How to Buy, Wear, and Store Cologne. A Guide for Real Men.

(Cologne is an instant charmer.  It says, "I have style and the confidence you are looking for in a man."  Studies show that men who wear cologne not only get the girl, but they get the salary increase.  The following article is written for real men.  If you know of any real men who are struggling with this issue or would like a refresher course on how to buy a fragrance that is perfect for them, please forward this article on to them.  They will thank you for it.)

O.k., I know, buying cologne is the furthest thing from your mind right now.  You've dismissed wearing anything beyond a drugstore aftershave (if you put on any scent at all).  Buying aftershave is quick and dirty.  You walk over to the drugstore aisle labelled "personal hygiene", zoom in on a forest green or brown bottle, walk up to the cashier, and leave with a bag that looks as if it's holding something any real man uses (razors, condoms, gum).  After all, walking into a department store's fragrance section is about as manly as walking into a flower shop to buy a bouquet for your man-pad. 

Oh, you may be cute, but you are so naive.

Running Shoes are for Kids (and Sports)

Walking through downtown's busy core, I notice that most men realize that for business wear, shoes are important.  They understand that their shoes should be as polished as the rest of their outfit.

Unfortunately, once the weekend hits, off go the stylish shoes and on come the techno-footwear that should only be worn if a person is doing his morning jog to keep fit; he is 7 years' old; or he is a ninja turtle.

Women notice footwear.  Take a look in any woman's closet and you know how much effort she puts into shopping for and choosing shoes that go perfectly with her outfit.  Guaranteed she has upwards of 10 pairs -- and those are just the casual ones.  If she is taking that much effort with her own shoes, a man can be assured she will be noticing his.

Equally important as the style of shoes a man wears, is their condition.  Scuffs, tears, white that has turned grey, and holes, all suggest that the wearer is waiting for his mom to buy him a replacement pair.  Unfortunately, his mom is under the impression she gave up that job years ago.

Washing, wiping, and polishing shoes can lengthen the time a pair of shoes look good, but once regular maintenance can no longer keep a pair looking fresh, it's time to replace them.

Here are two suggestions for casual footwear that are comfortable, yet suitable for a man's (not a boy's) weekend wear.  Both look sexy with a pair of jeans.  The canvas shoes are also cool for the summer and are great with shorts (just remember, no socks please).

Use these examples for inspiration and send us your before and after pictures via our e-mail address (pr at michelgermain.com) or post it directly onto our facebook fan page.

Vans Authentic $42. Spring, Summer Canvas shoes

Cole Hann Boots $298. Great for Fall, Winter, Spring