector.

But, Sharpe was not the first guy to throw fashion Hail Marys during fall football coverage. On-air fashion has been through several phases. Join me for a quick journey through football fashion history.

Monday Night Mustard in the 70’s
The Look: In the early days, networks were so keen on promoting themselves with their sports programming that we were treated to uniforms – not just on-field, but also in the broadcast booth. The whole broadcast team was decked out in the same gear, and it always sported a blaring breast pocket logo. Probably the most memorable of these were the Monday Night Football mustard yellow blazers.

The Lesson: Blazers are classic and can work well in fall especially because they are versatile enough for jeans or cords, can look good over loafers, sneaks or boots, and you can rock one with a long-sleeve t-shirt, Henley, or sweater. Go classic blue, but stay away from anything that might make its way into Craig Sager’s closet.

EPSN and the 80’s
The Look: Logo wear was largely abandoned in the 80’s as networks realized that fans were drawn more by personality than network loyalty (enter, John Madden). Letting the “talent” off-leash led to some horribly bad neckwear, just look back at some of the early ESPN Sportscenter broadcasts. In fairness, Chris Berman was not alone - the tie problem was a pervasive signature of the entire decade in all walks of life. Piano tie anyone?

The Lesson: Chances are you are confident in picking ties for your suiting, but what about trying a tie as an accent on the weekend? There are some great knit ties out there this fall that can add some color and texture to autumn ensembles that threaten to get too drab.

Getting Sporty in the 90’s
The Look: Everything old is new again, and the 90’s brought back the trend toward broadcast teams gearing up in signature unis. This time though, there were no blazers. Instead, many networks went with golf shirts. Check out some old college football broadcasts from the 90’s era especially. Hey, nothing says “professional broadcast” like logo wear that any two-bit local business could get for $14.99 a unit from the local screen and embroidery shop.

The Lesson: Odds are you won’t be wearing your golf shirts too deep into fall, but the rules apply for sports gear year-round. There is a difference between a trim-cut polo and breathable golf gear designed to wick away the sweat. Save the sweats for the gym. Your game jersey? Don’t even ask.

2000’s – Blame the Steve Harvey Show
The Look: Steve Harvey had a hit show, he has a bestselling book, and he even has his own clothing line. Two out of three ain’t bad. Harvey’s signature look (broad pinstripes, bold colors, gross overuse of the pocket square and A LOT of buttons) made in-roads on-air in the new millennium. Merril Hoge loves the broad pinstripes. Until this year, the aforementioned Shannon Sharpe always seemed to have about twenty buttons on every suit. Michael Irvin would pair both sins - and throw in a color, like fire engine red.

The Lesson: If you stick with classic looks, you may not feel quite as au currant in the club, but you will never look back at pictures and ask: “what in the…?” Also, be careful about over-accessorizing. Howie Long usually looks good, but he sometimes goes off the rails by pairing four and five-button suits with huge tie knots and v-neck sweaters. Is there a shirt in there Howie?

Silver Lining to the Recession Cloud?
So far, 2009 looks like a good year for fashion fans (and fans in Indy, N’awlins, NYC, Minny and Mile High). Even Shannon Sharpe doesn’t seem as set on “expressing himself.” Maybe the networks are buckling down a little bit on some of the more ostentatious stuff because of the economy.

Next week, I’m going to take a small break from hardcore fashion and revisit some favorite NFL uniforms from years past. Have a favorite, send me an email and I’ll make sure we get it in the post.

Based in Boston, Joe is a Brand Ambassador for Perry Ellis and works in the renewable energy industry. His views on the law, policy and politics of energy and the environment are cited by worldwide news agencies like Reuters and leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal. His email address is energyworkscr@gmail.com

ANVIL ROCKS: THE LITTLE DOCUMENTARY THAT COULD

2009-10-09T11:50:00.003-04:00

For a while now we’ve been taking our entertainment cues from Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman and The New York Post’s Linda Stassi. They both have good taste, they know good stuff when they see it and rarely if ever have they steered us wrong.

So when we saw both of their glowing, drop-everything-and-see-it reviews of “The Story of Anvil” we had to check it out. Though we had no interest in 80’s heavy metal rock n’ roll, based on Linda and Owen’s raves, we took a chance and checked it out. What we witnessed was one of the most hilarious, heart-breaking and triumphant rock documentaries ever.

“The Story of Anvil” – the DVD released on Tuesday — is about a real live 80’s Canadian metal band whose career went nowhere despite their enormous musical influence on virtually every heavy metal band of the 80s’. Clearly a lot went wrong for Anvil, and lesser men would have called it a day about 20 years ago -- but not these guys.

Instead the two founding members soldiered on, got menial day jobs, and kept right on playing more often than not for just a handful of die-hard fans at a time. Now well into their 50’s, the Anvil boys are still dreaming of stardom and trying to hit the big time, regardless of their advancing age, their 30-year track-record of commercial failure and mortgages on the precipice of default.

Will they make it? Will they fall apart? Will anyone show up at their next concert? We’re not saying, but we will say that “The Story of Anvil” will rock your world, no matter what your taste in music. Don’t miss it. To see the trailer and find out more: http://www.anvilthemovie.com/

CHILL OUT DUDE

2009-10-08T10:35:00.002-04:00

Flipping off too many other drivers on the way to work? Fuse getting shorter? Um, guilty as charged. Come to think of it, these days it seems like most of us are wrapped a bit too tight. While obliterating stress isn’t even an option for most of us, we can at least try to get a handle on it without having to join a monastic sect.

Here are a couple of ways you can help take the edge off your day:

GET A TOY: Grab a stress ball and squeeze it when you’re on the phone with the client from hell. Looking for something more manly? Stash an 8 or 12-pound dumbbell in your desk drawer and do a few reps in between emails. In a pinch, grab a bit of bubble wrap and pop a few cells for the sheer, juvenile pleasure of it.

KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS: If every meeting you go to winds up being a half an hour longer than you’ve planned, then you’ll probably spend the day trying to make up the time – and getting fairly tense as a result. How to combat the time crunch? Get sneaky – pad your schedule by 15 or 30 minutes, once in the mid-morning and once again in the mid-afternoon. This way if your meetings end on time, you’ll get a few extra minutes to deal with the business of the day, and if not, at least your entire day won’t get screwed up, just part of it.

GET LOST: At lunchtime, try to get a quick workout in – nothing fancy, just a fast walk around the office park to help break up the tension of the first half of the day, and re-energize you for the second half.

THROW THE BUM OUT: Got a time-sucking superior or subordinate who makes you uptight? Next time they sit down in your office, give them a minute or two to state their business, and then stand up like you have to go somewhere, or excuse yourself to go to the men’s room. The mere act of standing up and starting to move will help (literally) move the conversation along.

HOT STUFF: Home at last. One of life’s simple pleasures and tension reducers is a hot bath. Experts suggest water temperature of about 100 degrees is the sweet spot, but go with whatever feels comfortable for you. Unwind your muscles by soaking for about 15 minutes and do nothing. No calls, no texting, no TV, no radio. Go ahead – we dare you.

NO, NO AND NO: If you tend to create your own stress by overbooking yourself, give yourself a vacation. Politely decline or cancel our invitations for a week or two, so you can do what you want and need to do, like maybe get a bit more sleep, hang out with your kids or take their mom out for a quiet dinner.

MLB American League Division Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

2009-10-07T10:42:00.002-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

About The Boston Red Sox:
The 2007 World Series Champions look to regain their title after Tampa Bay knocked them out of the ALDS last season. They come in as the AL wild card, clinching it with a 95-67 record. This is a much different team than the 2007 Championship squad, but they have the tools to get back there. It starts with their pitching, behind Josh Beckett (17-6, 199 Ks) and Jon Lester (15-8, 225 Ks). Look for either Daisuke Matsuzaka or Clay Bucholz to get the game three start.

Jason Bay is the new Manny Ramirez, and has shown up the former star quite well, with a .267 average and 36 home runs in 2009. He once again takes the pressure off of David Ortiz, who after struggling, bounced back with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. Mid-season acquisition Victor Martinez, hitting .336 since being acquired by Boston, fills in nicely with Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and the rest of the Boston squad, who are stacked from top to bottom.

Despite some middle inning bullpen issues, if they can get to the eighth inning, look for Billy Wagner to set up nicely for lights-out closer Jonathon Papelbon (1.85 ERA, 38 saves).

About The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
The AL West winner is still looking for title number two, but those pesky Red Sox are in the way again. The Angels finished the season at 97-65. Opting for a more patient at the plate approach has worked out for them, as they are second in the AL in runs scored and sixth in walks. Howie Kendrick has hit .379 since the All-Star break, but the addition of Bobby Abreu (.293, 103 RBIs), and the emergence of Kendry Morales (.306, 34 HRs, 108 RBIs), has helped the squad adjust to a declining Vladimar Gurerro.

The starting pitching is so deep, 11-2 Matt Palmer is coming out of the bullpen. John Lackey needs to shake off his past performances against Boston (3-7, 5.00 ERA), so he can get out of game one with a win. The Angels bullpen is suspect, which explains why they lead the majors with six complete game shutouts. Look for some of their deep rotation to be thrown in middle and long relief.

The Matchup:
The Red Sox seems to have the Angels number in the playoffs, winning the last three series by nine games to one. However, Los Angeles isn’t worried about the past, as they took the season series 5-3, scoring 47 runs, a much greater output than the 16 they put in the three playoff series. Boston has a great pitching squad, and the Angels will have to preach heavy patience in order to tire them out.

The Red Sox arguably have one of the best teams from top to bottom, but the Angels have a strong pitching presence, that, if they can work them into the late innings, will work in Anaheim’s favor.

The Pick:
This series could start Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the play-off game in the AL Central. Either way, both teams are ready, and Los Angeles is extremely excited to shake off the three-playoff series losing streak. However, I don’t see Boston letting that happen, and Boston wins it in five.

BOOT SMART: DRY, HAPPY FEET

2009-10-07T10:34:00.002-04:00

Though chances are the first snow-storm of the season is a long way off, this winter is supposed to be a cold one, so we say get the jump on the weather before you have to dig the car out. The first order of business? A good pair of bad weather boots – preferably ones that look reasonably stylish and keep you feet warm and dry.

Here are a few tips for happier feet this winter:

SHOP NOW: The early bird gets the good boots, and the good service, so shop now before the first flakes fall.

LINE ‘EM UP: Look for boots with an insulating liner for warmth. The liner should also be designed to wick moisture away from your feet. If the liner is removable, it will be easier to dry and air out as needed.

LOCK ‘EM DOWN: Look for sealed seams. Sealed seams will help prevent freezing water and slush from shooting in through the needle holes in your boots.

MAKE TRACKS: We’re big fans of the classic Vibram rubber sole – they give you traction in snow, slush and water, but truth be told, they probably won’t help much on patches of ice. To conquer the ice, walk with care, stay indoors till May or invest in a set of crampons.

TREAT ‘EM RIGHT: Treat leather with a dose of silicone to help repel water and force it to bead up and slide off the boot, rather than soak in. Better yet, before the first snow falls, have your shoe repair shop prep your boots for winter with silicone or boot oil (depending on the fabrication), then you can do the touch-ups on your own for the rest of the season.

MLB National League Division Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

2009-10-06T16:26:00.002-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

About The St. Louis Cardinals:
The NL Central Champions return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006, when they won the World Series. Behind the bat of possible NL MVP Albert Pujols (.327, 45 HRs, 135 RBIs), the Cardinals were already powerful. This season, they added Matt Holliday (.353, 13 HRs, 55 RBIs since joining St. Louis), to complement him.

This will help in avoiding the Dodgers pitching staff walking Pujols during the NLDS. The Cardinals also have arguably the best 1-2 punch in their pitching rotation behind Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. The two combined for to only give up three runs in 21 innings against Los Angeles. Carpenter alone is 5-0 with a 2.20 ERA for his career against the Dodgers. Closer Ryan Franklin holds down the back end of the bullpen, earning 43 saves, but this is his first postseason appearance, so it remains to be seen how he will perform.

About The Los Angeles Dodgers:
The NL West winner, who also clinched the top NL record at 95-67, are hungry after losing in the NLCS to the eventual World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies, and would love a rematch. First though, they need to get past the top pitching of St. Louis. They’ll do that in part thanks to Manny Ramirez (.290, 19 HRs, 63 RBIs), as well as from contributions from Andre Ethier (.272, 31 HRs, 106 RBIs), and Matt Kemp (.297, 26 HRs, 101 RBIs).

This three-headed machine is a big reason why the Dodgers ranked third in runs scored in the NL this season. The pitching staff has a bunch of quality starters all fighting for a rotation spot. The Game 1 start will go to Randy Wolf (11-7. 3.23 ERA), and Game 2 will go to Clayton Kershaw (8-8, 2.79 ERA). The bullpen has two strong closers in George Sherril and Jonathon Broxton, and having a deep bullpen will be key if St. Louis tees off offensively.

The Matchup:
The Cardinals won the season series 5-2, and the offensively-minded Dodgers struggled mightily, scoring a mere 19 runs in the seven games. The Dodgers also could be limited by health concerns to Wolf, Kershaw, and other members of the rotation, which could affect their deep pen. However, if they can get around Pujols and Holliday, the rest of the Cardinals lineup is beatable. For the Dodgers, Manny Ramirez hasn’t been his old self since returning from the suspension, but he is a monster in the playoffs, and L.A. could use the post-season Manny to play up to his skills. Closer Ryan Franklin blew three saves for the Cardinals in September, so he will need to get those out of his head quickly and shut down Los Angeles in the late innings.

The Pick:
This is a series of history, dating back to Stan Musial and Duke Snider. They meet for the first time in the playoffs since 2004, when St. Louis won in the NLDS. Look for St. Louis to repeat history and take down Los Angeles in four games.

BOOK ‘EM DANNO

2009-10-06T15:32:00.003-04:00

Our moms believed that politeness was a virtue and insisted that we “always bring something for the host,” um, particularly if we wanted to be invited back.

Though we still have a tendency to mess-up a bit in the thank-you note department, we can honestly say that we never arrive at a house empty-handed. The tricky bit is what to bring, as you never know who is allergic to what or if they’re fresh out of rehab.

So next time you’re invited to “be their guest” leave the bottle behind and bring along an entertaining read instead. Here are a few reasonably priced gems:

-- For the know-it-all host, try any one of the trivia game books from the “Obsessed With” series, which includes “Obsessed With TV”, “Obsessed With Golf”, “ Obsessed with Baseball”, “Obsessed With Star Wars” and “Obsessed With Hollywood”. Each book features 2,500 questions on the chosen subject, plus an interactive feature that lets your host keep score.

-- For the 35-year old gal with a campy sense of humor “God’s Gift: Over 100 Studs, Stallions and Dreamboats from the 70s and 80s,” is a loony compilation of cheesecake photos of famous guys from way back when. Featuring horrendous outfits, hair-don’ts, gold chains and mustaches galore, “God’s Gift” is a book that will liven up even the dullest gathering.

-- For the alt/indie rock music dude, you artsy sister-in-law or design-conscious neighbor, go on the hunt for Nick Di Fonzo’s hysterically funny “Horrifically Bad Album Covers,” a celebration of album cover art gone terribly wrong.

From the less-than-chart-topping “Business Letters Dictated at Various Speeds” by Stenodisc to “Shiver My Timbers” by Captain Hook and His Christian Pirate Crew, the book’s 200 album cover photos and Di Fonzo’s satirical commentary makes this book one very memorable host/hostess gift.

MLB National League Division Preview: Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

2009-10-05T15:48:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

About The Philadelphia Phillies:
The Phillies clinched their third straight NL East Division Title with a record of 93-69. As defending World Series champions, they have a lot of targets on their back. However, they field a team that is strong in many areas. Offensively, they led the National League in runs scored and home runs, thanks to contributions from Ryan Howard (45 home runs, 141 RBIs), and Chase Utley (26 home runs, 93 RBIs, .282 average).

They also boast one of the strongest pitching staffs, with two legitimate aces in mid-season acquisition Cliff Lee (7-4, 74 Ks, 3 Complete Games since the trade) and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.28 ERA, 168 Ks).

They are also deep, and could use mid-season replacement Pedro Martinez in the bullpen, allowing Joe Blanton or J.A. Happ to get the third game start. However, with 11 blown saves, closer Brad Lidge is not who he was in 2008. Happ or Ryan Madson could take the role from him in the playoffs.

About The Colorado Rockies:
It’s another season of Rocktober for the Rockies, who clinch the wild card spot with a 92-70 record after being left for dead earlier this season. The Rockies rely heavily on young pitching and defense, knowing full well that their offensive stats are inflated due to the high elevation of their field.

The team finished sixth in the NL in ERA, a fine stat considering where they play. They are led by Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.98 ERA) and Aaron Cook (11-6, 78Ks). All five of their starters had ten or more wins, giving them great depth for the playoffs. They are a young team though, with no real power hitters, and spent a lot of energy getting themselves into the playoffs. It will be tough to keep that momentum up, but if anyone can do it, they can.

The Matchup:
The Phillies won their series 4-2, but Colorado won the previous two matchups. Colorado had one of the best home records at 51-30, and opponents usually claim extreme fatigue after a few days in the thin air.

However, Philadelphia counters that with a major league leading 48-33 record on the road, and the fact they didn’t lose a single playoff game at home in 2008. Both teams boast strong pitching records, but Philadelphia easily has the power advantage, and can capitalize on one or two mistakes. However, if Philadelphia does not figure out their bullpen situation soon, they could open the door for a comeback or two from Colorado.

The Pick:
Philadelphia seems to have all the necessary tools (and a few extra ones) to give them a great shot at being the first repeat World Series winner since the New York Yankees (1998-2000). Philadelphia in four games.

Agree? Disagree? Let's hear from you!

TEE SHIRTS, INSIDE & OUT

2009-10-05T14:34:00.003-04:00

When we were growing up, the only time a tee shirt saw the light of day was when dad had to mow the lawn. Otherwise, the tee shirt, available in white, white or white, was kept under wraps, locked down, underneath a suit or sport jacket.

Fast-forward a few decades and the tee shirt has busted out all over. Here’s how to wear ‘em with style:

THE CLASSIC WHITE TEE: Worn under a shirt and suit jacket, Don Draper-style, the classic white crewneck tee shirt hides chest hair, sweat, lipstick stains and martini spills. It is, perhaps, man’s most perfect garment. How to wear it well? Snugly. As the white tee shirt is the foundation of your outfit, the smoother the tee fits, the better your dress shirt and jacket will lie over it.

KICKING IT CASUAL: It they don’t expect you to wear a suit and tie to the office, then a solid color crew neck in a muted tone can work well on its own under a sport jacket or blazer. Choose a slightly fitted tee, preferably long-sleeve, to add a hint of formality without sacrificing comfort.

HIPPER THAN THOU: For weekend wear, we say the more tee shirts the better. For day, we like a ringer or v-neck short-sleeve tee, layered over a lightweight long-sleeve tee shirt. For a casual night out or date with someone special, a solid-color, slim-fitting tee over a button-down shirt looks pulled together but not like we’re trying too hard. If the night is super casual, then we’ll go with jeans, a vest (no denim, please) and a fitted long-sleeve crewneck, you know, to show off our guns.

GOOD GRAPHICS MAKE THE MAN: How to gussy up a basic tee? Add an interesting graphic, a pair of jeans, and head out for a casual lunch. A bit more stylish than a solid-color tee, the graphic tee is a good Saturday daytime look. Sidestep the John Gosselin look altogether by avoiding oversized, neon tiger graphics. Instead look for muted colors and designs drawn with a light hand. Not surprisingly Perry Ellis has a few to choose from.

Our favorite? The Organic Vines Tee. Have a look: http://www.perryellis.com/Knits+Tees/Organic-Vines-Tee/invt/49fk5157ps&bklist=icat,4,shop,pemen,pedmknitsandtees

TEE SHIRTS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES: The classic “I’m With Stupid” tee shirt has become the gold standard of awful/idiotic/tacky message tee shirts. Though we’re not huge fans, we don’t rule out “talking” tees altogether, we just ask that you do wear ‘em with care.

Follow these three rules and you won’t go wrong:

(1) the message has to be brief, say, no more than 2 words

(2) words should be PG enough to wear in front of your mother or a member of the clergy without embarrassing either of them

(3) the shirt should be worn only when off-duty, never to the office.

OH NO! IT’S A MUSCLE TEE: How to send the object of your affections running in the other direction? Try a muscle tee or tank top. Can you wear a muscle tee to work? Yes, if you work in a gym, all-night disco or at the World Wrestling Federation. Stonewashed jeans, mullet and “cans o’beer” hat are optional.

How To Get Your Small-Market NCAA Team On TV

2009-10-02T17:07:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

Some time ago, I had the chance to meet with Randy Spetman, Florida State Athletic Director, and he told me the way to get into a career in sports, was to be able to sell your product. So, it’s time for me to earn my marketing degree and explain how to get your college football team some better exposure.

Back in 2004, ESPN hyped what was arguably the greatest time for a football fan, and that was 19 straight days of at least one live football telecast (college or NFL). Now, we’re used to Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and the occasional Thursday game, which is now becoming a weekly standard, and even a Friday game is becoming commonplace.

But games being played on Tuesday and Wednesdays? Yes it happened, and with 119 different FBS teams, there are thousands of fans who I’m sure tuned on those days to see their small-market school that don’t quite get the prime-time love on a Saturday night. Which, right there, is the key.

Small market schools from conferences such as the WAC, MAC, Sun Belt, C-USA, MWC, and so forth, aren’t top tier teams. Granted, the MWC is slowly making a name for themselves, but that’s semantic detail. Financially, they don’t pull in the big bucks that the bigger teams do, and in today’s cutthroat environment, especially for coaches, those with smaller budgets have to think outside the box to pull in the top recruits.

What else says free publicity like a weekday game nationally televised by ESPN? For example, both Tuesday and Wednesday games for two weeks during the 19 days of Football Television, were played by C-USA schools. That’s eight teams getting a national audience to show their product. What team wouldn’t take that opportunity?

In the earlier days of football, teams could use the prestige angle and the exposure of being a big-time school to help lure recruits, because it was only those handfuls of schools getting the attention that would turn the head of NFL scouts. Now, those same teams that used that recruiting pitch can’t anymore, because we’re having these smaller schools get attention because they play games on “off-nights.”

Twenty years ago, how many NFL scouts and high school recruits would have been interested by the fact that Kevin Smith from UCF ran for the 2nd most yards in a single season, with 2,567? He ended up being televised twice on national television, with one of those games coming on a Sunday night. A night not designated for football, and on that night, 3rd round draft pick Kevin Smith rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Would anyone have cared otherwise?

I know, I’m focusing heavy on one specific conference, but let’s face it, all the smaller conferences are using the fact that they will be televised to market themselves, and they’re playing harder than ever for the recruit’s attention!

The following mid-major teams have played at least one game on a non-college football day: Ball State, Louisiana Monroe, Tulane, SMU, Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee State, and so forth.

Even for the smaller schools in the bigger conferences that don’t get a lot of attention, they take advantage of this opportunity. We hear the ESPN pundits’ discussing the Thursday upsets of Vanderbilt over South Carolina, TCU destroying BYU, Colorado over West Virginia, and, obviously, Oregon State over USC. I find it hard to believe the lights of being the only game in town not weighing a little heavier on the underdogs.

The funniest thing of all, some of the BCS schools are realizing this untapped potential. Let’s look at the Louisville Cardinals. Ever since Petrino left and Brian Brohm fell off the map, we haven’t heard too much of them. So what do they do? They schedule HALF their games on a non-primary college football night. That’s six games of guaranteed television, and an easy way to tell their recruits, you will be shown off in front of the entire world, if you come sign and play football with us.

If I was an Athletic Director, and I needed to market my small-market team, I’d do like Louisville, only take it one step further: Every game is a weekday game. Outside of the one or two non-conference games (to earn the big paycheck for getting whooped, and some of those games get televised), I would just play them all on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and promote to my recruits that we can get you the national exposure to help get you to the next level, and win you the big awards, and all the while, the school rakes in the dough from it. A complete win-win for all members.

So there you have it, my plan to make even the smallest mid-major conference school just as competitive as the big boys, and I for one, always look forward to sitting down and watching a football game, regardless of the date, time, and who’s playing.

ONE-SHOT VIDEOS TO LOVE

2009-10-02T11:53:00.003-04:00

Lately, it seems that clever little one-take videos have been popping up all over the net. Whether it’s a gang of twenty somethings lip-synching around the office, a band trying to create some buzz or a filmmaker showing off his mad skills, the one-take video genre is becoming something of a legitimate art form.

The “one-take” is usually pretty ingenious and more often than not forces you to say, “how did they do that?” even though, without editing, there really aren’t any tricks of the trade involved. Now that’s what we call reality programming! Here are a few of our current favorites:

1) "Subterranean Homesick Blues" – one of the original one-take wonders featuring the too-cool-for-school Bob Dylan in 1965 lip-synching "Subterranean Homesick Blues," while staring blankly at the camera and tossing cue cards onto the street. Click to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PedxiosPF8U2.)

2) “C’etait un Rendez-Vous” – a heart-stopping ride at roughly 60 mph through the streets of Paris, complete with the sounds of screeching tires and revving engines. Made in 1976 by director Claude Lelouch, it’s a passenger’s eye-view of the City of Light moments just before dawn – simply breathtaking. Click to: http://www.vimeo.com/2840720 <http://www.vimeo.com/2840720>

3) “I Gotta Feeling” – a recent entry by 172 students at the University of Quebec who all turned up to lip-synch a loosely choreographed, fairly exuberant version of the Black Eyed Peas hit, “I Gotta Feeling,” playing off the now infamous flash mob version that debuted on Oprah’s season opener a few weeks back. Click to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXpQqU3-0q

4) “Let The Beat Build” – an amazing one-take that features live music, with a large cast of singers, violinists, drummers, pianists and other musicians while Nyle, a rapping NYU college student, rhymes his way through three-plus minutes of surprisingly positive lyrics about making it as an artist in spite of tough economic times. Listen to it a few times and you won’t be able to get it out of your head, nor will you want to. Click to: http://vimeo.com/4189528?sec=&hd=1

5) “Here It Goes Again” – Previously unknown, rockers OK Go made a name for themselves with their show-stopping video for “Here It Goes Again.” Simple, cheap and brilliantly funny, OK Go’s astonishingly well-choreographed dance routine, performed entirely on moving treadmills demands repeated viewings.

6) “Mediate” – Call it a loving tribute or a wee bit of petty thievery, in 1987 Aussie band INXS borrowed heavily from the Bob Dylan video playbook with the video for their song “Mediate.” Though there’s one intentional cross cut at the start of the video, once Hutchence starts singing and hurling cue cards, all is forgiven. Click to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFUEgFdP5zE

Honorable Mention: Hats off, and a bit more, goes to the electro-rock duo Make The Girl Dance whose slightly scandalous yet amusing video for their dance track “Baby, Baby, Baby” features beautiful French models strutting down the streets of Paris lip-synching the lyrics, clad only in high heels and strategically placed blackout bars. Granted, the song is a bit lightweight, but watching the reactions of pedestrians is half the fun. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x99ein_make-the-girl-dance-baby-baby-baby_music

HAPPY FEET: SHOE CARE 101

2009-10-01T10:33:00.005-04:00

If you want your shoes to last a while, you’ve got to treat them with a little respect, and a bit of TLC. Here are a few pointers on how to keep them in top form:

Take it easy: Don’t jam your foot into your shoes; get an assist from a shoehorn. As retro as it might seem, an old-school shoehorn will preserve the shape – and the look – of the back of your shoes.

Give them a vacation: Wearing the same shoes day after day is a recipe for feet that reek. Rather than gassing the guys at the office, rotate your shoes. Switching shoes ever other day will help the shoes maintain their shape and give them time to air out between wearings.

Stuff ‘em: In a perfect world, wooden shoe trees are great for helping dress shoes dry out from daily wear, tear and sweat. In a pinch, say if you’re traveling, you can always stuff shoes with newspaper to dry them out and help them keep their shape. If you’re really short on time, a few quick shots with a blow dryer on low heat, aimed inside the shoe can speed things up, but use a blow dryer only as a last resort, as too much heat can hurt the leather.

Handle with care: If your shoes get soaking wet, dry them off as best you can and stuff with newspapers, re-stuff with dry newspapers every few hours and place them in front of a fan – but never in front of a heater as too much heat will crack the leather.

Once they’ve dried a bit, take them to your shoe repair shop for a full buff and polish treatment, and re-blocking

SUNGLASSES FOR THE MASSES

2009-09-30T11:15:00.004-04:00

Sunglasses. We love them, we need them, and we loose them more often than we’d like. On the bright side though, that does mean we get to shop for new ones fairly regularly, which we think rates pretty high on the shopping fun-o-meter.

How to get shades that will look great on you? Start with your face shape and work from there. Try on a bunch of different styles and select your favorites.

Next, instead of checking yourself out in the mirror, take out your camera phone, try each pair on and snap a photo of each as you go along, to get a better idea of which style looks best on you. To narrow down the pool of possibilities, here are a few pointers on the styles that are most likely to work with the shape of your face:

Oval Shaped Face: You sir are in luck, as virtually any style frame will work with your symmetrical face. The main thing you’ll need to pay attention to when selecting frames is the proportion of the frames to the size of your face.

Round Shaped Face: Put it this way: 2 rounds (face + frames) don’t make a right. Shades for round faces should be on the angular side, to help add more definition and length to the shape of your face. Strong and square is a good place to start.

Square Shaped Face: Sunglasses with a rounder or oval shape will help balance out the jaw line, make your face look a bit less blocky and provide the illusion of length. For you, the key is to find frames that are less wide than the widest part of your face.

Rectangular Face: Like your square-shaped brethren, rounder or oval shapes work well for you. The key difference is that you should look for frames that add a little width to the face to balance out the shape.

Triangular Face: If your face is shaped more like a “base-down” triangle, then balance out the top half of your face with sunglasses that draw attention to the top half and away from the chin.

For inverted triangle types, you’ll want to look for sunglasses that add width to the bottom half of your face. For example---rimless sunglasses would be a good place to start.

VIDEO SHOOT ‘EM UP

2009-09-29T11:55:00.002-04:00

About ten years back we thought we were just about the coolest kid on the block when we bought a 15-oz., palm-sized camcorder.

Though it cost about as much as a desktop computer at the time, we loved that thing and dragged it everywhere, annoying our camera-shy friends at every turn. In the last year or so though we haven’t used it much, having grown tired of lugging it along with all our other more essential gadgets.

And frankly we miss our little video buddy, so we’re going to donate it to charity and replace it with the Vado HD, the 3.5 oz pocket-sized mini-camcorder from Creative Labs.

It comes with all the traditional bells and whistles of a mini-camcorder, plus a larger screen and a removable, rechargeable battery, so you can swap batteries as needed.

Better yet, it gets very solid reviews on cnet.com – our gadget-buying bible – and can be had for about $125 on Amazon.

VEST ASSURED: A VEST FOR EVERY OCCASION

2009-09-28T15:43:00.003-04:00

When we were growing up in New York City in the 80’s, a guy wearing a vest meant one of two things: he was either a Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street” type or a card-carrying member of the Hell’s Angels.

We were neither, so we gave vests a wide berth. In the last few years though, we’ve been re-thinking the vest, and are now working them into our wardrobe. In fact, we’re wearing them a lot these days. Here’s how to work a vest or two into your everyday wardrobe:

First Date: Try a slim-fitting pinstripe vest with plain-front dress pants, a white shirt with a retro/hipster skinny tie. Or try a sweater vest for an appealing geek-chic variation.

Informal afternoon barbecue: Try a vest with dark blue or black jeans plus a well-fitting, long or short-sleeve v-neck t-shirt.

Casual dinner with friends: Pair a tweed or corduroy vest with jeans and a collared shirt. To loosen the look up a bit, unbutton the cuffs and push or fold up the sleeves a few inches.

At a formal office: If you’re wearing a 2-piece suit, you can dress it up further by adding a vest to the proceedings. A word of caution though – with a 2 piece suit, we recommend that the vest be made of the same fabric as the suit for a polished, professional look.

On a desert island: If you’ve recently washed up on shore or are currently appearing on “Survivor, Saomoa”, then it’s OK to wear a vest without a shirt.

To a Halloween party: The only occasion a fun vest could work is a Halloween party and even that’s might be a stretch. Hit a thrift store for some granny glasses, a paisley puffy shirt, bell-bottom cords and a fur vest, and you’re good to go as Brian Jones or Sonny Bono, circa 1966.

What We Learned: NFL Week 3

2009-09-28T14:52:00.002-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

Week three had some major upsets, and a few tricks thrown in as well. Let’s take a look back at some of the big stories.

That Old Favre Magic
Two weeks into the NFL season, and Brett Favre has done little more than manage a game, a task either of his backups could do, and still make them 2-0. They do have one of the top NFL running backs in Adrian Peterson. However, Favre was finally called on in the fourth quarter against San Francisco, and boy, did he deliver. With 89 seconds to go, the Vikings were down 24-20, starting on their own 20 yard line. Favre drove them, completing all five of his passes, leading them to the 32 yard line of San Francisco’s with 12 seconds left.

On the next play, Favre found little-used WR Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone to complete his 40th career game-winning drive. This one play just summed up why Minnesota took such a chance to get Favre back one last time.

An Unimpressive Beginning
It’s been two years and three games since Michael Vick played in an NFL game. Finally, on Sunday, September 27th, 2009, Vick came back and did…..absolutely nothing. Well, that’s not all true. Vick, who has only practiced with the Philadelphia Eagles for a short amount of time, played his responsibility as a decoy well. Overall, Vick was on the field for 11 snaps, and had a total of seven yards on one rush.

Ironically, it was the other Eagle backups, QB Kevin Kolb and RB LeSean McCoy who had a big day for the Iggles, who won 34-14 over Kansas City. As the season progresses, look for Vick to get some more action while he adjusts to his new team.

The First One Is Always The Sweetest
December 23, 2007 was the last positive day for Lions fans. That day has since been replaced with September 27, 2009 as the Detroit Lions won their first game in their last 20, beating the Washington Redskins 19-14. Coach Jim Schwartz and rookie QB Matt Stafford also celebrated their first career victories. While their 19-game losing streak will go down in history as the second longest in NFL history, for the Lions and their fans, all they’re concerned with is a new streak. This one has a more winning attitude to it.

Kudos must also go to Schwartz, who sent his team back out to celebrate the victory with the 40,000 plus fans who have been supporting the Lions through thick and thin.

All-Star Injury Squad
The NFL talks of adding an extra game or two, but at the rate of the injuries occurring, they’re won’t be anyone left to play that extra game. In fact, an all-pro team could be designed with the injured players.

Key injuries include RBs LaDanian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Jamal Lewis, Marion Barber, LB Brian Urlacher, DE Dwight Freeney, QBs Donovan McNabb and Chad Pennington, WR Wes Welker, CB Aaron Ross, S Troy Polamalu, and others. It’s a long season, and for some teams, a key injury to a franchise guy can really affect the team’s psyche and performance.

Way Too Early MVP Predictions
1. Peyton Manning – 983 yards and seven touchdowns in just three games, he is the reason the Colts have once again taken first place in the AFC South, and the team shows no signs of turnover issues with a new coaching staff in place.

2. Adrian Peterson – Even after his non-breakout game against San Francisco, the Minnesota Vikings RB is still a huge reason for their 3-0 start, with 357 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2009.

3. Drew Brees – The Greatest Show In The Air is led by Brees, with his 841 yards and 9 touchdowns already. He had a non-descript game against Buffalo, but still has the talent and the tools to put points up and lead New Orleans to victory in the coming weeks.

Contenders and Pretenders
It’s early in the season, but who’s getting off on the right foot? Are the Jets for real? Raise your hand if you saw them 3-0 after games against New England and Tennessee. Well, it’s true, behind rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the suffocating defense, the Jets are 3-0 heading into a showdown against New Orleans this weekend.

The New York Giants recommitted themselves to the rushing game this past week, and it showed as that and a combined defense effort led them in shutting out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-0. It was the first road shutout for the G-Men since 1983. The Giants are 3-0 for the second straight season.

The Baltimore Ravens are using their offense to put points on the board, and it has given them a 3-0 start in coach John Harbaugh’s sophomore season.

As always, there are teams struggling to live up to the hype early on this season as well. Three losses last year, three losses this year. It’s the same old for the Tennessee Titans, except they’ve lost all three games in a row this season. Who would have thought Albert Haynesworth made that much of a difference.

An inept win over St. Louis and a pathetic loss to Detroit makes the Washington Redskins a huge pretender. Combine that with the NFC East division, and coach Jim Zorn might not make it out of week two.

The Miami Dolphins are stuck with one of the hardest schedules this season, and it is clearly affecting last year’s AFC East champs, as they are 0-3 already this season.

Talking About My Generation

2009-09-26T09:54:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

While over here in Afghanistan, a few of us got to discussing about the athletes that shape our generation, and considering most of my co-workers are older than me, the names they brought up were people that I could only read about or watch in old highlight films. Starters like Reggie Jackson, Hank Aaron, Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, and Bobby Orr, to name a few, defined their respective sports with their play and achievements.

So I got to wondering, when I have a kid, and he/she becomes old enough to who wonder who the stars in different sports, who will I tell him/her about, and how do I tell him/her?

My focus will be mainly on athletic achievement. I’m looking at mainly current athletes, especially those in their current prime or getting close to that, who still have years left to play. But by the time I have kids, and they start grasping and understanding sports, these players will either have retired, or are on the way out.

Finally, I don’t feel hockey has had that one player which defined my generation, and all the current players are way too young to make that call now.

As a disclaimer, I’m 25, born in 1983, and I’m basing these on the fact that I didn’t start truly grasping and understanding sports until at least my pre-teen years.
Without further ado, my picks for the athletes that shape my generation:

MLB
Alex Rodriguez: He still has plenty years to go (currently in his 16th season, and only 33), and at 578 home runs, he could clearly end his career with the career home run title. A lifetime .305 hitter, A-Rod is also a 11-time All-Star through 2008 as well as a 9-time Silver Slugger and a three time MVP. He is one of the most popular players in sports, and despite his admitted performance enhancer drug use and post-season struggles, he still has plenty of time to grab his first World Series ring (possibly this season?), and earn a handful of more awards. With the DH option available as well, and in the first year of a new contract, I would imagine a good 6-7 more years out of A-Rod before hanging up the cleats.

NFL
Tom Brady: No player screams excellence and perfection quite like Tom Brady. A mere 32 years old, he already has garnered achievements some players never reach in their career. He is a four-time Pro-Bowler, a first team All-Pro in 2007, and the 2007 Offensive Player of the Year and MVP. He currently holds three Super Bowl rings to go along with two Super Bowl MVP awards. The current holder for most touchdowns in a single season (50), he also holds numerous post-season records as well. Despite coming back from season-ending surgery in 2008, Tom Brady has started off 2009 with a bang, and will be a fixture in the NFL’s post-season for at least the next four or five years, before I believe time will begin to catch up on him.

NBA
Tim Duncan: A man who was chosen with the first pick in the draft, and lived up to the hype. When the San Antonio Spurs grabbed Duncan, to them it was a perfect complement, and eventual transition from David Robinson. Duncan started hot, taking home Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, and hasn’t looked back. He’s a two-time MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a 11 time All-Star (to include ten straight appearances), and has been named on the All-NBA and All-Defensive team every year since 1997-98 (his rookie season).

To top it all off, Duncan already has four rings, and he’s hungry for four more, easy. He’s going to be 33 years old heading into 2009, and has a double-double career average (21.4 ppg and 11.7 rpg). Duncan could easily play another four or five years, make the playoffs each year, and field a competitive Spurs team that could potentially win one or two more titles before he makes his exit.

Got a gripe or a complaint? Let me hear it. These are my picks, but I'd like to hear yours.

DUDE, WHERE’S MY CHARGER?

2009-09-25T10:47:00.003-04:00

We travel a lot, sometimes for fun, but more for business, which usually means short trips with just enough clothes stuffed into an overnight bag we hope makes the cut as carry-on. Then there are our gadgets and chargers, crammed into pockets, slowing us down at the security line as we unload it all into the x-ray bins.

Yup, we confess, we’re the guys holding the up the line. Next time though, we promise, it will be different, because we’re leaving town with the exceptionally useful PMT – a Personal Media Pouch by Kangaroom ($12.99).

The PMT is a small nylon bag that looks much like a dopp kit but is designed to neatly store three small devices, like a cell phone, camera, mp3 player and their chargers, each in their own separate compartment. And the best part about it? No more patting ourselves down at the airport, saying “Dude, where’s my charger?”…

To get one for your next trip, click to: http://www.kangaroomstorage.com/product/travel/204/kangaroom-personal-media-travel-pouch.html

HOW TO TALK HAIR

2009-09-24T10:51:00.003-04:00

Face it – that $20 haircut chop shop at the mall was fine when you were in college, but out here in the land of grown-ups, a high-end salon cut is the way to go. You and your hair will look better, the cut will last longer and enable your hair do what you want it to do, versus the other way round. Sound good? OK, then you’re ready to take the next step:

-- Seeing is believing, so ask your guy friends who cuts their hair – but ask a guy whose hair shares some similarity with yours. For example, our slow-growing hair is thin at best, so we asked a well-coiffed balding friend for a recco. He sent us to his stylist, who granted costs three times more than the chop shop, but guess what? The cut is easily thee times better because we don’t have to go as often and the cut holds its shape far longer.

-- Have a consultation with a stylist. Tell them about your style and the image you wish to project. If the stylist is thinking a classic George Clooney Caesar cut, and you’re thinking Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson, well, Houston, there’s gonna be a problem, so talk it out in detail first. Also let the stylist know how you usually style your hair, how much time you’re willing to spend on it, if you’re comfortable using a few hair products or if you’re more of a wash-and-go guy.

-- Bring in some visual aids – that is, a few pictures of celebrity hairstyles that you like. While not all celeb cuts will work on you, the pictures will help guide the stylist in the direction of a cut that will work with the shape of your face, the texture of your hair and lifestyle. For inspiration, and more hairstyles for men than you ever imagined, check out this extensive archive of celebrity men’s hairstyles, and print out a few options: http://coolmenshair.com/2007/08/celebrities-hairstyles.html

-- Share your darkest secrets – about your hair that is. Before they bust out the scissors, tell the stylist about any follicular challenges you might have – like cowlicks and thinning patches – so the stylist can work with them. Chances are a pro will be able to spot them anyway, but it can’t hurt to give the stylist the heads up before they start cutting.

-- Share the wealth, and tip like a grown-up – it’s the polite thing to do, particularly if you plan to become a regular customer. In general, a stylist should be tipped 15 – 20% of their bill. So if the cut is $65, the stylist tip should be about $10 -$12. And don’t forget to slip a five to the assistant who washed your hair.

NICE PRICE, BIG CITY: SLEEP CHEAP IN NY, MIAMI, LONDON AND BEYOND

2009-09-23T11:28:00.002-04:00

We’ve lived in New York City all our lives. Problem is our friends don’t, so they’re always asking our advice on cheap New York City hotels, despite the fact we’ve never actually slept in one. In the past, we’d advise the out-of-towners to look at the usual cheap hotel room web sites and pray for a deal.

This holiday season however, when our college roommate wants to bring the family in during the holidays “to see the lights,” we’re sending him to Roomorama.com, an ingenious online booking engine for travelers looking for a decent place to stay.

At Roomorama.com your far-flung friends can view and book accommodations at one of their numerous, reasonably priced, short-stay possibilities – from furnished multi-roomed apartments and funky downtown lofts to single-room studios and apartment shares.

All they need to do is determine their travel dates, amenities required and type of accommodations desired and in seconds they’ll be presented with a list of places available, photos, the price per night and all the relevant details, plus a map pin-pointing the pad’s location.

As for us, we’ll let Roomorama find us a place to stay for a couple of days in London, perhaps during the holidays, you know, to see the lights (with regrets to the ol’ college roommate and his family).

Currently Roomorama lists places to stay in New York City, Miami, Boston, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto and Washington, DC. For information go to Roomorama.com

PACK YOUR GYM BAG FOR A BETTER WORKOUT

2009-09-22T16:01:00.003-04:00

Submitted By Contributing Blogger Joe Walsh

As September stretches on, my regular runs along the banks of Boston’s Charles River are coming with some added chill. This morning, with Harvard at my heels and MIT in my sights, the lights of Fenway Park and the famous Citgo sign looming over the river to the right, and the city skyline rising up straight ahead, it occurred to me that the weather will soon push me back into the confines of the gym.

Whether its weather that is pushing you indoors or just that you are back on campus and using the gym again, take these tips to make sure you are ready for the transition with a gym bag that is as ready for action as you are.

Find Flip-Flops at Fall Sales
Gym showers can be funky. Make sure you keep your feet fungus-free by always packing shower shoes. If you want to pick up a more upscale pair, the end-of-summer sales are a great place to score sweet sandals on sale.

Make Mom Proud
Before you checkout, stop by and see if there are any bargains on boxers or briefs. Always keep your bag packed with an extra set of undergarments – it’ll make your Mom proud and besides, you never know. Be sure your extras are in a neutral or light color so that you don’t have to worry about see-through on lighter pants and try to make the socks something versatile…maybe a navy base with a stripe in some color you wear a lot of.

Get Fit, Get Clean
You eat a low-fat, high-protein diet. You check the health mags for new workouts and tips. You even carry around a notebook to keep track of your reps and weight. OK, maybe not. But, if you are going to workout that hard, don’t slack when you get in the shower. Wall-mounted soap dispenser goo, hard gym water and dry winter air are a perfect recipe for scaly, dry skin.

NIVEA for Men to the rescue. Their new Active 3 product is an all-in-one body wash, shampoo AND shaving cream. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but you just cut two extra bottles from your dopp kit.

Take Advantage of the TSA
Speaking of your kit…thanks to TSA regulations, these days any good pharmacy will have a well-stocked section of trial and travel sized skin care, shaving and other products. Stock your kit with those smaller items and don’t forget zipped plastic bags to be sure you don’t wind up oozing shave balm all over the inside of your bag. If you do this right, the added benefit will be that you will have a airport-ready shave kit ready-to-go when you pack for your next trip.

Based in Boston, Joe works in the renewable energy industry. His views on the law, policy and politics of energy and the environment are cited by worldwide news agencies like Reuters and leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.

RACE TO THE OFFICE

2009-09-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

For those of us who aren’t exactly morning people, each blast of the alarm clock is a painful reminder that the party is over – and we’d better get cracking if we’re going to make it to the office on time. Not long ago we gave you a few tips on how to streamline your morning madness, and since then, we’ve come up with a few more thoughts on how to start the day off right:

Dress like a pro

--Take pictures of your workday outfits and hang ‘em up in your closet, so you can refer to them and locate what you need from head to toe. The snaps will save you the trouble of having to think too hard first thing in the morning, and limit the chance of a fashion foul-up – like the time we showed up at a 7:00 am meeting wearing two different colored shoes.

Limit interruptions

--This may seem totally radical, but let morning calls go to voicemail and keep plowing through your morning routine. Once you’re dressed, then listen to the voicemail and return the call if it absolutely can’t wait. Same goes for email too. The more interruptions you allow before you’re ready to go, the later you’ll be – so keep distractions to a minimum.

Be prepared

-- For a less stressful lift-off in the morning, get tomorrow’s essentials ready tonight. Go a little nuts – make an omelet after dinner and store it in the fridge for a quick micro waving in the morning. Load up the coffee maker with water and coffee so all you have to do is flip the switch first thing.

If you’re brown-bagging it, put some leftovers in a microwave container to take to the office for lunch tomorrow. Keep your briefcase and car keys together near the front door so you can make a quick exit.

One last thing? Don’t forget to switch on your brain by the time you step out of the house.

What We Learned: NFL Week 2

2009-09-21T14:43:00.003-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

Week two of the NFL season saw some early surprises, as teams race out to early division leads. Let’s go back and look at some of the big stories.

Brady’s Not Back
With the exception of his masterful two-touchdown comeback in the fourth quarter against Buffalo last week, New England QB Tom Brady looks like a shell of his 2007 record-setting self, and it showed against the New York Jets in week two. Playing a team that has not beaten Brady’s Patriots in The Meadowlands in nearly a decade, the Jets held Brady in check as he went 23 of 47 for 216 yards and an interception.

Even with the game on the line in the fourth quarter, when New England shines, Brady stumbled, getting his pass knocked down on fourth down. While it is still early in the season, and Brady was without favorite target WR Wes Welker, the Patriots are now a game behind the Jets in the AFC East, and need to find some answers, quick.

What Sophomore Slump?
Last week, we talked about rookies shining in the NFL, bucking the waiting trend. Well, the twin brother of a rookie sensation is the sophomore slump. However, Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and Baltimore QB Joe Flacco didn’t get the memo, as both have led their teams to 2-0 records thus far.

Ryan has come out throwing in 2009, thanks to newly acquired TE Tony Gonzalez, giving him a solid crutch to lean on. So far, he has thrown for 449 yards with five touchdowns, second most in the NFL. After playing the role last season of game manager, deferring to the run, Ryan is giving defenses another concern to worry about, as he is clearly showing he can beat teams through the air.

Flacco came into a Baltimore team looking for offensive identity, and they still were searching until the latter part of the 2008 season. Well, so far, in 2009, a Baltimore team well-known for their defense, has the offense earning most of the praise. Much of that credit can go to Flacco, who has thrown for 497 yards and five touchdowns, also second most in the NFL. If these two can continue their success, we could be talking about the QB class of 2008 the same way we talk about 1983 and 2004 real soon.

The Saint Of Air
In 1999, the St. Louis Rams had an offensive game dubbed “The Greatest Show On Turf”. Ten years later, the New Orleans Saints high-scoring affair might take that title. A week after putting 45 points on Detroit, QB Drew Brees and company decided, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, and put 48 on the Philadelphia Eagles. For the season, Brees has nine touchdowns, almost double the next closest competitor.

At this rate, Brees will finish with 72 touchdowns, obliterating the previous mark. While it may not be likely he’ll finish with that grandiose figure, Brees did come within a few yards of shattering the single season passing yard record last year, and if he keeps up this pace, that record will definitley fall in 2009.

Welcome Home
With fanfare usually reserved for bigger events, Jerry Jones put on quite a show in revealing his $1 billion plus new Texas Stadium. Over 105,000 joined him in his latest crowning achievement. However, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on the stadium, if the product inside doesn’t win.

The Cowboys had the victory with a few minutes left in the game, but the New York Giants marched down the field behind Eli Manning’s 330 yards passing, and a game-winning field goal spoiled the Cowboys first home game in their new digs, 33-31. For the record, no punts hit the enormous jumbotron seated 90 feet above the field. Tony Romo threw three interceptions to offset solid rushing performances by Marion Barber and Felix Jones.

The Cowboys still have seven more home games this season, and should win most of them, provided they cut down the mistakes. Then again, if I saw myself 90 feet above the air, I’d drop the ball, too.

Contenders and Pretenders
Some teams are undefeated, others still winless. Who continued to separate themselves from the competition after week two?

The Jets have gone two straight games without giving up an offensive touchdown. That shows the mark coach Rex Ryan has on this squad, as they jump out to a 2-0 start.

Jay who? Kyle Orton and Josh McDaniels have everyone in Denver saying that, as they didn’t need to rely on any lucky breaks to beat Cleveland and be at 2-0 and leading the AFC West.
San Francisco is making some headway in a very weak NFC West, using the running game to dominate Seattle 23-10 and be 2-0, with both wins coming in the NFC West.

As always, there are teams struggling to live up to the hype early on this season as well.
Detroit is getting dangerously close to the 0-26 mark set by Tampa Bay in 1976. They are making progress, even leading Minnesota at one point, but they need to do a better job minimizing the mistakes if a win is to come soon.

Despite the win, the Washington Redskins played like a team deserving to be 0-2, barely sneaking by the rebuilding St. Louis Rams 9-7. The NFC East is a tough division, and Washington will have to step it up in order to be competitive.

WORKOUT FROM 9-to-5

2009-09-21T11:23:00.004-04:00

Feeling a little stressed? Spending FAR too much time at your desk and paying the price?

Well, one of the things we love about the internet is that there truly is something for everyone – anything you could possibly be interested in is accessible with just a few clicks.

We had one of those days recently, which prompted us to look around online for a few simple things we could do at our desks to relieve a little unwanted stress and work a few muscles -- without attracting too many quizzical looks from our office mates. Here’s what we found:

Desk Stretches:

-- While you might not be ready to host a full Pilates class at your desk, the smart guys over at WebMD.com have compiled a list of 12 easy-to-do, head-clearing stretches that can be done discreetly throughout the course of your desk-bound day: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/stretching-exercises-at-your-desk-12-simple-tips?page=2

Desk Workout Video:

-- If you’d like to follow the leader, then tune in to Exercise TV’s Desk Workout video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tuVrh-zJvs. It takes less than 4 minutes and is a great way to quickly wake up your brain and legs while seated.

Mini-Exercise Bike:

-- Spending way too much time at the office? And not quite enough time at the gym? Here’s a thought: a mini-exercise bike that can fits under your desk. More of a workout supplement than gym replacement a mini-exercise bike can add a little calorie burn to a long day spent on email, so why not pedal your way through the day? Among the ones we have our eye on: http://www.amazon.com/MagneTrainer-Mini-Exercise-Bike/dp/B000V53KD8/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_1 and http://www.amazon.com/Isokinetics-Magnetic-Pedal-Exerciser-Black/dp/B000KE8ASK/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_2

The Treadmill Desk:

-- Someday, our dream-desk will be attached to a treadmill. Seriously. Can you imagine how fit we’d all be if we walked all day long while we worked? Sure it’s a crazy idea, but fun to think about – and here’s a blog that clearly has thought a lot about the treadmill desk: http://www.treadmilldesk.com/2009/05/treadmill-desk-online-information-on.html

CASH FOR (ALMOST) TRASH

2009-09-18T13:19:00.003-04:00

Technology, seems these days we can’t live without it, and frankly, it takes up a lot of space. Much as we love our CDs, DVDs, cameras, laptops and all that goes along with ‘em, if we don’t off-load some of the stuff soon, our living room floor may cave in.

Yup, it’s time to thin the herd and find a loving home for our old stuff. Where to start? Well, we could organize a garage sale, but who wants to give up a Saturday to do that? Instead, we plan to park ourselves at the computer and troll through a few of the new sites that exchange old technology for good old greenbacks.

On our list to check out: CDs, DVDs: BuyBackMedia.com, CashforCDs.com, SecondSpin.com pay cash (via check or PayPal), while other sites like Amazon.com and Blockbuster.com run trade-in programs in exchange for store credits or gift cards. Electronic Gadgets: Gazelle.com buys all sorts of technology items if they still work – or will recycle items responsibly if they no longer have market value.

Among the items they will buy: cell phones, laptops, desktops video games, satellite radios, external drives, monitors, camera parts, home audio equipment and more. Video Games: Depending on how hot your games are, you may get more money by selling video games on eBay, so do some research to find out the current market value of the games you want to divest yourself of – otherwise, you can always go the classic Craigslist.com, Amazon.com or GameStop.com route.

CLEAN CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

2009-09-17T12:05:00.002-04:00

All it takes is one red t-shirt tossed into a load of whites, and mister, you’re looking at a pile of tighty pinkies when it all comes out of the wash.

If you grew up in a house where your socks never hit the floor because super-mom would catch them in mid-air and whisk them into the laundry, it might be time to learn the basics of cleaning your clothes:

Read the label, and believe it.

-- If it says dry-clean only, believe them, as it usually means that the fabric will not take kindly to water. If it says cold wash only, believe this recommendation too. Care labels, though not all that interesting to read, are in fact, incredibly useful. Don’t believe us? Then freestyle it and be amazed when you see you’ve shrunk some of your stuff to toy poodle size and have tie-dyed everything else in the machine. Hey, hot stuff.

-- A super hot dryer can shrink clothes, and in some cases burn them, so start a notch below the highest setting and check in on the dryer every 15 minutes or so, strategically removing and folding dry pieces as you go along. Not only will you get the jump on folding, but it will allow more air to circulate in the dryer, thus speeding up the rest of the drying process. Once you’ve taken the faster-drying stuff out, then you can push the temperature all the way up to dry the heavier items like jeans and towels.Hit the tub.

-- Hand wash – though we try to avoid it, sometimes we are forced to do a little hand laundry on our gym shorts and shirts. The good news is that they air dry pretty quickly when we hang ‘em out and spread ‘em out over a drying rack in the tub. If you need your workout shirt and shorts for tomorrow, start by hand washing them tonight. After washing, take each item, lay them out on a towel and roll the item up in the towel. Then step on your towel tube (preferably in bare feet) and stamp out the extra water, and then unroll your tube. Hang up the items (as well as the towel) to dry overnight. If the items are still damp in the morning, then finish the job with a standard blow dryer.

Machine Washing 101

-- It being the back-to-school season, we started to feel a little nostalgic for those by-gone college-era laundry days, when we used to accidentally destroy our clothes by throwing all colors together in the wash and setting the water temperature to scald.

Had Wikihow.com existed back in our day we might have avoided most of our laundry-related mishaps. For step-by-step, virtually idiot-proof instructions on how to do your laundry, click to: http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Your-Laundry-in-a-Dorm.

What We Learned: NFL Week 1

2009-09-16T12:21:00.003-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

With week one of the NFL season almost in the books, let’s take a look back at some key events that happened that could shape the rest of the year.

Rookie Quarterbacks
It seems like just yesterday, first round QBs were spending their first year on the bench, waiting and biding their time during their rookie campaign. Thanks to successful seasons in 2008 by Joe Flacco, teams aren’t necessarily waiting to open their prized package.

Look no further this season than Matt Stafford of the Detroit Lions and Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets. Both were thrown right into the fire as opening day starters, and both responded with solid debuts. Despite being the first ever rookie to start at QB for the Jets, Sanchez played like a true game manager, throwing for 272 yards and his first career touchdown. He allowed the running game, led by RB Thomas Jones’s two touchdown performance, to take control and made his moves only when necessary.

While Stafford couldn’t lead Detroit to their first win, and closer to the longest losing streak ever, much has to be said about his performance. Despite losing to New Orleans 45-27, Stafford kept the offense in the game for most of it, refusing to falter when the lead grew insurmountable at times. He did make a few mistakes, throwing three interceptions, but he did have his first rushing touchdown. The Lions still have a ways to go, especially behind the arm of their number one pick, but they are making progress.

A Tip Drill
I’ve seen football games end in a number of ways, but after the Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals ending, I don’t know what can top it! With seconds left on the clock, new Broncos QB Kyle Orton threw a ball to WR Brandon Marshall. Bengals DB Leon Hall tipped the ball into the air, and right into the arms of WR Brandon Stokley. Stokley then raced 87 yards down the field and into the end zone, giving the Broncos a 12-7 lead, and the victory by the same score. For new head coach Josh McDaniels, this has been a trying offseason, and getting the win to start the season was a huge step for him. I don’t think he can win every game this way, but it doesn’t hurt to get the first one out of the way.

Also, a key element of that play was Stokley, who saw no Bengal around, running down the two yard line, milking precious seconds off the clock before heading in for the score. Kudos to Stokley for a heads up play like that.

Madden Curse Strikes Again
Fans and athletes are superstitious. It’s a way of life. One of the more prominent superstitions is, if you’re on the Madden video game cover, you’ll have a poor season. It’s a highly discussed topic because it does have a semblance of legitimacy. That was proven again during the week one of the NFL season. S Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one half of the Madden 2010 cover, was injured during his opening game against Tennessee Titans. He sprained his MCL, and will be out up to six weeks. This is a crushing blow, as Polamalu is a huge presence in the Steelers secondary, and adjustments will have to be made for his absence.

The other cover boy, Arizona WR and highly touted Fantasy Football option Larry Fitzgerald, didn’t suffer an injury, and had a decent game, pulling in six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Could the Madden Curse strike both cover boys? This is the first season with two of them, or has Fitzgerald gotten off scot-free thanks to Polamalu? This will be a story to watch.

Bye-Bye, Wildcat
Many teams lined up in the new fad offense, the “Wildcat”, but no team had any real success using it. The best use of it came from Cleveland, who had WR Josh Cribbs in the backfield, and he was able to get a first down from it. Other than that, teams who used it didn’t find much success. That can be contributed to defenses now practicing against it, as offenses plan on using it during this NFL season. I think the fad is going to wear out as the season rolls on, personally.

Contenders and Pretenders
Teams play four preseason games to shake the rust off, so when the regular season starts, they’re ready to rumble. Thanks to the media, much hype is given to certain teams. So who lived up to the talk, and showed themselves as a contender after week one?

The Saints are an offensive powerhouse, and behind Drew Brees’s six touchdown game, keep cementing their status as Super Bowl potential with their win over Detroit 45-27.

The Brett Favre-led Vikings managed themselves to a victory over Cleveland after a slow start, 34-20. Adrian Peterson was a beast with 180 yards, and Favre did the right things, managing the game effectively, and showing Minnesota can beat you with a number of weapons.

Behind a rookie head coach and a rookie QB, the New York Jets showed a lot of doubters with a convincing week one victory over Houston, 24-7. The AFC East is still Patriot-Town, but the Jets could turn some heads in the wild card race.

As always, there are teams struggling to live up to the hype early on this season as well.
The Miami Dolphins led off their AFC East Championship defense with a flat showing at Atlanta, and with Indianapolis on the schedule next week, an 0-2 start could be looming.

The Chicago Bears were supposed to be studs after bringing in QB Jay Cutler. Well, Cutler looked shaky, LB Brian Urlacher was hurt, and the Bears fell to Green Bay 21-15. Cutler has to spread the ball around and this team has to get better, fast!

Coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers has to be the first one with his head on the chopping block. The Panthers were horrible against Philadelphia, and QB Jake Delhomme fell apart again, committing five turnovers before being yanked. With such a solid running and receiving game, why is Carolina struggling so much?

THE STRAIGHT JACKET SCOOP

2009-09-16T11:16:00.002-04:00

A sports jacket or blazer is one of the most useful wardrobe items a guy can own, and having a few on hand is always welcome. How to wear one with style? Consider the following five pillars of sport jacket wisdom:

-- Sleeve-length: The sleeves of your jacket should just hit your wrist, and allow for and about a half an inch of shirt cuff to show.

-- Buttons: On a traditional three-button jacket, button the middle button, and the top one if you really want to be “buttoned-up.” On a stylish two-button jacket, never button the bottom button, just the top one. On a one-button jacket, there’s pretty much only one way to go.

-- Pockets: Now hear this – your pockets are not a brief case. Pockets are for stashing small, lightweight items only, i.e., business cards, a wallet, cell phone and perhaps a mint or two. To maintain the shape of your jacket pockets and prevent stretching them out permanently, carry your barbells, rolls of quarters, snacks, work materials and whatever else in a stylish messenger bag, leather tote or briefcase.

-- The fit: It all starts from the shoulders – the jacket needs to fit the shoulders not extend beyond them like a line-backer. For example, if the jacket is too wide for your shoulders, you’ll have extra fabric flapping down the arms and across your back. If the jacket is too narrow, you’ll have trouble moving your shoulders forward, and you’ll see be ripples between the shoulder blades.

Our suggestion? Start small and work your way up – that is, try on a few jackets that are a size or two smaller than you might normally try and keep moving up till you find one that fits smoothly across your back.

-- No pushing: No matter how hot it is in your office, resist the urge to push the sleeves up as this will, over time, stretch out the fabric and help wreck the lines of the jacket. Add to that more few wrinkles and creases and before you know it, you’re a walking fashion emergency.

Our advice? Keep the sleeves down, where its’ maker intended, or take the jacket off and hang it up.

Which Kicks to Wear with Which Cuts

2009-09-15T16:15:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Joe Walsh

Baseball to football. Swimwear to sweaters. Seafood to comfort food. September leads us from summer to fall in some familiar ways, but one of the most difficult seasonal transitions is going back from shorts to pants and from flip-flops to shoes. For a few weeks in early fall, things never look right in the mirror: either the shoes look too bulky or the pants don’t break right.

Part of the problem is mental, but you may also have issues with your gear. Today, some quick lessons on pairing the right shoes with the right cut of jeans or pants.

BOOT CUT
Okay, so this one is pretty obvious. Here is where you deploy those big brown or black lace-up boots. But, if you are looking for a go-to pair of jeans, stay away from boot cut styles. They will tend to look bell-bottomy over lower profile sneakers, slip-ons or other shoes.

STRAIGHT LEG
A good pair of straight leg jeans should be in heavy rotation for you all year-round, but they are especially useful in fall. You will be wearing a lot of different kinds of shoes. They will work equally well with this fall’s high-top sneakers, a heartier rain-ready boot, or weekend shoe like a driving moc.

SLIM/TAPERED
Still reading? You must be adventurous…and in good shape. Low-rise, fitted denim has retreated a little bit in the past year or so, but it is still out there. IF you can pull of the look, you’ll be doing it with something like those high tops mentioned above. Even a really sleek loafer is going to come off like a slipper.

BAGGY/RELAXED
Relaxed fits can be tempting. It’s the weekend, you want to kick back and be comfortable. Be careful to buy the right fit so you don’t wind up looking sloppy. As for shoes, relaxed fits have good versatility: you can wear them with the boots, casual leather shoes or sneakers. But, make sure the sneaker is styled enough and stay away from athletic sneakers or running shoes. Also, the risk with the relaxed fit is that you’ll have too much break in the pants: be sure to pick the right length, even resort to hemming if necessary.

COLOR GUIDE
Remember when picking your jeans and shoes that you want an ensemble, not individual art pieces. Just because you really like a vintage pair of Jordans does not mean they will be a good fashion investment – they probably are not going to go with much but a t-shirt. If you go with color, choose one that you wear frequently so that you can incorporate the shoes often with similarly colored accessories, like fabric belts or a colorful cardigan that you will wear over a variety of t-shirts and button-downs.

As for the jeans. Stick with a medium to dark azure wash without too much distressing or whiskering. A pair of jeans like that will go well with a lot of different shoe styles and colors.

Based in Boston, Joe works in the renewable energy industry. His views on the law, policy and politics of energy and the environment are often cited by worldwide news agencies like Reuters and leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal. He is currently running a week-long feature series on getting past NIMBY in renewable energy facility construction at RenewableEnergyWorld.com.

Liberty, justice and pants for all.

2009-09-15T14:09:00.003-04:00

With the possible exception of Lady Gaga, we believe the overwhelming majority of us should wear pants on a regular basis – preferably every day to prevent stares at the morning sales meeting and to keep our legs warm.

Besides, pants also look great with shirt/jacket/tie combinations. So how to pick a pair?

Here are a few pant-purchase pointers:

1) Know the Neighborhood: In other words, what’s appropriate for your work life? To get the most out of your dress pant dollar, ask yourself: Is your office a formal, suit-required environment, an every-day-is-Casual Friday kind of place or a jeans and t-shirt joint? Not sure? Then look around.

Notice what most of the other guys in the office wearing and follow their lead. Note what colors your officemates wear, the weight of the fabrics, the shape of the trousers, and then head to a department store to look for pants that mirror what you’ve seen in the trenches.

2) To Pleat or Not to Pleat? Ah, the old pleat vs. flat-front debate. How to settle it? Well, perhaps we’re a bit partial, but we’re big fans of flat-front trousers. They add less bulk around the mid-section, are generally more streamlined and modern-looking and don’t require cuffs, thereby adding a slight lengthening effect.

If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool pleat man, then go for small single or double pleats (just say no to triples) and consider adding cuffs to help weigh down the pants, and make them hang properly.

3) Cuffs: The Bottom Line: Cuffs are a nice way to make a pair of pants look finished, polished and pulled together. For lean guys, cuffs lend a more substantial look to the bottom half. Heavy-set guys may want to go with the smallest cuff possible or skip them altogether. If you’re on the fence, then buy trousers without cuffs so they can be added later if need be – as cuffs are far more difficult to remove cuffs then they are to add.

4) Wide Load or Slim Jim? Granted your body type will determine which type will work best, in general, wide-leg trousers can work well on the slim and/or chesty dude. For slim guys, a wider leg will give legs a fuller more substantial line. On fellows with a bit of bulk up top, wide legs can help balance out top and bottom proportions.

By comparison, slim-cut pants, not surprisingly, work well on guys who are lean as well as on shorter, beefier fellows – who’ll gain a trimmer look from the less voluminous shape of slim-cut trousers.

5) The Last Rule of Pant Club: Actually there are three to keep in mind, starting from the ground up: Your shoes should match (or can be a little darker than) your pants. Your socks should match your shoes. Still can’t keep it straight? Just think shoes+ pants and shoes + socks. See the pattern emerging?

SUITING UP THE TALL GUY

2009-09-14T10:40:00.003-04:00

Too tall? here’s how to dress around it though some wouldn’t consider it a problem

1) Cut yourself in half.

-- If the boss man doesn’t mind, fool the eye by swapping suits for sport jackets and/or blazer and trouser combinations to break up the vertical line between your top and bottom half.

2) Fill ‘er up.

-- Pleated trousers will give the illusion of a fuller leg, and will ground the tall guy, more so than classic flat-front trousers. Keep the pleats on the small side and add a pair of cuffs at the bottom to finish off the look.

3) Beef it up.

-- Tall guys can combat their vertically by breaking up the lines with patterns. Patterned shirts, ties, suit jacket fabrics will help broaden the look of the chest and shoulders by making the eye move across the body rather than up and down.4.) Step away from the vertical stripes.

-- Like their brothers the thin guys, tall guys don’t need the longer leaner look that vertical stripes provide. Instead, tall guys will look better in tweeds, twills, small scale plaids, and fabrics that add texture to an outfit.

5) Look busy.

-- That’s right. While the short or stout guy may want to shy away from busy patterns and accessories, you Mr. Vertically Gifted don’t have to be as concerned with being streamlined, unless you want to look taller than you are already.

In fact, you can feel free to, within reason, add pocket flaps, pocket squares, bold stripes and slightly larger lapels to the repertoire to help balance out your tall guy proportions.

Rooting For The Underdog: So Much More Fun

2009-09-11T12:42:00.002-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

Flipping through the college football games on ESPN, one of their little teasers came on saying something to the extent of “Underdogs make it interesting.” The funny thing is, they’re right.

Just with this past weekend of college football, we saw a top five talent get knocked off in Oklahoma, and a top ten team almost get upset in Ohio State. Yet, both times in both games, I found myself rooting for their opponents. It was almost like I was in a mind-trance to see David top Goliath.

What makes it so much more fun to see the favorite get spoiled? Why, here in Afghanistan, with it being 11 pm, could I not turn away after Navy scored to make it 29-21 in the fourth quarter? At the same time, when BYU took the lead on Oklahoma, how could I be rooting for the Cougars (especially knowing they face my FSU Seminoles in two weeks)?

It’s simple really. Seeing little teams come out of nowhere and earn a level of respect by knocking off a team with much more resources available to them, brings out the underdog in all of us. Every time we get told we can’t win at this, or we can’t take on this challenge, it brings out this inner desire to prove them wrong, the same way Division-II Appalachian State proved Division-1 Michigan wrong by beating them in their own stadium last season.
We crave for the respect when we accomplish a goal people didn’t expect us to achieve.

That desire drives us to a level of adrenaline far beyond our wildest imagination. It’s that same desire, put into 50+ young men, who have trained their bodies to take on this challenge, against an opponent much bigger, faster, and stronger, that makes a cupcake game more than meets the eye.

The same can be said for bowl games at the end of the year. In 2007, Oklahoma and Boise State met in the Fiesta Bowl. The whole game, Boise State was in control, but in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma did what favorites are expected to do. They quit toying around with their opponent and in a 24 second span, went from losing 28-20, to taking a 35-28 point lead with 62 seconds left in the game.

Did Boise State roll over, as most expect an underdog to do? No. Even when they were down, with time against them, they dug deeper, finding that desire to be respected on a national level, and won in overtime 43-42. That game gave a newfound fighting chance for a non-BCS school, as Boise State finished 13-0, warranting national championship discussion. It also opened the floodgates for college football today.

Before, big programs could rely on their prestige and merit to warrant the top talent from around the country. Not anymore, as multiple TV contracts allow teams to be showcased on national and regional television every weekend, and recruits aren’t as concerned anymore, as even small schools get NFL scouts recognition through the combine and film tape. In a matter of speaking, the underdogs are a whole lot stronger.

College football doesn’t have a playoff system, and in fact, still allows teams to schedule their own out of conference games. Many teams look for cupcake games, designed to allow their players to “ease” into the season.

Well, in today’s NCAA Football, don’t sleep on an underdog, because they’ll bite you in the butt, and destroy your season before it even started. Just as Oklahoma fans, who’ve been bitten twice.

SUNSHINE ON YOUR DESK

2009-09-11T10:47:00.002-04:00

OK, we’ll admit it, solar technology speaks to our high school science-geek side and though we’re light years beyond high school, we’re still suckers for solar-powered gadgets.

Our latest discovery is the solar-powered desk lamp, specifically the Sunnan desk lamp from Ikea. Like most Ikea designs, the Sunnan is sleek and chic and comes in five bright colors. It runs on 3 rechargeable AA batteries that you charge in the sun and gets its glow from a long-lasting LED light which uses about 70% less energy than traditional incandescent desk lamp bulbs.

Cooler still is the fact that the Sunnan will light up your life and the life of a child in a developing country – because for each one bought, Ikea will donate a Sunnan to Unicef. The first Unicef shipments are headed to remote villages and refugee camps in Pakistan, bringing electricity-free light to children and families in need, and if you ask us, that’s one sweet deal for all.

So if you’re in the market for a new desk lamp, you might want to put a little Sunnan in your life and someone else’s. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90154371

SUITING UP THE SLIM GUY

2009-09-10T10:56:00.005-04:00

Suiting up the slim guy would seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re a little too slim, you going to have your own unique set of sartorial challenges. Here’s how to kick sand in the face of ill-fitting suits everywhere, and come out a winner:

1.) Build it better.

-- If you’re on the scrawny side, then the mission for you is to help create the illusion of weight, not a lot of it of course, but just a bit more than you have now. If you’re opting out of the high-fashion, ultra skinny look, then easiest way to add carefully controlled bulk is by choosing weightier fabrics, like tweeds and heavier weight wools. Look for cuts that are a bit loose as long but be absolutely sure they are well-tailored so you’re not swimming in extra fabric. Adding a vest as another layer will also help create a bit more flattering bulk.

2.) Step away from the vertical stripes.

-- Vertical stripes will help create a longer leaner look, which most thin guys don’t need. Instead, go for tweeds, twills, small scale plaids, or any fabric that add some texture and visual distraction/interest to the mix.

3.) Hey! Nice pecs!

-- To make the chest look a little broader in the short term, a double breasted jacket makes a good quick fix. For the longer term, may we suggest a few push-ups?

4.) Cuff me, please.

-- To beef up the look of the leg, cuffs can add balance and a thicker line to the lower half, while minimizing the dreaded legs-like-toothpicks look.

5.) Does this shirt make my head look big?

-- When it comes to dress shirts, thin guys need to pay attention to the style of collar on the shirts or risk looking like a bobble-head doll. In general, the classic spread collar is a good choice to help balance out and broaden a thin face. Another style with a slight widening effect is the tab collar, which can also help camouflage a long, thin neck.

Talking Sports In The War Zone: The Passion Of The Fans

2009-09-09T16:45:00.004-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Spoansrtmeisters

Ryan Liss, founder and contributor to The Sportmeisters, is currently deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, he is writing about his experiences as a sports fan. This is his latest update.

One of the biggest concerns I had (besides my wife and my safety), was whether or not I was going to be able to follow my favorite teams. Turns out, there are plenty of opportunities, even when I’m eight and a half hours ahead of EST.

The catch to those opportunities is some early wake up calls. That became the most prevalent with the kickoff of College Football. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all sports, and enjoy catching my Yankees after my morning workout. But with the NFL and College Football, the shortened schedule makes every game meaningful. This holds even more true in College Football, with the lack of a playoff system (an argument for another time.)

My first experience involving an early wake-up came thanks to the Labor Day showdown between my alma mater Florida State University and our rivals from Miami. An 8pm kickoff meant a 430 AM wake-up.

Now, I’ve watched FSU games from a variety of places. I went to all but one home game during my four years of college, and even traveled to a couple games. I’ve seen games on TV, and listened to them on the radio. I even caught one while stuck at work, and another one during a military exercise. Let me tell you, it’s difficult to cheer in a gas mask.

Nothing could have prepared me for this early wake-up. Instead of tailgating, drinking beers and throwing down burgers, I was trying to force myself awake enough to turn on the TV and my computer, so I could webchat with my wife (also an FSU alumni). In what messed up world do I live in that I can’t even wake-up before kickoff?

The great thing though, after I traveled into work much later in the day, is that I know my passion is not felt alone. I work with an ecletic group of sports fans, those who root for the Georgia Bulldogs, USC Trojans, and Texas Longhorns for College Football, and the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns of the NFL. Heck, the Browns fans are so passionate, they get up at 330AM to catch a pre-season game!

The guys at work understand the passion that I exhibit, because they do so themselves. They willingly risk a few extra hours of sleep, to live and die by the success and failure of their favorite squad. I commiserated with my co-worker who is a UGA fan, getting up before dawn only to watch his team lose. Yet, he told me, he’d do it again in a heartbeat, and with UGA back on TV here next week, he’d gladly be up early to watch again.

So, I too, took the plunge into early wake-up and joined my fellow Seminoles, ready for a great game. Unfortunately, the early rise was for naught, as FSU lost a valiant battle to the Hurricanes. Yet after my head hurt and I was tired to the point that it reminded me of a bad hangover, I told myself, even knowing the outcome, I’d be up that early again in a heartbeat.

Every fan measures their passion in a different way. For some, its baring everything and painting their entire body head to toe in team colors. Others choose to spend ungodly amounts of money in memorabilia. For myself and the other sports fans deployed here in Afghanistan, our passion is derived from the three hours in darkness, huddled around a small television, rooting our teams to glory.

Those three hours mean a lot to us, as it allows us to get lost in a game and leave the situation we are brought here to handle for a short while. Eventually, the game ends, but we know, in just a week’s time, win or lose, we’ll be up rooting for our team.

My New York Giants play Sunday at 12:30AM here in Afghanistan. It may not be in high-definition, and I won’t have a beer nearby, and I’ll be dead tired, but believe me when I say, that’s how deep my passion runs, all the way to the war zone.

SCARLETT SINGS AGAIN

2009-09-09T14:40:00.003-04:00

Ah, Scarlett Johansson, what’s not to like? She’s easy on the eyes, is a fairly respectable actress and believe it or not, she sings too.

Yes, the blonde bombshell is releasing an album of duets, entitled "Break Up," with singer/songwriter Pete Yorn. Though her first album "Anywhere I Lay My Head " received merely polite reviews when it dropped last year, the buzz on "Break Up" is considerably better, due in part to Yorn’s tailor-made songs and vocal compatibility with ScarJo’s throaty, bluesy stylings.

Inspired by the great yet unlikely musical pairings of Serge Gainsbourg/Brigitte Bardot, and She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. War d) this actress/troubadour team have released a video for the unexpectedly peppy tune “Relator,” which foretells of a sure-to-happen break up.

The album releases on September 15, but till then, check out the Yorn/Johannson chemistry at: http://www.thedailytube.com/video/19701/pete-yorn-ft-scarlett-johansson---relator

GET TALL THIS FALL

2009-09-08T15:23:00.003-04:00

It’s September. Time to get serious again. Time to put away the casual stuff and suiting up for the Fall. How to pick a suit? Well, it depends on a couple factors, but we’ll start with basic body types and work it from there. Over the next several days, we’ll let you in on a few suit-picking secrets. To start, let’s take a look at the vertically-challenged guy.

His mission, to look as tall as possible – without resorting to heel inserts. Here’s how:

1.) Keep it simple.-- The less visual clutter on your suit jackets the better. Two-button jackets with a deeper gorge and lots of space for ties and shirts work better on less-than-statuesque guys. Don’t believe us? We’ve got two words for you: Daniel Craig. He manages to make his 5 ft. 10 frame appears taller with help from 2-button jackets. And if it’s good enough for James Bond...

2.) Keep it small.-- Think streamlined and steer clear of extra pockets, flapped pockets or wider lapels. Again, the less visual traffic, the slimmer and taller you’ll look. Keep patterns on the quiet side so as not to overpower your outfit. This approach works well for 5 ft 5 in French President Sarkozy and hey, he bagged supermodel Carla Bruni so he must be doing something right.

3.) Go vertical.-- Pin stripes and the occasional, not-too-wide chalk stripe will help create a longer, leaner line, as will slimmer neckties in solid colors. Keep fabrics on the lighter, less bulky side to maintain a trimmer look. We’d suggest going with lightweight wools and twills instead of beefier tweeds.

4.) Ditch the cuffs.-- On your pants that is. Cuff-free bottoms will help create a leaner, unbroken line, which in turn, creates the illusion of height. Pants should cover the vamp of the shoe and be hemmed on a slight angle to help create a longer and sleeker-looking bottom half.

5.) Hold the hipsters.--The lower the waistband, the shorter your legs will look. If you’re 6’2 then by all means go low, but if your built more like Pete Wentz or Ben Stiller, then you need every inch of leg-length you can get.

Building The Perfect NFL Player: Running Back

2009-09-06T09:19:00.003-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

A Running Back is the Leonardo Da Vinci of the football team. That is, they need to be a renaissance man. Able to run straight ahead or zig-zag, block an oncoming rushing Linebackers, or make a running catch out of the backfield, they have to be able to do it all. Some of today’s Running Back possess some, if not most, of the qualities, but there is still room for improvement. That is why, taking current NFL players only, we build the perfect NFL Running Back.

Head: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Peterson’s stats could fill in for almost any part of this list, but it’s the vision he possesses that is his greatest quality. In college at the University of Oklahoma, Peterson used that vision to amass three straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons, and was notable for some long runs, including a career-long 84-yard scamper his freshman season, and a 53-yard touchdown run while a junior.

Despite injuries, he has a knack for finding the holes set by his line and getting through it quickly, all while looking at the next level. That has contributed to a 5.6 yard per carry average as a rookie, and a 4.8 yard-per-carry average the following season. As a rookie, he had six games where he rushed for at least 20 yards on a carry, including three rushes of over fifty yards.

He built on that during his sophomore campaign, with 12 games with a carry of over 20 yards. His speed does contribute to getting him the distance, but it’s his ability to see the second level with the Linebackers and Secondary, and have them looking silly by the time he gets past them.

Hands: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Another back whose body parts could fill in anywhere on this list, the NFL single season rushing touchdown leader has perfect hands that you always want touching the rock. As a threat in the backfield and as a receiving option, Tomlinson gives opponents fits thanks to his durability.

Teams now regularly look for Running Backs who can contribute in both aspects, and that is a testament to the style of back Tomlinson is. While as a runner, he’s hit 1,000 yards every season, he’s also caught the ball at least fifty times a season, culminating in a career high 100 catches in the 2003 season, another NFL record.

He also became the second player in NFL history to record 1,800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a season (2006), which he shares with retired NFL Superstar Tiki Barber. It’s not just the ability to catch that makes him such a threat, but when Tomlinson has the ball, he doesn’t let go. Five of his seasons have seen him with three or fewer fumbles, including zero fumbles in 2007. Tomlinson is a mold unlike any other, but his hands help give him that dual threat capability.

Body: Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
An NFL team is best when it has two different backs. A shifty, small, speed guy, and a big bruising back. What happens when the big bruising back is also a speedy guy? You get Brandon Jacobs.

The "Earth" in the New York Giants "Earth, Wind, and Fire" rushing attack, the 6’4’’, 264 pound bruiser also runs the 40 in a respectable 4.5, giving him an extra addition. He started as the second banana, the bruiser to Tiki Barber’s speed in New York, before taking over the bulk of the duties in 2006. Since then, he’s only powered himself forward to two straight 1,000 yard seasons.

That’s partly thanks to a five yard per carry rushing average each year, mainly because it takes two or three guys to knock him down, which usually allows Jacobs to hit the second level before teams pile on top of him. His size and his power helped earn him the nickname "The Juggernaut" and the perfect NFL body to punish defenses with.

Legs: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
They say speed kills, and Chris Johnson kills teams with his speed, which is why his legs are perfect in building an NFL player. Fourth in the nation with a 10.66 100m in college, Johnson epitomizes the speed NFL teams love to have complement the bruiser back (see above). At the NFL combine, Johnson ran a blazing 4.24 in the 40 yard dash, which stands today as the fastest ever for a running back.

He parlayed that speed into a first round pick with the Tennessee Titans, and is still running hard. In his rookie campaign, Johnson rushed for 1,228 yards, including four games in which he had a carry over twenty yards. His 81.9 yards per game was tops among all rookies in 2008. With the speed Johnson carries, he’ll be keeping defenses in his dust for years to come.

Intangibles: Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Any of the running backs mentioned above would meet this need, but Barber stands out among them all. Despite being platooned in a running back by committee in Dallas, where he has yet to reach 1,000 yards in a season, Barber epitomizes a running back mantra in getting the "extra yard".

He holds the NFL record with seven broken tackles in one play, and led the NFL with 28 broken tackles during the 2008 season. When it comes to needing one yard, any of the players we’ve spoken about can get that yard, but few get the one yard, and then some, like Marion the Barbarian.

There are a number of running backs, all who fit different needs. Whether it’s a speed guy, a power back, someone with great hands, or a "Wildcat" option, finding the perfect running back requires a combination of a lot of different techniques.

From Brandon Jacobs’s body to Chris Johnson’s speed, Adrian Peterson’s vision to LaDanian Tomlinson’s hands, put together by the determination of Marion Barber, this is a running back that will win games for any team.

Your Best-Dressed Fantasy Football Picks

2009-09-04T12:40:00.002-04:00

You might still be beaching it this weekend, but we are now LESS THAN A WEEK from kickoff of the 2009 football season. For the real die-hards, the season probably starts this weekend, with fantasy football draft day.

If you are one of these football stat freaks, you have probably already scoured the stats. Think you are you ready to draft? Think again. You might be able to put together a statistical powerhouse, but if you want your 11 to look as good moving through the hotel lobby as they do between the lines, you’ll need to keep these best-dressed drafting tips in mind:

Quarterback – The best signal-callers will go in the top few rounds, and in this group, the guys who throw the most TDs are also the most “GQ.”

THE PASSES: Bret Favre’s cowboy jeans are a no-no, and there’s no telling how he’ll mesh with the Vikes. Conventional wisdom would be to spend an early pick on Tom Brady, and while Mr. Giselle may win another ring, his great numbers and refined but rugged look are not enough to win our prize.

THE PICK: While he doesn’t have as much “natural talent” as Brady, and his hair can be a little Howdy Doody, Peyton Manning is the Wall Street to Brady’s SoHo. Most of the time you see him (selling satellite TV or hawking cell phones), he’ll be decked out in his #18, but if you catch Manning in a post-game presser, the guy always looks flawless: impeccably-tailored suits and a knack for working the very tricky pocket square to perfection. The only question: can he put up numbers without Marvin?

Wide Receiver – These guys are out there: in the formation and when it comes to style…choose wisely.

DROPS: Chad Ochocinco is going to haul in a bunch of catches, but he needs to learn the same lesson as so many other young guys: you don’t paint over wallpaper. In other words, if you are going to rock something as radical as a bottle-blond Mohawk, you had better ground it in something classic but cool. Do not try to combine too many trends. Ochocinco would do well to grab on to a few color-tipped cardigans as tightly as he holds on to TD catches.

THE CATCH: What’s fur look like over washboard abs? If any NFLer might bring back Namath’s mink, it would be T.O. on the sidelines in the considerably-colder confines of Buffalo. Terrell Owens was known for feuding with his QB in Philly and San Fran, but no one will ever forget his tearful tribute to Tony Romo in Dallas…crying eyes behind a great pair of reflective aviators. T.O. will score you points on Sunday and his Kanye West-inspired “hip-hop meets preppy” look delivers all week long.

Defense – Everyone wears their best bespoke suit on draft day, but its tough to find 11 guys on one side of the ball who can keep it together for a career. Sometimes, it’s the accessories that make the difference.

BLITZIN’ BENGALS: Only one team in the league can boast a guy who founded his own label specializing in designer bow ties. That’s right, Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones loves the nerdy neckwear so much, he makes his own. With the always-adventurous Tank Johnson joining the team this year, the Bengals should look good; but, as any viewer of last year’s “Hard Knocks” knows, Roy Williams is a little too in love with sweatpants to give Cincy the edge here.

THE RING IS THE THING: Some years back, we got to see him in a regular stream of sport-cut suits, but even when he’s just been pulled off of the practice field for an interview, the Ravens’ Ray Lewis always looks put together – and you know he’ll put together plays. Add in safety Ed Reed’s Miami-inspired cool and big play potential and you’ve got a defense that isn’t so much old as it is aging well.

Plus, like a great pair of basic cuff links, a Super Bowl ring accessorizes with anything.

LOSE THESE LOOKS: 4 CLOTHING ITEMS SHE DOESN'T WANT TO YOU TO WEAR

2009-09-04T10:05:00.005-04:00

Face it guys, some time we make mistakes. And yes, some of them are sartorial. To avoid making any more style missteps we took an informal poll of a couple of ladies we know, and they came up with 4 style statements they never want to see you in again.

Actually, the list was much longer, but we thought we’d go easy on you to start:

1.) Crocs. There we said it. We know they’re comfortable, but they define the concept of “fugly”. Throw in some chunky, red-haired legs and ill-fitting shorts, and you’ve got a “full Batali,” and that’s not a good look on anyone, even on the multimillionaire chef himself.

2.) Full-sleeve tattoos. Want to really show the world what a rebel you are? Then resist the siren call of the tattoo parlor. Whoa. We know. It’s a totally rad thought. But seriously, when half of the population (including your mom) has one, how rebellious is a lot of ink at this point?

3.) Ponytails. Good on gals. On guys, not so much. The male tail, as it were, makes every guy resemble a cast-member from “The Son of Anarchy,” and that is not a good thing.

4.) Jeans that are hanging off the butt. No excuses guys, you need a pair of jeans that fit. Just like ladies take the time to find jeans that fit, so must you — its only fair. Start by seeing what Perry Ellis has to offer: http://www.perryellis.com/Men/Denim/icat/pedmdenim&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_keyword=perry_ellis_jeans&002=2098161&004=806361697&005=675404523&006=2966703157&007=Search&008=?gclid=CJWSq9mi05wCFRJD5godJxrHHg

Four Days of Great Shopping, Food and Fun – All within Driving Distance of Perry Ellis

2009-09-03T15:19:00.003-04:00

Contributing Blogger Joe Walsh gives us a fantastic tour of his home state...a fabulous fall trip to make while you pick up a few items for the fastly approaching holiday season. Stick with Joe: he knows his way around!

With your base camp staked out in Wrentham Mass, take the chance to enjoy some of these side trips, all within reach on one tank of gas, which should allow you to stay within your holiday shopping budget.

Boston, Massachusetts - 33 miles
The Locale: Boston is New England 's cosmopolitan center of gravity: world class shopping, fabulous food, a quarter-million college kids and... Fenway Park . On Boylston Street , Lord & Taylor sits on a million dollar mile, attached to the ultra chic Prudential Center and Copley Square malls and right next to the brand Mandarin Oriental hotel.

The Look: One of fall’s toughest transitions for me is going from flip-flops back to lace-ups. Somehow, the same lightweight pants that looked great all summer over bare toes look a little different over cap toes. Make the transition a little easier by easing into fall with bare ankles.

I know, I know, we talked about colorful patterned socks above, but try going sockless with a pair of simple leather loafers and a button-down like Perry Ellis’ fall triple twill check shirt in basic blue for a look that retains some summer cool but is neat enough for Friday at the office, and Friday night at the bar.

Go Euro: Take a culture break in the courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , a beautifully tranquil setting that has remained unchanged since the museum’s namesake created the museum in 1903. It is the closest you can come to Europe on this side of the Atlantic , and if you have someone on your shopping list for whom that Euro vibe is a fit, head on over to Uniform on Tremont Street where you’ll find great patterned cardigans with a continental feel from fall's Original Penguin line.

For the past ten years, Bostonians have been buzzing about Uniform’s South End setting, and the mix of boutiques and martini bars. So, finish the day off by heading next store to Beehive for a drink at Boston 's hottest bar.

Portland, Maine - 150 miles
The Locale: A funky urban enclave smack dab in the middle of salty seacoast Maine , Portland is earning a reputation as one of New England 's premier dining and shopping destinations. Commercial Street runs right along the water, and Fore Street is where you'll find a lot of the most well-known hotels, shops and restaurants, but the fashion forward should make haste to Wharf Street .

The Look: Paved with cobblestones and giving off a real straight-out-of Moby Dick fishing village vibe, Wharf Street is home to the nautically-themed boutique for local menswear line Rogue's Gallery. They are featuring some of fall’s best flannels and plaids to pair with khaki/twill pants or cords in earth tones.

Get Fat: On the way out of town, be sure to swing by Middle Street and grab an order of Duckfat’s signature fries in homemade duck gravy.

Northampton, Massachusetts - 98 miles

The Locale: At the end of a two-hour drive from Perry Ellis that will take you through some of the area's best foliage country, you'll find "NoHo," where the New England prep school aesthetic (think: “School Ties” or “Catcher in the Rye”) meets bohemian cultural ethic (think: Woodstock).

The Look: Jackson & Connor - in the centrally-located Thorne's Marketplace - is a classic haberdashery, and should have some great sweaters on offer for Dad.

Or, pick yourself up a fall look that will carry over from this spring’s ubiquitous tan and white combination: find a crisp, white oxford button-down to pair with those same brown or beige pants and a pair of low-cut sneakers like Original Penguin’s Jingle or Harvey .

Lunch Break: You can grab lunch at one of dozens of ethnic cafes, including in the confines of the very authentic Moroccan/Mediterranean atmosphere at Amanouz Café on Main Street . And, if you are bringing the significant other along for the ride, plan on grabbing a cup of coffee, a good book and a comfortable chair before she heads into Faces, a great little indie-owned womens' clothing store behind a classic art deco facade.

Providence, Rhode Island - 25 miles

The Locale: Waterfire is one of the country's most creative and appealing ongoing public art installations, as a Providence artist lights more than 100 floating bonfires in the canals of the three rivers that run through the heart of the smallest state's biggest city. The best part is that parking at the Providence Place mall right off of I-95 will put you in striking distance of the show and great shopping.

And see the whole show while you shop Perry Ellis at Macy's, Original Penguin at Nordstrom, and a host of other great upscale shops.

The Look: Paisleys and other patterns add some texture to fall’s more muted palettes. Check Macy’s for Perry Ellis' printed gingham shirt and wear it under a basic blazer in a versatile color. The blazer is going to be your fall staple, you’ll be wearing it to work and it can do dressed-down double-duty on the weekend over something like Perry Ellis’ Concert Poster V-Neck Tee with a great pair of jeans. Original Penguin’s Donegan Jean at Nordstrom is a perfect medium blue wash: not too summer light, and not so navy that it blends in with the blazer.

Finish with Fries: The tour books will direct you to Federal Hill for an authentic Italian abbondanza, but a trip to Little Rhodie would be wasted if you skip Stanley 's Hamburgers in Central Falls . With these four side-trips under your belt, you should still be able to fit in one of the legendary burger joint’s onion burgers. And, after a long weekend spent shopping and dining on the best that New England , Perry Ellis and Original Penguin have to offer, the $3 bucks a burger price tag will fit just right.

A BRIEF (AND BOXER) OVERVIEW

2009-09-03T12:05:00.003-04:00

Underwear. We all need it, and just in case you were raised by wolves, it’s strongly recommended that one put on a fresh, clean pair every day.

How to pick the right pair? Here’s a brief look at the options:

BRIEFS

The Look:

-- Traditionally very close-fitting at the waist, across the front and around the butt, thus the nickname “tighty-whities,” though you can get them in just about any color you like these days.

The Pros: --They provide a good deal of support, fit well under trousers and stay in place. Also, if you’re active in sports, they’re probably your best bet.

The Cons:-- They can be a bit bit unforgiving if you’ve got a spare tire, and for guys who like, shall we say, a bit more air-flow, briefs can feel a little constricting.

The Verdict:-- Every guy should have a few in the underwear drawer. Our Suggestion:

-- A classic pair, like these: http://www.perryellis.com/Underwear+Sleepwear/2pk-Brief/invt/543104rt

BOXERS

The Look:

-- Classic, relaxed, comfortable, loose shorts-style. There’re available in thousands of colors and prints, but we tend to go for stripes and the occasional small plaid or check.

The Pros:

--You’ll get plenty of air-flow and comfort when you wear them under pants with a looser fit, like suits or khakis and jeans. Better yet, rumor has it the ladies like the way they look.

The Cons:-- They’re utterly devoid of any support, so you might not want to hit the gym wearing boxers underneath your workout clothes.

The Verdict:-- C’mon, they’re classics. Every well-dressed dude should own a couple of boxers.

Our Suggestion:

-- A nice stripe pair, like these: http://www.perryellis.com/Underwear+Sleepwear/Luxe-Stripe-Boxer/invt/163887rt

BOXER-BRIEFS

The Look: -- A cross between the boxer and the brief. They hug the body like a brief, but the close-fitting fabric reaches all the way down to roughly the mid-thigh, so the silhouette is similar to that of a boxer.

The Pros:

-- You’ve got the support of the classic brief plus you can wear them under all types of clothes, including active wear, so they offer maximum versatility.

The Cons:-

- No major complaints here — we’re saying it’s all good.

The Verdict:

-- They’re the perfect hybrid, offering the best of both worlds, so definitely add these to your underwear wardrobe if you haven’t already. And if you already own a pair, go a little nuts, and buy a few more.

Our Suggestion:

-- A sleek pair, like these: http://www.perryellis.com/Underwear+Sleepwear/Stripe-Boxer-Brief/invt/163873rt

BIKINIS & THONGS

The Look:

-- European. And not in a good way.

The Pros: -

- Plenty of airflow.

The Cons:

-- Too many to list.

The Verdict:

-- Leave these two options to, um, the professionals.

Our Suggestion:

-- We don’t have any. You’re on your own this time.

Four Fall Fashion Road Trips - Part 1: Wrentham, Mass.

2009-09-02T16:38:00.011-04:00

Contributing Blogger Joe Walsh is a Boston-based manager of government and community affairs in the energy industry. A former Army intelligence expert with undergraduate degrees in English and Russian, he will add a legal degree in May 2010.

Joe’s views on the law, policy and politics of energy and the environment have been cited by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal during 2009, and he is the creator of the EnergyWorks Community Relations blog as well as a frequent contributor to the blogs at Red, Green and Blue and CleanTechies, and the founder of the global community relations networking group on LinkedIn.

Father to five-year old Natalia and three-year old Benjamin, Joe’s avid reading and reviewing have landed him among Amazon.com’s top 5,000 contributors. Along with a weakness for watches, he is also a fan of the classic American design aesthetic who never leaves the house without a blue blazer.

Joe submitted a 4-part series that gives you the opportunity to begin some early Holiday shopping---taking advantage of the long weekend, and scoring some great buys while you're at it:

Four Fall Fashion Road Trips - Part 1

Summer is still with us right now, but your fall fashion mags have all been arriving this month, and here's something to consider as you make the trip home from the long Labor Day weekend: 109 shopping days until Christmas. This year, instead of fighting the traffic at the local mall on Christmas Eve, why not plan ahead and take a great shopping road trip or two?

In my series of 4 posts, you’ll find four great shopping, dining and cultural day trips that will allow you to get all your holiday shopping done while you pick up fall’s best looks for your own closet.

Perry Ellis - Wrentham, Mass.
In the Northeast, there is no better base of operations than the Perry Ellis store at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. The store stocks only great deals on Perry Ellis and is the perfect place to pick up gifts for your brothers, brothers-in-law, the boss and your best buds.

Look for deals on fall classics throughout the store and make sure not to skip the accessories – the best-dressed men this fall will be pairing their suits and separates with colorful dress socks. Pick up a few pairs with vibrant stripes for that friend who is willing to take some chances with color.

Insider Tip: Set yourself up for even more savings on great Perry Ellis gear by signing up for the Perry Ellis Preferred Customer Program before your trip. In the past, I have saved as much as 70% thanks to promo emails and e-coupons.

Tune in for more great tips from Joe tomorrow!

MAN, YOU SMELL GOOD

2009-09-02T11:29:00.003-04:00

Cologne, when done right, can have a most enticing effect. Done wrong, it can scare the neighbors, irritate office cubicle mates and send the hot girl in accounting running for cover.

How to do it without repelling the very people you most wish to attract? Just follow your nose, and take our advice:

-- Belly up to the bar....the men’s fragrance bar that is. Go to a large department store for the biggest selection. Where to start? Look for designer brand names you already know, (for example, um, let’s see, how about Perry Ellis), and start sniffing.

-- Order a triple...ask for spritz-on-card samples of up to 3 different fragrances that appeal to you. Any more than that and your nose probably won’t be able to tell the difference between fragrances anyway, so take it slow, tiger.

-- Step away from the bar...with your scented cards tucked in your pockets, go wander around the store, help your girl pick out a party dress, grab a bite to eat, shop for Perry Ellis clothes, whatever. In other words, kill a a few minutes so your scent selections (and your nose) have some time to “dry-down.”

-- Have another snort...of the scented cards and decide which one speaks to you. Pick one that smells good without overpowering. (Not sure if it’s overpowering? Then ask the sales person which ones get good customer reviews).

-- Just a spritz...narrow down the options to your favorite 2 out of the original 3, and spritz one fragrance on your left wrist and another on the right. Wait a few minutes for the “dry-down.”

-- Take the plunge...have a final sniff of your wrist, pick a winner, and put your money down. When you do, keep in mind that the cologne will have the most concentrated fragrance, so if you want the lighter version pick up the eau de toilette or aftershave.

-- Cut yourself off...if you’re a first-time fragrance buyer or aren’t sure about a fragrance, relax,

don’t feel you have to buy just yet. Know when to fold ‘em, but before you leave the store, ask for a vial-on-card or sample of your two top choices to take home and try out for a few days.

--After you’ve taken them for a test-drive in the real world, choose your favorite and head back to the store to pick up a bottle.

-- May we recommend...one of the Perry Ellis fragrances? Granted, we’re a little biased, but they’re quite popular at our offices. Among our most popular are Perry Ellis For Men, PE Reserve for Men and 360 for Men. Hey, we’re just sayin’....

GO BELT YOURSELF

2009-09-01T10:41:00.002-04:00

According to Wikipedia, men have been wearing belts since the Bronze Age. Though much has changed in the intervening 2,500+ years, the belt has more or less stayed the same, save for the addition of a rivet here and there.

For the modern guy, the belt continues to be an excellent way to keep pants in place and pull his outfit together. So how to pick the right belt for the right occasion? Here are a few clues:

-- Belts should match the color of your shoes, but don’t have to be made of exactly the same material.

-- When pairing up your belts and shoes, keep the finishes or textures similar. It’s about compatibility, not contrast (high-shine dress shoes with a suede belt? We think not.)

-- Leather belts are the most formal, with black leather at the top of the heap, followed by brown leather and burgundy.

-- High shine leathers tend to be more formal. Rough hewn or duller finishes are more casual.

-- Fabric and/or web belts are informal and work best with khakis, jeans and casual pants. Please guys, don’t wear ‘em with suits.

-- And most importantly: where to wear your belt? Not under the pecks, the belly or butt-crack, but around the waist, which is conveniently located right above the hips.

THE JOY OF SOCKS

2009-08-31T15:22:00.002-04:00

As with most men’s clothing items, socks are deeply rooted in utility – they keep feet warm, dry, ease chafing, and look a whole lot better than a pair of hairy ankles bulging out from a pair of pants.

While some might argue that it’s pretty hard to go wrong with socks, we say au contraire, mon frere (translation: not so fast, bro). Believe it or not, you can still take a wrong turn.

To prevent you from riding off the hosiery rails, here are a few basic rules to follow even in these “anything goes” times:

-- White athletic socks: to the gym, on the field, around your apartment, no problem. Anywhere else is a no-fly zone. They are only to be worn as office attire if you’re a NFL, PGA, NBA player, David Letterman or work outdoors.

--- Dress socks are, well, for dressing up – thus the name, guv’ner. Dress socks are thinner than athletic socks and usually made of finer materials so feet and ankles look trim when tucked inside a nice pair of dress shoes. Dress socks go to the office; athletic socks don’t.

-- Dress socks and casual (non-athletic) socks should always coordinate with the color of your pants to give the illusion of an unbroken line. The sock color doesn’t have to be an exact match but if you’re shopping for socks and can’t quite recall the colors of your pants, just go for darker, complementary shades.

-- Humorous socks or pink socks. Well, given our druthers, we’d just say no. However, if you feel you must wear them, know your audience, and know they’re probably laughing at your questionable taste.

Know also that they will tag you as a complete goofball when you wear the humorous/pink socks at the office, on a job interview, on a first date or meeting your defense attorney. The only places you might be able to pull them off without being greeted by a chorus of sniggers is at the yacht club, golf club or office Christmas party, long after everyone is thoroughly soaked. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Ten Commandments Of Tailgating

2009-08-31T10:46:00.003-04:00

By Contributing Blogger Ryan Liss of The Sportmeisters

As the summer turns to fall, and the NFL and NCAA Football season start to commence, the planning period begins for an equally important event; the tailgate. As someone who has spent years in various tailgates for both college and the NFL, I have been able to amass a set of commandments, designed for ultimate tailgate success.

Please keep in mind, not everyone will be able to follow these commandments, for one reason or another, and in today’s financial situations, it’s understandable. However, if you follow as many as possible, your tailgate will quickly gain fame as one of the top tailgates in your section.

The Ten Commandments Of Tailgating

Commandment 1: Thou Shalt Have A Big Enough Vehicle
Granted, SUVs are gas guzzlers and expensive. Therefore, if this commandment cannot be met, but multiple people can use small cars to meet the same objective, then you are in the clear. The main purpose of this commandment is so your tailgate can have all of the necessary items, without risk of forgetting anything. A truly successful tailgate has items such as tables, chairs, television, tents for shade, coolers, the food and drinks, and of course, the grill. Having all these items, and more as you see fit, guarantees a proper tailgate setup and is a crucial element in a successful tailgate.

Again, if you can do this with multiple smaller cars, then you still meet the essential needs of the commandment. Working together with friends is important, which leads to the next commandment.

Commandment 2: Thou Shalt Share The Grilling Duties
Some people can’t bring a grill, and choose to bring in trays of food from their local grocery store. That is an acceptable replacement for this commandment. However, nothing says tailgate like a fired up grill with some burgers and dogs. I’ve seen tailgates go further, with chicken, steak, kabobs, the list is endless! A truly successful tailgate has great food, and nothing says great food like some BBQ. However, the responsibilities of cooking are an important, time honored task, that should not be taken lightly. But don’t let one person be stuck working the grill for two or three hours. Share the responsibility among your best grillers (they’ll know who they are). This gives everyone who wants to cook a chance, and lets everyone have ample time to mingle without being behind a grill.

Commandment 3: Thou Shalt Bring Enough Food and Drink
Nothing ruins a good tailgate like running out of food or drink. With stadium concessions already at premium prices, tailgaters need to get their fill before entering the stadium. Following that, with most, if not all stadiums no where close to purchasing extra food or drink (some college stadiums will have gas stations nearby), when you run out, your out of luck. Always make sure you know ahead of time the number of people in your tailgate, and purchase above and beyond what you need, just as a precaution. Besides, if there is extra, you can always post-tailgate while waiting for traffic to dissipate after the game. It’s win-win!

Commandment 4: Thou Shalt Properly Prepare For All Situations
It’s a tailgaters dream that every football game is 75 degrees and sunny with a cool breeze, but face it, that’s an imperfect reality. The beginning of the season can have extremely hot and humid temperatures, while showers and rain storms are always a reality. In the north, as the fall turns to winter, cooler temperatures can quickly chill out a tailgate. Therefore, do your research. A day or two before the game, research the weather. If it’s going to be hot, pack hats, sunglasses, and plenty of tents for shade. If it will be raining, have the tents to keep you dry. As it gets cooler, have blankets and jackets available, and maybe a space heater if possible. A great tailgater is like a boy scout, always prepared.

Commandment 5: Thou Shalt Get There Early
Setting up a tailgate takes time, as does shutting it down, and no one wants a good time to end early. Therefore, getting to your tailgate two to three hours prior to the game gives you enough time to set up (15-20 minutes), enjoy yourselves (hour and a half to two hours), and clean up (15-20 minutes) before making your way to the stadium. Of course, this is adjustable based on how far a trek you must make prior to the game starting. That’s why this commandment goes hand in hand with:

Commandment 6: Thou Shalt Be Willing To Pay For Parking
For season ticket holders and college football boosters, this part is null for you, because where you park is based on where your seats are, what level you are, etc. Basically, that part of the equation is on you. For the rest of society, who maybe attend one or two games, you need to make the most of it. By following the fifth commandment, you’re already at the game early enough that you should be able to find a decent parking spot. However, with a better spot comes a better price. I’ve seen parking prices from $5 to $20, and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If this is your one game of the year, go the extra mile, fork over the dough, and watch your tailgate be a success.

Commandment 7: Thou Shalt Keep The Kids Entertained
What kid doesn’t enjoy spending quality time with their family, rooting for the same team as mom and dad? A family day at the stadium can be a great time, but a kid can’t spend the entire two-three hour period eating and sitting around. This is where entertainment plays a crucial piece. A TV is nice, but you’ll have the game on (more on that one later), so what other options are there? Some stadiums offer outside entertainment for kids (be advised, this may cost money, and will most likely force you to leave the tailgate, if you came with other friends and their families). Another option is to bring entertainment with you. A football can be a great form of entertainment. Depending on where you’re located, a small game among the kids can keep them busy for an hour on their own. It really depends on the kids and their age, but don’t forget about them.

Commandment 8: Thou Shalt Have A TV With The Game On
A TV is a crucial piece to the tailgating puzzle. Obviously, if one can’t afford or doesn’t have room to bring a TV, then a radio will suffice. The truly successful tailgates have some form of a television with a game showing. The more extreme ones have multiple televisions with satellite dishes everywhere. Whatever your pleasure (and financial level is), having a TV lets the hardcore fans keep in touch with other interesting games. A four o’clock NFL start means missing all of the one o’clock games, unless prepared with a television.

Commandment 9: Thou Shalt Not Be Obnoxious
This commandment, and the next one, is important in multiple areas. For this one, obnoxious holds different contexts. When finding a parking spot, park in your area, don’t take up multiple spots and ruin the experience for someone else. If fans from the opposing team walk by, good-natured ribbing can be appropriate at some points, but don’t fire a profanity laced tirade at them. They have every right to root for their team too. Being a respectful person overall can make the tailgating experience that much more enjoyable for all parties involved.

Commandment 10: Thou Shalt Party Responsibly
Arguably the most important commandment, this one needs to be followed above all. Drink plenty of water so you’re not dehydrated or too imbibed with alcohol. Have a designated driver decided on beforehand, and bring plenty of soda and water for them and others (going back to food and drink). Clean up after yourselves. Most importantly though, have a good time. Tailgating is an enjoyable experience for all, and no one wants to be the idiot that ruined the fun for everyone else.

With football season upon us, take these commandments and go forth, and find success in your tailgating experiences throughout the season.

SNEAKERS

2009-08-28T15:56:00.003-04:00

While clothes may make the man, we think shoes are important too, and sneakers even more so, but only if they’re done right.

Recently we’ve seen so many done wrong, we just had to share a couple of our sneakers pet peeves below. For more thoughts on how to do sneakers right, click to http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/466_the-dos-and-donts-of-sneakers.html:

-- If you’re wearing sneakers to the office, please, we beg you, always wear socks with them, air them out every now and then, and spray them liberally with anti-bacterial/anti-fungal spray every night.

-- If you’re going to meet your potential in-laws, dude, wear a pair of real shoes. Show some respect people – at least at first.

--- If you’re headed to a job interview, leave the kicks at home, no matter how casual you think the office might be. Once you land the job, then break out the sneakers and have at it.

-- If you’re headed to the opera or theater, again, wear a pair of real shoes unless you’re Steve Jobs, Woody Allen or are well into your 80’s at which point you can do whatever you dang well please.

DOMINIC FUMUSA IN PERRY ELLIS

2009-08-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

Tuesday night, Dominic Fumusa of SHOWTIME’s “Nurse Jackie” wore head-to-toe Perry Ellis to GLAAD’s Summer Series in New York City.

Fumusa, a member of GLAAD’s Honorary Host Committee, hosted the award show in a sleek two-piece worsted wool slim suit in chambray, complete with a Perry Ellis classic white dress shirt.

The Summer Series was held to celebrate and highlight GLAAD’s accomplishments.

1950’S MEN’S FASHION NEWSREELS

2009-08-27T14:58:00.003-04:00

Though the era of movie theater newsreels faded away when televised news took over the airwaves in the mid-60’s, those mini-documentaries of yesteryear didn’t disappear completely, they just moved out of the theater and onto the net.

Our favorites are, of course, the men’s fashion newsreels which illustrate how far men’s fashion has evolved – and how far it hasn’t.

A case in point is a clip from 1955 which features five suave gents swilling suds at McSorley’s Ale House, outfitted in the suits of the season. It’s interesting to note that with the exception of their “Mad Men” style hair, none of these guys would look out of place in McSorley’s today.

Another favorite is the circa 1954 fashion show which features male models on a fork-lift, hovering over the crowd, as they show off the usual array of suits plus a few choice looks we’re pretty sure never touched down in stores – among them the short-sleeved business suit and the sleeveless jacket-with-Bermuda-shorts ensemble – possibly two of the goofiest looks ever.

To view them, click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3938KrN6Og andhttp://vidcat.com/blog/2008/11/vintage-fashion-1955-mens-fashion.

Building The Perfect NFL Quarterback

2009-08-27T10:28:00.005-04:00

Contributing blogger Ryan Liss was born in New York, but moved to South Florida as a child. A 2006 graduate of Florida State University, he currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Jennifer. When Ryan is not deployed (as he currently is), he works at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina as a Communications and Information Officer.

Any free time Ryan has is devoted to spending time with his wife and their two dogs and cat. He also is the founder and one of the contributors to The Sportmeisters, where he blogs and records podcasts dealing with all the hot topics in sports. When not doing either of those, he can be found watching sports, brewing his own beer, or enjoying time with friends and family.

Ryan and Jennifer are expecting their first child in February 2010.

Ryan submitted the following blog post from his post in Afghanistan:

Building The Perfect NFL Quarterback

By Ryan Liss

There are many different types of Quarterbacks in the NFL, from the fast to the powerful, the big bodied to the brains. All of them have pieces of the formula that leads them to success. What happens though when you put all the little pieces together? From the brain to the arm, to the legs, to the body, and even in the intangibles, today, the perfect NFL Quarterback (taken from current players) is built.

Head: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

No Quarterback in the NFL is smarter than Peyton Manning, period. Holding a current regular season of 117-59, he has completed at least 62 percent of his passes in every year, with the exception of his rookie season.

Known best for running the Colts no-huddle offense, he frequently will have a formation selected, only to walk up to the line of scrimmage before selecting a play, based on the defense presented to him.

He dissects defenses better than any other current NFL Quarterback to the tune of just over a career two to one touchdown to interception ratio. His 94.7 passer rating is the highest among all current NFL QB’s, and second in NFL history. Simply put, Peyton Manning has a quarterback’s mind that stands alone.

Arm: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
In the pass-happy world of the NFL, no arm has more behind it than Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. Since his breakout 2004 season, Brees hasn't thrown for fewer than 3,000 yards in a season, including 2008’s 5,069 yards, the second-highest seasonal output in the NFL.

In 2006, he had a streak of five straight 300-yard passing games, tied for second in the NFL, and also holds the NFL single-season record for passes completed with 440 in 2007. Since joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Brees has shattered the mold of a pocket passer quarterback, and should continue that trend over the next few years.

Body: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
He takes a licking and keeps on ticking. At a mere 6'5" tall, and 241 pounds, Big Ben can stand up to most linebackers trying to take him on. Even with his rough 2006-2007 season due to his motorcycle injury, Roethlisberger did more than most, still playing in 15 games despite multiple injuries he was trying to recover from.

Now fully recovered, he was won his second Super Bowl ring, playing with a style he even admits as reckless, while taking plenty of hits. Since 2004, Roethlisberger has been sacked 192 times, most of them while still trying to make a play. He doesn’t throw the ball away when the rush is on.

Instead, most highlights of Big Ben can be seen when avoiding a blocking breakdown, whether its spinning around in the backfield for more time (ala John Elway), or tucking the ball and daring the defenders to take him down. Whatever the case, Roethlisberger’s frame is a model of a quarterback who can take a hit, and dish a few out himself.

Legs: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
Let’s keep in mind, all we’re using is his legs, which are easily the quickest in the NFL since Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb. As a college QB at the University of Texas, Young twice rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and came two yards shy of doing it three straight years. Overall, his 3,127 yards were the most in UT history, and his 37 touchdowns is tied for number one among Quarterbacks.

In his first two years in the NFL, the numbers weren’t as high, but teams still respected his rushing ability, gaining 947 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a 6.7 yards per carry average his rookie season. While he played minimally in 2008, with the rise of the spread formation and the Wildcat, having quick feet like Vince Young’s is optimal for a winning quarterback.

Intangibles: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Is there really any question? After getting passed over 198 times in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady has done everything, from winning Super Bowls (36, 38, and 39), to setting records (50 touchdowns in 2007). He has a career record of 101-27, including a record 21 game winning streak. He has never lost in overtime, and has led the Patriots to 28 game winning drives.
His ten straight playoff victories is an NFL best. He wins with studs on the roster (Randy Moss, Wes Welker in 2007, Deion Branch 2003-2005), or in 2006, when he had a no-named receiving corps. Despite injuries, including a sports hernia in 2006, and knee problems in 2007 and 2008, Brady is one of the most respected and feared QB in the game today.

A quarterback needs strength, speed, and skill. A solid mind, strong arm, quick feet, big body, and the “extra” touch make up winners that we talk about forever. Pieces from Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and Vince Young together make up the perfect quarterback.

DE-FUZZ YOUR DINNER

2009-08-26T16:03:00.003-04:00

There comes a time in every guy’s life when a he’s got to learn how to manage his fridge, and the occasionally furry items inside it.

That’s right, that big metal box full of beer, “vintage” milk products and half-eaten cans of sardines can make you sicker than a frat-boy at rush week if you’re not paying attention to use-by dates, funky smells and of course, fuzz.

However, here’s the rub -- some foods that look like they should be disposed of by a hazmat team may actually be fine to eat, while others that look edible could give you a wicked case of, well, let’s not go there.

How to know what’s still OK eat and what to toss?

Head to the incredibly useful site www.StillTasty.com <http://www.stilltasty.com/> , where you’ll find the low-down on how to handle your food and how long to keep it, plus answers to such burning questions as: Can you make bananas ripen more slowly? Are eggs still safe after the expiration date? Can you safely eat chicken that’s been frozen for two years? (The answer is oddly enough, yes with a few caveats, but really, would you want to?)

Consumer feedback

2009-08-26T12:01:00.002-04:00

While I have been a Perry Ellis wearer for many years, they flat front pants have stopped me from purchasing any pants from PE. Classic styling means exactly that, they NEVER go out of style.

I have been surprised at some of the material selections in the past few seasons, if a material looks like a bedroom sheet DON’T use it for shirt material.

My son enjoys the city fit style of shirts (21yr old) while I have enjoyed the classic style from a couple of seasons back. While I imagine that some of the Batik and uneven paisley [patterns] may have appeal to someone, you need to stay basically true to the style that 'brung ya.'

The coat style of recent years has made me wonder if your designers ever wear what they design. Use classic material not the plastic looking stuff. That’s why they haven’t sold. Try a longer version of the classic PEA Coat.

That’s all for now, if interested I will send you more hopefully inspired ideas for the line.

Gabriel G. Zambrano
Texas

A podium finish for Mike Conway ... the PE IndyCar driver!

2009-08-25T16:24:00.004-04:00

It is interesting to note that both Perry Ellis and rookie driver Mike Conway are new to IndyCar! It is the first season for both of us … but that does not seem to be hindering either one of us!

From the UK, Mike has spent the first few races making some pretty big adjustments … a new country, a new style of track (the track is shaped differently in Europe), a new car, new people, being away from home … LOTS of firsts for Mike Conway.

But he got his land legs on Sunday in Sonoma CA when he placed third for the race and stood tall on the podium to receive his first placement prize on U.S. soil!

Dennis Reinbold recently told me (Colleen Adams!) that Mike was one of the most natural and intuitive drivers he had ever seen, and I witnessed his ‘nerves of steel’ approach when I interviewed him at our recent event in Louisville.

We are proud of this great achievement for Mike … but I think it is safe to assume that ‘we ain’t seen nothin’ yet!’

The press release on the event is below:

PODIUM FINISH FOR DREYER & REINBOLD RACING AT INFINEON RACEWAY Sonoma, California (August 23, 2009) - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing completed the last road course of the year at Infineon Raceway with a bang. Mike Conway, driver of the No. 24 TranSystems machine, finished on the podium for the first time this season in Sonoma, California today with a third place result, while his teammate Milka Duno came home in 17th position.

The 2.303 mile circuit has been good to DRR this year. They had the opportunity to test at Infineon Raceway last week with Mike Conway and Milka Duno. Conway recorded the fastest time on both days and topped the charts with a time of 1:19.25 seconds on the first day and on the second day he clocked a time of 1:17.48 seconds.

As the green flag dropped, both drivers had a flawless start. Conway showed that he was a true road-racing pro. The Brit kept his nose clean as he stayed out of the trouble that happened in front of him. He started in ninth position and went to 14th on the first lap.

Fortunately that didn’t hinder him for long. The rookie was able to climb as the race progressed. With near perfect pit stops, Conway drove a good, consistent race, running in the top-ten for a majority of the race. It all came together on his last pit stop when he went from seventh to fifth and continued to pass. On lap 73 Conway made an incredible maneuver on the No.27 of Hideki Mutoh for third position in Turn 7.

Firestone nominated the performance for the Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race. As a result he crossed the finish line with his best result of the season, third place.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing heads to Chicago for the Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300. The race will take place on August 29th.

What they had to say… Mike Conway, #24 TranSystems:
“Yeah, it was good. In the beginning we got hit from behind and I got a puncture in my rear tire and I thought my race was finished. I just kept pushing all the way and just kept moving forward and I kept setting quick times. Towards the end I knew I might be able to get past the guys in front. The Tran Systems car was really good today. If we had a few more laps, it would have been interesting to see if I could get past those guys.”

DOES THIS TIE GO WITH THAT SHIRT? PART 2

2009-08-25T15:40:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we gave you a few basic ideas on how to shop for shirt and ties, but if you’d like a few more details, then we’d recommend that you head over to http://shirtsandties.org/ <http://shirtsandties.org/> .

There you’ll find a treasure trove of straightforward and not-too-fashiony thoughts on how to match shirts, ties and suits, tie a necktie and dress for a job interview.

Though we like the easy-to-digest information on the site, we must admit our favorite page on the site is the “Shirt & Tie Matching Game,” where you can test your mad pattern-matching skills and get instant feedback on your choices as you play.

To play, click on http://shirtsandties.org/TieMatchingGame.html.

Consumer Feedback

2009-08-25T14:35:00.001-04:00

I think you should use more colors with in your clothes. My favorite color is red and I do not see too much of it. Styles and patterns are good, just more colors available.

Micheal Sandoval

DOES THIS TIE GO WITH THAT SHIRT? PART 1

2009-08-24T13:02:00.003-04:00

As Mark Twain once said, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society”. In other words, all it really takes is a jacket, pants, shirt and shirt – and the world’s your oyster.

How to coordinate some stylin’ shirt-and-tie combos the next time you hit the menswear department? Remember a few basic rules of thumb, fire up the plastic and shop like a guy who mean business:

TIES:
-- A tie should always pick up at least one of the colors in your shirt.
-- Tie colors should be a bit darker than your shirt, so there’s some contrast and interest at the neck.

SHIRTS:

-- Shirt vs. tie patterns should be distinctly different in scale. Avoid pairing a small-patterned tie with a small-patterned shirt. Instead, pair larger-patterned shirts with smaller tie patterns or visa-versa.

-- Unless you’ve signed up for a season on “Dancing With the Stars,” stay away from black shirt and light tie combos. The only guy who ever pulled that look off was Sopranos henchman Paulie Walnuts, and you my friend are no Paulie Walnuts.

JACKETS:

-- Idiot-proof the shopping process: Bring your suit or sport jackets with you when you go shopping so you can coordinate shirt and tie combos more easily. While you’re there, solicit the advice from the best-dressed sales person on the floor to help select good combinations and vet your choices.

Sports In The War Zone: Following My Fantasy Teams

2009-08-24T12:37:00.005-04:00

Ryan Liss Biography

Ryan Liss was born in New York, but moved to South Florida as a child. A 2006 graduate of Florida State University, he currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Jennifer. When he is not deployed, he works at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina as a Communications and Information Officer.

When he is not working, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs and cat. He also is the founder and one of the contributors to The Sportmeisters, where he blogs and records podcasts dealing with all the hot topics in sports. When not doing either of those, he can be found watching sports, brewing his own beer, or enjoying time with friends and family.

Ryan and Jennifer are expecting their first child in February 2010.

Ryan of The Sportmeisters is currently deployed in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. While he is over there, Ryan enjoys chronicling some of his journeys as a sports fan, and how he continues to monitor his favorite teams. Below is one of his posts on fantasy sports.

I’ve been playing fantasy sports for a long time, but only when I got into college did I really take off with it. Recently, I partnered up with Sportmeister Derek on most of my fantasy endeavors, which is baseball and football. Being deployed, I have to monitor both seasons while over here.
The baseball one is in full swing, so we’ll start with that first. Back home, I get to spend my nights watching my players perform and tracking their progress as the night goes on. Here, by the time I get to a computer in the morning, I’m stuck seeing what already happened, except for the occasional West Coast game that runs late. It’s even more difficult because when I go to bed at night, the games haven’t even started yet! Luckily, Derek runs a schedule at work that allows him and I to talk while its late on the east coast and early on my side of the world. This allows us to discuss our baseball team and any moves we need to make. However, when it comes to football, that’s a whole other story.

You see, when Derek and I prepare for fantasy football, we go all out. Call us what you will, but the weekend that Derek visits me, when we hunker down for 48 hours of pure fantasy football rankings, is downright important to us. Our league requires we spend the time fully prepared, because lets face it, what good is playing Fantasy Football if you’re not winning? This year, requires a different touch.

Because we’re so far apart, Derek and I are resorting to email for our rankings. At the same time, being slightly separated from the have it yesterday news pace, I see things a little after Derek does, and am forced to play catch up. Luckily, Derek is the Fantasy Guru, and his rankings show he knows what he’s talking about. Our strategy this year is to email each other with our arguments and decide our draft plan. Its tough to give 110% focus this year, but I’m making as strong of an effort when it comes to my big studs and sleepers.

While draft preparation is part, being there for the draft holds another significant importance. Being eight and half hours away, I will most likely be awake extremely early, while our draft is going on. Call me crazy again, but if you want to win, you have to put in the work.
Following a fantasy team can be difficult when you are getting the news at a different pace than what you are normally used to. Draft times have to be set to accommodate you, but when you can find a group of like-minded people, it makes it just as fun.

My office here is starting a league, so we’re all on the same page when it comes to our level of information, and how we can follow the sport. Luckily, being in the same time zone allows us to set a draft time that isn’t so unreasonable.

I like fantasy sports because it lets me feel like I am the GM, and it gives me an extra reason to watch a Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears, or follow Justin Verlander’s latest gem performance. Despite the time difference, I am happy I can keep fantasy sports as much a part of my life as anything else.

GET ANSWERS FAST BY TEXT

2009-08-21T10:55:00.002-04:00

Answers, answers, we all want answers, and fortunately, now they can be had, even when your laptop is out of juice.

Just pick up the cell and call or text your question in (toll free!) to 1-800-2-CHA-CHA or text 242242.

While you sit there contemplating the universe, ChaCha’s real live human” guides,” – specially trained ninjas who will do the net searching for you – will research your question and text you a smart, informative reply, so you can soak it in, and move on with your life.

Though they may not have the answer to “Dude, where’s my car?” they will provide answers for just about anything else that crosses your mind. After ChaCha has sent your answer, if you want to know even more, just reply with another question, and keep the conversation going, all, for free!

MEET ANOTHER MAKEOVER CANDIDATE

2009-08-20T11:17:00.006-04:00

Creativity is one of the criteria for the Perry Ellis: Make Me Over! contest, and when Cindy Miller nominated her Police Officer husband Blake for a makeover, she surely did meet that criteria!

She is one proud wife, and we join her in thanking her law enforcement husband for all that he does for his community. Here is Cindy's submission about her husband Blake:

My policeman husband is an American hero.

He chases criminals and makes the traffic flow.

He saves people in tornadoes and fires.

He seems to never tire.

Creating a charity for police widows, he is so good.

Building a playground for the poor, he is like Robin Hood.

Working gang fights at the mall,

he has had 22 years of pagers, crime and wakeup calls.

He does not have time for fashion---

in the spring, summer, winter or fall.

SHOP, DON’T DROP

2009-08-20T10:11:00.004-04:00

You need a new jacket to wear to your buddy’s wedding, or maybe a suit to wear to your own.

Here are a few thoughts on how to shop, without dropping:

· Before you hit the store, know roughly what’s in your closet and what you need more of. Also look closely at what you already own and determine what to keep, toss or donate. And, as an added bonus, you’ll also be opening some closet space for all the new stuff you’ll be buying.

· Don’t rush thru the men’s department. Be patient and give yourself enough time to try on a bunch of clothes, not just one or two pieces.

· The best time to shop? Thursday evenings, when traditionally most stores stay open later. You’ll save time by getting your shopping done on a quieter, more convenient weekday night, and you won’t have to miss you’re kid’s Saturday morning soccer game.

· Bring along buddy, male or female who dresses well. Though experts disagree on the strategy, we say bring a friend along to offer a second opinion on your choices.

· Learn from a master and get a dose of dressing direction from men’s style blogger Andy Gilchrist, whose site www.askAndyAboutClothes.com is devoted to helping guys figure out what to wear and how to wear it.

PACK LIKE A PRO

2009-08-19T10:49:00.003-04:00

Pack according to the cardinal rule of frequent fliers everywhere: "If it doesn't go with two other pieces, it doesn't go."

In other words be merciless, and edit your road load down to the bare minimum. How to do it?

-- Eliminate hard-to-match colors and patterns from your travel wardrobe. Stick to a travel wardrobe of three solid, coordinating colors. Favorite neutrals for travel are: navy, black brown, dark green, tan, gray, cream and white.

-- Limit yourself to one briefcase or shoulder bag that fits under the seat and one small carry-on bag for the overhead. You’ll save time by skipping Baggage Claim altogether and will be able to jump on the taxi line long before everyone else.

-- Lighten up: check out the incredibly useful site www.onebag.com , a site that’s dedicated to teaching the traveling public possibly more than they might ever need to know about how to “go light,” pack less and have more fun along the way.

HOTEL SMARTS: SLEEP TIGHT

2009-08-18T15:13:00.002-04:00

Whether you’re a regular business traveler, or hitting the road on vacation, here are a few thoughts on how to secure yourself and your stuff along the way:

-- Request a room between the 3rd and 10th floors. Those floors are generally thought to be too high to be broken into and low enough for rescue personnel to reach you in emergencies.

-- Before you unpack, check door, balcony and window locks as soon as you arrive so you can change rooms easily if they're not in working order.

-- Keep doors locked when you're in the room, and put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on doorknob to prevent unwanted intrusions. Stepping out for dinner? Then leave the sign on the door, and turn on the TV to make the room appear occupied.

-- Lock up your laptop. When you’re not in your room, store your laptop in your luggage, and lock the luggage to an immovable object in the room. While it may not stop a determined thief, it can help deter a casual one, and make them think it’s not worth the effort.

DRESS FAST, SLEEP MORE

2009-08-17T14:54:00.002-04:00

Want to sleep in tomorrow? Then take a few minutes tonight to help beat the morning rush, and feel free to hit the snooze button when the alarm starts honking:

-- Get into uniform. Uniform dressing that is. Simplify your wardrobe so dressing well becomes a no-brainer. Stick to a few basic colors that work well together. Save yourself the hassle of wondering what shirt will go with that lime green sport jacket. Stick to the basics and express your more creative side with neckwear.

-- Get it together: Lay out tonight what you’ll wear tomorrow, before you go to bed tonight. Collect all the pieces, right down to the belt, socks, shoes and underwear. Put them all together in a logical place, like the bathroom so you get dress quickly after showering.

-- Step away from the iron, and put down the needle: Ironing or sewing on lost buttons in the pre-dawn hours are phenomenal time-wasters. Our suggestion? Make repairs before you hit the hay. At night, when you’re getting your clothes together (see above) for the morning, use the time to also check for wrinkles, stains, missing buttons and collapsing cuffs.

What's written in YOUR (Men's) Journal?

2009-08-17T12:49:00.008-04:00

Hopefully the same thing that is written in the September issue of Men's Journal Magazine.

..how cool our polyurethane moto-zip jacket in black is!

In a fashion story titled “Dust Devils of El Mirage,” this very cool jacket earned a prestigious spot next to a couple of equally cool land-speed racers (twice!).

Guess it just proves that time-worn adage that you are judged by the company you keep!

THE FASHION SCOOP IS IN THE DETAILS...

2009-08-14T15:44:00.003-04:00

It is lovely to be recognized by one of the publishing industry's most prominent menswear and lifestyle magazines, Details. And such was the case in their September issue when they featured a 2-page spread chock-a-block full of great new items from the Perry Ellis fall collection!

“Sonic Youth” was the feature story, and it cited two great items from Perry Ellis: a nylon cire puffed vest in port royal and a tattersall jacket in charcoal.

Check us out in the September issue of Details!

SOLAR PANELS FOR YOUR PHONE ipod

2009-08-14T12:11:00.002-04:00

Power. Seems our phone is always running out of it, usually when we’re on the road, miles away from an electrical outlet. So we were relieved to discover the pocket-sized Solio – a clever gadget that stores power from sun or socket – and allows us to recharge our phones, I-phones, mp3 players and small hand-held devices wherever we roam.

Better yet, the energy Solio stores – for up to a year – is convenient, sustainable and clean, so it’s a pretty sweet deal for the earth too.

Want to take eco-consciousness a bit further? Then try replacing wall and car chargers with Solio to reduce your eco-footprint.

While charging via the sun isn’t necessarily the fastest way to power-up – 1 hour of sun = roughly 15 minutes of talk time or 40 minutes of mp3 music – it’s a lot better than running out of juice. To have a look, click to: www.solio.com

Perry Ellis in Cosmo Mag!

2009-08-13T11:52:00.004-04:00

Well yes, we are a menswear brand, but that does not mean that we cannot play well with others...like the 'whats-hot-next' women's magazine Cosmopolitan!

They recently featured up and coming leading man Justin Long wearing a Perry Ellis button-down striped shirt in their September 2009 issue.

The story was titled “Crush the Competition,” (we like that title!)---and we have to admit that it's pretty exciting to see our brand appear in this popular women’s magazine...with a circulation of 3 million readers.

Pretty cool huh?

CLOTHES FOR THE LONG HAUL

2009-08-13T11:39:00.002-04:00

Want your clothes to last longer? Then give them a fighting chance by treating them well, and of course, dress defensively. To start:

· -- Go easy on dry cleaning, machine washing and drying, as all of that will help speed the breakdown of fabric fibers and shorten the lifespan of your threads. Just by reducing the frequency, from one wearing to two between cleanings, you’ll save time, money, electricity and a little bit of the earth. All we (and your officemates) require is that you put on a fresh t-shirt and underwear underneath, every day.

· -- Like your momma always told you, hang up your dang clothes, and preferably on cushioned hangers to preserve their shape, and to allow air to circulate and keep wrinkles at bay. Can’t manage that, Mr. Lazybones? Then at least hang your clothes neatly over the back of a chair between wearings.

· -- Prepare for a fashion emergency like Don Draper and the “Mad Men” crew do: Always keep a few clean shirts and a pair of trousers at the office so you look fresh pressed in the morning, no matter where you wound up the night before.

· -- Do you live life on the uncoordinated side? Then stick to a wardrobe of dark colors to help camouflage workday food and coffee drips. If by chance you have a major spill, chances are darker shades can be easily salvaged, and the damage won’t require as much effort to undo at the dry cleaners.

MEET ONE OF OUR PERRY ELLIS MAKEOVER CONTESTANTS

2009-08-12T11:15:00.004-04:00

Perry Ellis is very proud of all of the gentlemen who have entered our makeover contest, and wanted to feature of few of them over the next few days so that you can meet them too!

The first gentleman I would like you to meet is a Major in the US Army, proudly serving our country and a great member of his community. Meet US Army Major Steven F. Selman. He is currently deployed, but due home at the end of this month:

His essay: I am a US Army Major stationed at US Central Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL. I am often deployed, and have been to Afghanistan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia on many occasions, and am currently deployed, scheduled to return home at the end of August, 2009.

When I am home with my family, my wife, 8-year-old son and 1-year-old twins, I love to volunteer and make things better in my community. I would love to be "made over" and receive a brand-new Perry Ellis wardrobe to finally get me out of my Army fatigues, so I can look like an All-American civilian when I am out on the town with my wife or am volunteering on the weekends.

SUNSCREEN BY WILL FERRELL. NO KIDDING.

2009-08-12T10:31:00.002-04:00

Call us suckers or perhaps stalkers, but we will go see just about any movie Will Ferrell is in (with the possible exception of “Step Brothers”).

So when we heard the funny man was launching a sunscreen line for charity, we thought it might be time to order up a case. Created to raise funds for Cancer for College, a non-profit which gives college scholarships to cancer survivors and amputees, Ferrell’s collection sells for $11.99 a bottle, with all proceeds going to the charity.

"We are obviously appealing to sun worshippers, streakers, art lovers and the ever growing market of body-building golfers,” says Ferrell, whose sunscreen line includes hard-to-resist names like Will Ferrell’s Sexy Hot Tan, Sunstroke and Forbidden Fruit SPF 30.

To order: http://www.shop.cancerforcollege.org/category.sc?categoryId=5

CHILL FACTOR: MUSIC THAT MEDITATES

2009-08-11T12:49:00.002-04:00

Not long ago, a doctor buddy noticed that we were a little tense. In between bouts of road rage and cussing out the Yankees on the flat-screen, it occurred to us that Doc might have a point.

His prescription? Meditation. Our reaction? Um, not so much. Not that there’s anything wrong with the lotus position, it’s just that we weren’t planning on folding ourselves into it anytime soon.

The compromise? Take two songs and call your primary-care physician in the morning. Doc suggested listening to a few cuts off Jonathan Goldman’s album “Sounds of Healing.”

So we downloaded it off Amazon and, to our surprise, we’ve been getting chilly with it every other day or so, just to take the edge off.

Like Valium for the ears, these lyric-free, chant-like tunes have the ability to tamp down the temper, quiet the mind and put us in a peaceful, trance-like state without us having to book a trip to an ashram.

To get some for yourself, prescription-free, visit amazon.com.

LOOK BEFORE YOU SLEEP

2009-08-10T16:05:00.003-04:00

About ten years ago, in the time before Orbitz and Trip Advisor, a buddy booked a gang of us into a hotel in Vegas, sight unseen, based on a recommendation he’d seen in a guidebook.

The rate was great so we thought we were pretty wise guys, that is till we pulled into the parking lot and were greeted by a platoon of rent-a-cops armed with Rottweilers and razor-wire surrounding the hotel perimeter.

Needless to say, we quickly bailed out of the Gitmo Las Vegas and made a bee-line for better, more expensive digs.

The lesson? Never book anything sight unseen, and now we don’t have to thanks to everyscape.com -- a new, interactive, travel-friendly site that lets you stroll through the town of your choice and even into its buildings.

Everyscape.com describes it as “the real world, online,” that lets you check out the neighborhood before you book, so chances are you won’t accidentally wind up in the Bates Motel, unless that’s the sort of thing you’re into. Click to: everyscape.com

BECOME A PERRY ELLIS BLOGGER!

2009-08-10T11:17:00.003-04:00

We are really interested in hearing what you have to say ... so we are
giving you the opportunity to become Perry Ellis contributing editor for a day!

All you have to do is send us a post about any of the topics mentioned
below, along with your picture and a short bio (to profile you in the Perry Now! blog if you get selected*).

We will be doing this regularly, so keep your posts coming! You matter to us!

TOPICS:

> YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
> GADGETS
> TRAVEL
> THE ARTS
> GREEN LIFE

Send your entries with the required information to colleen.adams@pery.com

*Perry Ellis cannot guarantee that all material submitted will be used. We reserve the right to edit the articles as deemed appropriate. Submissions become the property of Perry Ellis and will not be returned. Submissions must be original and not infringe upon the rights of any third
party.

PERFECT PORTABLE SPEAKER SYSTEM

2009-08-07T11:26:00.002-04:00

If you’re like us, it’s almost impossible to go anywhere without our Ipods on (loud).

But headphones jammed into our ears 24/7 does tend to annoy friends and family at a certain point. The remedy? Mini-speakers of course.

Now some dudes may go for the fancy high-end systems, but we have a tendency to break stuff, so something durable and about 1/3rd the price is a better match for us. Our choice? The Vestalife Ladybug Portable Speaker Dock for Ipod (approx. $100 on Amazon.com).

We got a Ladybug over a year ago and have used it just about every day since. The sound is quite decent, it runs on electricity or 4 AA batteries and is not much larger than a grapefruit, so we take it everywhere.

So far we’ve used it at home, in the car, in a little cabin in the Canadian woods and in our closet-sized office (with the door closed of course). Over the years, we’ve owned and accidentally destroyed at least 4 sets of portable speakers, but not the Ladybug – it just keeps rocking our world.

ESQUIRE SAYS: BE BEST DRESSED WITH PERRY ELLIS!

2009-08-06T13:21:00.005-04:00

Perry Ellis hit pay dirt in the fashion-right September issue of Esquire Magazine, prominently mentioned in their article titled “The Best Dressed Real Men in America.”

That perfectly describes the Perry customer: a 'real guy,' and 'best dressed!' Sound like you?

IFC’s “BOLLYWOOD HERO” STARTS TONIGHT !

2009-08-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

Wondering where Mango has been?

Well tonight (August 6), his alter ego, SLN alum Chris Kattan, returns to the flat screen to play (of all things) himself in “Bollywood Hero,” debuting tonight on IFC (the Independent Film Channel).

Inspired in part by Kattan’s real-life experience of failing to land leading roles after moving to Hollywood, Kattan describes the semi-autobiographical “Bollywood Hero” in Entertainment Weekly as being “a lot like Extras meets Entourage meets Lost In Translation.”

Shot on location in India, using much of Slumdog Millionaire’s production crew--up to and including a show-stopping Bollywood dance number choreographed by Longinus Fernandes (the choreographer behind the ubiquitous “Jai Ho” sequence)---Kattan’s 3-night mini series is sure to be one of the most unusual shows this summer.

Not to be missed!

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

2009-08-05T13:42:00.002-04:00

Hidden in most American homes is a dead electronics corner.

In our case the corner was a closet, jammed with 2 vintage Imacs, 2 monitors and 4 wrecked laptops, one of which was circa 1989 and roughly the size of a Smart Car.

Not wanting to dump it all in a landfill, we warehoused the pile of junk for a few years, till we heard about the Staples recycling program for used computers and monitors.

For a $10 fee per item, we handed Staples our cast-offs and gained about 4 square feet of space in our overstuffed apartment, and that’s what we call a win-win.

Staples will also recycle smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers and digital cameras for free, and you can earn $3 in Staples Rewards if you sign on for their ink and toner recycling program.

For recycling guidelines and details on the items Staples can accept, visit Staples.com

LISTEN UP: IT’S THE VIVIAN GIRLS!

2009-08-04T11:35:00.003-04:00

What do you say to three cute rocker gals from Brooklyn by way of New Jersey? Play it loud, ladies!

In just under 2 years, indie rockers Vivian Girls have made a lot of noise on stage and in the press for their layered harmonies, high-speed, jangling guitar riffs, driving beats and modern take on “the wall of sound.”

Described by one reviewer on Amazon as “The Mamas and Papas on methamphetamines,” the tuneful trio makes music that features touches of The B-52’s, The Bangles and The Shangri-La’s, echoes of The Strokes and a light dusting of navel-gazing.

Though their second album doesn’t drop for another month, give the girls a listen and check out their video, “Tell The World,” on youtube.com.

LAUGH YOUR ADS OFF!

2009-08-03T15:29:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday!

And to make it even happier, we have a special treat for you, courtesy of Jezebel.com who gave us the heads-up on a brilliant new site to help you kill time while you’re waiting for the 11 am conference call to start.

The just-launched, must-see site is AdViews , which lets users view thousands of vintage TV ads from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Though the ads were originally intended to be serious and sultry back in their heyday, 40+ years later, the ads have aged miserably and are now truly hilarious.

To view a few thoughtfully-selected knee-slappers, click on http://jezebel.com/5323936/60s-and-70s-beauty-ads-were-little-tv-nightmares?autoplay=true

2009-07-31T08:51:00.001-04:00

Colleen from Perry Ellis...boy do we love Louisville KY! Great people! Thx 4 a great event last nite guys, and we will look forward 2 coming back soon.

Thx to all the great folks from IndyCar racing...and good luck to our driver Mike Conway this weekend...fly like the wind Mike!

2009-07-30T20:18:00.001-04:00

Colleen Adams here...check out my interview with Indycar driver mike conway on youtube next week! Very cool guy! We will be in St. Louis next, so stay tuned 4 more info.

2009-07-30T18:27:00.001-04:00

Say hello to Mike Conway: get your raincoats on and head down to dllards!

2009-07-30T16:53:00.001-04:00

Hey guys, it's Colleen! I got to sit in a real Indy show car. Very cool! Dillards St Matthews in Louisville. Come on down!