Author: Christian Bendek

Native launches new hair care line that does wonders to my hair.

This post is sponsored by Native. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.  Everything about Native is clean, from their minimal design to the ingredients in their products. The American brand recently launched its haircare system which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask, and is available in three different scents. Not only are you making a great choice for a quality shampoo, but you’re also choosing a vegan, cruelty-free product. Talk about a squeaky clean conscious and hair. As you guys know I have a mane to tame and finding the perfect haircare system to take care of, clean thoroughly, and help maintain my long locks and most recently my mullet. My hair goes thru a lot of processes to get to where it needs to, from blow-drying, ironing to coloring, and different treatments to keep it calm. It’s all sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and dye-free for me. I personally get a keratin treatment every three months and a sulfate-free product is required in order to maintain it. The line has many options to choose from,  Almond & Shea Butter, …

Black Friday Wishlist

Soo… I know, I know, I shop every month, every week, every day but I patiently wait for Black Friday to snatch some of my favorite designer pieces at an amazing price, do not believe that everything we bloggers wear is gifted, fashion is my life and my full time job. I buy pieces constantly to keep my wardrobe fresh and interesting. I’m always hunting for a good sale and there is no better sale than Black Friday, especially online. A trick I have and would like to share with you guys: Add a bunch of these items to your wishlist, heart them, and once the Black Friday kicks in check which ones went on sale and then add them to the cart right away. As always I end up removing half because otherwise I won’t be able to pay rent or eat. So, here’s a few pieces I recommend you to keep an eye on… Bottega Veneta BV tire leather Chelsea boots These guys are everywhere right now for a reason, they’re freaking cool. You …

Do it yourself

Before I was introduced to the new Panasonic Precision Wet/Dry Beard & Hair Trimmer – ER-GB42, I would find myself going to the barber every other week to groom my beard. Being able to groom your beard is a skill every man that grows one should learn. Especially during times like this when we’re all stuck at home, you need to be able to take care of yourself and your appearance – not to mention it saves you a ton of money. Grooming your beard is very much trial and error – you learn what you like and what you don’t like as you go. You also learn how dark and light you like your beard in certain parts of your face. If you screw up, don’t get discouraged. It will grow back quickly! If you have been following my stories on Instagram, you saw me shopping for a new beard trimmer since my old trimmer is not only obsolete but died on me while I was midway through my trim. Looking for a great …

The guy with the hair

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pantene for MMI Agency. All opinions are 100% mine. I have been very fortunate to have had a full head of hair since I was a little boy—I feel I was always known as “The Guy with The Hair.” But with great hair comes great responsibility: Taking good care of it to keep it healthy, and of course styling it. I put a lot of effort behind my hair and therefore I genuinely feel proud when getting compliments on it. One of the most asked questions that I get on social media is “what products do you use for your hair?” That’s a good question but in order to get my hair looking great and picture ready, not only does it depend on styling products, but it also depends on technique, your hairstylist and how often you cut it— all necessary components, but none of them would make a difference if I don’t have a base of healthy hair. Let’s begin with the root …

LG TV, Play my favorite movie.

It’s no secret that I love watching TV, it’s literally my favorite thing to do at home–especially during the holidays. I like to spend as much time as I can at home since I travel so much throughout the year. I love enjoying my house and just kick back and relax with a classic movie or a new show to binge. During this time of the year, there’s nothing like watching all the holiday classics that I grew up loving. Those feel-good movies, the ones I used to watch with my family at home when I was little… it’s just a comfortable feeling to do that and that’s the reason I have a big couch in my living room and an even bigger TV to feel at home. That’s my holiday tradition, after eating a homecooked meal. My top 5 favorite movies to watch during the holidays are: 1-A Charlie Brown Christmas2- The Family Stone3- The Holiday4- Home Alone5-Elf I try to update my TV every now and then, especially since technology is advancing so …

Is it cowboy-style back in vogue?

I’ve been seeing brands I love joining the western-style bandwagon– for example, Versace and I can’t help but wonder: Do I wanna be a cowboy? I remember years ago doing the double-denim look, I liked it and I rocked it a couple of times while traveling. Back then I used to live in the Caribbean and I was wearing speedos every day. I can’t be a cowboy, I love my hair too much to cover it with a hat but here’s my approach to an urban cowboy in Soho, New York. Breaking down the outfit: The jacket is Coach The jean shirt is Guess The belt is ASOS The jeans are Versace The boots are Ankari-Floruss the rings and necklace are Versace

The St. Regis Snow Polo in Aspen

Even when the temperatures drop below zero you still wanna look cute or at least try. This winter I was invited by The St. Regis to attend the glamorous and exciting World Snow Polo Championship celebrated in Aspen, Colorado. It’s the only Snow Polo event that takes place in the United States so it’s kind of a big deal. I was only in Aspen for 3 nights and I brought 3 pieces of luggage– since it is all about winter jackets, winter boots, chunky knits… and fur.  I can’t picture myself in the city walking around like Kramer with a big fluffy, but chic, coat… I brought my A-game to Aspen… Credits include, but aren’t limited to Ferragamo to Armani, Zegna and Coach, Canada goose and Etro… I prefer to wear outfits and outwear that are more of a conversation starter. Here they are– I hope they inspire your winter looks. Some of them are very casual like the first one, and the others are coming straight from the runway, and although they are on …

The Perry Ellis GT

I spent most of my 2018 wearing Perry Ellis. I love how the brand has evolved and ever since they launched it’s PEA collection I kept noticing myself even more attracted to the brand. I love most how effortless, masculine and fresh the designs are. Perry Ellis is part of America’s Heritage in Fashion and Design and when they approached me with this new watch I knew I wanted a part. Although this is the first time posting about it, if you follow me on Instagram and have bird’s eyes you would know that this isn’t my first, second or tenth time wearing it. I slowly, but surely started collecting timepieces, and I’m so glad to have this one by Perry Ellis a part of my collection. This guy is your everyday watch and extremely versatile so you can dress it up or down depending on your mood.  It’s smart to have this watch in your life. That’s the GT, a celebration of the racing gentlemen of the past, with modern aesthetics that keep outfits looking modern and in style. One of the things I …

Weekend at Gurney’s with Ankari Floruss

Soo, Actually, I had a chance to spend a weekend in one of my favorite places in the world, Gurneys Resort in Montauk, with a group of friends celebrating Ankari Floruss‘s fall collection. I love fall, especially upstate, creating outfits for this trip was definitely my favorite part. I paired them all with Ankari Floruss boots and some of my favorite designers. Also here’s a top 5 list of things to do in Montauk while you are staying at Gurney’s 1- Dinner at Scarpetta Beach. One of my favorite Italian restaurants– be sure to get the spaghetti with tomato sauce– it’s simple, but oh so good! This is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, so make sure you make a reservation. Another option is checking out their other restaurant located at Gurney’s Star Island,  Showfish. I’m not big on seafood, and I still loved the food there. 2- Plan on working out. The hotel offers multiples classes and yoga sessions with Chris. If the weather is great the class takes place on …

Houndstooth is a print that falls in a gray area

I’m obsessing over houndstooth this fall, I have been adding a few pieces with this classic print to my wardrobe. To make things easier for you guys I am linking them here on this post. I haven’t been posting on my blog as much lately but I am hoping to change this in the upcoming months.   The Houndstooth cat by Sandro     Houndstooth wool trousers by Paul Smith Soft Duffle Gancini Bag by Ferragamo Dress boot by Ankari Floruss        

SANDALS ROYALE RESORT BARBADOS

If you come to Barbados, you will feel the omnipresence of Rihanna everywhere, she might not be there physically, but her spirit is all around or at least her song is playing every other song at every beach bar. It’s pure Rihanna bliss. Barbados is a real tropical island and bigger than I was expecting. I’m used to visiting Aruba and St. Barths, very petit island comparing to Barbados– charming but small. Barbados feels like a big rock, a country– I was lucky to have stayed 8 days on the island so I was really able to get to know the Island. I had the chance to drive around and discover beautiful corners like Bottom Bay, which I visited twice, one on my own and the second time I had to bring Moti so we could take pictures together. For the second part of my trip I was (super lucky) and excited to stay at Sandals, what made Barbados feel like a home away from home was the people I met there, especially the staff at Sandals Royale Resort. Staying …

Sunglasses Gift Guide

As it’s getting colder I’m planning my holidays to warmer temperatures, clearer waters, and Islands other than Manhattan like Aruba, Tulum and St Barths to end the year. Trust me, if I can skip the entire winter season, I would. In the last few weeks, I’ve been jumping around the Caribbean avoiding the New York cold and seeking loungers and cocktails. If you’ve been following my journey this season, you’ve probably caught me recently in Miami for Art Basel, Aruba and most recently, Tulum,  which has become one of my favorite places in Mexico. I packed my essentials for Tulum, sorts of linen and swim trunks, a hat for the sun and sunglasses, which is the key to my outfits for many reasons. For starters, they’re not only the perfect compliment to my outfit, but also protects my eyes for UV rays, and most importantly, cover any signs of that the night before was long— if you know what I mean. I’ve been a fan of John Varvatos for quite some time, he’s an American legend …

The Gancini Mocassin

Change is a part of life. It’s inevitable. the trees don’t apologize when they change, so why should I? Finally, the temperature is dropping and I can layer. Fall in New York is my favorite season, I never knew how much I loved cold weather until I learned how to dress for it. I have to be honest, it took me a while. I blame it on the fact that I was born and raised in the Caribbean. Here’s my first official Fall look. I hope you love it as much as I do. The stars of this look are the mocassins, made of soft ostrich leather. They’re a modern version of the classic moccasin with thick grip tread rubber sole. Decorated with metal Gancini, this is the ideal style to wear with casual outfits both in and out of town. 

Five For Fall

Is it too early to be thinking of Fall? Perhaps it is. and since it is 90 degrees outside and the sun is shining, we might have a few more weeks to think about swapping our wardrobes. BUT, since Fall is my favorite season, I am already looking for the perfect pieces to add to my wardrobe— key items that I will wear for strolls in the central park and to shoot in Soho’s famous cobblestone streets. So, to answer my first question, I have to say no, it is not too early. You definitely want to sport the newest collections first and get ahead of your game. As a fashion enthusiast, layering is my absolute favorite thing to do and fall is the best season for it. Here are some of my favorite fall pieces from Canali. If you haven’t heard of them yet— they’ve been around in the game for about 80 years, with their renowned suits, not only in Italy but around the world.   A Fresh black turtleneck A turtleneck is an essential piece …

I am currently Out Of Office

I know I am supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to the internet and won’t be able to respond until I return, but let’s be real I’ll be Instagramming and posting every moment I have a chance. I promised myself I will try to disconnect, get away and enjoy my vacation as much as I can, but naturally, I just had to post on Instagram and Stories to keep you guys in the know of what I’m doing, where I’m relaxing, and what I’m relaxing in. I packed a lot of swim briefs and swim shorts by Vilebrequin . Needless to say, I went for bold prints and colorful solids. Summer is all about that punch of pattern and more.   I have a very special piece to show you (which is possibly my favorite): the Charles, a retro-inspired swimsuit from the 20’s that you all have seen me sport on my Stories. This, by far is one of my favorite pieces this season—I know it is a little bit different from regular swimsuits, and …

FRESH AND CLEAN WITH OLAY

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. I have a complicated relationship with my skin –my face is moody, some days it is glowing and other days it is red, however it looks best when I’m tan, hence why I´m constantly on a beach. I have a skin condition called dermatitis so I really have to be on top of taking care of my skin. Like most men, I am a little messy, and I do not wash my face every day before going to bed, but I do have a morning routine. A moisturizer is very important but it won’t work correctly if I don’t clean my face properly. Cleaning my face before applying moisturizer is key to keeping my face looking good and my skin condition in check. I am always very open to trying new products because science is moving forward. And every day, there’s a new discovery and advancement in medication or a new technique, and that’s why I …

CATSKILL FOR THE WEEKEND

I spent an awesome weekend Upstate New York at Scribners Lodge filled with Veuve Clicquot champagne and great company. I had the opportunity to wear some of my favorite winter pieces while having a good time. Wearing ONS Coat and Tomas Maier sneakers. Wearing Baracuta jacket and UGG winter boots. Wearing Mackage parka and UGG winter boots. Wearing Dries Van Noten sweater and UGG Winter Boots.

PUNTA MITA | ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA

I had the opportunity to join the VII Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic last month through the St Regis Punta Mita, in the Pacific coast of Mexico. I have a soft spot for Mexico, specifically their cuisine, which is possibly my favorite. So when I received the invitation to this event I wanted to cry of happiness. This year I have been channeling my inner Arnold Palmer, by golfing not once, not twice, but three times this year. Also in attendance Lorena Ochoa, a top-ranked female golfer in the world, who I had the privilege to meet during my trip! Punta Mita is an ultra-luxurious resort and residential area located on a private peninsula 45 min far from Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by white sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Punta Mita is a golfer’s paradise, you can enjoy of two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and several beach clubs and the gorgeous St. Regis Resort Punta Mita. This place has become Mexico’s most coveted hideaway. I was treated regally since day one with the best food from chefs around …

L’Envol, Eau Du Toilet

When I heard I had to travel for the Punta Mita’s 7th Golf Open, I knew I had to pack smart and bring with me a perfume that will be perfect for all the activities. From the galas to luncheons, dinners to the actual golf competition, so I decided to go pick up the new L’Envol, Eau Du Toilet, at JL Penha. This fragrance is an instant energy shot, woody, sweet like honey, magnetic and definitely an elegant scent.   L’Envol, Eau Du Toilet is available at Penha. Visit them to try it and shop it.

WEAR IT THREE WAYS THIS SEASON

The holidays are coming, and there’s always some downtime when you go home for break. Whether that is some outdoor activities with your friends, celebrations out in town or a day off to stay low-key and stay home in a cozy sweater. Men’s Health challenged me to take this INC MEN sweater and style it three different ways for the holidays! The sweater itself gives you this celebratory vibe without being one ugly Christmas sweater. It’s definitely a winter-inspired piece and it can be paired with essentially everything. So, since this post is about wearing a piece in three ways, I will show you how I did it with this INC sweater. A day ice skating: I haven’t ice-skated in years, but I was willing to go and try not to fall. I put on some jeans, a turtleneck to keep me warm, a cute scarf and topped it with my INC sweater. Out and about: Black jeans, black crewneck, fall boots and the INC sweater on top as the hero piece. You can never go wrong with …