From looking like a Made Man to having a killer fade, man, personal grooming is a fine art. You’ve got to blaze your own trail without looking too outré, line your wardrobe without looking too intro and flash the finest accoutrements to dazzle all comers. Our Men’s Style issue features the finest lotions, leathers, metals and threads that Toledo has to offer.
We also spotlight some dapper gents who’ve got their style on lockdown. Fellas, take note.
Lance Self
Job title: Senior Sales Leader at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo
Age: 29
What does style mean to you: Having my own fashion, way of speaking and personality, that is tailored to only me. Style can be the clothes I wear and how they’re worn. It’s standing differently than the everyday crowd.
At what age did you become fashion conscious? It began in college, so around the age of 18 or 19.
Best tip: Always smell good and stay clean. You can wear the most basic clothes, but if your hair is cut and clean, clothes pressed… you can make anything look good.
Favorite accessory: Watches, I love watches.
What’s a terrible men’s fashion: Man skirts and baggy clothes.
Stye influence: Steve Harvey
Morning routine: One hour
What’s hot right now: Fitted clothing that is well tailored to the body and designer suits.
How varied is your color palette? I have everything from a bright purple suit to tailored jeans and everything in between.
Favorite local shop: Diamond’s Men’s Shop
Reading now: Art of War by Sun Tzu
Listening: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Bryson Tiller, Goldlink, Bruno Mars
Watching: The Arrow, Flash, The Zoo, Empire.
Following: Politics
Sports: Dallas Cowboys
Eating: Baked wings, tacos, asparagus and yams.
Hot Towel Goodness: where to get an executive shave in Toledo
It seems like every barbershop claims to be the only “real” barbershop in town— the only one that offers that classic hot towel shave that leaves your face feeling smoother than a Latin tango. The Glass City has no shortage of options when it comes to making your best look a little better (or at least less scraggly). Here are six of our favorites.
Golden Razor
3205 W Central Ave | Toledo | 419-535-3061
Pro tip: With over 30 awards for shaving and hairstyling, owner David Friess might be the most decorated cutter on this list.
La Moda
1467 Secor Rd | Toledo | 419-578-6632
Pro tip: If you’ve got facial hair, splurge for some beard oil. You’ll smell amazing.
Barber Lounge (V Concept)
5630 Main St. | Sylvania | 419-517-0508
Pro tip: Definitely exfoliate a couple times a week to keep your face conditioned properly and then make sure you get a professional shave once a month at least.
Tal-Mon Pro Cuts
5201 Monroe St. | 419-885-3712
Pro tip: A good shave takes as long as a haircut— set some time aside to do this right.
Steve’s Sport-N-Cuts
4925 Dorr St. | 419-537-1117
Pro tip: Make sure to look for the barber having a warmer box that will keep the towels hot (but not too hot). Oftentimes, without one, the towel won’t be hot enough to stimulate the hair follicle for proper shaving.
Roosters Men’s Grooming Center
5300 Monroe St. | 419-843-4030
Pro tip: Use their online booking feature to make scheduling your favorite barber easy.
Drink like a man: Toledo Spirits appreciates whiskey
By Athena Cocoves
There are drinkers, and then there are whiskey drinkers.
Sure, whiskey drinkers can drink anything— they aren’t fussy— but it’s their ability to savor the sip of what makes their prosecco-ordering partners scowl that provides whiskey drinkers with that old fashioned charm.
Want to know the trick to enjoying whiskey— and elevating your drinking to the ranks of famous mysterious, cool-guy drinkers like Mark Twain, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw? We asked Dustin Wade, Vice President of Sales at Toledo Spirits a barrel-full of complicated questions about balanced pairings, flavor profiles, finding the right bottle, and even swishing the liquid around your mouth to reach every single taste bud on your tongue…
While Wade loves the chemistry of booze, and Toledo Spirits rely on it to distill their small batch labels, he doesn’t suggest overthinking the drinking. His advice was as short, strong and bold as the perfect pour:
“You just drink it. You put it in your belly. Whiskey doesn’t help you when it’s in your glass.”
Spirited Origins
Wade co-founded Toledo Spirits with his friends and partners, Andrew Newby and Lucas ????, in 2013. Wade’s partners attended a distilling course at Michigan State University and the crew began round one.
“It was lot of trial and error,” explains Wade. “This was just kinda something that we decided to get into because of the love of whiskey and our love for Toledo. We started playing around and the first thing that we stumbled onto was the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot… which we have dubbed as our experimental whiskey.”
Like a whiskey drinker, no bottle of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is the same. The small-batch, hop-flavored whiskey is distilled in partnership with regional and local microbreweries, and Toledo Spirits mixes up the formula for every run. Bottles range in color. Some are dark, made with a heavy beer and aged for years in a barrel, while others are light.
Wade points to a crystalline, pale whiskey with a pleasant, soft taste: “This was actually in the barrel for about five minutes,” he says, laughing. “It has to rest on oak in order to be called legally whiskey, so we put it in a barrel, let it sat there and said ‘yeah okay, that’s about right,’ and then we dumped it out.”
In addition to whiskey, Toledo Spirits also sells Maumee Moonshine, Orange Tiger liquor and Heart of Glass strawberry vodka.
To taste the full spectrum of Toledo Spirits’ Whiskey Tango Foxtrot flavors, purchase to sip at their warehouse location in downtown Toledo from 10am-2pm on Saturday, or by appointment.
Toledo Spirits | 1301 N. Summit St.
419-243-7445 | toledospirits.com
The Modern Woodsman
Staying humble
If you’re a man who likes to be sure the G in his GQ is non-GMO, double-check your grooming products. Is your deodorant or shampoo made locally with sustainable ingredients— or are they full of phthalates, fragrance, preservatives and dyes?
Purchase organic, non-GMO, hormone-and-antibiotic-free products for mind, body, bath and beard handcrafted by Jada and Eric Clingo of Humblebee Family Farm, based outside of Toledo in Holland, OH. Since 2010, the young family has balanced their time raising chickens, turkeys, ducks and hogs with creating small batch, high-quality products using on their own recipes.
Purchase products from Humblee Family Farm online
at humblebeefamilyfarm.com or at etsy.com/shop/humblebeefamilyfarm.
Visit Humblee Family Farm during Marker’s Mart on Sunday, November 12
from 10am-8pm at Handmade Toledo (1717 Adams St.),
or purchase their products in Handmade Toledo Maker’s Shoppe during store hours.
Craving more local offerings?
Check out even more locally-owned Etsy shops to keep your beard blooming.
Glass City Gentleman Supply Co.
Shop beard oil, beard balm, beard conditioner and cologne. Owner: Tyler Mitchell.
glasscitygentleman.etsy.com
Glen Echo Soaps
Browse their beard oil and all natural ingredient soaps, featuring a pine tar soap with a masculine, woodsy, “campfire” smell and no added fragrance. Owner: Andria.
etsy.com/people/GlenEchoSoaps
DropDead Grooming
Manliness apparently does have a scent. Working out of Plymouth, Michigan, this rustic and refined collection of beard oils and soon-to-come shaving supplies is scented with the likes of vetiver and oud wood. Owner: Cellar Door Bath Supply.
dropdeadgrooming.com
WeatherBeard Supply
Featuring folksy scents like “Down to Earth” and “Full Harvest” for their lines of beard balms and oils, they are definitely channeling the inner woodsman in you. Owner: Cory Weatherbee.
weatherbeardsupply.com
One More Latte
Among many handmade soaps, the shop sells a “combat camouflage soap.” The unique design was inspired by men in uniform and is scented with the popular mens cologne, Hugo Boss. Owner: Serena Oehlers.
etsy.com/shop/OneMoreLatte
Good Footing
When you’re talking fashion, it makes sense to start at the ground floor— literally. Shoes make the man and if you’re going to be a fashionable man, you might as well be comfortable. Sneakerheads covet the latest designs in the most comfortable footwear: sneakers. Athletic kicks, low tops, high tops are all treated like fine art by those willing to pay high prices and wait in long lines when the hot new brands drop. So, where do you find the most fashionable sneakers in Toledo? We’re glad you asked.
Top Threadz
2903 Dorr St. | 419-214-0475 | threadz419.com
Talked to: Kai (social media/creative director)
Most popular sneaker right now: A lot of people like low tops. Runners are a big movement right now. Basketball shoes, the Jordans were going very big, but those have kind of died down. Asics, Saucony, things like that (are hot right now).
Most expensive in the shop: Right now we have the Asics Tartufo Pack.It’s a special release inspired by black and white truffles. It’s a two-pack right now going for $130 apiece.
How do you become a sneakerhead? The passion of enjoying sneakers and what they’re about takes inspiration, whether that’s in sports, fashion, the arts, anything… and applying that to what you like.
How many shoes should a sneakerhead own? I think one. I don’t think it’s a matter of how many shoes you have, it’s a matter of how much you love the shoes. In my opinion, that’s a true sneakerhead: they buy a shoe because they like it, not because everyone else wants it.
What shoes are you wearing right now? Right now I am wearing a pair of Asics Gel-Lyte III MPs. It’s like a sneaker and a boot in one.
Hot Kikx
4550 Monroe St. | 419-472-5766 | facebook.com/HotKikx/
Talked to: Dino (owner) & AB
Most popular sneaker right now: Steve Maddens or Jordans.
Most expensive in the shop: Jordans are the most expensive. 72-10s. They come out every year the day before Christmas. $225.
How do you become a sneakerhead? It’s very expensive.
How many shoes should a sneakerhead own? When you have a bedroom that becomes a shoe room.
What shoes are you wearing right now? Flip flops. Always flip flops. Even in the rain.
Glass City Kicks
Online store | glasscitykicks.com
Talked to: Nick (owner)
Most popular sneakers right now: As of late it has been the Adidas Boost series with Yeezy 350, 350 V2, 750, NMD, NMD XR1 and Ultra Boost. The Jordan brand still sells strong, but they have become shelf sitters with the frequency of new lines and the rising cost of releases.
Most expensive shoes you sell: Currently, we are focusing on selling our Drop Front Cases but we have sold multiple pairs of Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4. The highest priced pair sold for $16,000 to a private collector.
How do you become a sneaker head? I’ve always been a collector of sorts and with shoes. I was always given the opportunity to choose where we went, but that also determined how many pairs I could get. If I went to Famous Footwear or the like, then I could always get multiple pairs. Or we could go to Champs/Foot Locker and only get one pair. So of course as a kid you want to get more. Fast forward a little to working at LIDS in college and that sparked up my collecting in shoes thanks to a 40% off discount at Journeys. I already had a few Jordans in the collection but nothing too crazy. Jump to me graduating and working a full-time career, I am able to buy whatever kicks I want and it all started again with the Fila x TMNT collaboration which lead me to Twitter. Few hundred pairs of kicks and cases later, here we are!
How many shoes should a sneakerhead own? As many or as few as one wants. It’s all about the knowledge and love for the community for me. I’ve had well over 300 in my personal collection at one time but that has since been cut drastically and I find that I am far happier with the collection as it dwindles down.
What shoes are you wearing right now? Adidas x Yeezy 350v2.
Michael Smith
Job Title: Entrepreneur— men’s custom clothier, home decor (Consign-it! Home Interiors), commercial real estate agent
What does style mean to you? I think style is about personality. In my clothing business, I say fashion’s a personal interpretation. I don’t judge in that way. Sometimes I might appreciate what I see, sometimes I might not appreciate what I see. For me, it’s about being comfortable and being yourself.
What age did you become style conscious? I started selling clothing to put myself through college. At that point I definitely did because being in that field you had to look good.
What’s a style tip you have for today’s men? It never hurts to be dressed well. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Today the tie is not as much a part of business attire. A jacket goes a long way to looking professional though.
What’s a popular style right now? The style today (is to cut suits) trimmer. It doesn’t work for everybody. A lot more color in men’s clothing.
How varied is your color palette? Mine’s pretty varied— I have a tendency to like the primary colors. Blue is my favorite color.
What’s a terrible men’s fashion? I think we’re in kind of a classic era. I don’t think it’s too bad out there. I see stuff that hits the runway that looks ridiculous, but it doesn’t make it to the mainstream. I think, overall, we’re in a classic time in clothing and I think it works.
What’s your favorite fashion accessory? Since I like to wear jackets, I love to wear a pocket square. It even kind of takes the place and personality and color of a tie. It’s a nice finishing touch.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Not very long. I typically don’t think about it a lot. It depends on my day. Today I had a business meeting, so this is a little bit more dressed up for me. Last week I had to wear a tie.
Do you have a style influence? No, I do my own thing.
Where do you shop locally for fashion? That really varies. I can go to an American Eagle and find a flannel shirt I love. I can go to Dillard’s for one of the nice brands they carry, maybe a nice cashmere sweater. I actually like buying t-shirts at J.C. Penny.
Reading: Damon John’s new book, The Power of Broke.
Listening: I’m a classic rock guy, that’s my background. But I appreciate newer music as well, and I actually like jazz.
Watching: I don’t watch a lot of television.
Cheering: Personally, I love to play tennis and watch professional tennis as well. But across the board, I’m a Detroit guy. Lions, Tigers.
Following: Not at all. I’m not into it.
Eating: If you can’t grill it, don’t buy it. I love all the ethnic cuisines we have in town though— Lebanese, Beirut… we’ve got a lot of good food here in town.
Neal Felstein
By Jordan Killam
Age: 32
Job Title: Purchasing lead at Woodville Surplus
What does style mean to you?
Functionality and comfort are pretty important these days. That doesn’t mean I’m walking around in socks, sandals, cargo shorts and a hoodie. You can look good and still be comfortable. Fall is the perfect time for soft functional flannels and comfy knits. Style to me isn’t all about what’s fashionable now. I’m more of a classics man.
At what age did you become fashion conscious? I’m pretty sure my mom dressed me well into my teens. She didn’t lay out outfits for me on the daily but she definitely bought my clothing. junior and senior year of high school is when I started caring about buying my own clothing I think.
What’s the most important tip to looking good? I buy clothing that fits! Skinny jeans look ridiculous on anyone over the age of 30. If you’re trying to channel that scene look at 35 it’s time to reevaluate your life. Buy some slim cut flattering pieces that make that ass pop and don’t be afraid of spending a little $$$ on the essentials. Make sure your shorts are always cut well above the knee and never fear denim on denim. Layer like you live in the Midwest. We all know that it can be 40 degrees on the way to work and 70 by the time your lunch break rolls around. Feel free to peel off the layers as the day progresses and you’ll look good while doing it.
What’s your favorite fashion accessory? Hmm. Right now I’m really into American made work boots/hiking boots. I love my gold timex indiglo digital watch. Great conversation starter that cost me less than $30.00.
What’s a terrible men’s fashion? Embellished tops and bottoms. Rhinestones on anything, loud, contrast stitching. Gaudy cheap looking but expensive Ed Hardy shirts. Too much branding is obnoxious. Graphic tees rarely work. Expensive sweatpants are absolutely ridiculous but I do own two pair. Ooops.
Who is your biggest style influence? Scott Avett for his full on commitment to plaid, flannel and denim. Justin Vernon for his commitment to that working class hero/rustbelt sensibility. Josh Tillman for what I aspire to wear someday when I have more money.
How long is your morning routine? 15 minutes if I showered the night before. 30 minutes if I need to bathe.
Toledo’s Crown Jewel
The most expensive men’s watch in the Glass City
The most expensive men’s watch in Toledo costs more than most cars. And while you can’t drive it to work, it can make you feel like a million bucks. Or really, $35,000, which is what it costs to get this 18k gold Rolex on your wrist.
Found at David Fairclough Fine Jewelers (7141 W Central Ave.), the secret of its value comes from the precision and care that goes into making this luxury accessory. According to Fairclough, whose shop is the only one authorized to sell and maintain Rolex in Toledo, it takes an average of 15 months to make each watch from start to finish. Additionally, they manufacture every aspect of the watch themselves, including alloying their own gold. In short, everything about the watch and the company that makes it is the very best that a man can buy.
Shinola Watches are helping Detroit tick
You’ll have no problem differentiating Shinola these days— the brand now refers to one of the hottest watch manufacturers around. That it happens to be located in Detroit is just icing on the cake. Shinola, the name is an homage to the shoe polish company that went under in 1960, is now a manufacturer of watches, leather goods and bicycles. In 2011, they established a Detroit factory to help rejuvenate the local economy. So when you buy their watches ($450-$2500) or other upscale goods, you’re looking fashionable and doing a solid turn for Detroit. That’s win-win, playa.
You can get your Shinola watches locally at
Harold Jaffe Jewelers | 4211 Talmadge Rd.
419-472-4480 | haroldjaffe.com
Fashionable Faces: La Moda is making heads look fresh
By Jeff Klima
One of the most stylish clubs on the planet happens to be right here in Toledo. And it isn’t even an actual nightclub: it’s a barbershop. By default, that makes La Moda a cool place. With red Ferrari-leather barber chairs, a pool table, gratis drinks and fruit, a massage chair, putting green, chess and a giant dog named King Louie lounging in the midst of it all, it’s safe to say this isn’t like any barbershop you’ve ever been to. It’s destination haircutting— the sort of fusion of old world and new world styles that is cultivating some of the most well-groomed men in town. You can spend hours in the shop, whose name translates to “The Style.” Naturally, in the same way that club Studio 54 had an impresario in Steve Rubell, La Moda is presided over by owner and master barber, a dapper professional bearing the slick moniker Pro Moe.
Self-made man
Hailing from Beirut City, Pro Moe learned his trade from his grandfather, who ran a barbershop in Lebanon. “It was wonderful, carrying his talents and his soul,” Moe says, proudly. “When I came here for a visit, I decided to return to the country, especially Toledo, where my mom’s family is from. I came back here in my early twenties to open up a barbershop and keep that culture going.” Moe opened trendy La Moda in 2011 after earning his street cred going door to door around Toledo with a brown equipment case, giving haircuts to the locals. Pro Moe didn’t tell me that, another shop owner I interviewed for a different assignment complimented me on my haircut and offered that bit of insight.
A touch of home
In addition to making T-Town a more stylish city, Pro Moe is also working his skills to provide a bit of comfort to the area’s many transfer students. “I decided to build La Moda across from the University of Toledo because students come from all over the country as well as a lot of internationals, and I wanted them to have a barbershop close by where they can feel like they’re home,” said Moe. “Everyone who comes in here, we treat them like family.”
One-of-a-kind
“We’re big on social media— Yelp, Google, Facebook, Instagram. Word of mouth spreads quickly. And everyone who leaves here, they’re a walking advertisement. That’s how nice they look,” said Pro Moe, who graciously insisted that I succumb to his clippers for the “Deluxe”— a haircut, straight razor shave and nostril waxing. Moe is a man of his word; I’ve never been more admired by strangers than I was after leaving his shop. I might just have to become a regular. I asked if he planned on furthering the La Moda brand. He shrugged, “I wish I could expand and have more stores, but there’s only one Moe.”
True story.
You can visit Pro Moe yourself at 1467 Secor Rd.
Check out his website at LaModaStyle.com or call him at 419-578-6632
to set an appointment and get yourself styled right.
