Monday, February 28, 2011

Staying Stylish From Takeoff to Landing: A man's guide to having good baggage.

With spring break coming up, it's the perfect time of the year to plan a trip. This means you're going to need some serious travel gear. So spend some time thinking not just about what you're going to pack, but what you're going to pack it in.

Real Talk Fashion brings you all the travel gear you need to stay stylish from takeoff to landing. 


1. Carry Ons

Name: Jack Georges Nevada Duffle Bag
Price: $160
Where to Buy: Jack Georges


The idea of doing a piece on travel gear, came from this past weekend when a couple buddies of mine came to visit. All of them had backpacks, except one who had this great leather carry on. The bag was a Jack Georges, and the quality was unbelievable. The leather was so soft, I could have mistaken it for suede. The price tag may be steep, but this cabin bag will only look better with age. Real Talk...This bag has some real balls.

Name: Ben Sherman Canvas Weekender
Price: $47.99
Where to Buy: Ebags

I already knew Ben Sherman had a great line of british inspired mens clothing, but just recently found out their bags are just as great. These Brits get it right with this sick leather/canvas weekender. The dark marbled leather and light beige canvas, give this bag the perfect mix of luxury and utility. Just as the title says, this is the perfect weekend bag. 


Name: Belt Strap Army Bag
Price: $22.90
Where to Buy: 21Men

Easily one of my favorite bags, 21Men brings their "A" game with this khaki army bag. A classic staple in american culture, it instantly brings a vintage cool to any look. This bag is simple, can fit a good amount of stuff, and honestly just makes you look like a badass. 


Name:Faux Leather Carrying Bag
Price: $28.90
Where to Buy: 21Men


Keeping it in the same design house 21Men pumps out this super sleek faux leather carry all. Big enough for those longer trips and plenty of compartments for those smaller objects. And as always 21Men keeps it affordable with a price tag of only $28.90, you can't miss this deal.



2. Passport Cases


Name: Milano Collection Passport Cover
Price: $35.00
Where to Buy: Jack Georges

With all the crack downs on airport security and more countries requiring official passports, there's no way to get around it. So if you're going to have to carry your passport with you at all times, why not have it in a case that looks good. Jack George's colorful line of leather cases has a little something for everyone. If you're bold and like colors that pop, go for the orange or seaweed green. If you want to keep it conventional, black and tobacco brown look good as ever. 



3. Toiletry Bags


Name: GUESS Men's Travel Kit
Price: $35.00
Where to Buy: Amazon

Don't be the dude who is asking to borrow everyone else's shampoo and razors. This GUESS toiletry bag looks sophisticated and manly. I bet if you had this bag you would actually be excited to pack your own toiletries, yeah it looks that good.



Name: Dakine Men's Bomber Travel Kit
Price: $25.00
Where to Buy: Eternal Snow

For a more youthful look, Dakine takes the cake with their distressed Bomber travel kit. This bag looks rugged and keeps it fresh with its low key label and worn in finish. Perfect for those who live an active lifestyle and need the versatility of a toiletry bag they can rough up. 


Wednesday, February 2, 2011

5 Gifts She Can't Resist

Well it's official people, only two weeks remain until the scrub of all holidays...well I take that back, Flag Day is the scrub of all holidays, but not to worry Valentines Day comes in a real close second. NO i'm not a hater, and YES I do have a girlfriend, In fact I fully participate in the festivities that come with Valentines Day. What's not to love about cheesy cards, mushy love movies, roses, and a never ending supply of over priced chocolate? I could think of a few reasons, but this year lets promise to give this Hallmark Holiday a facelift, and make it more than just chocolate and roses. Because hate it or love it my friends, Valentines Day is here to stay.

Here are 5 Gift Ideas that will guarantee a great Valentines Day.

1. Watches

I just recently started wearing watches, and I don't know why the hell I wasn't on the bandwagon earlier.
Each one of these watches brings their own swag, and are great for seasoned watch "wearers" as well as those of us just starting out.  

Name: Fuxy Azura
Price: $145.00
Where to Buy: Triwa 


Triwa really brings the Valentines Day spirit with their Fuxy Azura model. The great thing about this watch is that it is loud in all the right ways. Perfect for a girl with bold style and confidence with what she wears.




Name: BabyG BGA100-8B
Price: $99.00
Where to Buy: Macy's

Now if your lady loves to stay active and look great at the same time, Casio's Baby G is the way to go. Tough as nails but girly in every way, this Baby G adds the perfect touch of the holiday with its pale pink dial, that's adorned with a tasteful diamond heart.





Name: Glitz White Sport Strap
Price: $99.50
Where to Buy: G by Guess
Last but surely not least, G by Guess goes old hollywood meets new with a beautiful rose gold case, crystal bezel and a silicone sport strap. This watch might not instantly make you classy, but it's a damn good start.



2. Fragrance


Name: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 3.4 oz
Price: $67.99
Where to Buy: Overstock
Words really can't describe how much your girlfriend, fiance, wife, side action, or mom will LOVE this fragrance. Holding true to its name this fragrance isn't over powering, its crisp and light. Perfect for the warmer months of the year. If $67.99 is a little out of reach for you, they also make a 1.oz bottle for $43.49. 


Name: Amor Amor
Price: $63.99
Where to Buy: Overstock

If you're truly looking to get in the spirit of Valentines Day, Amor Amor will get the job done. It's scent is very smooth, but a little bolder than Light Blue. This is the kind of fragrance that makes people gravitate towards you, once they get a whiff they will certainly want more. Amor Amor can also come in a 1.oz bottle with a very affordable price tag of $36.31.



3. Couple's Dance Lessons



Name: Salsa Dance Lessons
Price: $125 for 4 lessons
Where to Go: Latin Rythm and Blues
Chicago IL

Want to earn some serious brownie points, think outside the box and opt for couple's dance lessons. For most of the male population, dancing simply involves swaying from side to side with the occasional hand jester. It's not our fault, it's just how we are programmed. No one really expects us to be good dancers, but by signing up for couple's dance lessons, you can improve your moves and more importantly spend some good quality time with your significant other. Be a man and learn to dance REAL TALK. 



4. One Night Getaway


Name: Felix Hotel Chicago
Price:$99
Where to Book: Hotels.com

So maybe you can't afford to go on an extended vacation to some tropical island, but i bet you can afford to escape for a night downtown. Chicago is just as beautiful as any place I've ever been, and Hotel Felix looks just as good. This hotel has a great vibe and is as luxurious as it is modern. It's located only 4 blocks from Michigan Ave. and with a price tag of  $99 for a night, you aren't going to find a much better deal. 4 Star hotel under 100 bucks...why haven't you booked this already?



5. Romantic Home Cooked Dinner


Name: Restaurant de la Home
Price: $30


There's no shame in not having a lot of extra cash to spend on Valentines Day, so forget that super expensive restaurant, and make your own! Grab a few roses, a bottle of Cabernet (thats wine for those who don't know), add some candles, and enlist two of your buddies. One of your buddies can greet the two of you at the door, and take your coats while the other waits at the table to seat you. Makes sure your help looks the part, nice shirt and tie (vest if possible). Once you guys get seated have one of your buddies pour the wine, while the other serves the food. In order for this to work really well, you need to know what her favorite dish is, so she is guaranteed to like it. By the time you finish your meal, she will completely forget that she isn't at that fancy restaurant she's been dying to go to. Honestly even if you can afford to go out, putting a dinner together like this will really show her you put thought into Valentines Day, and it will mean that much more to her.