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Men’s manicures are considered taboo by some closed minded guys. “The nail salon is for a real man,” some say. “The man takes refuge in his cave,” claim others. “The woman flees her kitchen for a few short hours in a nice comfy chair, hand outstretched, chatting with her girlfriends and getting primped,” say some misguided bros. Woah! How many people did we just offend?
The truth is, to say only women should get manicures is very similar to insisting the woman’s place is in the home. Gender is no reason not to groom. Tidy, cared-for nails should adorn every finger, male and female alike. We would also like to say MANicures have no magical, emasculating side effects. Ladies appreciate tidy nails on their men too so don’t run around fearing you’re gay. (This is 2016, gentlemen.) Still not converted? Let’s break down the benefits of the MANicure in more detail.
You’ve got to take pride in how you look. That’s the reason you shave, press your jacket, straighten your tie. There are dozens of online tutorials analyzing how a woman’s eyes travel over your outfit, down your body, so you know exactly how to prepare. I hate to tell you, but these rules apply to the manicure as well. Believe it or not, on a sit-down date, the first thing she’ll look at is your face, then straight down at your hands. Grungy nails will make an immediate negative impression. She’ll fear you’re careless, or worse, an absolute slob. Take this grooming tip if you want to get to the second date. Manicure those nails, dude.
Would you turn down a mini-massage! Refusing a manicure will deprive you of some relaxing touches. Not girlfriend is jumping at the chance to rub your gross feet. Don’t pretend like you don’t enjoy it. Construction workers and policemen frequent salon halls, so why shouldn’t you? It’s especially vital if your a guitar or bass player. Your man cave is awesome, but so is lounging in a cushy armchair as someone pampers you. The manicure is surprisingly refreshing. Your hands will feel fresh and properly scrubbed for the week. It’s easier and more time efficient than doing it yourself, too.
A good manicure lures you in like a cheap beer and a burrito. Well, maybe not yet, but hear us out. Ease back and soak in the soothing atmosphere. There’s a notable difference between chilling with friends and taking time to relax alone – and it’s productive. The nail salon will have you feeling confident in your hand swag and it can also ease your mind. A healthy psychological escape, why not pay people to focus solely on your wellbeing for a bit? Talk if you want. Sleep if you want. Every guy needs some genuine freedom.
You use your hands for everything. You work with them, you pick your nose with them, you touch your significant other with them. Manicures are less excessive than we make them out to be. You hands need some amount of attention. They need to be trimmed, rubbed, and exfoliated.The bottom tip of your nail, your cuticle, also needs attention. Cleaning these areas will prevent dry skin, chipped nails, in-grown nails, and infections. Men’s manicures aren’t prissy. It’s legitimately healthy and pretty damn great. If you know you’re not going to bother doing it, let a professional.
Thus, ends our defense of men’s manicures. It’s healthy, it’s hot, and it’s hygienic. As we become more aware of what maintains our health, we judge procedures like manicures on their merit rather than their reputation. Thanks to a California trend, nail salons exclusively for men have been popping up all over the country in recent years, some even serve booze. So stop picking your nose and don’t let groomed fingernails be a male taboo. If you own it, it’s not weird. Your hands, and your dates, will thank you.
Who couldn’t use some vacation packing tips? How often have you stared blankly into your closet debating what’s important for an upcoming getaway? When a trip is on the horizon, there is so much planning to do! It’s overwhelming. You have to plan your flight, hotel, and excursions. There’s barely any time to think about what to bring.
If you’re an avid traveler, you certainly research the best places to eat, clubs to explore, and landmarks to take in. But you have to plan what you’re going to wear as you do all these exciting things – and to have clothing for every occasion. Before you know it, your bed is covered in mismatched outfits and the rest of the planning comes to a screeching halt. Anxiety sets in. You bust out the bottle of wine and let out a long sigh.
Packing for a vacation can easily turn into a chore. Endless options can lead to utter chaos. It’s tempting to just bring everything with you – no matter how many suitcases it takes. Don’t let the insanity get to you. Those baggage fees will cause some serious regret later on. These vacation packing tips will help you prepare efficiently so you’re confident and stylish.
Making a list of items will easily help you narrow down what you need vs. what you want. Visually seeing your items written out is the best way to narrow them down. Start with the essentials, then your basic clothing items, then the outfits for specific occasions. This will greatly help you organize your thoughts while packing for your vacation.
If the number of outfits you have is causing you panic, you can be sure you have pieces that will mix and match well. You don’t have to craft 12 completely different outfits for a ten-day trip. A few diverse skirts and tops can be combined in many different ways. If you think this way, two skirts and three tops could last you a week. It may sound unnerving but all you need is some creativity.
If it’s bulky or not versatile, you don’t need it. There is no crime in leaving bags and jewelry behind because they take up too much space. You’re only going to be without for a little while, and to free yourself from your typical everyday routine can be refreshing! The minimalistic approach is envious for many of us overpackers, so treat this time as an experiment. Worst-case scenario, you can pick up an item while you’re there.
To make combinations even easier, find specific colors and patterns that fit the theme of your vacation. Blues and yellows for a beach weekend, and grays mixed with orange for a business city trip. If you want a more in-depth guide on how to mix-match colors and patterns, see out Guide to Mixing and Matching.
Whether on a plane or in the car, your body can be a secret suitcase! Wear a few extra layers if you find a few of the items you really want to bring won’t fit in your luggage. Keep your travel outfit tied in with your other pieces. Decide on it after you’ve narrowed your wardrobe choices.
You might yell at us when you realize what we’re about to suggest. Of course, leave room in your suitcase for a few items you might find while you’re out on your adventure. Here’s the real game-changer though. Only pack for occasions that you are definitely doing. Before you throw your hands up in exasperation, there is a method to this madness. Let an invitation or unexpected formal event be an excuse to go shopping! It might lead to a more informed, memorable addition to your wardrobe since the piece will be for something very specific.
There you have it, ladies. Packing for your vacation doesn’t have to lead you to a mental breakdown. Simplicity and figuring out what’s absolutely necessary will guide you to vacation packing dominance!
Grocery shopping in New York City? We can hear the incredulity in your voice. You were preparing for another cheap delivery pizza, weren’t you? (Alright. Cheap is a relative term.) The prospect of grocery shopping in NYC is daunting. If you brave long lines and high prices only to have your bag rip on the subway, you’ll have a lot more than minor ‘hangriness’ to control. As a hard-working New Yorker, you deserve better. You deserve a pleasant shopping experience and the opportunity to fix a warm, home-cooked meal. Unfortunately, we can’t offer you indestructible bags. (We recommend investing in a canvas bag for your grocery needs.) What we can offer is a list of the 5 best grocery stores in New York. Their bags may be average, but the prices sure aren’t!
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Grab a basket and start your sausage party! We hope it’s scrumptious (and far less raunchy than the Seth Rogen-Evan Goldberg film).
Bookstores in NYC are not only iconic for housing hundreds of inspiring books but also being an inspiration in themselves. New York City is known for its relationship with writers and therefore also its bookstores. A City that fathered voices like Walt Whitman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Langston Hughes deserves to be filled with bookshops that conjure the voices of writing geniuses. Stroll through Chelsea or Greenwich Village and you’ll get an eyeful of PDA between book lovers and the Big Apple. There are warehouses flooded with books from floor to ceiling, corner stops cushioned with beanbags, and specialty stores for the genre-specific. This list merely scratches the surface, but we had to start somewhere. Hopefully this will peak your interest in New York City bookstores, sparking further exploration! Let’s us begin…
192 BOOKS
The lovechild of Paula Cooper and her husband, 192 Books offers literature of lasting interest on a variety of subjects, including fiction, art and photography, history and biography, natural history and science, works in translation, film, poetry, music, and current affairs. This bright and airy NYC bookstore features full length windows that enable visitors to soak in the city while they browse books. 192 Books feels as if it’s your private library in the hub of New York City. Are you exploring with art aficionados? The monthly art exhibition will peak their interest while you bury your head in literary gold.
THE STRAND
We know its name is emblazoned on far too many tourists’ torsos. It’s just as famous as a totebag emporium and employer of sexy bibliophiles then as a NYC bookstore. Yet, despite the popularity of its brand, Strand is also really good at the book thing. Not only is their selection incredibly huge (‘18 miles of books’ the myths claim), their prices are the best around. Rare treasures wait in the “Rare Book Room,” or wander the front of the store for new arrivals and classics. Strand also hosts a variety of events to keep you busy. Don’t miss this historic staple of NYC bookstores. They also
McNALLY JACKSON BOOKS
First you’ll smell of the coffee, then you’ll see the books. McNally Jackson is famous for food and literature, so why wouldn’t you spend a day lost among its shelves? The atmosphere offers the best of bookworm whimsy. Like the set of Matilda, books splatter the walls and dangle from cords in the ceiling. It’s more than fun; you’ll be inspired! Read over coffee, or break for an entire meal. If you aspire to be F. Scott Fitzgerald, make some headway with their Espresso Book Machine. Why buy a book when you can print your own, right?
GREENLIGHT BOOKSTORE
We know. This spacious Brooklyn bookstore is named after Gatsby’s captivating green light. We love it. Whether or not the homage is intentional, Greenlight Bookstore has a sprawling selection of fiction and non-fiction. If the kids are with you, check out the spectacular children’s section complete with rugs, small chairs, and a garden of beanbags. Though peacefully quiet by day, Greenlight knows how to party too. Visit for the yearly Brooklyn Book Festival soiree and see for yourself.
WORD
As swag as its name sounds, Word is one of the loudest bookstores in Brooklyn when it comes to promotions and events. Sure, the selection of books is great. Word caters to the unique, and the friendly staff offer excellent tips. If you want to try a new book in your favorite genre, this is one of the best bookstores in NYC to visit. They even offer to ship you books in your favorite genre for three months free! The charm of Word really is its unique personal interaction with customers. These booklovers believe in bibliophile so much they founded a “Between the Covers,” a book matchmaking service!
The change of seasons brings some fall wardrobe essentials for every man. The changing of leaves and cool breezes mean fall weather is on its way. It’s time to pull out those warm and cozy weatherproof fabrics and store the sandals and shorts away until next summer. As you evaluate your wardrobe, make sure you have these key fall wardrobe essentials.
Update your soft summer tones in favor of darker hues in the fall. Not only are darker denims stylish for colder months but are actually more practical, too. Little imperfections stand out in lighter material. The rugged nature of fall and winter needs the durability of dark denim. This will save you money and keep your summer denims locked away and safe for next year.
You can’t/shouldn’t wear jeans all the time. Corduroys are a nice and warm alternative for the colder months that are worth investing in. It’s been around for decades, but now the material is finally being produced in more flattering fits. Now, you can be confident adding it to your wardrobe. For a different variety, try different colors of corduroys this fall.
It seems a little lame, but the crew neck sweater is an emerging trend that’s a bit more mature than a hoodie. Rock a crew neck sweater for a casual night out, particularly one spent outdoors. This piece grows your wardrobe beyond t-shirts, which can be layered underneath for days with fluctuating weather. You can find some featuring graphic designs in a wide array of colors, but don’t go overboard with the frills.
The Oxford is may seem like a prep school option. Although it kind of is, it’s also a great transition piece for those cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings. It also bridges the gap between casual and classy quite well. Available in a number of patterns and colors, the Oxford is one fall wardrobe essential that can be dressed up or down.
It’s often referred to as the denim shirt, but Chambray is made from a lighter fabric and is one of the must useful fall wardrobe essentials. We’d also say it has a bit more class than its distant denim cousin. Button it up for the office and then let it hang out with a t-shirt underneath for a casual night out. Be careful how you pair this shirt, though. Only very specific occasions, like National Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Day (March 30th), call for a full on Canadian tuxedo.
Flannels have a few reputations. It’s important you wear his piece with style and make sure you keep the fabric sharp and bright. A good substitute for a sweater in the cold months, the flannel can be a stylish choice in lieu of an Oxford or chambray. Be bold and pick some unique patterns and styles that stand out. Flannels may be cozy, but they don’t have to be grungy or dull.
Swap those sandals and boat shoes for some sturdy, nicely textured chukkas. While sneakers are versatile and functional in most casual settings, for a more formal shoe to transition you between work and play, this is the footwear for you. For variety, purchase a few pairs in different fabrics or alternate laces of the fabrics.
The fall doesn’t have to be a big challenge for your wardrobe. With these pieces, you’ll be well on your way to a classy fall, and most will give you a warm winter as well!
Learning how to work with, and love, your natural texture can be difficult. Especially, when all we see in the media are celebs with sleek, straight hair and blowouts. But if your hair’s got some waves, curls, coils or kinks, we’ll show you how to embrace your texture, not fight against it. RICHARD has put together a list of curly hair Youtube gurus for you to watch!
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