Style: Elvis Presley

1957, on set Jailhouse Rock, Lansky Cable-knit  sweater 

Today the world celebrates Elvis Presley, his gift of being one of the most authentic entertainers the world has seen is still indelible in this new century. I treasure the music he made, the performances he gave and the style that was his own. Below are some snapshots of true E.P. Style. Perhaps you can add a little Elvis to your look.

1964, on set of Roustabout. Perfect way to sport a motocross jacket.

1 

circa 1960's, Hollywood publicity shot; and that's how you rock an ascot. 

1956: Purchasing bold clothes from Lansky Brothers in Memphis, EP began using socks as accessories. 

1960, Returning home from the Army. Elvis' style transitions from the rock and roll star to a more polished celebrity. His stay in Europe provides influence in his clothes. Note the black dress watch and pinkie ring. 

1960 Press Conference. Elvis at age 25, He demonstrates a "cool elegance" with a black cocktail jacket and ascot. 

1969, Las Vegas. Black suit, boots, red scarf-a legendary ensemble that is simple and truly Elvis. 

1963, It Happened at the World's Fair. Legendary Hollywood tailor, Sy Devore created Presley's wardrobe for this picture, and I think these were some of the best clothes he ever wore. 

1966, Spinout. The statement jacket-Elvis works the bright coral blazer with all black.

A Few Of My Favorite Things: Christmas Gifts That Rocked My Socks

Hamilton Ventura 

The joy of opening the box to find this watch was overwhelming as I have wanted this timepiece since I was a little kid watching Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii. The shape, dial and markers are all very iconic and cool. I like the fact that the retro design is still in production; putting it on with a black suit will be a stand out look especially when everyone else seems to be sporting oversized round pilot watches.

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/

A Few Of My Favorite Things: Christmas Gifts That Rocked My Socks

Creed Royal Water 

This scent was presented to me this Christmas by a dear friend who is aware of my addiction to Creed. It is an original Millesime that indulges the scenses with notes of peppermint, basil and musk making for the most fresh Creed on the market.  I would categorize this as a contemporary Brittish scent, one that could be worn during days of business and leisure. 

A Gentleman's Fix It for Ratty Leather

The creamy contents of Connolly can
revive not only car interiors but almost
any fine hide. $29.00 for new a new interior. 

I call it the "La Mer" of leather care; this London made leather conditioner is one of the finest on the market. Connolly's product has been on the shelves of autophiles for over 100 years. You may recognize the name 'Connolly' if you happen to own a Rolls Royce, Bentley or Ferrari as they have created exquisite interiors for the mega-auto brands and even the conditioner to nourish them.

The product is not easy nor quick to apply however the outcome is well worth the afternoon of toiling over your back seats. I prefer to remove the excess with a shoe brush, which buffs the interior making your worn Napa Leather seats Concours-ready. If you finish before sunset, you may want to call on your new neighbor and invite her for a drive.

The green jar is not easy to find, however I know Rolls Royce stocks it in, so you may want to call and park far away.

Dashing Holiday Rule #3: Spray on Winter Scents

The cold weather presents an opportunity to redefine your scents. I am a strong believer that there are not only fragrances aimed for day and evening wear but also seasonal wear. Here is a list of some of my favorite chill-down scents:

The House of Creed's Epicia: This is one of those rich classic Creed's that is most suited for Winter wear due to the spicy notes of clove and Russian pine. Not to worry, you will not smell like a car freshener however you may want to book a weekend ski trip after a few spritzes. Worn by legendary cinema star, Gary Cooper, Epicea can be a great scent for wearing to the office and then taking the boss's secretary out for a handsome carriage ride after hours. 

The House of Creed's Royal Oud: I found that this scent seems to play on the skin as the temperature changes. Sweet and smokey in warmer months, however richly classic and leathery in the cooler months, which I prefer. It's dry note of Regal Indian oud is smokey and sweet because of Tonkin musk, lemon, and berry that wraps around it. I have never felt quite as regal as when I spray Royal Oud on before a special occasion. This is one that gets women's attention and provokes them to step a bit closer to you.

The House of Creed's Original Santal: A take off of Creed's 1865 Santal Imperial (which I favor in warmer weather) is completely removed from the softer sandalwood based cologne from years past. I admit, not a go-to scent for me because it is the heaviest Creed due to notes of Royal Indian sandalwood, cinnamon, ginger, tonka and rosemary. Because this is such a richly spiced scent, it would be perfect for a winter dinner date.

http://www.creedboutique.com/

Gentleman's Guide to Quick and Clever Halloween Costumes

It is Halloween and you are contemplating attending one last Halloween party this evening after work...however you probably don't have a costume, well here is a quick list of clever go-to costumes that incorporate your business attire and won't be too difficult to pull off in a pinch. Happy Haunting.

Inspector Clouseau: Raincoat, hat and a magnifying glass.

Patrick Bateman: Your suit along with any prop, a knife, a chainsaw,  an axe...

or print up Bateman's business card, the perfect addition to your American Psycho costume. 

Gordon Gekko: Stop off and get a Cohiba and some gel, instant costume...now if you can find a DynaTac 8000X cell phone, you'll land 1st Place for the costume contest.

Cures for a bad case of the Monday's

The day that begins the work week, slammed packed with 'to-dos,' voice mails and words like: projects, deadlines, and goals. Yet sometimes our goal is just to get through the eight-hour day.

Lee J. Cobb in the 1949 production of Death of a Salesman 

Take some stress out of your day by giving yourself something to look forward to after work, take a tip from my own book of "cures" for the Monday blahs.

• Try the new wine bar after work, tapas and flight of reds with a co worker can alleviate some of the stress brought on by your manager.
• Scope a new spot where live music might be played on a Monday evening, gather your friends to meet from 7 to 9 and enjoy some jazz or blues.
• The bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that your friends brought you back from their trip to Napa need not be saved for a special occasion, check in with your DVR, uncork, and unwind. 
• My cure for any stress or bad case of the blues is a hotel bar, I love the atmosphere that guests, locals and those just lounging creates. One martini and don't forget to tip the piano man. Just don't end up checking in, you have a meeting in the morning. 

New Scents Don't Always Have To Come From This Century

Did you know that from 1786 to 1800 the British government levied a tax on the sale of perfume? It was during this era that James Henry Creed created Royal English Leather for King George III. The eccentric King was transfixed by the scent of his own gloves and according to creedboutique.com "the king found the scent more pleasing than the scent of the people who came to see him!" And today that is a notion I can even relate to.

In 2011, gone are ridiculous over bearing taxes on items like cologne (well at least not on cologne) however Royal English Leather is still in existence and I feel it is a wonderful way to actually spray history on. The scent is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I admit it is not always the first bottle I go to, yet on a cold evening when everyone else smells like Tom Ford, R.E.L. arouses the senses around notes of mandarin, leather and sandalwood and after the fragrance settles, a clean, warm, leathery scent is left on the skin. And if on that chilly Fall evening, you find out that your date was a history major, well,  you are welcome my friend. Happy Hunting!

In a time that is moving in such a fast pace and in so many directions we can forget what happened just a few moments ago, however there is not one person who couldn't tell you where they were or what they were doing on this day 10 years ago. That insurmountable tragedy will leave images and emotions imbedded in us forever.

Yet moving forward we need to know that tragedies can occur at any moment making it important to share your life and it's moments with those you love. Make sure that in the whirlwind of this era, you take that time.

The Scarf: Yes You Should Wear One.

For several years I have always felt the scarf is an accessory no modern day gentleman should be without. They are perfect to update a black blazer when stepping out on the town, or even to loan the girl who needs someone to walk her home. They don't need to be wool or cashmere, silk and even linen can be that special touch to make you more dashing. Take a cue from the guys below: 

Cary Grant circa 1930's

Elvis Presley speaking at a Las Vegas press conference, 1970

Brad Pitt in Cannes 2011