The first person to guess what the mystery object is
wins the prize!
Remember: limit of 2 guesses per person!
Hint:
This is something every gentleman should have.
Ladies: it’s a perfect gift for any man in your life.
Good Luck!
We have a winner! Congratulations Dixie!
The prize is Cromwell and Cruthers shaving oil!
Check out this behind the scenes view of the new
Cromwell and Cruthers campaign featuring menswear designer Philip Sparks and fashion photographer
Mckenzie James.
Shot in my neighbourhood :)
I’m giving away something lovely to the first person who guesses what the prize is!
Hints:
2 words
something you could use every day
if you had one, I’d know exactly where to find it in your house
Rules: comment below with your guess.
Two guesses per person. Good luck!
Update:
Thank you everyone for participating, this was so much fun!
The prize is a lovely Love Fresh pomegranate body scrub :)
Another article I wrote for NotableTV.com:
Round toe shoes or sandals, jeans or a suit, wide leg or straight? What did you wear to work today?
Small details such as a wrong shade of khaki or an extra inch in the width of the pant can make your office attire look sloppy and unflattering. Use the following list to remember which common mistakes to avoid, and learn how to fix them by following the examples in the right column.
Note: I took these photographs at the downtown Toronto financial district.
NO | YES
Inseam – too long: If your pants are too long, they will get dirty and even rip at the back. But that’s not the worst part – the pants will bunch up at the bottom, block all the movement from the ankle down and hence create a genie-pant effect. To find the right length, when trying on pants make sure the seam just hits the floor as you stand barefoot.
Inseam – too short: The general rule is that no one should be able to see your socks while you walk. Also please note the shoes in both photographs – two thumbs up!
Pointy toe shoes: … are so 2007. Hence you can buy a pair for $19.99. But please don’t. Go for round toe ones instead – for example a pair of oxfords.
Do you have what it takes to be a supermodel (or know someone who does)?
If so, you should contact one of Toronto’s Ford Modelling scouts:
You’ll need to send a full body shot and a head shot, like the ones below for example.
You should also mention your height and age. Good luck!
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Breanna Hughes from Unbrelievable.com
“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” – Mark Twain
I would like to start this post off by saying that I in no way claim to be a fashion expert of any kind. One thing that I do know, however, are cute boys, and well dressed ones at that. So with that on the table, I give you some of the biggest dating outfit faux pas’ I have seen, along with an alternative of what they should have worn.
Puma Drift Cat II Shoes
First Date Faux Pas #1: Running Shoes
If there is one thing I hate almost as much as Crocs, it’s when a boy wears the shoes to the left, or any other kind of running shoe, with pants. An exception can be made after the first few dates for a pair of classic Adidas, but generally speaking, running shoes with pants are the UGGs of menswear. Athletic footwear needs to be worn only when it is appropriate, so if you are wearing runners, you better be actually running. Too many times I will see a cute boy walking down the street, and then I look down and he is wearing runners with his too long jeans. I’m almost thankful that they do, as I would hate to have to see the rest of their wardrobe. It’s a huge turnoff. Huge.
Mark McNairy - Chukka Boot Navy
First Date Faux Pas Fix #1: Red Soled Shoes
Contrary to the turn off of the running shoe, the red brick sole on these Navy Suede Chukka Boots are as much of a turn on as the baby blue eyes of a cute boy. These shoes are universal in that they aren’t too dressy, nor are they too casual (especially compared to the alternative above), and can be worn well with most pants. Just make sure you don’t wear them with trackpants!
Alternatively to the Chukka Boot, you could go for A.P.C’s Derby Brick Sole, or these beautiful Mark McNairy (who is now my favourite mens shoe designer it seems) Red Brick Sole Penny Loafers. Please, let the next person I date have a pair of red brick soled shoes.
Abercrombie Gothics Mountain Hoodie
First Date Faux Pas #2: The Hoodie
I’m starting to sense a trend here, are you? Sportswear should not be worn on a date, unless the date is playing sports somewhere (which, actually, if the girl is athletic, isn’t such a bad first date), or you are under the age of 25. If you are over 25, you should not be shopping at this store unless it’s for pajamas or cottage gear (even then.. I’m hesitant to encourage it). Don’t get me wrong, I used to love Abercrombie, and the boys who wore it (ermm.. the models); but that was when I was 19. I’ve grown up now, and I want a man, not a boy. Regardless of the brand (it could be American Apparel even), a hoodie should never be worn on a dinner, coffee, or drink first date.
Martin Margiela 10 Stitched V Neck
First Date Faux Pas Fix #2: The V Neck
V Neck’s are not just for girls who want to show some cleavage, you know. The V Neck sweater is hands down the best alternative to the hoodie. It always looks classy and put together, and it lies on the fine line between casual and dressy, so you can wear it to any date type without the fear of being over, or under, dressed. Bonus points if you wear a colourful shirt underneath (orange or coral is personally my favourite) to show a little imagination. You could also go for a brighter V Neck, like this one (I have such a crush on this model now). A nice alternative to the V Neck is a button up cardigan, another sweater with which you can never go wrong.
Burton Arctic Jacket
First Date Faux Pas #3: The Snowboarding Jacket
Yes, we get snow in Toronto. It also gets really cold in Toronto. You should not be wearing a jacket that you wear while carving it up on the hill, to a date. But, it’s really cold, and you have to get to the date in the cold, right? That, folks, is why cab drivers make more money in the winter time than they do in the summer. I love a boy on a bike more than most girls, but when winter hits, it’s time to pay for the convenience and take a cab to a date. Or, you can walk, but you will be a bit colder.
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B:SCOTT Denim Double Mock Pullover
First Date Faux Pas Fix #3: The Classy Pullover
You can either go for the standard peacoat (which gets a little boring), or you can have a bit of a dressy casual look with this pull over. A little bonus for the girl if you take it off and your other shirt gets caught, and she gets a peek at your abs. Mmm. I like this one a lot.
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Birkenstocks, with socks
First Date Faux Pas #4: Sandals
Yes, the image is of someone wearing socks with Birkenstocks (which is a notorious faux pas by now), but what it says above should not be lost on you: I’m talking ALL sandals. Sandals should not be worn on a first date, unless you frequent salons and get a monthly pedicure like us girls. Girls can get away with sandals because we have pretty feet, and have pretty colours on our toenails. Boys, your feet are gross, and we don’t want to see them. NO Sandals. No no no.
TOMS shoes
First Date Faux Pas Fix #4: Shoes sans chausettes
It’s hot out, it’s summer, I get that you don’t want to wear socks. Well I don’t want you to either! Shoes without socks can look so classy and stylish, as long as it’s the right type of shoes. If you must embrace your hippie birkenstock ways (I, by the way, ROCK the birkenstock look, but only after a pedicure), then go for a pair of TOMS shoes. For every pair you buy, they give a child in need a pair, so it’s for a good cause. Also, the canvas and linen material are comfortable, and breathe nicely for those hot steamy (err.. sweaty) days.
Alternatively to TOMS, you can go for the extremely trendy boat shoe. Everyone, EVERYONE, has these right now, so they are easy to find. They look great without socks, with a slight roll on your jeans.
Baggy Jeans by Triple 5 Soul (does this brand even exist still? I guess so!)
First Date Faux Pas #5: Baggy Jeans
Last, but certainly not least, our dear old friend: The Baggy Jeans. Baggy jeans NEVER look good (unless it’s a cute girl rocking them), and a tailor is your best friend. Even the movie Clueless touched on this and that was from 1995. Baggy jeans make you look sloppy, makes you look out of shape, and worst of all, they cover the nice shoes that we learned about above.
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Kicking Mule Workshop 1980 Hand Dye
First Date Faux Pas Fix #5: Fitted Jeans
Boys, if you wear slimmer fitting jeans, it does not make you a hipster, or gay; it just makes you style aware. In fact, super tight skinny jeans on men is a bit of a turn off in itself. The jeans to the left are gorgeous, but they are definitely a little pricey. Some really good alternative denim labels are A.P.C, Nudies and good old traditional, Levi’s. Bonus points if you roll them up in the summer time (instead of shorts; I really hate shorts on boys), with the shoes above.
I use baby oil and cotton pads to remove my make-up. It’s a fairly inexpensive alternative to some of the beauty counter makeup remover solutions, and works just as well. |
 My hair only looks good the day I wash it. I try not to shampoo more than 3 times a week, as recommended by my hairstylist. Plus with my hair being dyed red, every shampoo strips off a lot of the colour. I definitely need touch-ups in between shampoos, and I use baby powder for that. Dry shampoos can cost you around $20 per bottle. Baby powders are around $3. I use a powder makeup-brush to work it into my hair. Also, washing and blow drying bangs is another workaround that you could do every morning. |
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To make my manicure last longer, I usually apply a second top coat layer 24 hours after the initial colour application. This way my mani lasts exactly a week. Mind you, I do keep my nails trimmed pretty short, so that also lengthens the no-chip period. Don’t forget to protect your nails with a natural base coat as well. |
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Another shower-tip: never tie wet hair in a bun or a pony tail. Your hair will break and you’ll end up with unruly flyaways. |
To avoid bacteria build-up, I wash my makeup brushes once a week. I use regular hand soap, and lay the brushes flat to dry. |
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I keep my closets and drawers smelling fresh by wrapping lavender branches into a gauze and placing them in between the clothes/towels. I had hard time finding dried lavender downtown Toronto, so I ended up buying some on ebay. I’ve done it a few times already, you can order a huge bag for quite cheap! |
Yes, it’s a badly photoshopped photo, but a real one’s coming soon!
Looking for style advice? I’m here to answer your questions.
Click here to check out the Facebook discussion board and join the conversation!
HOT |
NOT |
 floral skirts H&M $29.99 |
 elastic waist-band denim skirts |
 brogues, aka Oxford shoes, aka wing tips |
 these were on sale for $49.99 for a reason |
 floral print scarves H&M $17.95 |
 tablecloth scarves |
 platform heel sandals JacFlash $175 |
 pointy toe sandals (I refuse to believe these were ever IN) |
 straight leg, plain |
 “fake” distressed denim, loud |
 ladies’ brogues Aldo $49.98 |
 ballet flats |
 military jackets |
 wrap sweaters |
Street Style Spotlight
1.
Street Style – University of Toronto
2.
Hi Blake Lively, I Stole Your Gossip Girl Clothes
3.
Holt Renfrew Pop-up and Items Under $100
Ok, enough with baby products (even though I do use a few more…)
I use this Conair comb in the shower to untangle my hair while I still have my conditioner on. It’s much easier to separate locks with the conditioned on than after it’s been rinsed off. I bought this comb at Wal-Mart probably over 5 years ago for less than $10, and it still looks like new.
Sizzling Summer Accessories
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The dog days of summer may be hot, but they’re also sultry and steamy. It’s a perfect time to strut your stuff with sexy summer accessories.
Jessica Szohr is an example of how a few choice pieces can take a look from great to electric. The right jewelry and bag make this outfit the ultimate in boho chic.
Cool Shades For Bright Days
Guys, too, can beef up the impact with a cool pair of sunnies. Turn heads with the Ray Ban Classic Aviators or be fashionable with the larger styling of the Maui Jim ‘Stingray’ Polarized Sunglasses.
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Sunny days beg for hats. Stock up on a few fun, casual hats and add a jaunty flair to your image. Hats are the solution for limp, humid, summer hair and for hair that’s wet from a swim.
Fedoras are charming on girls and the Phoebe Fedora in woven straw is sexy and stylish, especially with longer hair. Guys can look equally sharp in the Kangol 2-Tone Diamond Trilby.
Show Off Your Jewelry
Anklets add charm to sandals, and flip-flops. The Smoky Bronze Glass and Crystal anklet has a classy look, while the Chinese Chrysoprase is casually chic. Stud pearl earrings are a tasteful summer accent when swimming is on the agenda. They won’t get tangled in your hair and they’re forever elegant.
Strutting In Style
There are endless ways to celebrate summer with sexy and sizzling accessories. Let imagination rule! Flaunt what you’ve got and indulge yourself in a few new additions. You’ll cut a dashing figure while out and about and keep your cool at the same time!
Pammy, MyJewelryBox