Friday, March 2, 2012

the style: appearance at a glance

Making your home your comfortable kingdom.

How complete are your styling methods? It's so you should be two parts of the same sentence stating your dress to your living room. And in the first room of your home, make sure the sofa is as fine as your best suit. 

Appearances matter, but I want to make sure that you know that honesty is extremely more important than flashy.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

the guyde: linking your personality

The Dignified Comic
Let's pretend that detail is not noticed. ...Ok. Done pretending. That wasn't very much fun. Why? Because it's a lie. Sometimes lies are not fun. Now, let's find the link between your personality and the details you put on to show your style.

I like cufflinks. I like how cufflinks are close in thought to handcuffs. That shirts are deliberately made to be fitted around your wrist--sealed with a cufflink. Cufflinks, to me, are a formal bow to tradition, to the handshake, to the solid suit, to the control of detail. Not only are they respectfully vintage and poetic, they are necessary to modernism...with an added dash of sarcasm, which is necessary for modern styling.

The Rock Hero

The Explorer

The Daredevil


The Patriot

The Peter Pan

The SciFi Nerd
The Market Playboy
The Romantic

The King

A pair for everyone. That's not pretending.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

the brand: Balmain

Color can not be one to fear when a brand such as Balmain (the Paris born and raised menswear brand) have style, trend, and staple covered in one line. Spring 2012 photoshoot, executed in top quality that lives up to the finely cultivated Balmain name.
 The staple woven shirt in a fresh spring color slathered in a sexy leather vest. Yes, vests have become sexy.
 The light wash denim is casual while not being lazed in nature. Daiquiri green is fresh.
 The cropped trench is one step short of safari when paired with off-white denim. A splash of blue keeps us safely in the street and out of the desert.
 A woven collared button-up over your salmon tee is a sharp and correct way to layer colors. Add a scarf for a functional accessory.
 Finally a yellow that doesn't scream 70s. The James-Bond sharp tailored blazer is just enough EU for US.
 Medium wash denim is a step up in style needed for a more sophisticated occasion--tea with Grandma, for instance. And yes, those are the same brown boots. They're all you need.
 Zip hoodie under the crisp leather jacket can plainly state: I got this. Comfort and chic, trĂ©s homme.
Going to the Red Carpet, but can't compromise your laid-back lifestyle? Here's the compromise.
 Leather pants.

I say, as my belated New Year's resolution (besides dedicating more time to my baby...aka this blog) I will be an advocate to more color in menswear. Black is a great color, don't get me wrong. Grey, one of my faves. Blue, absolutely necessary. But we'll just prove how brave we are by going beyond the staples, putting more in to our already colorful lives. Yes we can.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

the look: faux-pas to faux-fad


This just in from James Long, fashion designer in London Fashion Week (spring/summer 2012): Short(er) shorts and, um, socks with sandals? Snake skin and paisley patterns meshed in an ensemble that yells of unabashed confidence...over and over again.
My question is: What do street-wearers have to say about these seeming faux-pas looks being turned into fads?

Friday, September 16, 2011

the trend: steppin' out for fall

It's never a bad idea to step out, especially on the right foot. Every wardrobe, no matter how minimal or crowded, needs the shoes that take care of the essentials. Here's what we're talkin: Getting the most out of your selection. Weather turning, let's id the boots you're gonna need to fend the cold.
 

First: Look at the wear of your shoes. You may need an update if they look like they've...been...places. As in they've been everywhere and every one can tell. I'm not sayin' throw out your bff's that have traveled far and wide and in your back yard while you were having that awesome party and...you get the picture.

Second: What era are these sole-bearers from? Shoes are one of those rare items (like watches and ties) that don't need to be turned over every season. But if the last time you bought a pair of shoes was when you started that new job...seven years ago. Let's be realistic and slip on a new pair.

Third: Are they practical for your work/social/other hobbies of your lifestyle?

Fourth: Details. Are you a black-shoe-only man? Check out toe detailing, studding (tasteful), stitching, and etc. to get the most versatility.

Fifth: Wear and enjoy.

Sixth: Repeat when necessary.

Image of Michael Bastian Gant Fall 2011 preview

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

the style: dressing you for less

We probably have at least one of those friends that does not and can not suffer from "sticker shock." This means he will spend any amount of money, even on one item, in the name of loyalty.

In my survey, I asked the men which brands they were loyal to...or at least that are present in their wardrobe. First was Levi's, runner-up was Ralph Lauren, and in third place we had American Eagle. The most common answer for how much a total outfit costs was under $200.

Just for perspective, I went to Ralph Lauren (love him, by the way) and found a Linen/Silk Textured Crewneck sweater, Darby Striped Poplin Barrel shirt, and the Straight-Fit Repair Jean outfit. I then summed the retail cost of said outfit. Prepare yourself for the shock...

From Ralph Lauren Black Label
Dropping over $1200 is a bit more than 97% of the men I know would be willing to spend. Ok, make that 98% of the men that I know. Luckily for the mass marketers that we are, the other popular labels found in the closets of my survey takers have it covered.

AE Striped Shirt; GAP V-Neck Sweater; Levi's 501 Original Jeans
Rather reasonable for our stylish men, wouldn't you say? Alternative styles from Urban Outfitters, the GAP and Levi's are lead by the big kahunas like Ralph Lauren, so thank you Mr. Lauren. But at least we won't worry about washing hundreds of dollars of shirts and sweaters. American Eagle and the GAP make sure washing and styling is more carefree. Plus, the Levi's 501 Original Jeans are right on for fit and use less water in production than regular denim. Stamp of approval by secede. What classy labels do you wear?

Sunday, July 3, 2011

the detail: gifting accessories

Style is about the details. From my survey, several men told me they enjoy unique but not flashy accessories. Father's Day is passed, but ladies and gents how many have a difficult time finding that "perfect gift" for the man you love and respect? I took a visit to uncommongoods to generate some ideas for future gift giving. Take a look at some of the great items I found.


  • The Safe Paperweight (a) is handcrafted from lead-free pewter by Tamara Hensick
  • That snazzi robe (b) is made from recycled woven dress shirts, so we have the environment and you covered. 
  • For the efficiency-monger grab the tube wringer (c) and get that last bit of product while using 35% less energy. 
  • Your dress shirt never looked so classy, or serious with the bullet casing cufflinks (d) handcrafted by Shannon Astali DeJong. This accessory is a sure conversation starter. 
  • The imported silk music necktie (e) has Bach literally written all over, created by modern architect/artist Josh Bach.
  • Handle her as much as needed, your mermaid barmaid (f) will gladly assist with those lids you need flipped.

If he is a sports fan, a music lover, a minimalist, or just plain hard to shop for (and etc) then your gift receiver would benefit from the uncommon goods community.