Share the love on Feb. 14 with our thoughtful Valentine’s gift picks for everyone you like and lust.

Centrolina V-Day Pasta Kit

Washington, D.C.-based Centrolina’s seasonally inspired restaurant menu gets the delivered-to-your-door treatment with Chef Amy Brandwein’s holiday gift baskets featuring four handmade pastas and from-scratch sauces, including heart-shaped beet ravioli with ricotta and lemon butter, a mushroom and black truffle ragu, sunchoke tagliolini and oyster cacio pepe, and chestnut pappardelle, among other elevated-Italian recipes that you and your lil’ meatball can whip up on date night. $175, CentrolinaDC.com

La Maison du Chocolat

Heart-shaped candy clichés are much more palatable when the contents within are made in Paris instead of Hershey, Pa., and your intended will be sufficiently satisfied with La Maison du Chocolat’s selection of premium confections – including melt-in-your-mouth ganaches, pralinés and bouchées, oh my – available in festive and indulgent 14- and 44-piece boxes. $60-$140, LaMaisonDuChocolat.com

‘Spread the Love’ Plantable Pencils

SproutWorld’s set-of-eight Love Edition pencils set themselves up for seed-spreading jokes given Cupid’s context, but the real sentiment is sweeter: Plant the lead-free, graphite writing utensils (engraved with romantic quotes on certified wood) in potted soil and enjoy striking flowers and fragrant herbs in one to four weeks. $15, Amazon.com

W Aspen Getaway

Missed Aspen Gay Ski Week? No sweat. You’ll fight fewer crowds as the season winds down – without compromising your commitment to luxury – during a late-winter getaway to the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains at the W Aspen. Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, like heliskiing and dog sledding, with the property’s always-available concierge; spend après hour on the rooftop WET deck before diving into delicious dishes at onsite restaurant 39 Degrees; see and be seen at Ponyboy, the property’s cocktail-focused modern speakeasy rooted in New York City nightlife; and pour yourself a nightcap from your in-room mini bar before relaxing in the suite’s deep soaking tub – because, ya know, all in a day’s work. Marriot.com

Nexgrill Ora Pizza Oven

Not a fan of fancy dining out? Slip into those grey sweats he won’t let you wear in public, top off the Veuve, and fire up Nexgrill’s Ora 12 portable propane pizza oven wherein a to-temp cordierite baking stone will cook your personalized pies to perfection at up to 900 degrees. That’s burnin’ love, baby. $299, HomeDepot.com

‘Just Happy to Be Here’ YA Novel

Have a they/them in your life excited to expand their winter reading list? Gift a copy of Naomi Kanakia’s newly published YA coming-of-age novel, “Just Happy to Be Here,” about Tara, an Indian-American transgender teenager seeking quiet support and acceptance within her school’s prestigious academic group but instead becomes the center of attention when she draws the ire of administrators and alumni. $16, Amazon.com

Perfect Pairings 

Set it off this Valentine’s Day with a curated selection of wine and spirits, including the Pale Rosé, created by Sacha Lichine, of Whispering Angel fame; Flat Creek Estate’s red-blend trio, featuring the 2017 Super Texan, 2018 Four Horsemen, and Buttero; Ron Barceló’s Imperial Premium Blend 40th Aniversario rum; and the Bourbon Rosemary cocktail-in-a-can from Spirited Hive. $17-$199

Moon Bath Bomb

Stars aligned for that little meet-cute you told everybody about on TikTok, and you can trust the universe to provide ample relaxation when you plop Zodica Perfumery’s Moon Bath Bomb in the tub – there’s a specific formulation for every sign, which promises vibe-setting aromatherapy, activated charcoal for deep cleansing, and skin-soothing olive oil for the self-love glow-up you’ve been waiting for. $18, ZodicaPerfumery.com

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

LOS ANGELES – Nearly thirteen long months have passed since the coronavirus pandemic first gripped the greater Los Angeles region as well as the rest of the Golden State.

However, now with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reporting that its Health Metrics data continues to reflect reduced transmission of COVID-19 in the County and test positivity remains at the lowest levels of the pandemic- coupled with 53% of the population getting vaccinated, there’s a sense of relief and excitement as LA starts to reopen.

Having a role in that reopening literally is Madonna Cacciatore and her spouse Robin McWilliams who are part of an ensemble cast in the recently released Discover Los Angeles dot com television commercial celebrating the sights, sounds, places, and destinations in LA.

Cacciatore, a transplant from the Lone Star State of Texas, in addition to being an actor is also Vice President of the Board of Directors at L-Project Los Angeles, the former Executive Director at Christopher Street West/LA Pride, and the former Director of Special Events at Los Angeles LGBT Center.

McWilliams is the owner and CEO of MadCatch Entertainment, a management company representing some of the most amazing theatrically trained actors, singers and writers in the Los Angeles, and NY area.

WATCH:

Whether you’re spending your time alone or with your honey, you might be looking for ways to spice up hanky panky time in the bedroom. It’s no wonder then, why sex toys are more in demand than ever before — sometimes you need that extra va va va voom!

This has been great news for Tracy’s Dog, one of the most fast-growing companies in the adult toy industry, with an impressive one million sensual-themed items being sold last year. 

“We have been so excited to see that our hot-selling product, the Craybit, a clitoral sucking vibrator, has quadrupled in sales since the pandemic started!” said Sam Lee, Tracy’s Dog’s product director. 

“If you have an active imagination, sex toys are fun to play with, since there are no limitations to whatever you are fantasizing about,” he enthused.  

 Lee said that the ultra-intense Craybit is just the product you need to make 2020 much more bearable. 

“This rechargeable orgasmic vibrator has three motors–two for the shaft and one for the clit attachment, which makes sure all your sensitive spots are getting strong and steady stimulation with 15 different vibration patterns and intensity levels!” he enthused.

Lee is proud of the fact that Tracy’s Dog prides themselves on being inclusive.

“We really value and set out to achieve all-around inclusivity in the design of our toys. We make toys for those who identify as men, women, and non binary people, for all body sizes and all ages. Our products are designed for everyone so that they can use it in their own way to pursue their pleasure.”

Tracy’s Dog also has a brand new product that may end up being your new best friend.

Pecker is a rechargeable G Spot Vibrator ( amzn.to/2Am6zZV), a finger- shaped with sleek silicone texture, to precisely target those sweet spots. 

With 2 motors for sensual sensations, the Pecker has a choice of five different pulsating modes and 10 vibration modes in the waist for extra fun, all combined to create a impressive 50 settings.

Tracy’s Dog has been receiving positive Amazon, Facebook and Twitter reviews.  

Said Dominique on Amazon: “I absolutely love this vibe! It’s quiet, and is just the sensation (and intensity) I like inside and out. Great way to explore my own body and build up to a great orgasm. Also, on an aesthetic level, the design is so elegant and the color makes me like it even more. Would recommend!”

So if you are looking for some erotic fun, check out www.tracysdog.com for all their latest products!

Skull And Bones NYC FallSpring Editorial

We know of national awareness days of everything from National Siblings Day to National Ice Cream Day but when is the last time you acknowledged and celebrated National Underwear Day, and treated yourself to a new pair of undies?

If you ask any of the Gay men who own a pair of Skull and Bones underwear the one thing you will hear over and over again is how unbelievably comfortable they are. The fabric is amazingly soft. In today’s booming market where companies know that their bread and butter are gay men and our “pink coin”, we can make you or break you so taking the time to make sure that we are comfortable all day long is key.

Skull And Bones was founded in 2014 by my husband, Robert (Matysiewski) and I, with a rebellious spirit and an ambitious objective: to offer luxurious designer men’s undergarments with bold patterns and superior fabrics while offering flattering fits and luxury for the everyday man who demands more,” explained Co-Owner, Vincent Pilato.

Rob and Vincent met in New York and have been together since 1997 and married in 2011. Rob is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and has been working in the fashion industry for over twenty years as a designer having worked for a number of major brands including Aéropostale, American Eagle, The Gap and more in production and product development and has expertise with everything from knits, fabrics, leather goods and intimate apparel. Vincent is an accomplished career educator with a focus in instructional technology. From the moment Rob began his first internship at Aeropostale, he knew that it was his dream to one day start his own brand.

When you go on the Skull and Bones website it might seem that Gay Christmas has come early. You can choose from what seems like an endless amount of prints. Cotton candy, Pride splatter paint, plaid and hand painted floral designs are just a few popular prints while styles offered not only include the traditional brief, but also jock, trunk, boxer brief and for the daring – the sexy “peek a boo” which gives all the emptiness in the rear area that you need to have a good time without even having to take them off.

As their website mentions, each piece is treated like a “work of art”. For Gay men this is key. What you’re wearing underneath your clothes is often just as important as your clothes themselves and can often speak to one’s personality. Moreover we are a community that is not only brand loyal but boasts trillions of buying power and also tends to be very influential to our straight counterparts. Every Gay man has a female bestie who is constantly looking to us for the best products to purchase for her boyfriend or husband. If a company can nail it and please the Gay male consumer the outcome can have an enormous domino effect.

One might wonder why a skull and bones name and image for the brand name and logo. Definitely power and masculinity come to mind as we all strength. But how did this name come about to be?

One day while out shopping for men’s clothes, Vincent was looking through Ralph Lauren’s preppy men’s rugby line and noticed that they had incorporated skulls. Vincent thought it was really cute yet strong and realized they were being used more and more. They decided then and there that Skull And Bones was going to be the name and face of the brand. The rest is history. The logo is strategically placed on each piece of merchandise which spoke to the strength of the Gay community and quickly becoming a favorite in the community.

The origins of the symbol of the skull and crossbones come from the artistic genre of danse macabre (from the french language), speaking to the late- universality of death. The skulls and crossbones were created to remind people of the fragility of their lives and “no matter one’s station in life, the dance of death unites all.”

Ironic that we are now in a time where this is relevant more than ever. Yet, our community has faced demons head on in the past and our strength in community is always what gets us to the finish line. When we can support the community and patronize LGBTQ+ owned businesses during these tough times of Covid-19, we can all come out on the other end stronger than before.

Celebrate National Underwear Day, tomorrow, August 5, by treating yourself to a pair of underwear that speaks to your personality and strength from Skull and Bones, while you enjoy 20% off – Shop Now –

https://skullandbones.com

Shiseido’s new ad campaign celebrates the launch of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+! The fantastic beauty company, which has a global partnership with the World Surf League, features two surfing influencers who are top 20 professional surfers: Lakey Peterson and Sage Erickson.

“As an athlete who spends most of my time outside, I love knowing @shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion works harder when exposed to water and heat,” enthused Peterson on her Instagram. “Being SPF 50, I can surf for hours and not have to worry about getting burned. It’s really easy for me to use and I trust it.”

As everyone knows, in the summertime, sunscreen is a vital part of your beauty routine! Shiseido Sun Skincare’s new product is Invisible Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen powered by Shiseido’s popular WetForce Technology, with the new addition of HeatForce. Together they create a protective veil that becomes more effective in heat, water, and sweat.

Erickson was equally excited on her Instagram post. “I’m so excited to finally announce my partnership with @shiseido for the launch of their NEW Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 50+ sunscreens! I’ve always admired their dedication to quality and performance in the beauty space. Couldn’t think of a better sunscreen. It was SO fun getting to work with @lakeypeterson on this amazing launch. Stay tuned for more soon!”

This amazing global initiative was shot last December in Australia and is chock full of authentic surf action! The campaign focuses on ocean conservancy and the relationship with the surfing community. The new formula is ocean friendly, free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and goes on clear on all skin tones.

Size matters — and when it comes to shopping local, small is the preference we can all agree on.

So plan now to rock the mom-and-pop look, by saving some of your Black Friday energy, and bucks, for the day after. That’s when many of West Hollywood’s trove of retailers and restaurants will be offering a slew of treasures. Think discounts, free products, giveaways, gift cards, delicious food samples, and more.

November 24’s Small Business Saturday isn’t just a way to feel good about supporting the neighborhood merchants who rescue us from poorly decorated box stores and cookie cutter corporate brands. It’s a way to check a multitude of boxes off your holiday shopping list, while helping the community you’ve shown up to support spread that love in a very tangible way.

Here’s how that happens: Many of the businesses participating in Small Business Saturday will be giving a portion of their proceeds to a worthy cause, noted Genevieve Morrill, President and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (WHCC). In years past, that amount has passed the 20k mark, benefitting recipients such as the Foundation for The AIDS Monument. This year, donations will be made to the City of West Hollywood Homeless Initiative, which, the Chamber notes, “seeks to effectively address homelessness with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, collaborative response,’ by targeting “the problems of homeless LGBTQ youth, as well as homelessness generally.”

Along with the WHCC and the City of West Hollywood, American Express is on board for the Nov. 24 event, having chosen WeHo as a city of focus. So while you might see a variety of logos on signage, what it really means, for you, is celebrity sightings and sweet, sweet swag. Visit wehochamber.com/shopsmall for a full list of participating stores. Here’s a primer to get you started.

At 1:00 PM, at Fred Segal Sunset (8500 Sunset Blvd.), “Criminal Minds” star Kirsten Vangsness will be sharing holiday gifting ideas. Segal will gift shoppers with cloth tote bags, beauty samples, coffee, and espressos, Other stores on site will also be providing enticing incentives. Fred Segal CEO Allie Samek gave us the scoop on two items that calmed us down, during a pre-Thanksgiving, “What do I give to the hard-to-shop-for?” tizzy. Priced at $480, the 100 percent cashmere sweater is an exclusive item, from the Hartel (men’s store) label. “This is for your fashionable guy,” Samek said. “It’s not too boxy, and not too short — with a slim fit. It’s the best cashmere sweater you’ve ever seen.”

No need to bother Samek with proof of that claim. Send a picture of your fashionable self or significant other, wearing the sweater, and whatever else (if anything else) they’re modeling, to the publisher and editor of this fine publication: [email protected]. Disclaimer: All photos are fodder for his “tasteful is in the eye of the beholder” holiday card. If you and/or Mr. Masters are all hot and bothered by viewing that cashmere pin-up pix, Samek has the perfect treatment: Refresh with a sip or two of cool, clear, H2O. The Boss Babe Crystal Water Bottle ($160) can be found in the Tesoro gift store. Within its casing are 24-karat gold flakes and citrine stone (whose very proximity to the water, Samek playfully said, “manifests abundance, and will amplify everything you desire.”). And if that claim stops short of manifesting a winning lottery ticket, at least you’ll be properly hydrated.

Elsewhere in WeHo, at NARS (8412 Melrose Ave.), enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and a Focus Feature demo with a boutique artist, and then walk away with giveaways, including travel-size products and full-size lip products. The Barber Surgeons Guild (805 Larrabee St.) is offering special prices for grooming and clinical services throughout the day. Call 310-975-7094 for details, and to schedule an appointment. Do drop by IV Drip Doctors Vitamin Therapy & Regenerative Center (8489 Sunset Blvd.), but don’t tell them to “just open a vein” — at least when it comes to claiming your energy-boosting booty. That will require prep time to administer. So take away a free, B12 IV gift card and return another day to experience this unique form of vitamin therapy.

Food, of course, is always bragging about its status as an iconic, old school energy delivery method. Small Business Saturday swag gives you a good excuse to pay your respects, by stopping by Yogurt Stop (8803 Santa Monica Blvd.), for 10 percent off. At Le Pain Quotidien (8607 Melrose Ave), scoop up free samples of cider and pumpkin muffins; and, at Cafe D’Etoile (8941 ½ Santa Monica Boulevard), you’ll get a complimentary, house-made, individual-size key lime pie. At 4:00 PM, at Tom Tom Restaurant & Bar (8932 Santa Monica Blvd.), Lisa Vanderpump hosts an open house, where mixers and minglers can sip a signature cocktail made just for the event.

In the midst of shopping for others, and feeding yourself, take some time to take care of the body beautiful. Unplug Meditation (8500 Melrose Ave., Suite 201) will give you 20 percent off their $35 introductory offer, which allows you to take an unlimited number of classes, for two weeks. They’re also offering 20 percent off 5, 10, and 20-class packages. LYMBR (603 North West Knoll Drive) makes it easy to shake loose your purse strings, by providing $20 off a stretch session.

From 2017’s Shop Small Saturday: Bruce Vilanch, at Capitol Drugs and Power Zone. This year’s celebrity participants include Lisa Vanderpump and Kirsten Vangsness. (Photo by Jon Viscott, courtesy of WHCC)

In addition to salivating over anticipating the above savings and swag, we spoke with the men behind two of Saturday’s participating businesses, to find out what makes their product tick, and why they feel a special connection to West Hollywood.

JustFoodForDogs

Men can be real dogs. But when it comes to the four-legged variety, that’s a high compliment. As such, we want only the best for them: beef, chicken, rice, lamb, venison, and potatoes of the sweet and russet variety — and no gluten or preservatives. Sounds like your own dinner menu? That’s the point, says JustFoodForDogs founder Shawn Buckley.

“Everybody wants to buy local, and it doesn’t get any more local than 20 feet away,” noted Buckley, of the WeHo branch, which houses a kitchen where good stuff for good doggies is dished up daily, every day of the year. “It’s not like a show, where we act like we’re making it,” Buckley said of the kitchen. “We’re open to the public from 10 to 8, but we’re in there from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.”

The WeHo branch is the second of what now numbers over 70. “We are thrilled to be there,” Buckley boasted. “It helped us launch our business, and it’s a hugely successful location for us. There are certain neighborhoods that are just incredibly dog-friendly, and this is one of them. West Hollywood helped us prove the concept.”

The JustFoodForDogs concept is a simple one, based on a new trick Buckley brought to an old industry. “When I found out what was allowed to be in dog food,” he recalled,” I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m feeding my dogs that.’ It’s not just gross, it’s unhealthy.” Typical supermarket chow, no matter how high the quality, he noted, “is from the Midwest. We use a Los Angeles-based company that sells us produce and protein. West Coast Prime Meats sells us chicken, fish, beef, and lamb that’s all human-grade. We’re the only deliver they make that is not a restaurant, theme park, or hotel.” — giving credence to their motto, “It is food for dogs… not dog food!”

Small Business Saturday pet parents can see for themselves on Nov. 24. Right in time for holiday party hosting season, the WeHo location will be offering free cooking lessons, to lean how to make safe, organic, healthy treats for your pets. Emmy-winning NBC4 anchor and reporter Robert Kovacik (Woof!) will also be appearing at the store, at 2:30 PM, to cook up gourmet food recipes with the store’s chef.

Your hyperlocal JustFoodForDogs destination is 7870 Santa Monica Blvd. (corner of Fairfax). Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sun., 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Call 323-471-4242 or visit justfoodfordogs.com.

Rounderbum

Yes, it’s true: The holidays can leave some of us feeling as if we lack support; that nobody in the world has our back. But what about those of us who go through the whole year feeling as if the whole world can see we have no backside? To the rescue is “Shark Tank” success story Rounderbum — a clever, downright cheeky, line of men’s shapewear that not only understands your pain, it knows how to define it. Or, more accurately, give it appearance-altering lifts and tucks.

Asked about the Rounderbum mission, CEO Jonathan Diersing said he co-founded the company to help those who “can’t gain muscle mass” back there and, as such, “have not butt — and their pants fall down.” Rounderbum’s booty-enhancing magic bullet gives your look something extra that no mere belt is capable of, and something else that comes from within: “Our mission is to enhance your body in the areas you desire most, helping you look and feel amazing before walking out the front door,” Diersing said, adding, “We are not only changing the way people look, we are changing the way people live.”

For the Nov. 24 event, they’re also changing their prices: For in-store purchases of $100 or more, Diersing noted, “We will be giving each customer one free underwear from our all-new sister underwear company, Rounderwear.” To check out those undies, visit rounderwear.com, where they are “#MUGA: Making Underwear Great Again!” Also in-store and online, Black Friday heralds the start of “the best sale we’ve ever had,” Diersing vowed, and “the most percentage off we’ve ever offered — up to 50 percent off and more.”

And those discounts arrive not a moment too soon, for those of us who might have given in to temptation at the Thanksgiving table — and the buffet tables to come, from now until the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Compression clothing is also part of the product line. “A popular one around this season,” Diersing said, “is a boxer brief with a waist slimmer band built into it. Let’s say you’re wearing a sweater. Sometimes the love handles stick out. This will smooth it all out for you. And the muscle shirt is good, because it has padding on the shirt, and keeps you warm. Our compression tops acts as a layer. It keeps your body heat inside, and firms up your belly — or whatever you might have, that you want to tighten up a little bit.”

Judging from the photos sent to us, the tastes of LGBT consumers are always on the mind, at Rounderbum. Diersing name-checked “authenticity and acceptance” as qualities the company admires most about its queer customers — and that this desirable demographic appreciates “all forms of expression and creativity… There is so much love in the community, and that love transcends within the very core of our company and values.”

But why West Hollywood? “With Beverly Hills being the cosmetic surgery capital of the world,” Diersing observed, “it only seemed natural for us to be here and offer an affordable alternative to body enhancement. Being in such an influential, iconic city constantly serves as a reminder of where we came from, and how much further we have to go. This city inspires us to want to make a real difference for all people — one booty at a time.”

Rounderbum is located at 802 N. San Vicente Blvd. Hours: Noon to 8:00 PM, daily. Call 424-278-1114 or visit rounderbum.com.

I recently went to Barber’s Surgeon Guild in West Hollywood for Botox, but all I needed was an old-fashioned straight razor shave. More on that in a minute…

It’s been almost 15 years since Bruce Weber shot me for the pages of the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog on the beaches of Santa Barbara.

All of us-Abercrombie & Fitch, Santa Barbara and myself-have endured the weathering of time albeit with some keeping scars.

I can especially relate to the aging of Abercrombie & Fitch, a brand once so idolized by leagues of gay men used some form of its name as their AOL or gay.com screen name to bedeck their photo-less profiles with allusions of youth and hotness.

Let’s be honest, Abercrombie & Fitch, whether the name, its initials, its branded logo or its Woods cologne turned people on; it lit them up. I can admit I used “AFJok22” as my screen name. Why “jok” instead of “jock” you may ask? For a very simple reason, “AFJock22” was already taken.

But with time, AFJock22, AFJok22 and Abercrombie & Fitch began to stop lighting people up. Age can do that. It becomes harder to take someone’s breath away when walking into a room. Or in the case of Abercrombie & Fitch, being worn into a room. People have seen you and begin to forget about your brilliance. Sometimes they even resent you for being there.

Case in point, what does “AF” mean now? It means “as fuck.” No longer does it even mean Abercrombie & Fitch. That’s how quickly the world moves on. Abercrombie & Fitch and my screen name have literally lost their initials’ identity and been replaced by something else.

About this time, the oh-so-pragmatic and wise readers who relish in their existence grounded to the floor start to say, “these problems are so superficial” and “this is the problem with the gay community.”

Just like I have always been more than how I look, Abercrombie & Fitch was more than its branding.

Perhaps its styling lingered a tad too long, but they made a well-made cargo pant, and few can argue with that. The fact that they still make that well-made cargo pant doesn’t mean people care; the store has lost its sparkle.

One of the hottest guys I ever met, who now is approaching the gay-toxic age of 30, recently told me about his identity crisis. He can feel the world moving on. His inability to light up a room is weighing on him because it was something he could count on and may not be able to any longer. I can relate. And I think most people can too.

But wait a minute, so it’s all over? Should Abercrombie & Fitch, my hot friend and I all shy away because our once bright lights have begun to “dim”? The answer is a definitive no.

It took me a dose of reality to understand how amazing I still am.

Our light hasn’t dimmed, and we can’t allow those people who ignore us to fool us into thinking it so. Youth’s influence on our light may have attenuated, and so might the response from those people with circumscribed views on human worth. But, we don’t need their attention because it was never going to last in the first place, with its existence only clouding our ability to see ourselves and those around us clearly.

Back to the Botox.

Barber’s Surgeon Guild is this beautiful throwback barber shop on Larrabee St. where Video West, West Hollywood’s once longest running video rental store operated until 2015 (sorry video stores, your light might be out for good).

When you walk into Barber’s Surgeon Guild, you are greeted by the clean smells of aftershave and well-tuned organic grooming products. The shop gives 1920s Brooklyn vibes with its classic barber stations and steel age cabinets. Every detail harmonizes with its vintage design, including the uniforms of the friendly barbers and on-site doctor.

Doctor? Yes, doctor. Barber Surgeon Guild connects the dots between classic grooming and modern cosmetic procedures.

Behind a discrete door (and out-of-site to the vintage barber shop) is a modern medical facility with state-of-the-art equipment able to remove tattoos, replace hair, remove hair and do just about anything someone might need to stay looking younger, including Botox and fillers.

When I made my appointment for Barber’s Surgeon Guild this week, my intention was to get Botox. I’ve never had Botox but after my conversation with my hot friend — 30 — about aging, I thought it might be a small self-esteem boost. Maybe with its help, I could sparkle for those youth-focused gays just a little longer. I mean, it doesn’t hurt for them to see me sparkle as long as I know I don’t need them to think I sparkle. Right?

But first I laid back in a barber chair for a shave.

Adam, a beautifully tattooed master barber, performed a full-on, old-fashioned straight razor shave. The almost hour-long procedure complete with oils, warmed shaving cream, and a series of hot towels gave me some time to think about how beautiful the barber shop is-a place made to look old, a place to relax and a place to be yourself.

The values that make that shop so stunning are certainly not aligned with chasing youth and over-stimulation, and if it had, it would not sparkle in its maturity and thoughtful elegance as it does.

With a clearer appreciation for age, I passed on the Botox but left feeling lighter and younger than before. Sometimes, slowing down and delighting in the day with an old-fashioned shave can remind yourself of who you are and how to move forward with ease and inspiration.

I might eventually go back for that Botox or if I lose much more hair consider BSG’s robotic hair replacement, but for now I’m satisfied and that’s a good feeling.

Barber Surgeon’s Guild is located at 805 Larrabee Street, West Hollywood CA 90069, Phone (310) 975-7094. Learn more about their services here.

Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd’s local Los Angeles empire now includes one of the best dog boutiques in the world, located on the increasingly trendy West 3rd Street near Crescent Heights Boulevard in Beverly-Grove.  It’s a rescue chic boutique for a cause.

In part one of the Los Angeles Blade’s Shopping Favorites, we focus on a mix of our favorite LGBT-owned or friendly merchants (both online and storefront), from  charitable chic to the purely indulgent.

We encourage you to give without expecting to receive.  And we also encourage you to donate money to the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Homeless LGBT Youth Program at Highland.

Vanderpump Dogs
The gift that also gives back — Vanderpump Dogs is a chic dog rescue concept dedicated to creating a more humane world for dogs, while keeping them and their companions looking stylishly fabulous.
This glamorous storefront dog rescue and pet boutique is owned by Lisa Vanderpump, the British restaurateur, author, actress, and television personality

Best known for her role on the reality TV show, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

Offering grooming services and a gorgeous selection of niche brands, the brick and mortar was inspired by Gigi the Pom, Lisa Vanderpump’s own precious pup. Go in and #shopwithapurpose at LA’s most fabulous rescue center.

Lilly, 15, could not be bathed or cut due to a diabetic related series of infections, but once clear she dashed over to her favorite groomer at Vanderpump and got transformed. (Photo by Cody Masters)

Troy Masters, Los Angeles Blade publisher and former West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister are big fans and both get their dogs groomed there.  “Vanderpump transformed our 15-year-old Lilly back into a puppy again,” said Masters.

If you visit, be prepared to fall in love with the dog of your dreams.

“What we’re trying to do is create more humane treatment for dogs worldwide,” Lisa Vanderpump told the Los Angeles Blade.

The store is located at 8134 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. You can call 323-852-DOGS or visit vanderpumpdogs.com to make an appointment for your pooch’s grooming.

Pals Socks
Pals Socks is a company dedicated to “defeeting” bullies one foot at a time. Using mismatched socks to showcase how difference is cool, the line was created by a young L of LGBTQ living in Philly.

“I wouldn’t say that me being attracted to ladies made me launch this brand in particular. I just am a very empathetic person, and was also a kid who was ‘different,’” Lavon says.

“When I was younger I sometimes stuttered… I was weird, apparently. I want more kids to grow up being comfortable with people not exactly like them…I don’t like seeing all this hate, bigotry, fear of people not exactly like them. I’m just trying to put more positivity into this world and create something that can create positive social change, not just a simple novelty,” Lavon adds.

Pals encourage playful dialogue between two different friends — you don’t need to match to be best Pals. Our hashtag is #defeetthenorm

You can find Pal Socks in L.A. at stores such as: Books and Cookies, the Library Store, Dustmuffin, and Ron Robinson. Or just visit palssocks.com

NiK Kacy’s debut collection consists of five basic traditionally ‘masculine of center’ styles now created in a unisex sizing and proportion for all individuals. (Photo courtesy NiK Kacy)

Nik Kacy Footwear
NiK Kacy Footwear is a brand inspired by the fashion needs of both its founder and the larger LGBTQ community.

NiK Kacy says they designed the first collection to provide a solution to address the divide between shoe designs and the gender binary. Being unable to find shoes that fit their gender expression and their feet.

“I still feel the discomfort and embarrassment of being mis-gendered on a daily basis. Most people I come into contact with mis-gender me. I try to take the time to educate them about what non-binary means and how making assumptions about one’s gender is so archaic (not to mention politically incorrect and offensive),” Kacy says.

Their desire for gender equality extends beyond gender and features styles ranging from masculine, feminine, gender-neutral, to high-heels in a gender-equal size range from 34-47 (US women’s 3.5 to men’s 14). Subsequent releases include a unisex utility holster that is completely adjustable to fit all body spectrums.

Kacy’s hope for the holidays, under the current administration, is that they’re able to find a little piece of their souls and stop taking away the rights of so many deserving Americans.

“I’d like them to reverse most of the horrific decisions/changes they have made in the past 12 months… my Christmas wish this year, is to remove everyone in the administration related to or working for Trump and Pence and bring back BO [Barack Obama] and JB [Joe Biden]. I can wish for a miracle, can’t I,” Kacy says.

NiK Kacy is a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise. Visit the store online at nikkacy.com.

The ideal package is round and firm and it can easily be achieved with a quick visit to the new RounderBum on Santa Monica Boulevard. (Photo courtesy RounderBum)

RounderBum
RounderBum is hoping to change the world one pair of men´s undergarments at a time.

With a growing trend of men who take care of their appearance, RounderBum created a men’s line for those who want to look more attractive and athletic.
In comes RounderBum, offering men’s shapewear. From a patented designed padding to seamless and fusing manufacturing, the company looks to help every man feel more confident, and look more, ahem, masculine.

RounderBum’s signature padded technology uses hidden padding made of flexible polyurethane that conforms to every body shape, with hidden bands that lift and define the muscles with a subtle and discreet effect.

As retailer Andrew Christian, the famous men’s undergarment store, closes shop with plans to relocate to Downtown LA in January, the men of WeHo can rest assured that RounderBum is anxious to help showcase the goods.

No date has been set for the grand opening of the new flagship store at the northeast corner of San Vicente and Santa Monica Boulevard, located where American Apparel once ruled.

In the meantime, Larry Block’s Block Party is happy to be of service; Block Party carries some choice RounderBum gear.

RounderBum will be located at 802 North San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, and you can visit them online at rounderbum.com.

There’s an almost fetish art to grooming and Barber Surgeons Guild just off Santa Monica Boulevard delivers. Every WeHoan wants a little pampering, with an edge. (Photo courtesy Barber Surgeons Guild)

Barber Surgeons Guild
File this one away under the purely indulgent, but irresistible category.

Barber Surgeons Guild provides high-quality grooming products and services, combining grooming with advanced medical procedures, backed by Dr. Justin Rome, a plastic surgeon who runs and oversees the store.
BSG originates from the history of barber surgeons who were the medical and grooming experts throughout the Middle Ages.

BSG products are formulated by master barbers and an expert medical team; offering shampoos, conditioners, pomades, texture liniment and hair serums, each product is scientifically structured with an active ingredient to ensure hair is healthy, thick, stylish and strong.

In addition to the traditional barbershop experience, BSG also offers advanced hair therapies including hair regeneration.  It’s artisanal grooming and a whole lot more.

Barber Surgeons Guild is located at 805 Larrabee St., West Hollywood. You can make an appointment by calling 310-975-7094. Or visit barbersurgeonsguild.com for more information.