We don’t need to talk politics but alas your Commander in Chief made a fashion faux pas that requires our attention. Scotch tape is not the best style fix. So today’s lesson is simple: to fix an errant tie, you have six options (but only five are viable)…. Scotch tape A buttoned blazer (thus, no flyaway tie) Create a diversion like an eye-catching pocket square! [not more than $15] Opt for a bow tie instead – duh…. [not more than $20] Rock
There aren’t many gamechangers out there for guys so, know this: everyone looks at your tie (bowtie) and pocket square. Whether you’re getting dressed for the holiday office party, getting ready to knock-it-out-the-park for date night, or just heading to the big meeting at work, there are a few ties every man should own. They are… Red – the red should be a slightly deeper red and focus on a print or pattern that is simple to start. Throw in
An advanced ‘thank you’ to Esquire‘s Big Black Book for these fun facts…. the 1926 Rolex Oyster is generally considered the first water-resistant watch the Oyster also introduced the screw-down crown and a screw-in winding arm that sealed out water blue is the most visible color underwater (as it’s the last part of the color spectrum to be absorbed) diving watches used to be radioactive because they used radium and tritium! NO watch is waterproof and, at one point, it
Well you’ll know for sure it’s time to buy a new wallet if you don’t have one now. I mean, a rubber band doesn’t count and neither does you keeping your cards in a stack. Crumpled cash or loose change in your pocket means you’re more apt to lose it if it’s not in one place – a bad look! If you have a wallet from “back in the day” or something that you recall from your childhood, it’s time
Ties are one of the most important fashion accessories for men. Unlike ladies where we can use handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, smartphone cases, belts, etc, the average man has just a few ways to ‘make it pop’. If you reside in a city like Washington, DC then the tie becomes even more important because we’re looking for something beyond the standard blue suit fare. There are lots of basic know-how things to remember about ties but today we’re focusing on
Well most men don’t call it a “tote” but the phrase was cute….right? A splurge-worthy item for any man that says he’s ready for work and business is a great briefcase. Recently, I’ve been working with several male clients ~ all of which have been in need of a stellar briefcase to compliment their position. As I’ve shared with them, your briefcase shouldn’t say “I’ve arrived” but rather “I was always meant to be here.” The goal isn’t to be
Men own too many pairs of less-than-useful collar stays. You need just one nice pair since you only wear one shirt at a time…plus it’s easier to keep track! Nab your titanium collar stays now….for less than $15! Titanium Collar Stays regular $10.00 USDextra long $13.00 USD
It’s easy. It’s ‘what’s hot‘. It’s inexpensive. It’s colorful. Colored shoelaces ~ available lots of places but we found them at Hook and Albert, and settled there because they were between $6 – $8.
If you’re not going to Churchill Downs, don’t fret. You can look Kentucky Derby-ready simply by following our four step plan: 1. First, find where they’re showing the Derby…not just showing it but actually celebrating it! 2. No matter where you are, plan to sport your white trilby 3. You must have a blazer. If you’re south of the Mason Dixon line, you can go with seersucker otherwise, navy blue is your go-to best bet 4. Sport neckwear by Collared
Did you catch my play on words?! Seriously, for men, ties and bowties can be expensive but this new website is terrific. The Knottery {mentioned in GQ} has modern ties, not too skinny or fat, starting as low as $30. I can’t speak to the quality or their staying power but the fabric selection is spot-on and they’ve even got pocket squares. A new tie not enough for you? Join Bryn Keith and I on November 13th for Tie-Bow: Fit
We love silk knot cuff links ~ they are slightly less formal but still mean business, in a more modest way. And the price means you can scoop a few different options… Shopping: silk knot cuff links, $10
Pocket squares are tricky. How do you fold them? Well Brooks Brothers did a terrific illustrative guide on pocket squares whether a puffed, square-ended, triangle, or multi-pointed fold. Bookmark it ~ illustrative guide to pocket squares
Sounds a bit weird, right? But the premise is easy: most men dress for the opposite sex. Ok, there are exceptions out there ~ men who don’t give a crap about anything other than what they want to wear, but for most men, women are very strong influencers of style. Married men are often at the whimsy of their other half. Single men are at the mercy of demanding girlfriends, or even just the allure of any sexy woman that
This briefcase is perfect ~ nothing says “I’m not a businessman” more than a briefcase that can’t fit anything. This Jean Shop leather briefcase works to go crossbody or to carry in-hand; and the medium-brown leather color is guaranteed to age perfectly over time. Its’s big enough to fit your laptop but small enough that your bag doesn’t look empty (read: crazy) without it.
If you’re going to do mixed patterns, one should be more pronounced than the other Holiday season = party season so darker colors dress up easier The ‘louder’ plaid in the tie offers a bit of Holiday attire-ish compromise Shirt by Tommy Hilfiger; tie by Hugo Style solution: this combo goes from casual day to nighttime with a sportcoat or even relaxed tuxedo jacket!
Start your week with this bit of style knowledge: Arm candy is important ~ and we’re not talking about the opposite sex! Invest in a nice watch (casual yet substantial, understated and sleek, classic) to keep you on schedule Yes to hanky panky! ~ it’s fall and sneezing season, so a nice handkerchief (1, 2 3) to pull out of your pocket says class ‘Baby it’s cold outside….‘ ~ wrap up with a great scarf (classic, elegant, luxe) Now, you’re
Step 3: Knot This The slipknot is easy, unisex, and stylish…and most importantly, it gets the job done! Every gent needs to learn how to do it: You need a 3-ft scarf Double it off (fold it in half) Place around your neck holding both ends Place the loose ends through the loop on the opposite end Cinch until comfortably snug around your neck Now, you’re warm and in style. Done! Here are a few great scarves for winter Here’s
On Tuesday Nov 8th, Vittorio J Group, LLC (VJNY) releases its limited edition Filipino Flag inspired tie. The tie is a variation of their Varick King Skull pattern. The colors on this tie are from the flag of the Philippines and the bottom right skull on the tie is replaced by the “Sun” on the original Filipino national flag. The tie is 100% pure Italian silk, and the slim European cut model tie (3-inch width). “Being born and raised in the Philippines until
Patterned socks are a great way to add a touch of pizazz to your blue suit, or even have a little fun with a pair of jeans and sweater. We love them and think you should too!
A quick bit of style advice regarding which width tie to wear when…. Wide is wack and out-of-date (look around, everything today is about being long and lean) Skinny is frat boy (that’s approx 5cm and what you’ll see for the kids just starting out) Moderation is best (look for something around 7-8cm, or slightly wider than your blazer lapel!) In terms of length, don’t let it go lower than the top of your pants or higher than your belly
The other day, a longtime friend Anthony says to me, “Hey I’m an attorney, what do I need to know about style?” I replied that image and outward appearance is one of the first things we use as an indicator of competence (we can argue whether that’s good or bad, right or wrong later)…and think of something as simple as adding a pocket square to your repetoire. Anthony replies, “Mony [that’s his nickname for me], I’m a simple guy and
Suit by Versace. Shirt by Bottega Veneta. Tie by J. Crew. Pocket square by Paul Stuart. Shoes by Bally. The pocket square provides just the right amount of color to an understated suit, and just the right amount of finish!
This combo is classically edgy: the neutral suit pairs nicely with the powder blue shirt; and the light yellow stripes in the pocket square work as a great compliment to the earthy color of the suit but also pick up the lighter shirt as well!
This pocket square combination is great: the navy blue plaid works perfectly with the dark tie, and the pink shirt sets of the light grey suit nicely. Get creative – – and try something differently..
This grey summer wool tie is available at Figs today only for $60 (normally $75)! An ideal addition to the blue power suit or a fabulous off-color nuance to a summer camel look….there are many ways to rock this!.
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
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