Celebrity Saturday: Channing Tatum

Get your copy of GQ and catch up on your summer style!

This star got his first movie bid at the start of the millennium with dance flick, Step Up. Since then he has starred in everything from romantic dramas to action comedies and has yet to falter in any of his performances. Tatum's upcoming role in Jupiter Ascending is gearing up to either be a complete dud or a bona fide blockbuster, I'm hoping for the later. This month's cover of GQ features the actor, highlighting a rugged summer look for the actor, but he has a much more dynamic look than that. I believe he is one of those chameleons, being able to adopt and own any style; I guess with a physique like that, anything is doable. If you can't take on every look like so, at least have two or three go to's that you know work.

Check in tomorrow for the recap of the week's topics and next Saturday for more stylish celebrity influence!

Friday Faux Pas: Inconsiderate Shopping

So this is admittedly a reactive post in response to my dealings with two mothers, their husbands, and all 5 of their children. Complaining is not something I like to do and therefore hold it back whenever possible, but today will have to be the exception.

Only 30 minutes upon arriving to work, these two mothers calmly walked into the store, a false front to what was about to come. Almost methodically, they managed to go through every neat stack of shirts and shorts, until what used to be a well merchandised store looked like a hurricane and tsunami hit all at once. And to add insult to injury, both mothers were very insistent on me checking for inventory in the stockroom even after I assured them that all sizes were on the floor.

Remember that cardinal rule, don't mess with people who make your food, well this is probably a step below that. No matter what store you're in, the sales professional helping is acting gate keeper and key master to their brand and if you want in on their stuff, then you best be polite and trust that they know what they're doing, unless they've demonstrated otherwise, in which case you can still be patient and polite. This topic may not have a direct impact on your style, but I believe the indirect ramifications of being an asshole on your style are much greater than that of committing any of my previously mentioned Fashion faux pas.

Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for another edition of my Fashion Faux Pas!

Threads for Thought: Utility Shorts

Yeah, yeah. Warm weather means the chance to change it up from jeans, chinos, and all other form of pants to your shorts which have been collecting dust over the course of the long winter. However, the monotony of the short game is very clear, only really differing slightly from brand to brand, with little adventure into new short-legged horizons.

These are utility shorts, get to know them.

The upcoming months will have a plethora of cargo pants, a hot trend this upcoming season, but for those of you looking to get a jump start on pre-fall, utility shorts will be your savior. Previous iterations were essentially just cargo shorts, with bulging pockets and baggy silhouettes, but designers have taken heed to the need for tailoring even in the most casual of wear.

Michael Bastian's interpretation of utility shorts is pretty chill.

You're going to have to dig around to find suitable options, but the prize will definitely be worth the effort. Not only will they actually serve in carrying more than usual shorts do, but they'll make a statement along with their functionality, fusing function and form like no other shorts can. Classic cotton chino will be a classic option, but the adventurous might vie for cords or linen to really through onlookers.

J. Crew: $80

Ralph Lauren: $75

Gap: $36

Check in tomorrow for another edition of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for more style pieces that deserve your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: The White Polo

In one of the first editions of my Wednesday Wardrobe Essentials was the black polo, something that can be worn casually as easily as it can be dressed up. That still holds true, but this iteration is not only a wardrobe must, but also a critical addition to your summer garb.

Dressed down, brought to you by Nick Wooster.

White polo's are the vanilla of men's wear, not sticking out or drawing too much attention to themselves. Usually this would be a very bad thing, but in this instance it gives you play over the rest of your summer outfit. Lightweight and crisp, a white woven is something you can wear to the beach in a bathing suit or under a sport coat for a cocktail meeting.

Dressed up, brought to you by Ralph Lauren.

If you live up north, go long sleeve to carry the piece well into fall and early winter. Southerners should stick with the classic short sleeve and even consider lighter weight fabrics to keep cool under the blaring sun. And when you find the polo that fits you just right, buy in bunches, because they are going to get dirty somehow, someway (refer to Murphy's Law). I would usually provide a list of recommended options, but white polo's are all over the place, ranging from $10-$200, so if you can't find one, then you may have bigger problems in your life; you could probably even find something respectable at a thrift store if you're into that.

Check in tomorrow for some threads that deserve your consideration and next Wednesday for more wardrobe essentials!

Tech Tuseday: Kairos Coming Through

So as I once said about technology, I'm not normally thrown by how great something is; I have a pretty strong grasp of the tech side of things. But last week, the team at Kairos Watches went and released some new timepieces that are changing the smart watch game. These are the first ever mechanical smart watches on the market, featuring two amazingly slick designs in silver, black, and gold. They are powered by Bluetooth LE and come with a magnetic USB charge cord that pumps each piece up to 7 days of battery life while the mechanical movement holds for up to 48 hours. Oh, by the way, PRE-ORDER before their launch and you'll get up to 60% off their asking price.

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: Leathery Denim

Last week we covered the trend towards summer denim, lightweight and lighter washed jeans that blend perfectly with other airy fabrics and patterns while adding gravity to it all. This week is a pseudo-piggybacking of that topic but with more relevance to your transition into the fall.

Notice the difference between regular and waxed denim

Waxed denim is making its way to the forefront designer style books across the men's fashion world. By waxing the fabric of a denim piece, it takes on the look of leather or suede depending on the treatment, but without the weight of a leather piece; you'll also have the added benefit of the garment being highly water resistant! 

Mixing and matching denim is always allowed.

These pieces will blend well with the reintroduction of leather back into your wardrobe mix for the coming cooler months as they look like leather, but with much more variety of detail. Combining this trend with the whole military and automotive movement will help create a rugged look. It can even be paired with some of your spring and summer pieces to make for a seamless transition into the fall.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for more trend insight for the coming months

Week in Review

Here are the links from the past week if you didn't have a chance to see them earlier this week:

Monday: Denim Dan is the Man
Tuesday: Unique Shirts
Wednesday: Penguin Suits
Thursday: Panamanian Headgear
Friday: The Dreaded Pin
Saturday: Jared Leto

Even though it will be next week, Happy Memorial Day to all the veterans out there who make this dream we call America a reality. I'd specifically like to thank my cousins, Justin and Travis, for serving and protecting us!

Check in tomorrow for some upcoming fashion trend insight and all next week for more tips and advice on style! 

Celebrity Saturday: Jared Leto

Jared Leto's fame comes from his participation as lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, an alternative rock band that has outlasted what many critics thought would be a flash in the pan (and thankfully at that). These days, however, Leto is making waves in the fashion community with edgy takes on classics and radical new moves (like kilts at the iHeartRadio Awards). Take heed to his ability to not have a care in the world for others opinions on style and just wear what you think looks good and what you're comfortable in. And also, if you have the ability to grow that flowy mane, I say do it while you still have the hair.

Check in tomorrow for a quick recap of the past week in case you missed anything and next Saturday for another stylish celebrity influence!

Friday Faux Pas: Exposed Lapel Pins

With wedding season upon us, you're bound to come across your fair share of boutonnieres and lapel garnishes. They are all great additions to your garb, whether at a wedding or not, they add an essence of airiness synonymous with summer. Where this can all go astray is when those nice little pins that hold everything in place stick out like a sore thumb.

This is how to do it...

If anything, this glaring needle is going to take away from the decoration above it and ruin what you worked so hard to achieve. On any sport coat or suit jacket, the fabric of the lapel is double lined to hold the crease better and this will be your solution. Take your jacket off and instead of lancing your pin all the way through, carefully finesse the pin through the first layer of fabric and then back through the same layer; you'll get all of the support you need without having that shiny little lance sticking out of you jacket.

...this is not.

This was admittedly a belated post so I'll be posting my celebrity style influence later tonight, but check in next week for another edition of my Friday Faux Pas!

Threads for Thought: The Summer Hat

Summer means one thing for everyone, more sun than you'll know what to do with. There are plenty of ways to protect your skin from all the exposure from lotions and sprays to clothing and accessories. The most favored accessory just so happens to be the hat, but not all are created equally.

This guy clearly has the summer look down to a science.

Baseball caps are sporty and easily worn for just about any occasion, except formal occasions, so please don't! Fedoras are cool if you happen to be a hipster or looking to explore your inner abstract artist. And straw hats are practical only and takes away everything from the look you were trying to create. So what option covers all the bases without much compromise?

Andre 3000 does everything so effortlessly.

Panama hats solve all your summer sun problems while giving you every style point you can possibly earn with a hat. They are comprised of a tight straw weave with a wider brim than a fedora to add a little more protection while not looking like you're wearing an umbrella. Get the classic white and black ribbon to go with all your summer looks with ease!

Mr. Porter: $375

Brooks Brothers: $158

J. Crew: $58

Check in tomorrow for another edition of my Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for more threads that deserve your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Tux

Just about anything goes these days when attending formal events, from black tie to white. You can wear just about any suit, shirt, shoe, and tie option as long as you look like you put a concerted effort into it, but if you want to be a traditionalist or you get the dreaded "strict" formal event invite, you'll be needing a tux.

James Bond may be fictional, but he knows how to wear a suit (no matter the actor).

Tux's got their start in Tuxedo Park of New York, where all the rich and chic of the late 19th Century flocked, and the style has remained strong. Essentially the tuxedo is a a suit of black or midnight navy with a higher sheen of wool than typical with a satin or silk lapel to add some pop of contrast. You'll be more likely to come across the black variety as that is the traditional option, but more and more of the navy are popping up.

The 2014 Met Gala saw a smorgasbord of tux styles. 

When deciding on a tux, think long and hard about the style you want to have and the look you want to emit because chances are you're not made of money and that tux will be around for years to come. If you are comfortable with the navy, go for it; the midnight navy tux might be my favorite suit out there. If not, then black will work just the same, but get the peak lapels to really boost its appeal.

Ralph Lauren: $1200

Suit Supply: $569

Topman: $370

Check in tomorrow for some threads that deserve your consideration and next Wednesday for more essential style pieces!

Tech Tuesday: Unique Shirts by Uniqlo

Finding an edge in the fashion world, at least when it come to what you have in your closet, is hard to to do considering the availability of designer goods just about everywhere. So what is left to get a leg up on the competition? Thrift shopping only goes so far, bespoke goods are not timely or cheap, and when all is said and done, its too late once you do find something unique.

The fuel behind Uniqlo's unique offering.

Uniqlo is a company well known for its affordable basics for extremely good quality for the price, but they are branching out of their comfort zone to bring you an offering that is truly one of a kind. Their new roll out is called UTme (Phonetic: You-Tee-me) and it is going to help you produce custom shirts for an assumed low price.

A user friendly and intuitive interface is always nice.

Using just your phone, you can add graphics, print, upload photos, and then manipulate them all with design effects with the end result being a product that is truly yours. All you need to do is download the UTme app through the App Store or Google Play and you'll be on your way. This is yet again another way your phone is pulling through, last week with your thermostat and this week by giving your wardrobe a unique pop.

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for some more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: Denim, Denim, Denim

Nothing says summer like seersucker, madras, and linen, but all of them together can make you look like an airy Nantucket native. Not to say that any of these things are bad, but all of them together makes your look very one-dimensional and unoriginal.

You can never have too much denim.

An aside from this vineyard vibe is to add some much needed gravity to your outfit, to ground all the lighter pieces for a wholesome and creative twist on your summer wardrobe. Lightweight, light-wash denim apparel has flooded into stores across the designer spectrum, leaving you a great array of choices from sun-faded chambrays to bleached denims.

Next Level Style: royal jean jacket!

If you don't have white jeans already, then get yourself a pair of these summer essentials ASAP; you'll wear them much more than you thought you ever would. Chambray shirts and shorts are another great option to get your hands on as both will blend well into your fall-transitional wardrobe, not to mention chambray shirts are a lot of fun to dress up. A jean jacket will top your look off with a sense of ruggedness that is much needed for all the lighter additives of the season, just get an option with some character or pull out the one in the back of your closet.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for another installment of fashion trend insight for the coming months!

Tech Tuesday: Smartphone Climate Control

No, this isn't going to be about some gadget you attach to you phone that helps to keep you comfortably warm in the winter or cool and sweat-free in the summer. Instead, this is going to be a symbiotic relationship between phone and in home sensors to save you some serious dough.

You carry your phone anyways, use it to save you money!

The usual eco-friendly/economical scenario involves turning your thermostat up before you leave for work and then coming back to a near sweltering apartment after a long day at work. Or you forget to turn it off during the day and kick yourself in the back thinking of all the money you just waisted. Maybe there should be an app for that...? The team at Tado, a German company, has created exactly what you've been looking for.

Reports on your phone that show your system at work!

The system involves a unit that essentially becomes your new thermostat, a router plug in that connects to your WiFi, and a sensor/s that monitors the temperature in your apartment or home. Using the connectivity of your phone, the Tado System will adjust the temperature of your abode to save you money and keep you comfortable 24/7. It will know when you leave and know when you're getting close to home and can even learn your behaviors to anticipate changes; also has multi-user functionality. Tado will be for sale mid-June so stay posted and get your hands on a set.

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your wardrobe and next Tuesday for some more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: The Purse Pants

I'm sure your closet is stacked to the brim with jeans and pants that despite having different colors, patterns, or fabrics, they all share the same silhouette and construction. That being the flat-front, plain pant look that has stagnated in style for a good while now.

Pair them with chambray like this for some extra style points.

Not to say that I'm not a fan of plain pants, but there has been a reemergence in a variety that adds a sense of ruggedness to any rig you're rocking. Cargo pants are like wearable purses for men, and were originally used in WWII by paratroopers to carry everything they needed into war. Now you might not need ammo or rations for your day-to-day, but everyday carry essentials like your phone or notepad become less of a hassle with cargos.

This will be a good look to transition into fall with.

They are easily applicable to a Thursday topic but I decided to cover this as a trend seeing as it has come back in quite a wave in the fashion industry. It started as a transition piece from the winter into the spring, and I have a feeling that this will carry over into next winter as well. Keep them slimmed down and streamlined to avoid looking all bagged out and keep with the earthy tones to ground every outfit they're paired with.

Keep in simple, no need to over do it.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for more fashion trend insight for the coming months!

Weekly Recap

Here are the links from the past week if you didn't have a chance to see them earlier this week:

Monday: Aero Inspired
Tuesday: Touchless Tech
Wednesday: Flying Shoes
Thursday: Embrace the Man Bag
Friday: Pinky Rings
Saturday: David Beckham

Happy Mother's Day to all the great women out there, you really deserve a lot more than just a day for what you do for us! I'm gonna get back to spending time with my mother and I suggest you do the same.

Check in tomorrow for some upcoming fashion trend insight and all next week for more tips and advice on style! 

Celebrity Saturday: David Beckham

Soccer isn't necessarily the spotlight of athletics in America, but that doesn't mean that it still isn't the most played sport in the world. And well before the men of the NBA were dressing up and setting trends, soccer superstars were at the forefront of style.

Breaking the rules at the White Tie Met Gala.

David Beckham might be one of the most well known players of his era and is still a force in the soccer community today; he and other notable investors are looking to start an MLS franchise in Miami. Outside of futbol, Beckham is making waves in fashion with his involvement in H&M Bodywear and making a notable appearance in this weeks Met Gala.

Might as well be lighting the way for style here. Doing it all right!

It truly is amazing that he has managed to stay relevant in the fashion world, maybe his wife has something to do with it, but one thing he truly goes maverick on is his hair. It is safe to say that Beckham has set forth trendy hair styles that end up being widely adopted, so if you're looking to get a haircut soon, take his into consideration.

Check in tomorrow for my weekly recap of all the topics from the week and next Saturday for another notable celebrity style influence.

Friday Faux Pas: Pinky Rings

Men and jewelry was once limited to watches and wedding bands, but lately there has been some venturing into a broader spectrum of menswear. As with any new trend, there is a certain grey area between right and wrong and that line gets crossed every so often.

You should never have to explain your accessories, just take compliments for them

I am a big fan of layering on the wrist wear with a watch, a newer development in style. Class rings are another thing that I proudly support; if you went to a college you're proud of, wear that ring with the same pride. Outside of this and the wedding bands, of course, you start to flirt with that line between stylish and not, and nothing puts you over the edge like a pinky ring. There would need to be a good reason for having one, because it would otherwise look cheesy and/or tacky. In other words, DON'T DO IT!

Check in tomorrow for a major celebrity style influence and next Friday for another edition of my fashion faux pas!

Threads for Thought: The Man Bag

Last week we covered the topic of umbrellas, an obvious wet weather necessity, and this week we will be staying in the accessories category. This one might be a bit of reach, but i think this will be something you'll want to reconsider.

City slick and stylish, croc skin is a nice touch.

Walking into work with a hand full of different things, having to shuffle stuff from one hand to the other, I know I was in this boat not too long ago. Now just think of having all of those things in one place...seems like a great idea, right? They come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, briefcases, messenger bags, totes, etc, yet they all work towards the same goal of freeing up your hands for more important tasks.

Pick something classic to easily walk out the door with.

I am a major fan of the messenger bag option, which gives you the same functionality of a briefcase but with a much more casual look. With that said, each will have its pros and cons; for instance, the tote is great for carrying your everyday carry while having plenty of room for your gym clothes after work. My input with any briefcase would be to stray away from any hard body models (don't want to be too stuffy). Get something that mirrors your personality and that you are comfortable carrying around everyday, rain or shine.

Ralph Lauren: $350

Jack Spade: $198

Cole Haan: $130

Check in tomorrow for another edition of my fashion faux pas and next Thursday for more threads that beg your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Wingtips

There are a lot of choices out there for footwear, and trying to narrow down your wardrobe to only 3 or four shoes will leave you hanging out to dry when it comes to variety and keeping your feet fresh. However, I have covered a couple staples that will get you along swimmingly, black dress loafers, drivers, and street shoes.

Two prime examples of what you should be looking for.

Now we introduce the wingtip, also know as a brogue, which is a shoe comprised of more than one piece of leather to create a level of depth and sophistication. Traditionally of Irish and Scottish lore, these shoes were meant for country work and wet conditions; the broguing or perforations allowed for water to easily drain from the shoe. Nowadays, wingtips are synonymous with high-class and elevated style and frequently spotted on the most fashion forward folk.

If you don't know David Gandy, here's David Gandy.

Like I said before, there is no shortage of footwear choice today and the same goes for wingtips, so for the purposes of them classic and essential to your wardrobe, you might want to follow a few guidelines.

• Keep them simple! Don't go for spectator (two-toned) options that will only work with a few outfits and fade in and out with the seasons.
• Neutral, classic colors will increase the wearability. Navy, black, brown, tan, etc.
• White may be too Spring and Summer seasonal, so steer clear.
• Find that happy medium between suede and patent leather for a shoe that isn't too dull or flashy.

Stick to these few notes and I guarantee you'll have a pair that will stay in your closet for as long as you want them to.

Ferragamo: $695

Cole Haan: $170

Topman: $100

Check in tomorrow for some threads that beg your consideration and next Wednesday for more essential style pieces for your wardrobe!

Tech Tuesday: Give it the Nod

Are you tired of using your mouse or your laptop Trackpad or whatever device you use to interact with your devices? Probably not, but if you're like me (who isn't), then you want to be on the cusp of cutting edge, and that's exactly what we have here.

Great things come in small packages.

Nod, Inc. is a start up based out of Mountain View, CA, a convenient location for tech start ups, and has developed the one ring to rule them all (cue Lord of the Rings music). Nod is an apparatus that you put on your finger, and by utilizing its 80 on board components, allows for hand gestures to help you do everything your keyboard and mouse do without ever touching anything.

Just a look at what makes Nod so powerful.

Seems like some serious witchcraft, and I'm sure you could trick a couple of your friends into thinking just that, but an extensive amount of research was put into these devices, creating a product that encompasses form and function. As of now, Nod is available for pre-order at only $149 with a choice from over 15 different sizes and a guarantee you get the perfect fit. Get on it and pre-order yours now, I'm sure there's going to be a serious wait list once this project goes live in the Fall.

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for more exciting tech!

Monday Outlook: Aero Inspired

In the spirit of the the Mid-Century modern motifs throughout the Spring and Summer looks, we're going to piggy back off of it with a side note of sorts. Post-war America saw an advance in automotive and aeronautical creations that were available to the public, and so spurred a growth in styles that were functional with these activities.

J. Cole knows a thing or two about the bomber jacket.

Sure enough, the bomber/biker/cruise jackets are back in full force with new and improved silhouettes and luxe materials. Lookbooks across the fashion spectrum are featuring this style move in their late Summer and Pre-Fall lines to make for some easy transitioning as the weather starts to cool down again. Many are introducing hybrids of the different jackets to provide a conglomerated look that embodies the trend entirely.

Take some cues from an all time favorite, Top Gun.

There will be no shortage of choices for you with this look, it'll all come down to the amount of money you're willing to spend and the kind of look you really want to go for. My words of wisdom would be to stick with what you know or what you're passionate about; for example, don't get a biker jacket if you don't know the first thing about bikes. And if you are fortunate enough to have grandparents who are veterans, ask them if you could sport their jackets (the real thing is always the best), just remember to respect and protect it with your life.

Maybe its not leather, but its still a winning look.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for some more fashion trend insight!