Get Mom Flowers

You can't go wrong with grabbing the Mother's in your life a bouquet for Mother's Day, but you can definitely up your gift if you don't wait to the last minute and find whatever is left in the flower bin at the grocery store.

We highly recommend our friends at Fleur de lis Florist. Located on Franklin Street, just around the corner from Hair Loft River North, Fleur de lis makes some of the most beautiful arrangements you'll find. 

They can build something for you based on a specific flower or work simply based on you budget. No matter what, you'll be happy and Mom will be happy. So, step up your flower game and let Fleur De lis Florist build you something for Mother's Day.

Floral Ties

Ok, I have to admit I hate paying high prices to neck ties. Something about it just drives me nuts. That means I'm constantly in search of trying to find a company with low prices and interesting style. Luckily, we live in a time when many startups are trying to disrupt the market and status quo when it comes to distribution.

Dazi's current New Arrivals

Dazi is a company that since 2015 has been providing high quality ties at low prices. Dazi, named after Das, which is Indonesian for necktie, specializes in handmade skinny ties and offers a suite of other accessories. They've built a name for themselves and an avid online following because of their unique style. Their loud, but not garish, floral and paisley prints are eye catching.

If you have a wedding approaching, they do offer wedding packages to help style everyone in the wedding party.

Check out Dazi if you're like me and over over paying for neckties but are unwilling to sacrifice quality and style.

Lapel Flowers

On a recent log in to Facebook I was presented with a targeted Ad for Hook and Albert. I would normally skip this type of post, but the imagery and the style really caught my eye. Attached to the guys suit was a colorful, floral lapel flower pin. I found it so interesting I instantly had to know more.

Hook and Albert were the first to pioneer this men's trend and it certainly has caught on. You can find many companies mimicking the look and style that they created. One thing that still stand out is the materials that Hook and Albert use. Wool, tweed, leather, and vibrant fabrics come together for one of the most unique men’s fashion accessories on the market.

If you're looking for a fun way to add a pop of color and a little extra charm to your jacket, check these out these made in the USA accesories.

Sample of just some of Hook and Albert's Lapel Flowers.

Is The Wide Lapel Back?

The J Crew Ludlow is considered by many an essential classic to any man's closet and the clothing retailer recently made a slight, yet substantial change to the design.

There is a movement afoot for guys to embrace a looser outline or silhouette and as the times change, so does J Crew. This new look on the Ludlow features a three-and-a-half inch lapel, as opposed to the standard two-and-a-half inch.

Now if you're not ready to embrace the look, don't worry. This is a new option and not the only your only choice. The classic slimmer lapel is still available. However, If you are interested in the more relaxed looks from the runway, this could be an easy answer as to how to incorporate them into your day to day style. 

Wild West Loop

While there is no shortage of great dining options and various concepts, one trend that seems to be emerging is hidden additions to existing establishments. Many established bars and restaurants to adding new areas with discrete signage, little publication, and even at times hidden entrances.

On a recent trip to Grange Burger Hall, we were pleased to find out the their new Back Door Saloon was available. Located on the second floor, found by venturing to the back of the restaurant. Follow the hallway up the stairs and feel as though you've transported back into the Wild West. The vibe from downstairs transforms completely as you enter the Back Door Saloon.

While the menu isn't as full as the first floor Grange Burger Hall, there is still plenty to enjoy. We had one of their vegetarian burgers and the fried chicken sandwich which were both great and paired them with the mashed potatoes which were absolutely killer. The whole experience was tied together nicely with a western decor that really pulled the entire concept together.

Add Back Door Saloon to the growing list of amazing options to try in the west loop.

5K to 1K

The West Loop neighborhood is the background to many great events and this weekend on April 9th, local developer Sterling Bay is once again hosting their annual 5K to 1K through Fulton Market and the West Loop.

Registration is still open for those looking to do some running for a good cause. The $50 ticket to participate will get you a swag bag but more importantly, net profits will be donated to Cara, a local non-profit that provides hope, opportunity and community to individuals who need it the most.

Check out the route below and visit Sterling Bay for full event details.

Pomade Wisdom

WHICH POMADE IS YOURS?

Everyone’s hair is different. Whether you’re looking for a firm hold with a matte finish, or you’re the kind of guy who likes a light hold with a shine finish, use this guide to find out which of our men’s hair pomades is best for your hair type and style.

There are two important factors at play when deciding on the correct pomade—the look you're going for, the amount of hold and your hair type. 

Here, we break down your hair type into three categories: straight, wavy, and curly. For each pomade, we'll tell you what hair type it works best on and illustrate the level of shine and hold. As you scroll, look for the icons featured to the left to make sure the pomade fits your hair type.

---

Paste Pomade. See it in action.

PASTE POMADE

Pliable, medium hold that lasts all day and is easily reworked. Its lightweight formula is infused with nourishing ingredients while adding thickness, texture and definition.

---

Clay Pomade. See it in action.

CLAY POMADE

Matte-finish styling clay separates, defines and molds hair in place to deliver a strong, pliable hold all day.

---

Cream Pomade. See it in action.

CREAM POMADE

Light hold, moisture-rich styling cream softens and smooths hair while providing frizz-free definition and enhanced shine.

---

Hard Cream Pomade. See it in action.

HARD CREAM POMADE

Lightweight, moisture-rich styling paste provides strong hold for hours without weighing hair down, with a natural, low-shine finish.

---

Hard Water Pomade. See it in action.

HARD WATER POMADE

Firm-hold, water-based styling formula provides dimension, textured separation and sleek all-day control without stiffness.

---

Soft Water Pomade. See it in action.

SOFT WATER POMADE

Light-to-medium hold, water-based styling formula spreads easily through hair to deliver textured separation and natural, non-greasy shine.

All of Baxter's Pomade's and haircare are available at both Hair Loft locations in West Loop and River North.

Chirish

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a day when everyone has a little Irish in them. With countless activities and event around the city it's hard to keep up on what to do but Choose Chicago has a great list of ideas beyond grabbing a green beer (or two).

Dyeing of the Chicago River

Saturday, March 11

• Time: 9:00 am
• Location: Chicago River (Columbus Dr. & Wacker Dr.)
• FREE

In what might be one of the world's most famous St. Patrick's Day rituals, 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye are poured into the Chicago River to turn it emerald green for the occasion. Actually, at first glance, the dye appears orange on the river's surface—but don't panic. Thanks to a little leprechaun magic (or, well, science), the hue transforms and seeps in until the whole river is a bright, beautiful green.

---

St. Patrick's Festival at Irish American Heritage Center

Saturday, March 11

• Time: 12:00 noon - 12:00 midnight
• Location: Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.)
• Tickets: $12-$15 adults; free for children 12 & under

On Saturday, March 11, head north to the Irish American Heritage Center after the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade for one of Chicago's biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations. This family-oriented event features traditional and contemporary Irish music with dance, food and drink for purchase, children’s activities and vendors selling Irish gifts. Visit the Library, Art Gallery and Museum for programming and exhibits, such as Irish language lessons, a genealogy workshop and a book sale. Entertainment includes the Irish Heritage Singers, the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, O’Hare School of Irish Dance and more!

---

Get ShamROCKED

Friday, March 10 & Saturday, March 11

• Time: Friday 8:00-10:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Location: Hard Rock Cafe Chicago (63 W. Ontario St.)
• FREE (suggested donation $5 on Saturday)

As the city dyes the river green in annual tradition, Hard Rock Cafe Chicago invites revelers to ring in the luck of the Irish on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, for the ninth annual Get ShamROCKED bash. The free St. Patrick’s Day celebration features live music, bagpipe performances, activities for the whole family, Irish fare, green beer and more.

Pack It Up

The backpack is making a comeback, but not in the same old school way that you might have had in grade school. Today, high quality materials more thought of as luxury briefcases or suitcases are being utilized to upgrade the the classic backpack. Here are a few samples that we're into:

Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz ($75)

POP QUIZ

Herschel Supply Co. is based in Vancouver and delivers a high quality bag with a regard for fine details. Their mission statement "Driven to provide the everyday traveler with the perfect bags and accessories" is evident in the thoughtfulness of their products.

Specialized compartments for your laptop, phone, and sunglasses are lined with fleece, a front pocket with key clip, and waterproof zipper are the great functional pieces to this bag while coming together with Herchel's classic peppermint striped fabric lining inside.

Incase ICON ($150/200)

ICON

Incase, founded in 1997, was made to design solutions centered on protection and mobility to meet the evolving demands of today's creatives. Having produced many different products to help us protect our tech, their reputation has been built on quality.

Incase claims that the ICON may be their best bag yet. Designed for functionality, this bag features padded, dedicated sleeves to keep your tech protected while secondary compartments deliver abundant storage for any second laptop needs. High-sided zippers allow rapid storage and a left sided hip port delivers a pass through port for any audio or portable power needs. (Also, the ICON comes in a slimmed down version for those that may not need as much carry space.) Another nice piece about the ICON is the small amount of branding and and internal pockets that give this bag a clean, minimalist look.

BACKPACK M - VOLUME TWO ($715)

BACKPACK M - VOLUME TWO

We saved our favorite and most expensive option for last. Hard Graft makes some of the most beautiful, handcrafted bags and their backpacks don't disappoint.

The handmade Italian bag features subtle veg tan leather and deep structured cotton herringbone webbing, finished with premium hardware. Inside, Backpack M has an internal zip pocket and a padded 13" laptop pocket. The leather on this bag will change, but creases and scratches aren't a defect but a sign of high quality leather.

Your Best Face

One of the keys to a fresh, healthy face is a consistent, solid regimen. A highlight of Baxter of California is their quality skincare offerings. Here we give you the easy to follow steps to creating a skincare regimen.

1 - CLEANSE

It may seem obvious, but the first step is cleaning your face. Many guys fall into the habit of just using their Shampoo or Body Wash as their facial cleanser, after all soap is soap right? Wrong. Facial cleansers like Baxter's Daily Face Wash ($18) use gentler surfactants so they don't irritate your skin. Daily Face Wash has coconut oil to hydrate and aloe vera and ginseng to sooth..

2 - DETOX

Exfoliating scrubs are great to gently buff away impurities and dead surface cells while stimulating skin renewal. I personally love using Baxter's Facial Scrub ($19) after the gym once or twice a week. Made with natural ingredients, including honey and lavender,  Facial Scrub tones and exfoliates skin.

3 - HYDRATE

After a face cleanse, you want to hydrate and close your pores, and that's where a moisturizer comes in. One of the best features of Baxter's Oil Free Moisturizer ($24) is that it is oil free. This Best-selling moisturizer features plant-based technology that absorbs quickly to restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Green tea helps protect against free radicals and chamomile helps heal delicate facial skin. Skin is left feeling smooth and refreshed with a shine-free finish.

So that's it, three simple, easy to follow steps that will lead you to a cleaner, healthier face. All of the featured Baxter products are available at both Hair Loft locations.