mall of America

Playlist, meet my friend and colleague Micah. Micah, meet Playlist…

As you can see, this week’s Playlist looks a little different than previous ones. Since our readership continues to grow (thank you!), we thought we’d give the fellas a little more love and start offering style inspiration for guys from our beloved retailers. After all, guys want to look good too, right?

* NOTE: All items @ len are 50% off retail price listed. ALWAYS.

[Micah]
Fall is finally in full swing, and that means it’s time for some apparel changes. len definitely knows what I need. From cool jackets to rugged flannels to thermal tees, len (Level 3, North) helps give me options to feel both cool and comfortable in clothes that fit the season. Although it didn’t make things easy for choosing which outfit to wear for this week’s Playlist, len has endless options for the dude that wants to be casually comfortable. I can already feel my wallet getting lighter.

[Jenn]
As an avid fan of Len Druskin @ The Galleria, I was jazzed to see len arrive at MOA™. len offers much of the same on-trend, well-made pieces as Len Druskin but at a discounted price point. I fell head over heels for this Aztec print tunic – it’s the perfect amount of different. len is also perfect for your staple pieces – I may or may not have walked out with two simple yet delish dolman tops (current obsession) perfect for leggings + boots.

I don’t have a lot of facial hair. But, full beard or not (mostly not), I still have to shave just like every other guy. So, for my first post here on the MOA blog (my name is Micah by the way, nice to meet you) I took a stroll over to The Art of Shaving. The very talented Master Barber, “Moustache Jim,” was kind enough to demonstrate on yours truly in the video below. There is a lot more that goes into a shave than I would have thought, and it was actually a very relaxing experience. I highly recommend it to any of you guys out there who have never experienced a professional shave before, and for those of you who have, you’ve got to try out The Art of Shaving. It’s worth it. And ask for Moustache Jim. You’ll know him when you see him.

I love a good book - plain and simple. Sometimes I’m looking for a novel, sometimes something just to flip through and stop and read as I please. But, regardless of what mood I’m in, if it’s bound I’m sure to find it entertaining. I’ve chosen five books this week, each with a different spin. Business, art, adventure, practicality, even education – each offers something a little different.

Beyond what’s inside, I’m also big into what a book looks like, how it’s laid out and the design. Books can be so aesthetically pleasing and this week’s choices just did the trick for me. With so many different stores at the Mall, you’re bound (no pun intended) to come across something you’ve never seen before or that sparks your interest. What kind of books do you like to read? What makes you stop and pick one up at the store? Share in the comments below!

1. “Sneaky Green Uses for Every Day Things” – The Afternoon [$13]
2. “Fantastic Plastic Cameras” – American Eagle [$17]
3. “Onward” – Starbucks [$26]
4. “The Hunger Games” – Barnes & Noble [$21]
5. “Build Your Power Vocabulary” – Marbles: The Brain Store [$14]

I’m a photo freak – plain and simple. So, I searched the Mall this week for the best electronics and accessories to capture your life and some fun ways to print and share those moments with others, one photo at a time.

In a world that’s shifted so strongly in the digital direction, the ease of sharing your photos is pretty astonishing. But, it’s also a lot of fun to have a printed photo that you can pass around to a group of friends or put into a photo album or picture frame. You may love the new age, or you may prefer tradition, but at the end of the day, a photo is a photo and through it we can share our lives with each other!

1. Canon t3i: Best Buy [$850]

2. Canon camera bag: Best Buy [$65]

3. Digital photo frame: Radio Shack [$60]

4. HP printer with built-in photo printer: Microsoft Store [$130]

5. Hanging photo collage: The Afternoon [$11]

Father’s Day is upon us and I don’t know about anyone else, but my dad isn’t necessarily the easiest person to shop for. So, I started thinking… what could I get him that would be different. Shirts and ties, all that stuff seems a bit overdone. While they still make great gifts and I’m sure dad would enjoy them, I wanted some ideas that would take a slightly off-the-beaten-path approach to Father’s Day gift giving.

While everything on this list might not be the right gift for your dad, there is something for every type of dad at MOA™. Whether your pops is artsy, into technology or a movie junkie, you just need to put a little thought into it and there is bound to be something out of the ordinary to wrap up for your dad this Sunday.

1. OVO by Cirque du Soleil Tickets [now 50% off  through Sunday, June 19th]

2. House of Comedy Tickets [$13-$19 each]

3. Theaters at Mall of America® Gift Card [you pick the denomination]

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab: Verizon Wireless [$200]

5. Twin City Grill Gift Card [again, you choose]

In a pinch to find a last minute gift for pops?  This week, Mall of America Trend Specialist Sara Rogers featured fun and unique gift ideas for Father’s Day. Here are a few of my favorites that I think are perfect for any Dad:

 Skin Care Kit via Art of Shaving $65

 Who says men can’t pamper themselves like us ladies? The Art of Shaving store at Mall of America offers exclusive shaving and skin care essentials for guys of all kinds. From the Ingrown Hair Kit (yes, I said ingrown hair) to manicure sets, they provide all sorts of unique skin and body care products.  In a convenient and travel-friendly carry-all pouch, the Skin Care Kit includes everything Dad needs to treat, wash, exfoliate, and moisturize his skin!

Faas Collection half-zip hoodie via Puma $60

This is the perfect gift for any active dude. Heck, even I would wear it! I took one step into the Puma store and the yellow color totally caught my eye. The Faas Collection half-zip hoodie is made of 100% polyester French terry making it extra comfortable. My favorite part about this particular hoodie, other than its undeniable style, is that it comes in six different colors to suit the fancy of any and every personality.

TW Steel Geo Goliath Watch via Ben Bridge $750

There’s no denying the relation between the name and style of this bad boy. The TW Steel Geo Goliath Watch (among many others) can be found at the Ben Bridge store at Mall of America. The face of this watch embodies masculinity yet the Italian leather strap adds a modern sleek and sexy element; an ideal gift for any style savvy man.

Gucci “Guilty” Cologne via Bloomingdale’s $57-73

Enhancing the inevitable smell good Father’s Day gift: try Gucci “Guilty” cologne. There is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about with this Father’s Day fragrance, other than the fact that I didn’t know about it sooner! While scavenging the men’s fragrance department at Bloomingdale’s I accidentally missed the intended tester target and landed this scent across my arm. For the remainder of the day, I was in heaven. The perk: compared to other men’s fragrances, Gucci “Guilty” is actually pretty affordable. Hooray!

Paul Smith Socks via Nordstrom $30-40

And last but not least…Yes, I know socks and ties are totally cliché, but I literally fell head over heels for these little guys so it was necessary to feature them.  Found at Nordstrom, Paul Smith socks come in every variation of stripes, tie dye and polka dots imaginable. There’s even an “odd sock” where one sock has a slightly different design than its mate.  Dad, if you’re reading this, I might just be “borrowing” your Father’s Day gift

It’s definitely grilling season and being a guy who loves to eat, I couldn’t be happier! Everything counts when you’re grilling, be it the tools you are using, the actual grill or the recipe. All of the components work together to make a meal fit to wrap up a long day in the sun. So, for this week’s list I scoured the mall to find some great tools, books and equipment to make for a great season of cooking on the grill, one that will leave your mouth watering. What’s your favorite grill recipe? Share in the comments below!

On a side note, I do have to give a special shout out to item number 4! This sauce will knock your socks off! It’s truly outstanding. If you’re around Williams-Sonoma any time soon, stop in…they have a BBQ Bar that you can try out all of their sauces and they are all great!

1. Infared Electric Grill: Brookstone [$170]

2. Cuisinart Grill Set: Sears [$40]

3. The Deen Bros. Get Fired Up Book: Barnes & Noble [$25]

4. Kickin’ Chicken White Sauce: Williams-Sonoma [$10]

5. Victoria Taylors Seasonings: Marshalls [$5]

Travel is the theme of this week’s list! Why you ask? I’m gearing up to head to France this summer and I’m already thinking about what I need to bring along. When it comes to travel, especially long distances, there is so much you can do to make the entire interaction more simple and enjoyable! It’s all about being comfortable, keeping yourself entertained and packing the essentials.

One of the common traits you’ll find in a lot of the items in my carry-on is a computer chip. I’m a techie at heart and there’s nothing like a plethora of electronics to keep you busy on a long flight, bus ride, train…whatever the case may be. Electronics offer such a wide variety of entertainment as well as the convenience of their size – packed with stuff to do, you can toss them in your bag and barely even know they are there! I’m already looking forward to buckling in, throwing on my headphones and flipping, or should I say clicking, through the pages of a book. I’m set and I can’t wait!

1. Amazon Kindle: Best Buy [$115]

2. AE2 Headphones: Bose [$134.95]

3. Shaving Travel Kit: The Art of Shaving [$50]

4. Alpha Bravo Tote: Tumi [$295]

4. Hooded Sweatshirt: Nike [$60]

Spending time outside is what I’m most looking forward to about the coming summer! I couldn’t be happier to swap out my winter clothes for shorts and t-shirts like the ones on this week’s list. But, beyond what we’ll be wearing this summer…I’m stoked about the things we can do now that the snow is gone! I love being outside and I have to say after the long winter we faced, cabin fever was setting in for me big time! Even if it’s sitting on a lawn chair and reading a book…it will just be nice not to be cooped up inside. What are you most looking forward to now that summer is drawing nearer? Share below!

As a side note, one of the items on this week’s list is a little different then what you’ll see in past BuzzLists…Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is taking place here at MOA this Sunday (Mother’s Day) and their pop-up kiosk in the Best Buy ® Rotunda is up and running at full speed. Stop by, pick up some great merchandise but most importantly, make a contribution to an organization set out to find a cure for Breast Cancer…a disease that affects so many people!

1. Disc Golfing Discs: Air Traffic [$17]

2. Cargo Shorts: Eddie Bauer [$50]

3. Stripped Tee: Levi’s [$35]

4. Sunglasses: Oakley [$170]

5. Race for the Cure T-shirt: Race Kiosk in the Best Buy ® Rotunda [$22]

Today is Earth Day and to celebrate, the BuzzList has gone green! There is so much we can do every day; small changes we can make to our daily routine that really can affect the world – everything from the cup we drink out of to the bag we are sent away with after we make a purchase. While they seem to have a small impact on our lifestyle, they have a large impact on the future of our globe!

Think about what would happen if everyone had the mentality of,  “I’m just one person.” Think about the impact we could make if everyone started thinking that way. I challenge you all to do at least one “green” thing today or make a “green” purchase, like any of the items on this week’s list. Look closely as you shop around and I bet you will come across a ton of products that are better for our planet whether they are made from recycled material or help reduce the amount of waste you will produce each day! It’s everywhere so take advantage of it, if only for today. I’d love to hear what steps you take to help the earth! Share in the comment section below! Happy Earth Day!

1. Reusable Coffee Sleeve: Caribou Coffee [$6]

2. TOMS Shoes with Recycled Soles: Nordstrom [$58]

3. Reusable Cold Cup: The Afternoon [$8]

4. Ecojot 100% Recycled Notebook: Barnes & Noble [$12]

5. Reusable Shopping Bag: Urban Outfitters [Free - Given with purchase instead of paper or plastic shopping bags!]