flapdoodle
High Supremacy Member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2005
- Messages
- 35,830
- Reaction score
- 0
My official office wear, Military surplus bermudas and polo t-shirts. 
Men Office Wear Thread (2nd Thread)
- Thread starter daniel_lss
- Start date
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
Grooming TIPs
how to test cologne
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of matching cologne with skin type, here are some basics for picking out cologne:
Play the right notes
Each cologne is comprised of three "notes," or fragrances. While you're at the store, pick your favorite colognes, and spray a sample of each onto a blotter card (practically every fragrance counter provides these for free). Smell the cologne; this is the first note, or "top note"; essentially, it's your first impression of a scent.
Wait 10 to 15 minutes and smell the card again. This is the middle note: it's the scent that takes over after the top note dissipates.
Now, wait 45 minutes to an hour, and smell again. This is the "dry-down note" -- the longest-lasting scent and one that will hang on for three to four hours. If all three notes meet your olfactory standards, you're good to go.
Cologne ingredients to avoid
Many types of cologne contain synthetic compounds. Some common ones that have been known to cause skin problems like rashes, hives, dermatitis, or eczema, as well as respiratory problems, include:
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl acetate
Benzaldehyde
Limonene
Linalool
A-pinene
Ethyl acetate
Acetone
Unfortunately, cologne makers are not required to list their ingredients. You can, however, assume that most colognes' primary ingredient is ethyl alcohol (a.k.a. ethanol). This keeps the fragrance's oils together and serves as their delivery base.
how to match cologne and skin type
Both cologne quality and effectiveness are tied to a great range of factors, such as diet, environment, genetics, and behavior (stress, smoking, etc.). But the biggest x-factors are your skin type and PH levels. And the oilier (or dryer) skin is, the more potent (or weak) cologne can smell.
Oily Skin
Skins high in natural oil represent more active body chemistry. This extra oil at the skin's surface can interact with cologne to create longer-lasting, more powerful scents. Alternately, too many natural skin oils (or perspiration) can merge with cologne to form an unwelcome odor.
To guard against this, wear less cologne over the course of the day and opt for lighter fragrances, or types of cologne that contain less hints of musk and earth, and more citrus and floral tones. Cologne developed for summertime wear is the best bet for men with oily skin.
Recommended brands: "Fahrenheit Summer for Men" by Christian Dior, "Kouros" by Yves Saint Laurent, "Tommy Jeans" by Tommy Hilfiger
Dry Skin
Cologne dissipates faster from dry skin, so it must be applied more frequently. However, because of the ethyl alcohol base, frequent reapplications run the risk of further drying out and damaging your already dry or sensitive skin. What a conundrum...
With this in mind, dry-skinned guys should opt for "winter" colognes. These are stronger fragrances, formulated to last longer in drier, colder times, and thereby reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
Recommended brands: "California North," "White Moss" by Acca Kappa, "Black" by Kenneth Cole
Sensitive Skin
Arguably the biggest danger for the sensitive-skinned man is wearing strong cologne while wearing other potent skin products. If you're prone to rashes and acne, you're best off refraining from using cologne alongside strong aftershave balms and body sprays. The potential for allergic reactions is simply too great.
When it comes to buying cologne for sensitive skin, follow the same rules for dry skin, but also look for colognes that list all-natural ingredients free from synthetic fragrances. I'm especially partial to colognes from small natural health labels.
Recommended brands: "Eruptable" by Volcanic Earth, "Gents Cologne Balm," "Polo Blue" by Ralph Lauren
additional tips
For optimal results, apply cologne to your throat, wrists, chest, or the sides of your neck (opt for one or two of these spots at a time). These are "pulse points" for heat, and they create the best interaction between cologne and your natural oils. Another popular tip is to spray cologne onto the back of your knees before getting dressed, as scents tend to rise. As a form of application, many men also prefer to spritz cologne into the air and then walk into the resultant mist, although most fashion experts caution against getting any cologne on your clothes -- so sticking to the first application method is best.
And finally, the rule I can't repeat enough: No one should smell your cologne unless they're standing close to you. If you enter a room and people three feet away start sniffling, you're wearing too much. When in doubt, use as little cologne as possible. Women want to smell you, not Christian Dior.
smell as good as you look
Approach cologne as you would approach facial soap and moisturizers. Take the time to find one that best matches your skin type, and both the cologne and your body will smell and function at their best.
how to test cologne
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of matching cologne with skin type, here are some basics for picking out cologne:
Play the right notes
Each cologne is comprised of three "notes," or fragrances. While you're at the store, pick your favorite colognes, and spray a sample of each onto a blotter card (practically every fragrance counter provides these for free). Smell the cologne; this is the first note, or "top note"; essentially, it's your first impression of a scent.
Wait 10 to 15 minutes and smell the card again. This is the middle note: it's the scent that takes over after the top note dissipates.
Now, wait 45 minutes to an hour, and smell again. This is the "dry-down note" -- the longest-lasting scent and one that will hang on for three to four hours. If all three notes meet your olfactory standards, you're good to go.
Cologne ingredients to avoid
Many types of cologne contain synthetic compounds. Some common ones that have been known to cause skin problems like rashes, hives, dermatitis, or eczema, as well as respiratory problems, include:
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl acetate
Benzaldehyde
Limonene
Linalool
A-pinene
Ethyl acetate
Acetone
Unfortunately, cologne makers are not required to list their ingredients. You can, however, assume that most colognes' primary ingredient is ethyl alcohol (a.k.a. ethanol). This keeps the fragrance's oils together and serves as their delivery base.
how to match cologne and skin type
Both cologne quality and effectiveness are tied to a great range of factors, such as diet, environment, genetics, and behavior (stress, smoking, etc.). But the biggest x-factors are your skin type and PH levels. And the oilier (or dryer) skin is, the more potent (or weak) cologne can smell.
Oily Skin
Skins high in natural oil represent more active body chemistry. This extra oil at the skin's surface can interact with cologne to create longer-lasting, more powerful scents. Alternately, too many natural skin oils (or perspiration) can merge with cologne to form an unwelcome odor.
To guard against this, wear less cologne over the course of the day and opt for lighter fragrances, or types of cologne that contain less hints of musk and earth, and more citrus and floral tones. Cologne developed for summertime wear is the best bet for men with oily skin.
Recommended brands: "Fahrenheit Summer for Men" by Christian Dior, "Kouros" by Yves Saint Laurent, "Tommy Jeans" by Tommy Hilfiger
Dry Skin
Cologne dissipates faster from dry skin, so it must be applied more frequently. However, because of the ethyl alcohol base, frequent reapplications run the risk of further drying out and damaging your already dry or sensitive skin. What a conundrum...
With this in mind, dry-skinned guys should opt for "winter" colognes. These are stronger fragrances, formulated to last longer in drier, colder times, and thereby reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
Recommended brands: "California North," "White Moss" by Acca Kappa, "Black" by Kenneth Cole
Sensitive Skin
Arguably the biggest danger for the sensitive-skinned man is wearing strong cologne while wearing other potent skin products. If you're prone to rashes and acne, you're best off refraining from using cologne alongside strong aftershave balms and body sprays. The potential for allergic reactions is simply too great.
When it comes to buying cologne for sensitive skin, follow the same rules for dry skin, but also look for colognes that list all-natural ingredients free from synthetic fragrances. I'm especially partial to colognes from small natural health labels.
Recommended brands: "Eruptable" by Volcanic Earth, "Gents Cologne Balm," "Polo Blue" by Ralph Lauren
additional tips
For optimal results, apply cologne to your throat, wrists, chest, or the sides of your neck (opt for one or two of these spots at a time). These are "pulse points" for heat, and they create the best interaction between cologne and your natural oils. Another popular tip is to spray cologne onto the back of your knees before getting dressed, as scents tend to rise. As a form of application, many men also prefer to spritz cologne into the air and then walk into the resultant mist, although most fashion experts caution against getting any cologne on your clothes -- so sticking to the first application method is best.
And finally, the rule I can't repeat enough: No one should smell your cologne unless they're standing close to you. If you enter a room and people three feet away start sniffling, you're wearing too much. When in doubt, use as little cologne as possible. Women want to smell you, not Christian Dior.
smell as good as you look
Approach cologne as you would approach facial soap and moisturizers. Take the time to find one that best matches your skin type, and both the cologne and your body will smell and function at their best.
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
G2000 and TopMan are having SALE up to 50% at Bugis Junction now !
IceX
Arch-Supremacy Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2001
- Messages
- 13,256
- Reaction score
- 914
daniel_lss said:Grooming TIPs
how to test cologne
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of matching cologne with skin type, here are some basics for picking out cologne:
Play the right notes
Each cologne is comprised of three "notes," or fragrances. While you're at the store, pick your favorite colognes, and spray a sample of each onto a blotter card (practically every fragrance counter provides these for free). Smell the cologne; this is the first note, or "top note"; essentially, it's your first impression of a scent.
Wait 10 to 15 minutes and smell the card again. This is the middle note: it's the scent that takes over after the top note dissipates.
Now, wait 45 minutes to an hour, and smell again. This is the "dry-down note" -- the longest-lasting scent and one that will hang on for three to four hours. If all three notes meet your olfactory standards, you're good to go.
Cologne ingredients to avoid
Many types of cologne contain synthetic compounds. Some common ones that have been known to cause skin problems like rashes, hives, dermatitis, or eczema, as well as respiratory problems, include:
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl acetate
Benzaldehyde
Limonene
Linalool
A-pinene
Ethyl acetate
Acetone
Unfortunately, cologne makers are not required to list their ingredients. You can, however, assume that most colognes' primary ingredient is ethyl alcohol (a.k.a. ethanol). This keeps the fragrance's oils together and serves as their delivery base.
how to match cologne and skin type
Both cologne quality and effectiveness are tied to a great range of factors, such as diet, environment, genetics, and behavior (stress, smoking, etc.). But the biggest x-factors are your skin type and PH levels. And the oilier (or dryer) skin is, the more potent (or weak) cologne can smell.
Oily Skin
Skins high in natural oil represent more active body chemistry. This extra oil at the skin's surface can interact with cologne to create longer-lasting, more powerful scents. Alternately, too many natural skin oils (or perspiration) can merge with cologne to form an unwelcome odor.
To guard against this, wear less cologne over the course of the day and opt for lighter fragrances, or types of cologne that contain less hints of musk and earth, and more citrus and floral tones. Cologne developed for summertime wear is the best bet for men with oily skin.
Recommended brands: "Fahrenheit Summer for Men" by Christian Dior, "Kouros" by Yves Saint Laurent, "Tommy Jeans" by Tommy Hilfiger
Dry Skin
Cologne dissipates faster from dry skin, so it must be applied more frequently. However, because of the ethyl alcohol base, frequent reapplications run the risk of further drying out and damaging your already dry or sensitive skin. What a conundrum...
With this in mind, dry-skinned guys should opt for "winter" colognes. These are stronger fragrances, formulated to last longer in drier, colder times, and thereby reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
Recommended brands: "California North," "White Moss" by Acca Kappa, "Black" by Kenneth Cole
Sensitive Skin
Arguably the biggest danger for the sensitive-skinned man is wearing strong cologne while wearing other potent skin products. If you're prone to rashes and acne, you're best off refraining from using cologne alongside strong aftershave balms and body sprays. The potential for allergic reactions is simply too great.
When it comes to buying cologne for sensitive skin, follow the same rules for dry skin, but also look for colognes that list all-natural ingredients free from synthetic fragrances. I'm especially partial to colognes from small natural health labels.
Recommended brands: "Eruptable" by Volcanic Earth, "Gents Cologne Balm," "Polo Blue" by Ralph Lauren
additional tips
For optimal results, apply cologne to your throat, wrists, chest, or the sides of your neck (opt for one or two of these spots at a time). These are "pulse points" for heat, and they create the best interaction between cologne and your natural oils. Another popular tip is to spray cologne onto the back of your knees before getting dressed, as scents tend to rise. As a form of application, many men also prefer to spritz cologne into the air and then walk into the resultant mist, although most fashion experts caution against getting any cologne on your clothes -- so sticking to the first application method is best.
And finally, the rule I can't repeat enough: No one should smell your cologne unless they're standing close to you. If you enter a room and people three feet away start sniffling, you're wearing too much. When in doubt, use as little cologne as possible. Women want to smell you, not Christian Dior.
smell as good as you look
Approach cologne as you would approach facial soap and moisturizers. Take the time to find one that best matches your skin type, and both the cologne and your body will smell and function at their best.
great tips..I've always disapproved of the spraying into the air and walking into it method..
hmm..interesting to spray on knee...nvr try that b4
usually i spray onto my neck/chest 2-3 times before wearing the shirts.
hmm..dont know if u guys do it..but I put on deodorant before apply the cologne..remember use fragrance less deodorant...u dont wnat to mix the smell of your deodorant and cologne together...
usually i spray onto my neck/chest 2-3 times before wearing the shirts.
hmm..dont know if u guys do it..but I put on deodorant before apply the cologne..remember use fragrance less deodorant...u dont wnat to mix the smell of your deodorant and cologne together...
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
How To Buy Shoes & Get The Best Fit
How To Buy Shoes & Get The Best Fit
Buying shoes is like buying a car. You should have a good idea of what you want when you walk into the store (or onto the lot), and you need to walk away with something you'll be comfortable wearing (and being seen in) for at least a few years.
So while it may not be your idea of weekend fun, you should at least know a little something about how to shop for shoes.
Sizing
There's no such thing as "breaking in a shoe" -- that goes for all types, from sneakers to boots. It's therefore a good idea to measure your foot each time you buy a pair of shoes or sneakers. Different brands have different sizes; just because you're a 12 when it comes to your sneakers, you're not necessarily a 12 in your loafers.
Furthermore, your feet tend to slightly swell up over the course of the day, due to the hours of walking and standing that they endure. As a result, you should try on shoes at the end of the day in order to ensure that they will be comfortable throughout.
The socks you wear when trying on a pair of shoes should be the type you would regularly wear with them. This is particularly true when trying on athletic sneakers.
Heels & Toes
A key factor in getting the right shoe size is making sure your heels and toes fit snugly, without causing discomfort.
To know if your shoes are fitting correctly around your heel, use your index finger to fit behind the shoe's heel and your heel. It should slide between them with relatively little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.
At the other end, your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably. You should be able to fit the width of your thumb in between the tips of your toes and the end of the shoe. Your mother probably used this "rule of thumb" test on you when you were a kid. And guess what? It still works.
Arch Support
The curve of your foot's arch is hereditary, but you can do a few things to make it a non-issue.
As I already mentioned, know that your feet are not always identical in size. Buy with your bigger foot in mind, and buy an insole to even out the two if the discrepancy is noticeable.
If you have high arches (and therefore, inflexible feet), seek out well-cushioned, flexible shoes and a shoe with a curved instep.
People with no arch (a condition known as flat-footedness) may notice that their feet lean inward. This condition requires a shoe with a straight instep to keep it stable during walking or running.
People with regular foot arches are best off with a slightly curved instep. This will provide an optimum mix of stability and flexibility.
And when all else fails, head out to the local drugstore. There's an enormous range of inexpensive arch braces and orthotic supports out there that can be used to prevent discomfort.
information on socks
Types of Socks
Socks fall into three main categories (not to mention the area between the wall and the dryer): Dress, casual and athletic.
Dress socks are usually made from silk, cashmere or fine variants of cotton and wool.
Casual socks come in cotton and wool, and are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and thicknesses.
Athletic socks are usually cotton and available in gray or white. This type differs most obviously from casual socks by virtue of their size. Athletic socks tend to come up to the mid-calf and higher, or simply right above the heel (ankle-length), making them invisible when wearing sneakers.
Your sock size should be 1 to 1.5 sizes bigger than your shoe size. In other words, a size 12 shoe means a 13.5 size sock. Some brands divide sock size by small, medium and large.
To know your size, refer to these numbers (in inches):
Small: 5-9
Medium: 9-12
Large: 13-15
Matching Socks to Shoes
When wearing dress shoes or casual leather shoes, always match your socks to your pants.
You can wear athletic socks and casual socks with sneakers. But unless you're on a basketball court, don't wear sneakers and shorts with anything other than ankle-length casual socks.
Finally, when all else fails, remember this rule: The more formal the occasion, the darker the sock.
How To Buy Shoes & Get The Best Fit
Buying shoes is like buying a car. You should have a good idea of what you want when you walk into the store (or onto the lot), and you need to walk away with something you'll be comfortable wearing (and being seen in) for at least a few years.
So while it may not be your idea of weekend fun, you should at least know a little something about how to shop for shoes.
Sizing
There's no such thing as "breaking in a shoe" -- that goes for all types, from sneakers to boots. It's therefore a good idea to measure your foot each time you buy a pair of shoes or sneakers. Different brands have different sizes; just because you're a 12 when it comes to your sneakers, you're not necessarily a 12 in your loafers.
Furthermore, your feet tend to slightly swell up over the course of the day, due to the hours of walking and standing that they endure. As a result, you should try on shoes at the end of the day in order to ensure that they will be comfortable throughout.
The socks you wear when trying on a pair of shoes should be the type you would regularly wear with them. This is particularly true when trying on athletic sneakers.
Heels & Toes
A key factor in getting the right shoe size is making sure your heels and toes fit snugly, without causing discomfort.
To know if your shoes are fitting correctly around your heel, use your index finger to fit behind the shoe's heel and your heel. It should slide between them with relatively little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.
At the other end, your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably. You should be able to fit the width of your thumb in between the tips of your toes and the end of the shoe. Your mother probably used this "rule of thumb" test on you when you were a kid. And guess what? It still works.
Arch Support
The curve of your foot's arch is hereditary, but you can do a few things to make it a non-issue.
As I already mentioned, know that your feet are not always identical in size. Buy with your bigger foot in mind, and buy an insole to even out the two if the discrepancy is noticeable.
If you have high arches (and therefore, inflexible feet), seek out well-cushioned, flexible shoes and a shoe with a curved instep.
People with no arch (a condition known as flat-footedness) may notice that their feet lean inward. This condition requires a shoe with a straight instep to keep it stable during walking or running.
People with regular foot arches are best off with a slightly curved instep. This will provide an optimum mix of stability and flexibility.
And when all else fails, head out to the local drugstore. There's an enormous range of inexpensive arch braces and orthotic supports out there that can be used to prevent discomfort.
information on socks
Types of Socks
Socks fall into three main categories (not to mention the area between the wall and the dryer): Dress, casual and athletic.
Dress socks are usually made from silk, cashmere or fine variants of cotton and wool.
Casual socks come in cotton and wool, and are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and thicknesses.
Athletic socks are usually cotton and available in gray or white. This type differs most obviously from casual socks by virtue of their size. Athletic socks tend to come up to the mid-calf and higher, or simply right above the heel (ankle-length), making them invisible when wearing sneakers.
Your sock size should be 1 to 1.5 sizes bigger than your shoe size. In other words, a size 12 shoe means a 13.5 size sock. Some brands divide sock size by small, medium and large.
To know your size, refer to these numbers (in inches):
Small: 5-9
Medium: 9-12
Large: 13-15
Matching Socks to Shoes
When wearing dress shoes or casual leather shoes, always match your socks to your pants.
You can wear athletic socks and casual socks with sneakers. But unless you're on a basketball court, don't wear sneakers and shorts with anything other than ankle-length casual socks.
Finally, when all else fails, remember this rule: The more formal the occasion, the darker the sock.
saigonblack
Arch-Supremacy Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2005
- Messages
- 20,669
- Reaction score
- 0
IWC is good. But I like the one from Frank Muller, Crazy Hours. Patek Phillippe is nice!!!! But way too out of my budget.
Navigator
Master Member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2004
- Messages
- 4,187
- Reaction score
- 0
Patek is wayyyyyy out of my league too... haha...
Maurice is nice, but I want something that's really value for money and of course, pass it to my son when he's all grown man... strange, don't even have a gf yet but think so far... weird...
Maurice is nice, but I want something that's really value for money and of course, pass it to my son when he's all grown man... strange, don't even have a gf yet but think so far... weird...
DesertStrike
Arch-Supremacy Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2002
- Messages
- 14,809
- Reaction score
- 1
hi guys, dark blue long sleeve can go with wat colour pants and tie?
thanks a lot
thanks a lot
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
DesertStrike said:hi guys, dark blue long sleeve can go with wat colour pants and tie?
thanks a lot
Dark Blue Shirt + Yellow Tie + Black Pants ?
Dark Blue Shirt + Light Blue Tie + Black Pants ?
Dark Blue Shirt + Cream Color Tie + Dark Brown Pants ?
I think depend what kind of dark blue....
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
CSNation said:
which brand leather shoes are you wearing now ? thinking of getting another pair...
daniel_lss
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,829
- Reaction score
- 0
anyone out there know where to get DERMALOGICA products ? do they have counter somewhere or any shop carry this product ?
Important Forum Advisory Note
This forum is moderated by volunteer moderators who will react only to members' feedback on posts. Moderators are not employees or representatives of HWZ Forums. Forum members and moderators are responsible for their own posts.
Please refer to our Community Guidelines and Standards and Terms and Conditions for more information.
