Autopartswarehouse| Color Coordination for Men

Sometimes men have become slaves of the establishment that they just end up buying designer outfits while completely taking for granted another aspect of fashion-color coordination. In order to master the loose rules of fashion, one of the most basic ways of doing it is by being familiar with how colored clothes are worn. Here are some tips so you would stop groping in the dark.

1.White is In

When you’re having problems with matching your colored jeans the safest way of preventing wardrobe malfunction is by wearing anything that is white. If you want to look sophisticated and you want to make sure about it then wear white. The downside of wearing white however is that it’s prone to dirt and dirt on white clothes can be seen easily. Make sure that you can handle white color without getting messed up with it.

2. How about Gray?

If you want to experiment a little bit by wearing a bright color but you don’t have a white shirt to complement it, then go for gray. I always think that aside from black, gray is the most masculine color and it has a great dulling and nullifying effect when you pair it with bright colors.

3.Colored Pants Anyone?

Your pants basically provide the foundation for what you’re wearing that’s why they should never grab the attention out of your shirt. On the other hand, brightly colored pants are not only unfashionable but plain and simple ridiculous. Just wear solid colors such as brown, black and dark blue but never anything above those hues.

4.Light and Dark

The degree of lightness and darkness of your clothes is another factor when it comes to the color-coordinating rules of fashion. Basically what you have to do is to pair bright colors with bright ones and so on.

5.Complementary Colors

Basically colors that are directly opposite the color wheel are considered complementary. For example red and green, although I doubt if you ever want to go out of your house wearing a red shirt and green pants.

Very few men are knowledgeable enough on how to pair the right colors. Although you can go out all the time wearing black or white you don’t want to be known as a boring and predictable dresser. Make sure to wear colors that will make your physique stand out. Generally me who have darker complexion should wear light-colored outfits while men who have lighter complexion are advised to wear something on the lighter side.

Autopartswarehouse.com| Comparing the MazdaSpeed 3 and the Mini Cooper S Clubman

I had a little argument with my sister on how I pick the cars for my blogs. Basically, the whole thing of picking the cars for my posts is simple. Sometimes I just recall the cars, browse the internet to see what’s the best or if I’m lucky enough I’d see these cars in the streets.

Meanwhile, off to my post for today are two cars that I’m sure you’re already familiar with- MAZDASPEED 3 and the Mini Cooper S Clubman. Comparing two great cars almost every week is no easy task. Firstly, I think that most cars are unique but if you use several indicators, it’s safe to say that picking one car from the other has a semblance of rationality behind it. This post is all about gauging the MAZDASPEED 3 and the Mini Cooper S Clubman. Both cars are classy, sophisticated and fantastic although one of them has to be the better choice over the other. Contrary to popular notion, choosing the car is not all about which is cheaper. Why? Read on.

MAZDASPEED3

Price: 23,000 dollars

The MAZDASPEED 3 is fast and powerful and that can be proven by its ability to scorch the road from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. If you have enough cement or asphalt ahead of you then you’ll be able to reach 155 mph once you’re behind the steering wheel of this car. The car also has superior handling and steering although I don’t think it can reach the BMW’s level of expertise. On a different note, if you’re the type of guy who craves and thrives with attention, don’t expect to get any with the MAZDASPEED 3 since I find this car boring looks-wise. However, it doesn’t matter because when you get inside of this car, its interior totally stands out. It’s just like being inside a sports and luxury car all rolled into one.

Apart from the aforementioned, this car has enough room for two more people at the back and as far as I am concerned, that says a lot about the design of this car. Overall, this car isn’t that expensive with all the precision and class that a top-tier European car has. So if you have at least 25 thousands bucks to spare from your bank account, the MAZDASPEED 3 is a great investment.

MINI Cooper S Clubman

Price: 24,000 dollars

Needless to say I always loved the design of the Mini Cooper although I have never compared it to anything near the caliber of the aforementioned car. Meanwhile in just 7.0 seconds, the Clubman can race from 0-60 mph topping it with 139 mph speed. When it comes to the exterior design, I would dare say that the Clubman trumps what the MAZDASPEED 3 has to offer. There isn’t much space to use for more people and stuff though which is its Achilles heel when it comes to this aspect. I was however impressed with the 10-speaker audio system that the Clubman has which I didn’t find in the MAZDASPEED 3.

On a different note, the Clubman is a little too expensive for my taste only because the MAZDASPEED 3 is cheaper. Overall, style-wise the Clubman is excellent while it lacks the power and performance that the MAZDASPEED 3 has. On the other hand, choosing between the cars depends largely on the lifestyle and the preferences that you have. I am after practicality, space and performance so I would give this car comparison contest to the MAZDASPEED 3.

Gianluca’s Guide to Wearing Socks

This blog is not all about comparing supercars and as I’ve mentioned in my previous post, it also includes something about men’s fashion as well. For such a long time, I’ve seen a lot of men fail consistently when it comes to fashion. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hardcore metrosexual, but I earnestly believe that a man ought to know how to dress well. Knowing how to dress does not make you gay but believe it or not, a man who knows what he wants in life will be even more appreciated if he shows it up with what he wears. So let’s take a look first at what you put on your feet- socks. Socks are primarily used for protecting the feet when you have your shoes on but then again, colors are crucial if you don’t want to look like a jerk. Here are some rules for wearing socks and you might be surprised to find out that you’ve probably violated some of them already.

1.Never Wear White Socks with Black Shoes

One way of quickly destroying your fashion credentials is by putting on black shoes while wearing white socks. The general rule is that you should only wear white socks if you’re into sporting activities. Anything that does not require you to sweat and exert physical effort does not need white socks. Actually fashion experts even discourage wearing jeans and white socks because the former looks better with black socks instead.

2. Pants Dictate the Socks

Most men make the mistake of pairing their shoes with the socks that they’re going to wear and although this makes sense, it’s actually a fashion no-no. When you wear brown pants you’d have to wear brown socks or if you have black pants, putting on black socks is advised. If you’re in doubt, choose darker colors because doing so works most of the time. The reason for matching your pants with your socks is because it gives you a more fluid look especially when you sit down.

3. Folding Socks Anyone?

If you’re a seven year-old kid I wouldn’t mind seeing you fold your socks down your ankles but if you’re past that age, I don’t think you should be doing it. However, some people roll their socks which is even more tragic (read: tragic) than folding it. To make things simple, just wear your socks pulled straight up because it would give your pants a straight and clean look.

4.Buy New Ones

Your socks’ job is to protect your feet when you have your shoes on and because of that they go through loads of wear and tear all the time. When your set of socks begins to have holes and loosen, start shopping for new ones already. At best, every guy should buy socks every six months and dispose of the ones with holes and damages.

5. Printed Socks

Although I don’t wear printed socks, never wear it outside of your house unless it’s ok for you to be called a goofball. Printed socks would actually look good on women because it’s cute but if you’re a guy, I advise you to not wear it especially in the office.

Overall, socks can make or break your fashion that’s why it is important that you put extra care when you put one on your feet.

The Nissan GTR against the Corvette Z06

Two titans have been going against each other for quite some time and what better way to emphasize that by pitting their top two cars against one another. So here we go, I’m going to pit the Nissan GTR against the Corvette Z06 and before anything else, I’d have to say that this car comparison will be very, very close because of the top notch technology that both car manufacturers are known for.

Nissan GTR

Price: USD 70000

The Nissan GTR is smooth and if you’re behind its steering wheels you don’t want to get out of it because of how well it is built. Firstly, the Nissan GTR has a 3.8 liter 32 valve engine and when it comes to acceleration, this car is at the top of its class. The Nissan GTR can run from 0-60 mph in a whopping 3.5 seconds. In short, this car is fast enough to make your knees wobbly and if you don’t have enough skills to maneuver this road devil, you’re in for the ride of your life. The top speed of the Nissan GTR reaches an astonishing 193 mph so needless to say this car is built to pulverize the road with its speed and power.

When it comes to the design the Nissan GTR has it going very well. With incredible craftsmanship, this car shows off excellent details and aggressive features which are certainly very noticeable. The GTR caps it off with its stylish grille, acute headlamps and raised fenders. On the other hand, when it comes to the interior the GTR has enough space for someone above 6 feet tall which is something I didn’t expect when I first saw this car. The Nissan GTR also displays a complete set of electronic gadgets that include the displaying engine coolant temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure, transmission oil pressure, turbo boost psi, torque split, throttle position, steering angle, and longitudinal/lateral G-force.

If those are not enough, the multi-media artillery of the Nissan GTR cannot be taken for granted either. The car’s price tag is a bargain because this car is good enough to be considered a supercar minus the usual prices that the Ferraris and the Lamborghinis have.

Corvette Z06

Price: USD 71000

The first thing that you will notice with the Corvette Z06 is the 7.0 liter 32 valve engine that instantly dwarfs the Nissan GTR. The car has a maximum speed that reaches 195 mph although its acceleration is a little slower which is pegged around 3.7 seconds from 0-60 seconds. The exterior design of the Corvette on the other hand is not all about the aesthetics. The curves and lines that it has were designed to enhance its aerodynamic capability. When it comes to the interior, the Corvette has the two-tone bucket seats while there is considerable material that was added for comfort and convenience.

On the other hand, the sound system of the Corvette cannot compare with what the Nissan GTR offers. It has basic features such as the CD/DVD player, Bose audio-system, and GPS that would be enough for some but for a car of Corvette’s stature, these features seemed dismal at best. The Corvette may not have the impressive electronic gadgetry but when it comes to handling and drivability, this car shuts down what the Nissan GTR can do. Overall, I would have to say that the Nissan GTR slightly edges the Corvette because of its slightly cheaper price and slightly better creature comforts.

Car Comparison: The Dodge Caliber vs. The Honda Fit

I like cars that are not only big but with fantastic aesthetics as well. These days car get smaller and smaller for some strange reasons. In my opinion, a car has to have enough interior space while not comprising its exterior design and functionality. For that reason, I picked two of the best cars that epitomize both space and class before deciding which among the two will stand out. These cars are the Dodge Caliber and the Honda Fit. Basically these are spacious and visually enticing vehicles but they don’t have the gas guzzling quality that most big automobiles have. So there you go, we’ve got a good intro for both cars and for sure it’s about time to deal with their nitty-gritty.

The Dodge Caliber

Price: USD 15000

One thing that struck me when I saw the specs of the Dodge Caliber is its amazing suspension system which tells you that this car is built for all sorts of terrain. The car is big which I really like while its 1.8 liter 16-valve cylinder engine is not one for the race track but surely enough for its purpose. The car has a 148 hp at 6500 rpm but unfortunately there were too many critics when it comes to its ability to accelerate.

The design of the Dodge Caliber is everything but mediocre. Its pronounced and aggressive stout fenders have modern lines that make it look like somewhere between a hatchback and a crossover car. Aside from that, the Dodge Caliber has a masculine yet very elegant look that every car owner can surely be proud of. The interior of the Dodge Caliber may not be top-of-the-line but I was impressed with its PDA hook-ups, forward-sliding center armrests, and chilled up cup holders. Overall, this car is quite cheap although when it comes to driving pleasure this car has very little thing to offer. Although on the upside, the Dodge Caliber has the standard entertainment devices that will keep you chilled despite of its deficiencies.

The Honda Fit

Price: USD 14000

Just like the Dodge Caliber, the Honda Fit is a big car with far less credentials on the performance aspect. However, the good thing about this car is that it has a better acceleration compared to the Dodge Caliber. The Honda Fit is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just nine seconds which isn’t bad for a car its size. The Honda Fit has a slightly sloping front, slanted blade lamps, and strong, distinct lines that anyone can instantly appreciate. The design of the Honda Fit is simple but nonetheless sophisticated.

The exterior design of the Dodge Caliber and the Honda Fit do no differ greatly although when it comes to the interior, the latter imposes its will on the former. The interior is surely big and wide which can accommodate a lot of things especially if you plan to bring this car to long trips. On the other hand, the Honda Fit has enough entertainment goodies such as a radio, DVD player, GPS and power windows. Safety is something that the Honda Fit has in its arsenal because of its complete set of airbags that can surely make you feel secure no matter what.

Overall, the Honda Fit just barely outpoints the Dodge Caliber because of its better performance, driving, and interior design. The former is also several thousand bucks cheaper than the latter which certainly sealed the thumbs up score that I have for it.

Autopartswarehouse| How to Save Gas

Is there something more fickle than your girlfriend’s mind? If your answer is the gas prices then I can’t blame you. Gas prices are so unpredictable these days that you wonder whether you should just use a bike when you go to work, it’s tough but hey you’ll save a lot. Seriously though, the worst thing about fluctuating gas prices is that everyone’s affected probably except your dog. When people don’t have a lot of choices, all you can do is wait and well do your own little part. Yes, since everyone knows what makes a car run, this post is all about some of the things that I do in order to save on this precious commodity which seems too hot to handle for everybody.

1. Predict the Next Gas Price Hike

I’m not a fortune teller or a fuel analyst working for the Pentagon but if you still haven’t noticed gas prices rise during and around the weekend. Aside from that, the price range becomes even stark during the Holidays so better stock up prior to this period.

1. Fuel Up During the Night

Gas expands during the day since it’s hot so in reality you actually get less than what’s indicated on your dashboard. Aside from that, research shows that most gas price hikes happen during the morning.

1. Tune your Car

Not many people know that tuning your car properly saves gas. Aside from that you should always keep the engine clean no matter what because this prevents engine contaminants that may affect engine performance. When it comes to tuning your engine never forget the oil, filter, spark plugs, PCV valve, the automatic transmission fluid, oxygen sensor, coolant and battery.

1. Plan your Route

You need to be able to plan your route that will minimize unnecessary stops which can adversely affect your fuel consumption. Furthermore, always park your car under a shade in order for you to reduce fuel evaporation.

1. Learn how to Drive Slowly

Most guys I know go straight from the gas to the brake which is definitely not one of the ways of reducing gas consumption. As a driver, learn how to slow down when necessary because it helps you achieve better mileage and consequently that will increase your engine efficiency. The fact is there’s nothing to be achieved when you’re in a hurry unless you’re pretending to be the next sports car racer.

1. Use the Cruise Control Wisely

Another mistake that most drivers commit is using the cruise control option on unpredictable and rough terrain. Your car will do everything in its power to maintain that speed and it includes compromising fuel consumption for that purpose. My advice is that use your foot when you’re not driving on unhampered highway and use your feet for everything else.

1. Lessen the Weight

Additional weight inside your car will certainly affect your speed and power and for sure your fuel consumption will not be an exception. As much as possible for daily driving, cut the amount of weight that you’re bringing inside your car. Just bring things that are necessary so you won’t regret anything.

8. Looks can be Deceiving

Unfortunately, some aesthetics that are installed on the car affect the aerodynamics thereby increasing the drag. So if you have excess car add-ons that you don’t use for daily driving better remove them before you get your gas receipts skyrocketing.

Overall, these are just minor adjustments that you can do in order for you to somewhat counter the gas price hikes that wouldn’t seem to go away anytime sooner. The fact is, oil has become increasingly expensive because it’s resource that has become more and more scarce, do your own part because there’s something you can do about it.

Autopartswarehouse| Stress Management 101

This blog is not all about cars and this post is about how every man should manage his lifestyle without being at the receiving end of stress. Stress is a fact of life and unfortunately we’ve developed a society that tells your worth on how much money you have on your bank account and not by the values that you’ve learned. In order to survive, we all need to work more than what’s asked from us and at the same time having enough time off the office. There’s nothing wrong with working hard but you don’t have to put your social life in limbo just because of your career, in fact there’s more to life than being promoted. Everyone needs a breather once in a while and if there’s one thing that you should always remember in order to get rid of work-related stress is: work is left in the office and there’s should be no way that it can find its way inside your home.

1.Call a Time Out Before going Home

I used to be overwhelmed by projects when I was still in the corporate world. There are deadlines to meet, endless meetings and slave-driving bosses who would be at your neck all the time. Everyone else experiences stress however the secret lies in not making it a part of your system once you leave the office. So what should you do? After work, forget about what things that ought to be done, you’re not being paid by your company when you bring your work at home so why bother? Aside from that, instead of going home immediately, take a time off by playing pick-up basketball, listening to music or even buying the pair of shoes that you’ve always wanted to buy. No matter what you do, your home is your escape route from all the bull crap out there. Leave it that way and everything’s going to be fine.

2. Leave Everything behind when it’s 5 O’clock

Offices are made of people and if there are people there are surely emotions involved no matter what. When someone makes a foul up in his or her job, forget it once you leave the office. There should be no way that you take it personally against that individual. The fact is we’re all working to earn money and enjoy what we’ve worked hard for once you leave the office.

3. It’s All about Balance

Sometimes our jobs require working at home and when you’re in that kind of situation, dedicate a specific place where you can work without being disturbed. After “work”, balance things out by not mentioning something about your job to your family. The hectic schedule of modern living needs exemplary management skills and if you think that your career is important, your social life is double that so learn to prioritize.

4.Get a Vacation

A lot of people make the mistake of taking their vacation in order to catch up with their unfinished job. The whole thing for me is not only ridiculous but also something that defies logic. You take a break because you need to and you don’t want to work. No matter how good you are, you’re no superman so learn to slack off, take a break and take your life back.

5. Say No

Sometimes a man can only take so much and when another job was given to you beyond what’s stated on your job description, you’ve got a problem there already. Saying no to another task doesn’t mean you’re weak, it just shows you that you have limitations and you’ve already reached that point. There’s always a rule that I follow all the time: I make sure that the job gets done within nine hours and if it exceeds that point, it’s time to fix it already.

Don’t get too absorbed by the system, you have a life after office hours and you should take charge of it no matter what. I’m definitely not promoting slacking off when I wrote this post but there should always be healthy balance between your personal life and career and often the former is way more important than the latter. Don’t be a dull and boring man by letting your job get the best of you.

Autopartwarehouse Review | Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK280

This is my first post in this blog and in a nutshell, it’s all about pitting great cars against one another while I churn out my thoughts on men’s fashion and lifestyle. For beginners, I’m Italian and aside from teaching some adolescent kids in a University, I also spend lots of hours writing and drooling over the greatest invention of humanity: cars. Yes, I’m a big car fanatic needless to say and my first post will be about pitting two fantastic German cars that I certainly think are way above the competition right now. Before anything else, let me dissect both cars and tell you which one is better.

2008 Porsche Boxster

Price: USD 46,000

Horsepower: 245

The Boxster is a nasty convertible that seems like that it’s taken straight off a multi-million dollar Hollywood movie. It has a solid frame and its responsive steering would make driving for you a breeze once you get behind this car’s steering wheels. Apparently, the manufacturers from Stuttgart spent a lot of time tinkering with the Boxster’s road stability feature since they installed the PSM or Porsche Stability Management system on it. The PSM pretty much monitors what the driver is doing and puts it back in control. Furthermore, the car is equipped with eliminating bounce especially in tough terrains.

The external design of the Boxster is akin to having a sleek sports car that shows off class and impeccable craftsmanship at the same time. Aside from that, the design team has enhanced the roof of this convertible by putting a tonneau cover while its 17-inch wheels are surely eye-catching. The interior of the Boxster is all the more an evidence that it is indeed a masterpiece that comes out of the production line of Porsche. It has leather stitching and plastic composites while the seat was lowered and its roof is raised higher to create more room which past models didn’t have. Overall, the Boxster has enough creature comforts that can keep you entertained while giving you a sleek ride while not guzzling gasoline unlike other luxury sports car. When it comes to the price, the boxster is cheap compared to the Cayman and 911 which are both from Porsche.

Gianluca’s Score: 7/10

Mercedes SLK280 Roadster

Price: USD 45,000

Horsepower: 228

SLK stands for sporty, light and short and the German automaker Mercedes is pretty much successful in meeting those standards. The first look at the Roadster makes me want to drive it as soon as I can and if I can describe its design in just one word, it has to be exquisite. Its elongated hood, wedged outline, crouched rear-end and raked-windshield are not only for aesthetic purposes but for functionality as well. Its top which is retractable makes it both a coupe and convertible depending on your mood and by just clicking a button. In short, it’s a versatile car that anyone car appreciate.

There is a little bit of downside with regard to the interior because if you’re over six feet tall you have to be quite flexible in order to fit inside the Roadster. On the other hand, this car has excellent interior features and creature comforts that are worth every centavo that you’ll spend for this car. When it comes to the price, both the Roadster and Boxer don’t much have difference although I would rather opt for the Roadster since it’s basically cheaper.

Gianluca’s Score: 7/10

The Verdict

Both the Boxster and Roadster have fantastic performance and interior features although the Roadster’s appeal to me is its dual capacity to be both a coupe and convertible at the same time. The fact is, it takes a lot of skill and craftsmanship to pull that off so I would choose the Mercedes SLK280 Roadster in this one.

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