OK guys, we all know how the ladies love to pilfer through our wares and rock “the boyfriend” jeans and tees, but when you’re low on clean laundry or looking to put a little extra sass in your frass there are a few items you can pillage from the female wardrobe.  But rest easy – you will likely recognize a few of the garments in your girlfriend’s closet, as so many current ladies’ fashions are directly inspired by menswear.

Scarves, the noose of the fashion industry – and just as difficult writhe free of.  Lightweight and patterned is best for spring, paired with a simple tee, skinny jeans and a sharp blazer or vest.

A ladies’ oversized cardigan could be the perfect fit on you, worn unbuttoned with a graphic tee.  Double-check the “oversized” bit, because if you stretch out her sweater with those ripped biceps of yours she’ll fit the punishment with the crime and lay you out hard.

Tailored vests are a persistent wardrobe staple this spring, so look for one with little emphasis on the bust darts (unless you want to accentuate your man-boobs) and styles borrowed from the classic men’s tailored vest – watch and kerchief pockets, for example.

Hats are easy… if the shoe fits, wear it!  Generally male heads are bigger than females – we blame that thick skull – but if you luck out with a large brained lady, hats are a great accessory to swap.

And finally, if you’re really feeling adventurous there’s no shame in trying out those frilly skivvies you’ve so frequently adored on her bottom.  Bonus points if you go string.

For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group

Rarely does one pass another on the street and, intrigued by a unique scent wafting through the city air, remark affectionately on the familiar fragrance of burnt rubber or cellulose.  But quirky odours are key to the success of Comme des Garçons Parfums, and in many ways result in a more honest aromatic signature.  Instead of conjuring up an arbitrary fragrance to represent certain intangibles like “love” or “passion,” CdG strives to duplicate the scents and emotions affiliated with concrete reference points, such as the Red series which captured the lifeblood of “carnation,” “rose,” and “saffron.”  Comme des Garçons Parfums are anything but ordinary, straying far from notes bearing any similarity to common popular fragrances, an anti-establishment tendency that remains firmly in sync with their reputation in the fashion industry for avant-garde designs.

1994 saw the release of their first self-titled unisex fragrance, and in 1998 “Odeur 53″ tickled nostrils with 53 anti-perfume notes such as flaming rock, flash of metal, oxygen, washing drying in the wind, and sand dunes.  The line has grown significantly since; the numbered fragrances consist of more masculine features such as dust on hot light bulb, ink, mahogany and leather, while the more unisex “Series” huddle beneath thematic umbrellas such as Incense, Synthetics, Leaves, and Sherbet.  The newest addition to the CdG perfume house is “888,” which reflects the essence of gold with pepperwood, coriander, amber and geranium notes.  Perfumer Antoine Lie of Givaudan fragrance producers worked with CdG perfume creative director Christian Astuguevieille to isolate a molecule of saffron called Safraline, a predominant component within this highly anticipated Spring 2008 fragrance.  “888″ is as winsome as the element upon which it was inspired – pure gold, and yet another example of how Comme des Garçons doesn’t just push the envelope, they redefine the envelope and then question whether we even needed the damn thing to begin with.

For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group