Adding Some "Vamp" to Your Wardrobe

Waking up from a long nap to venture out at night to stalk your prey...the life of a vampire? Or your routine Friday night? You my friend may indeed have some things in common with the undead mythical creatures that have had the affection of your girlfriend since she joined forces with "Team Edward."

So in my effort to steer a bloke to elevate his life and get some much needed attention from the ladies, we are going to add a dash of vampire style to our way of dressing; clothing choices that may cause her to ask for a bite or two. Crack open a warm bottle of True Blood and pick up some of the key pieces Man About Town TV has chosen for you this season.

Certain black leather jackets can read too "Happy Days." The one pictured from the Rag & Bone runway is based on classic fencing jacket...fencing, a sport that can be practiced around your 18th century castle.

...Speaking of 18th century, vampires usually came from a lineage of aristocracy, note "Count" Dracula. Adding a classic signet ring engraved with a family crest or one that you made up, can make your look very old world or even better, old money.

Dracula was never seen out on the town without the proper cape. In this era, we could imagine the Count rocking a sleek dark windbreaker. With a stand up collar, your look becomes more dracool* that Dracula (*I'm drinking). The one below is RL's Black Label, yet I found mine at American Apparel.

A scarf will always make you appear more dashing, the seasonless silk evening skull scarf from the late Alexander McQueen will be a stellar addition to an evening suit or tucked under the calf-skin fencing jacket.

If you venture out after sun rise, sterling bat cuff-links can make your business suit less mundane, however certain clients may think you really are a blood sucker.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DRINKING RIGHT NOW:

This margarita is perfect for the late afternoon when the sun begins to take a dive yet the night air still remains as warm as the day.

You'll need:

Highball glass (this is the tall one)

Cracked Ice

2 shots of silver tequila

2 shots of Cointreau

2 Limes

1 Orange

3 Strawberries

1 teaspoon of raw sugar.

Crack your ice in a towel and set it aside. Cut your strawberries in quarters and place them in a small bowl, sprinkle the sugar on them and mash the berries and sugar until they begin to look like jam.

Fill your highball three quarters full with cracked ice. Add tequila and Cointreau. Juice the limes and one orange half in the glass, stir with a spoon (stirred cocktails are becoming quite fashionable and the stirring can blend the ingredients to have more flavor) till the glass becomes frothy. Float the strawberries on top and serve immediately and imbibe!

Finding YOUR Summer Swagger in 10 Steps.

With Memorial Day in just a few days, we sit in the office knowing that in due time the season of lounging, cocktailing in the sun, and bikini-clad ladies is upon us. Yet deep within you and I (being the working stiffs we are) we know we will only get our "fun in the sun" on the weekends, if that...well allow me to tell you that Summer need not be a season of weekend enjoyment; no, no my friends, it is time to add some Summer swagger to your 9-5 and let everyone know you have an inner jetsetter in you, even though you may not even leave your area code at all over the next few months:

1. Leave the "office pallor" to the guys in accounting and start taking your coffee breaks in the sun. Just 15 minutes a day will help you define that Summer tan.
2. White jeans. Keep them classic and pair them up with your blue jacket that you wear to work. You will look like you just swooped in from first class.
3. Lighten up on the ties. Opt for linen and cotton neck wear. Dive in to some poppy colors, this is the time of year to let the freak flag fly-so let the tie be fly.
4. Ditch the socks when wearing your loafers, sprinkle in some Gold Bond and you are off to drinks on the patio.
5.Speaking of drinks, might we interest you in a Negroni or a Pimm's Cup, educate yourself on classic cocktails that will add class to your Summer soiree.
6. Did you buy that cotton suit I told you about months ago? For God's sake, do us all a favor and drop some bills on a suit that you will love when the office AC goes on the fritz.
7. Lighten up the cologne. Splash on something cool and refined. If I may, suggest Eau d'orange verte from Hermes. It's described as invigorating by Hermes.com and sexy by most women.
8. Loose the leather watch strap and go grosgrain. Colored watches are trending, take your classic timepiece and update with a colored strap.
9. Have you had her over for dinner under the stars? Make a salad and pop a bottle of pino grigio. Done. Now go and call her to invite her over.
10. Ditch the screen printed tee's and pick up some solids. I hear the jockey v-neck is a wise choice.

Martinis & Monopoly

I was out at the Beverly Hills Hotel the other night and I noticed a group of people having quite the time as they enjoyed a game of Backgammon and bottle service. The men and women were truly having a blast and enjoying the evening. This made me think...wait for it...we have to bring back board games! However in a very cool manner.

The game night could be hosted anywhere, although a rather posh Dorchester property does aide in making the board game night rather chic.

Your job as the host, is to create an evening that is elegant and fun, almost cheeky, like the title of this blog, "Martinis & Monopoly" or "Black-tie Twister" (I know it's not technically a board game).

Serve cocktails that coordinate with the game you are featuring, the classic highball is a great choice: Seagram's 7 and ginger ale with a twist, serve on Monopoly money coasters.

Make sure you have comfortable seating -one could even bring the party down to another level, set it up on the floor with silver ice buckets and comfortable cushions and pillows (perfect night to rock a smoking jacket).

Ladies love games, so by the end of the night the lucky host may get to pass Go, but I don't think you'll be getting money.

From the Desk of Aaron VanDerMaas

Being a gentleman doesn’t end when she walks away. Being a gentleman doesn’t end when you clock out. Being a gentleman is politely asking for a server or bartenders name. Being a gentleman in a greeting the clerk at the grocery store. Being a gentleman is getting a nurse to laugh when you’re in for your check up. Being a gentleman is listening not always talking at a cocktail party. Being a gentleman is knowing that they didn’t mean to do it. Being a gentleman is saying, “I appreciate it.” Being a gentleman is writing a note to tell them how much you appreciated it. Being a gentleman is knowing when to walk away. Being a gentleman is knowing when to stand up.

The Mogul Man About Town: The Ralph Lauren Travel Bar

The plane is on call 24/7, the Maybach is extended with a driver waiting. Not sure where to take your next date: St. Tropez or St. Barts?

We get it, not the lifestyle you're leading yet, but when the time comes, and you make your first million, you will need a shopping list of deluxe goods that will indeed set you apart and make you the chairman of the Billionaire Boys Club.

Forget the "I'm Rich App." and take a look at the plush travel bar developed by Ralph Lauren. Created from genuine crocodile and lined in suede, the box carries three crystal decanters and a set of rocks glasses, perfect for those picnics when you just want to get down to business and get lit.

How much for such a posh and useful item? Come on now, if you have to ask you can't afford it. . .oh that's right we can't. $40K and you'll be entertaining in style wherever you go just like the Austrian governor of Cali-fornia-sources tell us he picked is up on sale in Beverly Hills.

Drink & Tell: WHY THIS JOINT MATTERS...

Not too many establishments allow you to the pleasure of a palatable menu, a swanky atmosphere and cocktails that will send you over the moon and back down to earth for more yet The Tar Pit in Los Angeles seems to cover the bases.

For the evenings when you want to hang out with your boys and grab a steak and drink or three, The Tar Pit is a stellar destination for you and your noveau Rat Pack to dine before the nightly hunt begins.

Try the 'Last Word' and ask for Donna. Tell them I sent you.

Spring is here. Freshen yourself up.

Allow me to get down to it; spring is a time to re freshen and brighten things up. When it comes to our personal style, we should take a moment to check in on our wardrobes and see what could be updated for the time of year that brings warmer temps and longer days. Here are five things that a Man About Town should not be with out for the months ahead:

1. A Cotton Suit: It is absolutely the most versatile suit I own. I purchased a peaked lapel version in a very spruced up slate blue. It can be worn when doing business in more tropical climates and also for those jaunty cocktail parties where you never know what to put on-put this on with a great t-shirt –you’re out the door and if you end up on a plane and you’ll be perfectly attired.

2. The driving moc: Too many guys have trouble with what to put on their feet when they shouldn’t wear flip-flops and lace ups are too dressy. The Italians have it right with their casual, yet sophisticated slip on moccasin. If you’re feeling punchy, invest in a pair made from red or green leather. I own a pair of shiny black Tod’s and people actually have pulled over to ask me about my shoes and they are 5 years old.

3. The linen sport coat: Vegas in the summertime or your friend’s backyard beach party-a linen sport coat can look stellar with jeans or even shorts. I’d go for one in cream, light blue or even green- It’s not the time of year to take clothes too seriously. Lighten up for God’s sake!

4. Gradient Sunglasses: Everyone says choose Wayfarers or aviators however a classic frame with gradient tint lenses can really set you apart in the sunnier months ahead. Robert Evans, who produced the Godfather, was known for his gradient tinted glasses and he was also known to throw the best parties in Hollywood-so when the sun starts to set and you feel that you need to shade your peepers from the pool’s glow, grab a pair or these glasses and shake up some cocktails…it’s going to be a long night.

5. Pearl Blueberry Vodka: Yes, we know you can’t wear this however when you do rock your fresh lively jacket and cool shades, crack a bottle of this tasty vodka and pour it over the rocks, add fresh lemonade and just like that, you’ll be crafting an exquisitely simple and refreshing cocktail.

UPDATE!

The magnetic force of footwear: part I

In the last few weeks, Football season has drawn to a close, the President has frozen spending, and we need to make sure our love life is in check for February 14. Currently, times are tough, however I feel the need to take things to an even more serious level and that is to the topic of footwear.

For most gentleman this topic is trite, however there is one important thing I have learned from women, and that is when it comes to men’s style, what women truly inspect are the shoes. The watch may get their attention, the tie may earn a glance, but the shoes get the focus. A good friend of mine came clean to me stating, “I wouldn’t really care if a guy showed up in sweatpants on a date, he just better have good shoes on.” Having heard this over and over again, I thought it might be a good idea to take shoe shopping a bit more serious next time I needed a pair.

While dashing through the shoe department this past holiday season I had a moment. That’s when I saw them. Like walking smack dab into a beautiful woman in a crowded bar, there they were. The shiniest black calfskin loafers I had ever seen. Seeing this pair of shoes was like the moment a Gallardo passes by you for the first time. The vamp of the shoe was elongated and elegant but not obnoxious. Instead they were confident; holding sleek lines like that of a European sports car, they were sophisticated and quite versatile. This pair of shoes could have you walking in them while wearing fitted jeans or a tailored tuxedo. I knew that I needed them, so I moved in for the kill. Turning over the shoe to inspect the sole and mostly the price tag, stamped to the bottom in the leather were two letters “CD.” Damn you Dior, making such alluring men’s garb that is never in my budget. There weren’t too many things I felt I could blow six bills on, however these shoes were starting to making sense (so did the blonde that liked vintage Champagne, another article…another time) after all they were so unique and so well made.

“Snap out of it Aaron!”

As if Jiminy Cricket, the dapper insect came to life and threw the shoe in my face. I had no business buying the shoes at the time, I had quite a list of people to shop for and I didn’t think I should be buying myself too many presents. I went on about my duties, hunting for the perfect gift for friends and family all with the vision of those Dior loafers in the back of my mind.

The holidays came and went and eventually I did return to the store where I first had my encounter. I wasn’t shopping for shoes but a jacket that I needed. The end-of season sale was ongoing and I walked past the shoe department yet again. It was a mess since up to 50% off was happening. Of course I remembered the Dior black loafers, how could I forget them? I poked around and through all the metallic lace ups, the python boots, the white driving mocs, the usual sale shoes appeared. Nothing to my liking except as I wandered away, they showed up; the “Dior’s” were there and they were on sale and they were three sizes too small. “Damn you Dior.” Could fate truly be that nasty…could Jiminy Cricket really be that cruel. It just so happened that fate can be kind and Jiminy can lighten up because my sales girl cam rushing up to let me know she had been holding a pair for someone and they hadn’t returned for them. This was it! My ship had come in. I actually was finding something I wanted and pinned for and it was on sale! This rush, this high, I see why women love to shop! I quickly said, “I’ll take them.” She rushed back with the box and I had no need to try them on, I knew they were my size and as for comfort, well that’s why God invented slippers and these were quite far from slippers.

I tell you honestly that even though the shoes were on sale, they were not something I should be “investing” in currently. After inspecting them I knew they could last me for years, even decades if I took care of them. That is the reason why Europeans tend to create such beloved goods and since they would look superb when paired with a charcoal business suit or a cocktail jacket, I would get some great use out of this pair of pricey shoes. So they sit nearby me awaiting the perfect night to be christened on and I know when I do don them that perhaps, just perhaps…that beautiful woman in the crowded bar may run smack dab into me and her eyes will meet my shoes.