Can you Shop for Charity?

YES, YOU CAN!!!

If luxury shopping is your bag and you are a New York or Tri-State resident or even a tourist then Americana Manhasset is your place of choice.  Skip Fifth Avenue, skip Soho, and get yourself to the Manhasset/Munsey Park area of Long Island, New York.  It's here you'll find among the neighborhoods filled with residents such as LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, and countless other celebrities, an oasis of shopping which is literally a mimic of any high street in the world, but it's better!  Basically, its an intensely elegant strip mall with ample parking and staff in every store that's helpful, friendly, and very well educated on the products they offer.  Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Hermes are just a few of the well named brands you'll find here along with flagship locations such as Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and even lululemon and a seriously enormous Apple Shop.

When shopping at Americana Manhasset one is privileged to be treated like a real client instead of just a tourist passing through on Fifth Avenue, New Bond Street,  or say the Champs-Elysee. Americana Manhasset  keeps attracting designer's on a daily basis.  While there make sure to check out the new Tory Burch shop.

Not only does Americana Manhasset provide an exceptional shopping experience away from the tourist insanity of Fifth Avenue, but also it provides charity events and gives back to the community in which it prospers from, the citizens of long island who are in need or state parks and wetlands.  There are several of these events throughout the year, but at Christmas they have an event called Champions for Charity.  I was privileged enough to attend this event about two years ago when in town for my cousin's wedding in early December giving me ample time to "Shop for Charity" while getting my much needed gift list moving along.  Remember folks, shopping is a feeling and when you have the opportunity to shop and give back to the community at the same time, it must be said, it's a great feeling.  They make it easy too.  

How it works from Champions for Charity 

Participating tenants of Americana Manhasset and Wheatley Plaza donate a percentage of designated pre-tax purchases to the participating organization of the customer's choice. Simply register for a CHAMPION CARD which is the quick and efficient way to participate in Champions for Charity^® and designate 25% of your purchases to the charity of your choice.   

Americana Manhasset is located at 2060 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY , you won't drive away disappointed.

Photo Credits:  Americana Manhasset

It's a Mewelry Box!

Cufflinks and handkerchiefs are an essential part of every man's wardrobe.  Don't be fooled guys, people do notice.  People notice a smart dressed man and are more likely to employ them, just like they are more likely to employ someone who keeps themselves in good physical condition.  These attributes shown on your outside are ever present reminders to the outside world of how you choose to live.  They define you and give people insight to your character such as whether you are lazy, motivated, intelligent, funny, sad, pathetic, clean, dirty, smelly, etc.  You get the point.  If you aren't dressing to impress than just give up.  Look your best at all times and for every event or point in the day.  For most men, that means at least 60-70 hours a week in the office, working for the man and trying to find ways to enjoy it.  How does one look office appropriate?  Well for me and those I roll with we wear suits, pointed collar french-cuff shirts, cuff links, and beautiful ties and we carry handkerchiefs.  Yes, handkerchiefs.  Even in the best of a Modern Grade A Office Building I sweat...and therefore I have said handkerchief to dab off wet facial areas.  This is definitely great in meetings in which you don't want to look like a total tool having beads of sweat dripping off of you because of the artificial air environment you are sitting in!  Don't pull out a tissue or use the luncheon napkin, come prepared, or don't show up, and if you do, excuse yourself and have a brief moment in the bathroom for a sweat fix up in the sink!

Of course I have my favorite brands of cufflinks and of handkerchiefs.  However, I also buy both in vintage as well.  Handkerchiefs and cufflinks make great gifts for men!  Depending on where one purchases them they come in swanky boxes with fine ribbon all the way to those plastic shrink wrapped finds, that can also be boxed in maybe say...a vintage jewelry box or something like that.  A "Mewlery Box" is a must have!  This author defines the "Mewlery Box" as a place where a man keeps his personal belongings such as cufflinks, handkerchiefs, watches, matchbooks, pocket knife, and anything personal.  It's the quintessential, "KEEP OUT," spot in the home.  That means everyone except the owner.

Below, some recommended cufflink and handkerchief brands and their "links":

Thomas Pink
Thomas Pink of Jermyn Street, London has been in the men's clothier business since 1984 and used the name of an 18th Century London tailor by the same name.  Offering a wide selection of superior quality shirts, cufflinks, accessories, and there's even a whole line of women's wear too!

Paul Smith
There's not much else to say, the name says it all!  Paul Smith offers one of the best ranges of suits, shirts, cufflinks, accessories, and other lifestyle items including housewares and books!

Follow Paul's blog at:  Paul Smith's Blog

Brooks Brothers
Why mess with tradition?  They make great shirts, specifically the non-iron line seen in picture at left.  Brooks Brothers is CLASSIC, made easy!

Simon Carter

Great prices, good design, and an outstanding collection of cufflinks, handkerchiefs, and other accessories for the modern man.