Etchings From the Man Cave: John Varvatos

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This guy is just plain COOL. Maybe I'm partial to John Varvatos because he is a Detroit native (ok, I am), but lets face it the fella defines "swagga." As an award winning fashion designer. His influence is definitely old school motor city rock and roll, not in a glitzy glam way. Varvatos designs with an aesthetic that is true to his Midwest roots. Its a mans-man style that is functional and comfortable but tough and has a beat all its own. Clothes a guy would actually wear. His pieces are on trend but not trend-y.  He made the lace-less Converse popular and continues to design cutting edge looks for the classic brand. His latest campaign features musicians Gary Clark, Jr. and the legendary Jimmy Page. Pretty solid endorsement, don't ya think? 

Now, John Varvatos has taken on the ultimate homage to Detroit through his collaboration with Chrysler on the Limited Edition John Varvatos Chrysler 300C and he is legit. This isn't just a "here's my name now go market it" venture. Varvatos is a car enthusiast who even spent time working for the automaker during his youth. The signature details in the vehicle include all the elements that his fashion line is known for. "The seats match the rich leather of jackets.  The dashboard mirrors the face of timepieces. The metal trims are inspired by the titanium bottle accents of fragrances." -johnvarvatos.com

If a Varvatos 300C isn't in the budget, you can still impress the ladies Varvatos style. This week curl up on the couch with your gal and turn on "Fashion Star." You can impress her with your knowledge of the wickedly talented John Varvatos, one of the shows celeb judges. You'll probably earn some points for watching it with her of your own free will too. The bonus, you can absorb more of J.V.'s signature style pointers and impress your lady at the same time! (Just a little insider tip from yours truly. Glad to help.) Rock on!

Etchings from the Man Cave: You Don't Have To Live In A Brown House

When I met my wonderful hubs, he was living as so many single men do, in a house decorated in 50 shades of brown and beige. (We currently have a moratorium on any brown items coming into our home...unless they are shoes or chocolate.) There seems to be a gravitation for men to use browns in their space because it is a safe neutral and has masculine vibe. (bor-ing). Or maybe they really just don't care..or both. There is a solution fellas! Don't worry I won't adorn your space in lace and flowers, but I will pull a couple stripes from the rainbow to liven up your dude-ish digs. I've chosen a few popular retailers that are easy to find and selected their best picks.  The formula is easy to follow, pick one of the colors below and add a couple items like a throw pillow, shower curtain, towels or dinnerware in that color. Next, all of these colors coordinate very well with brown, black, gray or white neutrals so you can keep what you have and build on it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

jcp.com Shower Curtain $32

jcp.com Flatware $13/5

Green:  I don't mean olive or camouflage. Nothing wrong with those shades but for this project we are going bold. The color of the year for 2013 is Emerald Green and its not hard to find. JcPenney has an entire line dedicated to each of these colors called PANTONE Universe. The pillow below is an example, but they also have bedding, accessories and towels in the same color.

jcp.com Throw Pillow  $37

cb2.com Chair $499

Macys.com Lacoste Bath Towel $17.99

Blue: When you think of a blue manly room it usually means a nautical themed (Raise your hand if you have a Nautica comforter!) shade of navy with a splash of plaid. This time we are getting off the ship and diving right into the vibrant tropical seas. Again, JcPenney has this blue bedding set featured in their PANTONE Universe collection along with other home items ready to go together. IKEA is also a great place to shop for a specific color. You can find a variety of items all matching from furniture to lamps and bedding.

jcp.com Bedding Set $120  

westelm.com Dinnerware $20 - $40

cb2.com  Dresser $499.00

Ikea.com Coffee Table $49.99

Orange: A break from the typical red and black color combo, orange is still modern but with some punch and a bit mid-century modern to satisfy your retro side. JcPenney and IKEA offer a lot of orange options, but some not as well known retailers like cb2 (which is Crate & Barrel's more modern store) and West Elm (from the Pottery Barn family) have great options for colorful but masculine bedding and accessories.

jcp.com Lamp $50 

cb2.com  Bedding $60 - $169

Target.com Throw Pillow $24.99

cb2.com Sofa Sleeper $999

So, whether you are upgrading your home or apartment, you are a sister helping your bro decorate, or a mom with a growing son, think outside the usual manly decor trends. There are creative and colorful ways to incorporate personal style into a guy friendly space on any budget. Make it fun and comfortable and any fella will feel right at home. Where's the remote?...Ta!

Etchings From The Man Cave Monday: Tying a Proper Tie

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I attended a parochial school and boys were required to wear ties. Back in the day, the wide ties were in, but by high school it was all about the skinny tie. (and the mullet).  I remember guys running around school with these oddly tied strips of leather and fabric hanging awkwardly around their necks. Not a good look. So imagine my shock, when the hubs and I were shopping recently and he picked up a knit reincarnation of the skinny tie and said with excitement how much he wanted one! He missed them. Really? Well they are back fellas. (but the mullet is NOT). In an effort to prevent the tie faux pas' of the past, I'm here to help. (Insert girl flying with cape here). There are different ways to tie a tie. Depending on the width, fabric and look you are going for, there is an art to the knot.  So, I compiled some of the best tutorials I could find to share with you.

First, for my wonderful husband the skinny:



Next, you can never go wrong with a properly tied classic full Windsor: (Sorry, on some browsers this link is acting a little wonky and shows the "skinny" link again.  If you watch the first one, it should roll to the full Windsor..or so I hope:) Working on a fix!

Just to be different, you should try the Eldredge knot just once. You will be sure to dazzle:



Finally, for the dapperest of dude, the bow tie. It's not just for weddings and proms anymore. Pair it with jeans for a look that is funky and edgy. It should never be printed on a t-shirt and worn as a tuxedo:



Even an inexpensive tie can look crisp and finished if it is tied properly. Time to kick up your style fellas. No clip on ties aloud! Ever.Ta!