TheMensFashionBlog

Tech of the Week: The Spork!!

themensfashionblog — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:45:49 +0000

It may not be rocket science, but you know you love a good spork when you can get your hands on one. The problem is plastic ones usually break and do not fair well in the dishwasher. T.A.D. Gear has created the spork of the future! This handy and attractive gadget is made from titanium alloy, which makes this spork indestructible. It also includes a pocket clip, so you can spork on the road and finally stop stealing them from Taco Bell. Available HERE for $33.95.

-Joey

joey@themensfashionblog.com

Tech Of The Week. 10.20.09

themensfashionblog — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:21:15 +0000

Well, while I have been known to change my mobile phone quite often, this is a device I really can’t wait to get my hands on. I started the year out with a Blackberry 8320 then moved onto the 8900. I loved it [until it started crapping out on me and restarting of it's own free will]. Then I moved on to the iPhone [which I'm currently using] and I love it. Unfortunately, there is always the lingering fact that I am a T-Mobile subscriber and I will never be able to enjoy the full potential of the iPhone.

T-Mobile is finally getting a Motorola phone that is worth talking about. Available now only to current T-Mo subscribers, the CLIQ is the latest Android phone to hit the market. My favorite feature [believe it or not] is the physical keyboard. I can’t stand the fact that the iPhone does not offer a physical keyboard and I’m tired of it’s incompetent auto-correct [today, I texted Joey the words "lip balls" instead of "lip balms", thanks to auto-correct]. Of course, I love all the apps on the iPhone, the AndroidMarket seems to have a sufficient supply apps to satisfy my needs.

With MOTOBLUR, the phone keeps me constantly connected to everything I need to be connected to. Twitter – check! Facebook – check! EverythingGoogle – check! Compared with iPhone’s push notification, the CLIQ offers continuous updating of all your social applications. Not to mention, it’s a very nice looking device.

More Features: 5-megapixel camera, 3G and WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, microSD card slot, MMS without the AT&T hassle and full integration of Google Mobile Services.

It may sound like I’ve already played around with the phone…I haven’t. I ordered it last night and expect it by the end of the week! I am very excited to get it and figure out everything it can do. When I can give a true account of which is better [iPhone or CLIQ], I’ll let you know.

-Farzad
farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends: 9.23.09

themensfashionblog — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:25:00 +0000

When is it too much?

What takes a local joe blow from being another guy in a local band to an international rock star is not the amount of bling hanging from his neck, or the number of tattoos on each arm. It’s the fans. Without the fans, they are nothing, a bunch of nobodys. But where do they cross that line from being a devoted fan to become more?

Having been in this industry for a while, I’ve seen all kinds of fans. And depending on who it is, I fit different kinds of fans. However, I had an encounter with some mega uber fans this past weekend that made me rethink the way we define what a “fan” really is. Having scored two second row tickets to the sold out The Killers’ show in Las Vegas, we were surrounded by “victims”, the most exclusive and most hardcore of fans of this group. Now, I consider myself to be a HUGE fan of The Killers, but I would never pay to join a club that takes your money in return for some sort of validation that you could maybe be of some importance to a group that already makes millions. But hey, thats just me. One girl had the audacity to try to push my sister out of the way because it was her last The Killers’ show on her mini tour– meaning this girl had been going to every single show for the last two weeks, and sadly it was coming to an end. Sorry, little victim, but you’re not going to get any sympathy from me; this was my sisters’ first Killers concert, and this was my one and only show of their tour. I just simply had more important things, like a life, to do than to blow $1000 bucks to see the same show 10 times.

So, does it make me less of a fan if I’m not out chasing a tour bus or checking my twitter every 2.3 seconds to see if the guys have tweeted their exact location? No. But it makes me think about why I am a fan. Let’s face it, the Killers are not known for their existentialist lyrics, but rather far from it (i.e., somebody told me you had a girlfriend that looks like a boyfriend that i had in february of last year… what?? huh??) They are a fun and entertaining group. They put on a hell of a killer show (no pun intended), and I pride myself in knowing that I’ve seen them develop as artists. Yes, and Brandon Flowers is one sexy mo-fo.

But then I look at myself as a fan of someone like, say, Springsteen. What he stands for, and what he sings about, combined with his talent as a musician and as an artist makes him the ultimate artist to me. Yet, i still wouldn’t travel the world to watch him perform the same 1.5 hour long set 17 times. What differentiates me from the “victims” of the music world is that I live for listening to the messages that these people put across, and for the once in a lifetime experience that I get from every tour. Had I seen the Killers the same amount of times as any of those people at the show would have, for me, taken away from the magic that is to see your favorite performer on stage. So, I will apologize to the girl in front of me who was upset I called her ridiculous for twittering every song they performed and for having seen them 8 times in the last week, but, call me a bitch, or call me a snob, music and the performance of it, tends to have somewhat of a bigger significance to me. (I know, I’m going to get a lecture from our wonderful editor in chief, and uber Britney stalker for this one… but we still love him!)

Music for the week:

Two things I am BEYOND obsessed with. One track of the week, and one album of the week.

1) Track of the week is The Bravery’s new single, Slow Poison, which makes me just want to wear my tightest skinny jeans, bright red lipstick, and head to the trendiest hipster spot and break out in an 80s dance. Enjoy!

2) Album of the week: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart‘s self titled Debut. Think late 1980s-early 1990s new wave pop-punk-grunge. Think The Smiths, Sleepyhead, and everything in between. New Wave is coming back, or as I call the the second wave. I hope you are all as obsessed with this record as I am!

Before The Music Ends: 9.16.09

themensfashionblog — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:49:00 +0000

I’ve known exactly what I wanted this post to be about since the last post, The Breakup Playlist. However getting down to it has been quite an ordeal since a playlist generally consists of about 22-25 songs…

We’re just around the corner from the official end of summer. Our white pants are pushed to the back of the closet to bring them back next Memorial Day. The BBQs are being given a rest, and the snack shacks at the beach are shutting down until next summer…. I always hate this time of year. It’s the end of concert season, and the beginning of a long period of hopelessly waiting for it to come back. However, its also a good time to look back at some of the best music released that year. There’s just something about summer music that feels so… summery. What makes a great summer playlist is having songs that bring back those memories of laying on the beach, driving across country on vacation, or simply being lazy by the pool. The point is, it reminds us of the great moments we had that summer. To create this playlist (which has been in the works for quite some time) I simply looked at my ipod to the most played playlist, then combined it with my favorite radio stations and websites. I took all the songs that were in common… my original play list at first had about 85 songs. After deciding and redeciding and rewriting a million times, I finally compiled the perfect

The Men’s Fashion Blog Official Summer 2009 Playlist:

1. Crystal Antlers- Andrew

2. Gayblades- O Shot

3. Hearts Revolution- Ultraviolence

4. LaRoux- In For The Kill

5. Of Montreal- For Our Elegant Castle

6. Phoenix- 1901

7. Spinerette- Ghetto Love

8. Stardeath and the White Dwarfs- I Can’t Get Away

9. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- The Tenure Itch or Higher Than The Sun (Couldn’t pick one!)

10. The Softpack- Brightside

11. White Rabbits- Percussion Gun

12. Iglu & Hartley- In This City

13. Owl City- Fireflies

14. Passionpit- Sleepy Head

15. The Tough Alliance- NeoViolence

16. Empire of The Sun- Walking on a Dream

17. The Bravery- Slow Poison

18. Air France- No Excuses

19. Metric- Help! I’m Alive

20. The Drums- I Felt Stupid

21. White Lies- Death (Crystal Castles Remix)

*Note: I’ve highlighted in RED my favorite songs of the summer!

Enjoy!!!!

If you have any suggestions, comments, or additions, feel free to email me at Dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Update.

themensfashionblog — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:18:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I have been hard at work for a while now creating what I hope to be a bigger, better TheMensFashionBlog.com site. As of tonight, right now, at 2:16am, I think I’m done. It will be going live in the next couple of days so keep your finger on the clicker and get ready for the new TMFB! Don’t worry, the web address isn’t changing.

Farzad Farrokhnia
Creator/Editor, TheMensFashionBlog.com

Before The Music Ends: 8.25.09

themensfashionblog — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:34:00 +0000

I’ve been moving around in the last week from city to city (hello Los Angeles!) and amidst all the packing, I came across remnants of my late high school years and early college years. There were pictures, diaries, notes from friends, ticket stubs, and lists I had been compiling over the years for CD mixes that I had planned to make. So, I’ve decided to go ahead and finish my lists, look them over, and narrow them down to bring you a weekly playlist of songs to listen to for any given occasion. This week we’re starting with the dreaded, yet highly entertaining list to research…. The Break Up Mix.

One of the reason I got into music in the first place is because of it really is universal. Name any emotion, and I guarantee you there is a song somewhere that will help you get passed it, or simply describe exactly what you’re feeling. Music is something that people can always fall back on as a support system. I’m choosing to start with The Break Up Mix because a breakup is something that everyone goes through at some point. And during that time (assuming you were the dumped) you feel alone, sad, depressed, and like no one understands what you’re feeling. Chances are, you’re also asking yourself “why me?” and “will I ever survive this?” or something along those lines. Well guess what?!? Turn on the radio. You’re not alone!! Did you know that songs about relationships ending account for about 70% of the music out there? Just a little trivia for you. Someone somewhere has already gone through what you’re going through and has decided to turn it into music for you to listen to when you need to get all those tears out, or when you want to feel angry at the asshole (or bitch) that left you, or when you’re simply reminiscing. During breakups, some people fall into their Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream modes, or sappy chick flicks like The Notebook… I choose to make a mixtape (CD, playlist… whatever theyre called these days). So here is my list. There are PLENTY more I have on there, but I can only write so many… Feel free to add your comments and suggestions.. I’m always looking for new songs to add to my mix!!

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright- Bob Dylan

“I’m walking down that long, lonesome road, babe. Where I’m bound, I can’t tell. But goodbye’s too good of a word, gal. So I’ll just say fare thee well. I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind. You could have done better, but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time. But don’t think twice, it’s alright.”

Last Goodbye- Jeff Buckley

“Well this is our last embrace. Must I dream and always see your face? Why can’t we overcome this wall? Baby, maybe it’s just because I didn’t know you at all”Somebody That I Used To Know- Elliot Smith

“I had tender feelings that you made hard. But its your heart, not mine, thats scarred. So when I go home, I’ll be happy to go. You’re just somebody that I used to know”

You’re ExLover is Dead- Stars

“There’s one thing I want to say, so I’ll be brave. You were what I wanted. I gave what I gave. I’m not sorry I met you, I’m not sorry it’s over. I’m not sorry there’s nothing to save”

Walk Away- Ben Harper

“They say time will make all this go away. But it’s time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into yesterdays”

I Wanted You To Feel The Same- The Radio Dept.

“It breaks my heart to say that when I was in pain, I wanted you to feel the same. But nothing gets you really, it’s a shame. Can’t believe you didn’t feel a thing”

Skinny Love- Bon Iver

“I told you to be patient. I told you to be fine. I told you to be balanced. I told you to be kind. And in the morning I’ll be with you, but it’ll be a different ‘kind’”

The Fight Song- The Appleseed Cast

“We’re finding fault, when you kissed her, or you slept with him, or you didn’t care. Now it all breaks, disintegrates. Well this is the last thing I’ll take, cause I can’t face you now.”

Shespider- Mew

“In right wing fashion with paste and generosity because no one is safe from someone, somewhere’s embrace, and so I have decided to dislike you now.”

Kill- Jimmy Eat World

“I can’t help it, baby, this is who I am. Sorry, but I can’t just go turn off how I feel. You kill me, you build me up, but just to watch me break. I know what I should do, but I just can’t walk away.”

Don’t Come Around Here No More- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

“I’ve given up. Stop. You tangled my emotions. I’ve given up, honey. Please admit its over. Don’t come around here no more”

With or Without You- U2

“My hands are tied. My body bruised, she’s got me with nothing to win and nothing to lose”

It’s Cool, We Can Still Be Friends- Bright Eyes

“And you say that I hurt you, in a voice like a prayer. Yeah, well maybe I hurt you sometimes, but let’s contrast and compare. Lift up your shirt. The wound isn’t there”

Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac

“If I could, then I would give you my world. How can I? When you won’t take it from me”

And others…

- Sometime Around Midnight- Airborne Toxic Event

- How’s It Gonna Be- Third Eye Blind

- Backyard- Guster

- Boo- Pinback

- Hope You’re Happy Now- The Sounds

- Song For The Dumped- Ben Folds Five (hilarious!)

- It’ll All Work Out- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

- It Ain’t Me, Babe- Bob Dylan

- The Winner Takes All- ABBA

- I’ve Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding

And I have to end my list with The Killers’- “Mr Brightside” simply because I WAS Mr. Brightside and the song describes it for me perfectly.

So go ahead… comment your own picks… becuase I know there’s more out there that I forgot! And in the meantime I’ll leave you with a cool song by an awesome new band called White Rabbits… “Percussion Gun” There’s no way this song can’t cheer you up after going through all those breakup songs!

Dalit

dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Seasonal Cookery

themensfashionblog — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:24:00 +0000

Plan ahead when in the kitchen and use what nature provides for you. Using seasonal vegetables guarantees dishes with great flavors every time you cook. Use this guide to match recipes with the best each season has to offer.

spring Prepare light entrees and salads that emphasize spring vegetables like asparagus, leeks, and green onions. Also use fresh herbs, such as basil and cilantro.

summer Use your grill to prepare seafood, poultry, or meats and serve with the season's ample bell peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, green beans, greens like arugula and spinach, snow peas, tomatoes, and zucchini.

autumn During this time of the year include the best of the harvest in your menus with mushrooms, onions, potatoes, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

winter Use your broiler to prepare hearty recipes using winter's supply, including hearty greens, winter squash, and root vegetables. Incorporate the flavors of winter by using fresh herbs like sage and rosemary.

Got questions or comments? Email me!

-Matt
matt@themensfashionblog.com

Sale of the Day

themensfashionblog — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:50:00 +0000

James Pearse Toast Linen Button Up

Org: $196.00

Sale: $74.99

http://www.bluefly.com/

Scarves: The Must Have Accessory This Fall

themensfashionblog — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:41:00 +0000

Fall is just around the corner, and a scarf can add a lot more to your look than just keeping you warm. In the many cultures, a simple scarf can mean a lot of different things. For example, Religions such as Judaism under Halakhah (Jewish Law) promotes modest dress code among women. Married Jewish women wear scarves to cover their hair. The Tallit is commonly worn by Jewish men especially for prayers. However, in most circumstances today, scarves are worn for fashion purposes. Scarves are a great way to make any plain outfit, into something a little more unique. You can wear them with a coat, or with a tee shirt. Anyway you decide to choose to wear your scarf; you need to remember a few simple rules. First off, just wrap the scarf around your neck once, and let the rest go. We don’t want to get carried away and look like Randy from A Christmas Story. Second, pick out a color that suits you and your features, but do not go over board. Pick something with 2 or 3 colors, or 1 color with several shades. This color scheme tends to go with more in your wardrobe. Third, Make sure your scarf is long enough. We don’t want to make you look like a fat man in a little coat. When purchasing a scarf, go ahead and try it on, and make sure the length goes with your body height. When it comes to thickness of your scarf, be careful. If you purchase a really thin white scarf, it may look like you wrapped your self in toilet paper; but if you buy a overly intense thick scarf, you may look like you have a neck brace on. So guys, before the weather starts to change, go grab your self a scarf, it is sure to give you instant sex appeal this winter.

Riverfront Park Fashion Show Series Denver,CO

themensfashionblog — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Living in the western United States, we usually are not fortunate enough to experience high end fashion shows. Well for the past 3 months, Denver has hosted a series of fashion shows at the exclusive Riverfront Park neighborhood in downtown . The show has featured designers such as Betsey Johnson and Robert Rodriguez. The show also features different cuisine’s,drinks, and salons. I had the opportunity to speak with Laura Anderson, a marketing director for various well known brands in the hospitality sector who was enjoying the show.

Joey: Thank you for speaking with me after this amazing fashion show
Laura: Your welcome, and thank you to The Men’s Fashion Blog.
Joey: How does marketing help a brand?
Laura: Marketing has alot of potential to make a unknown label into something huge. For Example, many people do not know about Robert Rodriguez, and marketing his line here at Riverfront is a great way to reach a new target audience.
Joey: What was one of the best features here at Riverfront?
Laura: The variety of entertainement. You have fashion, food, and great people to look at.
Joey: Is there a color that is in right now for men’s fashion?
Laura: Definitely purple. Purple on a man is sexy and sleek.
Joey: Laura thank you for your time and enjoy the after party!
Laura: Thank you.

For more information on Robert Rodriguez and Betsey Johnson, please visit:
http://www.robertrodriguezcollection.com/bio.html
http://www.betseyjohnson.com/