COLOGNE GIVEAWAY AND BLOG

Oct 5

Oct 5 COLOGNE GIVEAWAY AND BLOG

GUEST BLOG: Sam O'Brient wrote this week's blog.

Different Scents for Different Gents

Regardless of their personal style, every gentlemen knows how important it is the right accessories. From proper sunglasses to appropriate tie bars, it really is the small things that make all the difference. Just as important, though, is selecting the proper fragrance for every outfit and occasion. Whether you’re out sailing on the water, hitting a few on the golf course, or mixing it up at your country club’s latest function, smelling good is always a must.

Every occasion requires a slightly different scent. Thankfully, there are many, many different varieties to choose from. Almost all our favorite brands have their own signature fragrances. Preppy icons such as Ralph Lauren and Lacoste produce sone of the most popular colognes on the market today while Brooks Brothers has long been known to sport a cologne shelf comprised of bottles of ‘Royal Musk’ as well as their own personal brand. Tommy Hilfiger made it all too clear just who they intend to market to when they released ‘Eau de Prep.’ Upon first sampling it, I was almost certain I was picking up hints of tonic water mixed with what could only have been gin, a popular choice with the preppy crowd.

I once had a girl asked me if I wore Georgio Armani cologne. She seemed disappointed when I shook my head. I got the message. The next day, I picked some up. Armani has long produced some of the most scents of the male fragrance industry. Their European competitors, such as Gucci and Burberry have provided very similar products but the trendsetters of the industry seem to be Christian Dior and Louis Vitton. These European fashion giants have long been synonymous with class and luxury and the people purchasing them seem to have been following what can only be referred to as the “scent of opportunity” since their first day. Speaking strictly in terms of the cologne market, the American equivalent to such names seems to Calvin Klein, who was one of the first U.S fashion giants to tackle the unknown territory of men’s fragrances and ended up changing the game in the process.

Cologne is essential for any gentlemen who wants to smell good, but its uses don’t stop there. Many different kinds of cologne often double as insect repellent, which is quite convenient for New Englanders like myself. Given the often repulsive aromas of bug spray and the health hazards it can sometimes pose, cologne seems like a life saver in this case. It’s also a key part of any bachelor pad or college dorm room, as it clearly conveys that you care about your appearance and scent and are willing to make an effort to be a gentlemen. If you don’t have at least a few bottles of good cologne, I suggest you pick up a few. My first favorite is called Royal Rugby and it can be found at Brooks Brothers, among other places.

-What's Your Style?

Sam O'Brient