Flip it and reverse it…

We talked recently about summer suiting…and some of you might be saying, “Hey jerk, I get it, I already have a summer suit, why don’t you do something worthwhile and tell me something I don’t know, you’re the so-called expert!”

First off, I don’t think I like your tone, watch it.  Secondly, I hear ya. So you’re ready for Summer Suits: Advanced Move.  Kudos good sir, now pay attention Young Skywalker…..

That image above is an idea for a great next step.  Flip the script young blood, flip the script.  The dark colored chambray looks flawless but changes up the formality for contrast and interest.  The seersucker tie adds impact but keeps it of-the-season and the western bandana-style pocket square adds a pop of pattern.  It’s all about mixing things up but in a thoughtful way; it keeps things interesting but not overwhelming.

Give it a shot…don’t be afraid to take some chances and go for it in a well thought out way.

Image: GQ

17 June 1 Permalink

Good Advice From Smart People - Versione Italiano

While it certainly is never prudent to go against a Sicilian when death is on the line, it is absolutely imperative to listen to an Italian when it comes to all things shoes.

To wit…some excellent advice from Domenicio Vacca on the merits of the brown shoe:

“Many Americans have this idea that if you put on a dress shoe, it has to be black. But Italians—and I myself, especially—very rarely wear black shoes, except for very formal occasions like weddings and funerals. I’m almost always in brown shoes, because they just work with everything. If you’re in a pale gray sweater and khakis, you choose a light brown shoe; if you’re in a navy blazer and dark gray pants, chocolate brown loafers. The one rule I have is that your shoes should match your accessories. Don’t try to wear a deep brown watchband and a black belt and caramel-colored shoes. That won’t work. But the beauty of brown shoes is that all the different shades let you communicate something about your personality—you tell the world you have a sense of play and character just by putting something on your feet.”

Well said.  Wear your brown shoes and wear them with everything.

Quote and Image: GQ.com

7 June 1 Permalink

Summer Suit Yourself

It’s a celebration bitches! -Dave Chapelle as Rick James

By now you’ve responded “yes” to a summers worth of events, engagement parties, weddings, etc and you liver is in a state of fear and shock wondering how in the hell he (she? it?) is going to survive the summer.  (Sidebar: suck it up liver, this is how we roll.)  Now it’s time to take stock of your wardrobe options and get prepared with a spring/summer suit.  You do know that your suiting should be seasonal don’t you?  While it may be great for crushing powerpoints and sweet talking Becky in accounts receivable, that gray pinstripe wool number is not going going to cut it for summer weddings.  It’s time to invest in a proper seasonal suit.  Fear not though, this undertaking doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive.

Your two main priorities are color and material and this time of year makes it perfect for lighter colors and breathable materials.  A crisp cotton suit in light, neutral colors like tan, khaki, and gray are an outstanding choice.  While it is a dark color, a sharp navy cotton suit is also an excellent option.  A well-fitting cotton suit is very easily dressed up or down and is also polished enough for anything your work week is going to throw at you.  Seersucker is a popular but ultimately tricky choice in my opinion.  Unless you are summering on the Cape or are arguing court cases in N’awlins, I just don’t think it is going to give you the versatility and consequently the value to really make it worth it. Tread carefully. 

A word on completing the suit.  For wedding occasions, don’t be afraid of color; add a blue or lavender shirt, a colorful tie or pocket square, it’s a fun celebration after all, not a stiff board room.  Additionally, while still polished, these suits are inherently less formal and I urge you to ditch your socks and consider a less formal shoe.  Suede bucks or wingtips work excellently and a sharp penny loafer is always a great call.  Hey chief, that tipsy bridesmaid is definitely giving you the eye, now get after it.

Shopping Recommendations:

JCrew Ludlow in Chino or Cotton Pique - $456 (sold as separates)

JCrew Factory Thompson Chino Suit - $238 (sold as separates)

Tommy Hilfiger Tan Cotton Poplin Suit - $418 (sold as separates)

Bonobos Fairfax Cotton Suit - $425

GQ recently ran a really excellent feature on suits under $400.  It’s also great place for additional ideas.

Image Credit: GQ.com

2 May 2 Permalink

Equality is fashionable…

26 March 2 Permalink

Don’t Stop Pop That, Pop That

Dear god, no.  Of course I’m not talking about popping your colllar.  I’m talking about color.  More specifically, a pop of color.  For many wearing color can be confusing, difficult, and downright frightening territory.  But I assure you it needn’t be.  It is an art form that can be mastered with a little bit of guts and some practice. Plus, as we are inching towards spring and warmer weather, now is the perfect time to start thinking about incorporating color into your wardrobe.

As I’ve stated before, start simple.  A new colored shirt, some colorful socks, or a pocket square.  A pop here or a hint there.  It’s that easy.  The above image is the perfect example; it is outstanding and fun.  It’s a statement to be sure, but the rest of the look is the perfect complement.  Simple, classic, well-fitting.  The jacket stands out but it isn’t overwhelming because the rest of the look complements the pop in a smart way.  Baby steps my friend, baby steps.  Don’t be shy, play it smart, and you’ll be poppin’ like Uncle Luke. (hip hop reference!)

Image: Unknown, not mine

15 March 2 Permalink

Laundry, Dude. The whites.

One word: WANT

These are so good I’m almost mad.  We know that a clean, white canvas shoe is a Spring/Summer essential.  We know I am a slut for Vans.  Big time.  So obviously Vans knocks another one out of the park with these.  My high top bender continues and this is the perfect spring/summer version that I’ve been looking for.  I also love the touch of ruggedness from the boot laces.

Soooo…my birthday is coming up…

They will be mine…OH YES…they will be mine…

Image: Unknown, but not mine.

13 March 1 Permalink

K.I.S.S.

Obviously I’m not talking about the band or Celebrity Apprentice’s most creepy cast member Gene Simmons, I’m talking about the acronym that stands for Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Dressing well doesn’t have to equate to brain damage or over thinking. More often than not, simple is better, particularly if one is a novice or just wading one’s toes into wardrobe improvement.  I am all for color, unique details, and personal touches believeing that these things eventually lead to the personal part of “personal style”.  But there is also something to be said for classic, unimpeachable simplicity.

Which brings me to the look above…it’s flawless.  All things come together perfectly, the razor sharp fit, the clean, dark color palette, the classic nature of all the garments.  Causal doesn’t have to mean sloppy or boring and this is how to do casual right.  Casual dress is often tricky territory these days, especially in our increasingly informal work places.  Do this gents, and do it often.

Image: http://mensfashionworld.tumblr.com/

25 January Permalink

Italians Do It Better…

It happened again this week.  Menswear cognoscenti descended upon a defenseless Florence once again for the annual peacock-fest that is The Pitti Uomo men’s fashion trade show.

The courtyards of the event have become ground zero for some of the best (and most preposterous) men’s style you’ll see all year and this round didn’t disappoint. 

From regal outerwear to dub monks galore to the Italian Prince himself, Cuci Mane, check out the street style goods shot by GQ’s Tommy Ton here: Pitti The Fool

#menswear forever and ever amen.

Image: GQ

11 January 3 Permalink

Happy New Year!

Image: Here

31 December 1 Permalink