For the 20-something Men

Most of the posts I write are geared towards an audience of women. For a change, I've decided to focus some thoughts on young men's style... or specifically the average young man's lack of style. Just to be clear, having a sense of style doesn't mean wearing slacks or button downs every day, or always looking like you hopped out of a GQ magazine.

I know that just like women, men have a variety of interests, likes, dislikes, and insecurities that may affect how they dress themselves. I'm specifically focusing on men around my age because I feel that your 20's are a good time to start putting effort into your personal appearance.

These are general observations made over time, and also a little bit of personal opinion. I hope that I can share some funny and thoughtful insight to any man out there who is lost when it comes to style and grooming. OR, maybe spark some interest in the young men out there who just don't care.



If your "Sunday best" is an American Eagle polo from high school...
Go ahead and donate that right now. Or give it to your cousin in 8th grade. There are better options. A cool denim button down is a more appropriate (and flattering) alternative.

The man on the right can take me on a date, the boy on the left can take me to see a PG movie.

If you can't grow facial hair...
That's ok! Beards are sexy, but hanging on to those 7 hairs sprouting from your chin is not. I think a clean-shaven face can be equally as attractive. Who cares if you can't grow a beard? Rock what ya got.

There is nothing manly about scraggly neck hairs

If you don't know what to do with your hair...
Ask for someone's opinion! Some men aren't lucky enough to have a full head of hair, so if you do, take a chance and go to a salon. There are trained people out there who would love to transform your look. After a trip to the salon I feel like a new improved person. Men can feel that way too. Stop putting off haircuts. A well-groomed man is respectable.




If you don't think shoes matter...
Newsflash: they do. Running shoes are for the gym and flip flops are for the pool. If you haven't bought shoes since your junior year of high school, it's time to take a trip to the store. Yes, you can wear your old faithfuls if you're mowing the yard or washing your car, but invest a few nice pairs. Shoe game is noticed - especially by women. Trust me.

A simple, neutral sneaker-style is a safe place to start. Dress them up or down. You can't go wrong with a classic pair of Chucks.

If your jeans have designs or embellishments...
Throw them away. This needs no elaboration. Same goes for shirts - bedazzled tshirts were never, and will never TRULY be in style. Stick with a dark wash, straight leg styles. Levi's and Gap are great, affordable brands to consider. A good pair of jeans can immediately improve your look.

Those tattered, light wash, too-long jeans are a no-go. 

If your t-shirts are too small (or too big)...
Stop wearing them. A too-small shirt can make you look immature, and a too-big one can make you seem sloppy. it should FIT. This meaning, your body should not be swallowed by the shirt, but the shirt should also not suffocate your torso or show your stomach. Sleeves should hit evenly between your shoulder and elbow.




If you are still wearing cargo shorts...
Swap them out for a new pair...like, today. This side by side comparison should be self explanatory.

Nobody needs that many pockets anyway.

These are just to name a few. If you liked this post, check out www.primermagazine.com or www.artofmanliness.com. Style is important for any gender, and although it is not what is MOST important, it does affect how people perceive you. If you have any questions for me, comment below or send me a personal message!

Happy shopping, men.

That's what's in my jar.

Shelby Schwartz Photography

I recently had the privilege of getting some photos done by one of my friends and talented photographer, Shelby Schwartz. Shelby works closely with Rose Coleman at Studio Art and has been professionally photographing for two years. Looking at her photos, you would think she's been doing this her whole life!

Last summer we spoke about meeting up for a little session, as she's building her professional portfolio. However, both of us were so busy that we never got around to it! A few weeks ago we finally got in contact and found some time to make it happen. We decided to meet in the Paseo, which is a fun, colorful place that offers a unique backdrop for any kind of photo session. 

We had such a good time! And props to models out there... I don't give them enough credit. I'm so awkward with my arms, I never know where to put them or how to pose. But thankfully, Shelby's also a really great director. She had me in poses that felt silly, but actually photographed SO well. Having a laid back photographer that can joke around and make you feel comfortable is so important because you don't want to look stiff or unnatural when you're paying for professional photos. 

I'm sharing a few of my favorites from our session that day, and you can find a link to her website at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!

Contact her for booking at SHELBY SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY or add her on Facebook!

That's what's in my jar.

Foundation Review

I hate wearing make-up. Let me rephrase... I hate when I can FEEL makeup on my face. Even when I do wear makeup, the more natural the better. Last week I ran out of the foundation I've been using. I haven't had a foundation that I've really loved in a long time. I decided it was time to look for a new one that I had never tried before.

Shopping at Von Maur, I spotted the Clinique counter and decided to go over and ask a few questions. Although I've heard good things about the products, I've always associated it with an "old lady" brand. I was surprisingly wrong. The woman helping me had worked with the company for 6 years and was incredibly helpful. She explained the ingredients, coverage, and wear of the few she tried out on me, and with great success I left with one that I love.

Clinique's oil-free, stay-matte foundation. 

It offers a light to medium coverage with a soft, finished look. And the best part? I can't feel it on my face! Priced at $23 - so affordable.

Here is a before and after comparison taken in natural lighting. I have a little bit of scarring on my chin and some uneven tones in my cheeks. This foundation evens out my skin without creating a harsh (what I like to call "cake face") effect. 

There are no edits on the photo, and I am ONLY wearing my new Clinique foundation paired with my favorite steal of a setting powder.

I wear Ivory 6 in the foundation, and use the Translucent Stay Matte powder by Rimmel.

If you are on the search for a new foundation, I highly recommend approaching someone who works at the makeup counter for suggestions and an application. Try before you buy!

That's what's in my jar.

Navy is the new black

A little black dress is a common staple piece for any woman's closet. What if I told you that it's time to swap out the LBD for an LND?

Although black is globally recognized as a top favorite on the neutral color pallet, navy is a different - but also classic - alternative. When it comes to styling, most assume that neutrals only consist of beige, white, black and gray. Believe me when I tell you that is SO not true.

Too many people are turned off by navy. They worry it will clash with items they own or they won't know how to style it with other pieces. In 2015 I expect to see a lot more navy on the runway in the fashion world, and off the runway in the retail world. Dress it up for work, or dress it down for a day out with friends.

A few of my favorite places to find great staple pieces to mix with your current wardrobe are Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Target. A great pair of tapered navy pants or a fun nautical top are a step in the right direction.

I hope to create my own style boards to share in the future, but for now...


That's what's in my jar.

Use your gym!

Remember a few months ago when you told yourself you were going to commit to getting fit? You got a gym membership and promised to make yourself go. It's been weeks since you went to the gym and now you have this $30 monthly payment coming out and it feels like a complete waste. You signed a year contract so it would cost just as much as when you signed up to get out. Guess you'll just keep paying...

If you're paying & choosing not to go, you're wasting your money. Don't be mad at your gym. YOU signed up for the membership.

I've found that the majority of people who stop going, don't just have laziness to blame. They truly don't know what to do in the gym. It can feel extremely discouraging to wander around hopelessly trying to figure out how machines work while the girl over there (with the perfect butt) is killing it on the squats. You feel intimidated. So you get on the treadmill, walk for 20 minutes and decide that's good for the day.

When I say "use" your gym, I mean, take some time to see what sort of things your gym offers. I'm a member at Gold's and I've really grown to love it - that's my personal opinion. I've never felt like my membership was a waste of money because I really try to use all that they have to offer. Recently I decided to start going to their classes. I've thought about joining a Crossfit gym, a yoga studio, buying a month of bootcamp classes, but why would I?

Monday and Wednesday mornings I can take a Body Pump class (which totally kicks your butt, by the way), Tuesday night I can go to Zumba, Thursday after work I'll wind down with yoga, and Friday morning I'll sweat it out in cycling class. They also offer personal training sessions. 

Average Costs (not accounting Groupon deals)

Yoga Studio - $100 per month unlimited

Bootcamp program - $80-150 per month

Cycling - $100-200 per month
Crossfit - $150 per month unlimited classes

If you've already committed to paying for a gym that offers a variety of classes and services to help you get the most out of your workout, why not commit to benefiting from that?


That's what's in my jar.

Calling all iced coffee lovers

Spring is here and summer is approaching. In the winter you can find a hot cup of coffee in my hand every morning, but once those hot, humid days arrive I switch over to my iced coffee drinks. I work within walking distance of a Starbucks. A daily trip could cost at least $20 a week. And let me be honest, Starbucks may be the most popular coffee house worldwide, BUT...  their coffee products aren't the best. I've found something I prefer that is not only a healthier option, but could save you some cash.

Califia Farms iced coffee products! You can find these at Whole Foods, Sprouts and Natural Grocers. Not only do they taste better than the bottled Starbucks products, they are made with better ingredients. 

No dairy, low sugar, low calorie, low carb, low fat, no saturated fats, AND since they are made with organic almond milk, they pack in a serving of calcium that most Starbucks drinks don't offer. 

Here's a side by side comparison:

Regular Iced Coffee (Califia left/Starbucks right)

 Iced Coffee with Mocha (Califia left/Starbucks right)

You can see in the side by side comparison that Califia has half the calories, half the carbs, and even half the sugar of the popular Starbucks drinks. If you want to try before you buy, they DO offer single serving mini bottles.

That's what's in my jar.

A little spring, a little break

Unfortunately, this year, I won't be taking the traditional spring break trip to the beach with a group of friends. Instead I'll be sleeping in, fighting these crazy Oklahoma sinus problems, getting a head start on school projects and clocking in a few extra hours on my paycheck at work.

I'm not having a pity party at la casa de Mason, but I can't lie... It's hard to see all of your peers going on fun vacations while you sit at home. Let's be real, the only adventure I'm embarking on this week is season 2 of Gilmore Girls. If you're staying home like I am, I've put together a small, silly list of things to do on spring break that don't require a 7 hour road trip.

1. Go get a snocone!

This is a perfect pick-me-up and a great reminder that summer is just around the corner! With so many great snocone stands here in OKC there's bound to be one around you. Try a new flavor or add in some gummy bears. It's spring break man, go crazy.

2. Try that restaurant you've been talking about

A lot of locally owned restaurants are popping up in OKC. Grab a friend or family member and go have breakfast, lunch or dinner at one that you've never been to! SO many of these new restaurants have created such a fun environment that you can guarantee a good time along with great food. Instagram that my friend!

3. Rent a movie! Yes...like at a video rental store

Whether it be your favorite 90's chick-flick, or one of the recent Oscar nominees, going to a video rental store gets you out of the house and will probably stir up some fond memories of the days before Netflix and RedBox. (RIP Blockbuster) If you're of age, why not grab a bottle of wine to enjoy with it?

4. Buy a new pair of sandals or sunglasses

You're not spending 3 months of paychecks on PCB and booze for all of your friends, so why not spoil yourself a little with some fun accessories to add to your spring wardrobe? Target, Marshall's and TJMaxx are a few of my favorite places to find great deals. Plus, with all of your college friends out of town, you'll have free range to buy all of the cute stuff in popular sizes before they get back! No shame in my game.

5. Read a book

These are a few I've read recently. Reading and finishing a book brings about a teeny-tiny sense of accomplishment. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read with a touch of love and laughs I would highly suggest Eleanor and Park or The Rosie Project. If you want to laugh so hard that you cry, and you don't mind a little vulgarity, I can promise that Chelsea Handler and Caitlin Moran will have you in stitches. I love reading. With my busy schedule I don't get as much time as I'd like to do it, but spring break frees up a few hours so that I can get lost in a new book.

6. Get active!

Go outside! Take a walk around your neighborhood. Maybe go downtown or to a local park for a more scenic view. Most gyms and specialty studios such as pilates or yoga even offer a free first time guest pass so you can try out a class at no cost. Sunshine and exercise can get your endorphins pumping so you can kick the home-bound spring break blues! When you feel good it's easier to have a positive attitude.

There's no reason why you can't enjoy your spring break from home. So get out there and find a reason to have a good day today!

That's what's in my jar.