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

A public service announcement…

Look, I support v-necks, in all forms, especially the sweater.  But, don’t be that guy…

If you look at yourself in the mirror after putting on a v-neck and you see some abomination like this staring back at you please do the following things:

1.  Calmly remove the offending garment

2.  Burn the aforementioned t-shirt

3.  Re-asses your clothing decisions

4.  Re-asses all of your life decisions

5.  Find new friends because clearly they don’t like you enough to tell you your sartorial decisions make you look like the Michael Phelps of douchebags.  (Is that redundant?)

6.  Watch this

Let me be clear.  Don’t wear that.  Ever.  Sorry Park & Bond, I love you, but no.

Image: Park & Bond

27 December 1 Permalink

Of Bow Ties and Marriage Equality…

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I’m not saving lives here, I’m talking about clothes.  But, there is important shit going on in this world that can’t be ignored.  And when I can use my powers to support the forces of good in this world, you better believe I am gonna do it…

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays the neurotically hilarious Mitchell on Modern Family, has joined forces with one of my favorite neck wear purveyors, The Tie Bar, to create a new, limited edition line of bow ties with all the proceeds going to support marriage equality.  The organization, called Tie The Knot, was founded by Ferguson and his partner to support individuality, fashion, and most importantly, the right to equality for everyone.  What a terrific way to spread great style and affect positive change.

The unique styles are released in limited quantities and are inspired by Ferguson’s favorite art, style, humor, and designs.  Eminently stylish and priced at a nominal $25, these ties prove that it’s easy to have both great style and support people who are trying to make a hugely positive impact on our society.

Shop the collection here and show off both your good taste in style as well as a good heart.

Click here for more information on Tie The Knot

Image Credit: Here

29 November 1 Permalink

Like Black Friday but with less rioting…

Unless you are a complete shut-in, or someone who loves getting in on a good riot or group trampling, you know that Cyber Monday is a great shopping day but with less risk of death.  Shop from the comfort of your own home or office and you won’t have to worry about some 43 year old woman knifing you for a scarf.  It’s a win-win…

Some are great, some, very meh (30% off Gap/BR?  really?  You have one of those every month.)

The good folks over at dappered.com have compiled a very easy to use list complete with picks.  Shop safely…

GO HERE

26 November Permalink