Winter (in most places) has not - technically - started yet. The temperature has dropped but in the fashion world, the picks for spring has already been laid out. It's hard not to look forward to the next couple of seasons because they haven't hit the market yet. I try to stick with today, today is still cold. I love wearing warm clothes, which is a little off since I'm a stereotypical Southern Californian.

Most of you are rushing into the stores this week and even next week trying to get everyone gifts - those that celebrate Christmas, of course. The problem in holiday shopping is that there is literally countless things you can get for only one individual. You don't need to break the bank, just spend wisely. It's the same when it comes to shopping for your own clothes this season. It's wedding season around the corner in this side of the world. This means only one thing, shopping for new clothes for me. I take that spending it wisely strategy and put it into effect. What most people do not realize is that the best way to spend money is to invest it in things you know you will be using over and over again. Purchase items that will last for a long time, for example, a classic pea coat. The quality should always be considered first. The most important part is that you do not need to spend a fortune on one article of clothing simply because of the designer label.
No one will criticize you for shopping at Banana Republic rather than hitting up your local Gucci store. You always have to be familiar with the styles so that you aren't shopping for something that is completely opposite of what is "in" for the season. The real problem with shoppers is that they are just too damn lazy. Save yourself, do not be lazy. Quality purchases comes from minor research and patience. In the long run, you will thank yourself for making that purchase.

~ Ladies First ~
Take off the gloves, ladies. It's Gossip Girl status. I'm sure some of you very attractive women have dealt with the occasional creep. Coincidently, I have a couple of young ladies who happen to be in that situation. Funny enough, both are of the same age - teenagers. The thing is, ladies, doesn't matter if you are in your late teens or in your early-mid 20s. Those border-line stalkers and wannabe bad boys are simply not good for your health.
If there is a guy you are seeing who is tagged with that 'bad boy' persona, get out while you can. Whatever faith you have in your "change him for the better" project, it simply will not work. I repeat, it will not work. Here are some ways to remind yourself to stay away from these types of troubled men...and or erm boys.

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• Check out his background. Where he comes from and who keeps for company. There is a different between a person's economic background and his personality so don't judge him just because he's an average Joe with a 9 to 5. 
• The most obvious in interactions is the guy's behavior. If he is showing you too much attention (sort of clingy), your next step is to distance yourself as quick as you can. Make up a story that you are seeing someone and you rather not confuse things.
• You're spending what on him? A bad trend to not follow is when he's the one spending your money. For example, you are spending your cell phone minutes on him all day. Does he ever call you? And when he does, how long does the conversation last? He's a gold digger, simple as that. A real man knows his worth and knows well enough that it is never a one way street. The spending goes both ways, stop trying to act like a second mom. 
• Another one of his behaviors: around other men that you associate yourself with. There is a clairvoyant line between being protective and being obsessive; in other words, psycho. If his attitude around other men you know is anything but gentlemanly, consider him a liability. Last thing you need is him conjuring up black magic and separating you from your close ones.
• Not taking NO for an answer. There is romantic persistence and then there is, of course, creepy stalker guy persistence. Even after you are being blunt with him, he still insists that he can convince you otherwise. Stop being so nice to him and bring out the mean girl in you. There is a limit to how much you can take from guys like these. Take your gloves off and start swinging (not literally). A restraining order should be your last option. 

- Gentleman Tip of the Day -
A little flavor from the guys at Details. And it's true what they say. A man should own a tuxedo. I know may be easier for you to walk into a shop and rent one, but lets face it, we aren't headed off to prom or some school dance. For much more important black-tie affairs, a legitimate quality tuxedo needs to be in your wardrobe.
Gentleman, it's really not that difficult. The cool thing about owning a tux is that you only need one. Just like everything else, real quality does have a higher price tag. But this particular purchase, you will hold on to for a very long time. As long as you keep your body shape, you won't have to go out of your way to fit into your own tux. Here are some boxes to check off:

• Choose a classic style. Remember, you are making a purchase thinking long-term. It's almost as if it is a uniform. You can wear it over and over without taking cheap shots from some snob. Buy a tux with a shawl collar, in a modern, slimmer silhouette. 
• If you can, look for shops that sell tuxedo pants separately. The comforting feeling knowing that you can disregard the 'matching' jacket makes your life easier. It also benefits you in the fitting department. Remember, before showing off, you always have to feel comfortable first. The perfect fit means the best look and better times. J.Crew is a great source of these types.
• The shirt comes down to two categories. On one hand, there is the original pleated white shirt. Modern times has given us the choice to look as sharp in a crisp white poplin shirt. It still gives off that party mood - take your jacket off and show your moves on the dance floor.
• I will always suggest all of you stay away from the bow-tie entirely when it comes to other outfits. A bow-tie is obviously a must for a tuxedo. In plain English, a day time bow-tie is a risk. It's a 50/50 chance of being a hit or a complete miss. Stick with the classic bow-tie that goes with a tuxedo; there are only a few who can pull of a bow-tie in a stylish and modern manner. (I'm more of a neck-tie guy, I've never worn a bow-tie)
• The shoes. You, honestly, do not have to always go with the patent-leather lace-ups. A pair of polished brogues will do fine; it is a contemporary alternative.
• Daring, you say? There is an alternative to the tux as well. It's not for every man but my goodness, it makes one hell of a statement. A tailored made velvet blazer stands out like no other. It's pure class and sophistication, but more importantly, one hell of a stylish statement. As long as you keep the rest of the outfit simple (white shirt and black pants), and keep your control under the spot light, you are good to go.