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