Just A Guy Thing » Look Good

Transformers: 6 Wardrobe Staples That Adapt to Anything

James — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:30:53 +0000

Think of your wardrobe as a well-stocked fridge: From it, you only need a few basic ingredients to throw together a great combo. In fact, there are only six articles of clothing that you really must own because of their versatility. Mix and match and accessorize properly, and the same elements will work equally well at the beach and dog run as they do at the office or a funeral (or both if you’re having a bad day). Here, the list.

White Button-down Shirt
“The white shirt is the most flexible piece of clothing you will ever own,” says Massimo Bizzocchi, menswear importer and owner of the eponymous downtown Manhattan boutique. Wear it with shorts and jeans for a more casual look, with chinos and a tie for work attire and with a dark suit to a formal event. For a traditional look, stick to 100 percent cotton broadcloth; for modern, try stretch cotton with a slightly slimmer fit.

Dark Rinse Jeans
“Dark denim jeans are considered the new standby,” says Bizzocchi. You can wear them with everything from a tailored jacket to a T-shirt and sneakers. “I like APC New Standard,” says Steven Taffel, owner and proprietor of Leffot, a high-end men’s clothing store in Manhattan. “They’re a crisp denim, and they don’t have any stitching on the back pockets. Paired with a white shirt, you have a blank canvas that you can accessorize with pretty much anything.”

Cashmere V-neck Sweater
You can wear this classic under a suit, with a pair of jeans — with pretty much anything. “And if it gets too warm,” says Bizzocchi, “just take it off and wear it draped around your neck on top of your blazer.” If you’re only going to buy one, choose a neutral color like black, brown or charcoal. If you invest in a second, pick a bright color like green or pink that highlights one of your best traits (i.e., If you have blue eyes, go for bright blue).

Navy Blazer
This jacket always looks great, whether you wear it with jeans or dress slacks. “Just lose the brass buttons,” says Taffel. “The buttons should always be dark.” And make sure to get the right fit — you don’t want a lot of extra fabric through the body. The general rule is that if you can fit your arm in between the jacket and your chest, you have too much fabric and need to get it taken in.

Solid Dark Suit
“You need to have one of these regardless if you wear it to work or not,” says Taffel. “These days you could need it for a job interview, a wedding or a funeral.” A solid dark color (black, navy or charcoal gray) offers more flexibility in dressing up and down. Wear it on its own for a formal event and dress it down by pairing the jacket with jeans and a T-shirt. If you buy more than one, Bizzocchi recommends experimenting with browns. “A dark charcoal brown suit in a lightweight fabric has a lot of personality,” he says, “and it shows you have confidence.”

Stylish Sneakers
If you’d wear them to the gym or the basketball court, they do not go with jeans and a nice shirt on a Saturday night. Instead, go for something plain and simple that doesn’t read “gym.” Guess, Bally, Coach and Puma all make classic shoes that bridge the divide between athletic and fashion, and they read casual or dressy depending on the rest of your outfit (shorts, jeans or dark suit pants). “If I’m not in my boat shoes I wear a pair of Adidas white and blue Rod Laver sneakers,” says Taffel. “Sneakers have a life of their own.”

Jessica Lothstein is a former fashion journalist at Best Life magazine. She has written profiles on such designers as Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani and Michael Bastian.

The Latest Advances in Hair Loss Treatments

James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:00:38 +0000

This post is sponsored by Revivogen.

Are you seeing more of your hair swirl down the drain every time you take a shower? We lose 60 to 100 hairs every day, but if you’re going bald chances are you’re losing even more than that. Yes, it’s a bummer, but no – it’s not time to panic quite yet.

Hair loss happens to millions of guys – about 50 million men, to be exact – but there are more options now to stop the progression of your hair loss and even regrow some of your lost hair than ever before. Before you run and and grab the first product you see on the shelf of your local pharmacy, it’s helpful to dispel a few hair loss myths.

Hair Loss Myths

Some shampoos and cleansers claim that by opening up your hair follicles’ pores you’ll grow more hair. Sounds good, except for the pesky fact that clogged pores lead to ingrown hair, not hair loss.

Another myth is that poor circulation causes hair loss. Nope. If you get a hair transplant the hair grows in the bald areas which supposedly have poor circulation.

Think you can regrow your hair using nutritional supplements? Sorry – even healthy, well nourished individuals can still lose hair and adding supplements does not grow it back.

The Causes of Hair Loss

For most guys hair loss is a genetic condition, so if you’re going bald you can thank your mom or dad. Ninety five percent of all hair loss is inherited and it can start any time after puberty. About half of us will suffer from some degree of hair loss by the time we reach the age of 50. Depressing statistics, I know.

But inheriting the hair loss gene is not a bald sentence on its own. To trigger the hair loss gene you need DHT – which is the more potent form of testosterone produced by both men and women after puberty.

DHT turns on the hair loss genes that result in follicles to producing shorter, thinner hair. After a few years the follicle eventually dies out and is replaced with scar tissue. Once the follicle is gone only hair transplantation can grow hair in the bald areas so the sooner you treat your hair loss the better chance you have for success.

Available Treatments

There are lots of hair loss products on the market, probably the best known of which is Rogaine (Minoxidil). Rogaine activates the hair follicle into growth phase, but it can have side effects like headaches and reduced blood pressure. There are many products on the market under various names that have Minoxdil as the active ingredient in them.

These products will have the same benefits and side effects as Rogaine so don’t be fooled by fancy names that sell for a few times the price of Rogaine but contain Minoxidil. One major drawback of Rogaine is that it does not block DHT, the main culprit of hereditary hair loss. So for best results Rogaine should be used along with a DHT blocker.

Propecia is another medication for treatment of hair loss and this works by reducing DHT production over your entire body. Again, though, there are sometimes rare side effects, one of which is decreased libido. Yikes! Also, you need a doctor’s prescription to get Propecia.

Revivogen is a natural product formulated by board certified dermatologist Alex Khadavi, MD. Revivogen utilizes natural ingredients that are proven to reduce DHT production and stimulate the follicles like Propecia and Rogaine. Less DHT means your hair follicle growth cycle is activated and you start to produce longer, thicker hair.

According to the folks at Revivogen, the product has a success rate of 88%, similar to Rogaine and Propecia, without systemic side effects. It takes about 60 to 90 days to stop your hair loss and about a year and a half to see maximum improvement.

Revivogen is certainly not a miracle cure. It only works for hereditary hair loss and it will only grow back the hair you have lost in the last 3 to 5 years. You also have to use it daily for 18 months and keep using it 3 to 5 times a week to maintain results. But if you are looking for a natural hair loss treatment without the side effects, Revivogen could be a good option.

We’ve got a special deal for Just A Guy Thing readers. Cruise on over to Revivogen and pick up a three month supply of Revivogen Scalp Therapy plus 1 shampoo and conditioner for $89.00 with free shipping. The regular price is $119, so you’re saving 15% just for being smart enough to read this far. The offer is valid for first time customers and is one time only. The product comes with a 90 day money back guarantee, so go ahead and test it out.

For more info or to order the product, go to the Revivogen website.

photo credit (top): broma

Cut for Success? What Your Hairstyle Says About You

James — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:00:54 +0000

By Jessica Lothstein for Men’s Life Today

Interview suit dry-cleaned? Check. Shoes shined? Check. Mohawk perfectly sculpted with extra pomade?

Hold on a second there, cowboy. This is a job interview, where you’re supposed to strut your experience, not your feathers!

“Research says we make our assessments of others in the first 15 seconds we meet them,” says John McKee, founder of the Business Success Coach Web site and author of Career Wisdom: 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Career Success. “Within those first critical moments,” he says, “you’re being judged based on how you look, not what you say.”

And how you look doesn’t just include your clothes and your hygiene but how you fashion your locks. McKee says it may have something to do with the fact that women make up a majority of the hiring force today, and “women are much more conscious and concerned about grooming, especially when it comes to hair.” But experts agree that you can infer a lot about a person — including how you think they’re going to function as an employee — based on how they fashion their coif.

“The truth is, how others perceive us, whether it’s true or not, fundamentally determines how they treat us, especially in the workplace,” says Dr. Rob Yeung, a London-based psychologist and author of Confidence: The Key to Achieving Your Professional Best. “Looking the part is the difference between getting a job or not, or moving ahead as opposed to getting landlocked.”

So, how do you know if you look the part? Here’s what your hairstyle really says about you.

Side Part
Popular in: Finance, politics, insurance.

Says: Serious and business-minded. You’re a hard worker who wants to get ahead.

Why: It’s on the conservative and simple side, but it still shows that you put some effort into your grooming routine. It’s also a classic look that will never go out of style, because it conveys a sense of class and importance. “There’s a secret among HR people: that you’re more likely to get a promotion if you look like you’ve already made it,” says McKee.

“Take a cue from the hairstyles of the people one level above your current role,” concludes McKee. Chances are you’ll see lots of side parts.

Buzz Cut
Popular in: Medicine, professional sports, the Army.

Says: Confident and masculine. You care about appearance, but you’re too busy to spend too much time on your hair.

Why: There’s a reason this look is favored by the military. It’s not just extremely low maintenance, leaving time for more important business (or battles, as the case may be), but it’s a bold statement that shows you “want to look like you’re part of the team and move up the ranks,” says McKee.

Faux Hawk
Popular in: Fashion, photography, hipsterdom.

Says: Creative and extroverted. You’re concerned about standing out from the crowd.

Why: It’s an edgy look that conveys a lot of confidence and personal style. That said, it’s also just breaking over into mainstream, so if you work in an environment where everyone else is sporting side parts, you’re going to attract a lot of attention. If, however, you work in a creative field where suits are optional (and even tattoos are acceptable), wear your faux hawk with pride. “If your appearance syncs with the rest of the workplace, it gives the impression that you’re able to handle the technical skills,” says McKee.

Textured Bed Head
Popular in: Hollywood, media, public relations.

Says: Trendy and detail-oriented. You care about the little things.

Why: It’s a look that requires a fair amount of time to create and maintain, so it shows that you put a lot of effort into keeping up your appearance. “People in positions of power, especially recruiters, like to see that a potential employee takes care of himself and keeps up with trends,” says McKee. Plus, “when you look good, you feel good and have more confidence,” says Yeung.

Caesar Cut
Popular in: Law, theater, gladiator rings.

Says: Intuitive and savvy. Concerned about looking perfectly pulled together.

Why: You have more important things on your morning agenda than spending hours styling your hair, but you still want to look like you take pride in your appearance, and more importantly, that you mean business. This look is great for guys of all ages, but it’s an especially good style for guys who are just entering the workforce. “Younger people want to believe people will hire them based on competence and not appearance,” says McKee, “but unfortunately, that’s not the case. You do have to give up some of your identity if you want to be part of the team and move up the ranks.”

Jessica Lothstein is a freelance writer and former editor at Best Life magazine. She writes on a range of subjects, including grooming and fashion.

photo credit: top – TheGiantVermin

P90X Workout Program Will Get You Ripped in 90 Days

James — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:42 +0000

If getting in shape is one of your new year’s resolutions, you owe it to yourself to check out the P90X workout program. This is the real deal – it will whip your butt into the best shape of your life in 90 days.

There are lots of scams on the Internet promising rock-hard abs by just popping a pill. P90X is different. It will get you toned and build your muscle, but you’re going to have to work at it. But, oh man – the results!

The P90X Exercise Program

The key to the program is what is known as “muscle confusion.” If you’ve been going to the gym for awhile, you probably have noticed that your fitness level has plateaued. That’s because chances are you’re doing the same workout over and over again and your body has gotten used to it.

P90X – which stands for Power 90 Extreme – has 12 kick-ass workouts that accelerate the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus, and you never get bored. Through a combination of cardio, strength training, and stretching exercises, the program achieves full-body fitness.

The routines were developed by personal trainer Tony Horton and I have to say that while the workouts are killer, they are also a lot of fun. Horton has a great combination of attitude and encouragement to keep you going.

The workouts range from chest and back to something called ab ripper X. My favorite workout is plyometrics, an explosive jumping cardio routine that dramatically improves athletic performance.

Don’t kid yourself, though. P90X is not going to be easy. It’s going to take an hour a day for 90 days to get full results.

P90X Nutrition Plan

There’s a three-phase nutritional program to help you lose fat while keeping your energy up. To get results from this system you’re going to need to watch your eating. No workout in the world is going to get you ripped abs if you shovel in fatty foods all day.

The program also includes a special calendar and online support tools to keep you motivated. Most people I’ve talked to have started to see results so quickly that it’s easy for them to stay motivated throughout the entire 90 days.

P90X Results

P90X is a true Internet phenomenon with fan pages and support groups sprouting up all over the place. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of the P90X program that people from all walks of life and all fitness levels are singing its praises.

There are literally hundreds of “before” and “after” photos on the web of everyday people who have gone through the program.

There are also lots of athletes like Matt Diaz of the Atlanta Braves and celebs like Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore who have unofficially endorsed the P90X program in various interviews when asked what type of training they used to get in shape. There are also reports of police and fire departments around the country using the program to get their officers in tip-top shape.

If you’re only trying to lose weight then P90X might not be the best solution for you. Many participants have reported that they don’t lose weight because they are replacing fat with muscle. While they look a lot better, they don’t necessarily weigh any less.

I would also say that if you just want to get huge muscles, P90X is not the best program for you. The variety of workouts are going to get you more definition and are going to dramatically improve your overall level of fitness, but they are not designed to just add bulk.

On the other hand, if you’re in decent shape and want to get ripped, or if you haven’t been to the gym in years and want to get into great shape, the P90X program can do wonders.

What’s the Cost?

So, you’re wondering, how much is this thing going to cost me? The P90X program is not cheap, but it’s not super expensive either. The most recent price is three payments of $39.95, so all told you’ll be shelling out over a hundred bucks.

P90X does have a 90 day money-back guarantee and from everything I have heard and read about Beachbody, the company that created the program, they are serious about customer service and satisfaction.

If you haven’t been to the gym in the last week, you know how hard it can be to get your butt out the door. The beauty of a workout program like P90X is that you can get a world class workout from home without a bunch of bulky fitness equipment and expensive gym fees.

Give P90X a try and you’ll see why people are calling it the most extreme fitness program in the world.

Click to visit the P90X website now.

read our disclosure policy

The Tiny Car that Thinks It’s a Ferrari

James — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:04:50 +0000

In Europe, Fiat is synonymous with cute small cars. And we mean very small. But Fiat’s new Abarth 695 Tribute Ferrari is a tiny car with an identity crisis.

As you can see, the Abarth 695 is indeed small, but under the hood it packs 180 horsepower. While that might not sound like a lot, consider how tiny this car is. The car also comes with the latest racing technology and, of course, the requisite racing stripes.

No word yet on when the Ferrari Tribute car will be available. Don’t hold your breath for it to come to the U.S.

[via Highsnobiety]

Kiwi Shoe Polish Sponge: The Biggest Bargain in Men’s Grooming

James — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:30:10 +0000

A friend pointed out the other day how great the Kiwi shoe polish sponge applicator is. Unlike regular shoe polish which is messy and takes forever to apply, the Kiwi sponge is no-fuss, no-muss.

In case you haven’t used this, you just squeeze the bottle a little bit to get the shoe polish liquid onto the sponge and then spread it over your shoes. That’s it. No buffing needed and no messes to clean up. You’re done in under 5 minutes.

Honestly, I can’t tell the difference between shoes that have been shined with traditional polish and those that have been shined using the sponge. Best of all the Kiwi bottle lasts years and is less than $5 (you can get it at Amazonfor a whopping $2.83).

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that we take for granted that turn out to be the biggest bargains.

The iPhone I.D. Case Streamlines Your Nights Out

James — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:00:04 +0000

If own an iPhone you know how annoying it can be to lug your phone and your wallet around when you’ve got a night out on the town. The folks from Case-Mate have come up with a really elegant solution called the I.D. case.

The I.D. case is an impact-resistant, protective case for your iPhone with card-carrying functionality. Like a small wallet, the I.D. case has an ultra-slim and slip-proof slot on the back, to securely hold two credit-card size items ? driver?s license, credit or debit card, metro card, key cards and business cards . . . you name it.

For security, cards are kept in place with ez-slide protective film. Slightly nudge at the top and bottom of the slot for instant access to your cards. Neat, huh?

The case itself is sturdy, protecting your phone’s screen from shocks and scratches while providing access to all the iPhone’s ports and controls. The I.D. case comes in a variety of eye-catching colors like Silver – Metallic, Royal Red, and Royal Blue.

You can buy the I.D. case at Case-Mate for $29.99.

Organize Your Bedroom and Feel Better

James — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:30:19 +0000

A cluttered home adds to the stress of daily life, and most often when we tackle organizing our home, we focus on the public rooms, such as the kitchen and family room, because we fear the dreaded unannounced guest. We often neglect the bedrooms. It?s easy to close the bedroom door, but at the end of the day, we are restless in our cluttered bedrooms.

Do you find that when you enter the bedroom you are faced with a mound of clothes, a mess on the nightstand, and a pile of shoes on the floor? And once you finally force yourself out of bed, are you rushed in the mornings searching through piles for something clean and wrinkle-free to wear?

Scott Roewer, president of Solutions by Scott in Washington, DC, provides three easy, cost-effective tips to help get the bedroom organized:

Get clothes off the floor. If you find yourself throwing clothes on the floor or using the treadmill as your closet, then add a bedroom valet or garment holder to your room. The accessories provide an easy way to preserve and organize your clothes until you are ready to put them away. The racks in The Art of Storage collection are affordable and stylish. These storage pieces features six loops at varying heights to allow for versatile garment draping options and the valet also includes a non-slip pants holder and coin tray.

De-clutter every surface. Overcrowding the surfaces of your dressers and nightstands with knick-knacks presents a cluttered look and makes it more difficult to dust. Select the top two or three non-essential items that are special to you. The others can go into storage, be displayed in another room or maybe be rotated every few months. Remember that less is more.

Use under-the-bed space. Store out-of-season clothes and other items in containers made of plastic, canvas, or wood. Plastic containers are ideal if you have the ability to stack them. If you store linens in wood boxes, opt for cedar, which helps deter moths. Line the containers with plain unbleached muslin to counter the wood?s acidity and protect your linens. Use canvas bags that zip shut for delicate items such as cashmere sweaters, which need circulating air. Make sure all clothing and blankets are cleaned before storing.

?A peaceful, clutter-free bedroom is ideal for a restful night?s sleep and piles of clothes don?t create the relaxing oasis you desire,? Roewer said. ?My basic rule of thumb for clothing is if it is clean enough to wear again, it?s clean enough to hang up.

Beating the bedroom blues is possible ? and once you tackle this task, you?ll feel the results immediately. Everyone deserves a calm and peaceful place to relax and re-energize. And if you don’t clean-up your bedroom for yourself, then do it for your lady friend. She might just find creative ways to show her appreciation.

photo credit: tachyondecay

Gang Member Extreme Makeover

James — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:00:04 +0000

Let’s say you’re a member of a vicious Los Angeles street gang who just happens to have the gang’s name tattooed all over your body. Let’s also say you’re about to go to trial – what to do? Time for a makeover!

The attorney for Richard Rodriguez, who has filed a $5 million claim against the city of El Monte, California, wants his client to grow hair and wear a suit to cover up all those pesky gang symbols. Rodriguez will be getting an extreme makeover before the trial including a Magnum P.I.-style mustache to hide the gang’s name which is inconveniently tattooed to his upper lip (I hate when that happens).

In Rodriguez’s booking photo, his head is shaved, tattoos climb his neck, and he generally looks like a scary dude. But with a full head of hair, a ’stache, and a black suit – viola! – violent gang member is transformed into mild-mannered insurance salesman.

Rodriguez is suing El Monte because he was kicked in the head by a police officer after a televised car chase. Hmm, maybe try not running from the cops in a high speed chase next time. That seems to significantly reduce the number of head kicks you’ll receive. Just a friendly tip.

photo credit: Law Offices of Nick Pacheco (via L.A. Times)

Keep Your Oily Face Under Control Through the Day

James — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:07 +0000

Let?s face it, a shiny face isn?t a good look on anyone?including the President of the United States. Asked in an interview with the Associated Press about his pet peeve in the White House, President Obama targeted his makeup team ? whom he called “the shine police.” “They constantly want to powder my nose and forehead and it’s never enough,” he said. “That I find quite irritating.”

Heat and humidity tend to go hand-in-hand with summer and along with that comes an unwelcomed shine. Here are a couple of suggestions to help Obama (and the rest of us for that matter) beat the elements, whether on the international stage or at a state dinner.

Are you feeling manly enough to powder your face? If so, you might want to check out Boscia Blotting Linens. These 100% natural linen, preservative-free facial blotting papers will keep Obama and the rest of us looking matte and shine-free. They absorb excess oil and banish shine and their sleek compact holder slips easily into a back pocket?or the Oval Office desk drawer for when the ?Shine Police? are off duty. A box will set you back $10.

There’s also the All Day Oil-Control Lotion created by Jack Black, one of my favorite men’s skin care lines. Natural oil absorbing ingredients work along with botanical extracts and antioxidants to provide shine control without over-drying the skin. The result? Smooth, soft, shine-free skin that lasts throughout the day ? what more could Obama ask for? A bottle costs $26, but should last a fairly long time.

Keeping your face dry and free from excess oil can be a battle, no matter what the season. But now there’s some manly products available to help.

photo credit: marcn

Man Myths Exposed!

James — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:26 +0000

We have all grown up with bits of accepted wisdom about manhood, but are they accurate or just an old wives tale? Finally the folks at Manolith have taken the time to look into 16 famous manly myths and debunk them.

Do you think the more you shave, the thicker your beard will grow? Not so – shaving your beard cannot change the way it grows. A beard may feel more coarse after shaving, but that’s only because you have cut the tapered ends of your hairs, leaving the thicker shafts.

Does drinking beer cause a beer belly? Nope. While beer is high in calories, there’s no special ingredient that causes you to grow a rotund midsection. It’s just that if you drink lots of beer, you’re also consuming lots of calories and that packs on the weight.

Heard the one about the size of your shoe or hand revealing the length of your penis? Wrong again. Penis length has nothing to do with either factor (sorry to give you the bad news).

For more manly myths debunked, check out the entire list at Manolith.

photo credit: parisienne.love

Get Fit in Just Six Minutes a Week

James — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:30:53 +0000

Tired of spending endless hours at the gym? What if you could get fit working out just minutes a week? That’s the surprising conclusion by a growing number of sports scientists. New research suggests much shorter, more intense exercise could provide the same benefit as longer, less strenuous workouts.

The effectiveness of interval training has been known for years. Athletes have been incorporating one or two interval sessions a week into their regular exercise routine. What’s new is that many researchers now believe you only need a few minutes of strenuous exercise per week to do the job.

One of the leading proponents of shorter, more intense workouts is Dr. Martin Gibala at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. In one recent study, Gibala had one group of healthy but not athletic college students ride a stationary bike at a moderate level for between 90 and 120 minutes. A second group of students completed a series of short, very intense intervals by cycling for 20 to 30 seconds for as hard as they could. These students would then rest for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the cycle four to six times.

Each group exercised three times a week, but while the first group spent up to two hours on the bike, the second group only spent 2 to 3 minutes pedaling. After two weeks, researchers found that both groups had achieved nearly identical increases in their endurance. Researchers also found both groups exhibited molecular changes in mitochondria that signal increased fitness.

Another benefit of the intense interval sessions studied by Gibala was weight loss. High-intensity exercise increases energy expenditure well into the recovery phase. Other scientists have found interval training also improves cardiac health, even for those with heart disease.

To get these results, however, researchers say you have to go all out during training. It’s going to hurt and you’ll be out of your comfort zone. You also need to be in relatively good shape before starting a program like this as it can take a toll on your body.

One established interval method to try is called Tabata, developed by a Japanese scientist who did research in the field. Just A Guy Thing has a comprehensive Tabata exercise guide that you should to check out. Crossfit.com also has information on intense interval training. You can also check out this New York Times article on intensity training.

photo credit: ?o???x?

Zac Efron is the New Ideal of Male Beauty

James — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:00:14 +0000

All of our leading young men appear to have a new face – and according to experts, it?s getting feminized. Gone are the days of young actors worshiped for their unique sex appeal and masculine charm. Instead, a new trend is emerging and all our celebrity crushes are losing their edge.

So what?s the formula? Add a sweep of messy hair with a doe-eyed look and place it on a baby face, and there you have it: Zac Efron, Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick, Robert Buckly, and Jason Segeland, just to name a few.

In fact, the New York Observer recently christened the phenomenon as the ?New Male Beauty? with NYC facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Pearlman addressing the new facial structure, ?These young men all have the same look; a narrow nose trending upwards, wide-set eyes and softer features including the cheekbones and chin area.?

According to Dr. Pearlman, former president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), his patients have started citing Efron’s features as their ideal, instead of the more manly look they have asked for in the past. Individuality, he said, has been overrun by the quest for perfect proportion.

According to the recent AAFPRS Annual Survey, Among male patients, the most common procedures were: Botox, dermal fillers and injections, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Ready for a Little ‘Manscaping’?

James — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:00:59 +0000

There are few subjects men want to talk less about than “manscaping” – trimming the short hairs, and we don’t mean the ones on your face. But thanks in part to the proliferation of shaved porn actors and more recently a helpful video from Gillette coupled with new devices like the Braun “bodyCruzer”, more men are considering trimming the hedges.

We conducted a highly unscientific poll of several women we know to get the opposite sex’s take on the manscaping trend. The consensus is this: unless you’re an actual porn star, going bald down below is just plain weird. But thinning out the thicket is appreciated, especially if you expect her to get up close and personal with your beanpole.

There’s another benefit to trimming down under: greater sensitivity. For a lot of guys, thinning out the hair on their undercarriage heightens the pleasure when a lady friend gives the boys some attention.

Manscaping is not just about shaving below the belt. The new Braun bodyCruzer makes it easy to remove body hair from your chest, shoulders, stomach and other spots you might want to target. According to Braun, one-third of guys 24-34 in the U.S. already shave or trim hair below the neck, so rest assured you won’t be the first man to try it.

Gillette is getting into the act with a viral video that has now been viewed nearly 750,000 times on YouTube. As Gillette cheekily puts it: “when there’s no underbrush, the tree looks taller.”

Men have been expecting women to trim the hedges for some time now. Guys – are you ready to do the same and start manscaping?

photo credit: Braun

It’s Time for Beer Shampoo!

James — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:38:08 +0000

Do you enjoy watching ballplayers spray each other with beer when they win a championship? Ever wanted to try it? Now you can live that experience every morning in the shower with the new Bandai Beer Shampoo.

The bottle is designed so the soap inside sprays out as foam so you an party like a rock star (or athlete) every morning. Just plug the tip with your finger, shake the bottle and release for a celebratory beer bath.

And no, it doesn’t smell like beer. Thankfully, the shampoo has a citrus scent.

The only downside? You have to go to Japan to get it, at least for now.

Check Out Our New Look

James — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:15:18 +0000

Just A Guy Thing just got a makeover. We changed the layout and color scheme to make it a bit easier on the eyes. Oh, and did you notice our snazzy new logo?

We’re still tweaking some formatting issues, especially in older posts, so you may see a few wonky looking pages on the site. We’re working hard to fix everything as we find them.

Let us know what you think of the new look!

photo credit: Desmond Kavanagh

10 Style Tips Every Man Should Know

James — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:40 +0000

Spring is upon us and that means it’s time to brush up on your fashion sense. Being stylish isn’t about following a bunch of rules, but it does require a bit of knowledge. Now that you’re a grown-up, here are 10 things you should know to dress better:

1. Know your neck size. You should be able to fit one finger between your collar and your neck when your shirt is fully buttoned.

2. A tie?s stripes should always be bolder than a shirt?s.

3. It?s ok to not wear socks in summer, but only if you give your sweaty shoes a break every other day.

4. An invitation saying ?black-tie optional? implies you can choose between black tie and a suit, but it really means black tie.

5. Know the nuances of khaki pants ? don?t roll up the cuffs to your calves like clamdiggers unless you are actually digging for clams.

6. Never put eyewear, your cell phone, an ink pen, or a bulging key chain in your pants pockets.

7. A wallet is for credit cards only ? cash goes in a money clip in your front pocket.

8. Your eyeglasses should contrast, not mimic, the shape of your face.

9. The five terms your barber will understand are thinned out, layered, choppy, razored, and texturized.

10. It is acceptable to wear your jeans five to ten times between washings but fewer if they get visibly dirty or baggy at the knee.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be looking better in no time.

photo credit: freeparking

Men: Get Ready for the Male Girdle

James — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:14:48 +0000

Is going to the gym to stay fit just too much work? Want to lose that gut without the aid of liposuction? Then get ready the male girdle.

Australian manufacturer Equmen recently started selling its ‘core precision undershirt’ in the U.S. and will soon be introducing it to Britain. Like ‘control pants’ that millions of women secretly wear to keep their backsides looking good, the Equmen t-shirt squeezes mens bodies into a leaner silhouette.

Made of polyester, spandex and nylon, the Equmen undershirt can be worn under slim-fitting suits, t-shirts, polo shirts, or alone as a form-fitting top. Equmen claims their garments improve the fit of your clothes, improve your posture and muscle alignment, keep your core muscles stabilized, and may even help reduce back pain. All for just $89 a shirt.

To make sure their shirts squeeze guys in just the right places, Equmen uses a process they call “helix mapping.” Developed in conjunction with physiotherapists, ergonomic consultants and athletic garment engineers, helix mapping is a body-mapping system that builds physio taping techniques into every garment to reinforce and support the body’s natural structure from the core.

So what do you think? Are you ready to take the plunge into control tops for men?

How to Look Good in Photographs

James — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:53 +0000

Whether it’s a corporate portrait or a casual snapshot for online dating, how we look in photographs has never been more important. Regardless of if it’s a potential client looking you up on Facebook or LinkedIn, or a potential mate checking you out on Match.com, people make snap judgments about how you appear in photographs.

It’s time for guys to take their online appearance seriously. Here are 7 tips on how to look your best in photos:

1. For corporate headshots, look authoritative. Ask the photographer to shoot slightly below the eye level for a commanding look.

2. Pay attention to the background – a busy background is distracting, but a plain white wall is boring and sterile. Consider a corner of a room or near a window for natural light.

3. If you are concerned with a double chin, ask the snapshooter to take your pictures above eye level which will force you angle your head upward, alleviating a double chin.

4. Use your pictures! The only way to discover your best side is to look at pictures where you’re channeling Ryan Reynolds and determine your favorite pose and position. Once you find your ?best side? do not be afraid to use it. There is no shame in arranging yourself so your best face is forward, but we suggest that you do it subtly to avoid ridicule.

5. For online dating, unless you look want to like you LOVE yourself, avoid the self-portrait in the mirror. Mom, intern, roommate, whatever–find somebody to take your picture. And please put on a shirt, it will leave a little to the imagination

6. To elongate your neck, avoid scarves or big collars that create bulk around the neckline (That means no popped collars!). Try a v-neck to create shape and open up the chest and neck area.

7. You are who you pose with. While you might think it?s really cool that you met Miss October/Hulk Hogan/Captain Morgan, this type of company might not reflect who you really are. Try puppies, babies or less attractive friends. Seriously.

For more fashion and photography tips for guys, check out Carson Kressley’s online how-to series called Look Good in Pictures. The episode Man?s Best Friend: The Digital Camera is particularly helpful.

photo credits: top ssh; bottom Totoro!

Training Tips For Improving Your Biceps

James — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:30:06 +0000

This is a guest post from Ken Hunt, Owner of Steel Gym and AFI-certified Fitness Expert. Steel Gym has been named “#1 Gym in New York” two years in a row by the American Fitness Institute

It?s a call to arms?sorry I couldn?t resist the pun. Well, aside from looking great in a muscle t-shirt, your biceps are involved in many upper body activities that you do everyday. Although the bicep muscles are small, in comparison to other muscles in your body, when they are pumped, hard and solid, they look terrific.

I recently asked Steel Gym independent trainer (and expert chef, by the way) Alejandro Quirogo, for his suggestions on a how to build big beautiful biceps. Here?s what he had to say.

You should only work your biceps once or twice a week depending on your goals. The good news is that there are varieties of exercises that you can choose to grow those arms. Most bicep movements incorporate pulling and generally involve curling your hands towards your shoulders. You can also include wrist curls to work your forearms. You can choose any type of resistance?dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, cables or machines.

For high peaking biceps — Dumbbell Preacher Curls- 3 sets 8-10 reps per set and superset them with High Cable Curls 3 sets 10 ? 12 reps.

For strength and size – Barbell Curls?Warm up then 4 sets 6-10 reps; Dumbbell Curls 5 sets 6-10 reps (do not alternate reps); Machine Preacher curls 5 sets 6-10 reps.

Targeting the head/front of the biceps — EZ Bar Curls ?warm up with 1 set of 15 (light weight). Then do 4 sets of 6-10 reps . Hammer Curls – 5 sets 6-10 reps.

And some general tips: use a straight bar for building strength and bicep growth. Do them second in your routine to make sure they have warmed up. And try reverse Straight Bar Curls at the end of your routine to build the top of your forearms.