Thursday, July 31, 2014

Threads for Thought: Biker Pants

Casual pants are quite easy to come by, especially right now with stores transitioning into fall and bringing out all the cold-weather bottoms. But for the overwhelming majority, most casual pants share the same bland design with changes essentially only to the fabrics and pocket configuration.

Going hand in hand with a combination of different trends and leading into upcoming fall trends, biker pants are going to be a reliable addition to your everyday garb. This variety can be distinguished by the accordion fabric or the addition of zippers around critical joints on the pants, like the knees and ass, in effort to make "riding your bike" comfortable. For those of you that don't ride motorcycles, this means that you're going to be adding some much needed edge to your fall and winter looks while paying homage to some serious mid-century motifs. If you're feeling a little flush, splurge on the luxe leather pair for a style piece that will last for years and years, or utilize the abundance of waxed denims out there to get the look without breaking the bank.
Balmain: $1500
Ralph Lauren: $395
Zara: $30
Check in tomorrow for this week's installment of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Wardrobe Essentials: Windowpane Three-Piece

There are very few purchases in your life that become focal points in your wardrobe. One of those purchases tends to include suits due to the fact that they can be worn as a suit altogether, just the jacket as a sport coat, or just the pants as dress slacks; throw a vest into that mix and the combinations are endless (not really, but bear with me).
David Gandy doing his David Gandy thing.
This coming fall/winter season as well as seasons before it and for many seasons to come, the windowpane check will be in high demand and high fashion. Plaids are a quintessential cold-weather pattern, and windowpane is a unique twist on the category, blowing the proportions out of the water with narrow lines and broad spaces between. Most men are lacking in this necessity and having one in your arsenal will give you that extra leg on your competition.
Idris Elba doing his thing too.
I argue for the three-piece variety for two reasons, warmth and versatility. The vest acts as an extra layering piece, keeping the crisp winter air out and you comfortably warm. As for versatility, the trend is toward separates, meaning that your new suit will look just as good together as it will when worn with a couple pieces missing. Northerners should be in the market for a heavier wool, and a tropical wool or cotton if you're in the south, but no matter what the fabric, make sure its a chalk line windowpane for added texture and definition.
Indochino: $729
Suit Supply: $599
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another wardrobe style staple!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Jibo

Clearly, we all have exceedingly busy schedules and hectic lives, and the daily grind has helped us to come up with ways to maintain some sense of resiliency. Check in with Siri to find something for you or have your meals delivered to your house daily, whatever your fix may be, its something you use to minimize your list of responsibilities. Jibo, the world's first family robot, is attempting to create an all around home assistant that takes care of the little things in a way no other robot has done before. Two cameras and full circle microphones allow you to interact with your Jibo seamlessly, but that's not even the best part! An advanced learning algorithm helps the robot to learn and anticipate your needs and does so in a way that is more natural and emotional than previous bot precedence. Watch the video and jump on their Indiegogo for a chance to pre-order one of these miraculous machines!
Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your wardrobe and next Tuesday for some more exciting tech!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Monday Outlook: Plaid Pile-On

In a previous installment of my Friday Faux Pas, I mentioned something about being too matchy matchy, and I still stick true to that mentality. But this fall, with the resurgence of layering there comes the opportunity to play and combine a variety of patterns and fabrics together and flirt with the "matchy matchy" line.
This jacket...
Take for example the glen plaid suit or sport coat, filled with texture and intrigue, but ultimately a checked suit. Combine that with a gingham shirt, a checkered tie, and a plaid pocket square, and you'll have yourself an outfit with ample depth and detail to distinguish each item from the next. The most important thing to consider when attempting this look is to avoid any plaids or checks that are too similar as to risk any sameness in your combination.
...with this shirt and tie...
There aren't all that many different ways to create a plaid or checkered pattern; they're either orthogonal or diagonal, wide or tight. Color and fabric is key in this style move, so don't be afraid to combine some colors that you wouldn't usually do. However, I do recommend using a glen plaid jacket as it is an everyman staple item and will allow you to use other patterns within the outfit; with that said, if you have a gingham sport coat or window pane suit, then by all means.
...and this pocket square!
Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for further insight into the coming fashion trends!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Week in Review

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

Tuesday: Brick-a-Pic
Wednesday: Shoe Trees
Thursday: Graphic Tees
Saturday: Gerard Butler

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

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Celebrity Saturday: Gerard Butler

Most of you know this man as Leonidas, but when he's not portraying some muscle bound action hero or male focal point for a sappy comedic dram, Gerard Butler is turning heads with his style. Recently named as a brand ambassador and model for Hugo Boss, Butler will be featured in the clothiers upcoming fragrance campaign and I'm sure other opportunities to come I'm sure. Off the cameras, he sports a casual style that, combined with his rugged features, portrays a refined rockstar that one should definitely heed notice to.

Check in tomorrow for a recap of the week's topics and next Saturday for another fashionable celebrity influence!

Friday Faux Pas: Starching

There is always the option when you go to the dry cleaners for your dress shirts or slacks; some of you do it, some of you don't. For those of you out there that don't participate, we'll done, and for the rest, it's time to stop.
Starching is the process of applying a starch formula to a clothing item in order to stiffen the fabric and maintain a crispness indicative of a freshly laundered shirt. Although I do applaud and support the fresh shirt cause, I'm not a fan of applying unnecessary measures on your clothes such as this. Starching, like all chemical processes, alters the state of the fabric it is applied to and can effect the integrity of the piece. Normal starching of a shirt can and will reduce the lifespan of an assumably expensive part of your wardrobe. Instead just have an extra shirt at your office to change into for that big meeting or whatever big occasion that may come your way.

Didn't get a chance to post yesterday so check back in later tonight for this week's celebrity style influence and next Friday for another

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Threads for Thought: The Graphic Tee

Most of the t-shirts you own should be very simple, playing the base to all of your casual outfits and leaving room for creativity with the other pieces you have on. But this is admittedly a little boring and leaves you wanting more out of your tee.
Just a sighting at New York Fashion Week.
A graphic tee is a sure cure for a bland t-shirt collection and will boost the character of anything you wear with it. Use the tee as a way to channel your interests and passions so that people know what you're all about; like a band or movie character, then go buy something featuring them. It is important that you actually have some level of interest in what you're wearing as you're bound to get a question or comment during the time that you wear it. Although you'll want to stay in your comfort with what shirt to wear, venturing outside of it will be key in finding the perfect graphic tee for yourself.
Urban Outfitters: $24
Spencer's Gifts: $22
Check in tomorrow for this weeks edition of the Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Wardrobe Essentials: Shoe Trees

If you have listened to any of these Wardrobe Essentials posts, then you're either considering or already have a shoe rack that is getting pretty full. One of the main concerns with shoes, being that they tend to be the most expensive items, is the care and prolonging of their life in your closet. The list goes on for the ways to take care of your shoes, but the easiest one you can do requires almost no effort to do.
They come in all shapes, colors, and functionalities.
Shoe trees are something that should be in every pair of your shoes, especially the leather-soled variety. They are made to fill your footwear when they're not on your feet, in effort to hold the shape and aid in the breaking in of the shoes. The wood variety are the ones you should be looking for (especially cedar) as it will perform all the functions of a regular shoe tree while also deodorizing that foot stank from your shoes. I prefer to keep them all very similar, if not matching, to give your shoe collection a clean and unified look that wow impress anyone that sees it.
Stop in at the Woodlore website for all the shoe trees you'll need!
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another edition of Wardrobe Essentials!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Brick-a-Pic

There are moments that release your inner nerd, moments that bring you back to the good old days, and then there are the moments that combine both feelings into one fantastic nerd-out. Today that moment came in the form of Brick-a-Pic, a small start up looking to change the way you hang wall art. Instead of just framing picture, you upload it to the Brick-a-Pic and they create a custom Lego set of your picture for you to build; if that doesn't make you nerd out, then you might need to check you pulse! Besides the fact that you get to construct a Lego set, you are also creating a unique decoration for your place with tons of character aka nerd stuff.

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

Monday, July 21, 2014

Monday Outlook: Quilted Clothing

Yes, leather is going to be exceedingly popular once the chill starts to set in, but there's only so many times you can throw that tan or black hide on without thinking you might need to change your look up a little bit. Wool? Cashmere? Heavy cotton?
How about instead, you go for a quilted piece that is sure to keep you warm while also giving your outfit a sporty edge. Quilting is essentially stitching meant to keep insulating materials in place, but stylistically, these stitches also create a level of texture that you won't get from any leather or wool piece alone. Most items out there will feature bright "ski-slope" colors, but go for something to the tune of muted and understated; remember, you're not begging for attention here.
I personally prefer the square cross stitch that creates a tiled pattern on the garment, a tribute to hunting jackets of old. That's not to say that you need to stick to this style alone because options with horizontal, vertical, diagonal, etc., are also out there, each creating there own unique character within your outfit. My advice is to get a lightweight and heavyweight piece so that you can have the quilted option no matter what level of cold you're experiencing.
Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for further fashion trend insight for the coming months!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

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: Orange
Wednesday: Needlepoint Belts
Saturday: Gabriel Macht

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Nick Strickland! This is before the wedding, so I'm excited for the festivities! Welcome to the family Maura!

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

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Celebrity Saturday: Gabriel Macht

When you think of the best dressed TV shows on air today, theres only one that comes to mind and one actor stands out among the rest of the cast. Gabriel Macht aka Harvey Specter is a powerhouse lawyer and dynamite dresser on the show, but he's been around for much longer Suits. Macht got his start as a child actor in 1980, studied theater at Carnegie Mellon, and has been in a plethora of off Broadway plays and TV shows. When he's not acting as Mr. Sharp Dressed Man, he's living as Mr. Fashionable; whether or not he's taking cues from the set stylist doesn't really matter. Even as a father, Macht manages to maintain an enviable street style like no one else.

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

Friday, July 18, 2014

Friday Faux Pas: Loose Ties

Is it nearing the end of the day/work week? Is it hot out and you're looking for a quick cool down? Are you just looking to relax just a tad? For the suited man, these three situations usually lead to one outcome and its one that irks me to the core.
Loose tie...
Loosening your tie may seem like a good idea when you're doing it, but nothing chops away at a crisp, well put together look. The list of excuses for this behavior abounds (see first paragraph for examples), but this is simply something that shouldn't be done. Instead of loosening that tie knot that you took the time to make sure was perfect this morning, try rolling up your sleeves or taking off your jacket and throwing it over your shoulder; these measures will look casual without sacrificing the integrity of your outfit. So to all the culprits out there, tighten up that tie son!
...tidy tie. Which one looks better? I thought so
Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for the next installment of my fashion faux pas!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Threads For Thought: Short Sleeve Shirts

If it weren't for the polar vortex reawakening for a summer cool down, I could have introduced this post with a "Ain't it hot out there? Need a top that give you the look, without overheating." Regardless, the humble people of the south don't know what cold is and for you northerners, the polar vortex won't be permanent, so when it leaves, be prepared.
Channing Tatum does them like rock star.
Short sleeve shirts are exactly what the name implies and are a great summer alternative to your traditional shirts. Unless you're just wearing the shirt, they will give you the same look under a blazer or lightweight cardigan. Even without something over it, the short sleeve and tie look gives a pleasant ode to mid-century style, which happens to be trending if you forgot.
Russell Westbrook does them like a big nerd.
With short sleeve shirts, fit is everything, so make sure to try on what you're looking to get. Pattern is the next crucial factor and I encourage getting something playful being that it is more casual, but if you do plan on wearing it with a tie, then opt for something that can play dress and casual equally well; if you find a perfect pattern but in long sleeve, you can always take it to a tailor to be hemmed up. Alongside that, if you have any long sleeve shirts that you haven't worn in a while or have thought about throwing away, try folding the sleeve in half and cutting them to make it short sleeve; just remember to roll the sleeve 3-4 times.
Jack Spade: $128
Club Monaco: $90
J. Crew: $80
Check in tomorrow for this weeks edition of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Wardrobe Essentials: The Needlepoint Belt

Accessories are a key part of your daily garb, but some are overlooked or under thunk when it comes to including them in an outfit. None is more so true than the belt, an item that is typically cast to match the color or your shoes (which I agree with), but should be looked at as an opportunity to express yourself.
That is where the needlepoint belt comes into play! Essentially just an embroidered canvas belt, needlepoint belts are known for having unique details and remarkable durability for a cotton belt; the interwoven stitching creates a steadfast construction that holds strong for years and years. Another great characteristic of the construction is that the belt fades in a manner that is unique to the owner, so if the patterns weren't enough personalization for you, the fade to go with it should help.
There's no rule saying that these should or shouldn't be worn during any particular season, but my feeling is that this belt should be worn sparingly during the winter. The choices are out there, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny for yours due to the amount of work that goes into creating each belt. Just make sure to stick to your roots and get something that reflects your lifestyle in some way, whether it be a hobby, favorite sports team, etc.
Smathers & Branson: $165
Tucker Blair: $115
Ralph Lauren: $54
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another edition of Wardrobe Essentials!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Life-Proof Shirts by Evalino

There are a number of products out there to keep your clothes from getting stained, wet, dirty, etc. the only problem is you end up with a starchy feel (Scotchgard) or some manner of discoloration. Evalino is a new company in the funding phase that is looking to tackle this problem on a nano-scale; Go science! Instead of surface treating a garment, their process focuses on a,tearing the molecular make-up of each individual strand to give you a product that feels as soft as any other shirt, but with a built in stain defense system. The company is looking to raise $50,000 for the release of 3 different patterns in dress and casual shirts that are available in three different fits (Regular, Slim, and Extra Slim). In my opinion, the silhouettes look great and the patterns are quite trendy, jump on their KickStarter campaign ASAP!

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

Monday, July 14, 2014

Monday Outlook: Orange

There are a lot of colors that get thrown around from season to season, but they typically follow the "cools in the winter, warms in the summer" mainstay. But last spring, indigo became the go to color, breaking the mold and opening up the winter to some warmer options.
Orange hasn't exactly been a popular color in recent memory, but it made its appearance on significant scale during the AW14/15 runway shows, intermixed with the darker turquoise I mentioned a couple weeks ago. When you think of the two together, it gives off a hunter vibe, but if done the right way, the high contrast between the two colors will add depth and definition to your look, while awakening drab winter colors.
Think of orange as a way to draw attention to a specific area of your outfit, not so much a focal point but a guide to other pieces that you're wearing. An orange tie will draw the eye in and reveal the texture of pattern of the shirt you're wearing, just the same as a shirt or pocket square would for a rich wool sport coat. Essentially, don't go all out on an orange investment piece like a suit or shoes, and instead look for accessories and less expensive layering pieces that will go with your existing wardrobe. Also, be careful of solid orange items as they can overpower and instead opt for patterned pieces.

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

Sunday, July 13, 2014

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: Separates for the Win
Tuesday: Cole Haan ZeroGrand
Wednesday: Dark Denim
Thursday: Longneck Sweaters
Friday: Say No to Fleece
Saturday: Mario Gotze

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

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Celebrity Saturday: Mario Gotze

You may not have heard of this player (unless you're a big Supporter of Germany), but when he's not on the field, this soccer phenom is turning heads with his style at the ripe age of 22. Mario Gotze is a Bavarian born, German National team star and Bayern Munich powerhouse as the second highest paid German player at €37 million. He's apparently putting all that money to good use, as he is also a youth fashion icon abroad with his sleek street style and impeccable hair. Make sure to look for him during tomorrow's World Cup Final as his team takes on Argentina.

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

Friday, July 11, 2014

Friday Faux Pas: Fleece

With fall soon approaching, there are going to be a plethora of cold weather options out there for you to choose from. Cashmere, merino, flannel, shearling, or whatever your fix, just make sure this specific fabric is not on that list.
This is fleece. Don't do fleece.
Fleece is a synthetic fabric develop in the 70's by a cold-weather active wear that was meant to be similar to wool's insulating factor while being significantly lighter. Whether or not this is true, fleece is just a knock off of a quality fabric that isn't all that much more expensive. Fleece, in my personal experience, tends to be less breathable and provides your outfit with much less texture than wool items. Even if you're not a fan of any variety wool, there are plenty of heavier cotton options out there that are just as high of quality; just avoid the fleece please.
Looks good, but still fleece.
Check in tomorrow for another stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for the next installment of my Friday Faux Pas!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Threads for Thought: Turtlenecks

This topic meshes perfectly with the insights of the past few Monday Outlooks as it will be a popular piece in stores. Not so much considered faux pas, but they definitely aren't a widely accepted piece in the men's world; this fact might be a little different this fall and winter.
Seeing as the move is towards mixing and matching professional and casual, the turtleneck is the perfect addition to a suit or sport coat, creating an elevated sophistication to the look. Yes, its going to look slightly nerdy, but I heard somewhere that smart is in (queue the pictures of NBA post game interviews in their faux glasses). There isn't really much to say on choice of color or fabric, its just like any other sweater you own, but there needs to be a significant emphasis placed on the texture. Anything too plain Jane and you'll look like you're wearing Under Armor, so get something with deep ridges or visible stitch variations that will add some much needed gravitas for the winter.
Check in tomorrow for the next installment of my Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another fashion piece that deserves your consideration!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Wardrobe Essentials: Dark Denim

This spring and summer saw a full-fledged plunge into the world of indigo and denim, from the deepest and darkest selvedge to super faded and distressed lightweight denims. The fall/winter looks to stay suit with the involvement of denim in style, and it'll be the same story season after season after season, denim is going no where.
There is one denim in particular that you need to have in your closet that will be just as easy to wear casually as you can dress them up. Dark denim is so hard to find these days as designers look to add "character" to their jeans, whether its garish branding or treatments to age the denim. Thankfully a movement of selvedge companies have helped to reinvigorate the love of natural denim, and now you can find it in just about every store.

With the variety out there, its up to you to find the right jeans for you. If you're one of the so-called denim purists, then go for selvedge, but if you're not up to breaking in a pair of jeans, then just avoid them altogether. For the jean shopping, remember that it is a process that is going to take more than just taking a pair off the shelf; dress comfortable and wear shoes that you'll be wearing with the jeans. Make sure the fit is perfect to what you want them to fit like except in the waist, get those a half size smaller as the jeans will expand with wear.
7 for All Mankind: $178
Ralph Lauren: $100
Gap: $70
Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential piece for your wardrobe!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Tech Tuesday: ZeroGrand

Leave it to contemporary classic footwear mogul, Cole Haan, to integrate athletic details into what was originally a dress shoe. From the outside, it looks like the new ZeroGrand model is just a fusion of a pair of Nike FreeRuns and brogues; in essence, that's exactly what they are. But, Cole Haan took every measure to eliminate weight throughout the shoe to create something that is not only comfortable, it's also only 290 grams per shoe! Granted they are much too athletic to be wearing as a dressy shoe, once they start releasing some new and exciting colorways, they might be up there as one of the top street shoes on the market.

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