Cologne Makes a Great Gift

Inhaling good cologne is similar to the pleasure equated with the aroma of a fine cigar, the scent of a savory steak, or the perfume of a beautiful woman passing by. Popularized in the eighteenth century, cologne brings us back to the era of fainting couches, top hats, and riding coats. At the same time, with the launch of celebrity and designer fragrances, colognes are very much the distinguishing essence of modern man. There are many reasons why cologne makes a great groomsmen gift. For one thing, it's something most guys want, but may not think to buy themselves. Giving cologne as a groomsmen gift saves your buddy the trouble of shopping for cologne, which has potential to be embarrassing (which is why you are ordering it online!). Cologne is a gift that comes in handy for a special occasion or when a little boost of self-confidence is needed. Most importantly, it is a thoughtful gift that lasts a reasonably long time and will come in handy again and again. But besides these cursory reasons, here are a few more compelling reasons to make cologne your groomsmen gift of choice, based on interesting historical tidbits. Reason number 1: Humankind is not naturally fragrant. In fact, cologne was used in the eighteenth century to cure body odor due to infrequent bathing. We think those Victorians were on to something. If you have a stand-up groomsman who could use a little help in the body odor department, do him a favor by buying a bottle of Colonel Littleton's cologne as a groomsman gift. Reason number 2: Cologne is much more multi-functional than it appears. Even if your groomsmen are a pleasant-smelling batch, cologne could still be a handy gift. In fact, when cologne reached its zenith in the 1700's, it was used in bathwater, swirled into wine, used as a mouthwash, and even as an enema. So you see, cologne is not only a sophisticated groomsmen gift, it's a surprisingly versatile one as well! Reason number 3: Cologne is the nectar of conquerors. Lest you think cologne is a groomsmen gift for sissies, consider that it was popularized by none other than Napoleon, ruthless poster child of the French Revolution. This deadly general was rumored to use eight liters of cologne a month, and up to a bottle a day. If cologne is manly enough for one of the greatest warriors in history, we suspect your groomsmen could stand a little splash. Reason number 4: Cologne has multi-origins. Whether your groomsmen are French, German, or Italian, they're bound to have historical tie to this elixir. A French word for a product created in a German town by an Italian barber, cologne is ethnically sentimental to just about everyone. Reason number 5: Unlike the pungent rosemary, bergamot, lemon and neroli potpourri of colognes past, Colonel Littleton swears by his thoroughly modern concoction, which he describes as "unmistakably cool and refreshing, with just the right splash of citrus." If you want a great groomsmen gift that won't leave your guys smelling like a rosemary garden, consider this updated interpretation of a historical favorite. As you can see, cologne is one of those groomsmen gifts that has the distinction of being both trendy and timeless. Did we mention it comes in a cool leather stamped bottle with brass plated cap? In the world of groomsmen gifts, I think we call this "gift wrapping." Historical Facts Taken From: http://www.history1700s.com/

Read more

Gifts for Groomsmen: The New Alternatives to Cufflinks

If your groomsmen are the sharp-dressed type, chances are they already have a pair or two of cufflinks lying around on the dresser. In fact, if they've been in weddings before, they may even have engraved cufflinks they've received as groomsmen gifts! Although it's a nice idea to have coordinated groomsmen gifts like that, there are different gifts you can get your guys without making them match or giving them another pair of cufflinks to toss onto the dresser. For the guy who's already stocked up on cufflinks and other suit accessories, try 24 Karat Gold-Plated Brass Collar Stays. Even if he already has collar stays, he probably doesn't have any as nice as this. You can even get them engraved with his initials! For the well-dressed man, these are essential groomsmen gifts, and ones he'll use for years to keep his look business or black tie ready. If he's already too stocked up on accessories and losing track of little things, go for groomsmen gifts of the Frazier Leather Valet Tray, a far superior alternative to hunting through stores for the manliest jewelry box you can find. You can get it personalized too, so there's no doubt who the keys, cufflinks, loose change and more belongs to. Forgetful types can set your Save the Date there so they have a reminder whenever they go to their dresser to hunt through the sock drawer for a matching pair. If you don't want to give them anything to add to their suit or their dresser, give them groomsmen gifts to make sure they look good before they even put the suit on. If your groomsmen are scruffy types, send a subtle hint about tidying up with The Art of Shaving Groomsmen Kit. If they look confused, tell them you're concerned that they might be mistaken for a hobo who's stolen a tuxedo if they don't do something about the five o'clock shadow - it's your call whether or not you confess that really, your fiance just made you promise to get your groomsmen presentable for the big day. If things are really dire, grooming-wise, upgrade to the Eleven Piece Manicure/Shave Set. If your groomsmen work with their hands, they probably don't have the nicest looking set of nails, which you probably didn't notice until your fiance mentioned it. Since the guys' night out trip to the nail salon trend has yet to catch on, giving these sets as groomsmen gifts is an easy way to guarantee that your friends look picture-perfect on the wedding day. Even if you like them the way they are, your fiance will definitely appreciate the immaculate pictures she gets out of it.

Read more

Tuxedos: How to Look Like Cary Grant on Your Wedding Day (and Not Someone On His Way To The Prom)

by Chris Pierce First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LET YOUR BRIDE DRESS YOU. You are, in all likelihood, one of the many thousands of men walking this earth who actually dress themselves without the help of a woman. If you can walk down the street without being pointed at and ridiculed by small children, then you're ready to join us as we enter into the intimidating world of men's fashion (Besides, your fiancee would rather you look like some sort of six foot tall "KEN Doll.") This way, please... Option 1 - Tuxedos vs. All Others: This is an easy one. When in doubt, pull out any Cary Grant movie, and take a look at the "King of Panache," in his black tuxedo and bow tie. In his day, he was admired by men and lusted after by women. This man had "it." We mere mortals can only hope to capture "it" for that fleeting moment known as our Wedding Day. Cary knew something about how to light the fire within any woman. He did it with a tuxedo and a black tie. If your affair is of a less formal nature (i.e. Morning or daytime wedding, and in particular, outdoors) you may forgo the tuxedo for a suit. The suit should be a solid color, with a solid color shirt and tie. If you are being married poolside at your hotel in Hawaii, you may then invoke the little known "Don Ho" rule, and wear your Hawaiian Shirt and shorts; but please, skip the flip-flops ("Tiny bubbles in the wine_.") Option 2 - Buying Or Renting Tuxedos. Renting tuxedos is an extremely popular choice, and requires little or no imagination. Allow me to paint the typical renting scenario: You show up with the groomsmen and the rest of the bridal party at some storefront tuxedos place. The guy with the measuring tape will inevitably be wearing more gold jewelry than Mr. T. and he will only listen to the bride as she proceeds to dress all of you as she sees fit! Remember what it was like to be with Mom in a department store as a child: She'd dress you in clothes that were uncomfortable, ugly, or most likely, both. That's what this experience can be like. On the other hand, when renting tuxedos, you usually get everything you need in one shot - The tuxedo, the shirt, the studs, the cufflinks and sometimes even those horrible plastic shoes. It's the total package. Now, with this vision in mind, get out a picture from your High School Prom and take a good, long look. If you resemble a young Jerry Lewis instead of Cary Grant, then DO NOT RENT! BUY! For the price of two rentals, you can have yourself a fine, all wool tuxedo that is tailored for your body, that doesn't have an adjustable waist pants and no one has ever thrown up on it. Tuxedo Styles. When it comes to color, your choices are basically Black, Black, and Black. Did Cary Grant ever wear Powder Blue tuxedos? Single-breasted suits are available in either traditional two button jackets or more fashionable one or three button models (JFK Jr. went with a three button; 'nuff said). Remember, only button the top two buttons on a three button and the top one on a two button. The one button jacket is great for the stout gent, while the two button will work for most, and the three button looks good on guys who've yet to gain the "freshman fifteen" (If you don't know what that is, don't ask; you get to find our the hard way...). Double Breasted suits come with either shawl (rounded lapels) or peak (pointy lapels). For most, it's a matter of personal preference. The DB Peak lapel is the most formal tuxedo. If you're extra short or wide, stay with the single breasted. As far as shirts are concerned, tell your bride how you'll match her dress. Most wear white, so a white shirt is usually in order. Some brides will choose an off white dress, in which case you'll have to look a little harder but you should be able to find an off white shirt. Trust me, on the day of the wedding, it will look much whiter. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is a true tuxedo shirt. The shirt placket should be textured like a pique polo shirt or pleated, and it will usually have the little wing collar. In regards to the pleats, try to remember Cary Grant, not Elmer J. Fudd. Tie: Here's another color choice for you...BLACK! Try and be valiant and go with a self tying bow tie. Cary always did. Make sure it is pre-tied on your wedding day; Invariably, you'll be running late and your hands will be quivering so much that you'll never be able to tie a clean knot. Some super fashion plates (i.e. - JFK, Jr. above) have worn solid color neck ties. I suggest that unless you have the presence and swagger of the aforementioned, stick with the bow tie. Otherwise you might wind up looking like a guest and not the groom. Braces. Yes, my simple friends, these are "suspenders." Cary called them braces, you should too. Black with button loops are safest. Do not go with the "Mork from Ork" rainbow clips. Vest or Cummerbund. This one is truly up to you and your personal sense of style. If you're truly "fashionable challenged," use my favorite color recommendation here as well...Black. You're a Groom, not a clown (OK, well, that's a whole other article...). Either way, remember, a vest or cummerbund is worn over your braces. Shirt Studs and Cufflinks The simpler the better, tasteful silver or gold. You want these to be quiet and elegant. If you can get your hands on the set of cuff links that 007 got from "Q," you're in luck. You never know when you might need to tranquilize your mother-in-law. Shoes Here's where you must heed my advice: If you rent shoes you will regret it. Purchase a simple pair of black cap toe oxford, take them to a shoemaker and have a "spit shine" done. Bridesmaids should be able to fix their makeup in your shine. Additional Advice If you are buying a tuxedo, find a salesperson who is dressed well. You also want to be comfortable on the big day, so make sure that you get fitted properly; do not assume your size! Keep all this advice in mind, too - if you give good enough groomsmen gifts you may be taking your tuxedo expertise to a friend's wedding in the future. Follow these steps and your Bride will be impressed, you'll have your moment in the sun and Cary Grant will smile upon you from the "big soiree in the sky." Chris Pierce lives and works in New York City. He spends Friday Nights watching rented videos of classic movies and reading GQ magazine.

Read more

Tuxedo Guide

So you missed your senior prom, managed to miss out on groomsmen gifts by side stepping your way out of attending weddings and have not been selected as a nominee to receive the Pulitzer Prize award yet. Now you're engaged and it's time to wear your first tuxedo. Can you keep this string of luck alive and side step your way out of this one too? Nope. Get prepared. The tux might be the most important element of the wedding process for grooms (followed by choosing the right groomsmen gifts. Hey, you only have so many responsibilities). You want to look good, giving off an air of calm and coolness as the beads of sweat trickle down your temples. Do your research. Be patient and have a game plan that is flexible before you meet with a tuxedo sales person. Have patience trying on various styles. No tuxedos fit the same, just as no body type looks the same. Just because it looked good on Fabio in your fiance's Modern Bride magazine, doesn't mean it will look good on your five foot eight dumpy frame. Hey, this is your best chance to make you and your boys look like studs. To help you get started, we've prepared a brief overview of tuxedos. Tuxedos History 101: Tuxedos first came to America around 1886 when James Potter brought the look from England. He began wearing his new jacket to the Tuxedo Club in upstate New York. Other men quickly followed, going to the their local tailors and asking to copy the jacket made popular by James at the Tuxedo Club...and so the tux was born. The 1920's saw the introduction of the pleated dress shirt, and accessories such as cufflinks and the double-breasted tuxedo. Hollywood began promoting the tuxedo look during the depression era of the 1930's because black and white photographed well. The white dinner jacket also became popular with the growing popularity of warm weather resorts. Color television began in the 1950's, popularizing a variety of colorful accessories with formal wear designs such as red suspenders and printed handkerchiefs. The 1960's and 1970's saw a break from tradition as pant bottoms flared out, bow ties widened and putting one's personal signature on a tux became normal protocol. The 1990's have seen a turn back to the traditional tuxedo styles as cigars, classic cars, single malt scotch and jazz music are back in vogue. However, you can still put your personal stamp on the tuxedo with accessories and even the unorthodox sneaker look. Where To Go: Tuxedos can be purchased from three different kinds of retailers: formal wear stores, men's wear stores, and bridal salons. Avoid going to a shop that does not specialize in formal wear. You'll also want to be comfortable, so don't settle for something that's going to make you look like a mannequin. You'll want to give yourself at least two months before your wedding to make your selection and schedule fittings. Plan on making three visits to the store. The first should be with your fiance so she can help coordinate colors with the bridesmaids and give opinions on potential styles. The next visit should be with your groomsmen and ushers to pick out a specific style and to take everyone's measurements. The final visit is one or two days prior to the wedding when you will try on your tuxedos and take them with you. It's common to pick out a style for yourself that is different from the groomsmen, but make sure you all are coordinated, and if you're going high-end, consider buying the tuxes for your boys as groomsmen gifts. Keep an open mind about choosing tuxedos when you walk into a store. You might have a particular style in mind, but once you try it on, it might not suit you. Choose the best cut for your body type and the right color for your skin tone. This is key! After all, you don't want that god-awful greenish yellow tone to your face on your wedding day, making people wonder if you were trying to suffocate yourself prior to the ceremony...right? For out of town attendants, have them go to a local formal wear store to get their measurements. Formal wear retailers will provide this service at no charge as an industry standard and courtesy to other stores. The whole procedure should only take ten minutes. And, make sure everyone gets a final fitting a day or so before the Big Day! Tuxedos Styles: There are several tuxedo jacket styles to choose from. There's the single-breasted traditional look, three-buttoned fashion-forward style, and the six-buttoned contemporary look. Tails create a more formal look and should be knee length. Three standard lapel styles include the Shawl collar, Notch collar and peaked lapel. Neckwear options include the bow tie, a double-knot tie that folds over the chest called an Ascot, the four-in-hand formal tie that looks similar to a business tie or the button cover, similar to a large stud, worn over the top button. Vests or cummerbunds (a material used to cover your waistband) should complement your bow tie and jacket. Formal shirts are pleated, with either the classic turndown collar or the more dramatic wing look. Accessories such as studs and cuff links in black onyx or pearl are safe choices. The person handling the flower arrangements should pick out the boutonniere, usually one flower. The Cost: It is risky to shop for price alone if renting. What separates one place from another is the way the tux is cared for, the number of times it has been rented and how shop worn it is. In most stores, you'll find tuxedos from popular designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Perry Ellis, Bill Blass and Ralph Lauren. Prices will vary, usually ranging from $100 - $150 for each rental. You will be bombarded with various wedding specials, but they all basically net out to be the same - a free tux for you when you purchase at least five tuxedos for the wedding party. Keep in mind that your groomsmen are responsible for paying for their own tuxedo rentals unless you want to spring for the cost as groomsmen gifts. Buying a tuxedo is another option. A man will potentially wear a formal suit an average of 6-8 times over a lifetime. The prices generally range from $300 - $1,000, so in the end, it may be a wise investment (and hey, according to national statistics, there is a 50/50 chance you will need a tux for your second wedding anyway). Your Best Man: The best man has some key responsibilities when it comes to the tuxedo. He should help you get dressed on the day of the wedding, return your tuxedo the day after the wedding, as well as make sure the groomsmen return their tuxedos. Make sure your best man is "up-to-speed" on his duties. If he's busy hitting on the bridesmaids at the reception, feel free to remind him that his job description includes all of the above. In Conclusion: Start figuring out what you like. Do a little research through one of the search engines on the internet and check out the formal wear ads in the bridal magazines (Make your fiance buy them - you don't buy her feminine hygiene products, do you?). If that doesn't work rent a couple of James Bond movies for true inspiration! Keep in mind that May and June are typically the busiest months for retailers of tuxedos with the prom and wedding season kicking into high gear, so try to avoid these months if possible. Gentlemen, I wish you good luck and keep breathing!

Read more

The Pocket Watch

In Celtic Irish tradition, natives engraved the faces of great mythological heroes - such the fierce warrior Cuchulainn or Luga the Sun god - onto the cases of pocket watches, thus inscribing them a permanent place of honor and posterity. On your wedding, commemorate the great heroes by your side, your groomsmen, while endowing them with a little Irish luck with your groomsmen gifts. Undoubtedly all your groomsmen are heroic to you in some way, accomplishing great feats both during your wedding process and throughout your friendship, and a pocket watch is appropriate and traditional for giving as groomsmen gifts to thank your groomsmen for their important role in your life. Also, some of your buddies may not have the natural skills that propelled you into nuptial bliss, and might need a little extra help landing a lady. Being as the watch is the traditional sign of secret betrothal in Ireland, (not a bad pickup line by the way) a pocket watch as a lucky talisman may be the token your groomsman needs to get his game off the ground. Adding an old world touch of sophistication and luxury to an otherwise scruffy bachelor, today's pocket watches are still easily engraved, allowing you to tell your friend what a hero he is to you, while upping his elegance ante at the same time. Consider purchasing your guys groomsmen gifts of a high polish pocket watch, featuring a 1.5-inch face and engravable closure, attached by a masculine removable 12-inch braided chain. Another choice might be a silver pocket watch, popular for its brushed silver color and the stylish wooden box it comes in, adding a certain panache to the presentation. Also comes on a removable chain for the man who prefers a longer leash, but hey, that's why you're getting married and he's not, right?

Read more

A Link to Great Fashion

By Jason Ramzi There was a day when you'd search for cufflinks in the men's accessories section of a department store and you'd be lucky to find one or two styles... and they usually had dust all over them! Cufflinks were the afterthought of men's fashion. These days, when taking a walk through the men's accessories department, the cufflinks have been dusted off and are displayed front and center. This shift is primarily thanks to the resurgence of the French Cuff Shirt which has become so popular and must be worn with cufflinks. We, on the other hand, have always believed in the fashion value of a nice classic pair of cufflinks. They are more than just a fashion statement, they are a sophisticated way of finishing off a look. This, of course, rings even more true when it comes to outfitting your groomsmen for your wedding. Cufflinks make the perfect groomsmen gift, but it is also important to keep their fashion style post-wedding in mind. After all, your groomsmen may wear them well beyond the wedding, possibly to the boardroom or for a hot night out on the town. Some purchasing tips to keep in mind if your groomsmen are more of the conservative types, we recommend the classic round silver cufflinks, which can be monogrammed. These cufflinks look smashing with a crisp white French Cuff Shirt. If your groomsmen are a bit more fashion daring, then you might consider breaking from the traditional round cufflink to an oval design, available in both high polished silver and brushed silver, or you might consider a square design in silver or high polished brass. Now if your groomsmen really like to step out on the edge of fashion, complement their efforts with two of our more funky cufflink designs. First, the Marlon Brushed Cufflink. It's rectangular shape and slotted sides give it a completely untraditional, fashion forward look. This is the cufflink they'll wear with a bold colored shirt (not at your wedding of course). Another option is the typewriter cufflink still funky, but with a more vintage feel. These cufflinks are made with genuine keys from the typewriters of yesteryear (you do remember what a typewriter is, don't you?). Need a shift key or an @ key? How about the B and R keys for his initials? These cufflinks are definitely show stoppers and are sure to get the attention of everybody who sees them. All we can say is if you plan on getting the typewriter cufflinks for your groomsmen, you'd better get yourself a pair so they don't end up showing you up at your own wedding. Whether traditional, edgy or funky you can't go wrong with a great pair of cufflinks!

Read more

Cufflinks

By Howard K. Brodwin Crave some groovin' groomsmen gifts? By now, we've all been exposed to the renaissance of those halcyon days of bachelor pad swinging-ness - pork pie hats, tie pins, French cuff shirts, swing dancing, Martinis, "you're so money!" and all that other jazz. All the "cool cats and kittens" may be behind us now, but fellas, we've been left a legacy thought to be lost with pops or granddad. Cufflinks are that readily available accoutrement needed to give the razor sharp suit you're sporting a touch of subtle sparkle. So when you're pondering groomsmen gifts, keep them in mind. These miniature works of art run the gamut from small and discreet to oversized and outrageous, from traditional and refined to trendy and whimsical. Cufflinks often express the wearer's success-jewel-encrusted precious metals, dollar signs and moneybags. Exclusive social, religious and political logos, and indulgences such as cigars, cannabis leaves, playing cards, dice and liquor bottles are popular themes. Diminutive versions of carpenter tools, typewriter keys, the NY Stock Exchange logo, stamps and coins hint at one's occupation or hobbies. Basically, these versatile groomsmen gifts celebrate everything guys love! Such cufflinks look best on a French Cuff Shirt. What is a "French cuff" shirt, you may ask? This simply means that there are no buttons on the sleeves - the cuffs fold over once, doubling the material at the four matched up holes that your cufflink passes through and fastens. Men's shirts have been through numerous metamorphoses over the centuries, at one point covering not only the arms, but most of the hands as well. The sleeves were usually loose fitting, often ending with a flourish of lace ruffles. Today's French-cuff shirt wearer is likely a more devoted cufflink collector simply because he's made the decision to make his links a "necessity" rather than an "accessory." Help your other friends catch on with these gentlemanly groomsmen gifts! According to the National Cufflink Society, there is evidence of cuff fasteners in ancient hieroglyphics and even in King Tut's crypt. The introduction of the French cuff in the mid 1600's moved the cufflink from the realm of practicality to personal adornment, as royalty commonly wore these decorated cuff fasteners. In the late 1700's, new link styles appeared and were soon adopted by the middle class and tradesmen. By the 1840's cufflinks were usually found in the form of gold, silver, or pearl buttons held together by metal, often brass chain. That means guys could have been giving cufflinks as groomsmen gifts centuries ago! During the Industrial Revolution in the 1860's, the development of precious metal electroplating afforded the masses a look that was formerly beyond their means. In the 1880's, around the time removable starched cuffs and collars were introduced, George Krementz patented a device adapted from a Civil War cartridge shell-making machine that produced one-piece collar buttons and cufflinks. Almost every major U.S. business company during the first half of the twentieth century commissioned cufflinks either for advertising purposes or as gift incentives for employees or executives. The Roaring 20's were probably the height of cuff-link invention. Manufacturers created a variety of devices and designs to do one simple thing: allow a man to insert and remove his cufflinks with a minimum of difficulty and a maximum of security. Now there are a wide variety of mechanisms for open and closing cufflinks - some feature the classic flip-hinge, there are designs that twist off and some that screw apart. There are little chains that link the two sections together and the one-piece dumbbell type, in which the same design is repeated in a smaller s ize on the ball that passes through the cuff. Hey, why not get creative and set up a "speakeasy" in which to hand out these twenties-era groomsmen gifts? Cufflink use may have had its peak during the 1960s. According to Arthur Gately, a senior vice president for cufflink manufacturer Swank Inc., "In the late 1960s, we were producing 12 million pairs of cufflinks a year." Even though these were aimed at the lowest end of the market, retailing for an average of $2.50 a pair, that still adds up to a lot of men wearing French-cuff shirts. Now Swank makes about 150,000 to 200,000 pairs a year. The resurgent popularity of cufflinks in recent years inspired businessman Claude Jeanloz to open The Cufflink Museum in Conway, New Hampshire, in the late 1990's. Jeanloz, who obtained his first pair as a confirmation gift from his godmother, began collecting cufflinks in the mid 1960s. After amassing a large number of them, he decided to establish the Cufflink Museum, which features over 70,000 pairs on display in 10,000 square feet - by far the largest collection in the world. Though it's difficult to precisely date the pair, the museum's oldest links are from the late 1700s. Also on display are cufflink memorabilia such as vintage cufflink ads, photos and even album covers featuring performers wearing cufflinks like The Beatles and Bob Dylan (take a look at the cover of his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home...) as well as photos of famous politicians, including John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev at the United Nations, both wearing cufflinks. Needless to say, this is your chance to give groomsmen gifts with some culture behind them. Perhaps the most famous and expensive pairs of cufflinks-they sold at auction for $440,000 in 1987-was a gift from Wallis Simpson to Edward, the soon-to-be king of England. As recounted by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson in their book Cufflinks, the diamonds set in platinum, with baguette diamonds forming the initials E. and W., were custom ordered by Simpson in 1935. An accompanying set of buttons and studs were inscribed with "Hold Tight." We know at this point you've forgotten all about groomsmen gifts and just want to get some cool cufflinks for yourself. If you'd like to know more about cufflinks, check out the National Cufflink Society at www.cufflink.com. Get on board with fellow "linkers" (a term that cufflink buffs often use to refer to other collectors), learn about how to start collecting, the history of cufflinks and (pardon the pun) links to sites all about, well...links! Howard lives in Los Angeles, CA and owns 4 pairs of cufflinks - his favorite ones feature a miniature 1963 MG TDC convertible.

Read more

Tuxedos Q&A

(Courtesy of Tuxedos4u) I'm a guy who lives in jeans. How do I begin to shop for a tuxedo? Relax. Tuxedos and tailcoats are basically dressed up suits. They are fitted the same way. Traditionally, the size and formality of the wedding determine the groom's attire. Another important factor is the Bride's gown. Once these are decided, and maybe while you're shopping for groomsmen gifts online, browse some of the tuxedo pages on the web to see what's current. How do I find my best look? If your style is traditional, you'll be most comfortable in a classic tuxedo or tailcoat. Contemporary dressers may prefer more current colors and fabrics. Should I rent or buy? Unless you go to a lot of formal affairs or enjoy walking around in a tuxedo, you should rent. If your groomsmen are not rolling in wealth, consider renting their tuxes for them as groomsmen gifts. What are the newest trends in formalwear? While black endures as the groom's #1 color, navy & gray are gaining popularity for semi-formal weddings. If you feel a little more daring try Raffinati's Platinum & Bronze Collections. These metal colors are very hot with bridesmaids and these tuxedos will finish the look. Or just get groomsmen gifts of cufflinks. Are formalwear rules different in the summer? A black tuxedo is perfect in every season. However, fashion experts say white & ivory is best (and cooler in the heat!) Should I wear a tuxedo or dinner jacket? For formal traditional weddings, a tuxedo or tailcoat worn with matching formal trousers is preferred. A dinner jacket worn with formal black trousers is appropriate for a semi-formal wedding, especially in warmer weather. How do the Ushers get fitted? If your Ushers live locally, they can visit the formalwear specialist you've selected. If they are out of town, your formalwear specialist will supply measurement cards for you to mail them. Have the Ushers select a local store, go for a fitting then return the measurement cards to your store at least two months before the wedding. The tuxedo will be altered and ready for your wedding day. Same thing goes for groomsmen, if you can't get them to come tux shopping with you by bribing them with groomsmen gifts.

Read more

Bow Ties

I'll be rising a half-hour early tomorrow, and if there are no interruptions and I am completely unmolested I hope to fashion a reasonably decent looking bow tie upon my neck. Why wear bow ties, you ask? Especially ones that must be tied? Maybe the best groomsmen gifts would be clip ons... While watching the moonshot anniversaries this summer, I realized Neil Armstrong was about my age when he stepped onto the surface of the moon. "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind," he said. Hey, that's what they said about personalized groomsmen gifts. If we can put a man on the moon, I can tie a bow tie, I harrumphed. I may be 37, but I'm still up to a challenge. Then I realized that of the original seven Mercury astronauts, only one wore bow ties. "The average bow tie wearer is cross-eyed from staring in a mirror for hours. He's bitter about how much of life has passed him by while he has tried to figure out this simple knot." And I hate to suggest this of an American hero, but John Glenn's might have been a fake. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing bow ties on a single one those manning the engineering consoles at Mission Control. All those physicists, all those engineers. A couple of million slide rules and they couldn't figure out the bow tie. Maybe they don't qualify as groomsmen gifts for rocket scientists. "Oh, it's easy," wearers of bow ties would say when I asked how they did it. "It's just like tying a shoe." Maybe. For months I stared endlessly into a mirror trying to pretend there was a shoe on my neck that needed tying. I ended up with a ragged knot trailing two unruly ends. It looked like I had been clothes-lined with a wicket. So I began searching for help in books about men's fashions. Luckily I had gotten a couple as groomsmen gifts a few years ago. "Men who wear bow ties are not to be trusted," one expert advised. Of course not. He can't look you straight in the face. The average bow tie wearer is cross-eyed from staring in a mirror for hours. He's bitter about how much of life has passed him by while he has tried to figure out this simple knot. Restricted blood flow to his brain from botched attempts has taken its toll. Then I found a book with instructions. "Place right forefinger, pointing up, on bottom half of hanging part. Pass-up behind front loop and poke resulting loop through knot behind front loop." I just want to learn to tie bow ties, I said wearily. This sounds like the Manhattan Project. "The LONG loop, Mr. Fermi! The LONG loop! Aauugh!" John Glenn's was a fake, I decided. "Mr. Glenn needs about three more hours," I could imagine a NASA P.R. flack advising the media, peering at the reporters over his clipboard. "He's still making final adjustments on his extra collaricular adornment device." A drawing, I decided. That's what I need. Little did I know that a diagram would only add to the confusion and make me feel even more stupid and inept. Two pairs of thin parallel lines were supposed to represent the tie. They seemed to spiral, turn, twist and writhe on the page. "I'm trippin'! Someone's slipped me acid!" I thought. Now one eye was on the mirror and the other was on the sheet of paper perched on the sink. I was going to need specially designed bifocals to use the drawing. Finally, I threw away the illustration. Dejected, I decided if I ever got married, cufflinks would be my groomsmen gifts of choice. One Sunday I spent the entire church service studying the bow tie worn by a man in the pew in front of me. I memorized the tucks and folds and dimples and twists. When I closed my eyes it was burned into my brain. I raced home and spent the afternoon trying to make my tie follow suit. In a revelation I realized that the elusive double loops-- the damn double loops that had taunted me, belittled me for months--had to be on opposite ends of the tie. Now I can tie my tie. Maybe it's not perfect. I have to hold one end in my clenched teeth to keep it away from my flailing fingers during the process. And once it's tied, it slowly unwinds counterclockwise. It's inevitable, just like the Smithsonian pendulum eventually knocks over a candle. Some hellish force of nature taking it out on me, forcing me to tip my head to the right to square the tie with my chin. But how well I tie it isn't important. The crucial thing is that I can tie my bow ties. I have accomplished something. Bring on the next challenge. I don't care how big it is. I don't care how tough it is. I laugh at it. I scorn it. First off, I will find the perfect personalized groomsmen gifts for all my friends. And then I think maybe it's time NASA had its second bow tied astronaut.

Read more

Grooming the Groom

By Paula Felps For a man to understand the way a woman views her wedding, it's important to realize that she has an expectation for every second of the wedding day, a plan for just how perfect each moment will be. This is why you see brides bursting into tears at some point during the big day. It's impossible to have that many expectations without having a few of them shattered. Men, on the other hand, don't think a lot about what they expect from that day. If they get through the ceremony without themselves or any of the groomsmen passing out or passing gas, they pretty much view the day as a success, and there will be high-fives all around at the end of the ceremony. Most of the men I know (or have married) spend much more time thinking about what they'll drink at the reception than getting ready for their big day. While their beautiful bride-to-be rises early to have her hair and nails done, the groom is sprawled naked in his bed, thinking how nice it will be to have breakfast made for him from this day forth. We can get to that unrealistic expectation another time. For the typical male, "getting ready" for his wedding is done about 90 minutes before the ceremony. For the average woman, it begins sometime around the age of 4, shortly after she realizes that a pillowcase makes an excellent bridal train. While you don't have to share your lovely bride's vision for her wedding day, there are a few adjustments you might want to make in your daily routine. Rather than jumping in the shower a few minutes before you're due at the altar and racing down the aisle with wet hair, try following these helpful wedding day grooming hints: Tuxedo Renting or buying is not important here. What is important is that you take care of it long in advance. Have that tuxedo picked, fitted, and ready no later than a week before. NailsI know it's illogical, but it's Her day. And 'better or worse' doesn't start after the wedding. Unless you do this on a regular basis, get a manicure. It's a better experience than you'd think. Hair Do you have someone you trust? Get your hair cut no later than a week before the wedding. That day-of haircut says you're a last minute man. So does wet hair. Although you may want to have a barber shave your face for a meditative shave on that big day. This kind of activity incorporates you into the sense of ritual. Bachelor Party Hang Over You've gotten all other women out of your system, do you have the party - that celebrated that - out of your system? Shoes Spare no expense. Everyone is judged on their shoes. Congratulations and good luck!

Read more

The Origin of Why Groomsmen Dress Like the Groom

GroomStand knows that you care what you look like on your wedding day. The last think you want to do is look like a jackass in a cream-colored ruffled shirt. Come on, your wedding is the most photographed day of your life. Looking your best with everyone else Isn't it ironic then, that you make such a fuss about looking your best for your wedding even though you end up wearing the same tuxedo as your groomsmen? Maybe you can pawn this off as one of your groomsmen gifts, and give your buddies a chance to stand at the altar and share in your good looks. But the reality is, your buddies are dressing up just like you because someone told you that's what you're supposed to do. Welcome to another round of Groomsmen origin stories, where we at GroomStand.com give you our take on some of the bizarre and unexplained wedding traditions. Why do groomsmen dress like the groom? This origin story feeds off the story of the original groomsmen. Back in the Dark Ages, when a wedding party triumphantly returned from capturing a bride from a neighboring village, it was common practice for that scorned village to cast a curse on the new bride and groom. When it came to the wedding day, men and women in the wedding party would dress identical to the bride and groom so they could confuse those pesky evil demons sent from other village. It's never explained if anyone reasoned that the other people in the wedding party should have an equal opportunity of being cursed, but the logic seemed to work and it gave an outstanding cop out excuse if the couple wasn't compatible. Many different cultures have borrowed and manipulated this tradition to make it what we practice today. So you're at the altar, make sure you thank your ghostbusting groomsmen by presenting these Luxe Rectangular Rhodium Cufflinks as stylish groomsmen gifts to ensure your wedding party matches to the slightest detail.

Read more

The Mad Men Guide to Groomsmen Gifts

You may not work in a glossy Madison Avenue ad agency, but other than that you and your buddies are pretty much identical to the guys on Mad Men. You drink. You make risque jokes. You're totally brilliant yet critically under-appreciated. If you are at a loss for what to get your guys as groomsmen gifts, take a cue from AMC's surprise hit show Mad Men. Not only can you get great gift inspiration, you can bill your hours spent in front of the tube as "groomsmen gifts' research." Roger Sterling would be proud. Speaking of which, let's read on..... Groomsmen Gifts for the Roger Sterling of the Group Every groomsmen posse includes a wizened elderly mentor who regales his younger cronies with war stories of fast times, beautiful women and daring brushes with danger. The groomsmen look up to him. The bride has her doubts about the so-called "wisdom" but can never help but squelch a smile over the old guy's charm. For the Roger Sterling in the group, it's all about iconic groomsmen gifts that pay homage to his classic bachelor status. (On a marital note: did you know the actress Talia Balsam that plays Roger's wife Mona on Mad Men is his wife in real life too!? Awww...) For Roger, only these elegant monogrammed drinking tumblers will do! Add elegance to your buddy's liquid lunches (is there any other kind?) with these refined personalized groomsmen gifts. Groomsmen Gifts for the Ken Cosgrove in Your Group Next up, what else to get for the golden boy but a gold-plated golf club? Ken Cosgrove ("I'm Ken!") is arguably the most All-American of the Mad Men bunch. Cosgrove is the smooth-talking account manager with all the swagger that natural athletic ability provides-although his writing success does suggest hidden depths. For the all-around "good guy" in your group, you can't lose with sports groomsmen gifts to remind him of his favorite pastimes. Unless you're Salvatore, in which case you'll probably want to get him this pen to remind him of his more...."literary" side. Groomsmen Gifts for the Don Draper in the Group From the golden boy to the dark horse! There is only one brand of groomsmen gifts that work for the enigma that is Don Draper. They have to be classic, dapper, and not-to-personal. When it comes to groomsmen gifts for the man in the gray flannel suit, there is only one choice. We speak of course, of the ever classy, ever ubiquitous personalized Zippo lighter. From the second Don lights up in the Mad Men pilot "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" it's hard to tell through the smokescreen what drives this mysterious, occasionally compassionate character. The lighter is the perfect present for such a smoldering guy, and the personalization will be a helpful hint when he's stealing identities. If you've got a man with a past in your groomsmen party, a guy a little more strong and silent than the rest, classic smoking groomsmen gifts are a good non-invasive choice. Groomsmen Gifts for the Salvatore in the Group For the man who watches Jackie Kennedy's fashion with anything but abject boredom, only personalized grooming accessories will do. Salvatore may be suffering the repression of the not-yet-swinging sixties, but that doesn't mean he can't appreciate beauty and pampering in his own home. For your buddy who's cool with "manscaping" and who doesn't mind a little good-natured ribbing about his Planet Beach membership, grooming groomsmen gifts are the way to go! Follow these instructions, and your groomsmen gifts can also be a surprise hit! Shop Groomstand for personalized groomsmen gifts for the whole cast.

Read more