Tech Tuesday: Huawei Does it Right

With all this buzz around the iWatch, it's important to understand that Apple isn't the only company producing smart watches. As a matter of fact, Basel World, the foremost gathering of watch makers and jewelers from around the world proved that connected accessories can be functional and fashionable at the same time. One of these innovative companies goes by the name of Huawei and they have produced a smart watch that looks better than even your sharpest mechanical watch. Using sapphire crystal, the same surface tech used on iPhone 6 screens, you get a clear image of whatever your viewing combined with the touch sensitivity you're already used to. Coupling the health tracking and intuitive interface with the classic design, the Huawei Smart Watch will be the watch you can wear everyday; it also helps that there are 40 preset watch faces available to choose from!

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

Monday Outlook: Suede

Construction and fabric are two key elements when it starts to warm up this time of year, where it's less survival by layers and more survival by simplicity. But even with it warming up, it's still not quite summer yet, so the occasional cold spell can slip through and throw your whole wardrobe for a loop.

One of the hottest items this spring spring is leather, and to be more specific, suede. Now suede is just the back side of the normal full grain leather that is probably on every other pair of shoes you already own, but it possesses a rough texture or nap that gives it much more depth than its counterpart. Similar to the way corduroy makes colors pop while subduing their harshness in the winter, suede does in the spring and summer. Not that it is much lighter than regular leather, it is a much lighter and more readily available option as less damage is done to the suede side of a hide.

Two main pieces that you should be looking for right now are some suede shoes and a suede jacket of some sort. Now the jacket is the tough part, as it has to be light enough to not be unbearable when worn, but a high-quality, lightweight piece will be hard to come by for an economical price; weigh the options between long-term investment and short-term trend piece, although suede isn't going anywhere so I tend towards the former. This jacket can be anything from a simple shirt jacket to a zippered out moto jacket, which ties back to how much you're willing to spend, so the higher the dollar, the more classic the jacket. When it comes to suede shoes, brown tassel loafers or white bucks, but if you already own them, then blue suede trainers would be a nice complement.

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

Wardrobe Essentials: The Tech Jacket

As the weather warms and old man winter goes back where he came from, the blustery snow will turn to spring showers and usher in a great summer. But surviving the rain always calls upon some special gear to keep you and your wardrobe (mostly) dry.

The biggest key in keeping those raindrops at bay is the tech jacket, or an otherwise sporty looking raincoat. Unlike the stuffy trench or walking coat styles that we see during the fall and winter, the tech jacket will be composed of a lighter weight, and waterproof material, like nylon, lending to its sporty nature and aiding in its capability to keeping the elements out. It also differs in that it is highly functional, having an assortment of places to stow the everyday carry or even niftily hiding the hood within the collar when its not in use.

A piece like this, with roots in technical uses from hiking to actual labor, its best to save it for less formal occasions. For instance, at a classy date or for a big board meeting, the tech jacket should stay at home while the aforementioned walking coat makes an appearance; outside of anything similar to those events is open for some fun! When not wearing a suit or sport coat, like the tech jacket act like that top layer and pair it with a tie and some dress slacks for some serious juxtaposition. And don't be afraid to be adventurous with color on this because its better to be bold when conditions warrant such an item.

K. Way: $145

The North Face: $134

Nike: $65

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another installment of Wardrobe Essentials!

Tech Tuesday: The Note Desk

With these Tech Tuesdays, the latest and greatest in digital or even the most intriguing horological advances and innovations only seem to make the cut. It's nice to see an old way of doing things being reinterpreted in a refreshing and evolutionary way. Taking notes has always been best done in a tactile manner with pen and highlighter or sketching with pencil and an eraser, but all require some level of book or pad of paper to jot these things down. The new Analog Memory Desk, as its being dubbed by Kirsten Camara, can't create searchable notes or archive designs in a desktop folder, but using a scroll-like mechanism, you can save all your scribbles on your desk and save them for later. The best part of all, the design is up for those to take on as a DIY project, the only cost is materials and a little elbow grease; the more to appreciate after its all done!

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

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: Green Men

Wednesday: The Man Bag

Thursday: Safari Jackets

Friday: Double Denim

Saturday: Ewan McGregor

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

Celebrity Saturday: Ewan McGregor

The last time anyone really heard from this actor, it was either on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, or for those that don't partake in late night TV, in the last Star Wars movie. But seeing that the rugged, rough rider look is all the rage this Spring, there is no better representative of that style than Ewan McGregor. Since his last movie, he has taken a more direct route in acting, participating in Broadway, but it seems his true passion is cruising the highways, cross-country treks between jobs instead of red-eye flights. Usually its us Americans that are adopting the hip and sartorial English, but in this case, McGregor is taking on the road warrior styles pioneered by James Dean, Elvis, and the like. Look out for this talented powerhouse as he directs and stars in American Pastoral; hopefully he can keep his accent in check with a title like that!

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

Friday Faux Pas: Double Denim

This is Spring, and this is just the time for a indigo overload. Everything from ripped up jeans to denim jackets are flooding the store fronts and it's oh so tempting to get overwhelmed with all the choices. But the worst sin happens to be trying to match denims together in the same outfit.

Don't be this guy.

Having the same or even similar shades of denim together will actually lead people to believe there was a concerted effort to actually match the two together; all-in-all not a good look and it might give off the Canadian tuxedo vibe. Some designers are even putting together denim suits, actual tailored clothing constructed of hefty, indigo-dyed cotton, for the purpose of wearing in a way more than casual setting. That might be the greatest contradiction of all, tailored denim, and that might just be the reason why it might be a big hit this spring, but There's is much more that can be accomplished with denim. Take advantage of the mixing capabilities of a pair of over-washed jeans and a dark denim jacket; always vary washes of denim when paired together!

Be this guy!

Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for another installment of my fashion faux pas!

Threads for Thought: Bring on the Safari Jacket

Anyone above the Mason-Dixon Line should know by now that the upcoming Spring Solstice doesn't mean it's getting warmer, just that the days are getting longer. So layers are still a very critical part of not freezing here on the home stretch with the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel we call winter.

Outerwear and top layers are where the most character shines through, but chances are those winter options are getting a little too hefty at this point in the season. It's time to trade in the heavy wool and quilted down pieces and elevate to the airy cottons and flowy gabardines, and one of the coolest of these lighter options is the safari jacket. Similar to a parka in appearance, but rather a sport coat construction and usually sporting some level of vintage detail that really gives the piece a rugged facade.

This spring calls for alternatives to the suit jackets and blazers in order to add some much needed individuality to a menswear world engulfed in nothing but. Its incredible to see the level of contrast that can be created by combining something as casual as a safari jacket with a crisp shirt and tie or simply playing off the casual vibes and rocking a stripe tee and some fresh kicks. this piece is so versatile and will be a great transitional item with the proper layering, but definitely a piece that should be with you this spring!

Ralph Lauren: $1995

Tomas Maier: $750

J. Crew: $188

Check in tomorrow for this week's edition of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another fashion piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essential: The Man Purse

Most guys can usually fit all their daily essentials in their pockets, but sometimes that just isn't the case or maybe you'd just prefer to not have everything stuffed throughout an outfit. Its time to take a cue from the women's world and keep all those goodies in one location.

The man bag is something that every guy should have, and though not essentially a purse, it will serve the same purpose as its feminine counterpart, holding everything from your wallet to your lunch. The greatest benefit to you is having everything in one central place and within reach throughout your commute; backpacks are great, but its hard to access once its on your back. Messenger bags, soft briefs, totes, all examples of a man bag. The biggest decision will be choosing what type of fabrication to go with. Leather will last and develop a great patina over time, but a canvas bag will be easier to clean and be easier on your wallet. Just take into consideration that this will be the bag that goes to and from work, becomes your carry on, and even just the bag for that adventurous day off. Regardless of where and how its being used, it should be versatile enough to be used in any occasion; otherwise, you'll end up having as many bags as the average woman.

Filson: $890

Ralph Lauren: $495

Jack Spade: $248

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another installment of Wardrobe Essential!

Monday Outlook: Mean and Green

Take a look in any man's closet, blue is the unspoken uniform shade for just about every piece in their closet. Blue is great and all, it pairs so well with just about everything, but sometimes a change of pace is in order, and all in store is the green revolution.

It is somewhat fitting, seeing as St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow, and we're talking about the introduction of green as one of the focal colors of the season. There is something cheerful and exuberant about green that really brings an outfit to life, in a way that blue could never achieve. But as you will come to find tomorrow out on the town, some greens were made better than others, so it is important to discern the good from the bad.

Kelly Green? Good! Neon green? Get out! This earthy shade is great and all, but on the same token, can be overpowering to the rest of your garb. Major pieces, like sport coats, pants, and shirts should be reserved for the lighter variety's such as mint or a washed out pine. The real punch of the key lime can be worked in with ties, squares, lapel flowers, even shoelaces. And by all means, if you happen upon a olive linen suit or jacket, snatch it up; it will become your spring and summer go-to for years to come.

Check in tomorrow for some exciting new tech and next Monday for further fashion 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:

Tuesday: HBO Now

Wednesday: Jean Jackets

Thursday: Printed Bottoms

Friday: Lazy Commute Style

Saturday: Andre Iguodala

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

Celebrity Saturday: Andre Iguodala

It seems that more and more of the NBA is becoming involved in the fashion world, maybe due to there relatively new rules to show up to games and press conferences in respectable attire. In only a few years, we have seen the league transform from Allen Iverson to Russell Westbrook, which, if you aren't clued in to sports, is definitely a positive trend. One of those basketball style leaders plays for the Golden State Warriors, by way of Andre Iguodala, who is making waves in style and innovative retail. Twice, a new e-commerce company looking to capitalize on under served second-hand apparel market, just named Iguodala as their Creative Director for Menswear on their site. That is certainly one way to put your stamp on the fashion world, not to mention his all-around killer style!

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

Friday Faux Pas: Slack on the Commute

Take a moment to look at some photos from the hay day of commercial air travel, back when the flight attendants were absolute bombshells (hence the name) and the men were clad in their business best. And although air isn't the only form of travel, it was at once the epitome of travel style and the greatest example of a decline of such.

Simply appalling.

Suits, sport coats, ties, the best digs came out when men left the house for a trip to the office or to the Caribbean, the occasion didn't matter; the ladies knew how to put it all together too. We were all clued in on a little secret of the world, the natural selection of social situations, in that you never know who you're going to meet, and nothing could be more of an incentive to dress the absolute best. Somewhere along the way, that insight was lost to the ways of sweatpants and neck pillows. Not say there is anything specifically wrong with either, but there is a time and place for certain things, like lounging in your living room, not out in public. Instead, opt for a knit blazer and some stretch chinos that will keep you comfortable and looking your best all at the same time.

Let's get back to the gold ole days!

Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity influence and next Friday for another installment of my fashion faux pas!

Threads for Thought: Printed Bottoms

The most welcome part of spring, other than the return of the daylight, has to be the airiness of all the apparel that comes with it. This is accomplished through a combination of various textures, colors, fabrics, and most notably, patterns, which are central to the lightness of the season.

Patterns that are woven into a fabric(ikat, madras, etc.) or ones requiring dyes (batik, hombre, etc.) can only do so much in terms of a creating unique or otherwise intricate patterns. Printed goods bring forth pieces that feature a variety of florals, geometric, and various other seasonal designs that make warm-weather months so great. Prints, however, pose a major style risk as they can overpower an outfit, especially when worn on the upper body; the solution is printed bottoms.

Not that pants or shorts go unnoticed as part of an outfit, but they are usually far enough removed from the focal point of most sartorial concoctions, the chest, so there is less chance of the print being overpowering. Since the print will be the most complex portion of the outfit, the other pieces will act as complement and should play off the colors that are in the pattern; tonal looks get a shot of adrenaline with prints, and should be utilized often this spring. Just do yourself a favor, and forgo the possibility of combining prints, it never works the way it should.

Ralph Lauren: $795

Burberry: $195

Bonobos: $128

Check in tomorrow for this week's edition of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another fashion piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: Jean Jackets, All Hail

Jackets and coats have been on the heavier end all of fall and winter, and thankfully, because it hasn't exactly been the nicest winter in a while. But the heavyweights of the closet just don't meld with warmer weather and are best reserved for the winter clothes box for the summer.

Due to the nature of spring, there aren't very many jackets or coats that make the cut for designers, but one reigns supreme this season and all future springs to come. Jean jackets might be the single most important style piece that the Canadians have given to the world, bringing a rugged aesthetic to any look. This denim outer layer can be worn year round and, just like a pair of jeans, can be worn with almost everything.

The current menswear landscape is based off of contrasting highs and lows together in a single outfit, whether it be neons and neutrals or dress and casual. The jean jacket is perfect for this type of pairing, falling on the very end of the casual spectrum, making the contrast easier and more drastic. One look comes to mind, with a distressed jean jacket atop jet black tuxedo slacks, the rest of the outfit can be played with to your liking. Even a light washed jacket with some inky indigo jeans can provide the necessary contrast for a proper get up. At the end of the day, just ave fun with it; most guys don't own a jean jacket, so it'll be a fresh change of pace!

Saint Laurent: $1280

Ralph Lauren: $590

A.P.C.: $260

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential style piece!

Tech Tuesday: Premium TV Now!

Its hard to imagine that, not too long ago, we made it by on nothing buy downloading movies online and recording TV shows on VHS. Okay, that was pretty far back, but nonetheless, streaming services like Hulu and Netflix have only really been present for a few years. Now, its almost as if you can't live without streaming and whenever a service requires a cable subscription; insert ESPN3, NBC app, and others of the like. HBO used to be grouped into this category, but alongside the recent announcement of the Apple Watch and Gold Macbook, a new streaming service is being offered exclusively to Apple users to peruse the entirety of HBO's library, without cable service and for a fee only a little higher than Hulu. If you fall outside of the umbrella of Apple users, have no fear, as anything good will spread quick and HBO Now is going to spread like wildfire!

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

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: All Types of Red

Tuesday: LookLive Shopping

Wednesday: Sweatshirt Necessary
Thursday: Striped Blazers

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

Threads for Thought: Striped Blazers

There is nothing like reinventing an old classic and giving it a renewed vigor for the modern look. That seems to be what fashion is really founded on, with a constant cycle of old styles in updated fits, but there are still a few mainstays that haven't been touched on just yet.

Pinstripes were such a hit during the fall and continue to be in the winter, decadently fabricated into suits and over coats, but the spring months are not for such warm attire and heavy wools. These are the months for cotton and linen and lightweight blends that make it feel like you're wearing just another shirt, and all of these in beautiful stripes on the go to blazer of the season. Colors will be brighter on these pins than their cold-weather cousins, but the look is all the same, classically edgy!

This is the perfect entry level piece for anyone lacking a pinstripe suit, allowing to adopt the look without forking over the big bucks. For the most wearable option a navy backdrop to a white or cream wide spread stripe will be just as versatile as the old reliable navy blazer, but with much more character. This genre encompasses the increasingly popular rowing blazer as well, and seeing that collegiate style is always in, you can't go wrong; the bonus points come through when you pair and contrast the stripes on the blazer with the stripes of a shirt.

Gucci: $4000

Hackett London: $690

Ralph Lauren: $395

Check in tomorrow for this week's edition of my fashion faux pas and next Thursday for another fashion piece that deserves your consideration!

Wardrobe Essential: Plug in the Sweatshirt

Layering is essential for keeping warm when the winter wonderland so aptly dubbed Polar Vortex 2.0 is still afoot. But once it decides to step out, it won't me that the chill will follow suit, so it's important to have some of those layers that help with the spring transition, because it is just around the corner.

So lets reintroduce an old favorite, one that has probably seen its better days back in the collegiate days and one too many reps in the gym. Sweatshirts are a beautiful addition to any look without any of the excess formality of a true sweater, and most likely with a nifty design to boot. Most sweatshirts sport a logo or big block lettering, and then you have the one's that feature impressive geometric designs that will fool anyone into thinking it is more than just a sweatshirt.

Pairing one with a shirt and tie may be a bit overkill, but having an air tie and leaving it all untucked will maintain the casual panache that came with the sweatshirt in the first place; then throwing a top coat over that will put a look over the top on the swag-o-meter. And as the weather begins to warm up, that wool top coat can be changed out for a rugged denim jacket or lightweight leather moto rig. The true key is to play off of the sweatshirts natural casualness and add texture wherever possible to add some traction for the eyes, easy as pie!

Ralph Lauren: $225

A.P.C.: $165

J. Crew: $65

Check in tomorrow for a fashion piece that deserves your consideration and next Wednesday for another essential style piece!