|  TodaysAdvisor is first and foremost about lifestyle. In this section we will cover some of the best of what's to offer in Ties, Suits, Shoes, Pens, Shirts, Cuff Links, Briefcases, Timepieces and even Sportscars. As a Financial Professional you want to look your best at all times since the prospects first impression of you, is visual. Plus, they equate success with your appearance. The better you look, the more succesful you appear. As Gordon Gekko once famously said to Bud Fox at "21" - "You can't come in here looking like that." With any of these, you won't have to worry. Reviews: Ties from Zegna, Brioni, Brooks Brothers, and more Suits from Canali and Pal Zileri Shoes from Bruno Magli & Gucci Pens from Mont Blanc Shirts from Brooks Brothers Men's Fragrances from Cartier, Chanel, and Gucci Cuff Links from Trump Signature Watches from Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Patek-Philippe, Breitling, & Bulova Briefcases from Ferragamo Polo Shirts from Puma & Ralph Lauren New Upper Mid-Market American Cars take back the high ground of coolness: Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Cadillac: America's Last Stand Sports Cars from Aston-Martin & Mercedes-Benz _________________________________________________ TIES 
Click the above image for our picks. SUITS 
CANALI Italian Suits from Canali - made from the finest, lightest wool available, making them actually tolerable in the summertime. Afterall, you don't want your clients to see you sweat, but you still want to be dressed like you mean business - regardless of the temperature. $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 at Canali Boutiques. You will immediately feel the difference and as my tailor told me, "Careful, once you buy one of these, there's no going back". He was right. Some current locations include: NYC, Red Bank, NJ, Miami, LosAngeles, Houston (Velleriano of Italy) www.canali.it 
PAL ZILERI Pal Zileri suits, also from Italy. As much as I like Canali, I'd have to say that Pal Zileri suits are tops. You say "Pal Zileri" and you immediately think European styling. Pal Zileri, to me, is the essence of European style. This picture hardly does their collection justice. You need to go to their web site and check out the suits. Pal Zileri creates three collections: Pal ZIleri, Satoriale, and Concept. You'll want the signature Pal Zileri ready-to-wear collection made from over 2000 paterns and colors. Made-to-order garments are also available and measurements must be taken personally by an authorized Pal Zileri representative. 
Ready-to-wear suits around $1,500.00. In the U.S. Pal Zileri maintains a shop in Las Vegas at The Venetian Hotel and a showroom on 57th Street, in New York City. Also available at third party retailers. www.palzileri.com POLO SHIRT 
LaCoste Argyle Polo Shirt. This has got to be the most innovative thing to happen to the polo shirt since Rene LaCoste invented the thing nearly a century ago, and, you are either going to love it or hate it. We love it and think its cool and very stylish. It's a great new twist, albeit a traditional one (including the classic argyle pattern), from the French shirt maker. So, in this case, two classic styles combine to create something new. You can pick them up at Macy's or a LaCoste shop in a mall near you. www.macys.com and www.lacoste.com  Ralph Lauren has created several entire brands around the polo shirt and there are so many styles to choose from including Big Pony, Classic Fit, Custom Fit, Long-Sleeved, Polos for Golf, Pink Pony, Big & Tall, and 'For the Pup' that you had better just go to their on-line Polo Shirt Shop (try saying that three times fast) at www.ralphlauren.com to check them out. We've chosen the Big Pony polo shirt pictured above because, well, it's got a big pony on the front and because it makes a statement. You see a lot of polo shirts from Ralph Lauren out there, but as for the Big Pony shirts - not so much. But to be honest, yu really can't go wrong with any Ralph Lauren Polo's. $90.00 on-line or at a Ralph Lauren shop in a mall or department store near you. The Drive: America Takes Back Upper Mid-Market Coolness:
America's "Last Stand" in the auto industry. Now, who knows what got into American car makers, despite actual, or nearly-actual, bankruptcy, but the good ole' USA has taken back upper mid-market coolness in the auto market. Remember when Toyota and Nissan were all the rage? Then 3-Series BMW's and C-Class Mercedes took over? Well, Nissan and Toyota can forget it, and now that every little girl that gets out of college gets a BMW 3 -Series from Daddy for graduation, and every suburban housewife is driving a Mercedes C-Class, the cache for having one of those is gone. Sure, a BMW 7-Series, or (God-help-you) the 6-Series, along with the Mercedes S-Class definitely make a major statement about why you're better than everybody else, it is nice to know that we can turn to, of all places, American automakers for the coolest, hottest, most attention getting, kick-ass new vehicles going. Chrysler with the Dodge Charger and Challenger, GM with the new, seriously hot Chevy Camaro, and Ford with their Shelby Mustang (pricey-enough, for sure), have seized the high-ground while Germany and Japan both slept. Yes, the demise of the American automaker has been greatly exagerated. Detroit's back with a vengeance - cash-for-clunkers, or not. One quick word to Ford; get back with that Thunderbird that you stopped making in 2005. Yes, I know it was a hit when you re-introduced it, and then sales fell off a cliff in subsequent years, so you guys quit on it in 2005 - but I think the time is right once more. Just up-date the colors from those awful pastels and try black, silver, Italian racing red and British racing green. Now you're talking. That was a good car. You need to bring it back. Special thanks to Cadillac for starting the whole thing a few years back. They have earned a place on this new list of ass-kickers, too. Here's the 2010 CTS (we hear that this is the last year for the CTS and STS as separate cars as GM/Cadillac plan to merge the models in the future). And see below for the monster that could be coming. This is a pic of an un-named Cadillac concept car. Don't even ask what this 'bad boy' will cost (there's no telling at this point, anyway), but it looks seriously awesome. 
The High-End Sports Car 
Vanquish The Aston Martin Vanquish S, even the maker calls it the "Ultimate Aston Martin": $255,000 V12, 6 litre engine, 520 horsepower 
Vantage The Vantage - $113,000 4.3 litre, V8, 380 HP Also a Vantage Roadster (not pictured) - $126,000 Same specs as Vantage 
The DB9 DB9: $189,000 Fully loaded, 6 litre, V12, 450 HP Buy one of these, and you're cleared for take-off alright but, be forewarned, you could get ticketed for speeding while sitting still. www.aston-martin.com Or, if you want to go even further, for when your company goes IPO, how about the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The 'Ultimate Driving Machine', indeed. The Very, Very High-End Sports Car 
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - $450,000 V8, 24 valve, 617 HP and they'll throw in an XM/Sirius Satellite radio Take European delivery and you can drive it around Germany for awhile, tour the plants, visit a few cities, and then fly back to the states. They'll put the car on a ship for you and you'll take delivery at your local dealership. Aparently the savings by taking European delivery easily off-set's the cost of your flight. Sounds cool, right? And you don't know the half of it. Mercedes will allow you to take European delivery on every model built in Germany (which is just about all of them). So, next time you're thinking about buying a Mercedes, you might want to think about taking European delivery. It's a nice perk, but of course, you'll have to wait a month or so for the car. Just be careful that you don't drink too much fine German beer and forget why you went there in the first place - or worse - where you parked your car. Just the experience of driving, flat-out, on the world famous Autobahn, in the areas where there are no speed limits, will probably be worth the long flight. And, please, whatever you do, don't ask about cup holders. Aparently the Germans hate them. They seem to believe in both hands on the wheel. www.mercedes-benz.com Think you're a stylist or want to give us some tips? comment@todaysadvisor.com
| | THE PEN 
Mont Blanc Meisterstuck LeGrand Fountain Pen with Black Resin and Platinum. Sure, anyone can have the gold plate, but Platinum will set you apart. When it's time to slide the new account app across the table to the client, you want this Mont Blanc sitting on the signature line. How will they be able to resist signing? $380.00 at www.luxurycorner.com and Mont Blanc stores www.montblanc.com SHIRTS 
Custom made shirts are always preferable, if you know the tailor and the quality of their work. However, the aptly named "Luxury" Shirts from Brooks Brothers, can't be beat, especially when on sale. Fine quality, they don't wrinkle easily, they are very durable, and they look great. Plus they are comfortable. What good is a really fine, comfortable suit if you're not comfortable in your shirt? Available at Brooks Brothers stores www.brooksbrothers.com COLOGNE
Cologne
"Declaration" is known for its combination of orange, cedar, birchwood, and oakmoss. 1.7 oz spray $46.19 (yes, it's expensive, but it's the best we tried). Cartier "Allure" is known for its "oriental freshness" of bergamot (defined as a small, pear-shaped orange indiginous to, as well as grown primarily in, Italy) and a trace of spice. 3.4 oz spray $70. Chanel "ENVY" is known for its musk scent (but so lightly you may not even notice), mixed with amber, cedar, nutmeg and ginger. 3.4 oz spray $52.19 Gucci "Terre" is described as woody, vegetal, and mineral, but we'd call it earthy and not too over-powering, while at the same time not too light or whispy. 3.3 oz. $95.00. Yes, pricey, but again, you get what you pay for. Hermes Gucci's new men's fragrance - Gucci Pour Homme II - is a daring, original fragrance where the most noticeable scent is - Tobacco! Can you believe it? But really fine tobacco, to be sure. It doesn't get much more manly than that. I'll say this, it won't be confused with any other fragrance. There are other scents that are noticeable, but after some time goes by, the tobaco has longer legs than the others, so be prepared. If you hated the smell of a pipe, steer clear of this one, but I actually found it very compelling. Tom Ford & Vera Wang, both eponymous and both simply called "For Men" are great new fragrances that I think you'll like. + Tip from The Baron - "While ladies apply cologne to their wrists and behind the ears, since that's where a pulse can be located and so the scent from the fragrance becomes more noticeable, men should avoid this. I'd put it on the neck and spray on the chest, since that is where a lady is going to notice it first. Expect it to last about 20 mintues, although traces of it will remain on the skin for well after that. Whatever you do - guys, don't spray it on your wrist. Also, several of the above fragrances contain "Cardamom". Cardamom is a spice from the Ginger family. Originating on the sub-continent of India and Malaysia it is used mainly as a flavoring for coffee, aside, of course, from helping to create very unique, woodsy, and masculine fragrances. It is known to have a very strong, unique taste and an "intensely aromatic" fragrance. Also of note: Cartier is the only Men's fragrance that I have ever seen stop women dead in their tracks. Even women who were strangers have stopped after passing by and backed-up to ask what scent I was wearing. It's good stuff, so buy some and keep it to yourself, afterall, you don't want you and your buddies all smelling the same, do you? It'll be your little secret. So try it - you'll be surprised at the results" All prices from www.fragrancenet.com SUN GLASSES
There are many great sun glasses out there, and anyone can pick something rendy and garish, but for classic style and a seriously stylish look, Ray-Ban and Serengeti stand apart. Many wear Oakley's and other hip brands but, although they are very popular, they are fairly common place, pedestrian and not too stylish but they get the job done. However, since this is the style section, I'd have a look at the Ray-Ban's and Serengeti's featured above. For around $100, if you lose them you won't be tempted to consider suicide. Although, cheap sun glases will work, if you lose them constantly. Just ask ZZ Top. If I had to own just one pair, in one style, they'd be the Ray-Ban Aviators, hands-down. Iconic and classic, you'l never be out of style wearing them. They've been the essence of cool since the day they were first made. CUFF LINKS 
Cufflinks by David Donahue. $135.00 to $165.00. Probably as fine a pair of cufflinks as you will ever see or own. Available at Nordstrom and on-line. Buying via the web from one of the on-line retailers will probably save you $10 to $20 - so if you feel like you really need to check them out in person before you buy, go ahead, you won't have that much of a mark-up. The pictures I've seen don't do them justice. In person they are really quite spectacular. www.nordstrom.com & www.daviddonahue.com THE BRIEFCASE 
Cambridge three gusset briefcase from Salvatore Ferragamo, $1,250.00. We also checked out the two-gusset styles in both brown and black on our last visit to Ferragamo. We actually recommend that if you are not bringing home half a law library, go with the two-gusset style (the folks at Ferragamo tell us they are flying off the shelves). Light, sturdy and good looking. It's the perfect stylish briefcase to hold all your client proposals on one side, your personal papers, reports, and other documents on the other. www.salvatoreferragamo.it SHOES  Shoes from Bruno Magli. Critical rule of thumb; always make sure your shoes are high quality and well shined and your briefcase isn't beat-up. It's an old rule of thumb to check someone's shoes for a good gauge of how they're doing. With the Ferragamo briefcase above and a pair of Bruno Magli's, you'll be all set (just be sure to remember to polish them) $675.00 www.brunomagli.it 
Top: Gucci Moccasin, $825, Bottom: Gucci Loafer, $425 Available at Saks 5th Avenue and other fine retailers Signature status-symbol shoes tell the client straight off that you are someone who appreciates old-school, classic stylings. Perfect for a more casual client dinner or a summertime power lunch in the Hamptons. www.gucci.com/us TIME PIECES  
Rolex. Do I need to say more? Rolex is where you start. Once you've made it, you buy a Rolex. It is still the most identifiable watch in the world and it is a symbol of quality, of good taste, and most of all, it is an undeniable, never mistaken symbol that you have arrived. Are there others more hip, or more cool? Are there others more garish or more showy? Sure. Are there other fine time peices? You bet. Just see below. But, if you can only afford one (and really, how many more do you need?), a Rolex is it. Its a time piece that is absolutely timeless. Prices vary widely, but you won't find one these days under a few grand - not a real one anyway. At fine jewelers everywhere. www.rolex.com 
If you want the ultimate in style, and a watch worn by a 'who's who' of cool over the years, from Steve McQueen to Grace Kelly and from Warren Beatty to Jackie-O (yes, it's unisex), then the Tank Louis Cartier is for you. And, as they invariably are, the wristwatch, which started with the Tank by Louis Carier some 90 years ago, has never really been improved upon. Cartier did create another wristwatch before the Tank, prior to 1910, but for some reason or another it did not catch on - too far ahead of its time, perhaps. But, the Tank, which debuted in 1919, came along at the right time - and has not changed since. It marked the evolution from the pocket watch, signifying a change in the times. With the advent of automobiles, airplanes and other activities for which a person would presumably need two hands, the Tank solved the problem. Now instead of digging into the watch pocket on your waistcoat, you could have the time right on your wrist. The urban legend has it that the Tank was so-named because Louis Cartier was inspired by the invention of the tank for the French army during the Great War - it's band tends to resemble the tread of a tank, but, according to a Louis Cartier biographer, this is not the case. Cartier mearly exploited the similarity in name and pattern for marketing purposes. So, there you have it. Available at Cartier. www.cartier.com
Vacheron Constantin Malte Skeleton Large Model Watch. Some of the worlds finest watches since 1755, for when the big, really big, bonus arrives; $45,000. Available at Authorized dealers in the U.S. www.vacheron-constantin.com  
Patek Phillippe, Swiss-Made World Time Mens Watches. As they say, you never really own a Patek Phillipe, yu just maintain it for the next generation. Started in 1839, Patek is the last independent watch manufacturer located in Geneva. $24,800 and $40,000, respectively, suggested retail price. At authorized dealers across the U.S., Including Tiffany & Co. and Tourneau www.patek.com  
With a price that's more in the ballpark, you certainly can't go wrong with one of these classic Breitling's. The Aeromarine Chrono Avenger M1 (around $3,200) and the The Navitimer Heritage (around $4,400), respectively, are two of Breitling's classics, and of course, all of their watches, across the board, look great. Durable, accurate, masculine. Swiss made since 1884. Available at Tourneau and other authorized retailers. www.breitling.com 
Something more reasonably priced for everyday? You'll get a lot of compliments by choosing the Marine Star chronograph men's watch from Bulova: $375.00 at authorized Bulova retailers and fine jewelers around America. Also comes with a more maritime-ish navy blue face with gold accents. www.bulova.com | |