Friday Faux Pas: Layered Collars = NO

This one actually came to me while I was waiting to be seated at The Waterway Cafe for lunch today. A man of a certain age strolled up to the hostess to be seated and he was rocking a sport shirt with a polo underneath. Clearly this guy didn't care what he was wearing, he seemed to be at that level of income.

Since I'm assuming most you are not of that type of wealth, do not try and pull this look off! This is the 21st Century, not the 80's or 90's, and this is not a fraternity gathering. The only type of collar on collar action that is allowable these days if your shirt/polo collar against the lapel collar on your suit jacket/sport coat.

Hey, uh...DON'T BE THIS GUY!

The Mid-Century style is making a comeback, yes, and most style trends tend to come back around every so often, but I highly encourage you to leave this trend in its fashion grave for your sake and the sake of all mankind. With that said, there is nothing wrong with an undershirt as part of your look to add some casualness to any outfit, just make sure to omit the collar.

Check in tomorrow for an exciting up-comer in the fashion industry and next Friday for more of my style pet peeves

Threads for Thought: The Knit Blazer

So I'm going to branch away from my Thursday Threads topic and change it up, now highlighting a new and exciting style piece that you should consider for your wardrobe. It'll be different than my Wardrobe essentials topic in that these items won't make or break your closet, but they'll sure add some flair to it.

The patch pockets ad some casual vibes to this blazer to the Military knit.

Not that the knit blazer is a new thing, but most clothiers' knit options were classically cut and would need some expert tailoring just to look presentable. I came across one in Brooks Brothers last week and tried it on for shits only to be disappointed by how loose it was throughout, most importantly the torso and sleeves.

Everlane, an Internet based company specializing in basics, have recently launched a new line of the blazer option that they claim will feel like a broken in sweater and looks like you're fresh out of the office. I haven't personally had a chance to try any of Everlane's offerings, but from what I could gather, they provide quality basics that will last like any designer brand because they're made in the same factories and at a transparent as well as very low cost for what you're buying.

The Navy slim knit is a solid choice for only $98.

I highly approve of Everlane, and have already registered for the Grey Knit Blazer wait list. Keep your eyes peeled for other designers to release similar products and make sure to give them a try!

Check in tomorrow for some more of my style pet peeves and next Thursday for some new threads that require your consideration and exploration!

Tech Tuesday: Nike Fuel Band...by Samsung

Everyone out there is aware of the Nike Fuel Band, a bracelet that monitors your activity throughout the day, in my mind a marketing gimmick to get you to spend more money. I've never seen one in person, but it displays very minimal information but more can be brought up via phone and web applications, but still ultimately lacking in complete functionality.

A couple months ago, Samsung launched the Gear Smartwatch that was basically a Star Trek communicator that was linked to you phone so that when you got calls, you wouldn't have to take your phone out to see who it was. They have stepped it up a notch with the recent release of Gear Fit which is essentially the merging of their Smartwatch technology with the Nike Fuel concept.

The bracelet consists of a nearly 2-inch screen attached to what seems to be a rubber strap with buckle-styled fitting. The device has all the pertinent gizmos and gadgets such as a pedometer, heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, and so on (maybe Lifealert can use this to monitor its customers). It also allows you to access all phone functionality without having to grab your phone, which is great if you're lazy, have a big man-purse, or are anti phones in public.

Check in tomorrow for some threads that you need in your wardrobe and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: Take Your Grandpa's Style

Thanks to work of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and their hit Thrift Shop, thrifting isn't just something for hipsters, it has become a mainstream necessity. But I I'm not referring to the art of thrifting in this post, I'm referring to a line in the song: "Ima take your grandpa's style". Last week, I detailed the rebirth of high-waisted pants, and that's not the only thing that's going all 50's on us.

Miami Vice? Yeah, probably.

This Spring/Summer, designers have pushed for a mid-century modern style that will have you scouring your elders' collections for something that fits. The movement is calling for spread collars, you know the kind, the ones that cover the lapel on your suit jacket. Also, lapels are going to be getting a little wider to accommodate for the thicker shirt collars, and yes, high-waisted pants.

American Gangster? Yeah, probably.

It is a natural thing for trends to make comebacks and get recycled, but unless you're really desperate to get in touch with your ancestral roots via clothing, I wouldn't recommend splurging on this movement. Chances are, this look will fade away faster than most and will return to narrow lapels and semi-spread collars.

Casino Royale? Yeah, probably.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for another preview into upcoming fashion trends.

Celebrity Sunday: Pharrell Williams

You may recognize this celebrity from Robin Thicke's summer hit, Blurred Lines, or most recently from his performance at the Grammy's with 2013 sensations Daft Punk; the hat he wore during the show can be yours for a mere $10,000. This week he announced the release of his upcoming album G I R L, which is sure to be in the running for 2014 album of the year.

What most don't know is that Pharrell has been in the game for since 1992 (cue the Rump Shaker nostalgia) and has produced for artists ranging from Britney Spears to Snoop Dogg. And if you weren't aware, he helped found Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear, but that isn't his only contribution to the style world. Pharrell has collaborated with Louis Vuitton and even dabbled in some installation art in tandem with Galeria Emmanuel Perrotin.

Whether is casual or formal, Pharrell knows exactly what to do.

Over the past 22 years, he has managed to revolutionize the music industry while influencing fashion at the same time, as a side gig. His previously mentioned album will be debuting on March 3, but is available for pre-order right now at the Pharrell website.

Check in tomorrow for insight on upcoming style trends and next Sunday for another notable fashion influencer!

Saturday Spotlight: Trumaker

My most recent Spotlight focused on a web-based company that is changing the way you shop for shirts online with a unique sizing configuration that matches the shirt to your body type. Hugh & Crye has been featured in GQ and will continue to grow as more consumers become aware of them. This next company is attempting to solve the same problem, shirt fat, but in a completely different direction.

The problem most men face when shopping for clothes (I was once in this category) is that they assume that all shirts and pants, no matter what brand, will follow the same sizing structure. This is not the case, for example, H&M clothing tends to run small in just about every category while brands like Robert Graham run big; its not a good or bad thing, just means actually taking the time to try on clothes every once in a while.

Trumaker's chambray collection is on point!

Trumaker, a company out of Chicago and with recent expansion to Los Angeles is tackling this problem head on. The overall premise is, you call and an "outfitter" will come to your location and get your measurements followed by choosing from a wide array of fabrics of which to comprise the shirt. They even offer group rates for whole office fittings, a fun idea if you're looking to change up the look of your colleagues.

The turn around is very impressive and the price is ultimately determined by the type of fabric in the shirt. With that said, none of their products exceed $160, and for an essentially bespoke-made shirt that fits better than most if not all designer shirts that run upwards of $200, that's one hell of a deal! And after your measurements are taken and you approve of the fit, you will be entered into Trumaker's database so that when you want to complete another order, you just pick a fabric and DONE!

Fabrics, buttons, and collars, OH MY!

Check out the Trumaker website for even more info, especially if you don't live where an outfitter can come to you, it'll be worth your while. Check in tomorrow for a celebrity style influence and next Saturday for another up and comer in the fashion industry!

Friday Faux Pas: Miss Matched Tailoring

Precise tailoring is something to strive towards, but its also nice to have some looser clothing that you wear more casually (I don't fall in this category). But when you mix the two, you're bound to run into some serious fashion problems.

Imagine wearing skinny jeans and then having a loose fitting shirt...you're going to look like a female wearing a blouse. Oppositely, a fitted shirt with baggy pants makes you look like a wannabe rapper. Either way, its not a good look, and unfortunately, I have seen this more and more often.

You should either be wearing all tailored clothing or all loose clothing. It's not like mixing up fabrics or patterns amongst the layers of your outfit, that type of behavior is highly condoned. But with the fit of your clothes, you're trying to create a synthesized silhouette that makes sense and looks good. One of the upcoming trends this spring and summer are tunics and looser fitting coats, but while wearing other tailored items. To be honest, I don't agree with it and won't be featuring it on my blog because it just looks sloppy.

Don't be this guy...granted, he had to wear this on the runway.

Tailored or relaxed is your choice style wise, but don't try to create some ass-backwards fashion cocktail by mixing the two. Check in tomorrow for an up-and-coming fashion company and next Friday for more of my style pet peeves!

Thursday Threads: Wedding Time

This may be the time where most of you have either already been or are about to be invited to a friend or family member's wedding; it happened to me last weekend, it'll be coming your way soon enough. Going out on a limb, I would guess by now you either own a single suit or, of the many that you do own, have a go to that you feel great in.

Whatever that suit may be, just keep it simple. The peacock that should be attending this wedding is the bride; it is her day to shine, so don't wear anything that will take away from her. Most men (from experience) opt for black suits which is safe, but this isn't a funeral and unless its strict black tie, not a necessity. You also have to consider the location and the crowd that will be attending the ceremony, for instance, you wouldn't wear a three-piece suit to a beach wedding much like you wouldn't wear Tommy Bahama to a Nantucket occasion.

In any case, its definitely a lot to think about so here's my input on the situation:

• Winter Wedding
• Wool suit (preferably three-piece to layer up)
• Wool tie
• Darker tones. Heavier plaids.
• Spring Wedding
• Cotton suit
• Linen tie
• Pastels and florals abound. Stripes and solids.
• Summer Wedding
• Linen sport coat, cotton chinos
• Chambray tie
• Warmth in colors, not fabric. Solids.
• Fall Wedding
• Return of the wool suit
• Plaid tie
• Mix up the warm and cool tones. Pattern free-for-all, just don't clash.

With all of these, I highly recommend a dress loafer that goes along with each occasion and outfit. Yeah, lace-ups are nice, but you never know when those shoes are gonna have to come off...like at the end of the night when you're one too many drinks removed from effectively removing your shoes and keeping a bridesmaid on her feet.

Like I said before, keep in mind that this is the bride's day, don't fuck it up by stealing any of her spotlight. With that said, you still have to look good, so find that happy mix of subdued and outspoken for your outfit and you'll be safe.

Check in tomorrow for another one of my fashion faux pas and next Thursday for more situationally stylish threads.

Wardrobe Essentials: Sharkskin Grey Wins the Day

Most men aren't the type that go suit shopping often or are even in the market for one every two or three years. So if you were to pick a a single suit style (aka a wardrobe staple) what would it be? Many would opt for the black suit, a traditional go to but lacking in the creativity department (see my piece on black neck wear).

If Don Draper has one, so should you.

What you should be investing in is a grey sharkskin suit, still holding all the functionality of a black suit while saying "I know what I'm doing";this suit spans the wearability spectrum in every way. Want to wear it to work? Check! You can also rock it casually for a night out. Weddings, charity events, whatever the situation, this suit will deliver because grey is such a versatile neutral in your closet.

Same rule applies to James Bond.

To keep it timeless and relevant in your closet, the lapel should be narrow and notched with semi-modern tailoring. I only say semi-modern because toady's suits tend to have no break on the pants, practically showing the ankle, and the jackets are shorter, covering less of your ass and crotch. Opt for that harmonic medium of classic and modern and you'll have a suit that will prosper in your closet for years to come.

A few options:

Hickey Freeman: $1,495

Suit Supply: $469

Check in tomorrow for a situationally stylish get up and next Wednesday for more essential pieces!

Tech Tuesday: Right Place, Right Time

For some, staying put is the norm and changing time zones is something saved for the occasional getaway. For the rest of you, the frequent fliers and business travelers alike, you know the annoyance of constantly resetting your watch every time you stop in a new city. Thanks to some breakthrough technology, serious ingenuity, and I'm sure some moaning and groaning about the problem have pushed Seiko to produce a first of its kind watch.

The breakthrough technology being the introduction of low-power usage instruments that can put otherwise energy-sapping technology into everyday devices, in this instance, a watch. The ingenuity comes through in the use of that low-power usage element in an on board GPS that would allow for the watch to update to different time zones while also using the GPS to constantly sync with atomic clocks in the satellites it communicates with.

Seiko calls this revolutionary and beautiful timepiece the Astron GPS Solar and is a part of their New Design Serious inspired simply by the Earth's stratosphere. The curved, spherical surface creates a stunningly seamless appearance that echoes the facade of our Earth through space. Currently the series features silicon and leather straps, both equally stylish, but if its not your thing, definitely look out for metal bands that are sure to pop up in this exciting line of watches.

Check in tomorrow for some threads that need to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: Elevate the Waist

For the past decade or so, we have seen the evolution, integration, and full blown adoption of slim and skinny fit pants. Women do it, men do it, they have become a staple in every one's closet and for good reason; the look you get from the perfectly tailored trousers is quite spectacular. However, their is a new movement in the pants department that may change the game.

Joaquin Phoenix in Her rocking some high-waisted slacks.

High-waisted pants are an item you'd expect to see in a mid-century magazine, TV show, or movie. That exact style is making a come back and even has Wall Street buzzing about investing in Urban Outfitters who helped launch the skinny jean revolution and is anticipated to be the leading edge of the high-waisted movement.

High-waisted meets street style.

I will not be purchasing any of these "new" trousers, but rather rummage through my grandfathers wardrobe for any worthy items. If you plan on being an early-adopter of this trend, get full length pants and leave the high-waisted shorts to the sorority girls and soccer moms. Stick with suit pants while purchasing high-waisted and maintain your hold on your current jean collection, no need to go full out on a new style trend.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting technology and next Monday for more fashion trends and style movements!

Friday Faux Pas: Human Billboards

The biggest problem I have with the clothiers of America is the amount of advertising they feel they need to do. Billboards here, TV spots there, to the point of overkill that almost brainwashes you into buying clothes. You know what though, that's not the media that bothers me, its the branding on the clothes they sell that turn their customers into walking adverts.

I preach to everyone I consult on fashion and never buy anything with a company logo unless I absolutely have to; that exact pattern would have to not exist anywhere else in the fashion world and the chances of removing the logo without damaging anything at 100%. A company with quality clothing shouldn't have to rely on their logo to sell clothing or get notice.

Big logo = Big no-no!

My prime example is always Ralph Lauren, their bottom of the barrel apparel (aka the stuff that ends up in Marshalls) is plastered with their beloved polo player logo. But the good stuff, after careful inspection, will only feature Ralph Lauren's name on the inside tag of the item; no logo, no bullshit, just great clothing.

Bad Ralph Lauren: $98

Good Ralph Lauren: $120

One company that relies solely on their logo is Vineyard Vines, a company I have worked in the past. You can tell that the quality of their product offering, other than their ties, have dropped off dramatically and its only a matter of time before they become the Aeropostale of preppy clothing.

Bottom line: great clothing should be advertisement enough and if you're paying for it already, you shouldn't also have to be a moving billboard afterwards too. Check in tomorrow for an up and coming fashion company and next Friday for another style pet peeve!

Thursday Threads: Flight Time

Travel should be one of the enjoyable parts of your life, no matter what location you are embarking on. Yet it has become a hassle for most, and recently with the winter wonderhell that has formed in the northern states, cancelled flights have made traveling quite the hassle. I am a firm believer in the fact that you never know who you're going to meet and airports are a prime example of this. So how are you going to stay comfortable while still looking your best?

The answer to this question does not lie with baggy pants and a hoodie, although exceptionally comfortable, you'll look like a total slob. Jeans are the way to go, providing the comfort you're looking for while still portraying a concerted effort to look good. Another option that has become very popular in recent months are streamlined sweatpants. Now I do not necessarily condone this type of behavior, but with the perfect tailored look, dark cotton, and elastic cuffs, you will still give off an element of dress with the comfort of a velvet bag full of puppy ears.

The top calls for a dress shirt or sport shirt with a nice bold pattern to play along with the casualness of those comfy bottoms you just picked out. Keep the color scheme simple though, don't want to look like a billboard for the people watchers on standby. And to go over it, a simple sport coat or jacket to round out the look; the fabric all depends on the final destination, but the concept is still the same.

Last but not least, now that the outfit is all figured out, the footwear. This choice is critical, especially while traveling as you know TSA will require you to take them off at some point and you don't want to be "that guy" holding up the security line. So something that slips on and off (e.g. loafers) or casually comfortable (e.g. sneakers), leave your boots and lace ups in your luggage.

Here is my take on flight style:

Burberry: $850

Brooks Brothers: $100

H&M: $20

New Balance: $160

Happy travels! Check in tomorrow for another one of my fashion pet peeves and next Thursday for another situationally stylish outfit!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Pink Dress Shirt

Alright guys, I know I've thrown out a lot of advice that may seem on the radical side of the style spectrum, but how else are you gonna stand out? This little addition to your wardrobe will add a refreshing twist to your existing suit and sport coat collection and vamp up your tie game a little bit in the process.

The pink dress shirt is such a simple thing to put in your closet that if you can't be convinced to get one, then there's no helping you. Easily change out your typical white dress shirt for a day and throw on the pink and let the compliments flow in. An all pink dress shirt? Maybe not for the stylishly squeamish, but one that is predominantly pink with a white stripe or check pattern will be a perfect option. Pair it with a blue tie and your look will be flawless!

Take some notes from Christoph Waltz, he knows what he's doing.

Most men shy away from more "feminine" colors like pink and purple, they're just missing out on a simple style opportunity. I've been without my pink dress shirt for about a month and my wardrobe has felt like its been missing something since then, imagine how yours will feel when you add one! Here are a couple options to take advantage of:

Hugo Boss: $115

J. Crew: $148

Express: $36

Check in tomorrow for some situational garb advice and next Wednesday for more essential style pieces!

Tech Tuesday: Smart Ears with Bragi

I tend to stay on top of the technology realm, following new developments with the latest mobile devices, computers, game consoles, insert new and exciting tech here. So it's not often I get the chance to say "HOLY SHIT BALLS" to a new gadget, but "HOLY SHIT BALLS", you need to check out these new headphones.

So much utility in such a small package! (No, that's not what she said)

Bragi is a new start up that has developed a revolutionary technology that goes in your ear! Think a wireless headset that doesn't make you look like an idiot combined with an mp3 player, that's what The Dash is. These two ear buds rely on Low Energy Bluetooth to connect to your selected smart device and communicates a plethora of information that is hard to believe.

Heart rate monitoring, body temperature, calorie burn, distance traveled, oxygen saturation, and speed to name a few with a combination of over 30 sensors. Oh, did I mention they also have a 4GB hard drive for up to 1000 songs so you can still enjoy your music without your phone. The exterior casing is touch sensitive for remote control capabilities and management of what The Dash is doing.

The possibilities are endless for The Dash!

The company is currently on Kickstarter having already raised over $300,000! A $179 pledge gets you your very own pair, even if they won't be in your hands till the Fall. Originally focused and tested for athletic purposes, this technology is going to be so versatile and simple that everyone is going to need a pair, so be ahead of the curve and help fund the project!

Check in tomorrow for essential wardrobe pieces and next Tuesday for more exciting technology!

Monday Outlook: Spring Stripes aka Seersucker

It's still early yet, but before the winter thaw begins, you're gonna want to get ready for the most important staple of your spring closet. A very simple addition that will give any look a refreshing lightness that's spring and summer ready.

Classic summer style for all!

Seersucker was popularized and has remained a warm weather go-to for centuries in the South, coming in a variety of colors and in either stripe or gingham. You could opt for any cotton suit or blazer, but nothing makes a summer statement like a seersucker suit, especially when you stray away from the classic blue/white.

Just for scope, I currently own a suit, blazer, slacks, and two pairs of shorts featuring the fabric in a variety of colors (blue, orange, and lime). Do yourself a favor, if you have the dough lying around and you're looking for a new suit, this is the one to buy! As for the color and pattern, don't get any neutral tones, you want bright pastels in the classic seersucker stripe. If you can't afford it, the best option will be seersucker pants or even a tie to give your look the accent without the upfront cost.

Brooks Brothers: $498

Check in tomorrow for some exciting technology and next Monday for more upcoming fashion trends!

Celebrity Sunday: Brad Pitt

These days, this celebrity tends to make his appearances in the tabloids for his highly visible relationship with Angelina Jolie while also headlining every once in a while for a blockbuster movie here and there. If you look back over the years of Brad Pitt's relevance as an actor, you'd realize the impact he has had in style.

Smug as shit, and for good reason.

Like many of the celebs I post about, they have evolved their style with the times to stay relevant, but he has also helped mold the fashion world. Pitt was rocking the long hair  before anyone else, the beard before it was cool, and has perfected the dressy casual looks for years. The best part is that his flame hasn't flickered one bit, he'll be sticking around as long as there is a camera to film.

Multiple kids,  high-powered wife, still stylish!

If you were to take anything from his look, it would be the casualness, no one does it better and having that weapon in your style arsenal will help you to stand out in a relaxed way.

Timelessly casual year after year.

Check in tomorrow for Monday Outlook for upcoming fashion trends and next Sunday for another star with style!

Saturday Spotlight: Hugh & Crye

I mentioned this company once in an episode of my Friday Faux Pas and have featured them many times in my editions of Thursday Threads. This company is an up and coming company due to the innovative way they go about online shopping. I found them in the December issue of GQ and have a feeling they're on the way to the top in men's fashion.

Hugh & Crye isn't like every other online retailer relying on the typical Medium-Large-Extra Large or neck and sleeve measurements that still leave up to consideration many variables in the shirt buying process. They do offer more on their website than shirts, but that part of their business is what makes them stand out from the rest. When you enter the site, you can enter in your height and body profile, and from that, narrow down to a specific size for you.

An overview of a quality shirt from Hugh & Crye.

Whether you are Short/Skinny or Tall/Broad, Hugh & Crye has a shirt for you that is well made and properly fit to your body. Another great part of this company is the commitment to social responsibility and dedication to responsibly sourced, chemical-free manufacturing processes, all great news for the Eco and fair-practice minded shoppers alike.

I am 6'3" and consider myself on the the slender side (definitely not skinny) and according to Hugh & Crye, I am a Tall/Slim. This company is on a mission to cut shirt fat from the everyday man's closet and I believe they will! Here are some of my favorites:

Chalky: $85

Craven: $85

El Profe: $85

Barossa: $85

 Check in daily for more fashion advice and next Saturday for another great men's wear company!

Friday Faux Pas: Indoor Shades

We've all seen it walking around the mall, in restaurants, or any other social venue that happens to be indoors. Men walking around wearing sunglasses for absolutely no reason, other than to presumably look as douchey as possible. If you are reading this with sunglasses on and you're inside, TAKE THEM OFF!

There are a certain number of instances that can allow you to wear sunglasses indoors:

• You are blind.
• You forgot your prescription glasses and all you have are your sunglasses.
• You have transition lenses and its excessively bright inside.
• You're in that 10-15 second buffer zone after you've made your entrance.
• You are hungover and not in public.
• Least likely of all, you are anticipating a surge of paparazzi and flash photography.

If none of these situations fit the bill, than you sir need to take the damn shades off! I'm perfectly okay with wearing some faux eye wear just to have that sophisticated, pseudo-nerdy look, but if they are the least beat tinted (aka sunglasses) then they need to go. It's an image thing and it ties into the same concept that I covered with wearing headphones in public; you're exuding an aura of "I'm too good to associate with the plebeians around me".

Check in daily for more fashion advice and next Friday for more of my style pet peeves!

Thursday Threads: Another Rainy Day

Nothing is more annoying than putting together a nice outfit, walk out the door, and come to find that it is pouring rain. Probably your fault for not checking the weather, but at the same time, its still very annoying. There are some ways to manage this complication, and since I'm from Florida, I believe its important for everyone to know how.

Just walking out the door, you have a couple options to prevent that pesky rain from ruining dapper decor. The umbrella is a simple tool to keep you dry without affecting your look, and in some cases with a nice umbrella, you can actually make a statement. A simple black top umbrella will do just fine, but if you are gonna opt for a pattern, keep it simple and keep it plaid. The other last minute option is the rain coat to throw over top of everything else, which wont provide as much coverage as an umbrella, but still does the job.

For those more prepared, here are a couple more guidelines to manage the inclement weather.

1. Boots or rubber soled shoes will hold up better in the weather.
2. Minimal to no break on your pants.
3. Pick a watch that is at least 10 bar certified.
4. Silk and wool ties and pocket squares hold up better than cotton and linen.
5. Cotton and wool suiting will breath better and dry faster.
6. Keep the color palette simple, you don't want any dyes running and ruining your clothes.

Here is an outfit that will look good and keep you comfortably dry.

For the Rain:

K Way: $88

Rain or Shine: $80

Everything Else:

Suit Supply: $469

Hugh & Crye: $85

The Tie Bar: $15 & $8

Ferragamo: $695

Check in daily for more fashion advice and next Thursday for the next situational style!