MANLAWS

Fix It Yourself

Posted by Brian Newman on November 5, 2012

Posted in: Chicks, MANLAWS. Leave a comment

Back in the day Men knew how to handle their cars because all they were was an engine, drivetrain, transmission and four wheels. Most didn’t have AC or even power steering. You hit the gas and it would go. Here’s a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. My favorite no frills car of all time.

One thing that makes a man a man and drives the chicks crazy is a guy who can get his hands dirty under the hood. (Take it easy fellas. I’m talking about cars and thats a whole ‘nother ManLaw) Women love a man who can take care of things themselves without the assistance of your neighborhood mechanic. I’m not saying you have to be able to change a transmission, do body work or anything crazy like that. Now all the modern cars are much harder to do bigger jobs at home because the computers are just too complicatied without a specialist’s touch.

Just learn the simple things like changing your own oil, replacing your battery or alternator and making sure the fluids full and tire pressure is always correct. You save gas, money and gain style points as well. If you’ve never opened your hood before all the info you need is in the manual of your car or google your problem and troubleshoot.

All you need is a good set of tools and some ingenuity. You never know when you’re stuck on the road with no mechanics in sight. You’re girl will love it and it will make you feel like a man.

Stay tuned for more ManLawMondays…

Cocktails and Steaks

Posted by Brian Newman on October 8, 2012

Posted in: Chicks, Influential Men, MANLAWS, Style. Leave a comment

Sick of the same old, same old? You met a nice girl? You and the boys are sick of the sports bar? You’re in the doghouse and you need to get out? Living in New York City can be a stressful place to work and live sometimes. A good way to remedy these situations and blow off some steam, is to go out for a night on the town with the people you care about most. Heres a few spots for dinner and a nice spot to go for some classy drinks afterwards. So put a suit on, make whatever phone calls you need to and hit the streets.

For a truly superb evening around Union Square area, start with dinner at BLT Prime The popovers are huge and steaming hot to start. Order the Potato Skins with freshly shaved truffles, Japanese Kobe beef by the ounce and a nice bottle of cabernet from their extensive list. After dinner head right around the corner to The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel. The walls are lined with the likes of Warhol and Basquiat. With cocktails and decor that seems to attracts an air of new world glamour and old world sex. Be sure to get a reservation for a table after 10pm but if you want to come early and hear the band swing, I am there every Tuesday and Thursday night form 8 to 10pm. If you still aren’t partied out by all the food, drinking and dancing at Prime and the Rose, hit late night art deco’d mixologists dream, The Flatiron Lounge. With its Tiffany stained glassed 1930’s bar, speakeasy vibe and strong but well balanced cocktails. You’ll leave more than satisfied.

Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel

There are so many different places to go in New York city. I am just giving you a few options. Do your research in neighborhoods that you dig and and pick places that fit the vibe your going for, for that specific occasion. Sometimes a good night should be tailored like a fine suit. Sometimes its good to wing it.

Keen’s SteakHouse “Bullmoose Room” NYC

Gentleman, wherever you choose to go with friends, girlfriends or coworkers please do it in style. Hold the door open, be polite, say please and thank you and take care of the waitstaff. Don’t be a Bull Moose, be a man.

Stay tuned for more ManLawMondays…

Find A Good Fit

Posted by Brian Newman on September 24, 2012

Posted in: MANLAWS, Style. Leave a comment

In this day and age of disposable fashion, dressing yourself is a very easy thing to do wrong. The modern Man’s suit is one of the leading culprits of how bad things can happen to good people. The cheaper “off the rack” suits made these days are always cut way to big. You are just saving a little bit of dough for a product that often just doesn’t fit you right and will wear out much faster. The “Sack Suit” below, is most of whats being sold at Menswear outlets in the city and especially the outlets across the midwest. The natural-shoulders are shapeless, there is no curve to the rib cage and the arms look like big paper towel tubes. Whether you’re thin as a rail, you never skip a meal or just an average joe, a suit should be an extension to your shape and personality, no matter your body type. Contrary to popular belief, having a more fitted suit will actually make you appear thinner. Although the “Sack” has been part of the American Businessman’s lifestyle for over 100 years, I feel that it lacks any sense of character or personality. Its strictly business and that is exactly what it looks like. Congrats to the cat that made the first one though. Not sure what it is but you nailed it. As pianist, Alex Smith, once said so eloquently, “You’re gonna tolerate the way you look. I guarantee it.”

When shopping for a new suit try to look for a more European suiting style. Is much more form fitting and better looking for all parties involved. The shoulders have shape and character. The waist should be drawn in below the rib cage and the arms should be fitted up to the shoulders. These subtle changes will make a huge difference in the appearance and fitment of your clothes. I promise you’ll feel like a new man.

Below are some options of places to go in New York City to find the perfect fit for your budget.

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BY ROBERT JAMES — One of my favorite designers in New York. Always has what I need to make me look my best. He offers Custom work, off the rack, suit jackets, plums, jeans, great coats. Everything you need for a fitted wardrobe to make the ladies scream. Plus he’s a super cool dude.

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CRAIG ROBINSON — If you’re looking for high end, handmade, bespoke tailoring with nothing but the best materials and the utmost knowledge of the art-form, search no further. Craig is a truly established atelier and has been creating and shaping his own unique style for years.

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DOYLE MUESER — From Amber Doyle and Jake Mueser, also specializing in fine Menswear. Custom and made to measure. Suits, sport-coats, shirts, shoes and ties with a woman’s touch. Which is always a good thing.

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TOPMAN —I wouldn’t normally recommend a chain store because I like to give the money to local business, but I wanted to throw this one is for the cats who really need to keep the budget low. You can get a suit here for less than 400 bucks with a new shirt, new tie and shoes. Just make sure you pick out a suit with good fabric and spend the extra 40 bucks on alterations at your local tailor.