Cutting it close: Tips for the smoothest shave

You will feel Nivea's Post Shave Balm working away at
dehydration after a close shave. Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

While going to the local barber is enough to transport you to a time of radio hits and not-so-instant messaging, the barbershop requires some free time if you take small talk into account. For the impromptu dates and late notice interviews, barbershop-smooth shaves do not have to be an outsourced job. Take matters into your own hands.

Pre-shave 

A good shave starts before you have even picked up your razor of choice. Taking a hot shower, or merely washing your face with warm water before you begin shaving will soften up your bristly 5 o’clock shadow.

So-long Stubble 

During your shave, switch the faucet from warm to cold water. Contrary to the comfort of warm water shaving, cold water will keep your pores closed and reveal more of your stubble for a longer lasting shave. If you have doubts about this tip, refer your attention to this article, “The Case for Cold Water Shaving” on theartofmanliness.com, which debunks the water temperature debate. Perhaps the most convincing argument resides in the black and white photographs of U.S. soldiers shaving with snow run-off, and not a hint of razor burn afterwards. After all, if there were ever a civilian battle to be fought, it is against red razor burn.

Pay homage to the shaves of yesteryear,
with a bold aftershave, like Chanel's
Allure. Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

While we have battle on the mind, it might be an optimal time to talk about going rogue, soldier. It’s time to abandon the common man’s go-with-the-grain shaving approach. The first time you shave, shaving with the direction of your facial hair will help rid of most of your longer hair growth. Afterwards, shave once more against the grain, remembering to pull your skin taut with each stroke, and you will notice how much smoother your face is.

Reach for Neutrogena's Post Shave Lotion
when your razor burn worries are low.
Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

Aftermath 

Before your face has dried completely, apply an after-shave moisturizer. If you feel a higher level of irritation after your shave, try something like the Nivea post-shave balm. A dime-sized portion goes a long way, and will keep your face hydrated. With less irritation, you might try the Neutrogena post shave lotion, or a more classic aftershave, like Chanel’s “Allure”.

Whichever products you choose, be sure not to use blend two or more scented products. You want to revive the barbershop smoothness with your shave, without smelling like potpourri at dinner or in your potential new workplace.

Being your own barber is a convenience that our suave founding fathers of style weren’t afforded. Try your own at these techniques, and you might find that 5 o’clock shadow arrives fashionably late from here on out. 

For a quick, step-by-step guide to getting a close shave, check out this article at Esquire.com.

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From Catwalk to Closet: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014

If you don’t live in an urban jungle, it’s likely that you resonate more with the soundtrack of fashion shows than the fashion itself. Season to season, art walks down runways backed by twinkling flash-photographers with a cool factor that would not translate well outside of the city. That is until Burberry Prorsum took to catwalks with a Fall 2014 ensemble of ease.

Ripe with artfulness and wear-ability, as described in this review on Reckless Animals, this line was made for the young urban dweller no matter the amount of skyscrapers—or the lack thereof—that surround you. From olive-toned capes to full-bodied trenches, Burberry’s menswear begs to be worn on the back of free spirits with a not-so-free itinerary.

Three looks from the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 menswear collection.
Photos courtesy of recklessanimals.wordpress.com.

As a 20-something living in Colorado, the neighborhood name brands include the likes of North Face and Columbia. While I’ve trusted them both to get me to the bus stop with a normal body temperature, the spring and fall allow for comfort without resembling your favorite marshmallow dessert.

This fall, Burberry will walk much further than the stretches of the runway. Forego your classic denim jacket a time or two this fall and mix in the layered capes and collars of Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014. 

Complete Slideshow

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Versatility in Vests

Though the days are short, and the ground is laden in snow, winter in Colorado can include some surprisingly warm temperatures.

When you wipe the sleep from your eyes and find that the sun isn't shrouded by gray clouds, you'll have to approach your closet with a different mindset. Sift through your bulky ski coats and thick trenches, and layer your look with a vest on warmer winter days.

I've never been quite capable of convincing myself to purchase a down vest, although Colorado might be the ideal stage to sport the 'sleeveless coat'. Recently, however, I did find a distressed denim jacket in a local thrift store that I fashioned into a vest.

When styling my vest, I've tried so keep with solid sweaters and pull-over hoodies, to ensure that I'll be warm and comfortable wherever I may go during the day. Add this casual piece to your weekend wardrobe and take to the snowy streets in style this winter.

A tip for your fellow do-it-yourself stylists: When cutting the sleeves, leave a half-inch of material and comb out the denim around the cut portion of the vest to create a fringe. This will help your cause in looking more sleek and less crafty.

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Welcoming 2014... and Camouflage

With the change of one season to the next, we trust the fashion gurus to bring us the best trends. While I try to keep an open mind in welcoming change, some of the fashion fads that overcome my favorite stores take me a little longer to try on.

The latest trend that I managed to give the cold shoulder for several months was camouflage patterns. In the summer of 2013, camo prints meagerly appeared on shorts, ties, etc. Fast forward a few months and camo prints have appeared on all of your favorite clothing articles. Not even my rural roots could convince me to don any of this woodsy apparel. That is until I saw the blogpost, "Precious Cargo", on Scout Sixteen. Seeing the pattern outside of the stores and on the streets convinced me that a pattern I long associated with leisurely duck hunting, could emerge from the shadows and stand out as street wear.

New Year's Eve was my foray into camo. As a man with a minimalistic style sense, my philosophy with camo and any other bold pattern, is to complement the loud piece without other patterns or boldness. I want to be well-dressed, not the cause of a traffic accident.

Don't defy trends you're uncertain about. Take note of what you like on the streets, and shop the trend on sale racks before making big buys. Adventure on, and don't blend in.

P.S. Here's a look from I Am Galla, that minimizes camo to the shoe. 

I got this camo print sweater from American Eagle for $24.99. The black winter boots are NIKE, which I bought for $49.99 earlier this winter.

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Square One in Style

In many of my favorite films from my teenage years, if there was a young protagonist, I could be sure that they would be rebellious in some form another. Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday defied her mother in all of her gothic glory. Even Violet, in The Incredibles was too suave with her jet-black hair to be bothered by her parents for much of the movie.

While I did have a head of frizzy hair that could have easily set a scrawny teen off balance, I didn’t not attempt any acts of rebellion as a kid. Instead, I expressed myself with what I wore. In the rural town of Fruita, Colo., I was at an advantage against my peers who opted for Wrangler denim or Volcom tees. Although, I was an offender of donning four-too-many pairs of skater shoes without any ability to maneuver a skateboard.

Thankfully, my sense in style has progressed. To add to that, I’ve recently found a blog, titled Scout Sixteen, which features current, young fashion. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the blog is that the author of the blog, Justin Livingston, understands the versatility of his readers. Adventuring as a twenty-something can’t always call for a suit and tie, and his blog posts address this fact with looks that include denim, sweaters, and the like.

Drawing inspiration from Justin Livingston, at Scout Sixteen, I’ve added a ‘Style’ dimension to A Furled Brow. And if your own style staples include sweaters from your granddad’s era to layering outrageous graphic tees, I hope you’ll follow along. 

Check out my favorite post from Scout Sixteen here.

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Everything you didn't expect to love this July

If you’re a teenage girl with a Twitter account, you’ve probably beaten me to the following announcement: July is coming to a close. In the last month, the world met some royal and some not-so-royal infants—Amanda Bynes included. Many people also ditched their knock-off Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses for a newer trend. Whatever it may be, a lot has taken place in July and some of the things you enjoyed most about July probably took you by surprise.

 

Media

Now, in media, there’s this term known as ‘guilty pleasure’. If that term wasn’t rubbish before, than it certainly is after July 2013. In print, television, and music, media consumers of every taste have been served content that is just too damn good to be ashamed of. First up, like a love struck Ron Weasley, we all stared as W Magazine placed their June/July issue on stands donning a much more matured version of Hermoine Granger actress, Emma Watson. Elegant and regal on the cover, Watson portrays herself not only capable of being a partner in mystical adventures, but also as a partner in our daydream love affairs. In her feature, the 23-year-old English student of Brown University talks on transforming her acting career into adulthood sans wand.

In the television world, on a channel of our acened adolescence, MTV began airing Rivals II. Featuring grudge-bearing duos from Real World seasons past, Rivals II stands as a reminder of the reality television that first brought our gawky teenage souls the utmost happiness. Maternity leave for Snooki could not have come at a better time. Reality TV looks much better on these seasoned Real World-ers competing every Wednesday night through obstacles and hormones in the tropics of Thailand for a share of $350,000.

Of the many tales you’ve heard after your friends’ 21^st birthday parties, nothing can quite compare to that of Selena Gomez. The Disney-born star rang in her 21^st birthday by debuting her first solo pop album. An album infused with bass and fast-paced rhythm, Gomez now faces nightlife with her proper ID as well as her own soundtrack to play at the club. After coming into acceptance that it isn’t Rihanna’s accented voice coming through the speakers to this edgy and raspy album, you may have momentarily tuned out. Yet, more and more music patrons are joining the 'Selentourage' after hearing the praised tracks such as, “Birthday”, and “Slow Down”.

News

Ignited were the newsrooms this July. So much so, that our news stations made non-American events, American. Early in the month, we watched as Vice President Joe Biden scrubbed clean his already undamaged reputation. Biden’s agenda last month included meeting India’s prime minister and speaking on furthering gender equality in a modern state. What caught our attention, though, was the alter ego of Joe Biden’s. An alter ego that we can deem as the over-achiever with the Oval Office in mind for 2016. His preferred pieces of decor include portraits of Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were Vice Presidents before becoming President. Is it endearing or is it embarrassing? Could he be compared to the teacher’s pet or deemed “Most Likely to Succeed”? No one can say certainly, but he has our attention in any case.

Rivaling the political scandals and social justice travesty in America was an unnamed child with an instant net worth much more than his bald head will ever understand. George Alexander Louis, the royal baby, solicited a welcoming crowd of thousands of people and reporters alike. Like a secret society, Buckingham Palace holds the public’s attention without so much as a sneeze from the guards. Reporter Catherine Mayer of Time Magazine in London offers that the royal family will always cause a stir amongst nations because of the mystery they hold. Months from now, the gawking will ensue as we refresh our Twitter feeds to find out if Prince George is a fussy sleeper, or if his first set of teeth comes in on time.

Style

With the majority of summer behind us, two super brands are switching things up to test how passive summer has made you. No stranger to your credit cards, Nike and Ray Ban have taken their most sought after products and made them all the more desirable. Known for athletic gear to help you rival any lift, run or match, Nike presents Flyknits athletic footwear. Born from the idea of acting as a “second skin”, the Flyknit trainer comes as the newest craze for runners and cross trainers seeking support (arch, ankle, etc.). If your pair of Nike Frees aren’t already deep in your closet, go for a sweat in the Flyknit. After all, it’s a lot less intimidating and much cheaper than a personal trainer.

Quite opposite from footwear, Ray Bans has long been trusted to fit the most stylish of sunglasses upon our suntanned noses. Similar to the aviator phase that stuck around long past its welcome, the classic Wayfarer style from Ray Ban is finally on its way out. A round sunglass lens, for men and for women, is taking over for the Wayfarer as of last month. Hot off the conveyor belt, Ray Ban’s Clubmaster sunglass is the perfect example of this new eyewear trend. With a wide frame on top and smaller, rounded lenses, this look is the perfect middleground between kiddie glasses and the safety goggles look that your parents might take part in. Without looking like a Willy Wonka, the round lens exudes a youthful, in-the-now appearance.

No matter if you’ve taken in your fair share of vitamin D or your fair share of Emergen-C to cure that hangover after a night out, summer has made you unaware. And if the past month’s happenings didn’t shake you awake from your summer slumber, perhaps a little shade and water will do well for you. 

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We owe Trendiness to England

What do fish and chips, Emma Watson, and the term “bollocks” all have in common? Aside from the healing process of your latest break-up, these articles also all originate from England. To continue the thread of English trendiness aforementioned, America has been introduced to the timeless clothing brand called ASOS launched in the United Kingdom in 2000.

Unless you’re making a summer holiday in London, the brand can be found at ASOS.com. With shipping to over 190 countries, and payments available in a number of currencies, you’re sure to get your fingers on your favourite finds.

A recent t-shirt splurge, $45.00

Laden with simplicity, color, and utterly reasonable price tags, ASOS is the middle sibling who has sat quietly between Urban Outfitters and American Apparel for far too long. This is not to say that one cannot dabble between the three brands. There are no forbidden fruits when you’re young, and if there are then you can deal with the repercussions later. Until then, add some of the crisp qualities to your closet that ASOS has to offer.

Fit for the duties of daytime and the adventures brought forth from nightlife, this brand abides by the fashion rules of today and combs in some promising hints for styles on the forefront. The Earthy color palette and fitted pant motif in menswear promises that guys will be taken seriously and look bold all the while. Likewise, ladies can find solace in the simple, form-fitting dresses and denim that attract the eye with a little lace here and a little off-the-shoulder there.

And if ever there is the opportunity to be cheekier in your endeavors, ASOS gives a proper amount of possibility for unique printed tees, sleek logos, and daring structure for both guys and girls.

Photos from ASOS, "New Clothing"

Beyond the racks—or pages, in our case—of clothing on ASOS.com, there lies footwear, accessories and sunglasses to be praised, as well. Hell, there are even pages of onesies that you’ll undoubtedly save in your wish list for a time when you frequent sitting by the fireplace once again.

The point is that this brand is one to be backed because it skews a little from the typical path found in American shopping malls. Let ASOS serve as your outlet for variety. Even if you’re the biggest vanilla enthusiast out there, everyone enjoys some caramel syrup on occasion.

As an American youth, part of outgrowing teenage years is acknowledging that you were not, in fact, the pioneer of style, music and slang that you once thought you were. Instead, when you come into your twenties as an American, you find that you owe all your hip capabilities to our overseas neighbors, the English. Go ahead; take a peek at the sharp styles at ASOS.com —English accent not included.

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