HAITI: A ISLAND ROOTED IN RESILIENCE

On Tuesday, the entire world stood attention when a massive earthquake struck Haiti. (Personally, it felt like a where-you-were when 9/11 struck moment.)

The event sobering yet so unimaginable tugged on heartstrings across continents. A country plagued with poverty, crime and further alarming statistics made me stop and deeply think. Deeply think about the economical blows and other destruction Haiti has endured.

A silver lining grows in every dark cloud. The quake may have left homes and building structures in shambles, but their unbending, resilient spirit to rebuild is clear and truly inspiring.

The images post earthquake circulating are grim and tough to bear. MR. MSR never visited the country but wanted to join other changemakers and shine added light + hope on a beautiful storied Caribbean island.

THE HAITI YOU REMEMBER. THE SPLENDOR BOUND TO RETURN.

LUXE GROOMING: JOHN ALLAN'S SPA

The word "spa" quickly conjures thoughts of peace, tranquil, zen, and all other serene synonyms. Imagine how Mr. MSR felt after striding in John Allan's welcoming clubby interiors (located @ 46 E. 46th Street) on Thanksgiving Eve. The perfect touch-up before feasting with family. As a deluxe grooming indulge I chose John Allan's full white glove (literally) experience!

The Signature Full Service (Only $65) pampering boasts: A deep scalp shampoo massage [nearly dozed off :)]. A mild hair conditioning session. Hot towel face treatment. Haircut. Manicure. Lastly, a look-down-here shoe shine!

J.A.S. staffers I engaged--from reception hosts to shampoo expert--I notice, I built quick rapports. Case-in-point: My female barber who perfected up a fly-guy dark Caesar 'cut, bundled a basket of tips for my current barber to apply. Although The Signature... packs a surplus of services, the overall session is prompt with detail attention. Simply put, John Allan ladies hands perform swiftly. (Beauty experts undergo a fierce J.A.S training regimen no matter their previous experience.)

Other offering essentials I can appreciate: A quintessential pool table for shooting billiards with pals. A private bar stocking top shelf libations and a cozy TV room to kickback with treasured sitcoms.

John Allan's Grooming Goods:

Currently I'm interacting the brand's newest Travel Kit bundle! The "guy tested, airline approved" see-through pouch of grooming essentials (Ocean Shampoo, Mint Conditioner, Scrub Face Exfoliant, Shave Cream, and Bodywash all in 1.0z bottles) eliminates your need for boxy + big beauty items.

Mr. MSR say "condense is always the best sense!

WE ARE BACK+ HAPPY 2010 !!!

Welcome 2010 !

MaleStyle Review returned...finally! Our site underwent internal construction, and transitioned new frontiers + ideas--bolder and cooler. New year, new visions! We're off on the right foot NOW. We hate the fact our MSR loyal had to nourish style appetites in traditional men's 'zines.

Welcome home readers! Mr. MSR appreciate the praise, honesty, and feedback you have delivered to make the site flourish!

Love + Style,

Mr. MSR

MSR: FAVORITE HOLIDAY THINGS !!!

We've been away for sometime but we're reappearing with Holiday top-picks + buy-its!

Since Fall, MSR was receiving heaps of remarkable holiday goodies to review--ranging from grooming to accessories. Knowing the smart + clued-in men (and some ladies) you are I tapered down the top 4 gift-giving gifts.

PRADA OXFORD

A sexy laceup always set the wardrobe tone.

PRADA unleashed a rich goatskin leather shoe with a prominent cap toe stitching. Easy adaptable for jean-wearing or suit-lacing guys, the shoes' seamless versatility sells itself. A leather chocolate hue lining, cushion-padded insole, rubber sole only highlights why Italians always win where shoes are concerned!

GUCCI APP for iPhone

My overt fascination for "apps" would almost require me to have an iPhone right? Well, on contrary, I just can't wiggle free from Palm Treo's. On an appointment (In October) at Gucci's traveling sneaker pop-up shop in NYC I met GUCCI APP face-to-face. Boy was it a long interaction...

In short, GUCCI APP is a mobile intersection of fashion, music and the Gucci lifestyle for iPhone and iPod touch. The app synthesizes the worlds of fashion, technology and music offering access to exclusive Gucci products, unique playlists, videos, fashion shows, news, events, latest collections, store listings and the ability to mix your own music.

GUCCI APP is now available on APP store at Apple.com.


Electro ROCK GUITAR Tee

For all the Guitar Hero, Band Hero, and interactive gaming diehards I welcome you the next best thing: Electro ROCK GUITAR Tee! My favorite quirky web haunt (thanks to a particular NY TIMES Magazine staffer) ThinkGeek.com is the brainchild behind the attention-getting fashion invention.

According to ThinkGeek.com "The Electronic Guitar Shirt is not a toy that plays pre-canned musical riffs, it is a real musical instrument that allows you to play your favorite songs and sound great doing it. All major chords are recorded from a real electric guitar, and the included magnetic pick allows you to strum just like you would a real guitar."


Marc by Marc Jacobs Motorcycle Jacket

My two girls over at Gilt Groupe.com sent a whisper (which went viral to the masses afterward-lol) about the Astral Blue wool jacket you see shimmering below! The jacket softly echoes: "Cool Guy". And, Swaggeriffic too! The long sleeve wool side-zip motorcycle jacket, notch lapel with snap closures, front zip+ snap pockets with front non-functional pockets is loads of detailing a Gent can appreciate!

STYLE CAPTURED IN THE DETAILS.

Like clockwork, I tear through my favorite Art or Men’s-interest magazines and zoom straight to the style section and/or features. Strong and executed fashion stories gets Mr. MSR wedged deep, forgetting about everything else around.

The formula which gives fashion stories timeless or brilliant marks is editor’s or stylists’ keen attention to “style with details.” Simply put, these professionals allow the little elements—detail buttons, colors, hardware, accessories—to define image and subject.

The modish Gents at ‘FineAndDandyShop.com’ sent over some of their lookbook images shot by photographer Patrick Roxas. Let’s just say…I was wedged to my laptop screen for a lil’ while.

Notice how clear and lucid style + details transfer in the following images.

STELL McCARTNEY + GAP KIDS BIRTHS FAB’ KID’S COLLECTION

It’s often mentioned when “attractive couples procreate, beautiful kids are the end result!” In relation to the fashion parenthood parents Stella McCartney and Gap gave birth to a striking and nice-looking children’s collection!! (J. Crew’s Crewcuts are on guard I bet.) I caught glimpses of their stylish offspring’s and simply could not break away from the [capsule] collection; a real well thought-out and executed collection I found!

Stella, didn’t reserve the luxuriousness (cashmere newborn blankets can be seen) for our fashion-savvy tykes. Versatile fashion pieces (boy and girl friendly) included: Cotton blazers with dazzling silk lapels, sturdy wool military jackets bedecked with gold embroidery, cigarette-leg jeans (aimed for little fashionistas), ruche shirts, leopard print sweater dress, and tons of playful and lively outfits.

The kid and budget-friendly collection range from $14-$128 in price.

WE HEART: Cole, Rood & Haan Co.

I’ll be honest right out and say "I never took conscious glances at the Cole Haan brand." (Not even when Nike, Inc. took brand ownership.) Feelings changed last week when I had the opportunity to engage, explore, and dive on a Cole, Rood & Haan shoe. The company paid brilliant nods to their 1920s Chicagoan heritage with the Cole, Rood & Haan Co. collection.

Last month Cole, Rood & Haan Co. hosted an intimate brand showoff in a speakeasy (real 1920s!) style loft. Each shoe style, shape finishing, bright detail stitch cuts, drew in Mr. MSR closer and closer. Plush cushioned insoles, luxurious Italian leathers, natural wood bottoms, wide-stitch engineering (a telltale for any durable high-quality shoe) trailed through the well-executed and distinguished collection. The collection breadth holds a varied style range (as you can witness below) and offers wardrobe versatility, as great shoes should.

Mr. MSR is a huge fan and boaster of the label’s dress boots! The pair I’m currently sporting (Boot Leg model) into the NYC ground just cannot break free. I actually don’t want it to either! My other shoes are getting envious I think?—lol.

To shop the breathtaking C.R.H. collection or get stockist information, please visit Cole, Rood & Haan Co. online.

(The Boot Leg style atop)

SHIRT GALORE: FRESH+ FIT FOR FALL!!

The rebel chap I was, forever anticipated back-to-school clothes shopping! Besides leaves changing hues, Fall meant snatching the flyest, sharpest, and chicest designer duds Mom’s budget could manage. Fast forward to now. With school and new teacher anxieties out the window I still cultivate passion + fervor for new Fall wardrobe indulges.

On my focused radar this season weren’t relaxed wool charcoal-mix harem pants, asymmetrical motorcycle bombers, shin-high wingtip leather boots or shawl-collar chunky-embrace knits. Instead I killed for: distinct euro-fitting wovens.

GQ’s recent issue flashed off Twilight star Taylor Lautner radiating Fall’s best and super-crisp long sleeve tops—from D&G to Banana Republic!

Editor Note: A crisp, pressed shirt often elevates any getup—sharp dressing or relaxed-casual.

BARACK OBAMA: MALE MODEL MEETS PRESIDENT

Just imagine if Prezy Barack didn’t encounter the ivy halls of Columbia or Harvard? I bet we would have still seen his unique name in gutter credits of our favorite 80s men’s mags as "Model: Barack Obama."

I am certain Obama’s lengthy form, prominent bone structures, and charming smile would’ve met notice with an achieving model scout somewhere.

Filtering photo captures by famed photo snapper Pete Souza, of Barack’s recent explores, brought the sure-80s-model thought into focus.

Check Barack playing up model-y, even unrehearsed poses, for the clicking lens.