An In-depth Look at Women’s Suits

This is the perfect time for women to swap out their dress and skirt suits for elegant yet professional pant suits. In the last few seasons, designers have given women more reasons to ditch the old notion about suits being a reserve for the corporate environment or office wear.

Of course, you can still maintain the formal 9 to 5 blazer and pants combination but pant suits for women don’t just end there. Thanks to endless design options, there are numerous pant suit styles for any occasion including playful patterns, springtime pastels, and casual prints for all seasons.

Pant suits have come a long way since they were first introduced to the fashion world by Andre Courreges way back in the 1960s. Designer pant suits, popularly known as trouser suits outside the US, are basically a pair of trousers perfectly matched with a jacket or coat.

The pant suit was originally designed for business occasions but as more companies start to shift towards casual wear, women are now sporting innovatively designed pant suits in and out of the office pairing them with wonderful jewelry. A pantsuit is just as handy in a meeting with an important client or in a job interview as it is in an informal occasion. All that matters is getting the right design for the right place. And there is no shortage of design.

Fall 2019 has introduced notable trends that focus on ditching the traditional sharp masculine shapes in suiting for clean feminine lines. For instance, Clare Waight Keller, who designs clothes with women in mind, now features curved-shoulder suits that give the usual slim blazer an elegant feminine appeal. Marco Zanini has not been left behind in the new women pant suit trend with his artfully designed cinched jackets complemented by matching pants.

There are endless and quite affordable options today including posh lapel-less tops and matching bottoms, smooth and comfortable polyester no-iron fabrics, classic black ladylike shaped suits that you can wear over a boxy turtle neck, and dark grey or light gray options to suit your style and of course the occasion.   

Today’s pant suits for women provide a wide range of options in terms of design and materials used. The current trend seems to focus more on slim-fit designs with an elegant chic style. Most have tops with low popped collars, single large front button, lapel-less open front, and stylish vents on both sides of the front jacket. There are endless fabric and color options in today’s pant suits for women. Viscose and polyester are favored by most women because of their soft and comfortable fit.

Retro styles still persist in women’s pant suit designs too. There are 1970s inspired women suits featuring high waists, wide roomy pants, and matching blazers with broad shoulders. These bold fashion statements blend well in all settings including work, parties, formal events, and any special occasion. If skirt suits are no longer your thing or when you feel like trying something more elegant for a change, a two-piece blazer and pants suit is your perfect choice. Pant suits for women are not just ordinary suits for the office but something you pull out of your wardrobe when you are in the right mood to dress to impress.

Images Courtesy of: Givenchy

Revision Rhinoplasty: What You Should Know

Let’s talk revision rhinoplasty – in case you don’t know what this is, it’s basically a medical term that says “fixing a messed up nose job.” With nose jobs being in such high demand, sure enough, some bad ones are bound to happen. For those requesting revision rhinoplasty, or doctors prescribing it to their patients, they are seeking to help:

• A specific problem created by the primary operation
• Persistent issues
• Problems not addressed in the first operation

Sometimes, revision rhinoplasty is done for far more serious issues, as you’ll find later on in this article.

Why People Get Revision Rhinoplasty

All nasal issues – both functional and cosmetic – are best addressed during the initial nose job. However, going for a secondary or follow up surgery becomes inevitable, sometimes.

There may be an unanticipated healing problem. The issue may be due to an incomplete surgical procedure that was not handled properly during the first surgery or the reason may be beyond this information.

As said by Dr. Marcelo Ghersi, a Miami rhinoplasty specialist, many choose a revision nose job because of the less-than-satisfactory results from the first one. Most surgeons who fix these botched nose jobs have all the knowledge, experience and skills needed to treat complex revisions and can address a wide range of patient concerns. The patient’s previous records and photos, medical and operative, may be helpful to focus on the issue at hand.

What Revision Rhinoplasty Addresses

Some of the most common issues addressed during a revision or secondary rhinoplasty include, but not limited to:

• Obstruction in the nasal airway making it difficult to breathe through the nose
• Cartilage collapse or collapse of nasal bones because of a faulty initial nose job or other reasons
• The results are not according to one’s expectations
• The collapse of the internal or external nasal valve
• Asymmetry in the overall appearance
• Not enough cosmetic change
• Scarring on the internal and/or external surface
• Narrowed nasal tip or pinched tip appearance

Around 10 to 15 percent of patients who have undergone initial rhinoplasty may require nasal reshaping surgeries at a later date. A person who had this procedure previously might desire the surgery again because they have had difficulty breathing, or the healing process may have not gone smoothly as expected. The initial surgery may have resulted in an anatomical complication or the patient is simply dissatisfied with the results.

What Does Revision Rhinoplasty Do?

The primary purpose of a nose job revision is to correct one or more of the above issues as previously mentioned. The sooner someone with these issues receives the right direction and treatment, the more effective it can be. However, it is important to remember that the tip of the nose is a combination of soft tissue and cartilage, which will require enough time to heal and change in shape.

Sometimes, it may take several months or even years to see the end results. Today’s technology and techniques used by surgeons can minimize errors to a considerable level and bring in the desired result without complications. The equipment and methods used can lower the chances of side effects or symptoms recurring. Once the issues are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner, the patient can benefit more fully from aftercare.

For some people, secondary or revision rhinoplasty seems miraculous, reducing the issues or permanently eliminating them. This procedure usually has had a major impact on improving their symptoms: overall functioning of the nose and self-confidence. Your treating surgeon will determine what type of surgery is right for your situation, whether you are better off with the closed approach of rhinoplasty or open approach.

In a closed rhinoplasty, minor contour corrections are made. Open rhinoplasty is used where major structural changes are required. Sometimes, cartilage grafts may be needed to accomplish the intended results. The surgeon will help with the right choice in all cases and issues. They may explain why one approach or technique is more suitable for your situation than another. The patient’s individual physiology, level of functioning of the nose, its appearance and how long the issues have been there without treatment or correction, may all be related to what type of rhinoplasty is administered and how much he or she will benefit from it.

Side Effects

Revision rhinoplasty can be effective in treating a wide range of side effects because of improper primary surgery or imbalances. This procedure, as mentioned before, can also prevent recurrence of symptoms or issues in most cases. It can be highly effective for people who have been otherwise depressed or facing mood disorders due to a nose job. When people with such disorders or low self-esteem find the right treatment for their nose, their symptoms will usually disappear or reduce greatly, allowing them to live a productive and enjoyable life.

Most patients with an initial faulty operation can gain considerable relief and cure when they undergo revision rhinoplasty. More and more effective treatment and procedures are being developed in this field all the time. And much research and technology are underway for new and more effective techniques.

How to Properly Age Cigars

Do cigars improve with age? Absolutely. How much so depends on a number of factors, principally what brand and type of cigars you’re aging to begin with. Today, a number of premium brands are rolled from select tobaccos that have been optimally aged before the finished product is shipped to the retailer.

A Few Great Brands

Ashton Cabinet, for example, is handcrafted at the world-renowned Fuente factory in the Dominican Republic from tobaccos that have been aged for a 4 to 5-year minimum. The award-winning Nicaraguan brand, Padron, is lauded for multiple cigars in its aged portfolio: Padron 1964 Anniversary is aged for a minimum of 6 years; Padron 1926 Series is aged for a minimum of 8 years; and Padron Family Reserve is handmade from tobaccos that are at least 10 years old. In most cases, with each tier of age comes an increase in price. Similar parallels can be drawn in the wine industry.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t age these celebrated smokes further. Keep in mind though, that also like wine, cigars can peak and decline after a period of time. And with that said, Holt’s Cigar Company sells all of the aforementioned brands, plus thousands of highly rated cigars that are perfect for aging.

The Aging Process

Generally speaking, cigars can be aged for many months or years, provided they are kept in the ideal storage conditions – preferably a cedar humidor or storage cabinet at 70% relative humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity and temperature will always fluctuate seasonally, but major swings in storage conditions affect cigars adversely. Cigars expand and contract as temperature and humidity levels change, which can cause a cigar’s wrapper leaf to crack.

A large part of what you pay for when you buy a premium cigar is its construction. Ideal storage conditions protect the integrity of a cigar’s construction. Measure the temperature and humidity regularly with a digital hygrometer to insure your humidor stays within that 70/70 range. Also, cedar is a highly aromatic wood that reacts positively with moisture and encourages the mellowing and melding of a cigar’s many tasting notes, while conserving its original flavor.

If you prefer a more hands-off method, you can also age cigars with self-regulating humidity pouches that produce a predetermined humidity level. Simply replace the pouch(es) when the humidity has been exhausted. Humidity pouches will even work in a Ziplock freezer bag with a strong seal if you haven’t invested in a humidor yet. You may not get the added nuances of flavor that a cedar humidor can lend to a cigar over time, but you’ll still perceive a noticeable difference in the cigar’s taste.

Rotate Your Cigars

Another key to aging cigars correctly, especially in a humidor, is to rotate them. Make sure the same cigars aren’t always closest to the humidification source. Every couple of weeks simply shift the top layer to the bottom and vice versa. It’s also a good idea to make sure your humidor isn’t totally jam-packed. Leaving a little extra space inside the box allows the air and the humidity to circulate more freely.

Do “Bad” Cigars Get Better with Age?

If you ever buy a cigar (or box of cigars) that tastes bitter or furnishes unwanted traces of ammonia – which is part of the natural fermentation process that premium tobaccos undergo – aging will almost certainly deliver a beneficial end result. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can always make a “bad” cigar taste “good.” However, you can often make a “good” cigar taste “great.”

How Long Should I Age My Cigars?

Aging cigars can be a bit like rolling the dice. We recommend buying a box, or at least a handful of cigars, from a brand you already know you like. Smoke one right out of the box or off the store shelf. Pay close attention to its flavor transitions, burn, and finish. It may be useful to take a few notes for reference. After you are assured that the quality of cigar meets your satisfaction, place the remaining cigars in your humidor and allow them to rest.

After about 6 weeks, take a cigar out from the same batch and smoke it. As cigars rest, the oils from the binder, filler, and wrapper leaf meld with one another and deliver a more uniform profile. Also, as time passes, any residual bitterness or acidity that may be present in a younger cigar will dissipate. Smoke another cigar after 12 weeks and continue to indulge at roughly 4 or 6-week intervals until your cigars have been resting for a year or two, or more.

I have personally aged a number of blends from different brands over the years. When La Flor Dominicana first expanded its Double Ligero series, I became a fan of the potent spices and dense texture the heavy, Ligero-laden smokes produced. I stuck a few dozen away, smoking them from time to time.

As I revisited these feisty smokes while they aged past the 5th year, much of their intensity had waned – and not necessarily in a good way. The hearty, beefy spices I was accustomed to no longer registered and the cigars displayed a less complex, somewhat flat flavor profile. Upon reflection, this was a blend best enjoyed within a year or two of rest at most.

Smoking Old Cigars

At the other end of the spectrum, I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a handful of Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) shapes from the blend’s inaugural year of release – 1998 – making them 20 years old. They had been resting at the Fuente factory for the past two decades under the watchful eye of legendary cigar-maker Carlito Fuente. I have always been a big fan of Ashton VSG, with its succulent Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and a premium core of select Dominican binder and filler tobaccos.

Before I lit up one of these supremely old cigars, I wondered if much of the original VSG flavor would be preserved, or if it had dissipated. I have to say, the results were astounding. Not only did the renowned blend display familiar VSG tasting notes of cedar, raisins, and black pepper, but everything about the profile was ultra-refined. The cigar was so impeccably smooth and disarming, I can easily put it in the top five best cigars I have ever had the privilege to smoke. It remained silky, approachable, and rich throughout a lingering finish.

Hands down, Ashton VSG is a cigar I would not hesitate to purchase in quantity. Not only does the blend taste fantastic right out of the box, but after 20 years, it’s tough to beat by any cigar lover’s standards.

I have also, on a small number of occasions, indulged in a pre-embargo Cuban or two. Luckily, they were provided gratis courtesy of outside sources. And, I can honestly say, after more than 50 years of rest, they were entirely unremarkable, if not un-smokable. Ultimately, I found them flat, papery and bitter. While I would be curious to try a pre-embargo Cuban one day again, perhaps in another brand or blend, I would be skeptical of purchasing one based on my previous experiences, as I know they are fairly expensive.

The Best Cigar-Makers Know the Value of Age

The best cigar-makers have become exceptionally sophisticated over the past 30 years when it comes to growing, fermenting, and blending tobaccos that reveal deeply refined flavors by the time they reach the retail environment. Many of the best-tasting cigars of today will exhibit marvelous complexity tomorrow.

Begin a cigar-aging odyssey with your own favorites and plan to celebrate life’s most momentous future occasions with cigars that you love now and can set aside for later.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

The Top Cuban Cigars to Try in 2018

This is an article courtesy of Paul Agelidis, the Founder and Owner of Revolucion, a cigar, tobacco and men’s gift shop in beautiful Vancouver, BC.

With the summer upon us, it’s getting to the time you can really enjoy sitting outside and smoking great cigars. Whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, on a camping trip, or anywhere else, you can smoke by yourself or with other aficionados, it’s time to look for the best cigars to enjoy this year. Here are our top Cuban cigars to try:

Montecristo No. 2

This cigar is the undisputed king of the Cuban cigar world right now. It gets rave reviews both from publications and reviewers, and from regular cigar lovers, making it a best-seller and a critically acclaimed darling. One note when buying a box: look for the date and factory code on the box to know the vintage that you’re buying.

It’s easy to see why the Montecristo No. 2 is so widely regarded, as it has an intoxicating balance of flavors and aromas, including almond, cinnamon, oak, and salt. It burns evenly, has smooth draws, and easy production of fine, cool smoke. If you’ve never tried a Montecristo No. 2 before, it should be at the top of your list this summer.

Upmann Magnum 50

The Upmann Magnum 50 has a great smoking experience. It looks, feels, smells, and tastes great, as well as having one of the best burns of any cigar we’ve tried this year. It has plenty of smoke production but comes across as an everyman’s cigar that’s rich, deep, and durable through to the end.

The flavor comes with notes of earthy and spicy tones in a harmony of leather, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon. This is another must-try for any cigar enthusiast no matter what your tastes are, and is great to enjoy with your friends or family on a sunny outdoor afternoon.

Bolivar Belicoso Fino

This cigar is more for people who like strong Cuban cigars, as it is one of the stronger ones you can find. Despite how strong it is, it’s been a top-rated cigar for years now thanks to a very balanced profile of flavors, exceptional quality, and full-bodied smoke.

When you draw, you get a smooth balance of chocolate, nuts, caramel, coffee, and leather with notes of earth and spicy pepper. It has a good enough first half to make you think it’s already worth it, but the second half surprised us with an explosion of strong but still balanced flavor, and a longer burn — really take your time to enjoy it.

La Estrella Cubana Habano

La Estrella is a top-quality brand of Cuban cigars that has tried to enter the market of more affordable “value” cigars. Despite the lower price, the Cubana Habano still has superb quality so you get more than your money’s worth.

The La Estrella Cubana Habano has medium strength and a medium-to-full body profile of dark coffee, caramel, spice, and leather with a smooth and balanced finish. It is a very satisfying smoke with a very affordable purchase price, which has made it one of our go-to cigars to enjoy again and again this year.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

The current vintage of the Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill cigar is great for people who prefer quicker or milder Cuban cigars. The burn and draw stay consistent for the whole smoke, and the flavor strength stays at a balanced but milder profile.

The taste and aromas have notes of dark coffee, pepper, sage, hazelnut and leather, with hints of cream, sweet fruit, and wood. It has a shorter smoke, so it can be great for quick breaks between golf rounds, between outdoor chores, or for a quick happy hour before dinner.

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Image Courtesy of:  Shutterstock

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.