I am an admitted watch addict. So, it should be no surprise that my first fashion post would deal with men's wrist wear. If there is one place worth splurging in your budget, it's your left wrist.

Being such an avid watch fan, I find myself surprised at how little many men know about watches. So, in today's post I am going to take time to introduce one of my favorite lesser known brands, TX. Despite having some of the highest quality and most stylish watches in their price range, TX doesn't have the market saturation of some of the other lower-mid range luxury watches. Their 2009 line up is flat out incredible.

Launched under the Timex umbrella, watches from the TX brand feature exclusive quartz movement & classic (yet refreshingly innovative) designs. TX delivers a luxury that is generally only found in the most elite watches. Most of the pieces featured on this page retail between $450 - $700 USD. Not a bad price for a single piece of machinery that can restore your faith in American industry.

The real inspiration for this post is one of their newest pieces, the Linear Duo Chronograph (pictured below). It is sleek, cool, modern and features the only quartz analog movement to indicate the chronograph minutes on a vertical line (if that makes no sense, just check out those 3 bars on the face).  I really can't say enough about this one. Just check out these specs:

-Solid 316L stainless steel or titanium carbide case
-Genuine leather strap, natural rubber strap, or titanium bracelet
-Linear hand indicates chronograph minutes, singularly and 5 minute increments
-24 hour second time zone
-Patented 6 hand movement
-4 independent motors
-Water resistant to 10 ATM

Linear Duo is scheduled for a Fall 09 release. So it should be in stores very soon.

Cheers,

-JM

Anyone that knows me personally knows that music has always played a major role in my life. Even taking my career in music off the table, I have always felt a deep connection with the art form. In the car, the office, the gym, in bed... I always surround myself with music.

Lately, that music has consisted heavily of tracks from my favorite album, John Forte's “I,John.” That disc (yes, I still listen to music on CDs) has always resonated with me in way that no other single collection of songs has. To the point that now, some 7 years since I bought it, I still play it on a regular basis.

The first song on that disc is called “What a Difference a Day Makes.” It chronicles a man who has given up his clubbing, partying and fair-weather friends for a more conscious, aware and mature life. All of this while staring down a long (and unjust) incarceration. Now, in 2009, Mr. Forte is writing for The Daily Beast, has a new album coming out and has just given a commencement address; only months after receiving a presidential pardon. What a difference a day makes, indeed.

It got me to thinking about where my life was when I first heard the song, in comparison with where it is now. What have I done right? What have I done wrong? Most importantly, what has changed?

After some serious introspection, I can say that I am happy with my life. Family, love and career are all in place (with the expected turbulence that comes with with them). I can say that I have played the last 7 years to my satisfaction. But, the question I should be asking myself is: What difference can a day make? What can I do today to ensure a better tomorrow? My problems are surely many, but as I have seen in the past, a day can make all the difference in the world.

As I ponder this, let me just take the time to raise a toast to John. What a difference a day makes.

Cheers,

-JM

Greetings Readers,

Welcome to Life is Nothing Without Style. This blog is something that I have considered starting for a long time. If you are reading this post, I presume this is your first visit to my little corner of cyberspace. If so, here's some background on me, this blog and the perspective that you should expect to find here...

Who is Jai Manselle?

I'm a Virginia based entreprenuer. I run a brand development firm called Manselle Media. I also work as a consultant and own or co-own a number of other companies. For years I worked as a full time music producer and I still love the craft.

What is this blog about?

Look at this blog as a view of the world from my perspective.

Why the name, Life is Nothing Without Style?

Life is Nothing Without Style is a trademarked slogan that we have used at Manselle Media for a few years now. It is a loose refrence to the idea that every great brand is based in "lifestyle."

That's all for today. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

-JM