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Archive for the ‘men’ Category

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Walking the dogs just now I came across this sign posted on a light post on the street next to mine. As I read it, my eyes teared up a bit and I did the whole “clutch my hand to my heart and saw ‘awwwwww’ really loud” thing. I even said to the dogs “OMG, isn’t this is the most romantic thing EVER!!??” They responded by peeing on the light post. Typical dude behavior.

But it makes me feel hopeful– about love and life and people in general. This kind of public declaration of adoration and desperate search for “the one that got away” is the kind of stuff you think only happens in the movies. Well, here’s the proof that it doesn’t- and that makes me smile from ear to ear like a total idiot. To be found so enchanting that someone posts signs on your street in order to see you again? Are any of you NOT swooning right now? And if you ARE a dude- take note! This is the knee-buckling kind of romance that makes girls lose their MINDS.

Katie, whoever you are, I hope you see this, and I hope you call him. Know that things like this don’t happen all the time and that there aren’t a bevy of men out there who would do something as sweet and romantic as this. And girl, if you don’t call him, I’m gonna bet about 100 Boston women reading this blog will. Including married ones (ahem!). :)

Posted in Boston, I die., men, ruminations | 35 Comments »

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Does your guy’s gut runneth over from a few too many beers and pizza? Well, it appears that Spanx has come out with a line of compression undershirts for men! I think we should call them Manx and I find them positively HILARIOUS. I also love that they have this dude, with his rippling abs, modeling them. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE me some Spanx and I know that 99% of my girlfriends do too. In fact at a wedding recently my friend and I both realized we forgot to pack ours and we were all “OMG- this is a disaster!” Seriously. Even Andrew knew this was a PROBLEM, so he offered to go out buy me and my friend some (the sign of a keeper, no?) However, I don’t think men will be as addicted to their own Spanx- what do you think?

Before and After shot that I call bullshit on.

Posted in men, nonsense | 22 Comments »

Friday, August 7th, 2009

This Fashion Friday is for the boys in our lives. While out at the driving range yesterday hittin’ a bucket of balls with my little brother Connor, he told me about this company, Bonobos, that claims to make the best fitting pants for men available. Started by two Stanford Business School friends in search of khaki pants that didn’t give them “KDB” (khaki diaper butt-we’ve all seen men with those saggy assed khakis) they created their own fit and sold them to other friends. Well, those friends kept coming back for more and their friends did too, and a company was born!
They come in various fabrics, cuts and colors, all with fantastic, bold print linings to give each pair a real personality, not to mentions names like “Spider Fighters”, “Superfreakanomics” and “Party Starters”! And to add to the charm of this company they call their customer service people “ninjas” and also offer special discounts to those who have chosen to live a life of service, whether you are a firefighter, a teacher or a nurse. Now that is class. And just becasue I love you so dearly, enter the code “elementsofstyle” when you purchase and get 15% off your first order! :)

The classic khaki in the perfect “not too big, not too tight” cut!

No KDB anywhere here! :)

Serious on the outside, party on the inside!

I would think knowing you’ve got red zebra print in your pants would give you an extra boost in a sales meeting!

For the Preppy McPreps- some stripes and bold colors!

This corduroy pair will certainly get the party started with tequila bottle lining!

I also got a few good laughs reading their blog, especially this comparison between their company and my favorite, Lululemon.
Oh, and just in case you needed one more reason to try these pants out, how CUTE are these boys- sorry, ninjas?

Posted in Fashion Fridays, men | 15 Comments »

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Bachelor pads are really fun to design, mostly because guys tend to be much less opinionated about decor and let the designer do all sorts of fun things. But it can also be a great challenge to create a space that is not too feminine but also not too stiff and cold. I think that the home of Francisco Costa, head designer for Calvin Klein, shown here is the perfect example of an ideal man’s apartment. The grey grass cloth, leather, modern lines and menswear inspired details add up to a space that is inviting but masculine. Neither sparse and cold nor so detailed it sets off your “high maintenance metro-sexual” alarm.

photos by Martyn Thompson

Now for some decor items that would work well for a man on a budget (and who isn’t these days). With jobs being lost, bonuses cut and 401k’s vanishing before our eyes like vapor it’s no wonder bachelors have probably put apartment decor on lock down. But there are a myriad of affordable wares out there for you to access to create a space that feels grown up and welcoming after a hard day!

CB2 has some great modern pieces with clean lines and man friendly colors- lots of grey and brown, so this could be one stop shopping for any guy. This sectional is less offensive than one you’ll find at a discount retailer- and paired with some sleek leather club chairs there’s plenty of room for seating.

A modern arch lamp will impress any gal, and this cement coffee table will thrill other guys (”Dude, is that cement? Sweeeeeeet“)

IKEA is genius for bachelor pad decor, of course. This black dresser with Asian inspired details is amazing (look a those drop pulls, ladies!) and this rug is an instant classic.

A mattress on the floor does NOT count as a bed fellas- so pick up a bed frame for goodness sakes! :) These are less than $350!

For dining try one of these pairings-
For a small space try the Docksta Table from IKEA and scoop back chairs from Room & Board.

A simple wood table by Ikea paired with slightly more pricey sleek cantilever chairs by Room & Board. A great take on the high/low mix.

Of course we can’t for get the all important entertainment unit- be it modern with storage, more Ralph Lauren-y with doors and a beat up finish or simple and clean….they can all be found at IKEA!

Be sure to put down rugs. Nothing says “unfinished room” like an absence of rugs. West Elm makes fantastic, affordable ones that last.

And speaking of overlooked details and West Elm, do not forget to add some throw pillows to your sofa! They add a layer of warmth and comfort that any lady you are entertaining will appreciate! I am particularly loving their studded wool ones. See- throw pillows can be tough!

For bedding and soft goods think about utilizing menswear inspired details and fabrics like these bedding sets from Ralph Lauren and Crate & Barrel. Apply this logic to drapes and throw pillows too!

Throw some art up on the walls- modern photography is always a nice look for a man’s space- like this abstract city lights set from Crate and Barrel :

I understand the need to show allegiance to a certain sports team. I think it’s programed into the male DNA. Why not go with something a little more artsy like this vintage print of Fenway Park?Framed in sleek steel or silver it shows off your team pride without looking juvenile.

Posted in Inspirations, cheap decor, men | 15 Comments »