Trust at the Barbershop

BY KEITH KIRSNER
The relationship between you and your barber is about trust. When getting your haircut, you want to make sure you get out of there looking better than when you came in. If you’re not, something is wrong. Your barber sees hundreds of people a week so unless you’re on a first name basis with your barber, explain every time what needs to get done. You should only be asking him for the ‘usual’ if you’ve been going to the same guy for years and have been satisfied and comfortable with what you’re getting in return. If you like how your hair comes out every time, there is not much else to discuss than local sports and news. Most people who go to the same barber for years will wait however many people are in front of them because they know they'll be taken care of. Now that’s what I call loyalty.

Your hair can dramatically change your appearance. You need to make sure you articulate exactly what you want to him. Do you want a circle or square back? How long do you want your sideburns? What length razor do you want to use when buzzing the sides and back? How many finger lengths do you want cut off on the top? These are all questions you need to think about when going in and explain exactly how you want your hair to look. It’s nobody else’s hair, but yours. Understand what looks best on you. Getting a bad haircut isn’t the end of the world. It will grow back in a couple of weeks, but if you’re not getting what you ask for, get a recommendation from a friend. Hair is one of the most visible thing that can change our appearance, so start on top!

- Your Style Guy

Tails of Your Jacket

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Here’s a tip for those of you who just purchased that new suit, sport jacket, or coat. Turn it around and on the back, you’ll see if there are tails on the bottom of your jacket. After you purchase it, you want to make sure before you wear it that there is no cross-stitch seam keeping the tails together. Those tails are supposed to be separated to flap while you walk and comfort when you sit. Find a pair of sharp scissors and cut away that 'x'. Now you’re good to go!

- Your Style Guy

Leave Those Gym Sneakers Home

BY KEITH KIRSNER
There’s always that one guy who thinks it’s okay to wear his gym sneakers out to the bar. You know the ones; those oversized-white-marshmallow-high-tops he blatantly got off the clearance rack. Maybe it’s because he never had time to change from the game or possibly he never thought of the option of wearing different clothes for different events.

When pairing your clothes with your shoes, you want to make sure you keep it simple. A pair of Chucks can work well into your wardrobe because they are very versatile. Keep it a neutral color and this will allow you to get more wear out of it. There’s a reason these sneakers hardly ever changed since their birth. They introduced colors to their All Star high tops in the 1950’s with the introduction of Rock & Roll and the newly National Basketball Association. In the futuristic film, ‘I’ Robot’ taking place in the year 2035, Will Smith’s character proudly laces up his pair of leather Chucks.

They are just as relevant in the past as they will be in the future. Chucks are classics who need not much change. They go great with a pair of jeans and look better with age as they wear and tear. Newly designed sneakers come pre-scuffed for a vintage look that you have been around the block without ever stepping foot in them. This may be the only pair of sneakers I don’t recommend you get out that shoe polish and start cleaning!

- Your Style Guy

At The Gym: Steel Or Flubber

BY ROBERT ESSIG
After reading an article in a recent men's health magazine, (according to women) abs are one of the sexiest muscles on a man's body. That's next to a bulging biceps and a strong thick back. Need help with that stubborn part of your body? Start with your upper abs and do medium weight high reps and use a few different machines. After you get that burning feeling, then start working on your lower abs. Having your upper abs tired during these workouts will help you put a larger amount of stress on your lower abs. Also make sure you always exhale hard at the end of the rep to force a little more stress on your abs. Research shows women love a stomach they can do their laundry on so get to the gym and build your own set of wash board abs!

Hygiene: Toothbrush Cleaning

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Like your dentist suggests, you should replace your toothbrush every 6 months. While your new brush may be clean when you take it out of the wrapper, it won’t stay that way forever. Your bathroom is prompt to mold and bacteria with the room filled with dampness and water. Your toothbrush is there to help you clean, not rot away your teeth. Rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash for about 30 seconds for a good cleaning. This will make sure you’re not harming your teeth and gums any further than you are with those sweets and candy.

- Your Style Guy

15 Seconds: Ports

BY KEITH KIRSNER
With the mix of weather patterns out there, it’s hard to know how to dress for the day. The mornings have a cold chill in the air, but by mid-afternoon with the sun at its hottest hours, you can’t wait to go home and shower. Some people like to try and beat the system by buying things like pants that turn into shorts, or what I like to refer to as ‘ports’. This type of garment has a specific use for camping and nature hikes. So unless you are traveling along the Redwood Forest in San Fransico, this is something I would advise against wearing. If you’re thinking no one can tell and I get more for my money this way, you are strongly mistaken. Buy separate pants and also shorts. Sometimes in fashion there are shortcuts, however this is not one of them. I strongly recommend layering to solve this problem. That way you can still take off a shirt or a hoodie at your will and still look good.

- Your Style Guy

The Price of Online Shopping

BY KEITH KIRSNER I embrace online shopping for its convenience and simply because you are able to get whatever you want, at any hour of day. You can also quickly compare stores and merchandise selection with various companies with a simple mouse click. Get a sale sent straight to your inbox or find coupon codes for the best deals.

However, there are some disadvantages to online shopping. The waiting period will make you develop the skill of patience. Not to mention the shipping cost. Of course if you do make it to the store, there is a price of transportation and gas. I have also been fooled more than once by the color of a garment. Sometimes things look much different online than when it arrives on your doorstep. Plus once you’re in the store, you can try it on right away and see if the fit is tailored correctly to your body and proportions.

My point is that you are only limiting yourself to half the market if you shop exclusively online. Companies want you visiting their stores and while you may see ‘online exculsives’ on their website, you may not hear about ‘in-store limited time only sales.’ The same shirt at Gap.com that currently sells for $24.50 is $10.00 in the store this weekend. Even at best when you find Gap clothes at 30% off online prices, it is still much cheaper in store! Besides the sales and deals, it also gives you time to be social and interact with the world. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to say hi and start a conversation.

- Your Style Guy

Go Green!

BY KEITH KIRSNER
There is now more than ever a demand for everyone to go green! Companies are now making strides to show their support for clean, efficient, and recycled goods. One company in particular has caught my eye this season for their efforts. Hanes has become 2010 EPA ENERGY STAR partner of the year.

Here are the facts:

• The fabric in 67% of their Men’s and Boy’s undershirts is made using RENEWABLE ENERGY.
• Their ECOSMART socks are made using a minimum of 55% recycled fiber.
• Since 2007, they have REDUCED THE ENERGY they use to make their products BY 11%
• By the end of 2009, nearly 30% OF THE ENERGY they used came from CLEAN, RENEWABLE SOURCES.
• They are on track to have SEVEN CERTIFIED FACILITIES through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

When you buy 3 Hanes products, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree, up to 20,000 on Hanes behalf. You’ll also get a FREE Hanes Earth Day T-Shirt by mail.

Happy Earth Day!

- Your Style Guy

The Hidden Pocket

BY KEITH KIRSNER
We all carry plenty in our pockets everyday. It’s amazing what you have to leave the house with in order to get by. Your wallet, money clip, change, cell, ipod, (always tangled) headphones, house keys, car keys, camera, and some hard candy to keep that sweet tooth satisfied. I realize that you can simplify a lot of these electronics into one simple iphone (if you’re (un)lucky enough to have AT&T service). However, for those of us still suffering from bundles in our pockets, I present to you the 6th pocket or what I like to call ‘The Hidden Pocket’. Banana Republic has introduced a new era of extreme tailoring inside their suit pants. They realize men’s pockets are oversized with too much. The solution: More pockets to even out the terrain so there are no bulges emphasizing what you’re carrying. This extra bit of detail allows you to store something important close to you.

Shop all BR suits - Use this promo code: B6H96QJQWWTD for 20% off $75 or more! 3 Days Left: April 23-25


- Your Style Guy

Lauren or Lauren?

BY KEITH KIRSNER A lot of people think they know how to pronounce the name of the fashion designer, Ralph Lauren. Some would say his last name with a twist (like luh-ren) , but they are wrong when doing so. It’s Ralph Lauren (like lore-in). As if you would say a girl’s first name. Now you know…

- Your Style Guy

Buyer Beware

BY KEITH KIRSNER
It is important to understand the impact of counterfeit goods on the economy and where it is coming from. According to ABC News, the counterfeit industry has stolen more than 750,000 jobs from the United States! Not to mention more than one billion dollars in tax revenues. That’s money and jobs that are needed (particularly in a downward economy). In SoHo, you could get something on every corner. The making of counterfeits are also responsible for child labor. While it is a crime to make and sell these items, it is not a crime to own one here in the USA. However, if you are spotted with a fake in France, you face jail time and a fine!

- Your Style Guy

How to Hold Her Bag Like a Man

BY KEITH KIRSNER Here it comes – that awkward moment when she gives you that look and you have nothing else to do, but give in.

Scenario: You’re in line at the grocery store with your girlfriend. Her hands are tied and yours unfortunately are nothing less than free. She gestures her arm in your direction with her bag in her hand. You look the other way and for a moment pretend to be interested in the war between Brangelina & Aniston. Then those three dreaded words come out of her mouth, “Here, hold this.” You stare at her in disapproval and then – she gives you ‘the look’. With hesitance you take her bag.

Now what do you do? Well, what you shouldn't do is wear it! Don’t grab it by the handles. Hold it by the bottom like a baby’s ass. Stand straight, shoulders back, right arm straight, left arm holding her bag. You’re thinking, “Don’t worry. You’re still a man.” But in all seriousness, don’t sweat it. Real men aren’t afraid to help out their girl under any circumstance.

- Your Style Guy

Go Ahead: Distressed Preppy Belt

BY KEITH KIRSNER
What’s great about this belt, besides the aesthetics and price, is that you don’t have to worry about your belt size. Because of its ring disclosure there are no belt holes. Generally, you should go 2 inches more than your waist span. For instance, if you are a 32 Waist x 32 Length size jeans, you would take a 34 Waist belt. This belt is both preppy and stylish that will instantly update your wardrobe for a look for under $10.00.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Distressed Preppy Belt
Shown in Yellow
Price: $9.90 (Was $28.00)

- Your Style Guy

The Right Tie Length

BY KEITH KIRSNER
How many times do you have to tie that knot before you get it to the perfect length? The Italian tie is known to be a few inches longer than the average tie. Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer, makes long ties because many Italians like to wear a big knot, which may involve a few extra loops. Make sure you get it right. Having a tie too short with the back of the tie coming lower than the front will make you look like a clown. And having a tie come way down, past your waistline will make you look nothing less than foolish. Try the full Windsor knot. It takes a few extra steps than the average knot, but it will give you enough room in the fabric to make your tie length perfect for you. Below is an instructional video I found on youtube that explains how to do it yourself. I apologize in advance for the lame music and sound effects. Give yourself enough time to get it just right. Practice makes perfect.

HOW TO TIE THE PERFECT WINDSOR KNOT

- Your Style Guy

What Went Wrong: Larry King Edition

BY KEITH KIRSNER

Does anyone want to guess?

Larry! Larry!! Larry!!! CAN YOU HEAR ME? What were you thinking? Old guy with the hot ex-wife and young kids trying to keep up with everyone somehow just isn’t working. Dress your age, please. Stick with the suspenders, Larry. That’s your trademark.

- Your Style Guy

DKNY: Proud Sponsor of the NY Yankees

BY KEITH KIRSNER Sandwiched between Toyota and NY Presbyterian is the first fashion brand to have a permanent presence in Yankee Stadium. DKNY has partnered with the New York Yankees as part of a multi-faceted, long-term sponsorship agreement. The prominent location of the billboard is right above the bullpen in right center field. The ad features DKNY’s iconic logo of New York’s skyline. You’ll be able to catch this new ad starting today for the 2010 Yankee Stadium home opener.

- Your Style Guy

Q&A: Can I still wear my black velour Ralph Lauren hoodie?

BY KEITH KIRSNER
Going, going - GONE! Never a fan... I don't care if it says RL on the front or your initials on the back - A black velour hoodie should never be worn with jeans and a tee. My first suggestion would be to give it to good will. My second suggestion is a little less harsh. Sometimes it's hard to retire items we're attached to, but that doesn't mean you still can't wear it. Just don't be seen with it in public. Convert it into pajamas and everyone will be happy!

- Your Style Guy

What to Wear: Funeral Style

BY KEITH KIRSNER

The passing of someone special to you is always a sad time. Unfortunately, for me I will be attending more than one this week. There are more important things in life than what you wear to a wake or funeral, but it is important to know what is appropriate. This is not the place to stick out and wear what you would to a celebratory occasion. You want to make sure you’re dressed nice and keep it basic. Color is very important! Your darks are always appropriate with your basic black, navy, and charcoal gray. Keep the shirt a solid white and make your impression with you tie. Nothing flashy or silver; a black, gray, or blue tie will do just fine.

- Your Style Guy

Hygiene: The Fight Against Yellow Stains

BY KEITH KIRSNER
No one likes to see those unattractive yellow pit stains on your shirts. And no, they’re not someone else’s problem. It’s your problem. But, here’s a solution. Speed Stick’s new breakthrough Stainguard Antiperspirant helps protect you and your shirts from those yellow stains and white residue under your arms. Target the problem before it becomes a problem.

Watch the Commercial

- Your Style Guy

No Surprises

BY KEITH KIRSNER

It’s just about that time of year to gather all those heavy coats and put them back into storage. But, before you do, make sure you check the pockets first. You don’t want an unwanted surprise to be there when you put it on next winter. I’m talking about this from personal experience. I had filled the inside pocket of my ski jacket with cough drops and had forgotten about them until the following year. When I un-zippered the pocket, it was glued shut because they had melted through the wrapper onto my jacket. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you. Inspect before you put away!

- Your Style Guy

15 Seconds: Socks & Flops

BY KEITH KIRSNER
FAIL! This has to be up there in the top 10 worst things of all time you can do in life. I don’t get it! How did this start and why do guys continue to do this. Are you thinking it’s warm enough to wear flip flops, but my feet might get cold in the shade so I better wear socks too? If you’re wearing socks, wear sneakers. If you’re wearing flip flops, rock them solo. I beg of you for everyone’s sake, PLEASE don’t do this!

- Your Style Guy

STOP THE SAG

BY KEITH KIRSNER Belt up, Gentlemen! Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) partnered with the non-profit group Full Persuaded for Children and Families to start a new campaign urging men to pull up their pants! Six new billboards are up in Brooklyn that read, ‘Raise your pants, raise your image.’ Sen. Adams explains how this is not a fashion trend, but a major social stigma of groups seen in a negative light. They are targeting young men to become role models for future generations. When you raise your pants, you raise your character and your self esteem.

Much like how baggy jeans came into society, this movement came from the prison culture. When men go to jail, their belts are confiscated so their pants are always falling down. This look is actually referred to as jallin’ in the prison yard. Adams says, “the city, the country, the globe is watching us. We are better than this.” Like the song goes: Pants on the ground, pants on the ground… Lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground!

Stop the Sag

You’re image is totally in your control! Utilize it wisely to your advantage.

- Your Style Guy

Customer Service

BY KEITH KIRSNER
For anyone that has ever worked in customer service, you know how you would like to be spoken to and what kind of service to expect. Never be bullied into buying anything, no matter how good of a deal it is, and always try on a garment before a final sale. You are the customer and should be treated with dignity and respect. Don’t forget it and just in case they do, ask for a manager!

- Your Style Guy

Get It For Less

BY KEITH KIRSNER Last week I endorsed the Gap Barracuda jacket. While browsing the J. Press catalog, I came across a very similar styled jacket. The only difference here is the price. J. Press has priced their jacket 5 times the price of the Gap’s. Each brand has their own price points catered to their customer, yet both are quality jackets and both will keep you warm on those colder spring nights. The choice is yours…

- Your Style Guy

Play Ball

BY STEPHEN CONROY
The 2010 MLB season starts today and to me there are few things more enjoyable than heading to a ballgame with a few buddies, drinking a couple of cold ones and singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." For me it also meant dusting off my oversized, polyester, authentic jersey to show my support for the home team.

However, with the influx of new baseball stadiums in the past decade, baseball is no longer about just going to the game. Stadiums now have bars, gourmet food courts, and all sorts of appealing attractions scattered throughout the confines. Heck, it's even possible to go to the game and find so much to do that you miss the game!

With so many teams opening modern 21st century stadiums, it's time to tune your baseball wardrobe up into the 21st century. Check out Red Jacket Clothing if you're looking for new ideas as to what you should be wearing to the ballpark. These designs are great for cheering on your team, but the best part about them is that they are fashionable enough for wherever you may be heading before or after the game. Throw away your jersey, grab a few of their high quality cotton tees and support your team this summer knowing that you look better than the guy that's wearing a jersey 2 sizes too big.

Red Jacket Clothing

The Handshake

BY KEITH KIRSNER
In a world filled with hand gestures ranging from slaps and finger snaps to high fives and fist bumps, there’s a lot you can tell from a person by the way they greet you. There are times and places for each of these greetings. You deal with dozens of interactions every day.

But, don’t ever doubt the impact of a solid handshake. There is something about an old tradition that keeps us civilized in social situations. This should be used especially upon the first social interaction. There is nothing worse than a wimpy handshake and a flimsy shake shows lack of interest and lack of respect for yourself.

First impressions are key and if done improperly are hard to undue. A suitable greeting starts with a simple, yet strong handshake. You want to make sure that you let the person know you’re there so don’t slack. Here’s how to do it right: Smile, make eye contact, extend your arm, open your palm and push your hand all the way into theirs, up to the thumb, and grip. Shake hands firmly and release after you introduce yourself. In a follow up statement, repeat the person’s name. By repeating the name aloud it will increase your chances of remembering their name in future social gatherings. “Hello my name is Keith. It’s a pleasure meeting you, John.”

- Your Style Guy

Don’t Have a Cow, Man

BY KEITH KIRSNER
For those of you that have lower back problems, it’s probably because of that cow in your back pocket! That overstuffed wallet is a filing cabinet, a storage facility, a place to put that free guitar lesson tab you got off the street, somewhere to put your receipts, money and change, a pack of gum, plastics of all kinds (just in case), a photo album, reward cards, and a phone book for those emergency contacts. THAT IS A LOT OF BEEF! The ‘Costanza’ wallet is an organizer, a secretary and of course, a close friend. Decide what you really need to go out and make your rounds. Do you really need that expired yogurt coupon in your pocket when you go see your chiropractor? Give it a second look and slim down.

- Your Style Guy