I'm not starting this off like my typical menswear blog. Oh no. Not today. This post is specifically geared towards the gentlemen trying to prepare for the annual “step your game up day,” also called Valentine's Day. It’s a day where the world’s people enjoy the close company of another. A lot of planning and execution occurs on this day. 

So I ask you, what are you wearing? I'm sure you've already given this some thought. In fact, I'm sure you've already put your look together, purchased the items you needed and are just salivating at the chance to put on those new kicks you picked up. Right? Right.

If you're anything like me, you haven't given it a moment of thought. I don't blame you. In this fast-paced world of technology, social media and day-to-day life consuming your every hour, it's tough. But luckily, I enjoy this fashion challenge that seemingly every year asks you to improve. So here's what I'm offering: three solid Valentine's Day fits that are comfortable, fashionable and badass, if you've got the confidence to rock ’em.

Scenario #1: Brunch

Let's not act like we can't all see the elephant in the room. This V-Day happens to fall on a Sunday. So, many people might be opting out for the brunch option. Cool. So what to wear? I took the liberty to take a look at what temps look like in general sense for the US for Sunday, and it's pretty simple — east coast cold, west coast warm. 

What does this mean? You decide, based on the options I provide, how you'd like to proceed. Here's what to keep in mind when dressing for this. Bottom line it's a date. Dress like it. However, it's also Sunday brunch, and you need to be comfortable. What spells comfort like … joggers. Yes. That's correct. Joggers. Here's the look:

Should it be warmer out, I say ENJOY IT! Why not? It's not a bad time to appreciate the little things. Add accessories as you see fit. A beanie, hat, sunglasses, watch, pocket square, you name it. If it's a bit colder out, you'll swap out the joggers for black denim and the trainers for boots. You may also consider a parka. Like so …

Whatever you decide, own it with confidence. Trust in the decision you make and it'll go well (fashion-wise, that is). On to the next..

Scenario #2: Night In (Home Cooked Dinner)

Party's at your house! Well, kind of. More like just you and your date. But hey, that could still be a party! Let's consider what's important here. Not really the temperature. Why? Because you're at home. You can keep it as comfy as you want. What else? What do you have planned for the night? Just dinner? A game? A movie? Figure out those details. You want to be comfortable. Don't wear anything that doesn't correspond to what you'll be doing for the night. Oh, and by the way, it's still a date. Set the tone so your date knows you care. Most people will be getting dressed up. So that's the look I've created. Check it out:

Simple look for this one. It creates clean lines and subtle colors that grab attention. You can decide based on the conditions if the sweater and shirt together are too much. Also, the jacket is optional. But keep it out where you can see it. You never know when you'll need a stroll to the patio or an impulse move out!

Scenario #3: Casual Date Night (Dinner & Movie)

Hmm. How many times do you think that this type of date is overlooked? It's a basic, introductory, simple, feasibly enjoyable option for two people out to enjoy each other’s company. But, as I've stated earlier, it's still a date. First things first — where are you having dinner at? Does it call for a little shoeshine or are sneakers cool? From there, it's all about temperature. In this case, the dinner will be casual and the temps are cooler. What do I suggest? I'm recommending a masculine take with a fashionable twist. Here it is:

It's casual but fashionable. It's all about the specific pieces you add to the look. The suspenders, style of jacket and boot all make a difference. Feel free to add accessories as you see fit. You've got this!

Give these looks a shot and figure out what works or what doesn't. You can customize these any way you want. Be confident and comfortable. Side note: get excited! You have a cool date to go on. Go have a great time! As always, it's all about taste.

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Sunday mornings are my “me time” — a few hours every week where I block off part of the day that I dedicate to myself, doing what I want to do. This means no working, no laundry and no grocery shopping. All of that comes after 11 a.m.

Recently, most of my allotted private time has been spent on bettering my health, where I join the flock of early birds who are feverishly lifting weights, cycling or jogging in an attempt to look like the 2.0 versions of John Krasinksi and Britney Spears. 

As a late blooming New Year’s resolutionist, I’ve only recently begun going to the gym to shed my excess winter weight. A few lat pulls here and a few deadlifts there is more than enough to get my muscles in a panic. Fortunately, thanks to the likes of compression attire, everyone from casual gym-goers to competitive athletes are reaping its benefits for performance and recovery.

WHAT IS COMPRESSION CLOTHING?

Compression garments have been around for as long as half a century, unsurprisingly finding its start in the medical field. It’s blend of spandex and nylon helps promote blood flow, particularly preventing edema in diabetics.

In an article written by Greatist, Robert Gotlin, D.O., the director of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, says “Stockings were made so there is more pressure lower [on the leg], and less farther up. […] They can push blood along for those with vascular disease or circulation problems.”

From there, Gotlin says the thinking emerged: if garments increase blood flow, could similar clothing help athletes perform better?

Turn on the boob tube and you’ll see virtually every basketball, baseball and football player sporting some sort of compression gear. From arm sleeves and calf sleeves to undershorts, leggings and pants, it’s become the go-to for performance and style.

Companies like Nike, Adidas, Puma and Under Armour have inundated the marketplace with their own lines, claiming their gear supports muscles, improves circulation and speeds up recovery time.

SO, DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?

Remarkably, studies have shown signs of this to be true, and not just marketing hogwash.

During a maximal treadmill test, one study concluded that compression socks helped athletes run longer and hit a higher speed. They also found that compression sock-wearing participants’ running speeds had a higher anaerobic threshold.

An endurance cycling study also showed positive results. Researchers in Australia found an increased concentration of oxygen in cyclists’ muscles when they were wearing compression sleeves. And similar to compression sock wearers, these athletes also took a longer amount of time to reach anaerobic threshold.

Despite these results, many researchers believe this skin-tight gear gives athletes nothing more than a psychological edge. 

“There are studies that show the biggest effect is placebo,” Gotlin says. “People might say they feel and perform better with the garments on, but is it because the garments are doing their supposed function?” In other words, it's possible you're just running on adrenaline.

In summary, whether mind or muscle, there’s something to be said about this new(ish) and improved workout attire. And with moisture wicking capabilities, anti-odor technology and four-way stretch material for improved range of movement, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose … except maybe a few pesky pounds.

DON'T FORGET THESE... 

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Valentine’s Day is a holiday that many of us love, but plenty of us dread. It’s a mixed bag of emotions, expectations and fear that we’re gifting too much or too little. Like all things in life, don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be! Here are a few gift ideas to make your gesture of love proper, even if you’re just a girl getting a little something for herself.

Earrings are a sweet idea for new relationships and even platonic ones. They’re a little something that shows you care without seeming overly sentimental. They’re also classic, universally flattering and something almost every girl wears. Kendra Scott makes simple yet beautiful pieces that won’t have you breaking the bank if you decide to get an extra pair for your mom or sister.

Bracelets are a great choice if you’re ready to get all Carly Rae Jepsen on someone and say, “I really, really, really, really, really, really like you.” They’re a much more visible piece of jewelry that a lot of people will comment on. That means she’ll be telling her friends who it’s from, and you’ll get their much-coveted approval.

Alex and Ani have a tremendous variety of gorgeous styles, each with a sentimental charm attached. From sports teams to inspirational symbols and initials, you can profess your level of “like” through a pretty little charm.

Lingerie is a fantastic gift choice for an established relationship that’s still in its early years. Yes, it can work for the book ends of newly committed and happily married, but it’s more useful in that middle relationship stage. That’s when it’s not seen as too soon and a little creepy or misinterpreted as, “are you saying there’s something wrong with the boyshorts I wear all the time?!”

The lingerie options by b.tempt’d are not only sexy, they’ve got a delicate femininity to them that women love. This means she’ll want to wear them more than once, and it’ll be a gift that keeps on giving.

Watches are wonderful for those steady, comfortable relationships because most people wear their watches every day. They’re a constant reminder of the one you love and they won’t ever go out of style.

Ann Klein’s watch and bracelet sets mix classic watch designs with on-trend layering bracelets. Although meant to be worn together, each piece can be worn on it’s own so you’ll be expanding her accessory options without even trying. 

Whether you’ve just met someone, have been dating for a little while, or have reached long-term relationship status, there’s a gift for every level of commitment. Don’t overthink your gift choice; just let it be sweet and thoughtful. Trust me, she’ll appreciate what you’ve picked out. Though it wouldn’t hurt to have some chocolate or dessert on hand … just in case.

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