Musings on Men's Fashion - Review of Black Matte Zippo

While I only smoke the occasional cigarillo, I always keep a lighter around. And, boy, have I been sporting crummy Bic's for way too long. The cordial peeps at the Tobacco Barn recently sent me a Zippo - does it cure me of my Promethean blues?

Hell yeah, sure does. For one, goodbye the dinky flames I am used to with disposal lighters - this Zippo's flame need be measured in the inches. For two, the wick came full and bushy, so I don't expect I'll have to replace it any time soon. And, as is the case with all Zippo's, it definitely sends a message to fellow smokers that you take the time to fill your lighter, rather than just pick up bag after bag of the plastic, pre-filled type at 7-11.

Need I sing praises as to its appearance? Fine, I'll spell it out for you: this Zippo looks stellar. The smooth, matte black is perfect for matching any number of darker wallets or belts and the gold-colored plate at the bottom is a nice additional touch as well. And screw diamond-encrusted, ostentatious lighters: this piece as more personality than all of them.

In conclusion, I love this lighter more than any other I've boguht, stolen, or borrowed. It's sleek and fits perfectly into the key pockets on each of my jeans, unlike bics or overly-ornate ones. I highly recommend that you get your hands on a black Zippo ASAP.

Cutless Coupons: TIES! GREAT TIES!

Screw it, let's try new feature devoted to online, fashion-related coupons - seriously, who doesn't to save a buck or two? And like the title suggests, it's man's favorite accessory that's on the discount counter this week.

Firstly, the up and coming Wear Jack would like to give you a 30% discount on their snazzy products, like the one pictured above. Just use the following string when you're checking out:

fashionblog

We also have a special promo code running with the fine and lascivious people at Miss Feeney's. They specialize in making fine ties and hats...with images of pin-up girls hidden inside. I gotta say mine has gotten me some curious attention. :-3 The 10% discount code is

CEBLOG

And finally, the outrageously popular "secret" sale site Gilt still has some bomb ties available at their Accessories Final sale. Need an invite? Look no further.

That's it for now, lates gents.

What's Wrong With This Picture?: Orlando Bloom, Matthew Waltz

Sometimes how good you look is relative to how good the people immediately around you look. In this case, the boys look like they're not even trying. When compared to their luscious colleague, Orlando Bloom looks downright frumpy with his boring cardigan and Christopher Waltz must have grabbed a taller men's jacket by accident. I ask the gents: Where's the professionalism here? Yes, you're promoting ANOTHER Three Musketeers remake, but Christ men, trying to show a modicum of excitement. And, Milla, stop making the teasing so easy! <3

Contest! Win a complete outfit from Parc 81

Gents, time for another great contest! We're thrilled to offer the chance to win a FULL OUTFIT from Michael Brandon!! Check out what you could be rocking below:

Yes, that's right: a free pair of jeans, a shirt, and a blazer!! In case your curious, Michael Brandon is the label for the wholesale division at Parc 81, which services a classy look with mass appeal. Parc 81 provides quality menswear, mixing both classics and fashionable style into edgy and eye-catching looks for men. Celebrities who have been seen wearing Parc 81 lately are Tim Urban, Manny Streetz, Simon Huck, and Jonathan Cheban.

There's only one way to try and claim the outfit: Post a comment to this very post explaing to us whether the three button blazer will ever be hip again. I think it will...in like 88 years. We'll select the winning entry at random. Limited to persons of 18 years and above. Size restrictions: Shirts: Small - XXL; Pants: 30 W - 38W. (Select Styles 40W); Jackets: Small- XXL (38- 44)

The deadline's Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6 p.m. EST. Mark your calendars and put your fashion-thinking hats on! And don't forget to include your email address in your submission! Good luck gents!