Mansome Monday: Less = More...

Wake up! It’s Mansome Monday! Along with being your Fashion Poppa and Heir of High Fashion, my side job is that of a teacher. And as I walk into my classes, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” plays and at least 2-5 pyrotechnics set off fireworks. It is quite impressive but then again so am I and the entrance is appropriate (I tried to get my buddy, JC, to do the same but he insisted on just having Palms). But I was thinking I should receive the same type of entrance, when you click the link to Mansome Monday. I mean this IS the best part of not only your day but also week!

As the temperature warms everyone is looking towards spring and summer. But your Fashion Poppa wants to warn you that less does not equal more. Ladies, I am talking to you (ah hem... some gentlemen should just as well considering staying covered up). Just because it is 70 degrees one day does not mean you lose all fashion sense and wear something that would cause even your best friend to say, “Yeah……. That looks …. Fine….” (Ladies, when you tell your significant other that you're "fine," you know that means ahellofalotofmess.) Who hasn’t heard that before (besides Fashion Poppa of course)? In my travels I also sometimes see ladies trying to get their boyfriend or fella in her life to dress alike and have outfits that mirror each other. #1: If you are in this type of relationship where you have to dress like your partner you need help (even beyond what Fashion Poppa can give). And #2: Fellas, if your lady is wearing booty-shorts this does NOT mean you have to as well! I cannot tell you how many guys I see making this mistake! (Oh my gosh. Please... unless you're running a marathon, JUST DON'T.)

Another mistake the guys make during the spring is they wear the same type of clothes, especially colors, they did in the winter. Fellas, it is spring! Change it up and wear brighter colors! Stop wearing your snow boots; brighten up your life – it is sure to get the ladies’ attention! (TRUE story!)

Not that I need to wear different clothes to attract the ladies (I could wear a bath robe and still be fashionable) but today I am practicing what I preach! I am continuing to sport more “pastel-type” colors as my shirt Caribbean Sea-Green and my chinos are a lighter shade! Booya! Perfect for a walk in a dewy meadow, a picnic, or even just a stroll around town – I am up (or down) for anything! Once again, I know your man might be fearful of lighter and brighter colors but just show him my picture and he will see the light!

I am wearing my Sperry Top-siders today, which perfectly match my belt. Apart from my good looks, it is my attention to detail that the ladies love!

Outfit name – Less = More, I'll Have a Second Helping

 I know you love my sticky note and paper sign, taped to the back of my door. ;)

Thanks for reading! Thanks again for all of the follows! Keep your comments coming! Continue reading Fashion Momma’s blog and following us on twitter, FashionMomma22 and JWFaulkner! Have a good week and see you Monday BOOM!

Jason decided he wanted to make fun of one of my signature poses, today. I'll tell you, he's more fussy about a photo shoot than I am. And I'm a diva!

I don't know about all of you, but I like to make sure my shoes are still there! 

... and Jason

Mansome Monday: Eye Candy

Before I let Jason take the reigns, here, I need to simply say that he has been a constant pillar of support while my blog has been through the ringer over the past few days. He might play rough (and I admit, I've been on the defense several times, before), but more than the character, Jason is a stand-up guy. Dude, I really appreciate your having my back all the time.

Now... if I could just get you to stop making fun of people.

You might also notice that a lot of my blog posts are gone. This was partially by my choice and partially by someone else's. Several of my posts were tampered with or deleted as of the wee hours of this morning. I took it upon myself to weed out any posts including my daughter's photo and all posts that were tampered with or no longer had photos connected for whatever reason. It's been a really hard time for me, while coming to grips with the fact that my blog is basically starting over from the beginning of this year, when I've been writing it since November 2009. But I cannot change what's been done and I can only keep my head up and move forward. That being said, I will unfortunately (and it BREAKS my heart that I feel unsafe enough to do this) not be hosting Trendy Tots Tuesday, anymore. I know many of you (including me) really enjoyed Tuesday posts and pictures of Little S., especially in her sweet We Love Colors tights! But for the safety of my family, I am choosing not to post photos of my daughter, any more. 

Which leads me to... Mansome Monday, which will have its very own place in the Navigation Bar! Jason adds a bit of sass to my blog that I wouldn't otherwise bring. I enjoy having a guy's perspective on what's important regarding everyday menswear. Reading comes with a price, though. Take the leap and find out if you're prepared. The sarcasm might hit you in the face.

Fair warning. :)

********************

Welcome back my friends to the blog that never ends! It is like you all are my Prodigal children your Fashion Poppa is here to welcome you home! Remember all, it is not what you say, think, or even how you treat people, it is all about how you look! Spring is right around the corner and I am working very diligently to help the man in your life become an iota closer to Mansomement. (Yup, made up another word!) I never understood why everyone wanted to look good for the warmer weather. It is like they are actually trying to date the weather! Fellas and ladies, just because the temperature rises does not mean you should be more fashion conscious, you should be fashion conscious regardless of temperature! I would also like to point out that less can be more. Many of you know that I teach young adults and many are under the impression that lots of skin = a Womansome outfit, and yes, sometimes it is the fellas that think their tanikini-looking shirt will attract the ladies. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!

Recently Fashion Momma was victim of a cyber crime. I must apologize to Fashion Momma and all of her readers; why? I found out that the perpetrator was a jealous boyfriend of an avid Fashion Poppa fan and a devout Mansomelite (yup, Mansomelite (noun): “one who is actively trying to become more Mansome” look it up!) That is all I will say about this no-life because he/she does not deserve anyone’s time of day. And you know that I know that he/she knows he/she could not be further from Mansome or Womansome if they tried.

My outfit today is one that shows off all of my assets, which are... everything! My shoes are my black lace Pronto Uomo. The pants are from Express and if you look real close you can see the checkered pattern. Go ahead, you can stare, wouldn’t be the first time or the last time. Your coworkers will understand once they see the outfit and the person wearing it! My shirt is from Banana Republic and it features purple stripes. I will let you just take the outfit in for a minute or so………………………………………… 

Don’t feel embarrassed I could not begin my lesson, today, for the same reason.

Outfit name: Eye Candy – Need I say more? Nope, just scroll back up and checkout my picture!

  

Thanks for reading! Thanks again for all of the follows! Keep your comments and questions coming! Continue reading Fashion Momma’s blog and following us on twitter, FashionMomma22 andJWFaulkner! Have a good week and see you, again, Monday. 

BOOM!

... and Jason

Mansome Monday: Original and Organic

Hello ladies (and men), welcome back to Mansome Monday! I know the anticipation for Mondays is beginning to rival the anticipation of wearing a new outfit or excitement of listening to Delia’s love songs at night so sit back, grab a glass of wine (if you are at work, take a swig of the vodka you store in the drawer of your desk) and allow yourself to be consumed, indulged, and inebriated by your Mansome Fashion Poppa!

I need to take a break from the funny because recently there was much to do about Fashion Momma’s posting about her “food beliefs.” JUST KIDDING! However, I legitimately feel bad for people who search out ways to get angry and feel the need to go on some type of Crusade for their beliefs; if that’s your thing cool, but remember if you are going to unjustly citizen over the internet, you could at least wear something fashionable. (My guess is that you are wearing week-old unwashed navy blue sweat pants!) In the end you will not be judge by how you treat others or by showing tolerance but instead what you are wearing! I know that I always take someone in a double breasted suit more serious than in Umbro shorts. How awesome were those?

Okay … let’s get back to what Mondays are really about: My Mansomeness! My outfit today is what spring is all about; bright colors and light clothes that inspire you to see what’s going on underneath!

Today I am wearing brand new Sperry Topsiders, which are very much like Docker’s boat shoes. My pants are linen, yes linen, by Tommy Bahamas. My pants are soft and lay incredibly on me; go 'head, feel for yourself. You can even grab my inner thigh (I won’t tell nor will anyone know…!) I am wearing a sky blue shirt by Polo. A well conceived and put together outfit that goes great with warmer weather! Find us a tiki-hut and torches, some margaritas, and let’s take that long walk on the beach you have desired!

Outfit name: Original and Organic!  - There is only one Fashion Poppa and becoming Mansome takes time without ANY artificial substance or flavor. Grown locally, without any interference, and aged just right!  Often imitated, duplicated, replicated, and emulated but there can only be one Fashion Poppa! BBAABBOOOOOOMM!

Thanks for reading! Thanks again for all of the follows! Keep your comments and questions coming! Continue reading Fashion Momma’s blog and following us on twitter, FashionMomma22 and JWFaulkner! Have a good week and see you Monday BOOM!

... and Jason

Mansome Valentine's Special!

Hi! Fashion Momma, here. It's been a while since I inserted my commentary in a Mansome post, but I think I'll have to break myself back in, today, because... well, it'll be necessary. Enjoy!

It’s Friday! We are working for the weekend AND what could be better than a Mansome secret post?! Winning the lottery? No mo’ money mo’ problems. Everlasting life? Nope, that would get boring. Mansome Friday, Monday, and/or wheneverday (I'm fairly certain that "wheneverday" is the best word Mansome has ever come up with. I'll actually use this one.) is clearly the best thing in your life and in the world now, forever, and always!

Along with showing you my outfit today, I also thought my millions, AND MILLIONS, of followers would LOVE some Valentine’s advice! That’s right today is a Mansome Valentine’s Special! (Weeee!!! I love a little advice from a comedian serious man.) It’s a lot like those Christmas television specials you watched when you were a kid but only the Mansome, sexiness, and fashion are increased by the power of 10,000 (bwahahaha)!

All, as your Fashion Poppa, you must know by now that my world and life is more than just fashion (Oh no! All of my hopes and dreams are crushed...). While that comes to a shock and some might consider it blasphemy remember Mansome is not only about fashion, it is so much more. One cannot simply be considered Mansome only in their fashion sense (Oh, no. I'm afraid of what's to come... ). True, fashion is the first step to life improvement, but to be Mansome you have to live and feel it. It is a lot like achieving Nirvana; many will strive for enlightenment and few will obtain it, but it is through your sacrifice and journey that you will begin to feel fulfilled. (I'm mentally preparing myself for enlightenment in the future paragraphs...)

I realize that Valentine’s Day is Monday (look for my regular Monday post) and I know that many of you, both the fellas and chicas out there need help; whether it is regarding fashion or life – that is why you come to your Fashion Momma and Fashion Poppa – for improvement! (From the mouths of babes... Because certainly, I'm just here to entertain! That's what I get paid the big bucks for.) The first thing every aspiring Fashionista needs to know is: Valentine’s Day is NOT about YOU! (OH hell, here we go...) Sorry, ladies but it’s not. Those of you who are expecting gifts and/or think that your man has to do something for you, you are mistaken and you should be dumped. (Alright, expecting a gift is kind of lame. WANTING one is perfectly normal, though. Don't feel bad, ladies OR gentlemen, if you want a brand new car for Valentine's Day. That's okay. Just don't expect it. That's what makes you lame.) Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate friendship or to celebrate your relationship. That is the key; your relationship with your loved one or ones. (Who's swooning? He's so sweeeet.) If you think you deserve a gift, my guess is that you do not deserve one and you need to get over your materialistic attitude. To have a Mansome Valentine’s Day, gifts are not encouraged or required. You just need to follow my advice! 

I've gotta see this.

FASHION POPPA’S TIPS FOR YOU AND YOURS 

TO HAVE A MANSOME / WOMANSOME 

VALENTINE’S DAY!

(I don't know how I like the term "womansome." Win some, lose some. WInsome. Haha.)

What to Get Your Somewhat, Not Quite, but Trying to be Mansome Fella in your Life:

Keep it simple. Listen, we are all working, unless V-Day falls on a weekend. So who really has time to put on a big production? (And NO, the amount the gift costs or the effort you put into the gifts says NOTHING about your feelings. Many people think the opposite but here is the deal, you are spending all of this money, time, and energy not in some benevolent manner but in hopes of getting something in return; so quit kidding yourself and stop thinking that $, elaborate plans, time, and energy on a gift = love.)

agree.

Why not just make dinner together? Go to the movies (it does not have to be on the day) just make time for each other and do something as a couple! Hang out, rent a movie, something but make it about you as a couple rather than an individual. 

love this idea.

If you feel the need to buy something, small is always better. A money clip, cufflinks, something that will help his fashion sense... How about cologne (which will be something that YOU love to smell) all are good ideas. But keep it simple!

hubs loves when I choose/buy his cologne.

A final idea is for you to buy something for yourself but is really for him that will keep him (and you) warm on those cold nights (hint hint wink wink)!

check, please?

Fellas, my advice to you is the same, keep it simple, spend time together, hangout, how about YOU cook dinner for once? (Yeah! How about that?) A great Mansome tip is for you to think through your idea at least one day before. (Wait... you have the capacity to plan ahead?) It does not have to be something that requires a lot of planning (Oh... nevermind.) but the bottom line is the ladies like to see that you have your stuff together and you are not “faking it.”

Gift ideas: keep it simple, something meaningful, flowers are nice (Women who say they hate flowers are lying. Yes, they're cliche. Yes, they die. Yes, we hate begging for them- or even hinting at them. But we love them because they are a simple sign of how much you love us.), stuffed animals are great (I can't agree with this. Stuffed animals were cute in middle and high school... but these days, who has space to keep a stuffed animal? And what grown, fashionable, chic woman is going to display Valentine's Days worth of stuffed animals in her home? Maybe... just maybe one cute teddy bear to snuggle with when you're not there will be okay.), how about a date night- bottle of wine, anyone (notice I said BOTTLE, not box (LMCBW, I'm with you. Boxes are awesome and supply more libations.)), or perfume? How about just go shopping with her?! (BEST.VALENTINE'S GIFT.EVER.) You do not have to buy anything, but go to a couple of stores and do not whine or complain the whole time.(Bless you, Mansome.)

The bottom line is do something together! Time spent together is better than any money spent on a gift!

Thanks again for all of the follows! Keep your comments and questions coming! Continue reading Fashion Momma’s blog and following us on twitter, FashionMomma22 and JWFaulkner! Have a good weekend and see you Monday BOOM!

Mansome Monday: Casually Professional

Alllllright you Mansome fans let’s get ready to get ready! I know, I know it’s Monday and it is the Monday after the Super Bowl so I am sure you are feeling a little sluggish, tired, and, dare I say, hung over? But Mansome is here and I am always having a great day! So look no further than Fashion Momma’s page to help you through your case of the Mondays! BOOM. But let’s get a couple of thing out of the way. There was NOT one funny commercial last night, Fergie (and those other fellas (do they even matter?)) sounded terrible, which was only compounded by the lack of a competent sound guy, and Christina Aguilera and every other person should just sing the words and not try to make the Star Spangled Banner a pop song. Here’s a thought – IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! It’s about me being Mansome and improving YOUR lives!

I was thinking about the latest way I can help not only my faithful followers but also fashion world and I had a tremendous idea. Each week, thanks to my fashion sense and insight, I have helped put more men into nice cloths and have pointed out that week old sweat pants are for those who are striving to live life alone (if that is your choice that is fine. But please know that hoodie and matching pants are not doing you any favors). So this week I decided to change up the game a bit. One of the subjects I have only discussed once is what is an acceptable Mansome accessory? So, get ready to accessorize (which is similar to when your mom would take those Jazzercise classes but not quite)!

So fellas, and to the ladies that are reading this for your man, what is an acceptable Mansome accessory? The first thing is lets state the obvious, shoes are inherent with every outfit (unless you are dating a Hobit from Lord of the Ring) so I will not include them. But if your man only wears sneakers – you might either want to get out the relationship now or just dig in – you have a huge hill to climb. The first Mansome Accessory is the belt – essential to any outfit. Why? Because butt cleavage is NEVER sexy! And if you are wearing shorts that may or may not also be considered pants (AKA Shants) you are doing a better job of turning off the ladies than a bad case of B.O. I also have discussed a wallet and money clip which are also a Mansome approved accessory. I can see no other reason why fella would have more than these two accessories. Seriously what else does a fella need? Satchel? Nope I am not David Beckham (his Mansome qualities have been under review for some time now). Jewelry No! (Wedding ring is acceptable … sometimes) other rings, earrings, necklaces? You are trying to become Mansome NOT Womansome. Sunglasses – okay but ONLY if the sun is out and if you are wearing ones that do NOT cover your whole face (ladies this goes for you too). Shades that go from your forehead to chin are NOT attractive.

My Outfit:

Today I am wearing what is the model of business casual: not too thick corduroy pants from Banana Republic. Normally, I only break out the corduroy pants for really cold days but these are not too heavy, a light brown, and perfect for early fall / spring type of days. I am also wearing a blue with red striped shirt made by Polo. Believe it or not I actually had several compliments regarding this shirt from both my male and female students. (I have thought about wearing something not as Mansome to ensure that my students are paying closer attention rather than daydreaming about trying to become just a little bit more Mansome)! My accessories: Kenneth Cole boots and a brown belt!

Outfit Name: Causally Professional: A true professional through and through but this outfit suggests after hours are a fun time!

BOOM!

Thanks to everyone reading and posting! Please keep following Kimberly at FashionMomma22 and myself at JWFaulkner on twitter. Till next Monday!

Mansome Monday: The "A" Lister

HEEERRRREEEEESSSS MANSOME! I know I must have thrown you all into a hysterical tizzy on Friday with my post. For many, Mansome Monday is something that you have to prepare yourself for, the hysterical writing, the hotness of the man himself, the outfit, the hotness of the man, and the tips and pointers for you and your man. But I am back to my regular day it feels good to be regular; I learned that from Jamie Lee Curtis and Activia!

I mentioned last time about sharing some observations I had during my Christmas break. One such observation was actually a fashion observation and it involves something I absolutely cannot stand and that is skinny jeans. I have no clue how or why these should even be considered a fashion trend. I mean who thought of this? Many cannot / should not wear stretch pants and now they are trying to do the same with denim?!?! (Disclaimer: I can almost, almost, understand the female obsession with this latest crappy trend. But the guys who wear skinny jeans, really?!? Ladies if your man comes home with a pair leave immediately! And if he does mangage to sell you the idea of walking down the street the only acceptable reason is he is forming a new band called “Zack Attack” which will perform covers of Zack Morris’ band from Save By the Bell, mainly “Friends Forever” and the jeans are a necessary part of the gig. PS These are not and will not EVER be Mansome approved) But I digress, as I was walking around the King of Prussia mall I could not help but stare at the males who though skinny jeans were a good idea. (Yes, the staring did make for an awkward moment but once eye contact was made but I really felt that I was the one who should feel more awkward because of what I was forced to look at.) Besides jeans were the fashion of the old west and I really cannot see John Wayne saying to his posse, “Those wide leg comfortable jeans are just not “in” anymore, these skinny jeans are awesome! Let’s go get some bad guys” So, as your Poppa of Fashion, I believe it is my duty to protect you from possible harmful situations and, regardless of size or body type, trying to squeeze yourself into skinny jeans qualifies as a harmful situation. And with an understanding that some of you will disagree, as your Poppa, I cannot stress enough, do not wear skinny jeans!!!

Speaking of jeans …. My outfit today is made for my various red carpet occasions. It says up top I am formal but below the waist its casual, no commitments, just fun. Starting from the bottom I am wearing my black Sketchers and Hollister Jeans. You will notice these jeans are starting to become damaged. For you new readers, I do not understand why you were not reading Fashion Momma’s blog from its first posting, I NEVER buy damaged jeans because being as Mansome as I am, my masculinity and ruggedness will create the same effect; even sexier looking pants! I am wearing a red Express shirt and a Pronto Uomo blazer. I am wearing the shirt un-tucked because when you are this hot you do not want to restrict heat!

Outfit name:  The “A” Lister! On the Red Carpet and sexy enough to be photographed by the paparazzi but regardless of photo, uncompromising or not, I am denying the story!

Thanks for all of the recent follows on Twitter! Keep reading and following FashionMomma22 and JWFaulkner! Till next Monday …. BOOM!