Monthly Archive for November, 2007

The Power of Scent: Hot New Colognes

Published
by
Jae
on November 24, 2007
in Cologne and Dating Tips
. 18,075 views

Last night was Theory’s birthday and it was another epic night in New York City…

It’s starting to get really cold at night though. Doesn’t it just make you want to warm up with a beautiful woman in your arms?

So to prepare for this new winter season, let’s talk about how you can smell great when she’s snuggled besides you.

We’ll talk about some hot new colognes, a few timeless classics, and some important tips on wearing scents.


Arouse Her Senses

She says:

I find myself strangely attracted to guys wearing a great cologne.

As image consultants, we help people make lasting visual impressions. However, we can’t deny the strongest human sense: smell.

When it comes to the girl you met at the club last night, you’ll probably have an easier time remembering her scent than her name. Studies show that a person’s sense of smell is connected to creating the longest lasting memories that we have.


Finding The Best Colognes

Buying the right cologne isn’t achieved by just getting whatever smells good to you.

A great cologne triggers memories in people.

When a woman smells something that triggers a good memory, she becomes drawn to whatever is producing the scent. For example, your scent might remind her of a fun summer day at the beach, or that delicious vanilla cupcake that always made her happy as a child. Get her to associate these good memories to you.

One thing I’ve noticed is that colognes that have a citrusy note get a good reaction from women because of some sort of association with those smells and things that are tasty, delicious, fresh, and clean.

Also, a lot of people have the impression that colognes vary simply by the degree of how “good” they smell. However, the truly cologne savvy know that just like clothing, there are different fragrances for different occasions. So it’s best to have a couple of different colognes to rotate, fit to different occasions [e.g., fresh everyday scent // seductive nightlife scent // woody work scent], and keep women on their toes.

And remember wearing cologne is really the icing on the cake to a complete look & style - it puts most women over the edge once everything else is right.


Choosing a Unique Scent

A woman associates a cologne to the guy who wears it most around her before someone else. If they smell this scent again on some other guy, they’ll most likely be reminded of the first guy they associated the scent to. Thus the small chance that if you wear a popular cologne, it might remind a woman of someone else.

I used to wear ACQUA DI GIO when it first came out - I got nothing but compliments - and my girlfriend at the time loved it. I wore it often until my next girlfriend kept telling me I smelled like this other guy she knew. I stopped wearing it around her because I didn’t want to remind her of some other guy - when she was with me.

Another thing that happens is that when a great new cologne comes onto the market, it blows up and you smell it everywhere. After it’s been exhausted by a certain generation, it trickles down to the younger generation of boys who start picking out colognes for the first time, and who’s female counterparts are less likely to have smelled it somewhere.

Usually people recognize a certain perfume when it first hits the market, and everyone is starting to realize a familiar scent, saying things like “What is that? I’ve been smelling it everywhere. It smells so good.”

Don’t worry too much about smelling like someone else, because most women won’t recognize the cologne unless their boyfriend or someone they see everyday wears it around them - in which case you can easily switch it up with a different cologne. Most men don’t even wear cologne regularly that this rarely even an issue.

However, these are some of the reasons why it’s good to rotate colognes and always be checking out the new colognes that come out, just to keep things fresh and always be smelling good around women. So without further ado, here are some of the newest.


Hot New Colognes:

» L’homme, by Yves Saint Laurent


Fresh woody fragrance playing on contrasts opening with a bright and sparkling freshness. It sports a sharp, slightly sweet floral smell.

» Hugo XY

The cool thing about this cologne is that one of it’s scents are basil. Basil stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which controls short-term memory, this may actually help the woman recall your name at the bar, according to a study in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

» Fuel For Life by Diesel

Fuel for Life Men is an energetic potion that teases the nose with clarity and modernity yet maintains a classic and sophisticated masculinity. Accents of raspberry give an unexpected signature twist.


Some Classics:

» Le Male Jean by Paul Gaultier

A sweet and woody fragrance with a hint of mint, and a dash of orange and lavender to smooth it out. The cologne is perfect for the winter time when you need somebody to warm you up.

This cologne came out in 1995, and exploded like a bomb around the globe. You would smell this everywhere, and ladies were eating it up. Ladies still love this cologne, so it’s definitely a must have. A lot of reviewers say to spray this sparingly though, keep it down to 3 sprays; any more than that and it’ll become an obnoxious, gauche bully.

» ACQUA DI GIO by GIORGIO ARMANI

ACQUA DI GIO by GIORGIO ARMANI was introduced in 1996. A lot of women love this fresh scent. It has a strong citrus tone combined with a hint of rosemary and offers a spicy aquatic freshness. Recommended for summer days. The one caveat is that since it’s the best-selling cologne on the market, it’s a bit played out. It’s perfect for casual wear, bad for first impressions.

» Cool Water by Davidoff

A classic: cool, refreshing and spicy with a hint of amber and smoothness of lavender. This aroma drives women crazy. A lot of women have great things to say about this cologne. Recommended for daytime, perfect for the office or restaurant.

» L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake

Still one of my favorites, classified as a refined, aquatic fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of citrus and spice combined with lower notes of musk, amber and woods. Women always compliment this cologne, it really arouses your senses when you smell it. Great for first impressions.


Some Top Picks From the Ladies:

» Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana

Light Blue Pour Homme is Dolce & Gabbana’s newest fragrance for men. Drawing upon their native home of Italy, this innovative design team have captured the sensuality of the Mediterranean. A refreshing blend of citrus notes combines perfectly with masculine woods and subtle spice to create a distinctive fragrance that epitomizes relaxed sophistication. This is really popular with the ladies right now.

» Armani Attitude

After Attitude’s powerful opening, one gets a pleasant whiff of cardamom and lavender (both easily recognizable) before the scent moves into its best (and final) phase. Attitude’s base notes are cedar, patchouli and (I think) vanilla; the base has a “coffee-amber” aroma. All the base notes are smooth, pleasant and slightly sweet.

I remember one of the girls at the perfume shop was holding this to her nose and literally rolling her eyes into the back of her head with ecstasy, she couldn’t stop talking about how much she loves this cologne, and how “It’s the way a real man should smell.” Check it out.

» Pi by Givenchy

This energetic, sensual and woody fragrance contains a dash of tangerine and pine scents. A very popular scent among every woman asked; the men say that this is a favorite of theirs also. This one is great when you plan on making a lasting first impression. It has a strong Vanilla scent in it, which by the way is a scent proven to increase blood flow to the genitals in women. Hmm…

» Touch by Burberry

Thanks to its woody undertones and floral overtones, this cologne lives up to its name. Great for the everyday, casual wear — it has a very “clean” impression like fresh laundry and just out of the shower.

» Armani Black Code

Armani Code Cologne by Giorgio Armani is a fairly new, elegant, sexy, masculine scent that combines sleek seductiveness with sophistication. A fresh, spicy composition which opens on notes of lemon and bergamot, leading to a heart of olive flower. This cologne was one of the best in 2006-2007. This one is a great nightlife scent.



How to Test & Wear Cologne (important)

Not all colognes smell the same on different people. The final scent is a result of the chemistry between the oils on your skin and the cologne. So always test cologne on your skin, not your clothing because it won’t bring out the full effect of the cologne.

The best places to apply cologne is where there is the most body heat. Heat activates the cologne and allows it to last longer, while a colder area will dull the smell. These “hot spots” are the wrists, the neck, on your elbows, and behind your ears.

Don’t spray it directly behind your ear. It’ll come off as too strong in case a women gets closer to your ear in a loud club. Wipe some off your wrist with one finger and dab the space behind your ear.


A Great Conversation Starter and Cologne Test

When picking out the best cologne for yourself, instead of going to the store to get high off a bunch of colognes, try this next time:

Every time you happen to be at the mall or a perfume shop, spray on a new cologne that day, and then ask as many women as you possibly can about their opinion. This is the best way I’ve found to pick out a cologne that gets good reactions. It’s also a great conversation starter with the ladies.

If I happen to be with one of my female friends or my girlfriend at the mall, I’ll stop by the store and ask their opinion on some colognes. This is great because they will give you a straightforward honest opinion.

When asking strangers, Try saying something like:

“Hey, really quick… I know you don’t know me… but I wanted to get an honest opinion about this new cologne my girlfriend just bought me.” Point to wrist* (I wouldn’t ask her to smell your neck or some other weird place, the wrist is more non-threatening)

I like to add “girlfriend” in there because it shows that I’m not trying to pick up the girl or anything but just asking for her honest opinion, because I really do want it and sometimes guys talk to women without an agenda.

Now, if you don’t really care about the “honest opinion” but more about the girl you’re asking, here is how to take it further: tease her about the opinion she gives you. If she gives you a negative opinion, playfully tell her she must have a cold or that she probably sniffed too many markers as a child. If she gives you a positive opinion, bust her on being nervous around you and that she should really give you an honest opinion instead of just being nice like her mommy taught her. Once she laughs you’re in, and then you can continue to run your game.


Remember The Power of Scent

This is not a end-all, be-all article on colognes. These are just some of my favorite new fragrances for men, as well as classics that I’ve worn and tested over the years. And although women really like these particular fragrances for many reasons, there are hundreds of other scents out there you can find to match your personality, style, and occasion. So if you’re missing one of the strongest elements of your wardrobe, or just need something fresh & different, get out there and try some of these colognes.

P.S. - Share some of your own favorite scents, and colognes that women have liked in our community.

Happy Holidays,

Jae

What Asia Taught Me About Casual Style

Published
by
Jae
on November 16, 2007
in Style Tips
. 134,935 views



Asian Inspiration

Last summer, I visited Korea and Japan, and stayed in their busiest cities (Seoul and Tokyo) with some friends of mine. I’ll never forget the experience that I had, especially in Tokyo.

As I’m walking around Tokyo, I feel like I’m in some fantasy world. I’m literally dreaming that I’m part of some Anime. I’m speechless from culture shock, and I can’t get over the fact that everything is so small, i.e. the food portions; the streets; the cars; the apartments.

Despite the food portions being so small, I was bewildered at how filling they were. During my stay in Tokyo, I did not even see one overweight person. I mean when you look at the way Americans eat versus the way the Japanese eat, it’s no wonder we’re a nation where obesity is a huge problem.

Anyways, what REALLY caught my attention was the number of guys in these cities who had an aptitude for fashion.

So many of them had their own unique style of dressing, some of which I have never seen the like, yet very well put together.

I was in a world full of metrosexuals and people who seemed to really understand the power of proper style. I was shocked at first when I saw certain things that you would never see in America, like men who wore makeup or men who spent more time on their hair than their female counterparts.

I thought, “Has the world gone mad!? Where am I?”

I soon learned, that the same things that I found “crazy,” were things that people in Tokyo considered the norm around that area.

Yes, I was a total tourist.

Japanese culture is amazing because there are so many different subcultures within it. Some Japanese people enter a certain lifestyle almost like it’s a cult or religion.

I found out that a big part of the younger Japanese generation rebel by following one of these many subcultures of fashion and music. There were people dressed like freaks, barbie dolls, and other “weird” things I can’t even begin to describe.

When I saw people dressed in what is called Japanese Ganguro and Yamanba fashion, I first thought it was some kind of joke. They looked like some sort of African tribe that had lost their way into the streets of Tokyo. There are other subcultures like “Visual ke” which are the guys that dress like anime characters with perfectly long hair and skinny clothes, and “hip-hop ke” or “B-girls and B-boys” who dress in baggy hip hop clothes because of the popularity of hip-hop.

I saw a lot of guys who were dressed up in goth, rock, or punk clothing, and it looked as if they MATERIALIZED out of a comic book. I’m talking about an ALL-OUT mind-blowing level of appearance, that will make you feel like these guys have almost taken it too far. At times I felt like it was Halloween.

It was all wild and so surreal - and ridiculously interesting to me.

Just so you can see how extreme the Japanese can be, here is an example of one Japanese Rock band:

Talk about hardcore.

Imagine walking into a club like this? You’d win “most interesting guy,” hands down. You’d probably scare all the girls away here in America though.

Now in Korea, I didn’t see anything to this extent, but a lot of guys in the city of Seoul were really stylish. Up till then, I never thought so many well-dressed guys could inhabit a single area. No matter where I was, there were always a group of guys who looked like they were heading to a photo shoot.

These guys were really the epitome of “stylish casual.”


Adopt the Stylish Casual Mindset

While in Korea, I was reminded that no matter where you are or what time of day it is, you could be fashionable. I was constantly reminded that casual doesn’t have to be the way most people think of it - with no flavor.

In America, I know most guys don’t really pay attention to their image unless they have a date or they are going somewhere really important. Slowly but surely, times are changing here, and it’s getting harder and harder to tell a straight guy from a gay guy here in New York City (in good way). Men are learning how to dress better again after years of being lost. It’s time to step up and be at the forefront of this movement.

Being in Asia inspired me to write this article on how we can learn to bring their sense of style into our everyday casual wear:

1. Layering

What I saw in Korea and Japan was that these guys are LAYERING MASTERS.

My Tokyo friend tells me that it’s rare to see anybody wearing only ONE layer over there. If they are wearing a dress shirt, they will most definitely add something like a cardigan sweater, with perhaps another vest on top; and they’ll really put together a complete outfit by adding something like a fedora and a jacket.

One layer usually doesn’t cut it. Unless it’s over a hundred degrees out, get creative with your outfit. A dress shirt will look ten times better with a sweater, a vest, or a blazer over it than it would alone. Layering also has the ability to give a skinny guy extra bulk, and a heavy guy the ability to mask his not-so-flattering parts.

When properly layering, every piece should be planned to compliment each other. Your outfit should only consist of the pieces necessary to create a complete look.

Everything should be perfectly fused together so that it creates a uniquely attractive outfit - that’ll make you instantly stand out as a stylish guy.


2. Accentuate

If you want to easily upgrade your “casual” to “stylish casual” like these guys, follow this rule:

Have at least ONE element of your wardrobe that stands out and changes the mood of your entire outfit, e.g., a fedora, a scarf, a dress shirt, a tie, a blazer, a really cool accessory, etc.

For example, in Tokyo, they almost always wear an ACCENT color or item with every outfit, so they might wear mostly black but make sure to wear a bright red undershirt or a white belt.

My source in Tokyo tells me that currently guys are accenting with “Scarfs, fedoras, and ties. Suspenders are also really in now. Pointy shoes, loafers, boots or converse are almost standard to give any casual outfit a kick.”

So even if you’re not specifically out meeting women, try setting standards for yourself - never leave the house without some sort of accent to your wardrobe, so that when you happen to run into an attractive women, you’ll be prepared with the confidence of knowing that you look way better than the average guy out there.

Think “stylish casual.”

3. Mix it up

It seems the Japanese really don’t follow any fashion “rules.” They do a great job of mixing different elements that they’ve acquired, and there is a lot of personality that is shown through the way it’s put together.

After figuring what styles you like, try mixing different elements to create a look that you’re totally satisfied with.

Add your own twist to your outfit, but make sure it looks good to you.

A good way to go about it is to find out what is popular, why it’s popular, and explore what certain fashion aspects represent. Then figure out how you can hit on the right points, in your own unique way.

So for example, if you are going for the hip-hop look, find out what defines hip-hop fashion, the reasons and history behind it, and think of how you can best create your own version without going completely out of those lines.

4. Never Settle for Less

Another thing I learned from observing fashion in Asia is to never settle to look your best every single day of your life. You want to put your best foot forward. You want to go out there and present the best of you to the world.

Sometimes I wake up and am tempted to throw on a sweatshirt and some lame jeans…comfort wear…but I realize I am settling. A lot of Asian guys would never do this. If they’re going out, they are looking their best.

I’d rather die of thirst, than drink from the cup of mediocrity.

When it comes to ANY area of my life, I really don’t like to settle for less than I can get, because I never want to wonder what it would have been like if I had tried my best.

I always say that life is a gift, so I’m going to live it the best way that I can to honor that. Anything less is below the standards that I have set for myself, and that is just unacceptable to me. But most of all, I enjoy tasking risks and learning from what comes. Leaps and collisions. This is a lot more rewarding than chasing an end result. So enjoy the process of cultivating your own unique style, and enjoy learning, because to just chase some end result won’t satisfy you in the long run.

Take risks with style, be bold– If this means trying out a completely kickass outfit you see in a magazine that you could NEVER see yourself in…do it. Most people wear the same lame clothes that don’t even fit right because they’re scared of stepping out of their comfort zone. They are afraid of trying something new and looking like a fool. In Asia, I saw some ridiculous failures, but most of the time, I was awestruck at the boldness, and subsequently, the GRAVITY of their unique styles.

The way you dress speaks to the world without you having to open your mouth. The way I dress literally states that I don’t settle for less than top quality - because that’s exactly what I believe I’m worth. I believe that the way a man takes care of himself, reflects his perceived level of self-worth.

If you won’t properly love yourself, who will?


Its Always Better to Be Overdressed than Underdressed

While in Asia, a lot of the guys looked way overdressed. Nonetheless, their style caught my eye. It was undeniable, and it reminded me of the fact that overdressing is one of the most organic and surefire ways of standing out. Of course, use your judgment (don’t go to company dinners in your pink suit). But if you know everyone’s going to be wearing collar shirts at a club, wear a blazer. Every time I overdressed when going out, people were strangely more open and friendly.

Did you ever have one of those days when a girl friend of yours looks dressier than usual and you find yourself strangely attracted to her (when you’ve never in the past?) You give her more attention and you’re probably more receptive. Even with strangers, I realize that when you actually look like somebody of higher value they assume such and treat you accordingly.

Casual doesn’t = “dress down”

In the world of stylish men, the term “casual” doesn’t mean an absence of creativity or style, it means tuning your good taste in clothing to the occasion. So as a stylish lady killer, this means you look damn good, no matter what you’re doing.

Also, make sure you don’t take this article the wrong way. Try and calibrate your outfit for the occasion. You’ll look like a dork if you wear clothes that are way too nice for a normal house party, just like you would look like a fool going to a posh club in a plain t-shirt and shorts. Don’t look too try hard, but in a casual setting, add those extra elements to make your “casual” stylish. The key is to socially calibrate how much your casual wear has room to be upgraded or not. So do the best that you can, given the situation.

When it comes to unique styles, the guys in Tokyo have it down. Tokyo is one of the fashion capitals of the world. And despite the fact that New York City shares that title, the average American seems to fall short in comparison.

It’s as if these guys in Asia take a style class as part of their school curriculum. What are we learning here in America? Hopefully sites like Kinowear can shift the tide.


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