So, Valentines day is just a few days away.  Some of you have had this day planned for weeks now and know exactly what to do for your loved ones.  Others have a different story and have procrastinated. If you are all out of options and are looking for an evening that seems well planned out, let Capelli’s ease your Valentines Day stress.

First and foremost, you must look like a million bucks.  Even though you may not be celebrating until the weekend, it is important to book yourself an appointment ahead of time for a haircut or clean-up if it has been less than three weeks since your last haircut with us.  They always say  that you feel better when you look better, so maybe try one of our other services as well, like a manicure or a relaxing scalp massage.  The appointments for this week are already booking up so call in for an appointment NOW!

Secondly, if you are planning on taking your lady out on the town, one of the best gifts you could give her would be a make-up application or a blow-out and style.  Capelli’s has teamed up with Swink Style Bar to provide you gentleman with a awesome gift idea that will pleasantly surprise your lovely lady.  Just stop in to one of our three convenient locations and pick up a Swink Style Bar gift certificate for $35.  With this she can get a blow-out style (Swink staff will airwave and style her hair into a stunning evening do), drystyle, or a make-up application.  Make her feel like a queen with her own style team to create her flawless evening look.

Now the rest of the night is up to you.  Whether its treating your loved one to dinner at their favorite restaurant or taking them to the movies, if you both are looking great, the evening is sure to be a success.  Happy Valentines Day!!!

When Seattle’s winter rain begins we can barely see each other as we bundle up under large umbrellas and North Face jackets. So how can the Men of Seattle shed their Gortex and fleece layers to look more stylish during the winter months? Here are a few ideas to help you look debonair while staying warm.

As you grab your coats, umbrellas and computer bags to head out the door don’t forget to add a hat or scarf to your outerwear. Both items are great protection from the strong Canadian winds that blow our umbrellas inside out. A hat should be fitted and frame the face. It’s best to wear something that can function for warmth but be classy enough to wear through the door to work. Here are a couple ideas:

Scarves are another great option for stylishly staying warm without the bulk of extra layers.  The search for the right scarf can be a bit of a challenge however.  In order to find something that helps you walk out of the house with confidence, pay attention to these essentials:

1. Color: It’s easy to get a little overwhelmed with all the options and lunge for the first scarf that catches your eye, but the key is subtlety. Look for a solid color or basic pattern that will go with most of your clothes and jackets and doesn’t draw too much attention or distract.
2. Size/Texture: While there are a variety of cloth and size options, it’s best to stick with something warm, but lightweight.  That way you’ll stay cozy without feeling ungainly. Don’t be afraid to try a scarf on under your jacket to fit for comfort.
3. Tying: Again, simplicity is essential.  There’s always the drape, the cross over, or even the fold and pull-through. For easy instructions on ways to tie your scarf, reference the following:  http://artofmanliness.com/2012/02/23/mans-guide-scarf/

Last but not least is topping off your winter wear with an appropriate outer layer.  There are many different types or styles of coats so here are a few in detail to help your decision:

1. Overcoat-  An overcoat should be worn for more formal instances or over a suit.  The length of this coat may also make or break your look.  Longer overcoats usually look better on taller men.  If you are shorter stick with an overcoat that hits just at your knees.  Any longer and it may make you look short, stalky, and perhaps bulkier then you intend.
2. Peacoat-  A peacoat is perfect for most occasions.  You can dress them up or down depending on your outfit.  Since peacoats are usually made from thicker fabrics, be careful when buying one.  Do not size up for extra room or comfort.  These coats look best when fitted.  If you purchase a larger size, it may make you look very wide.
3. Rain Jacket-  These days there are many different colors and styles of raincoats.  Fit may be the easy part about finding the perfect raincoat, however finding the best features of a raincoat may be a bit more tricky.  You must make sure that your coat will shield you during a Seattle down pour, but be light and breathable enough for a warmer day with intermittent showers.  Refer to the REI Rainwear: How to Choose page to help you find the best coat for your specific activity and wear:  http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html

Armed in this winter attire you should be ready to make a break from work and dash across the street to the nearest Starbucks while staying protected from the rain, wind and cold!

We always enjoy reading our Yelp reviews.  Whether they offer helpful criticism or praise our Men’s stylists, we appreciate feedback in any shape or form and are continually  impressed by the creativity of some of our clients!  We thought we would share three favorites:

5 Star review for Capelli’s from Chris L (Thanks for making us laugh Chris!):

Look, it was bad enough when a series of high-level leaks let the concept of metrosexuals enter the mainstream press. And when you started to see man-purses leave the traditional back channels and appear in catalogs and storefront windows? Gods, cleaning up after that was a nightmare.

Well, this new bunch in the 4th & Madison building is at it now. They’ve figured out that guys secretly want to be pampered and catered to, that we delight in hot towels and scalp massages and…ok, this is need to know only, so keep it under wraps…manicures.

I mean, they are brazen. As soon as you walk in, an amiable stylist offers you a drink and whisks you off into a chair for a chat on coiffure strategy. They don’t even ask for the secret hand signs: they’ll get it right for anyone, from guys who know exactly what they want done to someone who walks in with a huge mass of hair saying “Um….short….er?” Then it’s a relaxing scalp massage barely disguised amongst a regular shampoo, a well-executed haircut, delightful conversation, the works. Shameless! And at the end, a hot towel straight razor shave for your neckline right there in the open.

So look, men, we have a serious problem. I don’t know how much longer we can keep this all a secret with places like Capelli’s open to the public. My advice is get down there and check them out and report back. I don’t have the reconnaissance info for their other locations, but the floor plan I have suggests that you can infiltrate the 4th & Madison building location through their underground parking garage. When you get there, ask for stylist Jess – she’ll know what to do.”

Andrew E’s 5 star review is just as entertaining and a close second:

“This place just oozes manliness. It makes you want to drink whiskey, brand cattle, shave with a straight blade, and take on Chuck Norris in the Thunderdome.

This is a new location, open just a couple of weeks, and extraordinarily convenient to guys downtown. I’d never tried the other location, but reviews (http://www.yelp.com/biz/…) seemed very positive. The employees are salaried and thus aren’t turning over chairs as quickly as possible, so she spent an exceptional amount of time and detail on my unruly head.

And can I say that head massages are the greatest use of a lunch break ever?

And that’s why my haircut is better than yours.”

One last great review we would like to share is Matt C’s 5 star post:

“Ever since moving to Seattle, I’ve had a hair crisis.  Before moving out here, I had the same guy cutting my hair for about 3 or so years.  It’s one of those things that once you find a person who can cut my hair, I stick with them.  I don’t do anything difficult or fancy with it, but if someone cuts it wrong, it looks like I have horns sticking out of the back of my head.

This is my third haircut since moving (I moved this last February, so no, I’m not super shaggy) and my third stylist.  I gave this cut the “next morning” test.  You know what I mean.  Your hair looks great the day you get out of the salon, but next morning after your shower, you look like your dog after you shaved it down on a dare from your college buddies.

I am ecstatic to report that I’m just as happy today with my cut as I was yesterday!  Martina did an amazing job, and I’ll definitely be back!

By the way, they use a straight razor to shave the back of your neck, which is an AWESOME way to trim up.   Martina is a pro at it, and she told me they offer clean-up service between cuts.  Definitely worth checking out!”

Check out our latest addition to the South Lake Union neighborhood!

Capelli’s would like to thank everyone that came out last night and made our party such a success! Special thanks to Michael at Soul Wine, Eric, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Cal’s Classic American, Red Carpet Valet, DJ Joe Good, Uptown Espresso, Char Beck Photography and Lori at J. Hilburn! Last night’s festivities could not have happened without our wonderful sponsors, fabulous guests and great employees!

We would like to thank our valued clients for all the years by celebrating with you!

We will be featuring great giveaways all night including dinner for two at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, custom shirts from Lori at J.Hilburn and Cos at Wounded Apparel, plus gift cards from Uptown Espresso and Blue Moon Burger. Complimentary valet parking, great drinks and appetizers will be provided along with fun music, photography and more!

For those men wondering where the best places to watch the games this season are, look no further!  You’re in luck because Seattle has many sports bars catering to your football-viewing needs.  Below are a few hand-picked bars ranging from loud and rowdy, to calm and collected, featuring multiple televisions broadcasting the big games so can support your favorite team.

Fox Sports Grill- The Fox Sports Grill offers a combination of lounge feel mixed with your favorite happy hour spot to watch your favorite teams in action.  With a full menu and bar, plus amazing lounge chairs facing the big screen, you can enjoy your game in a relaxed and fun atmosphere with your co-workers and friends.  Conveniently located in the heart of downtown and close to our City Centre location, this bar would be a perfect spot for Monday night football!

 

Gentlemen, are you on the hunt for an excellent tailor in Seattle? Capelli’s is proud to partner with Lori Wilhelmi, style consultant of JHilburn, a custom menswear designer providing customized suits made with Italian fabrics, personal and local measurements and final fittings for an exceptional value. If you are unfamiliar with JHilburn check out their website at http://www.jhilburn.com
or email Lori.Wilhelmi@jhilburnpartner.com today to begin your personal consultation and measurements!

Everyone always says that a Seattle summer doesn’t begin until July 5th.  This year that theory was proved correct. Now that summer is in full swing, here are some tips and guidelines to help you get through the summer in a “cool” and fashionable way.  Let us start with what Capelli’s is best at… Hair!  Especially when it is hot, get rid of your “bang”.  Guys should never have a bang, unless you are Justin Beiber.  The new stylish way to wear the front is textured and styled upwards, or pushed back like the classic Mad Men style.  Even if your hair is considered to be on the longer side, try an easy, finger-styled part and push the front back.  Product is always a plus and can help hold your hair back if it is not used to being styled or directed a certain way.

Next, lets talk about stylish summer duds.  Water-wear has had many changes throughout the years.  The length of board shorts have gone up and down like the tides of the ocean so make sure you are not sporting those 1990’s, to-the-shin board shorts.  Yuck!  Lets take it back to the old surfer Sundeks from the 70’s.  We will admit that back in those days the shorts were made a little on the short side, but when these awesome shorts resurfaced the designers added different lengths that are all completely acceptable.

And what to wear on top?  I find that in Seattle, once the sun has gone down and all of the day time activities have concluded, there seems to be a bit of a chill from the breeze off the water.  In this case, first begin with a light, buttery and cotton t-shirt with blends such as jersey, micro-modal or a tri blend.  Try an offset or unusual collar shape or just a nice mid v -neck will do.  Try to stay away from the too deep v-necks.  We are not in Miami.  Next, leave your old college hoodie at home.  Try a light wool pull over or a short sleeve cardigan.  Not only will you stay warm but you can also do so in style.

Also, say you have to attend a summer wedding and you are struggling with what to wear.  First things first, invest in a white or light colored suit.  With this suit you will have so many possibilities to dress yourself up during the summer.  This summer suit can be worn as an ensemble for engagements such as summer weddings or it can be worn as separates for an event that is less formal.   Wear the jacket in the place of a blue blazer.  Still pair with a darker jean or a summer color inspired denim.  Include a stylish button down shirt and even try to embrace some wrinkles.  You may also do the reverse and wear the pants of the suit with the above mentioned short sleeve cardigan.

Last but certainly not least, lets talk about shoes guys.  Flip flops are only allowed at the beach, pool or near water.  If none of these activities are in your plans for the day, leave them at home.  Men now have a plethora of casual summer sneakers, loafers, casual wing-tips and slip-on style shoes.  For the more casual occasion, a TOM, Sanuk, or Vans style shoe or a loafer would do the trick.  When attending that summer wedding with your awesome light colored suit try something like Rivieras.  These can be worn as a very classy style shoe and also can be worn for the after-party and dressed-down look.

Now that you have these summer time style tips, go out and try to soak up the sun that we all have been craving. Remember to keep your haircuts as fresh as possible.  If you follow these few tips you are bound to enjoy the rest of our Seattle summer in style.