Palladium Footwear

For their Winter Collection, Palladium introduces a range of premium grade leather and rich low nap suede footwear choices. Lined in Schearling for warmth and comfort, the boots come fully equipped in black/saddle gold for the Pampa Hi and saddle gold for the Pampa Baggy while the suede version of the Pampa Hi and Pampa Baggy are available in two colors – black and camel. Prices range from $70 USD to $120 USD, with all models soon becoming available through Palladiumboots.com.

Air Jordan Fusion 13

December 12th, 2009, Jordan Brand will unleash the second and final Air Jordan Fusion 13. Does this colorway interest you more than the Air Jordan Fusion 13 White/Black-Varsity Red that released at the end of November?

This Air Jordan Fusion 13 obviously borrows its colorway from the infamous Air Jordan XIII with Black/Red, Black/White colorway that was released in 1997. This Fusion also owns other, distinctive elements that made the Air Jordan XIII special. For example, the midfoot and side panels still possess the minuscule 3M dots, while the ever-so-popular hologram bubble is still on the heel panel. As stated earlier, this shoe will be available tomorrow at all Jordan retailers. Is this a definite purchase for you?

Redman x G-Shock AW591RED

The color red is an indicator of fire, passion, danger and recently added to the color code is blunted-ness. Newark, New Jersey rap icon Redman has made smoking yourself stupid into a lucrative business with eight albums under his belt plus stints in movies, television. Legendary status indeed, so much so that G-Shock saw fit to honor the Funk Doctor Spock with a watch model of his own. This fire engine red G-Shock AW591 is as exciting and energetic as the music that got him to the top. Now you can look at you wrist and know when its " Time for some Aksion"

$120 at G-Shock retailers worldwide.

Jay-Z's whip game... From the past to present

Jay-Z has always been a trend setter, whether it be from the clothes he wears, the influence on pop culture to the hood, even the way to wear the Yankee fitted as seen on my sister blog http://www.luxekultur.com/2009/09/classic-caps.html .

It’s easy to believe Jay-Z when he says things like, “I don’t want much, fuck, I drove every car” And it’s not just because he’s sitting atop the Forbes richest rappers list—that’s only one of the reasons. The other is his music videos. Since his Reasonable Doubt days Jay has consistently brought out the hottest rides on available on the market, and some only available to those with money longer than Weezy’s dreads. So we weren’t surprised when we learned that his upcoming video for “On To The Next” off Blueprint 3 will feature the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ (shown above with BP3 livery) before it even hits showrooms. To mark the occasion, I went back and looked through every Jay-Z video to see just how dope his whip game really is. And take it from me, it’s pretty damn dope…


VIDEO: “Dead Presidents”
YEAR: 1996
CAR: Lexus GS
• They may not be talked about as much nowadays, but before rappers were copping all German fleets, this Japanese midsized luxury sedan was that shit. It also had great trunk space, for, you know, stuff.



VIDEO: “Ain’t No Nigga” Feat. Foxy Brown
YEAR: 1996
CAR: Ferrari 348
•Hov could of pushed a Testarossa, but the roof didn’t come off.


VIDEO: “Can’t Knock the Hustle”
YEAR: 1996
CAR: Bentley Continental
• This was the first hint at Jigga’s love affair with the British luxury marquee.


VIDEO: “Who You Wit”
YEAR: 1997
CAR: Cadillac Eldorado
• Jay must love old gangster flicks. In this visual for “Who You Wit” he throws on some 70s rags and sits back in what appears to be a fifth generation Eldorado Biarritz (the most luxe of the line). Why he didn’t go with a sedan is beyond me, but we can’t knock his hustle. Or pimpin’.



VIDEO: “The City is Mine”
YEAR: 1998
CAR: Mercedes-Benz CL600
• It was all good just a decade ago when Jay and Dame were cruising through the city in Mercedes-Benz’s grand tourer. Fact: The CL stands for Comfort Leicht in German, or Comfort Light in English.



VIDEO: “Imaginary Player”
YEAR: 1998
CAR: Rover Range Rover 4.6
• What’s the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.6? About 30 to 40 grand, cocksucker, beat it. That’s all I gotta say, Classic Jay



VIDEO: “Money Ain’t a Thang”
YEAR: 1998
CAR: Bentley Continental, Range Rover 4.6, Porsche 911 Carrera, Ferrari F355
• Jay caught an L when he tried to do the Jiggy thing with “Sunshine”, but Jermaine Dupri gets him to successfully try again in this ode to conspicuous spending. For the record, we don’t condone racing on public roads with models climbing all over you and no seat belt.
But maybe I'm just hating



VIDEO: “Hard Knock Life (The Ghetto Anthem)”
YEAR: 1998
CAR: Bentley Azure
• Jay uses Bentley’s drop-top as one of his biggest hits chauffeurs him onto the pop music charts


VIDEO: “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
YEAR: 2001
CAR: Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Hov gets presidential with a motorcade of Mercedes-Benz’s finest in the first video for his now classic, Blueprint.


VIDEO: “Song Cry”
YEAR: 2002
CAR: Ferrari 360 Spider, 1988 Saab 900 Turbo
• Jay-Z didn’t always drives six-figure whips. He too came from humble beginnings as he shows in this video where his Ferrari 360 Spider morphs in the 80s D-boy and prepster whip of choice: the Saab 900.



VIDEO: “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde”
YEAR: 2002
CAR: Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
• If I was running from the cops across the country and had a couple hundred thousand to blow, I'd also go with Aston Martins V12 Vanquish. Beautiful, comfortable, fast (0-60 in 4 sec) and, well, beautiful. Seriously, if we had to choose between the Vanquish and Beyoncé … I'd choose Beyoncé , but I'd ask her to buy me a Vanquish.



VIDEO: “Show Me What You Got”
YEAR: 2006
CAR: Ferrari F430 Spider, Pagani Zonda
• Mr. Carter brings Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr to Monaco for the first video for Kingdom Come, and what are they driving? Only two of the best supercars on the market at the time. No offense to either driver, but we’re not sure Jay should have trusted either of those oval racers on those winding roads. Just sayin’.




VIDEO: “Lost Ones”
YEAR: 2006
CAR: Maybach Exelero
• Well, we guess Jay does have friends at Maybach. For this video, Jay gets to push the reported $8 million, 700hp, bi-turbo V12 coupe that could have easily been used as the Batmobile.



VIDEO: “Blue Magic”
YEAR: 2007
CAR: Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, Rolls Royce Corniche II
• Skateboard P and Jay creep through the city in vintage Rolls Royces. We clearly see whose pockets are deeper as Hov is in the classic Silver Wraith and P is just in a Corniche II, which if you couldn’t tell by looking, also sold as the Bentley Continental.

Nicki Minaj.... Holding the female side of hip-hip down

You may see the curvaceous frame that's touring with Lil Wayne. Maybe you've listened to one of her mixtapes, if so, you've probably got a image of who you think she is: a potty mouthed MC using sex to sell herself to the masses....... But as far as female MC's holding the torch for women this year, she's holding it all by herself. For more info about her, please check her Myspace page or check for her on Twitter.

Tequila Sipping Party

We're back doing it again!!!! With the sucess of the Jack Daniels sip event, we're turning it up again, now with Tequila, We're going to have 15 different bottles, same as before, some food, good drinking and good company!!!The party starts at 9pm and gonna run until 1am. So bring them drinking boots and your love of tequila, because it's gonna be a night to remember!!!

Date: December 5, 2009

Time: 9pm to until

Place: Barrister Cigars, 2565 Rt. 22 West, Union, NJ

CAVI Luxury Men's Wear

CAVI, the luxury menswear line known for its distinctive designs as worn by the likes of John Legend, 50 Cent and the Black Eyed Peas, has unveiled its new 2009 Holiday Collection blending casual chic with masculine elegance. The designs range from a Herringbone Vespa Track Jacket, exuding a sense of refined ruggedness, to the classic, tailored cut of the Williamsburg Pullover that evokes an unexpected hint of edge with bold color details. One of our favorite pieces is the Commando Crew (above), a military-inspired sweater in a houndstooth pattern with suede shoulder patches and epaulets, gold buttons and a CAVI crest. Having recently introduced an inspired style to the world of motorsports through an unprecedented partnership with NASCAR racecar driver Chase Austin, CAVI is also taking on the realm of surfing with the exclusive launch of CAVI Sport, as previewed here.

Lakers Championship Bling

This week the Lakers received their championship rings and this year's rings are some of the flashiest yet. Several members of the Buss family and team captains Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant weighed in on the design for the rings. The rings are made of a special limited 15K gold to celebrate the 15th championship. Dr. Jerry Buss requested the 14 round diamonds circling the top of the ring to represent 14 championships with the small gold trophy on the top representing the 15th. The team captains requested that each player have their own face and jersey number on the side of the ring. On non-player rings the Los Angeles skyline takes the place of the face. Each ring is authenticated by a serial number and there are hidden etchings of the Lakers logo on the ring. The diamond-studded top echoes the shape of the Staples center. Each ring comes with a box that has two LED spotlights inside. The 2009 Lakers championship rings were created by Jason of Beverly Hills and are worth about $30,000. You don't have to be a Lakers fan to like these rings, they are certainly LUXE.

Bell & Ross Airborne Watch

Bell & Ross unveils Instrument BR 01 Airborne. The unique timepiece has in fact been inspired by a historical military symbol. The watch has been created as a tribute to military paratroopers, and, in particular, as a tribute to those courageous men who fought in the US Airborne divisions, known as one of the toughest army corps.The Airborne divisions appeared during the Second World War and were destined to become the first who faced dangers of the war and the first who faced death brought by the war.The divisions’ motto was “Death from Above” that was symbolized by a skull. The symbol has gradually spread to other military divisions and is often seen on uniforms patches or on fighter planes. The skull serves as a symbol of the omnipresence of death. The BR 01 Airborne watch has been created as a kind of talisman, paying tribute to the noblest of military values and the courage of soldiers ready to face death defending their country.

The timepiece will be issued in a limited number of 500 pieces.The case of the new Bell & Ross watch, 46mm in diameter, is crafted from 316L glass bead blasted steel provided with black finishing type "carbon powder coating".The black dial features photo-luminescent hands and skull and offers perfect readability under reduced light conditions. The dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal.The watch provides reliable timekeeping as it is animated by an automatic mechanical ETA 2892 movement. The timepiece is 100-meter water-resistant.The BR01 Airborne watch is secured to the wrist with a rubber, leather or heavy-duty synthetic fabric strap.

AUX Classic

The guts of the AUX Classic ($1,000 to 1,5000, auxout.com) were made by European concert audio wizard Outline, and the system delivers impeccable sound. While it works fine as a unit clumped together (two speakers and a sub-woofer), the two stereo satellites can be placed at interesting angles that invite sonic and aesthetic experimentation. Hit play, then start relaxing....

Puma AMQ Ribcage Sport

The AMQ Ribcage Sport, was created by British designer Alexander McQueen and is the highlight of the season with its upper inspired by a human ribcage, tendons and veins. This fall in his signature collection for the athletic brand Puma, McQueens creation inspired a running silhouette tied in with the original AMQ My Left Foot inspiring a product that really works. The upper in gradiant mesh displays a multi-coloured high frequency welded tendon pattern overlayed by a translucent TPU ribcage.
The 3-D My Left Foot insert is visible from side profile and through the bottom for an exciting take on a sport running sole and retails for $250.00, for more goto http://www.puma.com/

Hublot All Black Bike

Hublot has partnered with Swiss racing bicycle manufacturer BMC to create a bicycle built along the same principals as Hublot watches.
The distinctive of Hublot’s “All Black” bike is made from innovative materials created using state of the art technology. Hublot states that the bike has a carbon fiber and aluminum frame for lightweight durability, and it's totally designed to ridgid, flexible, powerful and comfortable.
Attention has been paid to every single detail. The pedal bearings contain ceramic material to reduce friction and the frame is made from carbon fiber for strength and rigidity. Weighing in at just over 15 pounds, it comes with a price tag of $20,000. The highly exclusive edition bike will due to be race-tested at the “World Stars Cycling Criterium”.
Only thirty of the Hublot All Black bicycles will be made and will be available exclusively through Hublot stores. For more info contact http://www.hublot.com/

Nike Air Maxim X Parra

The famous Dutch artist from Amsterdam, Parra have been collaborating heavily recently with big name brands in his signature unique styles. The latest to come out of the collaborative works is with non other than sneaker giant Nike, in which Air Maxim was reworked as Parra would see fit. As you can see from the photos, the black upper is the base canvas where Parra splashed his personality over it. The midsole has been given the speckle treatment in blue and red, that is also reflected on the two stitching above it on the suede upper. Two toned laces tie in the shoes together with custom Loner tongue tag in his hand drawn illustration. For more info goto Nikesportswear.com

Pro-Keds with Style.....

Not sure exactly when it happened, but suddenly, everywhere you look, there are Keds. The brand worked with Richard Chai to make the zippered pairs that debuted on the runway, and now Opening Ceremony has rolled out their own collaboration with the historic American brand. The shape is classic; the look, not so much. OC's piled detail on detail, from nautical laces to a mod-ish yellow footbed to red bandana-printed lining for maximum effect. And somehow, oddly—it works. Too much, in this case, turns out to be just enough.$65, available at openingceremony.us, These are Luxe, anybody say Miami???

Padron Family Reserve Cigar

Forty-five years ago, José Orlando Padrón formed the cigar company that bears his name. The Cuban émigré, who came to the United States in the early 1960s with nothing more than a few hundred dollars and a solid work ethic, worked as a landscaper and a carpenter and used the money he saved to form a small cigar company to make cigars like the ones he grew up smoking in Cuba. To celebrate the milestone of reaching 45 years in business, the Padrón family released the Padrón Family Reserve No. 45, a six-inch long, 52 ring gauge, box-pressed cigar made from very old Nicaraguan tobaccos. The cigars will be made in very limited quantities, and shipped at various times. Most of the cigars in this initial shipment are maduro, but some have natural wrappers. "The tobacco inside is aged for 10 years," said Jorge Padrón. The cigar will retail between $25.00 and 29.00.

Louis Vuitton, Something for the men.....

Ladies love the LV monogram. (Just ask Lil' Kim, who liked it so much she opted to wear it—and little else—for a '99 Rolling Stone story.) But until now, guys haven't had a monogram collection of their own. (Not to say plenty haven't made do with the unisex.) The brand has just launched a new men's Monogram Macassar accessory collection, so named for Macassar ebony wood, the black-and-brown striping of which inspired the range's color palette. The seven-piece line, in canvas-lined leather, includes travel and work bags; our favorite pieces are the clasp-closure document case and the duffel. Sure, they're splashy, but if you're not shy about your branding, they're stylish, too. Of course, that style comes at a high price, but if you're ready to tote LV's monogram, you've probably already got plenty of items emblazoned with your own.Porte-document, $1,000, and Keepall 55 duffel, $1,370, available at Louis Vuitton boutiques, louisvuitton.com

Rag & Bone Sunglasses

With their usual quality and craftsmanship, American brand Rag & Bone hope to diversify their line-up as they launch a new collection of eyewear. The sunglasses, are featured in their 2010 spring collection. Aesthetically, the pieces draw on classical overtones such as tortoiseshell; technically speaking, each frame is hand-cut from sheet acetate, hand-polishe and finished with double-reinforced hinges.

Good thing the brand is introducing its first-ever eyewear, which will hit the runways at the Spring 2010 show tomorrow. The boxy, angular frames are hand-cut and -polished in Japan and 100 percent UVA/UVB protective. They'll debut this January exclusively at Rag's new Mercer Street store.

104 Christopher Street (between Bleecker and Bedford Streets); (212) 727-2990.

Duty Free Macallan

Few places manage to contain as much existential dread as the modern airport—how else do you explain those copious opportunities to shop and drink? And if those pursuits are all it takes to cure your blues, you may well enjoy the Macallan's new 1824 Collection, which is available only at duty-free shops. The Macallan, famous for its sherry cask aging, uses American bourbon barrels here, creating pleasing variations on its usual theme. The Select Oak, the lightest of the bunch, is balanced, soft-spoken, and redolent of apricot and spice. The Whiskey Maker's Edition is brassier, with gingersnap notes and a mellow finish. Our favorite, the Estate Reserve, is a gentle giant—a layered, chocolaty offspring of the classic Macallan that you'll taste with your whole mouth. (Mr. Business Class may want to wait for October, when the rarest—and priciest—of the group, the Limited Release, joins the other three.) Too bad they make you wait till you get to your destination to open the bottle. Select Oak, $65; Whiskey Maker's Edition, $96.50; Estate Reserve, $230; and Limited Release, $2,000; for more info, visit themacallan.com

New Audi R8 Spider for Iron Man 2

It’s true — Audi will unveil their R8 Spider at the Frankfurt Show next week, and although this news is no secret we now have images to tease what the model will look like. The new leaked images of the R8 Spider reveal a black canvas roof which will hide the rear-mounted engine.
The front will have a powerful-looking grille that features LED daytime running lights, while the rear will have LED lights. The tailpipes will be visible from the sides of the car, while there will then be a massive diffuser for air flow.
Audi will launch the R8 Spider with the 5.2-litre V10 engine that pumps out 386kW with 530Nm of torque. The transmission unit will be a 6-speed manual box or the R Tronic sequential shifter. Power will run through the Quattro all wheel drive where there will be the ability to send 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.
Rumours have said that there won’t be a 4.2-litre Spider, but there might be an electric powered one, for more info goto http://www.audiusa.com/

The Glenlivet's new Nàdurra Triumph 1991 hits stores this fall, and like the original Nàdurra (Gaelic for "natural"), this one is non-chill filtered (a whisky-geek technicality) and bottled at full strength. (In other words, natural.) Unlike the original, Triumph is an American exclusive, sourced only from a single strain of barley—that would be Triumph barley, no longer used at the distillery—and all taken from casks sealed in 1991. It's got notes of apple, pear, and wood, light and bright—an elegant tipple for longtime fans and newbies alike. And if such things impress you, it's a "limited" release—though with 1,500 cases on hand, that might be stretching the term a bit. Then again, these continue to be serious, whisky-drinking times.$85, available in November; glenlivet.com

Matt Booth Room 101

Room101, the alternative luxury lifestylebrand for those who demand quality with an edge, is proud to announce their new line of Room101 Cigars (www.room101cigars.com). Originally founded in 2003 by Matt Booth, Room101 will introduce the premium cigars into their already successful line of silver jewelry, clothing, and accessories. The Room101Cigar collection will be a blend of attitude, culture, celebrity, and some of the world's finest tobaccos.

Founded in 2003 by Matt Booth, Room101 is the premier luxury lifestyle brand, based in Hollywood, CA. What started as a designer's dream to create unique pieces of jewelry, has grown into an all-encompassing design studio, producing luxury items for all facets of life. Room101 is unmatched in the quality of both design and final products and has quickly become a stand out in the industry. For more information regarding the Room101 Cigar, please visitwww.room101cigars.com.

My answer to question that was asked of me.....

Luxury isn't nessarily wealth, you don't have to be rich to enjoy a great cigar, there is a great tranquility that can come from a great cigar experience, you can't force it, but a great cigar that can make you sit back and relax, its a tool that relaxes the mind.

What my friends and I do is definitely a luxury, but you don't have to be in the top percent of wealth in this country to enjoy them. Cigars are my meditation, my personal luxury. My cigar is my moment of the day, my time to relax, I can meet good friends and new people at my store and just chill, I could never stop myself from smoking cigars, because they help me find that personal place and peace of mind... I love smoking cigars......

L'or de Jean Martell

L'or de Jean Martell, the latest expression to join the exclusive ranks of hyperpremium brandies that combine the complexities of ageand region that only Cognac is caple of. They blow past the bar that XO sets. Courvoiser has its Intiale, Hennessy its Richard Hennessy, Remy its Louis XIII. They command your attention as well as etheral prices (in L'ors case $3600) as the maker parades the possibilities that hundreds of years making and collecting eaux de vie suggest.

From the first taste of spicy licorice, then the slightest bite of sharp English cheese before the sweetness returns almost as a hard candy, but deeper than that.

You marvel at the myriad flavors trapped in one sip as it makes its way across your palate and you continue to taste in contemplation after it's gone.

P' 9120 Ipod Player and Radio

The P'9120 Table Top Radio by Porshe Design is yet another stunning entry into thier already distinctive lineup gadgets, tous, and cigar accessories. Made from exotic materials like extruded aluminum and die-cast metal,, this multi-band radio features three wide-range speakers complemented by a 3" active subwoofer.

The P'9120 also comes complete with a universal iPod dock and multiple connections to a range of external analog sources, including of course a headphone jack. Available from Porsche Design for a MSRP of $600.00. More information available at http://www.porsche-design.com/

Carlos Torano Sr. A Visit By One Of The Industries Heavyweights

Yesterday, Barrister Cigars was visited by one of the cigar industries heavyweights, Carlos Torano Sr. During his short stay at the cigar store, he talked in front a crowd of twenty or so gentleman explaining his rise in the cigar business from a young man to where his company is today. Also we got a chance to do a question and answer session with him, which was great idea because everyone had questions about the cigar industry. Thank you Mr Torano for giving up your time to give us insight on the industry.

Cartier's Changing Faces...

Cartier has revealed a remarkable, limited edition version of its iconic Santos watches. This new timepiece, presented in a limited edition of twenty pieces, features an XL-sized 18K white gold case which is pave-set with round brilliant diamonds and the price is set at $300,000
The Santos Triple 100 watch is distinguished by its system of modulating dials, which allow one to choose between 3 elaborate "faces", merely by turning the crown. One face displays a classic Roman numeral layout, the next showcases a dazzling chessboard of round brilliant diamonds and black sapphires, and the final face reveals an intricately engraved tiger head, which in itself took more than 40 hours to create. The selection of faces took months of research and development, and is based upon white gold prisms whose tiny swiveling motions are controlled by miniaturized gear trains.
Ticking inside the Cartier Santos Triple 100 watch is the manually-wound 9610MC movement which has been skeletonized and extensively decorated by hand. A system of two mainspring barrels ensures a power reserve of 72 hours. The fine aesthetic details of this exclusive Cartier movement may be admired through a sapphire crystal exhibition window.

Not Your Woman's Bag....

Tips for becoming a gentleman:

1. Maintain eye contact.
2. Find a good tailor.
3. Speak softly but carry a big bag.

For that, turn to The Gentlemen’s League, an alliance of talents (industrial designer, graphic artist, creative visionary) customizing mason totes with black indelible ink.

The hand-drawn canvas tattoos are 100 percent unique: You choose the iconic imagery you want to be associated with (serpent, queen of hearts, cherry blossom). Like men of good standing, each bag is designed with public and private sides (one is showy, the other has secret details) and monogramming as you see fit.

The everyday carryall is lightweight with a leather bottom and handles (in black, brown, or white) and hinges that keep it open and standing on its own.

That’s how gentlemen prefer it.

Available at Début New York, 298 Mulberry Street, between Houston and Bleecker Streets (212-343-2717 or debutnewyork.com). To see styles, go to thegentlemensleague.com.

Death Of Auto-Tune

During Hot 97's Summer Jam on June 7, 2009 boasting a line up of superstars like Mary J. Blige, Jim Jones, Young Jeezy, and also newcomers such as Pleasure P, The Dream, and others the G.O.A.T. , Brooklyns finest Jay-Z came on stage, and dropped a bomb on everybody that was using auto-tune the past year, with a song called Death Of Auto-Tune.

His mature perspective is evident on the No I.D.-helmed "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune). He rails against one of the recent banes in music, Auto-Tune a.k.a. the Robot Voice, milked death by Kanye West and T-Pain. But Auto-Tune is just part of the problem. Jay-Z citing a lack of aggression in rap. More to the point, "D.O.A." seems to be about how too many emcees rap about being the best, but don't rap like they are the best. They lack soul and hunger. Everyone knows he's a famous rapper but what sets him apart from his peers is his dedication to the actual craft of rhyming. I recommend non-believers to consult the Jay-Z documentary Fade To Black. You'll become a fan.The message of "D.O.A." is clear:Hip-hop needs more Jay-Zs and less trend-humping rappers.

Summer Style....Brooks Brothers White Buck Wing Tip

White bucks are the gin tonic of shoes, Before you say, "But wait, gin and tonic are delicious and thirst-quenching, and white bucks are not, " hear me out: White bucks are a seasonal refreshment , a break from the usual, and you can wear them easily in late spring and early fall, they're never more appealing that in the hot, sunshiny days of summer. pair them with a lightweight suit.

Wear them like they were real shoes, with seersucker, with wool, with jeans. You don't have to dress them up". "With the visible stitching of its Goodyear welt and elaborate perforation on the toe cap and upper, this is as dressed up as most of us need to be in July. Drink up and enjoy, this never gets old.

Hublot Big Bang King Black Blue Watch

Does this watch make you think of a black eye? Well it isn't an eye sore, but rather the Hublot Big Bang King All Black Blue watch.

Hublot has been messing with various colors for the standard Big Bang chronograph line lately, but I haven't see this type of attention on the Big Bang King which is a diver's style watch - and larger at 48m wide. I have to admit that I really think this is a sexy watch - somehow adding a virulent character to the otherwise somber color tone.

Diver watch elements on the Big Bang King include the 300 meters of water resistance, diver's style face with large legible dial, and the rotating diver bezel, of course. Here the bezel is made out of matte finished ceramic. The bezel numerals are in an attractive high relief that I am a fan of. The blue on the hands and hour indicators seems to almost exist only on the periphery, though you can tell the insides are colored black, the edges are all deep blue. You also have the blue insert between the bezel and the case. Most of the watch is in matte ceramic. Inside is the HUB1400 automatic movement. The blue alligator strap actually sandwiches a layer of rubber that makes it more flexible. Looking at the dial (sandblasted and rhodium plated) with the blues and black just makes for a great looking Hublot watch. Now that I think of it, as a diver watch I imagine the cold abyss of the ocean with colors such as this. The watch is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.

How to pick up a lovely woman....

Assess the situation. Only nine percent of women say that they found love in a bar. Is this great gal that you're checking out part of that nine percent? Here are some good signs:

Assess whether she is checking you out. Perhaps she's smiling or talking to her friends while looking at you. Many guys don't pursue in this situation because they don't believe what they are seeing or they are waiting for the girl to approach. Yes, she is checking you out and no, she will definitely not approach you. However, she will appreciate it if you send a drink or a plate of nachos her way with a few chuckles and smiles from you. Then go and own up and start talking.

Be careful if she is alone. This is a tough call. She may be waiting for someone. Possibly the girl of your dreams will make it obvious if she's waiting for someone by looking towards the door often. If this is the case, don't pursue. If not, well, she just isn't that insecure to be by herself and is most likely to appreciate a good chat, whether or not another guy is coming to meet her. Hey, what's to lose by at least trying?

Decide what it means if she is dressed provocatively. Women who are interested in meeting someone might wear bold, solid colors like black, white or red. They also typically put a lot of effort into their hair, makeup and shoe selection. Mind you, women often do this for women too, so don't make assumptions. Women don't like looking as if they've spent a day at the construction site when they go out to enjoy themselves. So shelve the assumptions and look lively. If her clothes give off signals, you have probably been drinking a little earlier than usual. Look for the woman in the clothes, not at the clothes on the woman.

Understand what is means if she is looking around a lot. If she's in her circle of friends and makes an effort to look at the guys passing by, you've got a potential pick-up. Mind you, you might have a group of women doing this all at once. Select the one that meets with your idea of fun and good talk. Use your commonsense. Sometimes you may be roped into engaging with all of them as they check you out for a friend in that group. Be obliging.

React quickly if she looks bored or annoyed with her company. The guys she came with are belligerent and touching her and she has no out. This is your best situation to be the knight in shining armor. You don't even need visual contact! Just walk over there and say, "How'd you like to come sit with me/us?" or "There's an empty seat next to me if you need it." You can skip down to the conversation part if you're lucky enough to find one of these. Ask her what on earth she was discussing with those bullish guys and get her a good stiff drink.

Make eye contact. You've already established that she is available, so keep telling yourself that. This next step is key. If she looks at you and you look away nervously, good luck to you. You've already made a bad first impression. Keep a relaxed, flirtatious gaze. Don't stare and don't lock up and look like a psycho. Also don't flash a huge, fake grin. Just move your head however feels natural and smile a bit--whatever feels natural. If she looks away shyly, that's good. If she gives you a seductive stare, that's even better. If she looks away and looks freaked out, better find someone else.

Look away for a second or two to give her time to think about you. She has noticed that you're available and that you like her. She's thinking about whether she likes you back. Don't take too long. Between ten seconds and a minute. Whatever feels right. Take a deep breath, relax, think happy thoughts. She was intrigued by you, remember?

Clear your mind. Breathe. That oxygen is going to help you think on your toes and help you relax. Gulp it down politely. She may wonder if you are a fish otherwise.

Glance over at her again. If she's chatting with her friends and still has her eye on you, congratulations. If she's looking at you comfortably, congratulations. If she purposely avoids eye contact, she either has myopia or she just hasn't felt the spark her end. Approach somebody else or offer to put her glasses back on.

Keep eye contact as you approach. Don't stare and don't trip over anything as you walk toward her. Stay relaxed and focused. Have a sense of purpose. Don't let all the people who are in your way discourage you. Remember, we have already established that she likes you. If you blow it now, it's all your fault. Although, never underestimate the endearing quality of a guy who trips over in pursuit of love. It can be retold for years afterwards and who knows, it may just end in marriage.

Smile casually and say something casual. Remember, you are a stranger. There is no need to say something elaborate but at least form the words clearly - don't mumble or spit in anticipation.

Relax let the words flow.... and take it from a pro.

Dickies are not dress pants

I've noticed a strange fashion trend here in New Jersey. The guys have started to wear Button Down Dress Shirts and Hard Shoes with Dickies. WTF? Correct me if I am wrong. Dickies are work pants always have been, putting hard shoes and a shirt doesnt actually work for pants that are mainly for working in a Pep Boys Auto Store. Stop being cheap and purchase some real slacks at Marshalls, Burlington, TJ Maxx and any discount department store. No one is gonna know if they came from Macy's or not, and with this recession nobody is really checking for labels, it's just wrong.