Boots for Harsh Conditions

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With #Snowmageddon going right now, there is no better time than to focus on shoewear that can handle the harsh conditions. Even though the blizzard didn't hit as hard as it was forecasted, the snow that did fall can ruin your shoes. If you're like me, then you like to preserve your nicer shoes for better occasions than trekking through the snow.

Boots for insane weather isn't something new, but you'd be surprised how many guys don't pay attention to their feet during the winter. I keep seeing friends wear worn-out boots or even rain boots during the winter, this has got to stop. I think a nice rugged but functional new boot can cover all your bases, impermeable skin, looks fashionable & can withstand the conditions. If you're in a less temperate area, then a nice chukka boot can satisfy your needs as well. The East Dane site has a wide variety of boots in every color & style that you can imagine.

As for me, my personal favorite style of boot is a Chelsea boot. A Chelsea boot is classic yet gives off an eternal rock & roll vibe. What's your go-to style of boot for the winter? Share with me some over your favorites! 

Best Winter Fragrances

I've always believed in having multiple fragrances line my bathroom shelf. You can alternate between different scents depending on your mood or even weather. Every year when winter approaches I tend to gravitate towards bolder scents. I leave behind the more flowery & summer fragrances & begin to look for something more appropriate for the weather.

The same way you update your clothes for the season, your fragrance should always be refreshed. I've always been a fan of a woody fragrance for the winter. A bold scent can bring about a feeling of warmth & an autumn feel. The following three scents are worth checking out.

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Chanel has long been a powerhouse in the fragrance market, their Blue De Chanel eau de perfume does not disappoint. The mediterranean herbs mixed with cedar & sandalwood is a perfect fit for the coming months. The woody aromatic fragrance provides a provocative & sensual smell that is sure to impress anyone who comes in contact with you. 

Abercrombie and Fitch has recently updated their classic Fierce fragrance, introducing a bolder version dubbed Fierce Confidence. The newer version of the iconic fragrance is updated with a white amber & citrus mix that gives the cologne a bolder scent that will exude confidence & power.

Rounding out my list is Tom Ford's Champaca Absolute eau de parfum.There is nothing more manly than a Tom Ford cologne. They are sexy, woody & warm. Anytime I wear this particular scent, I am guaranteed to receive a compliment of my cologne. The Champaca Absolute multi-layered fragrance has a Tokajii Wine & Cognac undertone that is sensuous. For the rugged men, this is the scent for you.

Thanks to Abercrombie & Fitch, I have two Fierce Confidence bottles to give away to my readers.Enter in the widget below to be a winner. Both winners will be contacted via email.

Abercrombie & Fitch: Fierce Confidence Giveaway

Winter Jacket Style Picks

It's hard to stay looking good underneath the many layers that are needed to keep us warm during the winter months. A friend once asked me "Gabe, how do you suggest one can stay looking stylish and good while wearing possibly every article of clothing I own in order not to freeze outside?" My answer, pick a great durable utility jacket that functions not only as a jacket to keep you warm but also a stylish piece that will look great no matter what the temperature reads outside. 

My following three picks are a few of my favorite styles of winter jackets out right now. They're not your typical puffy down jacket that your mother used to send you out the door for school, they're stylish with unique details which set them apart from all the other jackets out there. With the use of many buttons and buckles these three jackets hit the mark on the military trend that has been big over the last few seasons. The trend is so big that Authentic Apparel Group created a US Army Apparel collection in collaboration with the US Army, their Airborne Army Coat pictured below is one of my favorites to grab out the door. Another brand I love right now is Woolrich John Rich & Bros. who created the Arctic Parka picked out here in this post. For a bit more of a polished and work friendly look, there is this Baracuta Blue Label Trench Coat from their Fall/Winter 2014 collection that made its debut at Milano Moda Uomo last week. Beat the cold and look great wearing any of these three picks.

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Baracuta Blue Label Trench Coat

Authentic Apparel Airborne Army Coat

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Woolrich John Rich & Bros Arctic Parka

Extreme Weather Boots

When the winter rolls around it is almost impossible to plan for what the weather is going to throw at you. One day it may be sunny and the next you're pelted by the rain or snow. What makes the unpredictable weather worse is the wear and tear that it creates to your shoewear. Snow, rain and sludge aren't the best conditions to put your shoes through so that's why there is a large market for utility boots out there. If you're like me and don't want to wear Hunter boots that almost everyone out there seems to own, then the following two picks are something to consider.

Aigle of France makes this Chanteboot 160 out of handmade rubber produced by hand in Ingrandes France. The boot is made to last and to tackle any adverse weather which may come your way. These boots will keep your feet dry and provide enough traction to offer a strong grip in the slippery months.

If you happen to live somewhere where you'll need more than a rubber boot consider the Caribou Wool Boot by Sorel. Nothing gets more rugged than Sorel boots. While at first glance they may look stylish and outdoorsy chic with the removable wool lining, the Wool Boot is designed for anything that is thrown at it; snow, rain, mud and any other of mother natures little gifts.

The Handvaerk Henley

The henley has been the exemplary layer for the winter months for countless years, basic enough to wear as a layer with any outfit but stylish enough on its own to wear unbuttoned when lounging around. Handvaerk offers a line of men's and women's henleys that are made with raw materials and luxurious fabric, the fact that each henley is made in a family operated workshop guarantees that the utmost attention to quality is made. Made out of a light-weight jersey material, the long sleeve henley by Handvaerk is extremely soft and fitted throughout the torso. The long sleeve henley comes in three colors; grey melange, white and black. Designed in New York and handmade in Peru, Handvaerk makes the ideal henley for the fall/winter months.