A little while ago, I was asked by the folks at Axe, the edgy men’s grooming company, to test out and review their new “Vice” product line. Axe, part of Unilever, bills itself as the world’s most popular male grooming brand. Vice is new to the market and I accepted the tough challenge of smelling…
Author: OTC
Review: 2007 Esquire Big Black Book
Finally, here it is; my review of the 2007 edition of Esquire’s Big Black Book (BBB). Several folks over at Esquire are fans of Off The Cuff and were kind enough to send me an advanced copy of the BBB to review. Regardless of how it arrived, rest assured that I read it cover to…
Style Guide: Venting
In fashion, as with many global industries, certain cultural indicators are resoundingly obvious. They are the things that clearly say “French,” like a Hermes briefcase, or “American,” like a Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Often, they are immutable, solid and stable examples of permanence in a fast changing global marketplace. However, as the saying goes, the…
Ralph Lauren: Collector & Cultural Curator
I am a little behind the curve on this one, but I jut saw the preview for a fascinating documentary on Ralph Lauren’s vintage automobile collection: “The Ralph Lauren Car Collection: Speed, Style & Beauty.” Considered to be one of the finest of it’s kind in the world, this collection encompasses many marque’ names –…
How to Start Managing Your own Image
People often tell me that they want to update their look, upgrade their wardrobe or get themselves organized – but don’t know where to begin. Getting started can often be the scariest part of making significant changes in your life; but once you understand what steps to take, you’ll be on your way. How you…
New York Notebook
I’ve been in New York City on business for the past few days and am happy to report that it’s still the cool, hectic, stylish and compelling city I love. In addition to my meetings, NYC was hosting the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. That means, apart from the backroom dealings, geopolitical…
NEWS FLASH: OTC on BeBetterGuys.com Front Page
I just wanted to let everyone know that BeBetterGuys.com moved my Five Easy Pieces article to the front page, so make sure to stop by their great site and take a look. These are five great ideas for fall fashion that work together or all by themselves to help you add some creativity to your…
Style & Smarts
Being called stylish can mean so many things. You dress well; you’ve got a nice haircut, cool bag, nice car, impressive art collection. Even how you walk down the street can be stylish – look at John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Then there’s the kind of stylish that transcends the mere suit or fancy…
DNR Highlights New Bloomingdale’s Men’s Department
In today’s newsletter, the leading menswear industry news source, DNR, highlights the innovative men’s department in Bloomingdale’s new Chevy Chase, MD, store. Located in a key luxury retail corridor with Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Cartier across the street, the new store boasts a third floor location for all menswear and men’s’ accessories….
New Magazine Review: Garden & Gun
Yes, you read that correctly, it’s called Garden & Gun. When the name first surfaced, this magazine quickly became the butt of many jokes, but I have to tell you – it’s pretty darn good. The basic idea behind this publication, the first for a new magazine division of the venerable Evening Post Company, is…