WAITING...

Prince William will be one of the firsts to enjoy Creed's new Royal Oud, I was hoping to perhaps be the second...

Debuts July 15, 2011

Creed.com

Don't Be Seen with "Sloppy Collar."

With the kick off tonight of one of my personal favorite HBO shows, True Blood, I couldn't resist checking out the press photos from the series' season premier in Hollywood. That's how I found this picture of Jason Stackhouse(AKA Ryan Kwanten) which is a perfect image to show an example of "sloppy collar." A 'style don't' so offensive that it must be addressed here on ManAboutTownTV.

Try and overlook the garish pocket square the actor is sporting and focus on how low and disheveled the tie is resting on the collar. Avoid this by holding your tie and pinching the knot as you slide it up to your neck, lay the collar flat and lift the collar a bit so it stands proudly and neatly. Keep in mind that the clothes aren't wearing you, you wear the clothes and look impeccable doing it.

HBO.com

PHOTO: WIREIMAGE

Summertime: Let the Gin and Tonicing Begin!

The temperatures are heating up, the beaches are calling ... my favorite time of year is upon us. A time when people start to socialize on rooftops and patios, what better time to enjoy a classic gin and tonic. With your top shelf gin, why drown it down with a 99 cent bottle of tonic when you can spring for the upgrade, Fever-tree. This brand offers natural mixers that will enhance any cocktail you add them too, making your G&T the best on the block.

Fever-tree.com

The Cologne Report: Santal Imperial

1850, the year the House of Creed created Santal Imperial for Franz Joseph I of Austria. 2011, the year I started wearing Santal Imperial. This is one Creed that took me a few times to warm up to, I admit it was a bottle I would gloss over at the counter, until a lovely sales associate demanded that I try the cologne. I obliged and found myself obsessing over the calming Sandalwood, animalistic ambergris and the fresh notes of bergamot which makes this a very fine scent for Summer evenings. This was the only fragrence I packed on a recent trip out to the desert and the dry and distinct cologne proved successful when ladies were stopping me to ask what I had on: "Is that Bulgari you're wearing." I would smile and reply "no." No one would guess the cologne is from 1850.

www.creedboutique.com

A Cocktail for Game Day: From the archives of ManAboutTownTV

Rum and coke? Yes, we've had one. Kick this classic up with a splash of ale. Before you think I am crazy by trying to ruin a simple cocktail with a wasted splash of your beloved Newcastle consider that ale is almost like a bitter. Bitters can really round off a mixed drink and when you have two sweet ingredients like cola and rum, your concoction can gain balance with just a splash of a nutty pale ale or lager. Try it, you certainly will have enough bottles around this Sunday. Go Green Bay.

What Are You Wearing New Years Eve?

New Years Eve way back when, was a black tie evening-now you are lucky to even see a jacket while out at your favored club in which payed the admissionn for a golden ticket so you could "open bar it" into the new year. These crowded nightspots are teaming with dudes that either only make it out one night of the year (this night) and the douchelows that are out every Friday...you need to stand apart from them. So what are you going to do? Don't wear a tux 007. Rock the cocktail jacket. A cocktail jacket you ask? Yes, indeed a jacket to cocktail in. They come in many textures, finishes, and fits. They tend to be a little more flashy, because they are to be worn after six. Now don't go looking for a diamond studded number a la Barney Stinson but take a look at what master tailors Dolce & Gabbana have been creating and pay homage to the after hours sartotialist, Tom Ford. Budgets are high for their jackets but if you are creative with vintage or like what you see in Zara, your look can be a fraction of the cost, however it should look filthy rich. Black shirts, dark denim, velvet slacks and even a patent loafer will make your duds a cut above the dudes.

SHIRTS:They make your suit.

As long as your shirt and shoes are well made(expensive) your suit and tie need not be. For years I have loved shirts, a bit Gatsby, I know. The shirt is what frames your face and if you know what collar style suits you, you're on your way to looking like a million...which may lead you to earn a million.

Shirts of high quality run from $200.00 to $500.00, I know what your thinking, "that is the price of my entire suit." For me, it is higher than my savings account balance, yet rest at ease because what ever goes up must come down. If you see something early on in the season, know that the end of season sale will come and there goes the cost of your favored sea island cotton double cuff shirt, marked at 40% off. You can gamble for a higher discount but the chances of your size being available are slim. My tip for you: when you see the shirt, start saving for half of it. By the time you have put enough cash away, the shirt will be on sale.

10/10/10.

Here is my ultimate top 10 tips (thus far) to elevate yourself to be a true man about town:

1. Tie a bow tie, Sinatra didn't wear clip-ons.
2. Set aside an additional 15 minutes when getting ready for a night out. Sip a clean cocktail(G&T, Vodka&Pellegrino)...this takes the edge of meeting someone new or going on the second date.
3. One white shirt needs to be pressed and ready to go 24/7.
4. Keep a bottle of bubbly on hand for those serendipitous celebrations.
5. Keep stationary on hand at all times. Carry some in your car.
6. Get to know a nightspot/bar/lounge manager. Only frequent their establishment.
7. Black dress shirts after 7 only.
8. A mobile phone should not be present while at dinner.
9. Know how to make at least one killer cocktail
10. Say thank you. Write a thank you. Be thankful.

Fall Shades

With the return of the most sartorial season, Fall, one can anticipate great scarves, coats and more Scotch neatly served. Let us not forget to revisit an update in our sunglasses. We may have indulged a bit this Summer, enjoying a vibrant gradient lens or all too retro wayfarer but take the brisk whether as a sign of the times to make sure your glasses are just as cool as the temperature is.

The leather trimmed aviator is a wise choice to make. The leather makes the frame look incredibly rich, without it being too shiny or metallic. Everyone from Tod's to Fendi has done an awesome frame this Fall; keep your eyes out for closeouts or less pricier versions. Women love attention to detail, and what better attention does a little leather bring?

It's 2011, What YOU Need To Be Done With:

• Fitted V-neck T-shirts
• Small shirt collars
• Chrysler 300 drivers
• "Infused" cocktails
• Vodka
• Embellished denim
• Girls that wear optical frames to look hot and nerdy and the same time
• Boat shoes
• Veuve Cliquot
• Hoodies being worn at nightspots
• Plaid shirts
• White framed sunglasses...really.
• People's "where they are" status updates.
• Rhianna
• $360.00 dinners
• Bar tabs that have gratuity added
• All white rooms
• Nordstrom
• loose neckties...even you Buble.
• Untucked dress shirts with blazers
• Not saying thank you