this week’s onscreen style The film: This romantic comedy blockbuster had the ladies swooning and men taking notes on Will Smith’s modern player style. The story of Hitch centers around Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) -- a professor in the art of playing women -- and his new pupil (Kevin James) and their adventures in love and the dating scene.
The scene: Alex Hitchens counsels Albert on how to win the heart of the mysterious and beautiful celebrity, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta).
The style: In this scene, Will Smith perfects the art of smart-casual dressing with clever layers by mixing a razor-sharp blazer and dressy denims with a fun, striped shirt. The ensemble is also an intelligent way to dress for fall and spring days when temperatures can change unexpectedly and you might need to peel off a layer or add an extra one on.
how to look like will  Morphine Generation jeans
The ultimate wear-with-everything denim, these indigo rinse jeans from Morphine Generation will work wonders from the office to the market. A slight bootcut leg combined with stretch fabric technology and front slant pockets gives these jeans a modern and sophisticated smooth-operator edge, no matter what you pair with them. To give a weekend spin to Will’s look, pair these jeans with slim sneakers, an untucked, white button-down shirt and layer an athletic-looking zip-up sweater or hoodie over the top. For evening, simply trade your daytime blazer for a darker colored one in navy or black, and don either a black and white or blue and white vertically striped dress shirt.
Gap dress shirt Chocolate brown and icy blue are an unusual but highly effective pairing that will catch the attention of women wherever you go. Made from high-quality woven cotton and available for a completely reasonable price, this easy to care for, machine-washable shirt adds charm and quirk to your ensemble. Don’t spend too much time perfectly tucking it into your jeans though -- you’re going for laid-back sophistication here, so nothing should look too uptight.
 Ted Baker Meouw Blazer
A classic two-button cut meets an up-to-date plush, cotton-velvet fabric in this gorgeous Ted Baker
blazer. Key to copying Will’s 21st-century ladies' man style, this blazer brings the whole outfit together by complementing the stripes from the shirt and proving you know a thing or two about color coordination and looking polished. In the winter, switch the dress shirt for a cream-colored V-neck sweater and add a scarf in a neutral or earth-toned palette for a slick wintery getup that will make you look hot. A functional bonus: This piece is loaded with pockets -- three interior pockets, flap pockets and a chest pocket -- so it’s perfect for stashing all those phone numbers. get will’s ladies' man style The key to Will’s stylish, got-it-going-on look is simply put together, but it incorporates carefully planned layers. If assembling layers is not your forte, use Will’s easy trick of starting with a dark bottom, adding a solid colored blazer or sports jacket, then selecting a multi-colored shirt that contains a small amount of color similar to that of your blazer. The combination is deadly and looking this good will make it that much easier to work your magic on the ladies à la Hitch.
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With age comes wisdom. The lessons learned over the course of a lifetime make us smarter and stronger. And by the time most of us hit our 40s, we feel like we’ve seen and done it all; we feel secure in ourselves, our careers and our style. Unfortunately, though, that last one sometimes stems from a false sense of security. Unlike other aspects of life, the style strategies we acquire over time end up working against us, especially after watching a few decades of ever-changing fashions fly by. At some point we must reevaluate, and the fifth decade of living is the perfect time to do just that. So, to impart some style wisdom for guys in their 40s, here is a list of fashion tips to consider.
Avoid fashion fads Don’t fall for today’s fashion-marketing ploys. By now you should maintain a style that’s timeless, not timely; you should avoid the latest trends at all costs. And the key here is not only avoiding fads, but also recognizing them. Since fashion fads generally target a certain age demographic, you can easily identify them according to who’s wearing what. For instance, the boutique sneakers and ironic T-shirts worn mainly by guys in their late teens and twenties are suited perfectly for that age group. But a 40-year-old sporting a shirt that says, “I wish your girlfriend would stop staring at me” will only seem creepy, not cool. Simply put, fashion fads exist for guys still experimenting with their style. You're past this stage of the game and are ready for a well-defined, classic wardrobe that mirrors the man you are inside.
Leave the past behind Just because certain looks “make a comeback” doesn’t give you license to pull these items back out of your closet. As you well know, more often than not, the past is typically best left in the past. In terms of fashion, here’s why: When certain looks cycle back around, they almost always return with a modernized twist, such as an updated cut or re-envisioned style. Turn your attention to aviator sunglasses, for example: Though they cycle around quite frequently, they always reappear with a slightly modified frame or lens that’s different from their last go-round. So, be smart and never raid your closet for those items that resurface from the days of yore. Invest in the new version to ensure you’re updated, not outdated… but only if the look or item is a fashion staple, rather than a fashion fad.
Don’t mistake business attire for stylish attire What works from 9 to 5 won’t always work from 5 to 9 or on the weekends. Believe it or not, even your nicest business clothes don’t translate into great evening attire. In fact, wearing your work-wear to functions outside of normal work occasions appears stuffy and one-dimensional; a look no guy in his 40s should contend with. Show the world you’re at the top of your game by presenting variations of yourself. Instead of wearing your best office suit to a dinner party, couple your sport coat with a pair of modern, straight leg jeans, a simple dress shirt, and your casual loafers. Adding depth to your arsenal of outfits proves you’re a contemporary, style-savvy guy with a defined sense of fashion and know-how.
Keep it simple One of the easiest and best solutions for dressing well in your 40s is keeping things as simple as possible. Loud patterns and flashy ties should be left to the younger generations. Fill your closet with a diverse collection of solids and/or pared-down prints that are unpretentious and unassuming. Make yours a sophisticated, subdued style that speaks for itself. It’s simple, really.
Keep it clean You know what they say cleanliness is next to. And guys in their 40s should pay special heed to the concept of keeping it clean in a few areas: One, make sure your clothes strike crisp, clean lines; baggy, ill-fitting clothes look dumpy and lame. Go for clothes that create smooth lines and breaks around your frame, giving you a polished, dapper appearance. Also, think about the cleanliness of the garments themselves. Obvious, maybe, but it still must be stated: Torn and/or stained clothes are juvenile and should never leave the confines of one’s home. And last, but not least, always be well-groomed and clean-shaven. Clean skin and hair is industry standard by now, and facial hair
generally makes you look older. Make a big statement by maintaining an all-around clean appearance; it invokes an impeccable, all-powerful image for guys in their 40s. Embrace your age The underlying principle to looking great in your 40s (and any age, for that matter) is to embrace your age. Take pride in number of years you’ve lived -- don’t try to hide them by adopting a style that belongs to another generation; dressing in clothes that are too big or too small will only give you away and make things worse. Using the tips above, you should find age-appropriate garments that flatter your strengths. Plus, keep your receding or thinning hair short; comb-overs fool no one! However, you should battle the march of time with certain grooming products: Teeth whitener, hair dye,and face washes/lotions all work in fighting off the years. There’s no shame in defying your age, as long as you’re doing it in suitable ways. Embracing your age will produce a masculine, mature sophistication that suits 40-year-olds to a tee.
over 40 and fabulous Styles constantly change, and keeping up with trends can be a daunting task. Thankfully, though, you guys in your 40s are well beyond this: Yours is a style that’s defined, classic and elegant. By employing the timeless strategies above, you guys can enjoy a more confident, stylish, distinctive image that’s suited to your demographic. But most of all, you can finally own up to the style wisdom that comes with age. And hopefully, that wisdom comes with enlightenment.
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You hear the names, see the ads and perhaps even own a few pieces of their lines, but do you really know how Kenneth Cole got his start or the role Ralph Lauren played in the fashion void of the 1970s? Perhaps you think Hugo Boss is just a line of fragrances in the duty free shop at Heathrow or that Burberry is just the name of the bag Paris Hilton totes her dog in.
To get you up to speed on today’s most popular labels, here is a crash course on some of the fashion world’s best menswear designers.
 Ralph Lauren
It’s Lor-en, not La-ren, and in many fashion circles you reveal your ignorance by mispronouncing his name. As a culture we owe much to Ralph Lauren for defining American style. We also have him to blame for the wide-tie craze in the early 1970s, which is now beginning to resurface. But he can be forgiven for this because he continually reinvents classic American fashion within his empire.
When his preppy-inspired suits became too commonplace in the late 1980s he brought out the Purple Label by Ralph Lauren for the 1990s, which fused the best of Savile Row with American sensibility. When the Purple Label became too prolific the Black Label was born, adding a dash of mystery and jet-set cocktail style with supple black leathers and evening wear. If you’re not sure where you fit in with big-name designers, you can’t go wrong with Ralph. His line is so exhaustive and full of colors for various skin tones and body types that any man can walk into one of his stores and walk out with a new wardrobe from head to toe.
 Kenneth Cole
You know the name, but do you know he learned the craft of shoemaking with his own hands in Europe before coming home to change the shoe market? Today, Kenneth Cole is still about the shoes, but his leather jackets and accessories -- such as briefcases and watches -- are unbeatable for value, longevity and pure style. If you travel often for work or play, this is the line for you; a Kenneth Cole ensemble looks just as good in Milan as it does in L.A. or Sao Paolo. The cut of the clothes are for the fit and active man on the go, so be sure to visit one of his stores to try on everything.
 Giorgio Armani
Forget about the price tags; Armani style is about cut, drape and fabric. The clothing moves with your body and not against it -- as the garments of so many of his imitators often do. He is so well-known today that the name has become code for "money." But the truth is that Armani would prefer you just wore his clothes in your everyday down-to-earth life, which is why he uses muted tones of blue, gray and black in each collection. The clothes are crafted with luxurious Italian simplicity, and once you learn the touch and feel of Armani you can see it coming a mile away.
 Dolce & Gabbana
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have transformed casual elegance into pure sexuality. They infuse their clothes with vitality and continental cool. They offer those distressed jeans you’ll need for that weekend getaway to a new city.
D&G denotes a carefree urban lifestyle. Unlike Armani who champions simplicity, D&G is all about being seen and recognized. You wear the clothes as a statement of style-consciousness. But this line is not for everyone; these edgy clothes belong on those who have a bit of edge themselves.
 Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss began making raincoats and coveralls for the German workforce in 1923, but didn’t make its first foray into men’s suits until 1953. Since then the line has grown and become known for well-proportioned shoulder drapes in black, dark grays and dark blues.
It is often suggested that a dark blue suit will get any man through any occasion, but sometimes only a black three-button suit will do. This is where Hugo Boss becomes indispensable to your wardrobe. A blue suit might serve you well through a string of summer weddings, but a strong black suit emits power, elegance and, when worn well with a smile, it also conveys confidence. Hugo Boss also has a line of modern sport clothes for tennis, golf and other continental pursuits, but the suit is the most important here. If you need only one suit in your closet that can be paired with white or deep blue shirts and a small collection of subtle ties, your only option is Boss.
 Burberry
Founded in 1856, Thomas Burberry found himself providing clothing for British officers in the First World War after inventing and obtaining a patent for gabardine (a water-resistant fabric). Today, the line is famous and recognizable for its signature plaid of brown, red and dark cream hues. Revamped by Christopher Bailey, the Burberry line contains bespoke suits and sophisticated sport clothes.
The Burberry Golf line is perhaps the best thing to happen to golf attire in over a century. If you have a big outing planned and need to impress, find a pair of Burberry trousers in the classic plaid and pair it with a black or brown golf shirt. Then again, you could just spring for a whole new set of clubs in a Burberry bag with a plaid umbrella and a plethora of accoutrements. To wear Burberry is to revisit classic men’s clothes with updated fabrics and cuts. It’s not quite preppy, but it’s not as modernly brash as D&G either. In short: Burberry is timeless without being stuffy.
who are you wearing? Each designer described designs for a particular body type, and the fabrics used also play an import role in how you will wear, move and live in the clothing. Your best bet is to take the information here and head to the nearest fitting room to decide which should become your staple label.
Remember: These designers are important not because their names have cache on the cocktail circuit, but because they actively think about their clothing and improve upon their lines each year. These are the men you wear because they think about what clothes mean to you and your everyday life.
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Just when you thought you had all the bases covered and were sure you’d never take a wrong fashion step again after reading Part I of our fashion blunders article, we’re publishing more on the common style mistakes men make. No, we’re not trying to turn you into a nervous wreck when it comes to your wardrobe, it’s just that there are many style disasters that we witness all too often and we need to address them because, quite frankly, sometimes they hurt our eyes.
Obviously, you want others to be impressed with your savvy style so that they’ll take the time to get to know your fabulous personality, but that’s hard to do if part of your look makes people want to cringe. Even if you’re decked out in head-to-toe designer wear, you’ll be somewhat laughable if you fail to follow a few crucial fashion rules. To help you make the most of your appearance, ensure you’re not committing any of the fashion sins below.
Pants without a belt If you’re working a casual look and you’re wearing your shirt over your pants so that no one can see your waist, go ahead and forgo a belt -- provided your pants won’t be too slouchy. Wearing your shirt tucked into your pants, however, necessitates wearing a belt. Not wearing a belt doesn’t make you look heavier or dumber, but it does make you look odd. A belt literally ties your outfit together and, especially when you’re dressing up, it’s an accessory that men can splash a little cash on to create a tasteful, elegant look. Of course, don’t cinch your belt so tight that you have gut overhang, but do wear one even if your pants don’t need help staying put just to add an extra dimension of style to your ensemble.
Classless clipping This fashion atrocity refers to clipping cell phones, BlackBerrys and other devices to your waist. Not only does it look cheesy and tasteless, strapping electronics to yourself makes you look wider and shorter. You’ll also draw attention to your middle if you decide to join your PDA to your hip, and you probably don’t want the first thing others notice about you to be your waistline -- particularly if you have a burgeoning beer belly. Plus, piling on gadgets makes you seem ridiculously busy, but you run the risk of being perceived as self-important if others notice that you’re not actually as pressed for time as you appear. Cell phones and organizational tools are nice, however, and even a must for those frequently on the go, so try wearing coats or blazers instead with sufficient interior pocket space. A coat or blazer will smarten up your look as well as provide you with enough places to store your can’t-live-without items.
Chunky shoes, wrong pants Shoes with a significant chunky heel certainly have their place in fashion, though teaming them with slim-fit dress pants or a fitted suit results in what can only be described as a serious fashion transgression. Unfortunately, if the bottoms of your pants are very narrow, you’ll end up looking like a clown, which is never a look most men strive to emulate. It’s easy to understand how this blunder happens since most commercial shoe stores are filled with thick-soled shoes, but you must avoid purchasing this footwear with the intention of wearing it with everything in your wardrobe. With clothes that are more fitted to your body -- and many labels cut their clothes this way these days -- your shoes will be clunky and incongruous with the rest of your outfit. Opt instead for sleek loafers or Italian-style dress shoes. The dress shoes in particular may cost you a little more, but you’ll gain fashion points for them for years to come.
Improper pant length Of the four listed here, this lamentable error in fashion is probably the one you’ll see most frequently when you walk down the street. Make sure you’re not including yourself in this group of fashion misfits by paying attention to the length of your pants. As well, different kinds of pants look best at different lengths. The bottom hem of your jeans, for example, can extend all the way to the bottom of your shoe, and will actually make your legs appear longer and leaner if you follow this piece of advice. Dress pants, on the other hand, should cut off at the top of your heel, but be careful that your socks don’t show when you walk and that no more than two inches of your socks are visible when you sit down.
When you buy new pants, if the length is not quite right but you love them, ask the store to alter them for you since many provide this service free of charge. For clothes you already own, particularly dress pants, try them on and take any that have an improper length directly to your tailor. Since most dress pants have extra fabric on the bottom, it’s a breeze for anyone with sewing machine know-how to take them up or down a few inches.
fashion no-nos Our fashion grievances may be many, but they’re really not outlandish. Furthermore, we know that those of you who are guilty of these fashion crimes had no idea you were committing them. After all, until adolescence or early adulthood, most males are taught to not place much importance on what they wear. Now that you actually care about what you look like, you need to learn a few basics to make sure you’re well-dressed for the rest of your life. So follow these tricks and you won’t be offending anyone’s fashion sensibilities any time soon.
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While women make just as many questionable style choices (tight jeans with muffin tops, anyone?) as men, there’s not as much help out there for guys who are innocently undermining their look. Although many fashion slips apply equally to both sexes, there are several that are very male-specific. Since it’s true that people’s first impression of us is often based on appearance, we decided to spend some time browsing workplaces, stores, cafes, and bars to uncover the most common fashion mistakes men make and let you in on how to avoid them and improve your personal presentation.
Read on to make sure you’re not committing any of these fashion crimes and find out how to correct your fashion faux pas if you recognize yourself in any one of these blunders.
French cuffs without cuff links Since it’s not necessary to wear most dress shirts with cuff links, many men seem to be unaware that shirts with French cuffs actually do need to be accompanied by cuff links. Essentially, French cuffs without cuff links are like a Playboy without the centerfold. If you have a shirt with French cuffs, cuff links are really the icing on the cake and will enhance your appearance by making you seem more presentable and smartly turned out. As well, since French-cuffed shirts are generally worn on more formal occasions, or at least in a business environment, the purpose of wearing such a shirt is to look polished -- a feat that is hard to accomplish when your sleeves are flapping about.
For those times when you need to dress like a gentleman or want to make an elegant style statement, French cuffs with some sweet cuff links peeking out from under the sleeve of your blazer are the way to go. And while it’s true that in recent years some very famous celebs have been spotted sporting French cuffs sans cuff links, unless you’re Brad Pitt, you just won’t be able to get away with that in real life since everyone will just assume you don’t know how to dress yourself.
Make your own suit Creating your own suit refers to purchasing pants and jackets as separates, and then combining them with little regard for whether the two items can actually be worn together or not. Just because both your jacket and pants are black, it does not mean they belong together. Fabric, cut and hue variations all play a huge role in determining whether or not two separately purchased items will complement each other. A wool blazer, for instance, will look terrible and cheap when paired with polyester dress pants and vice versa. If you’re going to wear a suit, please make sure you bought the pieces as a set or you run the risk of seeming slightly ridiculous.
Sneakers with everything Before you get angry and start leaving nasty comments, let me explain what I mean: While wearing uber-cool sneakers with a suit can be hip and very attractive, it’s not OK to refuse to remove your sneakers and insist that they go with everything you own. They don’t, and there are certainly times when a dressier look is called for and even preferred over something funkier. Plus, it’s a little boring to wear the same thing over and over. Part of having personal style is to mix things up occasionally and show others you can successfully work a variety of looks. Of course, it’s not necessary to own as many pairs of shoes as most girls do, but you should own more than a couple of pairs of sneakers, and you should certainly own at least one pair of dress shoes. You’ll need them for formal occasions or even for frequenting more upscale bars and clubs where a dress code is reinforced.
Too much hair product Though others have condemned it before, this crime against fashion is such a frequent and heinous one that it bears repeated mentioning. Using too much of any kind of product in your hair results in gunky hair, and no girl wants to run her hands through a head full of gel. Think about it: If the situation were reversed, you most certainly wouldn’t want to have stiff, crunchy or gooey locks between your hands. Both sexes prefer soft, touchable hair, so find a way to make your style work without winding up with helmet head.
In addition, it’s really not healthy for your hair to be doused in hundreds of chemicals on a daily basis, so lighten up. For gels and conditioners, you really only need a dime-size amount for your entire head. Use no more than a large marble-size amount of mousse and when it comes to hairspray, hold the can a good five inches from your tresses, making sure to mist only very lightly. Putties and waxes should also be used very sparingly in order to avoid a flattened, greasy look. If you’re really at a loss on how to style your hair without half a bottle of product, ask your stylist to show you next time you go in for a hair cut.
faux pas Everyone makes a fashion misstep every now and again, but the mistakes outlined above occur all too frequently and can easily be avoided. By following the simple steps suggested here and making minor tweaks to your wardrobe, your whole look will get a subtle improvement. Stay tuned for Part II of this series to ensure you’ve eliminated all possible fashion atrocities from your wardrobe and grooming cabinet.
Read On
Whatever you may think of his music, there’s no denying that Justin Timberlake has an impressive sense of style. When it comes to fashion, Justin is a mix master and never shies away from trying something a little different. The modern-day music icon piles on the confidence as well, whether he’s working a tailored, casual or funky look. In the music video for “What Goes Around,” Justin goes for a contemporary twist on the ’50s hipster. Dress pants and a striped dress shirt create a smart silhouette, while a wife-beater and a pair of suspenders add quirk. To see how we’ve interpreted Justin’s look and to learn how you can make these pieces work for you, read on.
 Gucci dress shirt
A pinstripe dress shirt is the key to taking this style to the next level. Worn unbuttoned a la Justin, a pinstriped shirt will give you a casually cool appearance -- especially since your tank will be visible. Wearing the shirt unbuttoned also allows you to show off your suspenders and lets others know you’re a fashion risk-taker. This gorgeous black sateen striped dress shirt from Gucci is reminiscent of the number Justin sports, and it’s easy to see why he favors this timeless piece. It may be a small investment, but this shirt will be a regular feature in your closet and you’ll wear it until it falls apart. And it’s so versatile that it will complement practically everything in your wardrobe. The best thing about this piece is that it can be worn 24-hours a day; combine it with dress pants and button it up, and this shirt translates perfectly from work to dinner. Then, once you’re ready to hit the clubs, all you’ll have to do is unbutton your shirt.
 Hanes A-shirt
Pairing more upscale clothes with a simple tank contributes to Justin’s covetable high-low style. Made of ultra soft and comfy cotton, this American basic from Hanes is cut to the body for a smooth fit, so it won’t get stretched or bent out of shape, and it’s also an incredible value at just $13USD for a pack of three. Of course, when the weather cools down, wear one under a sweater or a long-sleeved shirt to add an extra layer of warmth. These ones are also hemmed to be a bit long so that they’ll stay tucked into your pants when you want to wear them as an under layer.
 Zanella dress pants
Pleated pants can be difficult to pull off and don’t always look very modern, so wear them with caution. One instance in which you can wear them fearlessly, however, is as part of a retro-inspired ensemble like the one Justin sports in the video. These grey wool trousers from Zanella are perfect with their single pleat and tapered cuff for recreating Justin’s laid-back, hip 1950s style. As well, the angled pockets on these pants make the whole look appear even more relaxed by giving the outfit a slouchy, didn’t-try-too-hard feel. To give an extended life to your pleated pants, try pairing them with a light-colored dress shirt, a trench coat and a skinny tie for a ’50s journalist vibe with a modern spin. Or, wear them with sneakers for a contemporary take on ‘80s fashion.
 Urban Outfitters Savile Row suspenders
Though certainly small, suspenders play a big role in making Justin’s look more interesting. An accessory with attitude, a pair of suspenders shows you’re not afraid to play around with your appearance and you’re ready for some fun. Fortunately, this trendy item doesn’t cost the Earth, so for only $18 USD at Urban Outfitters you can add a bit of edge to your wardrobe with these Savile Row suspenders. Don’t take the retro factor too far, however, by investing in old-school suspenders. Newer ones made from stretchy elastic are the way to go for the sake of comfort.
swiping justin’s style While the saying “What goes around comes around” might actually be based on the age-old theme of a jilted lover’s heartbreak, the song’s title applies equally well to Justin’s fresh take on the fashion of decades past. If you love Justin’s threads in this video but can’t afford to kit yourself with all new duds, try some vintage shopping for a few of these pieces. You can also hunt down other garments, such as hats from the ’40s and ’50s at secondhand shops and pair them with a few newer items to hone in on Justin’s killer style.
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Apart from the bathroom, the kitchen can be one of the ugliest rooms in a guy’s place. But assuming you don’t need to buy your own fridge and stove, it’s actually one of the easiest rooms in your pad to revamp on a budget. For just $500, you can alter the look of your kitchen significantly -- so much, in fact, that you might end up trying to spend more time in there.
Even if you don’t wind up using your kitchen all that much, girls will certainly be impressed that you took the time to dress it up a little, and your decoration skills may just induce them to stay overnight if you throw in the promise of some pancakes for breakfast. And if you already have a girlfriend, a newer-looking kitchen will definitely prompt her to spend more time cooking meals for you.
To reap the benefits of a stylish kitchen, the first thing you’ll need to do to liven up this room is decide on a color scheme. Black, white and silver are a sleek and modern combination that will never go out of fashion. Once you’ve got the basics down, just add a few punchy colored accents and you’re done. For our suggestions on the perfect items to kit out your kitchen, read on.
All prices are listed in U.S. funds.
tables and chairs  Ikea Billsta bar table
Give your kitchen a funkier, more modern look by ditching the old, clunky dining table your mom gave you and installing a bar-style table and stools. You’ll save space in your kitchen and give it a more spacious, streamlined look. This bar table from Ikea has a melamine top that’s heat- and scratch-resistant, and is an absolute breeze to clean. In addition, since the table conveniently comes equipped with hooks, hang your bag or jacket here after a long day when you just want to slouch over a bowl of something warm.
Cost: $109.99
 Ikea Julius bar stool
If you’re like most guys, you probably just grab quick meals alone, or occasionally entertain your girlfriend or a mate. For this reason, you can do away with your other kitchen chairs and free up even more space in your kitchen by having just two bar stools to complement your table. At just $59.99 each, these leather-covered bar stools from Ikea will really swank up your kitchen, but they’re easy to clean with a damp cloth. The stainless steel footrest also allows you to sit comfortably and ensures your legs don’t dangle.
Cost: $59.99 x 2 = $119.98
cabinets  Home Depot Liberty knob
Swapping the old knobs and pulls on your cabinets and drawers is super simple, and can be done even if you’re renting. For only $3.99 per knob, these accents will give your kitchen a subtly stylish upgrade.
Cost: $3.99 each; total approximate cost is $25.00
accessories  Urban Outfitters Wall O Photos
Personalize your kitchen by installing a collection of photographs. This Wall O Photos from Urban Outfitters is essentially a long plastic sleeve, meaning that it will stand up to heat in the room if you do a lot of cooking, and can also be wiped clean. It holds up to 28 photographs, and changing your pics every now and then will generate conversation amongst your visitors as well as give your kitchen a mini makeover.
Cost: $15.00
 Fusion wall clock
Keep track of time in fashion with this wall clock from Umbra. The clock’s face is classic, so it will never look dated, and the aluminum finish will continue the trend of urban metallics in your kitchen. This clock is a great buy since, priced at $26.50, it serves as another great piece of wall art in addition to having a functional purpose.
Cost: $26.50
dishes  Urban Outfitters Squircle plate
You don’t have to throw out all your old dishes, but do invest in a small number of new ones. A set of four, like these Squircle plates from Urban Outfitters should do the trick of adding an accent color to the room while dazzling guests with their unusual shape and punchy hue. Plus, eating off fun dishes will make your dining experience more enjoyable, and will make even microwave food seem more appetizing.
Cost: $15 x 4 plates = $60
 Urban Outfitters graphic bowls
Avoid getting too match-matchy with your crockery and seem like an interior-decorating genius by going for something slightly different with your bowls. These black and white ceramic bowls with a graphic print from Urban Outfitters lend an Asian vibe to your meals, while the red accent complements the plates.
Cost: $15 x 4 bowls = $60
 Umbra Metalla salt and pepper set
Use your salt and pepper shakers for their obvious functions, but it’s worth your trouble to pick up a cool-looking new set to display on your kitchen table and make the room seem a little edgier. This masculine metallic set from Umbra can be used separately, or joined together with magnets to create an interesting sculptural shape to sit atop your table.
Cost: $7.50
 Umbra Joey kitchen soap pump
A new pump for your kitchen soap may seem like a silly idea, but it looks much more chic to put your soap into a high-gloss pump -- like this one from Umbra -- than to have a big bottle of bright orange dish detergent sitting on your sink. Conveniently, this pump also comes with a red scrubby and a holder at the back so you can keep your scrubbers clean and away from the germs around your sink area.
Cost: $14.00
appliances  Cuisinart CPT-120R 2-slice toaster
While purchasing large appliances can be quite costly, and perhaps not even feasible if you’re renting, investing in smaller electronic devices in bright colors will add instant cool to your kitchen and improve its look tenfold. This cherry red toaster from Cuisnart will set you back a mere $29.95, and has reheat, defrost and bagel settings that will make breakfast a whole lot easier. Amazingly, it also comes with a three-year warranty.
Cost: $29.95
 Emerson microwave
Bring your kitchen into the 21st century with this futuristic-looking microwave from Emerson. If you’re on the go a lot, a microwave can be your best friend for a hot meal in a jiffy. Functional features for this one include 10 power levels, a one-touch cook program, a timer, and a digital clock. But forget about all those features -- it’s the red stainless steel exterior that will really make this piece stand out in your kitchen
Cost: $59.99
what’s cookin’? Redoing your kitchen can actually be fun instead of a pain in the neck. In fact, your effort in refurbishing this room should be quite minimal since pretty much all you have to do is visit a few stores and pick up some new items, or better still, just point and click your way to a new kitchen. Once you’re done, all that’s left is to figure out how to whip up a delicious meal à deux, and you’ll have girls lining up for a visit to your place.
Total cost: $527.91
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Redoing your living room on the cheap is a challenge to say the least. You want a new look for the room you spend the most time in, but you can’t expect to get a sofa set, an entertainment unit and other big ticket-items all for under $500. To redo your living room, you’ll have to accept buying larger items in stages and making do with what you have in the meantime. It is possible, however, to multiply the cool factor of your living room on a budget and turn it into a venue others will want to hang out in. Redo your living room by adding a couple of interesting pieces and changing a few accessories; this will really go a long way in altering the living room’s appearance.
We’ll show you how to take your living room from drab to fab using contemporary items that will create a space both your buddies and your dates will want to chill out in.
All prices are listed in U.S. funds.
tables & chairs  Target Hamilton club chair
There’s no faster way to make your living room seem more swish than by adding a large leather piece to it. This black club chair from Target is both comfy and stylish, and as far as leather goes, it’s quite affordable at $299.99. The rolled back and arms are classic, but the overall design is also modern, so consider this piece of furniture to be an investment that you’ll keep around for a few years. You’ll really love kicking back and watching the game over a few beers in this chair, and when you’re ready to add larger-scale, pricier items to your living room, this club chair won’t look out of place. Assembly is straightforward as well since the pieces snap together easily.
Cost: $299.99
 Ikea Klubbo coffee table
Redo your living room by going for the timeless, eye-catching contrast of black and white by pairing the leather club chair with a white coffee table. This table has sleek, clean lines that will complement the chair and it’s super easy to clean since all you have to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. Alternately, if you already have a decent coffee table that wasn’t a hand-me-down from your parents, you use this as a TV table to prop up your television set and DVD player.
Cost: $49.99
accessories  Chiasso blues pillow
Infuse your living room with a little retro funk by adorning your leather chair with a seriously cool-looking pillow. This one from Chiasso uses a graphic pattern of blue waves to create an artful effect that’s pleasing to the senses. The vibrancy of the colors in the pillow will also add a bit of punch to your living room that will prevent the otherwise black and white theme from seeming too stark and boring. Filled with down for maximum comfort, this contemporary pillow is a luxury item that will make your living room seem more lounge-y and less like a place where old furniture comes to die.
Cost: $68.00
 Ikea Cittra quad spotlight
Changing the light fixtures on your ceiling is relatively simple, not to mention inexpensive, and can really alter the ambiance of a room. For your living room, this quad spotlight made from black-plated nickel will open up the room, making it appear breezier and spacious. Functionally speaking, the lights can be moved along the wire to concentrate light on any of the room’s darker spots. Four halogen bulbs are included in the kit, but take care not to place other objects in the vicinity of the bulbs since they can become very hot and create a potential fire hazard.
Cost: $29.99
 Sahara tab panel
Accent the blues from your new pillows and make them stand out by purchasing some navy-colored curtains. Easy to install, the dark color of these curtains effectively blocks out light when you have them closed, and they naturally fall into simple, tailored pleats when they’re open. Made from 100% cotton, the curtains also have a slightly rough feel to them that’s just right for a man’s living room. What makes them even more guy-friendly is that you can simply throw them in the wash when they’re looking a bit dusty.
Cost: $19.99
 Kandinsky coffee table book
No coffee table is complete without a book that serves as a conversation piece, so get one that fits with the theme of your living room. For a book that resonates with the artistic vibe of your pillow, try this book on Kandinsky by Dr. Ulrike Becks-Malorny. Use it to show off your unconventional side or simply as a way to strike up an interesting and intellectually stimulating discussion with your female guests.
Cost: $12.99
spruce it up While expecting to get a whole new living room for under $500 is a little unreasonable, you needn’t despair if you want to breathe new life into this room but have a limited budget. One new piece of furniture plus several new accents can do a surprising job of turning your living room into a more tastefully decorated and cohesive space. And the next time you have an extra half-grand kicking around, use it to refine the room even further by investing in one large item at a time. Even if you’re not willing to dedicate any more cash to upgrading your living room, the small changes you will have already made are guaranteed to make the room more aesthetically appealing and comfortable to hang out in.
Total cost: $480.95
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The bathroom is, hands down, the easiest room in your pad to redo; you can really go to town with just $500 when it comes to decorating this space.
When redoing your bathroom, take care in selecting your decor -- it’s important to make your bathroom girl-friendly if you want one to spend any time in there with you. Your first purchase should be an arsenal of cleaning products, since a filthy bathroom will help a girl make the quickest decision of her life -- the one that says she's not taking a shower with you. Once that’s out of the way, a fresh coat of paint will breathe new life into your bathroom, and a few pieces of new furniture will further improve the look as well as provide extra storage space so you can clean up in a hurry. Last, but not least, add some accessories and don’t forget to stock up on grooming products -- for you and her (whether or not you actually use them, she’ll be impressed).
Putting in a modest amount of effort to redo your bathroom will reap many rewards for you, and may just make this your new favorite room, after the bedroom.
necessities  Sherwin-Williams Historic Collection Paint
Painting your bathroom is a quick job and unless your bathroom is the size of your bedroom, it’s rather inexpensive to splash on a coat or two. Allot approximately $30 for the task, then get busy transforming your bathroom with Sherwin-Williams’ Loch Blue paint. This lake-inspired hue will add vibrancy to the room and uplift your senses every time you step into the room. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with blue since almost everyone loves this color.
Cost: $30.00
 CBGB Shower Curtain
When you redo your bathroom, add a punk edge to it with a funky shower curtain, like this one from CBGB. Made from vinyl, this curtain features prints of old fliers from shows at CBGB’s in New York. While representing your eclectic taste in music, the black and white palette of this curtain sets the scene for a minimalist but fun theme in your bathroom.
Cost: $26.00
 Ikea Kullen Furniture
A killer deal for a set of five pieces, Ikea’s Kullen bathroom furniture will really help keep your bathroom tidy. Also, everything can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, so it’s super easy to care for, and with five pieces to the set, you should have more than enough space to store all your loot. These basic white and silver pieces can also go anywhere you go and will likely fit into your next bathroom beautifully thanks to their modern streamlined design. If you have a small bathroom and you can’t fit all the furniture into it, simply keep what you like and sell the rest.
Cost: $99.99
accessories  Chiasso Mini Push Waste Can
Complement the contemporary look of your bathroom furniture with this equally sleek mini waste can from Chiasso. It fits into the smallest spaces, which is great since the Ikea furniture may end up taking up a good portion of the available space in your bathroom. And the lid swings shut, so it’s also useful for concealing any garbage you wouldn’t want others to see.
Cost: $32
 Chiasso Zena Tealight Tray
You probably don’t really care about putting candles all over your bathroom, but trust us: She will find it incredibly romantic. It may look slightly bizarre if you have candles everywhere, not to mention the fact that this idea would be impractical if you don’t actually use them yourself, so when you redo your bathroom invest in just one candle tray that you can display prominently. Chiasso’s Zena Tealight Tray comes as one solid piece, so it won’t look out of place in your masculine bathroom.
Cost: $48
 Urban Outfitters Peel Door Hook
Invaluable for keeping your clothes off the floor and avoiding a messy pile of dirty laundry from accumulating, a door hook -- like this one from Urban Outfitters -- requires no assembly and slides easily onto the back of your bathroom door. The nickel color is also in keeping with the other metallic accents you’ve got going on in the room.
Cost: $18.00
 Ikea Jondal Mirror
If you have the space, hanging a full-length mirror in your bathroom is a good move. Ikea’s Jondal mirror resists moisture, so it’s a good choice for a room that tends to be a bit damp. You’ll use it to check yourself out, of course, but you’ll realize what a genius you are for installing it once you have some female company.
Cost: $49.99
Target Integrity Towel Set  An important thing to do when you redo your bathroom is to get rid of the old towels your mom gave you when you moved out, and to purchase a set of fluffy towels to complement the colors of your new and improved bathroom. A matching set of two large towels, two hand towels and two face cloths is only $29.99 from Target. You don’t necessarily have to throw out all your old towels, though. Instead, place your new ones in the Kullen rack where everyone can see them and store your other ones in a cabinet where they’re not visible.
Cost: $29.99
 Bed Bath and Beyond Waterpik Showerhead
Changing your showerhead is a relatively straightforward procedure. This chrome Waterpik showerhead from Bed Bath & Beyond has eight adjustable settings, including a full-body spray for invigorating solo showers and a massaging pulse for when you’ve got company. You’ll also save on your utility bill since the flow regulator is designed to conserve water without affecting the quality of your shower. Bonus: When she comes over, you can dismount this showerhead from the wall and use it wherever you like.
Cost: $39.99
Casual Home Bath Rug Add another shot of color to your bathroom with a punchy bathmat to prevent it from looking too black and white. This bath rug from Casual Home is machine washable, so just throw it in the machine once every two weeks to keep it from getting grungy, ensuring it looks new and feels soft.
Cost: $12.99
 Body Shop Uplifting Body Wash
The final thing your bathroom needs -- something that’s more for her than for you -- is a girl-friendly body wash. Try something from The Body Shop, like this invigorating aromatherapy body wash, and she’ll be over the moon. It’s also a lot more enjoyable to lather each other up with a product that smells great and comes in nice packaging than to use your regular heavily cologned soap.
Cost: $13.00
the perfect loo The total cost to redo your bathroom is $399.95, meaning you’ll have $100.00 left over by the time you’re done to contribute to your wining and dining fund. With a bathroom that looks this good, it won’t be long before the shower isn’t the only thing making this room steamy.
Total cost: $399.95
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