Top 10 Bargain Perfumes You Can't Miss

I know it's such a cliché to make a list of the top whatever, but I confess I can't resist it. Whenever someone posts anything like this I am obliged to read it, even if it's only to disagree with them. Being a fragrance addict, a fume snob and a vintage collector, I rarely wear mainstream fragrances or drugstore counter scents. Ok, I am lying! I have my guilty pleasures and many times I find myself thinking that there are a lot of budget perfumes that smell as good (and sometimes even better) than expensive niche offerings. After all the holidays expenditure, these are some smells you can still indulge yourself without ruining your budget. And here's a unpretentious list of my personal favorites.

1
Solinotes Ambre

My favorite amber after Akkad by Lubin, but for 10 euros (2200 naira or $11.8) (50 ml), this is an absolute winner. For amber lovers, it doesn't get much better than this. The classic amber note without distractions. There's no need for a description since this is all you need if you crave amber and nothing else. Great sillage and very decent longevity. The Solinotes brand is a miracle line, offering a lot of wonders for a ridiculous price. This one is always sold out so get it now if you find it. It took me a year and a trip to get it.

2
Alyssa Ashley Ambre Gris

Dirty animalic amber with a strong virginia cedarwood bite. Reminiscent of the classic ambergris accord, but I'm sure there's not a drop of it here, for it costs only 27 euros (6000 naira or $32) for a 30 ml bottle. Huge staying power and massive sillage. This is one for the vintage and oriental lovers that require a strong cloud of scent around them. It's also one of the most erotic perfumes I know. Cousin scent: Perris Monte Carlo's eponymous perfume that costs more than twice as much.

3
Monotheme Leather

Again, a 10 euros (2500 naira or $11.8) wonder in a 100 ml bottle. A hot and sweaty leather reminiscent of Aramis but warmer and without the green notes. This is spicy and rough, mature and sexual. However it still manages to smell classy. I imagine this only on a mature muscled man with a well groomed beard and a naughty look on his face. I've seen people comparing this to Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather but I think Monotheme is better, I'm sorry! This collection is unmissable, with another great one called Amber Wood, for the same price.

4
Solinotes Fleur d'Oranger

Again, Solinotes (10 euros 50 ml) (2500 naira or $11.8) wins my heart without hurting my wallet. It's not easy to find an orange flower themed perfume that has no distractions and smells natural. The ones that come close can be crazy expensive or too sophisticated like Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger. I mean I was looking for a pure and fresh Orange Blossom with a hint of carnal warm tone and some richness. Fragonard's Fleur d'Oranger is also an extraordinary scent and it costs only 35 euros for a 100 ml bottle.

5
Ted Lapidus Altamir

Following my orange blossom craving, this is a sweet oriental version of it, slightly reminiscent of Gaultier 2 but better. This massive and heavy 125 ml bottle costs only 22 euros (5000 naira or $26) and it lasts a whole day on the skin, even more on clothes. It is so sensual, sweet, vanillary and warm ... Tonka bean is starring here in a very balanced and non-cloying way. It's not an elegant scent and maybe it pleases the younger crowd more than the mature perfumista, but still I can't resist it. Try it in the summer, it performs better in hot weather or even harmattan for my African audience.

6
Jil Sander Sun

This is a classic in some countries of Europe and it seems dated for some people who used to wear it during the 90s. But to me it is the perfect olfactory translation of a day at the beach. This tuberose-vanilla combo with a suntan lotion feeling is so warm and tropical it heats my winter days and brings a smile to my face. The 19 euros (4500 naira or $23) price-tag for a 75 ml bottle helps a lot, too. Buy it at the airports, where you'll find it cheaper.

7
Madonna Truth or Dare

If you like tuberose and you find Robert Piguet's Fracas too pricey, get this one while you can still find it (it's discontinued but if you search the online outlets you can still buy it for 22 euros/30 ml) (5000 naira or $26). This sweet tuberose/gardenia combo is heavy and migraine inducer for some people but the musky and vanillary drydown will enchant the brave ones. Be very careful: one or two sprays maximum!

8
Madonna Truth or Dare Naked

I'm sorry to repeat this name but Madonna has really nailed it with this one. It has nothing to do with her first scent and it captures an ambered orchid drenched in benzoin and sandalwood without being a strong perfume. It is a paradox: with all these oriental notes it is still a very subtle fragrance, charged with an erotic element, a handful of fruit and some 'boozyness' too. A hint of oud makes it fly off the skin but you wouldn't find out it has oud if you weren't told. Sweet, woody, resinous and warm—in a polite way. Get it while it can still be found. It costs only 20 euros (4500 naira or $24) for a 75 ml bottle.

9
Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Homme

Winner of a FiFi Award, this is a one-of-a-kind male fragrance that women can wear. A woody rose with black pepper that can convince even the rose haters. An absolutely elegant and subtle scent, so perfectly balanced and still sexy. It sits between a romantic date scent and an office safe smell. And it costs only 37 euros a 75 ml bottle.

10
Revlon Charlie Blue

Now don't look away so quickly. This is not the regular Charlie and it deserves a chance. It costs nothing (approximately 7 euros a 100 ml bottle) (1600 naira or $9) and it doesn't kill you with synthetic screechiness like I've seen some people commenting. To me it smells like a fresh spiced geranium chypre with a classical elegant vibe. Very unisex, too. It's freshness is really compelling and if modestly applied it brings a smile to my face like the first days of spring (rainy season). Give it a chance. It won't destroy your bank account, after all.

Finally, and after writing about these 10, I found myself feeling guilty for not including these other two that I would highly recommend: Salvador Dali's Laguna for 18 euros a 30 ml bottle and Victoria's Secret Amber Romance (13 euros for 30 ml), a sickly sweet amber that I am very attracted to. Do you agree with this selection? Can you help me find more (not so) guilty pleasures?

I hope this serves as a good new year opening to my numerous perfume lovers! Note that these are my personal selection,feel free to contribute and point out perfumes you think should make this list and deserves a review.Looking forward to hearing from you guys. Have a great scenty year and Happy New Year from Stylestoday, your ultimate perfume catalog..

Fashionable Tech Gadgets and Accessories

The style of our technology is becoming just as important as its functions. Who says you can't be a fashionable geek. 

Geeks nowadays are in charge of the world economy, take Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg for instance. I'm sure you will say that's a cliche example but that does not change the fact that they are computer scientists we aspire to be like. That is not what this article is about though, we are going to check out cool fashion accessories that could make you a cool sought after geek. 

 Here are some of the newest fashionable gadgets and accessories that are sure to make your jaw drop.

Phone Cases

Stylish phone cases have increased in popularity over the last few years. Since we always have our phone in hand it only makes sense to accessorize it! In addition, when celebs take selfies in the mirror and post them on social media, we can see what phone cases they have to envy. People like Lindsay Lohan, Sofia Vergara, and Rihanna are great examples.

If you're not into super trendy cases, fear not! Not only can phone cases be fashionable, but they can also be functional. Note that this is perfect for women especially bedazzled cases. It would look out of place is a guy is seen taking a mirror selfie with a shiny or glittery accessory.

 There's a wide variety of cases out there that double as wallets and clutches.

Featured Cases: Alice & Olivia; Jagger Edge; DimePiece; Otter Box.

Audio

Most of us listen to music throughout the day whether it's at the gym, on transit, or while running errands. The good news is now you can do it in style! Because headphones and ear buds hang around your neck or sit on your head, they may as well be fashionable. Thankfully there are some amazing audio products out there that can enhance any outfit. There are also some stylish speaker alternatives hitting the market. There's nothing worse than arriving at a party that has no sound system. Thanks to the Stellé Audio clutch purse you can bring the sound system with you disguised as fashionable accessory.

The Beat by Dre headphones have also become fashion statements. If you want to turn up your 'Swag' you can get different colors to match your outfits.

Other cool Audio accessories are: Monster headphones for Lumia, Monster Beat pills by Dre.

Featured Audio Products: Ladybuds; Marshall Headphones; Stellé Audio Clutch.

Technology Arm Candy

Not only is technology often found in our hands, it's now making its way onto our wrists! Gone are the days of carrying around a USB key for file sharing. Now you can wear your USB key in style with a sparkly USB key bracelet from Brando Workshop.

Tech arm candy is also exploding in the fitness world. The Nike Fuel Band lets you set a motion goal for the day and tracks how much you move. If you've ever wanted motivation to be more active, the fuel band will get you there while keeping you looking stylish.

Featured Arm Candy: USB bracelets; Nike Fuel Band

Tablet Cases

Technology has made its mark in the fashion world. During this year's major fashion weeks, technology was seen everywhere! Photographed in street style, in the fashion show audiences and even on the runway. With worldwide fashion weeks setting the trends for upcoming seasons it's clear that tech fashion is definitely going to be around for a while, so get on board!

Featured Tablet Cases: Alice & Olivia; Gelaskin, custom made skins ; Marc Jacobs; Michael Kors

Google Glass

Google glass used to be freakishly nerdy just a while ago. People used to be perturbed talking with someone with a bulging camera staring right at them. In response to this complaint Google started a partnership with popular American designer Diane Von Fustenberg to make fashionable frames for its headset technology. 

The new outcome is astonishing though mostly adapted for females but the men are not left. Check out a glimpse into the future through the lens of this device 

Do you think Google's attempt to look stylish worked?

There are a lot of cool fashion accessories available in the market and upcoming.

 Will.I.Am the American musician  is set to release what he calls a cuff. It is rumored to have a sim slot and according to him can replace a smartphone.

There is also smart-watches like the  Samsung Gear and Apple iwatch that have revolutionized the functions of what just used to be a fashion statement.

 

The Puls by Will.I.Am

Prototype of the apple iwatch

I hope to get feedback from you guys. tell me how this article helped you. I hope you are well informed now. 

Stay tech savvy and still stylish. Who said nerds have to be boring.

Summer style tips: White Legwear as a summer style.

Men’s Summer Essentials: White Legwear

In the past few weeks it seemed like we were concentrating more on the ladies and ignored the men totally but that is not the case at all because we at Styles Today were doing a careful research on this interesting topic that we've brought to your reading delight.

A Modern Warm-Weather Essential

Although generally considered part of the uniform of those who ply their trade on Wimbledon’s centre court, white legwear has, over time, emerged as a popular summer choice for fashion-conscious males.

Well suited to the hotter months of the year – white reflects the entire spectrum of light, therefore keeping you cool – white shorts, trousers, chinos and jeans offer a versatile and eye-catching option for those who are looking for a simple yet stylish way to rejuvenate their warm-weather style.

And while many men are still of the belief that wearing white legwear outside of the Riviera or tropical climates will encourage mockery, we here at Styles Today believe they are an essential part of the modern gent’s capsule wardrobe.

To help fight our case, and in an attempt to prove any doubters wrong, this article aims to highlight the three key options available and show you how to incorporate each into your everyday outfits successfully…

White Trousers/Chinos

The thought of wearing white trousers or chinos can be slightly intimidating. However, they’re actually a classic and versatile piece of menswear that have long been sported by some of the most stylish men on the planet, from timeless icons such as JFK and Paul Newman to contemporary idols like David Gandy and Tinie Tempah.

As always, it’s imperative you get the fit right – perhaps even more so with white trousers. To guarantee you do just that, opt for those that are cut slim through the leg and narrow at the ankle (Popularly known as pencil in this part of the world). A loose fitting pair will just end up looking sloppy and extremely unflattering, especially if you’re looking to wear loafers/drivers or go sockless
In terms of what to team your new legwear with, the opportunities are somewhat endless. While navy and grey are the obvious choices, white can be considered the ultimate neutral, meaning these trousers will anchor any bold colour or pattern you currently have in your wardrobe.

With this in mind, those who like to stand out from the crowd should try pairing them with a printed statement tee and some colour pop footwear. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things more refined, a simple sky blue Oxford shirt and brown leather penny loafers will do just the trick.

As alluded to above, white trousers are a key component of the highly desirable Riviera aesthetic, therefore mixing and matching them with pastel polo shirts, Breton stripe tops, espadrilles and unstructured tailoring will help create effortlessly chic ensembles for a variety of warm-weather scenarios.

Finally, it’s important we address the practicality aspect of any white legwear. Yes, these trousers can get dirty easily, but the simplest way of combating this is to consider the event/what you will be doing ahead of time. For instance, they are probably not the best option for an alcohol-fuelled night out, but a beach wedding? Ideal. Use common sense and you will be able to wear them year-round, not just in high summer.

Anyway, if they do get a little dirty you can always add a small amount of bleaching powder to the wash in order to restore their lustre.

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White Shorts

Easier to wear than trousers, simply because there is less material, white shorts are the perfect way to set yourself apart from the countless number of beige/navy designs you are sure to spot on every high street up and down the country this summer.

Not only do they reflect the heat, making them ideal for holidaying in tropical climates, they’re also a versatile and eye-catching option that is capable of being integrated into a wide variety of outfits, smart or casual. But before you go and invest, there are a couple of guidelines to bear in mind:

Look for styles that are cut slim through the leg and finish an inch or two above your knee. Although short shorts are currently on trend and reminiscent of classic 1950s summer style, it takes great legs and rock solid confidence to pull off the cut. Plus, white shorts are often enough of a statement on their own.

To create an outfit, try teaming with leather sandals and a plain navy vest during the day on holiday, switching for a tailored short-sleeved shirt and tassel loafers for summer evening drinks.

For those that want to take a more trend-led approach, why not embrace the white-on-white aesthetic this season? A well-cut pique polo shirt and a pair of minimal leather trainers will help create a crisp and clean outfit that is reminiscent of the sporty ensembles sent down the Emporio Armani SS14 runways. You could even layer a lightweight white bomber over the top to add depth to the look.

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White Jeans

Looking for something more relaxed than tailored trousers/chinos, but smarter than shorts? White jeans are the perfect option. Whether dressed up with tailoring or down with casual staples, they will help give your look a crisp, summer-appropriate twist.

Again, stick to slim fits – skinny cuts restrict airflow and are always uncomfortable to wear in the heat – and fully embrace their neutrality. As previously mentioned, they will help anchor any pattern you can think of, from camo and floral to tie-dye and animal print, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours and motifs.

Want to rock double denim but unsure how? This nineties look is set to be big news again in SS15 and these jeans are made for pulling off the aesthetic in a contemporary way. Simply combine your jeans with a light blue chambray shirt or indigo denim jacket for an effortlessly cool take on what many consider to be one of menswear’s most risky style statements.

Alternatively, dress your jeans up with a pink Oxford button-down, navy double-breasted jacket and tan suede Derbies for an evening meal at a restaurant or dress-down Friday in the office or even lectures.

Finally, consider these jeans a year-round option. Although they’re most appropriate for the summer months, denim’s natural durability and thickness ensures they can be used to breathe new life into your autumn/winter wardrobe. For example, try combining with a tweed jacket, flannel shirt and textured tie to instantly refresh your cold-weather style.

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Final Word

With the majority of men continuing to shy away from white legwear, particularly here in Nigeria and the UK, there has never been a better time to introduce a pair of white shorts, trousers or jeans to your wardrobe.

But what do you think – are you a fan of white legwear? Do you already own a classic pair of white trousers? Or are they simply not appropriate in a country like Nigeria? 

Go ahead and drop a comment on what you feel about this subject. 

I hope this article will inspire you to experiment with a white Legwear pair this season. For my African audience, this style can be carried out all through the year without any fuss. 

Tell next time when I bring to you more fashion tips I say "Stay bold, stay swaggering"