We continue our holiday gift guide coverage with Robert Verdi’s top picks for holiday gift giving. As a tastemaker extraordinaire, Robert has a unique knack for offering suggestions that are timely, useful, on trend. Check out Robert’s gift giving hot list for 2010…and be inspired!

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Grab your dude and go!

Tonight ​Lord & Taylor will host its annual Guys’ Night Out on from 6 to 9pm with a variety of “guy’s activities,” cocktails and bar food to enhance the male shopping experience.

The event will feature a live broadcast of The Michael Kay Show on 1050 ESPN NY from 3-7pm and at 6pm guests will be invited to meet and play video games with NY Defensive End, Osi Umenyiora in the Perry Ellis shop and NY linebacker, Bart Scott in the Steiner Sports Shop.  The 2010 New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders will entertain and assist guests with their men’s shopping needs.

Customers will receive 25% off most purchases in the Men’s Store that night and can enter the GQ Black Brown 1826 Putting Competition for a chance to win the ultimate “Big Game” experience. Several gifts with purchase will include:

• 16G Apple iPad with any qualifying men’s purchase of $1000 or more

• $100 Smith and Wollensky gift card with any $75 Nautica men’s sportswear purchase

• Hit+Run silk screen t-shirt with any Lacoste purchase

FULL DEETS –

Lord & Taylor
The New Men’s Store, 10th Floor
Fifth Avenue, at 39th Street, New York City

Thursday, December 9th, 2010
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

This one’s for dad and the special man in your life….

Now through June 10th at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, Lab Series for Men is hosting complimentary grooming services – including aestheticians, shoe shiners and manicurists. Hep your guy prepare for Father’s Day and beyond.

For all of you foursquare users, be sure to “check in” to the Lab Series at Bloomingdale’s Foursquare venue and show your “check in” at counter to receive exclusive Lab Series samples. Every 10th person who checks in will receive a complimentary full-sized product!

Enjoy this special offering!

Men of New York: Learn how to get the perfect summer shave! Anthony Sosnick, the grooming guru behind Anthony Logistics For Men, is coming to Sephora (86^th Street and Lexington 212-426-6199) on Saturday, April 17^th.

Ladies, grab your boo and drop by for grooming advice and a personal consultation. Stock up on free samples of Anthony Logistics For Men favorites and get a gift with purchase while supplies last!

Adam Lambert, American Idol runner up and aficionado of all things glittery above the neck, is in talks to debut a line of pretty face paint for the men folk. The collection is said to be rather extensive and include staples like foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and nail polish. In a statement to New York magazine, Lambert with a straight face I assume, said that he believes straight men “are likely to experiment” with his product line. Yep, he said that with a straight face.

I don’t know about my man banging out his crease and beating the face with “A.Lambert for Men”, but I don’t discriminate….I’d try anything (beauty related) once.

More to come as this story develops…

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. Egad! With work, busy schedules, and that thing called “life”…you’ve probably had no time to plan out how you’ll turn on your Valentine’s Day “whip appeal” ala Babyface.

Well worry no more. You are an avid ThisThatBeauty reader which means I’ve got you covered. Behold, ThisThatBeauty’s Valentine’s Day Beauty Guide. So lets get you ready…

Do not let a pesky protruding pimple ruin your perfect Valentine’s Day plans. Stop that bad boy in it’s tracks with the new ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device ($39.99). This FDA approved and dermatologist recommended doo-hickey works by using thermal based technology to kill the bacteria that causes blemishes to occur. Sized to fit in the palm of your well manicured hand, ZENO HOT SPOT is perfect for on the go treatments. How many times have you looked in the mirror at work around lunch time and caught a dastardly pimple plotting to peak by end if day? Here’s where you need ZENO HOT SPOT. Each treatment lasts for two to three minutes. Most blemishes, if caught early, require only two to three treatments. Add ZENO HOT SPOT to your routine. I’d hate to see a mole hill turned mountain to destroy your sexy Valentine’s Day plans.

Because cleanliness is next to sexiness, add Philosophy Flirty Girl Set ($35) to your Valentine’s Day prep plans! Show him you mean business by pampering your body with this soft, sweet, irresistible scent. The combination of Flirty Girl shower gel and lotion layers the light hearted scent beautifully…not at all overwhelming.

Get your skin rub-a dub ready with Creme of Nature’s new line of affordable hydrating lotions.The collection is formulated with natural ingrdients that deliver intense moisture to parched, dehydrated skin. Trust me, yo man does not want to feel all up on your scaly legs. Moisturize that si-du-a-tion (forgive me for the Jersey Shore refernce) with one of Creme of Nature three emollient blends: African Violet & Chamomille, Olive Oil & Lemon Zest, Sweet Mandarin & Lemongrass. Find a store near you.

For the smaller proportioned bella who struggles to find appropriate V-Day ready lingerie, may I suggest The Little Bra Company, a line of sexy, comfortable and stylish lingerie for women sizes 28A to 36B. The Little Bra company celebrates the fact that “good things do come in small packages™.” The sexy red Lucia ($56) features contoured, deep-plunge styling for the ultimate cleavage enhancement with glamorous, smooth lace that makes any small-busted woman feel gorgeous and confident. Lucia is the perfect choice for a dose of feminine confidence this Valentine’s Day…and beyond! Go on, play up your assets!

Don’t forget the “Fat Free Dressing“….a new collection of shapewear from Maidenform ($22-$30) that’s meant to secretly slim, smooth, and shape the body. This life saving figure flattering collection offers a tank top, tee shirt and boy short to address your shapewear needs. The tops are longer in length so there’s no embarrassing “roll down”. “Fat Free Dressing” is designed to fit comfortably all day long. If you’re wearing a body hugging top, dress or skirt for your Valentine’s Day rendezvous, consider these sexy underpinnings. ADDED BONUS: “Fat Free Dressing” is shapewear that doesn’t look like, you know? Shapewear!

If your cup runneth over, try Elomi lingerie for the fuller figure. The collection has a sexy boudoir feel that oozes glamour. From french inspired floral embroidery to contrasting underlay, the designs artfully combine comfort and support with a dash of naughty and nice!

If your pre Valentine’s Day primp fest leads you to the salon for a hair cut, preserve the integrity of your cut with HerCut ($22-$28), a new line of hair care products designed around your specific haircut….not hair type. Genius! The philosophy of the line is simple: All (most) cuts derive from five basic cuts – bob, pixie, shag, blunt, long layers. It does not take an expert to maintain your straight from the salon style, it merely takes the proper products that support your cut. In a press breakfast with HerCut Ambassador and Emmy Award winner Kyan Douglas, I learned that HerCut employs “catalysts” that work at the molecular level to ensure that hair conforms to the shape of your individual cut. Essentially, HerCut picks up where your stylist leaves off. Each HerCut “catalyst” (a serum to be used prior to blow drying) is customized for the five hair cuts previously mentioned. If you struggle to maintain your style post-salon visit, HerCut might be just what you need. And with Valentine’s Day just ’round the corner, you want to make sure your locks are their absolute best!

Don’t let excessive frizz ruin your dinner plans with Mr. Wonderful. Remington Frizz Therapy 1″ Straightener ($49.99) promises all day anti-frizz protection….even in high humidity! High grade ceramic plates dramatically diminish frizz upon styling. The frizz protection feature helps hair resist the effects of humidity all day, thus insuring a sleek smooth style. And since this a Valentine’s Day beauty guide, might I also suggest tossing this bad boy in your overnight bag for the morning after…if ya know what I mean

This Valentine’s Day send his pulse racing with Kelly Van Gogh Wonderlust Illuminating Hair Tonic ($30). This multi-tasking wonder spray delivers smooth, sexy hair with long-lasting results. With just a quick spritz to damp hair, your locks are transformed into tantalizing tresses without a costly trip trip to the salon. Can we say “frugalista friendly”? Kelly Van Gogh Wonderlust Illuminating Hair Tonic incorporates mica shine technology, keratin proteins and caviar conditioners, to revitalize dry, dull hair and protect it from environmental factors including pollution, heat and water damage. This Valentine’s Day fall in love with Kelly Van Gogh Wonderlust Illuminating Hair Tonic!

Make him starry eyed with Urban Decay Stardust ($20). This eye catching shadow delivers a soft sheer wash of color coupled with the tiniest bits of iridescent sparkle. The glistening effect resembles that of wet snow. Yum…so sexy and McDreamy. Capture his eyes and heart this Valentine’s Day with an alluring pop of Stardust. From go-to basic neutrals like black, grey and brown to bright bursts of of turquoise, green and purple. The wide range of Stardust shades will help you bring out your inner kitten. Purrrrr! Want to know my personal fav? It’s Moon Spoon, described as grey with iridescent sparkle!

If your lip gloss isn’t poppin‘, try this – LORAC Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss ($22). This innovative paraben free gloss contains holographic pigments for multidimensional shine. The formula delivers a high lacquer, glam, glossy, vibrant finish with long lasting color. If you gotta get that BOOM BOOM BOOM for your lips, you gotta get LORAC Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss. My traffic stopping favs include Polished and Vivid. MWAH!

For girls who are short on time and have but a few precious moments to go from “office attire’ to “date ready”, this Valentine’s Day try Stila Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). When multitasking is a must, a great lip and cheek stain can be your BFF. Conveniently packaged in Stila’s iconic click-able pen, this lip/cheek combo reacts to your personal pH to give you a beautiful, fresh-faced flush in your perfect shade of pink.

If sexy bedroom eyes are on your Valentine’s Day prep list, try L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara. Frugalistas, breakdance! This drugstore mascara (which performs like a pricey department store formula) retails for $9.49. If you’re smart, you will try to catch it during a BOGO at your local Walgreens, Duane Reade, CVS, etc. The genius technology behind L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara is the spherical brush and clean formula that lengthens while separating. At first the design of the brush freaked me the heck out, TRUE STORY! But the results were Ah-May-Zing! See for yourself then run out and get your own!

If subtlety is your thing, try Coy, the newest gloss from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. Coy is an extremely wearable and versatile shade of nude pink. Don’t let the name fool you…Coy redefines lips for a plumper pout. It is specially formulated with Portulaca Extract, a natural peptide that stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis to help add volume to lips. But hold up…there’s not irritating tingle or stinging involved. YES! Coy is also non sticky and incorporates Vitamin E to hydrate as it smooths. Say yes to Coy this Valentine’s Day and maybe you’ll be saying “YES” All. Night.Long. We’re all grown…I’m just saying!

Couture Couture ($35-$100), an “it girl” fragrance from Juicy Couture, is a stellar choice for Valentine’s Day. The aromatic blend of pink grape, orange flower, mandarin, blushed plum, honeysuckle, and sandalwood will capture Mr. Wonderful’s senses…the rest is up to you! Couture Couture is available at Bloomingdales.com.

For a little His and Hers action try two irresistible scents by Thierry Mugler. For her: ANGEL is the classic Thierry Mugler fragrance that started it all. Known for its pure, soft, and innocent style, ANGEL boasts notes of Bergamot, Hedione, Helional, Honey, Dewberry, Red Berries, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli, Chocolate, and Coumarin. The warm tender scent is sure to keep his attention this Valentine’s Day.

For him: A*Men will have you saying “Amen”. The strength of this fragrance lies in its perfect blend of fire and warmth…the perfect element for pure seduction.

ANGEL and A*Men by Thierry Mugler are available at Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomies, Neiman Marcus, and ThieryMugler.com

Simply put – DAY-UM! This aint yo grandmomma’s robe. No ma’am! Jenna Leigh’s Kimono Robe ($96) is for the grown and sexy. Translation: I WANT THIS! I love understated sexy…and while the models boobs are practically 3D in the picture below, I love that the robe offers a touch of modesty in in terms of coverage, but beautifully hugs a woman’s body in all the right places. I see this robe being a “warm up” piece. Its what you wear while preparing your sexy Valentine’s Day dinner at home. The wrap/ kimono style is perfect for a little “oops, my robe keeps coming undone “. After about three accidental slips of the kimono coming undone, dinner should be finished and then on to dessert. You feel me?

If a hot, steamy, sexy bath is on your Valentines Day list try Bath Ice Cream ($8.50). These adorable bath delights are perfect for creating a romantic spa like retreat at home. Bath Ice Cream fizz and melt immediately when submerged in water for an incredibly relaxing and indulgent experience. With over 40 flavors to choose from, the only thing left to do is to light a candle and….

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Carolina Herrera, the high-end fashion brand known for its elegant womenswear, recently launched CH Men, a fragrance for men. The fragrance is formulated around the brand’s five concepts:

• Adventure is represented by saffron, incense, rosewood and nutmeg
• Savoir faire by vetiver, jasmine sambac, bergamot and tangerine
• Passion by sandalwood, grey amber, tonka bean and vanilla
• Eccentricity by grass, violet flower, grapefruit essence, moss and burnt sugar
• Elegance by cashmere, angelica seeds, leather and musk

Inspired by the idea of travel, CH Men it is about starting a journey, leaving behind the life you are used to living and suddenly being able to look at it from afar. If you are looking for an adventurous new fragrance for your boo, consider CH Men.

ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide: Scrub-a-holic

This gift guide is for the Scrub-a-holic on your holiday list. You know her, right? When it comes to her mug, she loves a good scrub-a-dub-dub. She’s obsessed with smooth texture and pore-less skin. Here are three great recommendations for Ms. Leave No Skin UnScrubbed!

Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling – 1.4 oz $30.00

Help your scrub obsessed BFF maintain her youthful radiant glow with Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling. It deeply cleanses skin and sloughs away surface impurities and dead skin cells. After thoroughly cleansing and toning the skin, Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling is applied. As it begins to dry, while still tacky, the product is removed by using light outward strokes. The “rolling” removal method is a gentle way to exfoliate the skin without rough tugging or scrubbing. Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling contains:

• Natural Clay Kaolin – Helps in absorption and contains antiseptic properties
• Burdock, Mallow and Elder – To soothe and refresh skin
• Coltsfoot and Marshmallow – Used as an emollient for the skin

Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator – 1.35 oz $15.oo

This exfoliant is a God-send! The special stop-action crystals adjust to the individual needs of your skin. The self-adjusting crystals makes it impossible to over do it…which makes Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator perfecto for the scrub-a-holic on your holiday list!

MAC Voclanic Ash Exfoliator - 3.4 oz $19.50

Ohhh baby come on over to the dark side. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator is for the scrub fiend on your list who’s tried everything and fears nothing. Knock her socks off with this gooey black mix of volcanic ash and fine sugar crystals. What I love most about this exfoliator is that it is particularly effective in cutting through built up grime…you know that yucky stuff we get around the nose and chin?…yea that! MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator quickly cuts through the buildup and polishes your skin to perfection. Please advise the scrub-a-holic on your list to use no more than once per week as this stuff is serious biz!

With the holidays just ’round the corner, now is the perfect time to start shopping new scents for your boo. Show your man he’s number #1 and the only VIP in your life with Usher VIP.

Usher proudly unveils his confident new fragrance for men…and what’s sexier than a confident swagger?! This woodsy fragrance is warmed by spices of nutmeg and exotic saffron. Constructed around a rich suede note, fresh clean bergamot, tangerine and kumquat, USHER VIP is destined to become a modern classic.

USHER VIP is available at fine department stores everywhere.

Are you tired of Mr. Wonderful raiding your product stash? Try this!

VitaMan is an Australian based skincare company that offers a comprehensive line of products formulated to meet the grooming needs of men.The VitaMan Face Moisturiser delivers essential hydration via healing plant ingredients and a combination of Grass Lily, Blue Cypress Oil and Vitamin A & E, Aloe Extract. This powerful blend smoothes skin texture, improves dry, sun damaged skin and minimizes fine lines around the eyes and forehead.

VitaMan is is used in leading spas and sold in retail stores worldwide. To check out the complete line of VitaMan products, visit www.vitaman.com.au